Empire 8

[AUPepBand]

7. ALFRED... New coach.. Wellman, and return of veterans.. Embury, Patt, Smthgall, and Walsh, give him a start at this school.. could surprise one of top 3 along the way.

FYI: Ellis Walsh, who proly led the Saxons in scoring last year as a frosh, has, sadly, but understandably, transferred to Nazareth.....not to play basketball, mind you, but to play VOLLEYBALL, his first love. Pep had opportunity to get acquainted with Walsh during study time at the library as well as on the volleyball court. Pep taught him a few things on both accounts.  The kid will do well! All the best to Ellis!!

[FROMAFAR]

PEP, good to hear from you, actually now that you mention that, I believe you told us that back away.... That hurts, he was preety good..... I too wish him luck, as long as he is doing what he likes and gets the EDU...

[sjfcards]

Any news out there from the Fisher training camp? They have to replace some key big men this year. Any word on the recruiting class that Kornaker brought in would be appreciated.

[FisherDynasty]

Not much news about the actual camp but didnt hear of any big name fresh coming in or any that might contribute right away.  They did lose key big men and they will be missed im sure as they didnt really fill the void.  my bet is that Fisher is going to have to go with a really small guard oriented line up with newman, baltz, franklin and a swingman at the 4 (will cornell or branden Witte) wopperer at the 5.  I see this team having a hard time fitting into the conference tournament this year.

[Cyclone0205]

Welcome back everyone.  Bout a week to go until practice kicks off, so I figured I'd give my early early 2 cents on how I think the conference will shake out.  Now, keep in mind that we don't know much about what the freshmen classes will hold, so a lot of this is based on last season.  Lets get goin:


1)  Ithaca
  Burton is back, Bostic is back, Leahy is back.  You could argue that this is going to be the most explosive trio in the conference this year.  This team was SOOOOOO close (conference tournament in their building) to finally getting over the hurdle, only to fall short once again.  This time, I think the Bomber fans finally get their dream of NCAA glory.  Personally, it'd be neat to see 5 different E8 members in the tourney in the past 3 seasons (Utica, SJF, Stevens, Naz, and then Ithaca this year).  Only thing stopping this team is themselves, or another injury.


2)  Utica
  With Doug back, they're always a threat.  I actually like the mix of talent that they have assembled this year, and this team finished the season probably as hot as any team in the conference.  Unfortunately, they seem to have droughts in the season where they don't want to play.  If they can avoid that, they'll be right back in the thick of the title hunt.

3)  RIT
   I'm going on a limb, and maybe I'll be proven very wrong, but I like this team this year.  Last year they beat Utica, Ithaca, St. John Fisher, and Stevens.  Losing to last year's NCAA tournament team (Naz) THREE times last year really hurt obviously, but I do think there is a lot to like.  Foster is back (Co-Rookie of the Year), Carson is back (the inevitable 6th 1st teamer..aka 2nd team, but barely), and a host of other tough, gritty players.  I think this is the year they break into the e8 tournament at the expense of some other teams.

4)  [tie] Nazareth and St. John Fisher
   I know, I know, a tie is like kissing your sister, but I think these teams will finish the season dead even.  I love the guard play of both teams, but hate the inside games, or lack there of.  Canori's loss is really going to hurt Naz, as is their inability to carry their athleticism from offense to defense, and Fisher lost a ton inside.  One of these teams will back into the tournament thanks to a furious rally at the end.


6)  Stevens
  Recipe for disaster:  New Coach + Bad Road Team - Best playmaker - All inside presence - Novelty(new team in conference last year) = uh oh.


I know Gray and Passalacqua are back, but surprisingly I think this teams problem may be team scoring.  If you look at it, they had no one average THREE assists a game last year except Farid.  Say what you will, but Farid and Williams both commanded the attention of defenses, which opened things up for Gray's slashing and Passalacqua's shooting.  Gray is still going to get his numbers because he's that talented, but what about the other guys?  The point guard spot is key.  If Greco can elevate his game to within the realm of "Burton/McAdam" level, then this team will make a little noise and be in the hunt for a tournament berth.  On the other hand, if he loses his job to Baker like he did at the end of last season, then I could see a winning season for the ducks, but not a tournament one (similar to Utica last year).


