MBB: Conference of New England

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I'm not hating on Endicott or anything, as they are capable of beating Tufts under the right circumstance, but do I give them much of a chance?  No.  Tufts has been on another level over the past few weeks.  If they come back to Earth and EC can continue at the level of play they displayed in the CCC tourney, it might be a game.  To me this one is not as close as the GC-Utica game might be.

The very fact the a CCC team has a match-up that isn't totally lopsided, speaks a lot for the calibre of teams we put out this season.  It's been a long time since we could even talk like a CCC team had a shot to win a tourney game.  It will be a fun night in Worcester.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

It will be a fun night in Worcester.

And you don't hear that statement all that much.

[akirk]

If you remember the only reason why Marstaller got a chance early on in the season last year what because Hassler went down with a severe ankle sprain that limited him for the rest of the season.  Also, Allenby was limited with a bad hip that decreased his playing time.  These where the main reasons Coach had to go with the young guys. 

Don't get me wrong, I am glad that Marstaller stepped up.  There is one question you have to ask yourself.  Would he have gotten as much time last year or would it have built up over the season?  We don't know but he sure did make the most of the opportunity. 

[24/7/365]

First off, Marstaller didn't get play because Hassler went down, Marstaller got burn because he was as close to a post player as GC had.  Yes Hassler twisted his ankle, but even Hassler would tell you he couldn't play to Marstallers offensive level.  Allenby didn't even play in the post, so I am not sure why his being injured last year (by the way Allenby was injured his entire career) had anything to do with Marstaller becoming a legitamet part of the GC line up.  Plus Kaufman was a starter all year, and Shnackenberg started the beginning of the year as well.

If we rewind two years, both Herr and Logan were players 6 & 7 on that GC team.  Herr even received the starting nod towards the end of the season.  While Schauer does limit the average younger players minutes, in no way would he surpress overly talented freshman, just because they were freshman.

[akirk]

24

Directly from Coach Schauer's mouth last year "We were all surprised with what Marstaller gave us after Pete went down"  I am not saying that he would not have earned time through out the season but it dramatically increased with Hassler hurt. 

And as far as the comment about Allenby, it was more or less directed at all the youngsters getting more time.  Scott was hurt most of his career, but last season lead to a lot less playing time than his first two years.  And If you remember he probably was the best defender and hustler on the team.

[24/7/365]

I can't argue qoutes, because I don't know if they're true, but I do know, whether Hassler was hurt or not, Marstallers time would have come, and it would have come much sooner than later.

[akirk]

Just remember hind sight is 20/20.  It's all fine and well to say that his time would have come now.  Look at him.  He is a stud on the floor.  The question I posed was would that have been as evident as it was if he was not forced to perform quickly.

[Maq Diesel]

kirk, dont be foolish, Hassler was filling space and no more, here is a quote for you Jon Marstaller won the tip-off touney mvp, with hassler in the starting line-up so, do your research.  Schauer plays the best players regaurdless of age.  If ou doubt that look at Herr and Logan their freshman year, they logged some minuets.  Deluca is athletic and I love the way he plays but he is a year away, not because he is a frosh but because he had terribble coaching in high school.

[24/7/365]

It's no new information that Bryant, Cichon, Lucas and Herring, are going to try and get theirs on Friday night, but what about the other players?  After Herrings 10.7ppg, the nearest player is averaging 5ppg.  Now I know four players in double figures is very very nice, but again, if they each nab 12 points, that's only 48.  Plus, you have to assume GC's defense will limit one of those guys, preferably Bryant, but one of those guys will not hit their average.  SO who from UC will step in and fill those shoes?

The thing that makes GC such a difficult team to scout is the fact that any one of 8 guys can get high teens to low 20s on any given night.  I don't know if UC players are able to do that, but GC players are more than capable.  Look for Herr and Marstaller to get heavy attention Friday night, and players like Shnackenberg and akirks boy Deluca will have to try and fill those voids.

Another thing UC brings to the table is their ability to rebound.  A team, that finds themselves with lots of guard play, that rebounds, is very difficult to defend and deter.  GC, again, similar to UC rebounds well, but not as good as UC.  GC can not afford to be out rebounded like they were in their last game against CSC.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Granted, I don't think any of us know enough about Utica to address 24's question.  However, with the matchups as they appear to be, I have a few thoughts.  We've already gone over the whole Marstaller on the inside thing.  He's going to have to stay out of foul trouble and be productive with his touches on the inside (few misses, lots of assists).  I think Kauffman may be the other factor.  Herr is the easiest match for Utica, so I expect they will focus on shutting him down.  Kauffman should have some quickness or the guys guarding him; if he can use that to his advantage, they are in business.  I'm not sure either team has a deep bench, so that may be the other telling factor.

Gosh, I'm tired of speculation already.  Thank God CSC is playing tomorrow.  I know its not the Dance, but at least its an actual game to talk about.

[akirk]

Mag

Check the mins after Hassler got hurt.  They went up by about 5 to 10 mins per game.  Yes he was getting mins but you can't deny the fact that he benefited by the injury.  Also, I would take Marstaller over anyone else on the GC team.  He has been consistent all season long (except for when he gets in early foul trouble).  Besides, if you want to talk about last year some more, then let's just state that Herr was the team MVP.  No doubt about it!

Anyway, who is going to make it down to the game on Friday?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Can you all please stop arguing over an injury that happened months ago?  At least switch to the Private Message for this one guys, please, it's exhausting and I'm not even involved.

[24/7/365]

Get involved. It's about Marstaller and whether or not he would have been good had Hassler not been injured.  It's a relevant question.  Akirk is obviously wrong, which is fine, but this three man discussion should not deter others from chiming in.

But Hoops we know you've had a few days now to go over this UC team.  What is your analysis, and or prediciton of how Friday nights match-up will end?  ARe you going to be there?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I will NOT be in attendance, but I am going with Gordon for a couple of reasons:

1) I think they have a chance and thus my CCC loyalty bids me pick them.

2) Its a long drive from Utica to Worcester.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Oh and its not a valid discussion because Hassler did get hurt and Marstaller did have a great year.

Next lets discuss how much better Michael Jordan would have been if he made the team his sohpomore year of High School or what the political implications would be if Buzz Aldrin has been the first man on the moon instead of Neil Armstrong.

Talk about it all you want, just use the PM and don't call it valid.