MBB: Conference of New England

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

CSC should have been the hands-down winner the last three seasons as well; they have yet to dominate in the way their talent suggests they can.  I think CSC is a top team, not only in the CCC, but in the NorthEast region, however, they have underacheived every time I try to make a case for them.

RWU is a solid squad, although they were inconsistent most of the year until finally coming together for the playoff run.  Gordon should be improved and EC has plenty of talent if they can figure out their chemistry after the loss of two key floor leaders.

The best case scenario for the conference, with the expanded NCAA tournament, is for CSC to run the table and lose the championship game.  With a similar overall record to last season, CSC should be a lock for one of the Pool C spots.  I'm not sure any other CCC team has the ability to really make the most of their non-conference schedule.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

ENC put their roster up, being one of the first, which is, in itself, a first.  Nevermind:

They have nine freshmen and one transfer on the list with only five returning players.  Jasmin who was a solid contributor, but not a major scoring option last year, Corey who had some good shooting games, but prone to streaks, and Marcellus who was the skinny flier.  Certainly the ENC squad will be totally different this season.  They have brought in some size, so maybe their weapon will be depth.  Coach Zink will have less distraction this year and a totally new crop of guys to seel his system to.  That seems to have been ENC's downfall during Zink's tenure, he's got a hard-nosed defensive style with lots of ball movement and he's (up until now) brought in exclusively streeballers who want to run and improvise.  If he can get a good group of talented guys to buy in, they may have a program.  We'll see how that goes.

I haven't seen any other new rosters yet.  I covered GC and UNE earlier.  I expect CSC and EC's rosters will come soon.  The RI schools are generally slow in getting info out early in the year.

[broke_ya_ankles]

another to add to Colby-Sawyer...

rumor has it Tyler Putnam will be playing again this year....this makes this team even MORE talented with more expectations....now St. Clair, Brey, Putnam, Kenny, Thorpe, etc.  ++++ you know Foti brought in some solid freshmen that there always seems to be at least one that is ready to play right away and this team is as good as its ever been.....lets just hope theres no kind of an excuse this year and they go out and get done what they are capable of

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

If Putnam is back, that makes a huge difference.  CSC struggled early on last year because Putnam was basically dead weight.  Obviously there were other problems going on that forced his leaving the team.  If he is back and on form, that gives them Three starting forwards, for their two spots (we all know they'll be a three guard team all season), which gives them the depth that was worrying me a little.  They have talent on the bench, but not much experience in the front court.

One question, will he be Tyler again this year or is he sticking with TJ for good?

[john]

the rumor about putnam at  csc is not true..............

[Trueball38]

well I was at Curry's last srimmage against D2 powerhouse Franklin Pierce, and let me say this D3 is in trouble.  even though they lost by 4pts they played extremely well without Raheim Lamb, and their other guard Tim Jones who broke his foot during the game.  For them to take it to a team like that shows just exactly what is to come out of them this year.  They have a 6'9 freshman, and an 6'5 freshman who's built like a tight end and sets massive screens.  As for the Returners for Curry Michael Mohrin was on fire the second half keeping Curry in the game, and James Bartelle who came off the bench and was a last year starter caused so much trouble with that deadly outside shot of his had franklin Pierce's coach subbing in and out just to try and contain him.  Steve Prescod had a decent game as Marcus Jones, but they had another freshman point guard out there that was very solid and takes it to the hoop strong.  All I can say is The CCC is no match for them this year for what I can see.

[broke_ya_ankles]

sounds like they played well.....but its still only 1 game...curry's biggest problem is they beat themselves and with jones breaking his foot you say? thats gonna be a big blow, so i wouldnt put too high of expectations on them...

[dwebbs]

gordon college and their backcourt are going to step it up this year. i expect big things from the GC.

[Trueball38]

I hear you broke but, with Jones out that means the diamond in the rough gets to shine and who I mean is Bartelle he gets no credit to what he does. He was overlooked last year in making the all conference teams.  People who didn't have a good of a season as he did made it and I really think that he's underated.  Trust me he has all the tools to be a great player, and talking to other College coaches say they fear him more then anybody else on the court because when he on you might as well call it a day.  Curry has a solid team this year and I expect all lot but who knows it's early.

[jackemup35]

Speaking of scrimmages.....I was at ENC's scrimmage on Saturday.  Ooooohhhh boy are they in for a long year.  Suffolk beat them by 30.  UGLY.   No shooters and a lot of turnovers.  I know it's early, but I have trouble seeing them compete against anyone in the conference (maybe Anna Mazria)?  After watching ENC play for the last 2 years, I have to say that this is there worst team yet.  It was like men versus boys watching them play Suffolk.  Very disappointing.
Anyone esle see any other scrims this week?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Well ENC is fielding 9 freshmen, I can't imagine they thought they would be improved.

Putnam's rumor was the only lively thing on the board so far, too bad its not true.

Curry has always had the talent there.  It will be interesting to see how they come together.  I'm sure their recruiting is picked up.  Wynn is certainly a great coach and recruiter, but its a long season and Curry needs to prove themself for the long haul.

We've got a new roster up from WIT.  Doyle, the PG recruit from Conn is confirmed.  From everything I've read and heard about him, he could be very good (and actually get assists, unlike PB & J).  They've got 7 freshmen on the roster, a couple of big bodies, but they'll have to be really good to make up for what was lost.  WIT has a solid base for the future, but I'm not sure if they'll compete for the #4 spot in the north just yet.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I haven't seen a preseason poll yet, but I think I'm willing to take a shot at it:

North
1. CSC
2. EC
3. GC
4. UNE
5. WIT
6. NEC

South
1. RWU
2. CC
3. SRU
4. NC
5. AMC
6. ENC

I'm not sure if GC has enough to get over EC, although it wouldn't suprise me in the least.  Also, NEC might be better if they brought everybody back, but they haven't done that in quite a few years, so I'll stick them in the basement for now.

[akirk]

Hoops Fan,

I think you have hit the preseason poll accurately.  The only change I would have is to switch GC and EC and I will tell you why.  Not only do they have a new coach but if I am correct they lost a few seniors that contributed a lot to offense and team defense.  I am sure they will be there in the end but factoring in the changes in the off season, I would have to drop them down a spot.  What do you think?

[threeball23]

Curry sounds like they will have a good squad this yr, but lets not get to far ahead of ourselves in saying that the rest of the CCC is in trouble.  Not having Lamb and Jones for at least the first semester will hurt, and Curry always seems to have some issues with returning the entire team after the break.  But if Lamb comes back and they keep the team together, I think they will turn some heads.

I still think CSC is still the team to beat...on paper at least.  GC should be able to chellenge EC for #2 in the north and could have a shot at CSC it they start firing on all cylinders.  Hopefully GC can establish a big post prescence this yr...It can be tough to stay consistant when you really heavily on the 3pt shot.

[dwebbs]

gordon won by a pretty big margin in their scrimmage. and that was without their two senior soccer athletes. their freshman class last year just looks alot sharper this year. but we're really just going to have to wait under december sixth to see if they're really better than ec.