MBB: NEWMAC

[Hugenerd]

I guess that means there must be about 27 other people who don't like it, or other posts.

Or a few people really didnt like it and have been coming back often over the past month or so to ding me (I'm also pretty confident that you have the power to do whatever you want to karma, regardless of the 24 hour rule).  Which is perfectly fine with me, if that makes those people happy.

However, after how big a deal this was made out to be, I really don't care anymore.  BBallers, or anyone else affiliated closely with a program, can post anything they want, regardless of whether they were given that information in confidence.  I'll even reach out the olive branch and post something that no one else has even mentioned yet on this website regarding an MIT injury...MITs back-up point guard from last season, Paul Dawson, is also injured and did not play in either the Harvard game or tonight.  I wont speculate on the extent of the injury or when he'll be back, but maybe someone else can provide more information.

[Hugenerd]

Just listening to Hoopsville (great job as usual, Dave), and I think it is clear from Coach Anderson's answers what type of information he wanted shared regarding injuries.  In summary, he acknowledges the players are still coming back from surgery, but gives no specifics of time tables.  I may have worded my original post much stronger, but essentially the information he shared and withheld was at the heart of what I was trying to say. If the coach does not want that information shared, I don't think others should share when they have received that information in trust from the program (whatever those means may be). I also don't want you to think I am going back on my statement from my last post, I am beyond caring at this point, but just thought I would give it one last shot to explain my opinion.

[GoTech73]

I'm apologize for mentioning anything about the injury scenario again, I didn't mean to revive this argument. The only reason I posted it was it was the first time I, as a person with very minimal connections with the basketball team, read any information directly from "the horse's mouth" (Noel and Coach Anderson themselves) so to speak about the injuries at all. Thus, for me, it was the first time I considered it "confirmed" and no longer only something I read on these boards.

Glad to see the team get off to a strong start last night, and begin to build confidence for this season!

[WPI89]

Moving to basketball........................very pleased with WPI's effort last night.  Had no idea what to expect against a pretty good Castleton State team.  The sophomores (Coppola and Longwell) did what sophomores are supposed to do - and stepped up big time.

Didn't see any of the game but pump[ed about the articles/recapps etc..........

VERY telling early game against Keene State tomorrow.  I live in Little East country now and that group seems to think very highly of Keene this year........

[Hugenerd]

Keene struggled a bit with Husson last night, trailing by as many as 15 in the first half.  The composed themselves, and ended up winning by double-digits, but it will be interesting to see how the game with WPI plays out.  I am hoping for a WPI victory.

Some big games tonight on slate also, as CGA plays a strong Salem State team, Wheaton takes on UMD, Springfield matches up against Becker, and Clark tips off against Bowdoin.  I have no real barometer on how CGA, Clark, or Wheaton will be this year. I know Springfield is bringing back some major pieces, hopefully they perform well out of conference.  Anyone have any other insight on returning/incoming players?

[madzillagd]

Watched about 2/3s of the WPI game and they handled themselves well.  Got up by 7 or 8 and kept the cushion pretty much throughout the game.  Too much size for CS and did a pretty good job of protecting the ball despite the style of game.    Castleton's style is so rag tag, full court pressure the entire game just trying to get turnovers and increase the number of shots.  There was a dead ball right around the 17 minute mark of the first half and I realized that 3 mins into the game Castleton had already substituted all 5 guys three times already.  As a fan, it's a frustrating style to watch because it adds about 5 mins to each half where guys are coming on/off the floor. 

[Hugenerd]

Good night for the NEWMAC...three close wins and one blowout loss, in a game CGA really didnt have a shot at winning.

[rlk]

Well, no magic upset of Harvard, I'm afraid.  But 69-54 isn't typical of a D3 team losing to a D1, even if Harvard isn't quite what it was last year.  Even without Holligsworth and Karraker, MIT definitely belonged on the same court.  Harvard's probably going to beat a few D1 teams by more than 15 points.

Harvard beat Manhattan last night, 79-45.  So I'm halfway there :-)

[Hugenerd]

Another great day for the NEWMAC, as every member won (7-0) today. The conference is a combined 10-1 on the young season.

[toooldtoplay]

MIT got a great shot from Gordon last night.  The Gordon crowd was electric and pumped the home team up rising with every shot.  The gym was literally rocking when Thomas hit the three to tie the game at the half at 30 all.  Gordon shot 75% from 3 in the first half compared to MIT 0-9 - partly from great shooting and partly from the inability of MIT to close perimeter shooters and clear rebounds effectively. 

