MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

D3hoops has Stevenson's Owings Mills Gym's capacity at 1200. I wouldn't qualify that as "big". That's barely big enough for NCAA tournament hosting requirements (min. 1000?).

You live in the midwest.  Maybe it's just 1200, but it feels a bit bigger.  http://gomustangsports.com/facilities/owings-mills-gym

I know how to estimate crowds in D3-sized gyms, and I can tell you for a fact that, if the side not fully shown in that picture has the same seating configuration as the fully-shown side (sans benches and scorer's table, of course), the capacity is closer to 1,300 than to 1,200.

But, yeah, that's not a big gym at all by overall D3 standards in terms of seating capacity.

1200-1300 is probably a fair number for a general crowd, but I suspect they can fit a lot more into that building. It does feel bigger because of the design with the upper walking areas and plenty of room for extra bleachers off the endline(s) if needed. But it has a bigger feel than the number. Similar to Goucher where the building is not jammed with seating everywhere making the number feel smaller than the arena.

[Greek Tragedy]

So everyone starts practice this weekend...except Stevens Point?     

Anything else come about from the NCAA making a visit to Point?

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

I was told the NCAA would come out with a decision by the beginning of October... I have seen nothing... not sure what is going on. It isn't like you can call someone and get an answer to that kind of question.

[AppletonRocks]

I was told the NCAA would come out with a decision by the beginning of October... I have seen nothing... not sure what is going on. It isn't like you can call someone and get an answer to that kind of question.

I think they are waiting for Wikileaks to check in with evidence. 

[Just Bill]

Very sorry to hear of the passing of UWW broadcaster and longtime message board contributor Tom Pattison (Voice)...

http://www.dailyunion.com/sports/article_2aeec836-9538-11e6-a911-eb28533fe889.html

[Greek Tragedy]

Very sorry to hear of the passing of UWW broadcaster and longtime message board contributor Tom Pattison (Voice)...

http://www.dailyunion.com/sports/article_2aeec836-9538-11e6-a911-eb28533fe889.html

Tough loss...a very nice article too.

[fredfalcon]

Though they have received little attention this year, UWRF will be at least as competitive in the league as they were a year ago.

[Greek Tragedy]

Though they have received little attention this year, UWRF will be at least as competitive in the league as they were a year ago.

I'm guessing the coach's/SID's poll will be out at the end of the month. With Christensen' 18 pts and 8.5 rebs gone, along with fellow starter Jack Herum, they have some big shoes to fill.

I'm thinking Oshkosh, La Crosse, Whitewater as the top 3.

[AppletonRocks]

Any new news on the Stevens Point situation?   Have they started practicing?   I drove by Quandt yesterday and there was no police tape, so I assume the investigation has been moved to Indy.

[tomt4525]

Though they have received little attention this year, UWRF will be at least as competitive in the league as they were a year ago.

I expect RF to be really tough this year.  They lose Christensen but gain a D2 transfer, Alex Herink, who should fill in his spot nicely.  Herink isn't the scorer that Christensen is, but he is a lot more athletic.  Plus, they bring back Erickson and Pearson who will both contend for All Conference honors. 

I have a hard time projecting the WIAC standings this year.  i think that 6 teams could all finish anywhere between 1 and 6, and any order wouldn't shock me.  The teams I include in that are Eau Claire, La Crosse, Oshkosh, River Falls, Stevens Point and Whitewater.  It'll come down to who put in the most work in the offseason.

[fredfalcon]

RF also brings back Devin Buckley, junior, who was 5th leading 3 point scorer and no. 1 in 3 shooting percentage in the league (55%). He did this off the bench, but  will probably start this season. Herink started as a freshman at Mankato, but was relegated to the bench by recruits/transfers last season.

[RedHotFalcon]

I think Herink will be in the POTY conversation. Started as a freshman, started-came off bench-then started last 10 or so games with a 27 point game high as a soph, 22-10 team and played in the NCAA tournament. Add a Clay Seifert from Bemidji St and the very good returners. Well let's say, the league will be tough and I got a feeling that the Falcons will be ready!

[bucky]

Very sorry to hear of the passing of UWW broadcaster and longtime message board contributor Tom Pattison (Voice)...

http://www.dailyunion.com/sports/article_2aeec836-9538-11e6-a911-eb28533fe889.html

Tough loss...a very nice article too.

RIP "Voice"

[AppletonRocks]

I think Herink will be in the POTY conversation. Started as a freshman, started-came off bench-then started last 10 or so games with a 27 point game high as a soph, 22-10 team and played in the NCAA tournament. Add a Clay Seifert from Bemidji St and the very good returners. Well let's say, the league will be tough and I got a feeling that the Falcons will be ready!

Do you think RF's geographic proximity to a D-2 league will continue to be a means for them to reload and remain competitive?  Are they getting their fair share of freshman recruits and if not, why not?

We all know that Point and WW have used D-1 and D-2 transfers heavily instead of incoming freshmen.  Will that force other schools--I guess Oshkosh would be the one at a disadvantage--to use the same approach?  They seem to be intent on getting really good freshman (who could have gone D-2 but didn't) and playing them early--e.g. Boots and Wittchow in 2016.  Culturally easier to grow your own, I suspect.

Thoughts everyone?  Bueller?   

[gordonmann]

Will that force other schools--I guess Oshkosh would be the one at a disadvantage--to use the same approach?

Why does that disadvantage Oshkosh? The answer might be obvious but I don't know enough about the schools, or Oshkosh in particular.