Empire 8

[buck1053]

So, it appears Luke Flockerzi of Skidmore is going to be the next coach at the University of Rochester, setting in motion another coaching shift in the East Region.

Any thoughts on who would be tapped to replace him at Skidmore? Or thoughts about Flockerzi at UofR?

[bomber3]

So, it appears Luke Flockerzi of Skidmore is going to be the next coach at the University of Rochester, setting in motion another coaching shift in the East Region.

Any thoughts on who would be tapped to replace him at Skidmore? Or thoughts about Flockerzi at UofR?

I'm a little surprised they went with someone relatively inexperienced, although he does have a pretty solid track record so far.  Neer was there for 34 years so I guess he had to be in his late 20's early 30's when they hired him so my guess is they want Flockerzi for the next few decades too.....So now an opening at Skidmore.

[magicman]

Just learned today that Plattsburgh State Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach Cameron Conover has applied for the Skidmore Head Coaching position. Conover has been at Plattsburgh State for the past 5 years assisting Coach Tom Curle and became the associate head coach several years ago. The Cardinals have been one of the top D3 schools in the state during that time winning 4 SUNYAC titles in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010. They went to the NCAA tourney in each of those seasons and will probably be favored to win the SUNYAC title again this coming season as they return nearly all of their starting lineup. Conover's time spent under Curle's tutelage should prove invaluable and would make him a good fit for this young Skidmore team. He has his masters degree and at 30 or 31 years old he's a candidate that will probably spend a considerable amount of time in his first head coaching position. Skidmore should challenge for the Liberty League title next year as they return most of their rotation. Hope the Thoroughbreds hire a good coach, whoever that turns out to be, but they sure can't go wrong if it ends up being Conover

[bballguy2]

Heard McAdam accepted a coaching position.  Anyone know anything about this?

[bomber3]

Heard McAdam accepted a coaching position.  Anyone know anything about this?

According to a very reliable source (twitter via google) he is a grad assistant for Penn State Behrend College.

[bomber3]

Ithaca's program might be going through a bit of a transition period next year as a number of changes will sweep through the program.  Unfortunately due primarily to budget cuts and Title IX issues, the JV program will most likely be dropped beginning next season.  I was told as a result of this, long-time varsity assistant and JV coach Mike Burton has decided not to return.  This would be a big loss to the program as he has been a staple of the program for over 20 years.

Also, assistant coach Nevada Smith is rumored to be one of the leading candidates for the Skidmore opening.  He has been instrumental in taking Ithaca's program to the next level the past few years and would make an excellent head coach. Skidmore had a very successful season last year and would be a threat in the LL for years to come if Smith is hired. 

On the recruiting front I've been told there are several stud recruits coming to South Hill next year.  Although I don't have any details, they should add to an already loaded lineup.  Hopefully they bring in a solid big man to replace Brown so Barera doesn't have to play the 5. 

With possibly 2 of 3 coaches not returning and no JV program, Mullins would have to fill the voids rather quickly as summer break is already upon us.  Hopefully the program can deal with these (potential) changes seamlessly and not take a step back after two very successfuly seasons. 

[Bombers798891]

Ithaca's program might be going through a bit of a transition period next year as a number of changes will sweep through the program.  Unfortunately due primarily to budget cuts and Title IX issues, the JV program will most likely be dropped beginning next season.  I was told as a result of this, long-time varsity assistant and JV coach Mike Burton has decided not to return.  This would be a big loss to the program as he has been a staple of the program for over 20 years.

Also, assistant coach Nevada Smith is rumored to be one of the leading candidates for the Skidmore opening.  He has been instrumental in taking Ithaca's program to the next level the past few years and would make an excellent head coach. Skidmore had a very successful season last year and would be a threat in the LL for years to come if Smith is hired. 

On the recruiting front I've been told there are several stud recruits coming to South Hill next year.  Although I don't have any details, they should add to an already loaded lineup.  Hopefully they bring in a solid big man to replace Brown so Barera doesn't have to play the 5. 

