MBB: NEWMAC

[Pat Coleman]

Well, I can say, it's lovely to be back here on the NEWMAC board. And I'm glad to see that a little success has brought supporters of a new program to the board. It's just too bad that they have to be so negative. Guys -- enjoy the ride. It won't last forever. Don't spend your time tearing someone else down.

Here's the letter. I can see where if you skew it into a clickbaity-kind of way, that you could almost make out what "lukedunphy" wants you to believe, but maybe people should read the actual text and decide for themselves.

Click to enlarge.

[nescac1]

Wow, I'm glad you posted that Pat.  The letter is not remotely what "lukedunphy" characterized it to be.  A helpful reminder (as if we needed any after the last election cycle!) to always be skeptical about ANYTHING we read on the Internet that isn't sourced and doesn't pass the smell test.   After learning the truth, I rescind my equivocation on my earlier endorsement of Bartley's coaching acumen and record! 

[whyDiii]

After watching newmac and nescac play for over 10 years, I have great admiration for how hard Coach Bartley gets his guys to play. It was quite a battle last night with the Jumbos, but Tufts was just overpowering in the last 10. Even with Palleschi not putting up big numbers, they found a way..

"Lukedunphy" definitely overreacted to whatever he may have heard. Assuming lukedunphy didn't have much "insider info" here. From
What I've gathered, some of the WPI players may have just not bought in. Nonetheless It is quite impressive what Bartley does with limited pieces some years! It should be interesting to follow them as they continue to grind away with guys like Doncaster and Converse who look to have gotten much better after seeing a few of their games in person this year.

Converse is a kid who works his butt off like I've never seen every second he is in there. An absolute animal on the glass as well as one can see by looking at any box score.

Doncaster looks like he is playing with extreme confidence this year. Had some big games last year but looks like he had a very good off season.

[AlSkinnersMustache]

Thanks for posting that letter. I knew it felt a little odd Bartley is hard on his players, not downright cruel.  WPI is looking toward a top 3 Finish in the NEWMAC along with Babson and MIT. 

I have seen Babson play this year and Flannery looks like the same Flannery we have seen in the past but with a killer attitude.  Along with Flannery, Junior Nick Comenale has been pouring in the buckets.  The pair average 24 and 19 pgg respectively, and have gone on runs by themselves.  Rounding out the starting 5 for the Beavers are Seniors Sam Bohmiller and Isaiah Nelsen, as well as Junior Bradley Jacks.  Each providing their own unique method of scoring is shown in the Babson's 88 points per game.  Babson with its 6 seniors that went to the Final Four 2 years ago are eyeing a return to Salem this spring.

Having frequented WPI games as well I can affirm the improvement of Doncaster and Converse. The loss of Obi Obiora and Jashanti Allen will be a minor setback for the Engineers.  Junior Chris Rodgers is in a big spot to play some big minutes and show off his length and ability to get to the hoop. WPI has looked good thus far in the season. Bartley will have them ready to play Babson.

Don't know much on MIT, I know Jomard is the real deal that gave Babson a little trouble last spring.  Looking for a some good improvement this year.

Going to be an interesting year in the NEWMAC, we will see what teams can make some noise in the middle of the pack.

[rlk]

After watching newmac and nescac play for over 10 years, I have great admiration for how hard Coach Bartley gets his guys to play. It was quite a battle last night with the Jumbos, but Tufts was just overpowering in the last 10. Even with Palleschi not putting up big numbers, they found a way..

Having seen more than enough games against WPI, I have to concur.  WPI *always* plays MIT tough and I'd be surprised if they play anyone else otherwise.  The year we went to Salem (2012), WPI was the only team that beat us in the regular season -- on our court, no less.

[warriorcat]

I am watching the Babson-Salem State game. Where is flannery? First half was thought for Babson without him.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I am watching the Babson-Salem State game. Where is flannery? First half was thought for Babson without him.

Officially - he's dealing with a foot issue and is day to day; he may play tomorrow.

[rlk]

I am watching the Babson-Salem State game. Where is flannery? First half was thought for Babson without him.

Officially - he's dealing with a foot issue and is day to day; he may play tomorrow.

I think that question got answered convincingly.

[warriorcat]

Maybe he should take a few more games off. What a stat line!!!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Maybe he should take a few more games off. What a stat line!!!

Amherst next week.  I imagine he'll be playing.

[whyDiii]

A lot of hype surrounding tomorrow's Amherst Babson game. Babson's bigs vs. Amhersts bigs should be very fun to watch as well the matchups on the wings with Flannery/McCarthy and Comenale/Racy.
It will be interesting to see whether Hix rides Dawson or Berman more in this game. In the last matchup Berman only played 12 minutes compared to Dawson's 28 mins.

In other newmac news, it appears Jomard is dealing with a finger injury that has slowed down the MIT team a bit at the start here.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

The season has started fast and for some teams they still haven't lost. Not unexpected for some, maybe completely unexpected for others.

And there is a big battle between #1 and #2 in Division III men's basketball on tap!

On Thursday's edition of Hoopsville, Dave is back in studio and talking to some of the teams who find themselves without a loss, but probably still with plenty of questions that remain unanswered. Many of the teams are nationally ranked, but one of the teams tonight finds itself undefeated and receiving narry a point in any of the Division III polls.

Also on Thursday's edition, Dave will talk LIVE with either #1 Amherst or #2 Babson. The two men's programs face off in a rare #1 v #2 regular season battle. We chat with the winning coach after the game.

You can watch Hoopsville below staring at 7:00 pm ET. We are also experimenting with simulcasting the show on Facebook Live! More info here: http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2016-17/dec8

Guests included (in order):
- Bob Amsberry, No. 8 Wartburg women's coach
- Amy Reed, Rochester Tech women's coach
- Landry Kosmalski, No. 22 Swarthmore men's coach
- Jon VanderWal, No. 3 Marietta men's coach
- Either Dave Hixon (No. 1 Amherst) or Stephen Brennan (No. 2 Banson) men's coach

This is most likley the last Thursday edition of Hoopsville before the holiday break (due to D3football.com coverage of Gagliardi Trophy and Stagg Bowl next week and proximity of Christmas the following week). The Thursday edition of the show will return January 5, 2017 - but stay tuned if we change our minds in two weeks.

You can also tune into the podcast(s) after the show has aired:
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/hoopsville
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hoopsville/id1059517087

Don't forget you can always interact with us:
Website: www.d3hoopsville.com
Twitter: @d3hoopsville or #Hoopsville
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hoopsville
Email: hoopsville@d3hoops.com
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[WPI89]

Good bounce back week for WPI. Long break till Big game against Keene STate after christmas!

[middhoops]

Congrats to Springfield on their huge upset of #1 Amherst tonight.
Jake Ross isn't just the best first year player in the NEWMAC.  Maybe the next Flannery for your conference.

[WPI89]

Thanks Midd for the NEWMAC love - I was late to the party with Ross - but he looks like he can ball.  So athletic!