7)  Elmira
They play tough and hard.  Not expecting too much from them, but they'll still be dangerous once or twice this year against a contender. 

8 )  Hartwick
Coco and Co.  Such a shame that they never got players around him, but hey, it happens.  Let's hope he puts on a great performance on Senior Night and steals a W. He deserves that much.

9)  Alfred
They may be going up, but they aren't quite there yet.  Many questions and fewer answers, although this season could be one of growth not anything else.

[FROMAFAR]

Hey, we're getting everyone back, this is great, good to hear from you Cyclone, and a great read. Looking for some of the others to throw their 2 cents in.

I totally agree with your RIT synopsis, I can't write that stuff because I hate to put the Jinks on my guys, BUT your right. As I said in my post, RIT was right there with the best last year, and I look for definite improvement from them, and hopefully an E-8  tourney appearance.  I have to disagree with you on your Stevens take. Don't let the assists stats fool you. No one on this team got the ball into the post other than Greco.The offense was centered around Farid and Williams, and slowed down. I happened to see about a dozen games of Stevens last year and have a pretty good feel. Baker did start over Greco in the Nazareth E 8 playoff game, WHAT A MISTAKE. No one really knows what Loeffler was thinking about. A change at that point in the season, with a 20+ win taem and 3 loses made no sense and it cost them. Baker is not a point a guard and take a look at the stats. I believe Baker was 1-7 and assists maybe "0". He is not a point guard. No handle, and slow making decisions.  That game cost Stevens a possible NCAA BERTH. Greco actually pulled Stevens back from the Dead at NAZ game one, and took over the O.T. You probably saw the first  ITHACA game, albeit Burton got hurt. With about 8 minutes left and game tied, Greco hit a 3, had 3 assists through the 1-3-1 Zone ( all bullets to the post behind defenders) steal after an Ithaca timeout for a layup. He guarded Burton at Ithaca and actually did a good job, until he got into foul trouble. Greco also put a dagger in Fisher's heart the first time they played. The kid just has a great head for the game and can score if given the chance. Not playing him 30 minutes a game will cost them dearly.   Baker should be playing the 3 or 4. Great rebounder, decent defender, not a scorer or passer. Watch, Greco will bring Grey and Passalaqua to the next level.

I have to say, Fisher is the question mark, tough to pick them as low as you and I do, YET it appears that's where they belong. BUT Kornaker can be the difference.  But what do I know
7 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT MADNESS       

[FisherDynasty]

My pics:

1) Ithaca - Finally there year as I have been saying for the past 3 years burton and company are going to have to wait until there seniors to take the chip.

2) Nazareth - McAdam brothers and a good experienced cast could get the #1, i think they will need more from dehimer and will have bozelli back who was hurt last year.

3)  Utica - Always plays strong, have been young, should be able to win some big ones but also will lose some away from their home court.

4)  Fisher - Good guards, a long with a good system which should display some consistency and the team although wont be there from the start, will get where they need to be to hopefully squeeze in the tourny. 

5)  RIT - Always solid but never great

6) Stevens - Lost a lot but good program lately

7-9) I expect the usual from the remaining 3.


The only two teams capable of doing any damage in the tournament are Ithaca and Naz. All other teams dont have the size or talent.

[Cyclone0205]

Fromafar..


You're right about Greco's head for the game.  The problem I see is his style of play, not that he's not a good player.  While Greco was the only person getting the ball in to Williams, Williams is gone.  This year's Stevens team has NO inside game (so being able to feed the post really doesn't help).  What this year's team needs is someone who can drive, get into the paint, and make plays to get the ball to Gray and  Passalacqua.


Greco's game (I've seen him for the past 3 seasons [he played in my nephew's high school conference in Nassau] and his 2 college seasons), he is not the type of point guard that breaks down a defense and looks for kick outs.  When Greco attacks the basket, he is looking to score.