With possibly 2 of 3 coaches not returning and no JV program, Mullins would have to fill the voids rather quickly as summer break is already upon us.  Hopefully the program can deal with these (potential) changes seamlessly and not take a step back after two very successfuly seasons. 

I've heard the Bombers have a very athletic, fringe D-1 talent coming in from Atlanta who will likely play the wing.

Too bad about the JV program and (if it happens) Nevada leaving. Interesting that there are athletic budget cuts considering they're building a $60 M dollar athletic and events center.

Frankly, unless the coaching system is shot to heck, I think Ithaca could be really good next year. I know they're hoping for a big man still, but when you're bringing back almost all your best players from a 20-8 team, I mean, how can we not expect great things?

The last squad reminded me a lot of the 07-08 team. Good, but you just get the sense they needed another year to gel.

The guy I really expect big things from is Cruz-Rivas. He was the guy whose game is so reliant on his chemistry with the PG. I think having a whole off-season to work with Rossi and get more in sync will really benefit him.

If Ithaca can bring in some depth, that would be huge. IC really only rotated seven guys last year and with the pace they play, asking four guys to give you 30-35 minutes a night is a lot. I think one of the things that caught up with IC last year was just fatigue.

I expect a regular season in the 20-win range

[FROMAFAR]

Bomber 798891...your sucking me in for early preview.... I will wait until the fall, I will say early prediction IC and RIT will be one two in conference. Fisher as always will be in the mix....

Hartwick moves up a bit
Naz takes a hit and backs up
Stevens takes biggest hit and will be near the bottom.
UC no change
Alfred moves up a bit
Elmira no change


remember I have no idea about recruits.......In fall I will give more detail on why.......... But remember WHAT DO I KNOW

[bomber3]

Bomber 798891...your sucking me in for early preview.... I will wait until the fall, I will say early prediction IC and RIT will be one two in conference. Fisher as always will be in the mix....

Hartwick moves up a bit
Naz takes a hit and backs up
Stevens takes biggest hit and will be near the bottom.
UC no change
Alfred moves up a bit
Elmira no change


remember I have no idea about recruits.......In fall I will give more detail on why.......... But remember WHAT DO I KNOW

So we have a Bomber fan picking the Bombers and a RIT fan picking the Tigers

I thought Stevens would fall off big-time last year and I was sorely mistaken.  I'm not going to make that mistake again...

[Bombers798891]

Bomber 798891...your sucking me in for early preview.... I will wait until the fall, I will say early prediction IC and RIT will be one two in conference. Fisher as always will be in the mix....

Hartwick moves up a bit
Naz takes a hit and backs up
Stevens takes biggest hit and will be near the bottom.
UC no change
Alfred moves up a bit
Elmira no change


remember I have no idea about recruits.......In fall I will give more detail on why.......... But remember WHAT DO I KNOW

So we have a Bomber fan picking the Bombers and a RIT fan picking the Tigers

I thought Stevens would fall off big-time last year and I was sorely mistaken.  I'm not going to make that mistake again...

Not justany Bomber fan, buddy. I guess it's just death and taxes this year 

[FisherDynasty]

I think IC will be good but they usually don't amount to taking the title as they are usually streaky and RIT has disappointed last few years. I'd have to go with Fisher at the #1 spot as usual, even if they don't have the talent they typically play the most consistent and best team basketball in the league. With Koch coming back who could be player of the year now that he has a year under his belt, Jordan gettings 3 year starter/leader at the point, Will Cornet athletic wing, and Jason Norson very solid Big man who should shine now that he is a sophemore, they have good pieces in place.  They have a very very good recruiting class coming in consisting of players from Colorado, California, Pittsburgh, and Connecticut (I think), includes mostly wing players, 1 pg, and a 6'8 center. 

