MBB: MAC Freedom League

[adam]

Personally, I think there is more than enough talent on this Wilkes team and the potential to go further without Shovlin is there.  However, the hole is dug pretty deep right now.  I think Rickrode is good enough of a coach to get this team figured out and guide the Colonels to a more successful 2nd half than 1st half.  Might be too far behind for playoffs, but Colonels could gain plenty of momentum heading into next season with many, if not all of these players coming back.

[ColonelJohn4Life]

Adam, I want to believe ya.  I really do.  In other news, hey, congrats to the Aints.  Been a great run so far - hope you get another 2 weeks out of the season.   

Nais - true.  Wins over FDU and Drew, and the ship can be righted.  Who knows - maybe the team finds an identity in the Drew game.

[NEPAFAN]

Too much love in this room....quick somebody bring up the Royals move to the landmark!


I wonder which team will show up at the Long Center Saturday? The Desales team that whipped Kings...or the one that lost to Drew?

[Leo The Lion]

NEPA,

DeSales didn't lose to Drew.  It was a loss if you bet on DeSales, since they didn't come close to covering the 17 1/2 point spread.

Dr. Naismith,

Haven't seen the Royals since they came to Scandlon.  I thought all along it would come down to King's and Scranton and home-court advantage will likely be a huge factor.  Although the Monarchs would be looking terrific right now if it wasn't for the egg that was laid at DeSales.

[NEPAFAN]

NEPA,

DeSales didn't lose to Drew.  It was a loss if you bet on DeSales, since they didn't come close to covering the 17 1/2 point spread.

Dr. Naismith,

Haven't seen the Royals since they came to Scandlon.  I thought all along it would come down to King's and Scranton and home-court advantage will likely be a huge factor.  Although the Monarchs would be looking terrific right now if it wasn't for the egg that was laid at DeSales.

Whoops. I did bet on Drew so it did feel like a loss.  What quality wins besides over Scranton, does Kings have? Not being a smart ass just curious.

[saratoga]

NEPA: Besides the win over the Royals, Kings only lost by 1 @ Susquehanna whereas the Crusaders handled the Royals with ease down the stretch. They also have a big win over Widener which some people on the Commonwealth side feel may win it over there and they just won at Lyco...which is generally no easy task. On the other side is an OT win over Baptist Bible which just got blasted by Bard...that's as in 3 wins on the season Bard. What does it mean at this point??? Not much...each game can be an adventure...it all comes down to which team will have the fewest off nights & develop the greatest consistency. The last two games for the Royals will have huge consequences...at Lyco & at Desales. They better take care of business at home because road games at those places plus FDU & Wilkes can turn ugly in a heartbeat. How the final Freedom act plays out for the Royals still has a L o n g way to go.

[Leo The Lion]

NEPA,

I'm just saying King's and Scranton are pretty even in my opinion.  King's got beat up with a tough out of conference schedule.  With two close losses to Albright and Susquehanna, a close loss at York and a solid effort at Lafayette.

[ColonelJohn4Life]

On the other side is an OT win over Baptist Bible which just got blasted by Bard...that's as in 3 wins on the season Bard.

Isn't that the same Bard that gave Cal Tech their first D-III win since like 1996??

[saratoga]

CJ: The very same Bard. However, I was wrong with that particular game. Actually, Baptist Bible did win that one so Bard's W column remains at 3.

[ljk]

Leo,  Kings might have been beaten up by early tough out of conference schedule as you say, but I think it made them a much better , hard nosed ballclub.   They play very physical underneath and their style was well served by playing the tough competion early, and as a result,  got them ready for conference play.

[saratoga]

At this point , I'll just mention two things...The Univ. of Scranton plays total & absolute TEAM basketball & Tom Bicknell is playing like a man among boys. Hands down MAC First Team. Put the shrimp on the barby!

[ColonelJohn4Life]

 





Drew?  1-5 in conference?  I give.

[naismith]

CJ,

Did not attend and didn't listen (if there was a broadcast).

It's been the same every game....Colonels cannot score the ball.

50 points per/game just is not going to get in done......
Maybe we should open up with a four corners.......and stall.....lol.

The 9-2 start is quickly turning into a nightmare. You add the horrible 2nd half conference performance from last year and, not counting the 1-1 playoff record) I think the Freedom record is really pretty pathetic.

In fairness, I think the defensive effort is reasonable. Sure, they misplay some switches, get beat off the dribble at times etc etc....but I think they are trying....
On offense, as I previously posted....I haven't a clue. It might just be the talent level offensively just isn't there.
I think at this juncture that Anthony G. should probably start somewhere as he can score inside and out. Maybe John Kelly deserves a shot as he seems to have more offensive ability (he may be able to penetrate, he can jump and has a decent shot) .

Can't really tell what is on the bench...Fasciana can shoot the ball....maybe some minutes for him

Hey, I am grasping at straws...I'm sure Coach JR has considered all options.....we shall see.


As to Kings and Scranton....
A nice 2nd half surge for the Monarchs.
My feeling (and I have no allegiance nor ax to grind) is that Scranton is the top dog.
As a team, they are a step quicker.....they are longer....have the better pg......shoot better as a team and can hold their own inside
They have loads of talented underclassman and the Royals look well set for the next few years....

OH! That's right. They are moving the school south next winter.

Naismith

[ColonelJohn4Life]

CJ,

50 points per/game just is not going to get in done......
Maybe we should open up with a four corners.......and stall.....lol.

Dr. James,

Love the creative thought process.  My only thought about the Colonel offense - the boys can hit 3 pointers pretty well.  Hit 3's at a 35% clip (93 / 265), while hitting 47% of 2's.  Doesn't take a math genius to notice that 47% of 2 (less than 1) is less than 35% of 3 (more than 1).  Also, an offense with a lot of post play leads to a lot of free throws, which, aye, isn't a strong suit either.  My solution:  Run Grinnell's SYSTEM!  (Or some modified version)  All 3's, all the time.

But when the team shoots 11% beyond the arc against FDU on Wednesday, don't blame me. 

[cold_case]

Mr. Naismith,
You'd be surprised to hear of another school that may be joining the Landmark down the road.