MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[rmc1982]

RMC roster: https://rmcathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/2023-24

Eight freshmen to go with 10 upperclassmen (five sophomores, two juniors, three seniors). Looks like sophomores Pulley (who wore #3 last season) and Robinson (who wore #2 last season) have switched numbers. Four of the five juniors and seniors (led by seniors Mbangue and Coble) are pretty seasoned players. But this is not the same kind of veteran team that the Jackets have had since the '19-'20 season. It's not a rebuilding season, but it will be different from the past four. A quick review of some available video of the freshmen suggests a solid class. Looking forward to a great season.

Biggest difference with us this year is that we have no real size to speak of. Mbangue will be the leading rebounder and hes (at best) a 6'3" guard/forward. Josh will have them right in the thick of it though, although we may not be the dominant force we have been the last 3 years. ODAC looks extremely competitive, and thats a GOOD THING!

[y_jack_lok]

Yes, would be nice to have Keener back -- and the other non-returners as well.

As for the size issue, one of the freshmen is listed at 6'8' and one at 6'6". The number of players above 6'6"/6'7" who wind up at D3 schools is pretty limited. D1 and D2 schools are often willing to take a shot at developing many of the 6'8"-6'11" players. But a lot of those guys are looking at limited playing time at those levels and would be better off at D3 schools. Several of the freshmen I saw some video of showed real quickness and athleticism.

Here is the RMC schedule: https://rmcathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2023-24 There is a potential non-conference game vs Virginia Wesleyan the second game of the season. At least the Jackets and Marlins are only scheduled to meet once in ODAC play, which occurs only 18 days after the possible tournament game.

[thescottharris]

Yes, agreed, this will be quite a different team.  The freshmen will have to contribute in a big way.  Of the four players that are not returning, I'm most disappointed to see Kyle Keener gone.  Two of the four never suited up last season.  The freshmen class looks like a nice mix of players, plus some much needed height. 

Taking a peek at the HSC roster.  7 freshmen, with 4 at 6'8" or 6'9", plus most everyone returning, including several 5th years.  I'd think that HSC will be the preseason ODAC favorites.

I just watched highlight clips of what I could find on the H-SC freshmen. Looks like they got some players in this class. Not sure how much they'll play as the only lost two players from the rotation who combined played a little over 19 minutes a game.

The bigs definitely have some skill but are all so thing other than Manny Tucker. Hnd he could still stand to gain some muscle, but he looks like a body builder relative to the others.

Think this Blake Wilson guy from Charlottesville could get some run as backup guard despite the crowded backcourt. I don't know if he's considered their top recruit but he looked legit.

[y_jack_lok]

ODAC pre-season poll: https://odaconline.com/news/2023/10/25/102623-mbb-preseason-poll.aspx

H-SC
R-MC
Guilford
VWU
W&L
Roanoke
Bridgewater
Shenandoah
Averett
Ferrum
Lynchburg
EMU
Randolph

[y_jack_lok]

Saw something on X/Twitter about a scrimmage yesterday between RMC and John's Hopkins. Does anyone have any info about how that went and who performed well for the Jackets?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Saw something on X/Twitter about a scrimmage yesterday between RMC and John's Hopkins. Does anyone have any info about how that went and who performed well for the Jackets?

Part of the NCAA requirements is that basically no information gets out. You'd have to find someone who was there.

[y_jack_lok]

Saw something on X/Twitter about a scrimmage yesterday between RMC and John's Hopkins. Does anyone have any info about how that went and who performed well for the Jackets?

Part of the NCAA requirements is that basically no information gets out. You'd have to find someone who was there.

If what you say is the case, then how was Bob Quillman able to post on X/Twitter a screenshot of the JHU half of the box score?

https://twitter.com/IWUhoopscom/status/1717552363379081426

I realize he is an insider, has interviewed the JHU coach, etc., but if no information is supposed to get out....?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Saw something on X/Twitter about a scrimmage yesterday between RMC and John's Hopkins. Does anyone have any info about how that went and who performed well for the Jackets?

Part of the NCAA requirements is that basically no information gets out. You'd have to find someone who was there.

If what you say is the case, then how was Bob Quillman able to post on X/Twitter a screenshot of the JHU half of the box score?

https://twitter.com/IWUhoopscom/status/1717552363379081426

I realize he is an insider, has interviewed the JHU coach, etc., but if no information is supposed to get out....?

I mean, not published or disseminated through official channels.  Bob probably got some info from someone who was there.  It's not like it has to be a secret, but you can't really promote it.  It's why you see a lot of scrimmages that are like three 20 minute games, with scores resetting and all that.  It's got be look more like a practice drill than an exhibition.  Not sure why, necessarily, but who knows why the NCAA does half the stuff they do.

[y_jack_lok]

^^^ Thanks.

[y_jack_lok]

Roanoke lost to D1 Radford 89-72 in an exhibition last night.

https://radfordathletics.com/news/2023/10/30/mens-basketball-giles-chandler-lead-highlanders-past-roanoke-college-in-exhibition-contest.aspx

[rmc1982]

GREAT GAME in the Fleet Gym tonite as #1 CNU visits the Tigers! Should be a great game! Tip at 7pm!

[y_jack_lok]

I was in and out of the CNU at H-SC game, so don't have a full perspective, but from what I saw H-SC looked really good. Tough defense, really quick to the ball, great rebounding, balanced offense. They sure looked like the team to beat in the ODAC. A great 74-53 win for the Tigers.

[rmc1982]

I watched the entire game and HSC looked GREAT but CNU shot the ball very poorly. I wouldn't expect them to shoot like that very much this year. I've always liked #24 for HSC( can't remember his name) but that kid is a heady ball player! All in all I expected the Tigers to win but not by that margin!! Their student section seems to have finally woken up, also!!

[Macon]

Congrats to HSC for being ODAC preseason #1 and win over CNU.  They are clearly the best ODAC team in this early season.   

I'm very interested in seeing RMC tonight, as I have no idea what this team will be.   My gut says they're not a top 20 team.  This team will only be as good as the freshmen are good.  Will need a freshman or two to be a real stud this year to be a good team.  This is a very young team and I expect two freshmen to start.

[Seatfiller]

Roanoke lost to D1 Radford 89-72 in an exhibition last night.

https://radfordathletics.com/news/2023/10/30/mens-basketball-giles-chandler-lead-highlanders-past-roanoke-college-in-exhibition-contest.aspx

I've been out of the loop had no clue this occurred.  Looked it up looked like we played tough for a while with them.  It's going to be a interesting season, most likely we'll be middle of the pack.  It's weird to see someone other than Macon being the favorites for the conference.  Roanoke plays today against a tough Stockton team, hoping we can start the season with a win.