MBB: Coast 2 Coast Athletic Conference

[CNU85]

Just went to the NCAA website to find the link for the selection show today. I found this...Jared Wagner made the list...

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-02-15/bevo-francis-50-player-watchlist-announced

[VT-Alum-NOVA]

Congrats CNU MBB on 5th straight NCAA

[Colby Hoops]

CNU85 -- would love to hear your thoughts on this year's CNU team. I was very impressed watching them beat fellow NESCAC teams Hamilton and Williams in last year's tourney, but Marcus Carter was obviously a big part of that team.

On paper it looks like it should be a really good matchup. Happy to give a rundown of this year's Colby team if you're interested as well.

[CNU85]

CNU85 -- would love to hear your thoughts on this year's CNU team. I was very impressed watching them beat fellow NESCAC teams Hamilton and Williams in last year's tourney, but Marcus Carter was obviously a big part of that team.

On paper it looks like it should be a really good matchup. Happy to give a rundown of this year's Colby team if you're interested as well.

I will provide a Blank Canvas Tour of CNU....hahaha....
Obviously, with All-American Marcus Carter gone through graduation, there is some drop off. If you watch any game film you will see CNU does not have a point guard. Coach K will play most of the bench. I honestly feel we have 9 starters. We are deep and athletic. We are very disciplined which is a tribute to Coach K. We have size if needed inside and can shoot from outside if needed. It just depends on what the competition affords us.

And for Colby?

[Colby Hoops]

CNU85 -- would love to hear your thoughts on this year's CNU team. I was very impressed watching them beat fellow NESCAC teams Hamilton and Williams in last year's tourney, but Marcus Carter was obviously a big part of that team.

On paper it looks like it should be a really good matchup. Happy to give a rundown of this year's Colby team if you're interested as well.

I will provide a Blank Canvas Tour of CNU....hahaha....
Obviously, with All-American Marcus Carter gone through graduation, there is some drop off. If you watch any game film you will see CNU does not have a point guard. Coach K will play most of the bench. I honestly feel we have 9 starters. We are deep and athletic. We are very disciplined which is a tribute to Coach K. We have size if needed inside and can shoot from outside if needed. It just depends on what the competition affords us.

And for Colby?

Hah, someone did some googling!

Colby plays pretty much all guards and shoot it from anywhere -- you'll see some deep, deep threes attempted. They have one big guy (Dean Weiner) who comes off the bench, pretty much everyone else is a three point threat. They switch everything on defense. The offense was unreal through January, then Sam Jefferson went down with an injury. He's the best shooter in the country based on three point percentage and averages more than 19ppg on 60% shooting from the floor and 49.7% from three. Was a lock to be conference POY before the injury (still might be). Since then, the team has struggled on the offensive end (although the defense has been pretty solid). They're susceptible to good post play and super quick guards.

Jefferson played last weekend but was hobbling a lot. If he's healthy, I think Colby's really, really good. If he's limping around like last weekend (he had just 3 points on 3 shots on Sunday) then I think this looks like a tough game.

Can't say I'm super pleased with the draw -- Colby likely would have hosted had they won the double OT NESCAC championship game against Tufts on Sunday. Went to OT because of a 30 foot heave at the buzzer by Tufts.

[CNU85]

CNU85 -- would love to hear your thoughts on this year's CNU team. I was very impressed watching them beat fellow NESCAC teams Hamilton and Williams in last year's tourney, but Marcus Carter was obviously a big part of that team.

On paper it looks like it should be a really good matchup. Happy to give a rundown of this year's Colby team if you're interested as well.

I will provide a Blank Canvas Tour of CNU....hahaha....
Obviously, with All-American Marcus Carter gone through graduation, there is some drop off. If you watch any game film you will see CNU does not have a point guard. Coach K will play most of the bench. I honestly feel we have 9 starters. We are deep and athletic. We are very disciplined which is a tribute to Coach K. We have size if needed inside and can shoot from outside if needed. It just depends on what the competition affords us.

And for Colby?

Hah, someone did some googling!

