MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[ODACfan4life]

I think Coach Vick returning to H-SC is going to be a bigger deal than most non H-SC fans think.  Coach Smith had a nice run, but his two most successful seasons (barring his first year with Jeff Monroe, Brandon Randall, etc) were the two seasons he had an amazing recruiter (Chad Warner) bringing in the class.  Vick is at least as strong a recruiter as Warner and after his years playing for and sitting beside Tony Shaver he should know something about X's and O's as well.  He has some work to do this summer before anyone should get too excited about next year, but there should be a significant change in the type of play coming out of H-SC before too long.

I believe that Chad Warner recruited last year's freshmen and sophomore classes at HSC.  So, if what you say is true about Warner as a recruiter, HSC should have a good nucleus already. 

[HSCfan]

TFA,

The Tigers have two, maybe three, incoming freshmen. A shooting guard from Richmond and a 6-8 forward from Christchurch. There may or may not be a third player in the mix, but these two are the most significant I believe. With only two new faces coming in for sure, Coach Vick will have his hands full, and I don't think Tiger fans should expect another 29-3 season in Vick's first go-round! Progress is surely on the horizon, however!

[HSCfan]

ODACfan4life,

The Tigers have a solid nucleus in place - not earthshaking by any means. Turner King is arguably the best player in the league (along with Justin Short and Stephen Fields) and can fill it up on any given night. Byron Lawton is a solid point guard who doesn't turn the ball over and can create for his teammates. Lane Medlin is a skilled inside-outside forward who I believe will have a new found commitment and dedication for his junior year (had a great freshman season with Kaase sidelined). Jyri Laakso, while by no means an offensive stalwart, is a tremendous and physical defender, and with the lack of bigs this season, his senior experience could be valuable. Brent Dillard and Paul Matthews gained valuable playing experience last seasons and showed signs of greatness (Matthews dropped 22 in his first game, Dillard hit for 20 mid-season). A lot of things will have to go right for the Tigers to take the crown this year, but they have some solid pieces in place to make a run!

[HSCfan]

My apologies Scotty, I seem to have left Mason Wooldridge off of my best in the ODAC list 

[LCasid]

My apologies Scotty, I seem to have left Mason Wooldridge off of my best in the ODAC list 

Good thing you saved yourself on that one . Lord knows what he could be capable of with a good coach in Hilliary Scott now guiding the ship!

[HSCfan]

Lynchburg will surely be a team to be reckoned with. The combination of Wooldridge and Echols is a dangerous inside-outside threat. Good thing we only see you guys once next year!

[Jacketlawyer]

Jacketlawyer, the Tigers and Maroons are tied for most ODAC titles.   BTW, I was in your town on Saturday to see the Paul Thorn Band at the Ellington Theater.  Fantastic show at a great venue. 

Thanks for the correction, tigerfan.  I was pretty sure the Tigers were close but didn't know they were tied.

Sorry to have missed you at Paul Thorn.  I would've been there but had a retirement roast for a local judge to go to.  Glad the show was good.  Occasionally they get some good ones at the Ellington. 8)

[tigerfanalso]

HSCFAN

I've seen the 6'8" kid from Christchurch play (against Ed Davis) and I was very impressed with him. He'll have a very good career @ HSC. He should be able to contribute immediately.

I'm getting very excited about HSC b'ball. We'll be able to play with anybody in the ODAC in a few years, my prediction.

[HSCfan]

I agree. Give Coach Vick a year or two to build a foundation in addition to the young potential now, and I think Hampden-Sydney will be back in the hunt consistently in the next couple years.

Being 6-8 and pretty athletic, this guy will give the Tigers a weapon they have not had in a while (Troy Kaase was athletic, but only 6-5). The guard from Richmond is also a standout soccer player, and because he will probably split time in his first season, I don't see him being a big contributor in his first year. If he focused solely on basketball, he would definitely be a factor (led his district in scoring as a senior) with his quickness and shooting ability.

[baselinejam]

Height is such a rarity (http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?page=&year=2008&sort2=DESC&draft=0&pos=0&sort= ). IMO if you're a good 6'8" player at age18; you won't be playing D-3. That being said, I rather get a project big kid and bring him along. also, if I'm HSC I'd take another Kaase clone in heartbeat. He was a force from the get go.

[tigerfanalso]

Some big men do slip through the cracks, otherwise Ben Strong would not have played for Guilford. The ODAC has had several really good 6'7' to 6'8" big men that could play. I'm horrible with names but those that have not lost heir memories will be able to recall.

That said; I'm not proposing the kid from Christchurch is in that league but he was a really good HS center with lots of potential.

[steelyglen]

TFA...I know one!   

[Tigerfan]

Bobby Jackson

[tigers]

Bobby Jackson was much closer to 6'5 than 6'8.

Definitely Kyle Williford.  Others include Russell Turner, Rick Chalk, Dan Rush, Jeremy Harris, Cam Dyer...there are many others...

[steelyglen]

tigerfan... I wanted to offer him and Andy as the next "co"-Head Coaches at Hampden-Sydney a couple of weeks ago. Dee Vick not withstanding, I don't think the Tigers could do any better!