For Gordon, Dempsey was terrific all night, face mask and all.  He has a nice midrange game, takes it well to the basket and can go outside when needed for the long ball.  The crowd went ballistic when the freshman Schuman came in and he made some exciting blocks and is fun to watch helping the terrific atmosphere in Bennet Gym.

For MIT, Kates and Tashman where dominant and you got the feeling they were never going to let Gordon get over the hump.  Although Kates had a poor shooting night from 3 (2-10) he was unstoppable inside the circle either scoring at will or dishing when the help came finishing with 23 on 9-19.  Tashman was double and triple teamed whenever he touched the ball and made big shots late.  Andrew Acker played the best of the rest as his line of 4-4 from the field with no turnovers was a bright spot

Moving forward MIT will need more from the inexperienced players to beat better teams.  They appear to be reluctant to step up at this point but until the troops get healthy they are needed.  Kates runs the offense beautifully getting everyone involved but without production it is left on his shoulders late as it was in the playoffs last year. 

Overall a GREAT game to watch and a nice learning experience for this team.

[Hugenerd]

A few days late on this, but congrats to Will Tashman for reaching the 1000 point mark for his career (which he accomplished in the season opener against Lesley). My guess is that they will honor him at tomorrow night's home opener (first 2 games were on the road). He is now at 1026 career points, which currently puts him at #23 on the MIT all-time list (teammate Mitch Kates has 1292 points currently and is 11th on the career list). Tashman eclipsed 750 career rebounds in the following game against Gordon (currently at 759).  Mitch Kates' 12 assists through the first two games of the season brings him to 434, which ties him for 3rd all-time with former point guard Bradley Gampel.  He is also now just 2 steals shy of 200 for his career (Kates already holds the MIT all-time mark for steals).


Great week(end) overall for the NEWMAC, as the teams went for a combined mark of 13-1.  Hopefully this keeps up and the out-of-conference overall record shows how strong the conference is this year, top-to-bottom.

[WPI89]

Can't tell you how impressed I am by WPI's 2-0 start.  Would have paid for 1-1.

I am the first to get on Coach for some bad game time decisions etc......but I am in awe of how he has been able to reload year after year.  I know recruiting builds on itself and it is a little easier sell when you are talking about stacking up 20 win seasons and NCAA trips etc.....but kudos to Bartley and crew for truly building a power program.

Way to go NEWMAC!!!!!!!!!!!!  Keep it rolling.

[T990]

I thought Emerson was joining the NEWMAC.  What happened?

[GoTech73]

I thought Emerson was joining the NEWMAC.  What happened?

Next year. see: http://www.newmacsports.com/landing/2011-12_News/expansion/2012_Emerson

From the article: "The Presidents' Council voted unanimously to extend an invitation for membership to Emerson and the College will join the NEWMAC for the 2013-14 academic year, sponsoring teams in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis and women's volleyball."

[mass_d3fan]

WPI89

Yes, I also am very glad to see the Engineers get off to good start.  I have not been able to get to any of the games yet, but have watched some of each of the games on the web.  Coppola has stepped into the #1 offensive role and produced in a big way.  Longwell has also stepped his game up and shot very well.  The young PG (Aaron Davis) has struggled at times, but seems to be settling down more with each game.

Wesoloski & Kolb have done very well giving a solid presence inside so far. While they do not provide the shot blocking threat that Carr/Galloway gave WPI, they must continue to improve though as I believe it will be defense that will determine how successful the season will be.  This is especially true on the inside when conference play ramps up.  Even with out Hollingsworth, MIT still Has Tashman and other big bodies.  Clark has Vayda back playing very well and 2nd Team all-conference center DJ Bailey.  Babson is seeing a transiton to having their center (Wickey - 22ppg) as the main cog in their offensive machine.

Based on what I have seen so far, it's obvious the young freshmen bigs are not yet ready to big contributors.  I am also a bit concerned about Coppola's ability to play a full season.  He missed a few games with leg/foot issues and he eluded to still having them in the post game interview on opening night.  So far it has not affected his play, but its a long season and he is averaging just under 33 minutes so far.  I will say I was surprised to see him lose out to Alex Berthiaume for the initial Player of the Week award.

Hopefully WPI's winning ways will continue tomorrow as they face a Becker squad that beat them 2 years ago and the Engineers beat by only 5 last season.

Mr. Carr

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your son grow from a young reserve to a Josten's Finalist.  You and your wife should indeed be very proud of his accomplishments on & off the court.  I am very glad to hear he found a good job as well.