Top 25 talk

[gccfan]

Any thoughts on teams that are too high or too low?  Just from my perspective, Mary Hardin-Baylor is probably a bit high at 14.  There stud point guard (Guyden) graduated and while the rest of their squad was very solid, he was the difference maker in a lot of games.  I'll get a chance to see them early though as they play an up and coming LeTourneau squad in Longview on Nov. 24 in a non-conference game.

[nescac1]

From a new england perspective, Brandeis is definitely on the low side, bringing everyone back and adding some great recruits ... no way they should rank below Rochester.  Amherst and Williams are both about right.  I bet if the poll was taken again today, RIC would switch with Keene.  Not only did RIC beat a solid Div-I squad in Holy Cross, but they did it with a slew of new players ... three transfers (two from Div-II programs) and a frosh as four of their top eight guys.  Once they mesh together, could be scary good.  And considering they have no seniors, if this group stays together, RIC could be a legit national contender next year.   Keene was supposed to graduate only one key guy, but in fact it appears they also lost their starting center (who is no longer on the roster).  It appears that Keene brought in far less talent in the off season than RIC, so RIC should be the pre-season favorite in the little east. 

[LogShow]

Any thoughts on teams that are too high or too low?

Haven't posted on the multi-region topics yet, but I thought I would give a bit a west coast perspective...I was pretty suprised that UPS was ranked 19th, I was worried that they might not even be in the Top 25.  Don't get me wrong I will definately take the national respect.  I am interested to hear what your guys opinions on UPS (I thnk they are going to have a big bounce back year).  Also, what about the NWC in general?  Lewis & Clarck is in the poll and Whitworth is "getting votes" is the conference starting to head in the right direction nationally?  Thanks for the input

[ILive4This]

Nescac1 brings up a good point, I do not know whether or not Brandeis is too low, I figured them to be 10-15 preseason and move their way up, so this seems accurate. However bases on teams surrounding them, such as the afforementioned yellow jackets of Rochester, I think that perhaps these two UAA squads should be fliped. The Judges split home and home with UR last year, but placed one spot higher in the UAA and ended the season ranked higher nationally. With everyone returning plus the addition of new recruits, and some decently substantial losses for Rochester, it is puzzling why they two are in the order they are versus one another.

[FisherDynasty]

Who were Rochester's substantial losses? they are bringing everyone back as well and also went as far or further than brandies last year.  Wow i can't believe I posted about UofR.

[Pat Coleman]

Shooting guard Tim Brackney is the only starter lost for U of R.

[golden_dome]

I had an opportunity to see Mississippi College play an exhibition tonight at Arkansas-Monticello, a Division II Gulf South Conference member.

MC lost 77-72, but I came away impressed. Particularly considering that Coach Lofton played 16 players and is still experimenting with lineups while UAM looked like they already had their regular season rotation figured out with nine players playing.

Prince Trotter hit 8-8 shots to score 19 points and also grabbed eight rebounds for the Choctaws. Kiki Christmas finished with 15 as eleven players scored. Good early game for MC against a pretty good team. UAM is usually a middle of the pack GSC team. They were down a bit last year after a Sweet Sixteen run in 2006.

[sac]

Kiki Christmas finished with 15 .........

Looks like the best name in D3 debate will be very short this year. 

[smedindy]

Prince Trotter hit 8-8 shots to score 19 points and also grabbed eight rebounds for the Choctaws. Kiki Christmas finished with 15 as eleven players scored. Good early game for MC against a pretty good team. UAM is usually a middle of the pack GSC team. They were down a bit last year after a Sweet Sixteen run in 2006.

Did you put those through the 'random funny name generator' 

[David Collinge]

I had an opportunity to see Mississippi College play an exhibition tonight at Arkansas-Monticello, a Division II Gulf South Conference member.

MC lost 77-72, but I came away impressed. Particularly considering that Coach Lofton played 16 players and is still experimenting with lineups while UAM looked like they already had their regular season rotation figured out with nine players playing.

Prince Trotter hit 8-8 shots to score 19 points and also grabbed eight rebounds for the Choctaws. Kiki Christmas finished with 15 as eleven players scored. Good early game for MC against a pretty good team. UAM is usually a middle of the pack GSC team. They were down a bit last year after a Sweet Sixteen run in 2006.

The name that captures my attention is "Coach Lofton."  I have since learned that MC's head coach and AD, Mike Jones, has undergone triple bypass surgery, thankfully successfully, and will be out of action for 4-6 weeks.  (See article in Notables.)  My best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Coach Jones.

[golden_dome]

Prince Trotter hit 8-8 shots to score 19 points and also grabbed eight rebounds for the Choctaws. Kiki Christmas finished with 15 as eleven players scored. Good early game for MC against a pretty good team. UAM is usually a middle of the pack GSC team. They were down a bit last year after a Sweet Sixteen run in 2006.

Did you put those through the 'random funny name generator' 

I thought that would catch people's attention. I think we will definitely fill two positions on the all-name team this year. Plus, they are both very good players so their names will be thrown around.

The name that captures my attention is "Coach Lofton."  I have since learned that MC's head coach and AD, Mike Jones, has undergone triple bypass surgery, thankfully successfully, and will be out of action for 4-6 weeks.  (See article in Notables.)  My best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Coach Jones.

Thanks David. His doctors said everything looked great and he is expected to make a full recovery. We have a rare circumstance where we are fortunate to have two coaches on the staff with experience running the team. It will come in handy this season.

[golden_dome]

Mary Hardin-Baylor had an exhibition game at UT San Antonio last Saturday night and lost 76-58. Looking at the boxscore, UMHB played very well with Ryan Burgart scoring 18 points with nine rebounds. UTSA is a DI member of the Southland Conference and returns four starters from last year's 7-22 team.

Here's the game story
http://www.goutsa.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=55680&SPID=5988&DB_OEM_ID=13100&ATCLID=1301742

[Gregory Sager]

Kiki Christmas finished with 15 .........

Looks like the best name in D3 debate will be very short this year. 

Great minds think alike! I said the same thing about Kiki Christmas in the ASC room last nght.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Looks like WashU did alright in their first game as #1.

[wooscotsfan]

Final:  #8 Wooster 106  Farmingdale State 81

Wooster was led by All-American James Cooper with 19 points, Marty Bidwell with 19 points, Brandon Johnson with 18 points, freshman Bryan Wicklliffe with 11 points, Devin Fulk with 10 points and Evan Will also with 10 points.

Wooster shot 50% from the floor tonight, made 14 three pointers and outrebounded Farmingdale 49 to 29.

Wooster will face St. Thomas (MN) tomorrow night in the Championship game of the Al Van Wie Tourney.