MBB: Conference of New England

[northeasthoopfan]

So, I'm definitely not an expert regarding Division III coaching hires, but why is the new Nichols coach considered "interesting" in what seems to be a condescending way.

I don't have any connection to the school or the coach, I'm just curious. His resume seems to be about right for the job. Was Nichols expecting more?

Any insight appreciated!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

So, I'm definitely not an expert regarding Division III coaching hires, but why is the new Nichols coach considered "interesting" in what seems to be a condescending way.

I don't have any connection to the school or the coach, I'm just curious. His resume seems to be about right for the job. Was Nichols expecting more?

Any insight appreciated!

Nichols can't keep a coach because they don't pay a full-time salary.  I have no idea why he called it "interesting," I was merely commenting that anyone who questions their choices usually has a good explanation for why they do so.

Personally, I'm amazed they continue to get coaches who seem to be somewhat competent.

[CCC Talk]

I agree with Hoops Fan to a point- although Malcolm Wynn does a pretty great job as a PT coach in a FT league.

My "interesting" take was that it seems odd to hire a coach from a very high academic level at a program that runs a ton of slowdown set plays, to take over Nichols where they have a team built to run-

I tired to factor in recruiting classes as best I could. I think Salve's class is very strong, and I've heard good things about the RWU freshman, but I will tell you I can never remember a year in my 12 years following this league that a freshman class has really made a huge difference in a league race. Vets win in this league, now and then.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

That's true.  Even what I think is the best ever freshman class - which was the Colby-Sawyer class with Andrew St. Clair way, way back - they showed promise, but it didn't swing the league that year.

Wynn is also a pretty unique scenario.  He was already a PT coach and doesn't seem to ever aim to be anything else.  Curry got real lucky with that one.

[jackson5]

Personally I don't understand the point of having a program if you're going to have a part time coach. If you can't afford it for basketball, then you shouldn't have a football or lacrosse program, especially one that's not competitive. I agree with whoever said it's amazing that Curry is still competitive with a part time coach. I honestly don't know how you can find someone to put in the hours for  recruiting, practices, scouting and traveling on game days when they have to have a regular 9-5 job to.  If you find someone that's willing to do it, you have to worry about them jumping ship every two seconds because a majority of assistant jobs at the D-2 and D-3 level pay more than you, probably some D-3 jobs to.

[jackson5]

Don't sleep on WNEU.  Gelineau was a walk on at UMass-Lowell, but had a really good career at Waltham.  DeFeo is a vet who can lead a team at the DIII level.

Also, I think ENC will contend for the title.  By far the most athletic team in the CCC (sorry Curry).

Agreed. They won't be a title contender, but Gelineau, DeFeo and Askew is enough to be midpack in this league.

[northeasthoopfan]

Ah, okay that makes much more sense, regarding part-time salary.

Have to agree with the above post: I can't imagine how someone can do this part-time and be successful at it. Seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

So, I've been told we will get the preseason poll tomorrow (Friday) in anticipation of the season kicking off on Saturday.

[jackson5]

Was wondering when it was finally gonna drop

[Maq Diesel]

2014-15 CCC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll[/b]

Team Points (First Place Votes)
1. Eastern Nazarene 87 (3)
2. Gordon 84 (2)
3. Endicott 80 (2)
4. Salve Regina 77 (3)
5. Nichols 66
6. Roger Williams 50
7. Wentworth 39
8. Curry 27
9. Western New England 22
10. University of  New England 18

[jackson5]

WNE is too low. They'll be 6-7th the potential to get a home game if they can get all the bounces this year.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I know it's only Maine-Maritime, but UNE looked a little better than I expected.  Similarly, it's only NEC, but ENC is looking much better than I expected.  Their test will still come against more athletic squads, but the new additions down low and proving very helpful early on - lots of fouls to throw at Miersma later this year.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

UNE, ENC, and Roger Williams beat far inferior opponents.  WNE pulls out a squeaker against Wheaton; Nichols loses a close one to Bates.  Wentworth and Curry look to be pretty bad this year.

[scout]

UNE, ENC, and Roger Williams beat far inferior opponents.  WNE pulls out a squeaker against Wheaton; Nichols loses a close one to Bates.  Wentworth and Curry look to be pretty bad this year.

seems like the talent discrepancy between the top and bottom halves of the league is increasing over the years. that just might be a result of my increased distance from it all, but over the past few years, it's enc, gordon, salve, curry... and everyone else. une had a couple great years with their texas transplants. it's an unfinished thought, i know.

in any case, gordon scheduled a difficult first week. their annual loss to mit on tuesday and then a trip to rochester for a two game tourney. good chance to start 0-3

[Bucket]

This is a different UNE team, I believe.

Sophomore transfer point guard from Texas is the engine that drives this team now. Quick, very good defender. Can shoot and get to the hole.

Sophomore transfer from Turkey is another big fella—six-nine—is another big body to go with the 6-8 and 6-10 bigs.

And the shooting guard who missed most of last season due to injury can really light it up.

I think this team will win some games this year.