Top 25 talk

[Titan Q]

A top 10, using the "have to have played" criteria, from Akiva Poppers - broadcaster at Yeshiva...

https://twitter.com/PoppersMacsLive/status/1355685773371199491?s=20

He has been keeping a running Top 25 throughout the preseason and season.  Has been putting a lot of time into watching teams.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Covenant and Sul Ross

[Titan Q]

Covenant and Sul Ross

Thanks, Ryan.  What is your take on these two?

I went to the Sul Ross State at Texas-Dallas game yesterday here.  I like both teams quite a bit actually, but I don't think I could consider either for a Top 15 ranking at this point.  Sul Ross is 7-6 now (all games in D3).  That's a lot of losses for Top 15 consideration.

I have not watched Covenant at all.  They are 7-4...but 6-1 in D3.  I don't know anything about them.

[Titan Q]

Trinity (TX) is 5-1.

https://www.d3hoops.com/teams/Trinity_(Texas)/men/2020-21/index

[Titan Q]

Teams that tip after the first ballot (strong candidates to enter in week 2)...

Locks...
-Yeshiva
-UW-Platteville
-St. Thomas

Probably...
-UW-Oshkosh
-UW-La Crosse

Keep an eye on...
-UW-Eau Claire

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

All the ASC teams have been inconsistent, which is both understandable and frustrating. UMHB is also very talented; they and Sul Ross seem to be the best of Texas right now.

Covenant was playing better in November than they are now, but they're experienced and confident.

I've not yet decided how I'm going to approach this ballot, but I'm leaning towards giving extra weight towards teams that have played more, at least for this first week. Of the teams that have been playing all season, Covenant might be the best. It feels like that should count for something, I'm just not sure how.

[Titan Q]

All the ASC teams have been inconsistent, which is both understandable and frustrating. UMHB is also very talented; they and Sul Ross seem to be the best of Texas right now.

Covenant was playing better in November than they are now, but they're experienced and confident.

I've not yet decided how I'm going to approach this ballot, but I'm leaning towards giving extra weight towards teams that have played more, at least for this first week. Of the teams that have been playing all season, Covenant might be the best. It feels like that should count for something, I'm just not sure how.

The ASC has become a league with nice depth and a lot of parity.  I've gotten to know it the last few years from going to a lot of UTD games.  Leagues with depth and parity are always the hardest to sort out.

Without factoring in records, I do think the two teams I saw yesterday (UTD, Sul Ross St) are Top 25 type candidates based on the good ole "eye test."

And does seem UMHB, at this point, is the best D3 in TX.

I need to dig into Covenant.

[Smitty Oom]

Sul Ross has already played 13 games? Wow! Just tuning in for the first time this season and checking in. Not very plugged in this year so will be leaning heavily on the boards for my news/opinions. Thanks for the updates. I certainly appreciate it.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Sul Ross has already played 13 games? Wow! Just tuning in for the first time this season and checking in. Not very plugged in this year so will be leaning heavily on the boards for my news/opinions. Thanks for the updates. I certainly appreciate it.

Yeah, Sul Ross hasn't seen a lot of disruption to their year.  They were supposed to bring in a couple out of region teams for a tourney, but they replaced them with non-d3s nearby and lots of non-conference games against ASC opponents.  I believe they've only had one game cancelled so far.

Being geographically isolated in a small town has probably helped their ability to stay safe during COVID.  I also suspect the Texas schools have had incentive to get these protocols right so they can get the kinks worked out for spring football.  It is Texas, after all!

[KnightSlappy]

I would put N.C. Wesleyan on the watch list. They're 5-0 vs. D3 so far and look favorable in my (questionably worthwhile this year) efficiency ratings.

[Titan Q]

I would put N.C. Wesleyan on the watch list. They're 5-0 vs. D3 so far and look favorable in my (questionably worthwhile this year) efficiency ratings.

Good call.

[PauldingLightUP]

Nice job on the poll to the crew. Looks pretty good. Only 17 voters missing from a total of 50 combined men and women is good in a crazy season. Well done to all 33 who turned in a ballet. That is a accomplishment in itself.

[Pat Coleman]

Good point that just getting a ballot out is a big deal this year.

Most of the voters who didn't file are ones who are in conferences which aren't participating this season.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Yeshiva opens their season (hopefully) tonight.  They had trouble with Moravian's press last season.  I think a lot of us will be interested in how the Macs look right now.

[ronk]

Yeshiva opens their season (hopefully) tonight.  They had trouble with Moravian's press last season.  I think a lot of us will be interested in how the Macs look right now.

  Some of us will be interested in how Moravian looks.  They've lost a lot in playing time from last year.