MBB: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

[Hendrix2009]

Received an email from my son a short time ago.  Coach Dan Priest's father passed away over the weekend after a 3 year battle with lymphoma.  Thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Priest and his family. 

[OLD STUDENT/ATHLETE]

It's hard to believe, 9 days to Centre's first basketball practice. I watched a shoot around/pick up game of some of the players yesterday, and they were impressive. Very young, but one of Coach Mason's best recruiting classes. Veteran Danny Noll was awsome.

[tmore22]

I know Centre lost alot in the back court. Do they have anyone to step up? Do they have a chance to win the confrence and get another NCAA bid? 

[MR. KY]

Centre will certainly have a chance to repeat as champions, but it will not be easy. They will be extremely young and inexperienced. Might be the case where this team will go through some growing pains early, but as the young guys learn how to play at this level, this could be a dangerous team towards the end of the season. The only member of the backcourt that I remember with any experience is Mullany (sp?) Don't know too much about the other guards in the program or the incoming freshmen, but they will certainly need a guard (or two, or three..) to step up and contribute for the first time. It will be difficult to fully utilize their big men (which seems to be their strength) without at least two guards that can handle the ball, knock down open shots, and create for others.

They return a boat load of big guys (Noll, Lloyd, Gowers, Hermann, Mallone) with experience. It seems like Centre has been a guard-dominated team for a while, and now their strength appears to be in the post. Noll is one of the better players in the SCAC, and should have another great year.

The big question mark is the backcourt and/or the lack of depth here. If some young guys develop and/or older guys mature and step up, this could be another great season. If nobody steps up to help out Mullany, Centre may not reach the level of success they have enjoyed over the past few seasons.

Anyone have any info on their other guards aside from Mullany or their incoming freshmen?

[pbrooks3]

It's true that Centre retains most of their true experience in the front-court. Coach Mason always has developed good guards; heck he was one of them himself!  Mullaney will step it up from his frosh campaign; he'll be counted on to qb the team. There are some freshmen recruits that will be counted on to contribute, too. Personally, I hope  Zeric Mason gets in the mix scoring and delivering in other ways.  Looking forward to seeing the Colonels in action - Mullaney is the real deal.

[pbrooks3]

Glad to have Mr KY on the board. Old Student Athlete will
be able fill in more on the Colonels' young players, and who among the guards will step it up besides Mullaney.

[OLD STUDENT/ATHLETE]

Centre will be fine at guard, although very young. Mullaney at 6-1, beefier and stronger, can play point or the 2 guard. Freshman Shover from Nesthide's high school and Smith are two young point guards. Smith reminds you of Moore and Brian Britt. Brian Ellis, a Freshman shooting guard, looks like a running back, which he was in high school. Also, one of the top 3 point shooters in Kentucky last year.

[pbrooks3]

This is my first time posting,on this or any site,but I've been following the past two years my son has been at Ogelthorpe and decided to chime in with my limited knowledge. I'm planning on going to the conference playoffs in Jackson any advice ie: where to stay , eat , what to see. Can't wait for the season to start my son is pleased with some of the new recruits that may add some depth to their squad.

Not sure your entire question was answered on Millsaps - there are plenty of good hotels and places to eat.  Jackson, in my opinion, has some wonderful eateries.  Millsaps has the good fortune of practically having on-campus lodging with Cabot Lodge Millsaps @ 2375 N State St.  You can literally walk to the gym from this location.  Comfortable rooms, good breakfast bar, nice surroundings and a cocktail reception.  Don't know that any other SCAC school matches the convenience to a hotel as Millsaps.

If we keep talking about the gym on D3HOOPS, I suspect a lot of SCAC followers from other schools besides Millsaps may take the opportunity to come to the tournament.  I think Frank is right about the atmosphere being a good one for basketball.  It's not my favorite facility, but it certainly has plenty of space to handle a large crowd.  Who knows, maybe Frank can get the school to improve the lighting this year!

[oudad]

Thanks PBrooks for the info on Jackson sounds like an easy place to get around and they could be playing in a cafeteria I would'nt care as long as I get to see some great competition. I'll get to see Oglethorpe play Thanksgiving weekend when they play Lagrange and Maryville. My son Todd says the recruits look good in pick-up and  could add some needed depth . Can't wait.

[pbrooks3]

Thanks PBrooks for the info on Jackson sounds like an easy place to get around and they could be playing in a cafeteria I would'nt care as long as I get to see some great competition. I'll get to see Oglethorpe play Thanksgiving weekend when they play Lagrange and Maryville. My son Todd says the recruits look good in pick-up and  could add some needed depth . Can't wait.

Have enjoyed watching your son play for Coach Ponder the past 2 years. He's a tremendous athlete.  Should catch OU a few times this season - will see them at Rhodes and perhaps when Centre heads to Atlanta.

[pbrooks3]

I believe it is kickoff time for official basketball practice. Here's hoping this is the start of another nice campaign for the Centre Colonels. 

[Titan Q]

For help with my D3hoops.com Preseason Top 25 ballot, can you guys help me sort out the 2010 SCAC race?  Who do you see finishing 1st through 3rd?

Thanks for the help!

[pbrooks3]

In the East, I think the teams to watch are Centre, Oglethorpe and DePauw. The West - I like Trinity, Hendrix and Southwestern.

[oudad]

Me too coach Ponder has done a great job with this group. I'll be at the center game myself hope it means alot to both teams at that point in the season.

[tarheelfan]

In the East, I think the teams to watch are Centre, Oglethorpe and DePauw. The West - I like Trinity, Hendrix and Southwestern.

I believe you could put Austin in the top three in the West.  Are you predicting a number one finish for Trinity after losing four starters?