The losses of Newman and Wopperer will hurt a little bit but Norson should have a better year than Wopp had last year and Gettings took over as the pg anyways in the prior years.

any other info on recruits for other schools?

[bomber3]

I think IC will be good but they usually don't amount to taking the title as they are usually streaky and RIT has disappointed last few years. I'd have to go with Fisher at the #1 spot as usual, even if they don't have the talent they typically play the most consistent and best team basketball in the league. With Koch coming back who could be player of the year now that he has a year under his belt, Jordan gettings 3 year starter/leader at the point, Will Cornet athletic wing, and Jason Norson very solid Big man who should shine now that he is a sophemore, they have good pieces in place.  They have a very very good recruiting class coming in consisting of players from Colorado, California, Pittsburgh, and Connecticut (I think), includes mostly wing players, 1 pg, and a 6'8 center. 

The losses of Newman and Wopperer will hurt a little bit but Norson should have a better year than Wopp had last year and Gettings took over as the pg anyways in the prior years.

any other info on recruits for other schools?

Let me update my post --

So we have a Bomber fan picking the Bombers, a RIT fan picking the Tigers, and a SJF fan picking the Cardinals 

And yes Bombers you're right....hell just froze over!

[FROMAFAR]

You guys are great......... really........ so maybe we can get an Elmira fan and see if we can keep this going...........

here I go again, but don't be fooled by Stevens success last year.  They were 13-13 the year before ( I think) They lost Grey, and Passalaqua...so some thought they would go backwards........ The only real addition was Greco and they go 18-8, and make the conf. tourney. That's a huge swing with only one change...Yes they had a back up freshman guard, ( forgot his name) who could shoot a bit and played a few minutes, but played most of the time with Greco in the back court. As I recall he didn't penetrate and was very hesitant passsing. IF he is going to take Greco's spot at the point, I see them dropping way down... Compare next years team to the team before this past year. If I told you no Passalaqua, no Grey and virtually no replacements... and they went 13-13..... I can actually see a 4-12 conference record for this team... So maybe 8-16 with no post season...I hope not because I like watching them. But this will mean bottom heavy with Elmira Alfred and Stevens battling for last place and Utica just a cut above. I'm telling yoiu the biggest loss Stevens has had over the last 4 years teams will be Greco. He gave the team a personality and a bit fo saunter as well as wins. I believe they won over 60 games in his 3 years of playing witha sweet 16 an ECAC Championship and another ECAC appearance..... It will be awhile before they see that again. 
Now as far as RIT.. They didn't disappoint two years ago.... as a matter of fact I considered that an above expectation year. Last year yes... very disappointing.   I think they will be at the top because basically everyone back and they started to have a set rotation...I believe 3 team race...with Rit and Ithaca 1-2... I  think the guards of Fisher are a little over-rated....but then again not many good point guards left in the league...This should stir it up a bit......But WHAT DO-------    

[Bombers798891]

Talked to an IC coach today...Bombers got their big man. Name withheld, but apparently, he's 6-8, and was recruited by Cornell as well. Also told they got a very good guard coming in as well. The term used to describe them was "the big three."

I know no details of the players beyond that, but sounds like Ithaca's got the making of an improved team. Twenty wins is probably the new expectation, at least for me.

[bomber3]

Talked to an IC coach today...Bombers got their big man. Name withheld, but apparently, he's 6-8, and was recruited by Cornell as well. Also told they got a very good guard coming in as well. The term used to describe them was "the big three."

I know no details of the players beyond that, but sounds like Ithaca's got the making of an improved team. Twenty wins is probably the new expectation, at least for me.

Ooo I like the sound of that!  Now I know he would be a freshman but that is the piece they really needed to put something really great together.  If he can come in and play the 5 right off the bat, that moves Barera to his natural position at the 4.  Throw in one of the top freshman guards in the country, another all-conference player (honorable mention) on the wing, and somone who dropped 40+ on more than one occassion.  I just got excited...