MBB: St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Mr. Ypsi]

Agreed, but it also calls for very good coaching (and resiliant players).  Otherwise, TOO tough a nonconference schedule may lead to demoralization.  While the ratios vary depending on the players and coaches, I'd say that generally the best schedule is a mix of cupcakes (confidence-building), top teams (see where we need to get, and hopefully learn a few 'tricks'), and fairly even competition (see where we stand).

You must've dozed your way through that Dennis Bridges class as an undergrad at Wesleyan, Chuck. Bridges firmly believed that there was no such thing as "too tough a non-conference schedule" -- and his cupcake-free Novembers and Decembers invariably paid off for his teams in January and February.

The track record of Illinois Wesleyan is one of the best examples on this level of why it pays to schedule as many tough non-conference games as possible, due to the competitive dividends a team thereby reaps when it enters conference play.

While I confess to dozing through many classes as an undergrad, "Coaching ala Bridges" was definitely not one of them!  But you ignored the rationale in my first two sentences.  I dare say there are not many Dennie Bridges out there!  Blindly following his lead may not work so well unless you ARE Dennie!  (Besides, with the teams he put together, quite a few of those tough opponents looked like cupcakes by the time he got through with 'em! )

[FU_Pride]

It's just about ten days until FU travels to Chicago for the Moody Bible Classic, where they have William Penn University in the first round of the tournament.  This is the year the Griffins have everyone in the conference gunning for them after their conference tournament victory last season....but that was last season, this is this year!!  In all reality, FU could be 6-1 going into the Christmas tournament out in California....FCNews when was the last time FU did that?  

The key for this year's team is McCoy, if he shoots the way he is capable of then this team is going to be hard to beat.....last year was a little bit of a down year for him as far as field goal percentage goes, but I look for his percentage to be higher this year.  

With Parker's return, where does he fit in?? You're looking at a guy who can handle it, so he can play the 1.  He can shoot it, so he can play the 2, and he is athletic enough, in my opinion, to be a force in the SLIAC at the 3 spot.  

From what I have seen so far this season, this may be the deepest bench Lee Mac has had in a few seasons.  There are a couple of young guards who are hard nose, and then ofcourse you have the 33 years young Terrance Lovett coming off the bench also!

Can you tell I'm ready for some basketball?!

[buncheriffic]

It's just about ten days until FU travels to Chicago for the Moody Bible Classic, where they have William Penn University in the first round of the tournament.  This is the year the Griffins have everyone in the conference gunning for them after their conference tournament victory last season....but that was last season, this is this year!!  In all reality, FU could be 6-1 going into the Christmas tournament out in California....FCNews when was the last time FU did that? 

Really.
6-1 before you go to Cali.
Really?

It's looking more like:
William Penn - Loss
Moody - Win
Rose-Hulman  - Win        
Robert Morris-Springfield - Loss
Webster - Loss
MacMurray - Win      
Washington-St. Louis - Loss

More like 3-4. You never know with Robert Morris though.

Let's not even talk about that tough California schedule you are playing.

[FU_Pride]

3-4??? Maybe I am overshooting with 6-1, but what the heck! And I put Webster as a W because its at FU....i guess we will have to wait and see though!

[hopefan]

FU Pride  (and FC)  I'm not yet convinced about the depth you speak of - You guys have seen practice and I haven't, but when I think of last year, the team really did it with 6 guys - Fournie was the all purpose 6th man.  Cortez Parker left early.  Terrance Lovett was a non factor until the last 4 or 5 games of the season.

So now, no White. a pure 3 man in the scheme of things, but Parker is back. White played a lot of minutes....Terrance at 33 years old, well, I'm sorry, I question whether he can stay "up" for a whole season if he plays 20, 25 minutes per game.  People off the bench who haven't done it at this level before will need to do it this year...  I may be convinced with you FU pride, but I need to see a couple games....

Also, FU  -  I would have liked to have seen several better games for Fontbonne in the non league schedule - no matter what FC says, their schedule is totally soft compared to Maryville's, Webster's, or Mac's.... 8-1, or maybe 7-2 doesn't mean much against that level of comp - wish they'd get rid of that silly Moody tourney and play a couple of solid d3 schools in Chicago land  -  CCIW, WIAC, even MWC or NATHC

[fcnews]

The Chicago trip will always be on the calender because of Coach's ties with Chi Town. FU has Added Wheaton to next years sched. Last years FU team shows how early season results are meaningless, FU started 2-7 and still was playing in March. Depth will be something we just have to prove to Hope. And I guarantee you T. Lovette is twice the player he was last year and at his age conditioning will never be a question.