If you look back at the 06-07 Sweet 16 team, part of what made Greco such an asset to that team was that Floyd Morris, their senior PG, was a get in the paint and kick guy who didn't score, while Greco was a finisher.  He is really a score first point guard, which was perfect because it was the exact opposite of Morris.  It was sort of like the 1-2 punch you see now in football with teams having 2 different style running backs. 

In that respect, I don't think Greco's a bad PG at all (I'd rank him 3rd behind Burton, McAdam)...I just think his style with this particular Stevens team creates an odd mix since this will be the first year he's looked at as being "the playmaker/distrubter" (Morris in '07, Farid in '08).



I do have to disagree about the benching of Greco losing the NCAA bid tho.  Losing to Baruch, Fisher, and RIT (no offense)...all teams they should have beaten easily...probably did them in. 

[FROMAFAR]

Cyclone.. points well taken...... makes sense... I agree Greco is a scoring point guard, and maybe since there is no points coming from the post that's what they need. I agree, he's right behind those two,McAdam and Burton.. I can see this team pushing it this year however which allows Grey, and Greco to be creative, and IF they kick out to Passalaqua, more dangerous. Baker is no point guard, as a matter of fact not a guard. He is tremedous off the boards, and at times plays good D, but scary when ball is in his hands. I was told by my Stevens Alumn, Greco broke some 3 pt. and assist records in High School, and a had a few 30+ games.....albeit High School, that's what Stevens needs.... Enough about Stevens......Go RIT......   I think we are going to know early about this team... With the drop in Bigs around the League ( not knowing about Freshman) Carson should have an opportunity to really take charge.....Again, I hate talking about them, superstitious....

BUT what do I know

[Cyclone0205]

RIT is really going to be tough.

I saw both Stevens games and the games in the Chase.  They should have the best inside game in conference (along with Ithaca), but as we all know, pretty much every level of basketball is dominated by guard play.  That's what separated the e8 tourney teams last year.  I think if RIT can get top 4 team guard play(behind Ithaca, Naz, Stevens..fighting with Fisher and Utica's guard groups), they're a shoo'in for the e8 tourney.

[sjfcards]

It is hard to believe that Fisher looks to be struggling to get into the tourny this year, but that is what I see as well. They have had so much success over the past few years, but unless they get some stud freshman big men, it just seems too tall of an order for them.

However, I have seen crazy things before. Kornaker went 13-13 in his first year as the head coach, and the next season they won 20+ games. Hopefully he hit the recruiting trail real hard this offseason.

I have to believe that IC will win the league, with almost everyone back (not to mention that they were pretty good last year), but after that I think there is a lot of questions. Should be fun.

[Shooting Star]

Empire 8 has some new coaches and some well established ones.  Who are the best coaches in the league and why

[FROMAFAR]

Welcome to the party Shooting Star, I'll call you star from now on, shorter. I hate to critique coaches careers overall. They forgot more about the game than I'll ever know. I may, every now and then, question a move, but like I always say, what do I know? That being said, here's my take... and take it for what it's worth...... not much..... In no Particular order.

RIT....    Coach McVean seems to always be in the mix. Good recruiter, sometimes good x's and o's.... this should be an interesting year. Not really the most talented bunch, except for Carson, but may have enough to make playoffs. If they do, I give him the credit.

Ithaca... Coach Mullins has the horses, if they don't achieve I blame him.. No excuses... He seems to underachieve a bit.. This should be interesting for him as well.

Fisher...Coach Kornicker has nothing to prove. He does it consistantly and I believe last year may have been one of his better coaching years. I didn't think the talent was deep or exceptional, and he came within a wisker of another NCAA bid... Excellent coach.

Nazareth... Coach Daily is hard to figure. He has talent, and usually does to some extent. He tends to be very patient when players are going bad, and that might be a good trait. Some coacheds love to pull players after mistakes, and that NEVER works... He lost a scorer, and some proven height. This will show his worth this year. They should be right there. If not I will look to him.

