MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

That is about the latest date programs could start a season and be eligible for NCAA tournament play - at least in this covid era. WIAC is leaving very little wiggle room, but at least they are trying.

As for the wording of "will" or "would" ... none of it really matters. They have to get to that date and feel they can successfully play the games and be safe ... someone could write "we will definitely, absolutely, positively, no questions about it, not a doubt in our minds, certainly be playing on ..." and be forced to change the plans.

I wish everyone good luck with these plans. I'm optimistic and pessimistic depending on the moment. I would hate to be an administrator. And it isn't just the teams you have to worry about and test ... refs (if there are enough available), game staff, and others, too. It is very, very complicated.

[PauldingLightUP]

Very good points Dave. I think "will" represents optimism that they think they can clear the testing hurdles mentioned and get to the starting line.

It will be interesting if they try for the NCAAs or just play everyone twice and have a tournament in late March similar to the SLIAC. I wonder if something like this is a decision coaches or chancellors and ADs would make?

I agree 100%, so many up and downs since summer for optimism for Division III.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

It isn't just testing ... cases and coronavirus status on each campus, in each town, in each region, and in the state could and will have an impact.

I've said to others ... student-athletes could do yoeman's work to make sure they are safe and covid-free and see seasons canceled because of others not in their control or sphere ruining it.

Sadly.

[tomt4525]

 UW-Platteville has picked up a commitment from 2021 G/F Mathew Waldera (6-5) of Blair-Taylor.

[tomt4525]

Fond Du Lac 6'5" F, Mack Sebert, has committed to play basketball at La Crosse.

[tomt4525]

6'6" Arlington Heights(IL) F, Griffin Ginder, will play basketball at UW-La Crosse.

[PauldingLightUP]

UW Oshkosh basketball coach did an interview for the Northwestern and released some of the scheduling details. "...the plan calls for teams to be split into two four-team divisions based on travel distance. If finalized, each team would play two games against its three division rivals and a crossover opponent, presumably one as close as possible." "We haven't been told it's 100% locked in, but have been told things are looking good." "...a decision should come near Jan. 20". There is also a possibility they could play with masks on similar to WIAA.

[badgerwarhawk]

I get the impression that it's a go.  WHITEWATER will play Stevens Point, Oshkosh, Platteville and Stout.  Men play on Wednesdays, the women on Fridays for the month of February.  There will be a conference tournament during the first week of March though the details are still be worked on.  No spectators, each school has a limit on how many can be in the gym including players, coaches, support staff, media etc.  Masks are mandatory except for the 10 on the floor.  Extensive testing is planned.  Social distancing as possible. 

[PauldingLightUP]

The WIAC is back. No spectators.

https://wiacsports.com/news/2021/1/19/general-wiac-set-to-begin-winter-sports-competition.aspx

Divisions are established. Cross over play is the final week. Oshkosh v Eau Claire. Stout v Whitewater. Stevens Point v River Falls. Platteville v La Crosse.

[PauldingLightUP]

Pat Miller on WFAW this morning notes that the WIAC needed about $500,000 worth of testing in order for this winter sports schedule to go forth and Tommy Thompson wanted to make this work so the athletes can play. Also, he said seeding for the conference tournament has not been set yet.  He did not sound optimistic about an NCAA Tournament, but is thrilled a conference season will happen.

I think that means they are debating whether to have divisions seeded 1-4 play each other in the first two rounds and winners play in the championship, a straight 1-8 seeding based on percentage, or maybe even division winners get the top two seeds and the 3-8 seeded after that. Those are basically the three options you could have for the schedule set forth. Not sure what is the best or what direction they will go in?

[palum]

Pat Miller on WFAW this morning notes that the WIAC needed about $500,000 worth of testing in order for this winter sports schedule to go forth and Tommy Thompson wanted to make this work so the athletes can play. Also, he said seeding for the conference tournament has not been set yet.  He did not sound optimistic about an NCAA Tournament, but is thrilled a conference season will happen.

I think that means they are debating whether to have divisions seeded 1-4 play each other in the first two rounds and winners play in the championship, a straight 1-8 seeding based on percentage, or maybe even division winners get the top two seeds and the 3-8 seeded after that. Those are basically the three options you could have for the schedule set forth. Not sure what is the best or what direction they will go in?

The WIAC is back. No spectators.

https://wiacsports.com/news/2021/1/19/general-wiac-set-to-begin-winter-sports-competition.aspx

Divisions are established. Cross over play is the final week. Oshkosh v Eau Claire. Stout v Whitewater. Stevens Point v River Falls. Platteville v La Crosse.

I'm glad we are going to have games and I assume they can be watched online. The East and West  division names are better than Leaders and Legends but North and South would be more.geographicly correct but maybe not politically correct.  Based on the past few years the East maybe stronger than the West and I hope they have some sort of weighted seeding system for.the conference tournament.  Let the games  begin.

[WW]

The WIAC is back. No spectators.

https://wiacsports.com/news/2021/1/19/general-wiac-set-to-begin-winter-sports-competition.aspx

Divisions are established. Cross over play is the final week. Oshkosh v Eau Claire. Stout v Whitewater. Stevens Point v River Falls. Platteville v La Crosse.

Really pleased to see WIAC kids get this opportunity. It may not go to plan. But good on y'all for trying.

[tomt4525]

First taste of WIAC action tonight, Purple/Gold game at 7.  Looks like it will be streamed on their YouTube channel.

[tomt4525]

https://uwwsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster

Whitewater's roster is updated.  Equan Ards is back, which is huge for WW.  I didn't see him in any preseason pictures online which made me wonder.  Ryan Waddell from nearby Homestead, transferred in from D1 Milwaukee.  He was a walk on there but was heavily recruited by D3 schools while at Homestead.  WW's roster is loaded with talent, could definitely make some noise if they put it all together.  Also helps that their crossover games are against Stout.

WW's announced recruits that aren't listed on the updated roster:
Tyrail Trussell
Larry Canady
Fred Cottrell

[tomt4525]

https://athletics.uwsp.edu/sports/mens-basketball/roster

Well...I was very optimistic about UWSP's roster before they just updated it online.  Another 3 incoming freshman aren't listed....Trey Zastrow, Jacob Newhouse and Vaughn Breit.  Zastrow and Newhouse were 2 of their higher thought of incoming freshman and only 13 players listed. 

Trey Zastrow, Jaxon Flaherty, Jacob Newhouse, Vaughn Breit and Logan Mulhern all moved in on campus and didn't make it out of the first preseason.  Not to mention, they were already lacking size and Breit and Newhouse added some.  I don't know who is going to start but based on experience, you would think Timmermann does and will be their tallest guy.  He's more of a 3 than he is a post.