Colby plays pretty much all guards and shoot it from anywhere -- you'll see some deep, deep threes attempted. They have one big guy (Dean Weiner) who comes off the bench, pretty much everyone else is a three point threat. They switch everything on defense. The offense was unreal through January, then Sam Jefferson went down with an injury. He's the best shooter in the country based on three point percentage and averages more than 19ppg on 60% shooting from the floor and 49.7% from three. Was a lock to be conference POY before the injury (still might be). Since then, the team has struggled on the offensive end (although the defense has been pretty solid). They're susceptible to good post play and super quick guards.

Jefferson played last weekend but was hobbling a lot. If he's healthy, I think Colby's really, really good. If he's limping around like last weekend (he had just 3 points on 3 shots on Sunday) then I think this looks like a tough game.

Can't say I'm super pleased with the draw -- Colby likely would have hosted had they won the double OT NESCAC championship game against Tufts on Sunday. Went to OT because of a 30 foot heave at the buzzer by Tufts.

This will be only the second meeting between CNU and Colby. Last time was 200-01 season. I like new match-ups and seeing diff teams. Should be fun.

[CNU85]

CNU85 -- would love to hear your thoughts on this year's CNU team. I was very impressed watching them beat fellow NESCAC teams Hamilton and Williams in last year's tourney, but Marcus Carter was obviously a big part of that team.

On paper it looks like it should be a really good matchup. Happy to give a rundown of this year's Colby team if you're interested as well.

I will provide a Blank Canvas Tour of CNU....hahaha....
Obviously, with All-American Marcus Carter gone through graduation, there is some drop off. If you watch any game film you will see CNU does not have a point guard. Coach K will play most of the bench. I honestly feel we have 9 starters. We are deep and athletic. We are very disciplined which is a tribute to Coach K. We have size if needed inside and can shoot from outside if needed. It just depends on what the competition affords us.

And for Colby?

Hah, someone did some googling!

Colby plays pretty much all guards and shoot it from anywhere -- you'll see some deep, deep threes attempted. They have one big guy (Dean Weiner) who comes off the bench, pretty much everyone else is a three point threat. They switch everything on defense. The offense was unreal through January, then Sam Jefferson went down with an injury. He's the best shooter in the country based on three point percentage and averages more than 19ppg on 60% shooting from the floor and 49.7% from three. Was a lock to be conference POY before the injury (still might be). Since then, the team has struggled on the offensive end (although the defense has been pretty solid). They're susceptible to good post play and super quick guards.

Jefferson played last weekend but was hobbling a lot. If he's healthy, I think Colby's really, really good. If he's limping around like last weekend (he had just 3 points on 3 shots on Sunday) then I think this looks like a tough game.

Can't say I'm super pleased with the draw -- Colby likely would have hosted had they won the double OT NESCAC championship game against Tufts on Sunday. Went to OT because of a 30 foot heave at the buzzer by Tufts.

Just looked at some stats for the first time in a long time. CNU is #1 in 3pt defense. 8th ranked FG % Defense. That will be a good matchup. 
Also, we have the #13 3 pt shooter. And we rank #4 in rebounds. Not sure what all that means. Should be a fun game Friday.

Both teams rank in top 15 in scoring margin. CNU #9 and Colby #12.

[Colby Hoops]

CNU85 -- would love to hear your thoughts on this year's CNU team. I was very impressed watching them beat fellow NESCAC teams Hamilton and Williams in last year's tourney, but Marcus Carter was obviously a big part of that team.

On paper it looks like it should be a really good matchup. Happy to give a rundown of this year's Colby team if you're interested as well.

I will provide a Blank Canvas Tour of CNU....hahaha....
Obviously, with All-American Marcus Carter gone through graduation, there is some drop off. If you watch any game film you will see CNU does not have a point guard. Coach K will play most of the bench. I honestly feel we have 9 starters. We are deep and athletic. We are very disciplined which is a tribute to Coach K. We have size if needed inside and can shoot from outside if needed. It just depends on what the competition affords us.

And for Colby?

Hah, someone did some googling!

