MBB: North Coast Athletic Conference

[smedindy]

We had some Lords fans post during football season, so SOME are out there.

All I have to say is that I remember when Denison was as miserable as Oberlin - and now they are not. That says something.

(Not counting the odd years when Oberlin is good - that happens once in a while - legally even!)

You all have a great Holiday season and I'll see you in Chadwick, hopefully! 

[CentralOH]

I agree that there has been progress at Denison.  They are getting better players than they once did.  That's a start, but if they want to climb from the middle of the pack, those players will have to outwork their competitors.

At some point, you need your juniors and seniors to "buy in" and show the young guys the way.

It doesn't hurt if you can also start to recruit players from winning high school programs.  Show me a good player from a bad team, and most of the time, I'll show you a guy who couldn't or wouldn't lead.

[wooly]

Benn reading all the post on Denison and just could not keep quiet any longer.  Couch at Denison is the nicest coach and teacher you would want to know but simply put, could not coach his way out of a bag.  If you have ever attended a game he is usually panic stricken and looks to his Assit. for an answer way too much for a head coach to  do.  Who is in charge?  One mistake and you are toast.  On the bench you go.  Never a positive remark out of his mouth during or after a game.  If you happen to hit a game winning shot, please show no emotion or you will be asked to keep it down and will receive a good talking to.  They is no fun in the game anymore.  division 3 basketball is all about kids that just want to  play.  For the love of the game.  It is up to the coaches to make it at least alitltle more fun.  I believe those kids should work hard on and off season.  As hard as they can.  But there is a fun side to basketball and that needs to be looked at also.  I have no one playing I am just a fan that has watched this program for a couple of years and think it is now time for an inner look into the other aspects of coaching that the coach at Denison lacks.  Make it a little fun for them.  Give them a reason the come to the games.

Thats it.  I now feel better anfter venting!!

[David Collinge]

It's interesting to see how divergent these viewpoints are regarding Denison and Coach Ghiloni.  It's almost as if some of our new friends have axes to grind...

[wooly]

Axes?? no not an ax to grind.  A viewpoint.    Hopefully it will get better after the break, but I am afraid it will not.  I do not see things turning around for a while.  I know they will win a few games this year like at Obelin and possibly Kenyon, but I am afraid all the competitive juices are dried up!!

[CentralOH]

I'm trying to represent another side to the argument that coaching is the primary problem with the Big Red.  I'll be among the first to admit that Coach G isn't the strongest X's & O's guy in the business and I doubt anyone would describe him as an eternal optimist, but he's been a coach for quite a while and he has had some success.  That success has come while working with tough kids who will do anything to win.  I'm just not sure that this group has a winners mentality.

It's been my experience that the fun results when a group of guys commits to one another and each is willing to sacrifice for the good of the team.  Truly special teams are special before they ever win a game - you can see it during practice or when they are together away from the gym.

[smedindy]

You know, basketball should be fun, but even at the D-3 level, it's not high school. You need to conduct yourself a certain way, work hard a certain way, and give effort much like you give in the classroom. No, there are no scholarships but it's still a privelege to play college hoops.

Although, in Indiana, I've seen high school coaches work their kids like dogs squeezing every inch out of 'em.

Maybe what Denison needs is for Hodgkinson or Hern to step up and pull a Jimmy from Hoosiers. Do they have it in 'em?

[earlhamalum]

Jimmy from Hoosiers... NO, there is no way.   I'm sorry ya'll are from a prep lil town in Ohio... there is no Such thing as jimmy land in Ohio... i'm just not buying what ur selling.  It is X-mas time, things like that should be easy to sell, but not even Denison can sell me that... not even at this time of YEAR! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

[Li'l Giant]

It's interesting to see how divergent these viewpoints are regarding Denison and Coach Ghiloni.  It's almost as if some of our new friends have axes to grind...

I can't recall a coach taking such a beating on this board. By anyone.

[wally_wabash]

Ghiloni was the NCAC Coach of the Year last season.  I get that Denison fans are frustrated with the current losing streak, but I think Coach Ghiloni has earned a year of benefit of the doubt capital.  I'd love to see Denison turn it around and have a respectable year...but sometimes the wheels just come off during a season.  The Big Red have lost some players this year, some younger players need some court time.  Hodgkinson and Hern can't play 40 minutes every night.  Teams can't consistently run a 6-man rotation and expect not to get beat by fatigue.  It sounds to me like Ghiloni is playing the hand he's been dealt...for better or worse.  Clearly, Coach Ghiloni has been thrown under the bus here in the last few weeks...I think it might be wise to wait until January before the Big Red faithful start backing said bus over him. 

[smedindy]

Earlhamalum -

It was a metaphor! Besides, I still think Denison will have a winning NCAC record this season.

[CentralOH]

I agree Wally.  Here's hoping that some time away will renew the Big Red and that 2006 will be better than the end of 2005.

[earlhamalum]

smedindy- ... I KNOW   

[DenisonFan]

I LOVE ALL THE NEW FACES AND YOUR COMMENTS!!

WHAT I WOULD DEARLY LOVE IS IF GHILONI WOULD COME ON LINE AND DEFEND HIMSELF.

I KNOW THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN BUT I SURE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR HIS SIDE OF THE STORY.

I THINK HE IS TRYING TO COACH THESE MEN LIKE HE DID THIS BISHOP READING (SPELLING) KIDS. IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK.  SUDDENLY HE HAS MEN THAT HAVE AN OPINION AND QUESTION WHAT HE IS DOING.  IF HE WANTS ROBOTS HE SHOULD GO BACK TO HIGH SCHOOL COACHING.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

[bishopsfan]

Being an OWU alum I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Frank Shannon.  Thanks to witt4ever for passing along that information.  Merry Christmas to everyone.