Utica... Coach Connelly comes in from Elmira. I thought he did a great job last year with very little on the court. This year he inherits a team on the upswing and should actually be better, as their point gurad play lastt year probably cost them. If he can control Herring ( make him a team player) , they should challenge for the top spot.

Hartwick... Coach Culpo is in tough spot. Coco can play, but can he be a teammate.. I don't know.. he hasn't had any support and who knows whats coming in... He hasn't recruited well lately either.  hard to tell, but he should geta strong assistant with some ties to strong High School programs.

Stevens... Coach Hurley NEW HEAD COACH.... the Stevens program may have made the quickest move up the ladder than most D3 schools over the last 3-4 years. Hurley has been there and is probably a good reason why. Recruits like, Grey, Greco, Higgans and Passalaqua, probably all have his signature on them... along with Hayne, who left 2 years ago. Loeffler really only shows Baker as his recruit, not counting what comes in this year....we'll see. Two huge assets for Hurley are he knows the players, and he was a point guard.  That should play huge on this team, as Loeffler sort of slowed things down and focused scoring on front line.  This is a pivotal year for stevens and if coached correctly they can be right there. We shoudl know early as Stevemns opens up league two away games, Naz and Fisher.

Alfred... coach Wellman...NEW ... comes from Williams so has backround. Not much talent yet so we need a few years to tell. Needs to show some energy from playesr to help recruit.


Elmira..... coach Torgalski NEW... from NYU...Great league, and good program... again needs to show some energy from players... needs a few years.....


I think that's everyone,  Coaches I aplogize if I put any of you on the spot...makes for good read and spurs some good conversation.... That's what it's all about... What do I know .



 

 











     

[slickyquick]

As far as coaches go there are a lot of different variables that go into it. Are you looking at recruiting, X's and O's, keeping a team together, or a combination of all of them? These are basically from things I know, I could be way off base. But in the famous words of Charles Barkley, "I may be wrong, but I doubt it."

Bob McVean - Highly respected throughout the state as far as other coaches go. Usually has talent, the teams underachieve. Haven't seem a really well put together team since the likes of Craig Jones was there.

Rob Kornacker - Fisher is usually one of the most hated schools by other coaches throughout New York because it seems Fisher always brings in a boatload of recruits. He is a great recruiter and has had a lot of success. Should be interesting to see how the team does since enrollment is up and he doesn't get "help" from the financial aid office.

Jim Mullins - A great school with great academics. The school sells itself. Usually has the horses, things never seem to turn out the way he wants. Should be interesting this year with all the studs back with Burton, Bostic, Leahy, and everyone else.

Mike Daley - Had a lot of success during the Greg Dunne years. Has struggled recently with a enormous amount of talent. Corey McAdam does not belong at this level, he might carry the team on his back this year. I believe chemistry within the team has caused a lot of problems.

Paul Culpo - Got lucky with one recruit, Coco, and hasn't done much to surround him with better players. Winning percentage can't be good (I'm not looking it up). Great guy though.

Chris Connelly - Was a great fit at Elmira, just couldn't keep guys there or win just like any other coaches since the Kevin Moore era. Really good guy, who works at it. Will be recruiting a totally different type of player at Utica, should be interesting to see how he will do.

Dale Wellman - Another guy with a great resume. Learned a lot under the tutelage of Bob Montana and Dave Paulsen. Should be a good fit at Alfred. Will have to be creative in recruiting because Alfred is in the middle of nowhere. He seemed to be a finalist for every job available in the Northeast and East region.

Randy Torgalski - Another resume guy while working under Tom Murphy and Joe Nesci. Could potentially be a great fit at Elmira. Not as familiar with him as I am the others.

Bill Hurley - Very familiar with the program and the players. Had great success under Loeffler, should be interesting to see how he puts his stamp on the program.

[buck1053]

Randy Torgalski - Another resume guy while working under Tom Murphy and Joe Nesci. Could potentially be a great fit at Elmira. Not as familiar with him as I am the others.

Torgalski also played at U of R under Mike Neer, who has had a little bit of success at the D3 level.