Colby plays pretty much all guards and shoot it from anywhere -- you'll see some deep, deep threes attempted. They have one big guy (Dean Weiner) who comes off the bench, pretty much everyone else is a three point threat. They switch everything on defense. The offense was unreal through January, then Sam Jefferson went down with an injury. He's the best shooter in the country based on three point percentage and averages more than 19ppg on 60% shooting from the floor and 49.7% from three. Was a lock to be conference POY before the injury (still might be). Since then, the team has struggled on the offensive end (although the defense has been pretty solid). They're susceptible to good post play and super quick guards.

Jefferson played last weekend but was hobbling a lot. If he's healthy, I think Colby's really, really good. If he's limping around like last weekend (he had just 3 points on 3 shots on Sunday) then I think this looks like a tough game.

Can't say I'm super pleased with the draw -- Colby likely would have hosted had they won the double OT NESCAC championship game against Tufts on Sunday. Went to OT because of a 30 foot heave at the buzzer by Tufts.

Just looked at some stats for the first time in a long time. CNU is #1 in 3pt defense. 8th ranked FG % Defense. That will be a good matchup. 
Also, we have the #13 3 pt shooter. And we rank #4 in rebounds. Not sure what all that means. Should be a fun game Friday.

Both teams rank in top 15 in scoring margin. CNU #9 and Colby #12.

Yeah, the rebounding is a good point to bring up. Colby plays very small but has held their own on the boards against bigger teams much of the year. The two regular season losses they had were the two games where they did get crushed on the boards (basically the only two of the year where they lost the rebounding battle substantially). Definitely something to watch.

[Swish3]

Seems like a pretty tough draw for both teams, especially CNU...what do you think, Ryan?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Seems like a pretty tough draw for both teams, especially CNU...what do you think, Ryan?

Colby was 3rd in the NE and CNU was 4th in the MA.  Neither one had as strong a resume as maybe their reputation would lead one to believe.  Seems pretty fair.  You also don't have too many hosts CNU can drive to who they haven't played this year.  I think you'd rather be #3 at Stevens than #2 at Swarthmore.

[Swish3]

Seems like a pretty tough draw for both teams, especially CNU...what do you think, Ryan?

Colby was 3rd in the NE and CNU was 4th in the MA.  Neither one had as strong a resume as maybe their reputation would lead one to believe.  Seems pretty fair.  You also don't have too many hosts CNU can drive to who they haven't played this year.  I think you'd rather be #3 at Stevens than #2 at Swarthmore.

I tend to agree...whoever wins the Colby/CNU game probably has a better than average chance of beating Stevens.  Although Massey has Stevens' sos as very weak, they did play Swarthmore close and beat Johns Hopkins, so who knows?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Seems like a pretty tough draw for both teams, especially CNU...what do you think, Ryan?

Colby was 3rd in the NE and CNU was 4th in the MA.  Neither one had as strong a resume as maybe their reputation would lead one to believe.  Seems pretty fair.  You also don't have too many hosts CNU can drive to who they haven't played this year.  I think you'd rather be #3 at Stevens than #2 at Swarthmore.

I tend to agree...whoever wins the Colby/CNU game probably has a better than average chance of beating Stevens.  Although Massey has Stevens' sos as very weak, they did play Swarthmore close and beat Johns Hopkins, so who knows?

Stevens is very good - disciplined and they have size.  I think they've got a better chance of beating CNU than Colby, but that's more just about how the teams and their offenses match up with what Stevens does.  They are very tough at home, too, which is another factor.  I suspect Colby was in line to host, but their location in Maine made that difficult, so they were "gifted" one of the weaker host teams.  As you said, though, Stevens has played a lot of good teams very tough.  Saying they are one of the more likely hosts to lose isn't really an insult - I hope not anyway.

[Colby Hoops]

Seems like a pretty tough draw for both teams, especially CNU...what do you think, Ryan?

Colby was 3rd in the NE and CNU was 4th in the MA.  Neither one had as strong a resume as maybe their reputation would lead one to believe.  Seems pretty fair.  You also don't have too many hosts CNU can drive to who they haven't played this year.  I think you'd rather be #3 at Stevens than #2 at Swarthmore.

