MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[Swish3]

I totally understand the frustration, but I think Merkel's a good coach, so I guess the fair thing to do is give him a chance, right?  Although three to five years might feel like an eternity if you're struggling, it seems like that would be enough time to evaluate his overall performance....

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I totally understand the frustration, but I think Merkel's a good coach, so I guess the fair thing to do is give him a chance, right?  Although three to five years might feel like an eternity if you're struggling, it seems like that would be enough time to evaluate his overall performance....

The vibe I get (and this is with no input from Merkel at all - just my perceptions) is that the players he inherited are not the players his system works well with.  If there's not an uptick next year, then it might be time to worry a little.  I suspect in two years they'll be much better.

[Swish3]

I totally understand the frustration, but I think Merkel's a good coach, so I guess the fair thing to do is give him a chance, right?  Although three to five years might feel like an eternity if you're struggling, it seems like that would be enough time to evaluate his overall performance....

The vibe I get (and this is with no input from Merkel at all - just my perceptions) is that the players he inherited are not the players his system works well with.  If there's not an uptick next year, then it might be time to worry a little.  I suspect in two years they'll be much better.

Makes sense to me, Ryan...it's tough being patient, but it's also tough to consistently play at a high level for a long time...bound to be some down years here and there.

[RMC FAN90]

Im sure Merkel knew what type of talent he was inheriting and if they could work in his system, if he didn't then shame on him for not doing his homework. An earlier comment said that responsibility starts at the top so maybe we have the AD to blame if this doesn't work out. Maybe he should of selected a coach that knew what the current skill set of the current players and incoming recruits were. I also cant get over the fact that so many kids left the program, tells me that there is something negative going on in the locker room. How do you lose Rip Engle who is averaging close to 20pts and Gwynedd-Mercy? I hope im wrong but i just dont have a good feeling about this one.

[Swish3]

Im sure Merkel knew what type of talent he was inheriting and if they could work in his system, if he didn't then shame on him for not doing his homework. An earlier comment said that responsibility starts at the top so maybe we have the AD to blame if this doesn't work out. Maybe he should of selected a coach that knew what the current skill set of the current players and incoming recruits were. I also cant get over the fact that so many kids left the program, tells me that there is something negative going on in the locker room. How do you lose Rip Engle who is averaging close to 20pts and Gwynedd-Mercy? I hope im wrong but i just dont have a good feeling about this one.

I don't think you hire a coach based on the skill set of the current players and incoming recruits, but you do make an interesting point about kids leaving the program.  I saw Rip play as a freshman and thought he was a good point guard...had no idea he was at G-M, and definitely surprised that he's scoring like that.

[CMR]

Six players have left the RMC program from the beginning of last season to the beginning of this season, including the likes of Engel and Silverthorn.  No doubt there is turnover with a new coaching staff, but some if not many of the defections could be helping this year!  Don't get me wrong, I think there is plenty of talent on the current team to win games, but for whatever reason it's not happening.  Wish them luck going forward!

[hasanova]

A couple of games to report for the 6-2 Quakers.  GC closed to within two at Methodist last Saturday, but had dug a deep hole (MU shot very well) and ended up losing 70-65.  Then Thursday, Guilford led all the way in a 70-59 victory at Birmingham-Southern.  We meet a 7-3 NC Wesleyan squad at 3 pm today in Greensboro.

[CMR]

RMC has an opportunity to pick up a quality win today against a solid UMW team.

[hasanova]

Final Guilford 90, NC Wesleyan 62, Dec. 17 in Greensboro

Led by Carson Long (19) and Alston Thompson (16), the Quakers (7-2) never trailed against the Bishops (7-4).  It was 15-13 GC after a made three-pointer by NCWC, but then Guilford went on a 16-0 run to effectively set the tone for the rest of the game.  It was 46-28 at the half and GC had a 39-point 2nd half lead before the reserves finished it out.  Guilford's next games are Dec. 29-30 versus the Albion (MI) Britons and the Bridgewater (MA) State Bears, respectively.  Greensboro plays BSU on the 29th and then Albion on the 30th in Guilford's Ragan-Brown Fieldhouse. NCWC played at High Point on Friday night, so they could've had tired legs ... I think they are better than this loss would show at first glance.

[CMR]

Well, a win is a win.  Not a pretty game to watch, poor offense from both teams.  RMC has to find shooters.

[y_jack_lok]

^^^ Wasn't able to watch except to catch a wee bit of the 2nd half under 10 minutes. Glad the guys got the W.

Wishing all posters, Jacket fans, players, etc. a Merry Christmas.

[flightless bird fan]

EMU looks like they put a good one together against Ferrum.  http://emuroyals.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20161221xr8mqa

[hasanova]

EMU looks like they put a good one together against Ferrum.  http://emuroyals.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/20161221xr8mqa

I told one of the EMU players as the Royals walked to the locker room after they lost to Guilford in OT that I could tell they were a good team and would have their share of success this season.  I told him to keep his spirits up and play every game with the same intensity I'd witnessed.  The Royals are athletic, well-coached and they can shoot!

[CMR]

HSC picks up a mid-year transfer and I predict they'll be the best ODAC team going forward.

[tigerFanAlso2]

I certainly hope your prediction is correct but please explain how one player will make HSC the best in ODAC considering their below average performance to date and only picked 7th preseason. He must be one hell of a player.