MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[CMR]

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.

Sometimes you just need that last piece to the puzzle.

[tigerFanAlso2]

I still don't understand but here's to hoping you are right. God knows HSC b'ball needs to improve, football as well !!!

[tigerFanAlso2]

Hasa

What is your take on ODAC b'ball in 2017 ? Does not seem to be a dominate team. My guess VWC is the best followed by a bunch of slightly better than average teams. Right or wrong ?

[CMR]

I still don't understand but here's to hoping you are right. God knows HSC b'ball needs to improve, football as well !!!

I watched the Tigers for the third time this year, lastly against MSV.  What I saw was a team with good size, quickness, and balance scoring.  Add Malik Crute to the mix and I saw a very good team.  In only 18 minutes, he contributed 15 pts.  I think this team is solid in a lot of areas, and it just felt like a complete team with the addition of Crute. Never seen the kid before, but I was impressed.  Just like, if my Jackets could get Silverthorn back, it would make the whole team better with just one more scorer on the floor.

[tigerFanAlso2]

CMR

Thanks for the feedback. I have not seen HSC play this year but from those that have, tell me the Tigers are average at best. Hopefully this new addition can help elevate the team.

[Jeremybozz]

Eastern Mennonite 37, James Madison University 37 at halftime.

[Jeremybozz]

James Madison University 82,Eastern Mennonite University 65 Final

[hasanova]

James Madison University 82,Eastern Mennonite University 65 Final

Just checked the end of the HSC at Birmingham Southern game ... Tigers fell 57-53.  Not sure what other ODAC teams play this weekend, but Guilford meets Albion tomorrow night and Bridgewater State Friday night.

[hasanova]

Hasa

What is your take on ODAC b'ball in 2017 ? Does not seem to be a dominate team. My guess VWC is the best followed by a bunch of slightly better than average teams. Right or wrong ?

Yeah, sort of.  The Marlins appear to be the best ... not Top 25, but best in the ODAC.  I am keeping my eye on LC, E&H, EMU and GC ... I think they will all win their share.  E&H beat VWC and GC could be 9-0.  We got rooked versus Emory and the Eagles know it ... 2 OTS.  Now I know how the USA Olympic team felt versus the Russians in 1972, but I digress.  GC plays VWC once this season and it's in Greensboro.  With that and a few other key ODAC games, I'm not prepared to just hand the title to the Marlins.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Just a few years ago, the ODAC was clearly a top 5 conference and a couple of years arguably #1.  Was that the fluke times, or are these the fluke times?  In other words, should we expect a return to the top for the ODAC, or is 'good, not great' more the norm?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Just a few years ago, the ODAC was clearly a top 5 conference and a couple of years arguably #1.  Was that the fluke times, or are these the fluke times?  In other words, should we expect a return to the top for the ODAC, or is 'good, not great' more the norm?

I think it'll take a little time to adjust.  The enrollment issues plaguing east coast private schools is forcing them to offer better scholarships (a place the ODAC has traditionally excelled).  They're going to have to defend their recruiting grounds a little better to keep the talent at home.  I have no doubt they'll do it, but it might take a couple years to figure it out.

[tigerFanAlso2]

while the ODAC is still a competitive league it is no where close to what it once was and I believe cost of education has a lot to do with current status of the league. At $50k plus for one year of education many kids that could be student-athletes at the D3 level are taking a different path towards receiving a BA/BS degree. Money talks/ tuition levels have risen to levels simply not affordable for most and the few that can afford to pay are opting for state supported schools in many cases. In Virginia, cost of a public school education is less than half of most private/liberal arts institutions. Just spoke to a parent last night, has a kid that wants to play football at HSC, but will enroll at VMI next year for this very reason. Not sure how private schools combat this going forward. Only the strong will survive long term, W&L and University of Richmond are the only two privates in Virginia not affected by this, all others are in survival mode. there is a walk away point for all and I think that point has been reached.   

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

while the ODAC is still a competitive league it is no where close to what it once was and I believe cost of education has a lot to do with current status of the league. At $50k plus for one year of education many kids that could be student-athletes at the D3 level are taking a different path towards receiving a BA/BS degree. Money talks/ tuition levels have risen to levels simply not affordable for most and the few that can afford to pay are opting for state supported schools in many cases. In Virginia, cost of a public school education is less than half of most private/liberal arts institutions. Just spoke to a parent last night, has a kid that wants to play football at HSC, but will enroll at VMI next year for this very reason. Not sure how private schools combat this going forward. Only the strong will survive long term, W&L and University of Richmond are the only two privates in Virginia not affected by this, all others are in survival mode. there is a walk away point for all and I think that point has been reached.

When I talk to other coaches from similar schools, everyone talks about how much more financial aid the ODAC give.  I think, as it becomes harder and harder to get kids to school, that gap is decreasing (whether other schools offering more or the ODAC offering less), other factors will come into play, making it easier for other schools to poach ODAC players.

I had one coach tell me he never recruited VA or NC because the ODAC would beat his schools fin aid offer by $20,000 a year every time.  Now, that's not the case as often.  Lots of changes coming to higher education that will particularly affect private schools.

[jknezek]

Not sure how private schools combat this going forward. Only the strong will survive long term, W&L and University of Richmond are the only two privates in Virginia not affected by this, all others are in survival mode. there is a walk away point for all and I think that point has been reached.

Given W&L's track record, endowment is not the deciding factor in the ability, or inability in this case, to field an ODAC champion quality basketball team.

[y_jack_lok]

Didn't get to watch the game but it looks like a good W for the Jackets over FDU-Florham 81-61. Judging by the fact that Florham was only charged with five personal fouls I'd say they were playing a zone defense -- and not a very good one given the Jackets 11 3-pointers, though zones can be susceptible to this if the opponent's offense is passing effectively and getting good open looks. Grayson Midulla with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, no fouls in 24 minutes; Montese Adams with 9 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, no fouls in 20 minutes. Good stuff from a couple of sophomores off the bench.