I tend to agree...whoever wins the Colby/CNU game probably has a better than average chance of beating Stevens.  Although Massey has Stevens' sos as very weak, they did play Swarthmore close and beat Johns Hopkins, so who knows?

Stevens is very good - disciplined and they have size.  I think they've got a better chance of beating CNU than Colby, but that's more just about how the teams and their offenses match up with what Stevens does.  They are very tough at home, too, which is another factor.  I suspect Colby was in line to host, but their location in Maine made that difficult, so they were "gifted" one of the weaker host teams.  As you said, though, Stevens has played a lot of good teams very tough.  Saying they are one of the more likely hosts to lose isn't really an insult - I hope not anyway.

I'd rather have been "gifted" an easier first round matchup! By Massey and Matt Snyder's efficiency rankings, CNU is one of the top teams in the country. Although it seems the only other option would've been to swap with Hobart and face off against St. Joe's, which isn't exactly an easy matchup. Selfishly, that would have been nice as I could drive to that game easily

Stating the obvious, Colby's chances look a lot better if Eric Savage doesn't make that 30-footer on Sunday at the end of regulation. Colby likely hosts, and could potentially get through a first-round weekend with the hopes that Sam Jefferson is closer to 100% by the Sweet 16.

Nevertheless, can't complain about playing in the NCAA tourney! And I think this pod offers some fascinating match ups. Looking forward to Friday.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Seems like a pretty tough draw for both teams, especially CNU...what do you think, Ryan?

Colby was 3rd in the NE and CNU was 4th in the MA.  Neither one had as strong a resume as maybe their reputation would lead one to believe.  Seems pretty fair.  You also don't have too many hosts CNU can drive to who they haven't played this year.  I think you'd rather be #3 at Stevens than #2 at Swarthmore.

I tend to agree...whoever wins the Colby/CNU game probably has a better than average chance of beating Stevens.  Although Massey has Stevens' sos as very weak, they did play Swarthmore close and beat Johns Hopkins, so who knows?

Stevens is very good - disciplined and they have size.  I think they've got a better chance of beating CNU than Colby, but that's more just about how the teams and their offenses match up with what Stevens does.  They are very tough at home, too, which is another factor.  I suspect Colby was in line to host, but their location in Maine made that difficult, so they were "gifted" one of the weaker host teams.  As you said, though, Stevens has played a lot of good teams very tough.  Saying they are one of the more likely hosts to lose isn't really an insult - I hope not anyway.

I'd rather have been "gifted" an easier first round matchup! By Massey and Matt Snyder's efficiency rankings, CNU is one of the top teams in the country. Although it seems the only other option would've been to swap with Hobart and face off against St. Joe's, which isn't exactly an easy matchup. Selfishly, that would have been nice as I could drive to that game easily

Stating the obvious, Colby's chances look a lot better if Eric Savage doesn't make that 30-footer on Sunday at the end of regulation. Colby likely hosts, and could potentially get through a first-round weekend with the hopes that Sam Jefferson is closer to 100% by the Sweet 16.

Nevertheless, can't complain about playing in the NCAA tourney! And I think this pod offers some fascinating match ups. Looking forward to Friday.

CNU has a ton of experience, obviously, with a final four run last year, and they play a system that doesn't change from year to year - it's tough to factor those two things into the equation.  Overall, they are not as good as they have been recently, but sometimes that isn't the most important factor in the tournament.  Experience counts for a lot.  Colby might match-up better with St. Joe's than CNU, but I don't think, overall, that Hobart draw is better than where they are.  CNU should probably be a #2 seed in a pod somewhere, but geography limits those locations.  JHU is really the only other spot and they played JHU this year - which is a potential rematch the committee tries hard to avoid the first weekend.

[MW_Eagles]

In a recent article in the Fredericksburg paper, the CAC commissioner mentioned that there should be conference news by the end of February.   That has come and gone.   Anybody hear anything?