Who is going to fill the scoring void left by Spinner at WU?

[hopefan]

FC  -  as much as the games, I'm looking forward to seeing you soon - you have made SLIAC hoops all the more entertaining for me - I love the back and forth banter....

[fcnews]

Hope - It's always good to have someone to prove things to. You weren't a beleiver last year till the final horn. Hopefully it won't take as long this year.

[BunchTime]

FC News:  I think that Webster still has some very capable scorers returning.  I think Hoggatt and Kuhn will provide the bulk of the scoring.  In Spinner's absence, Turk will need to step up and me more consistent.  Turk is a streaky player who can put up numbers (and in bunches), however, he will need to be more consistent.  He can also handle the ball, but I think I would prefer him to be more of a 2 guard looking for his shots, rather then running an offense.  He will be able to provide depth at the point though.

Robinson is a player who plays extremely hard and can provide the Gorloks with 9 or 10 points a night and 5-6 rebounds.  The rest of the scoring will be by committee, until someone steps up and proves they can provide consistent scoring.  Many of the newcomers will make an immediate impact.  It will be interesting to see which ones step up early in the season.

[buncheriffic]

Who is going to fill the scoring void left by Spinner at WU?

BunchTime already mentioned Turk's ability to step up. turk average 8ppg as a sophomore. I'd also point to the incoming JuCo transfers recruited by the Gorloks. 3 of the four transfers are Guards who have the ability to replace Spinner's ppg.

I have seen Coach Siener recruiting players at a number of tournaments and games across the region - he is hands down the hardest working assistant in the SLIAC.

[fcnews]

Thanks for the Webster Replies. It will remain to be seen how the loss effects the Gorlok's. I won't question Hoggat or Kuhn's ability to score. I heard Kuhn has been sidelined w/ injury. Any Update?

[formersliaccommish]

Hopefan,

Lincoln Christian notified the conference on February 9 that it could not meet the financial obligations (number of sports, number of contests, etc) of membership and therefore was withdrawing from the NCAA. Since one requirement for SLIAC membership is that an institution be a member of the NCAA, that meant that Lincoln Christian could not continue as a member of the conference.

However, since it would be difficult to schedule replacement games for 2007-08 that late (February) it was decided to allow them to play in the conference this year. There was also a financial issue for the conference, that of losing Lincoln Christian's dues, again at a very late date.

Games against Lincoln Christian will count in the conference standings, but they will not count as NCAA regional contests, just as games against NAIA schools do not. It's very similar to 2006-07 when LCC games counted as conference games but Lincoln Christian was not eligible for the SLIAC Tournament because it was still a provisional NCAA member.

The other nine SLIAC teams are playing enough games against Division III opponents to meet the NCAA requirement without the two LCC games.

 

[fcnews]

Hey FormerCommish - How is the golf game? South Carolina weather treating you well? You'll be missed on this board and in the stands this year. We, selfishly, would like to still have you around. But, Believe Me, I know what's like when the family says "Hey it's our turn". I hope the family is enjoying not having to share you with a 100 other kids. Have a great holiday and I hope tosee sometime when your in town.

We all hope the NewCommish will be around to answer some of these questions. Remember your no longer on the payroll.

[FU_Pride]

according to buncherrific fontbonnes schedule is plenty tough enough......3-4  sounds to me like fu better keep he schedule as is. 
just a side note.....i hope i have the energy that lee mac has when i reach his age someday! he is constantly up and down the court during practice!

[BunchTime]

Buncheriffic:  I echo your sentiments about Coach Siener!  Although I do not know much about some of the other assistants in the SLIAC, I do know that Coach Siener puts in countless of hours on the recruiting trail.  I believe he has had some offers/looks at other schools in the past, but has remained loyal to his alma mater.  Given his recuiting and coaching skills, one has to wonder how much longer he will stay at Webster.  I hope he stays for a few more years, but one can hardly blame him if he decides to jump ship to take a head coaching job, or even a top assistant job at a bigger/more prestigious school.