MBB: St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[hopefan]

Im not privy to the inner workings of the program but I consider Coach Bunch a straight shooter, standup guy who tells it like it is   -  former players on this site have had nothing but praise for him....  I'm skeptical that he has a problem......

[Love_for_the_Game]

Well that is what my in side said. Another thing I heard is that Fontbonne is going through the same thing. Players are questioning there coach. This could be a slow start for both Webster and Fontbonne. We will see if they can pull it together by the time practice starts.

[Love_for_the_Game]

Yes, I know its a Sunday but I cant stop thinking about basketball. Who really knows what is going to happen this year. I have been reading some of your old post today and notice that Fontbonne is talked a lot. They have had a great 3 year run and looking to do same this year. With Josh Branch and Chris Forrest leading the way it should be a very good year for them. They are two great players and with the 4 year experience that Branch brings this should be his year. I predict a great year for him and he will get PTY! It will be close but I think Forrest and Branch will be leading the way. That is only if he can get along with the coach and he lets him play his game. During last year you could see both the coach and Branch fighting with each other but it always seems like Branch wins the fight. I guess the players run that team  Another thing I want to say are some of the predictions that some people have made on here. I do not agree with some of your 1st and 2nd teams. Since Fcnews has all the inside on Fontbonne, who is going to be there big guy? Zeollner is not good enough or big enough and Frank is a true 3 guard. I think Fonbonne will have trouble in that area that is why I predict GC to win it all. What do you guys think?

[ac slater]

I think Westminster will win conf. easily. I just don't see how teams can match up with them.

[hopefan]

I wish AC would elaborate a bit more on his comments regarding Westmin....  I'm in agreement that the 4 guys returning are all prime timers, but beyond that is a HUGE question mark....   none of the remaining guys off the bench saw any time at all and we've heard nothing about recruiting.  AC - can you fill in the blanks?

This is what makes things fun though - with various teams selected by the prognosticators to finish first and secong, hopefully it means many exciting meaningful games during the season.

[ac slater]

I stated earlier just a quick rumor about Westminster's recruits. They have two 6'8 freshmen and a handful of athletic guards. I do not have anything else besides that, but an inside source said they look very athletic and good.

[ec_fan14]

Still no update on Eureka's website about roster or schedule.  Season is just around the corner, you would think they would put it up in the near future.  Still haven't heard much about any recruits either.

However I don't think that Westminster will just walk away with the league.  Find me 2 players on any returning team that put up numbers like Bell and Zasada.  You can make an argument for Branch and Forrest but I'll take my Eureka boys because of their all around numbers.

Season should be an interesting season, and hopefully a nice chat board with perspectives of multiple teams.

Good luck to everyone this season

[Love_for_the_Game]

I like the chats that are taken place. Westminster will be good and its going to be a great year. I still thing GC will upset some teams. Even though I am picking them to win, my heart goes for Fontbonne. I actually got lucky and got some of thier open gym tonight. Looks like Frank S. is in top form of shooting and Ben R. is looking faster and better than I have ever seen him. Branch is playing well even though he hurt his ankle. It might just be Fontbonne's year again. What I did not see is Forrest or Nolan Z? Not sure if Nolan Z is playing or he just didnt come back because of the year he had last year. Not sure why coach Mc. kept playing him but maybe he was better than it looked like. He could not shoot and he is not a big man. We will see if he comes back this year. Another team that I saw playing last week was Webster. They have a good program and will keep getting better. They keep track who wins and who all shows up. Fontbonne is come as you go. Would not think a college basketball team would be like that but who knows. FC News who is your player that will make a difference for Fontbonne? Any of the kids that have not played much for Fontbonne but have been there for 2 years, like Ramtin, Buford, Meloway, or Seidle getting any better or getting any playing time. Always like to see the kids that stick it out to become great players, they are the good stories.

[fcnews]

Nolan Zeollner is in school and just returned from a tournament with the golf team. I think he was low score for FU. It's golfs non traditional season.

Practice starts in two weeks and change. Organized work outs by the coaching staff would be in that grey area. But, it's good to hear Webster is keeping score and working hard. Westminister has to be the preseason no. 1, just based one who returns. That's a no brainer.

[fcnews]

Love for the Game - All four players you mentioned are great young men. Dressed for all varsity games last year. Assuming FU continues it's 3 guard style, Branch, Forrest and Rapp would be your incumbents. Unfortunately the four you mentioned (plus John Reese) are 6'0 and under guards. That makes for a lot of competition for precious minutes. That leaves Riva, Scheetz and Zeollner as returners for the last two spots.

Seems to me to be a rebuilding type year.

[Love_for_the_Game]

That is not the news I wanted to hear. I thought they would come off the bench for those guys, I did not mean as starters. As for Nolan Z, is he really going to be the big man for Fontbonne? Frank S. is already pushing it but both of them out there as 4 and 5, sounds like a bad year. Atleast Frank S. can spread the defense with his shooting, Nolan Z. is out there for size I guess That is why I am not choosing Fontbonne to win, not sure what they have and not even sure if they know what they have. I didnt realize golf was played at night? Should of went during the day to see Nolan Z. play. huh? FCnews what type are offense are they running and do you work for Fontbonne as an assit. coach and do you get to see them a lot during these times? Would it be alright if we met up to meet to watch some open gym. I am always around and would love to see what you think about everything. Think about it, and get back to me.

[distantobserver]

Its nice to see chatter on the board .
About the fans - drive and passion are both required to "play the game" and some have it who watch the game  but sometimes its hard to keep under control.  I understand that but just object once to the ref and let it go.  Sometimes it is very distracting when you are trying to watch the game, I agree.  But when a person has that drive/passion it's easy to get  carried away then someone who doesn't.

It sure does sound like there are some TALL players recurited to SLIAC  this year are any of them BIG?

I agree, GC will be in the mix - winning it all ?? NOT?? but a team to prepare for!
Westminster - aggressive, plays the game to end - usually the players not always sure the coach
Fontbonne - Coach letting the team run itself - I haven't seen it.  Pushing the players to their full capcity and trusting them to do their jobs?  Yes!
Webster - its hard to pull players together that have played college athletics in another program together verses newbees - who just don't know what to expect and are more receptive and conforming.

it should be a good season!

[hopefan]

me thinks the wiley veterans of the room are either playing it very coy not giving out all they know, or letting the newbies dig themselves into a hole by not commenting 

Seriously, good to see some new writers with fresh attitudes and visions contributing to the room  -  keep it up, never get tooooo mad if someone disagrees with you  -  and be nice to FC..

am I actually seeing my favorite 3 SLIAC coaches, all who have taken their teams to the conference tourney the last several consecutive years, each getting ripped weeks before the first ball is thrown out for practice....  wow, could be a tough audience this season.

[fcnews]

Hopefan - "No problem, Mon" You know the players win the games and the coaches take the losses. You were there.

DistantObserver - Yes to your question on size. Three at 6'7. A freshman from Willard H.S. and two transfers. Agreed, that a coach needs to motivate each player. And, in most cases it needs to be handled different with each. Do players and coaches disagree? Well yes. Does it mean they can't reach the same goals? Pretty obvious. I AGREE a fun year to set back and watch. Lot of pressure when the expectations are set so high, as they have been recently.


Love of the game - No not an assistant or employed at FU. Don't make many open gyms. Kinda like summer leagues, sloppy basketball. I won't be hard to find when the games roll around.

[Love_for_the_Game]

Yes, will be seeing you there. I am not trying to get on anyone just like to get some answers. Will be wacthing a lot of games this year and will be talking about them all the time. Hopefan- there is no problem here, I just think sometimes you guys are too soft.