MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[jknezek]

Congratulations to R-MC on their National Title. That was a domination of their final 3 rounds. Just a complete blowout game after game.

[thescottharris]

Macon with one of the greatest seasons in the history of NCAA Basketball and certainly one of the most impressive 4-year runs we have ever seen. 100-7 over a 4-year span, and that was with a very short 12-0 season last year.

[y_jack_lok]

Congrats to the Jackets on an amazing run through the regular season, ODAC tournament, and NCAA tournament. Sure wish I could have seen you play in person. Watching online doesn't do justice to the quality of basketball you play. I watched a lot of other teams online as well this season. There was, rightly, a lot of talk about the tough caliber of basketball played in some of the conferences out here in the midwest. Believe me, it's true. There are some exceptionally good D3 teams out here. The talent is deep. Same is true of many other teams in other parts of the country. What you did was not easy. So many games I was afraid of letdowns leading to comeback wins by your opponents. Or when you were down early in some games and the other team was looking strong, I wondered if you would be able to rally and win. In all but one game you found a way. So deserving of a well-earned national championship. Proud to be a Randolph-Macon alum.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Fun ODAC moment.  I came down to breakfast in my hotel in Fort Wayne today and the Long Island Nets G-League team was there, before a game at Fort Wayne today.  Among the coaching staff, none other than Ben Strong.  I did surprise him by knowing who he was.

[Seatfiller]

Congrats to Macon, they way they've handled my Maroons the past 3 years I knew they were the real deal. I still think they would've won championships the 2 years we didn't have them, they're that good. I didn't know their team was so young they got a decent chance to repeat next year even without Buzz.

[hasanova]

Fun ODAC moment.  I came down to breakfast in my hotel in Fort Wayne today and the Long Island Nets G-League team was there, before a game at Fort Wayne today.  Among the coaching staff, none other than Ben Strong.  I did surprise him by knowing who he was.

Nice.  Ben was a great D3 player for Guilford.

[hasanova]

Congratulations to RMC.  A fine season to be sure.

[rmc1982]

I just got back last night about 930 pm after we drove all day home- SO GLAD we all decided to go! Long drive but we'll worth the trip!! Nice venue....just wish there were more people there....Wabash did bring a ton of fans Friday evening but Saturday was sparse given the size of the arena. I wish the NCAA would give free tix to kids under 18....at least they'd buy something when they were there....just my two cents...... Reflexions of being there first hand- Nothing against Buzz and Miles- two GREAT all Americans for us, but if you give all tournament team accolades for the play in the Final Four I thought Josh Talbert and Ian Robertson deserved to be there. Josh Talbert had 15 and 16 in the two games, and a double/ double in the Final. We told he and his dad that at the post game party at the Hilton and they just shrugged it off. Actually the consensus in our group was that he was the player of the weekend! Ian shot the lights out Friday night and played good enough Saturday to be included also. I understand the logic behind what was done, just don't agree with it! Hope we keep Josh Merkel! I think he'll be back  but who knows....he's one HELLUVA COACH and we're lucky to have him! In addition, he recruits GOOD KIDS and is very careful to recruit kids that represent our program and our college with dignity and respect. One thing that struck us was the fact that at the after game party EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM came up to us at some point and thanked us for traveling all the way to see them- that comes from the TOP! Lastly- we are set up for ANOTHER RUN next year! Yes we lose a few but we have more behind them and more coming in! Whether or not Ian and "Q" choose to come back for a 5th year we will still be very good! All in all, a memorable trip we will remember forever!! A great time with old friends.....GO JACKETS!!

[DeWayneCarter]

Haven't been on the board in a while but had to come say congrats to Randolph Macon! And to win by 30 in a national championship is very impressive! Josh Merkel is a great coach and good guy and deserves all the success he is having. Happy for the Yellow Jackets! Now I need my Marlins to hurry up and get back to the tourney!

[rmc1982]

Hasa- one other point our group all made and we told the ODAC representative that was there and he agreed with us...... GUILFORD DESERVED A BID THIS YEAR!! There wasn't a team we played, especially in the Final Four, they your Quakers couldn't have beaten! We got a raw deal this year conference wise, and your guys deserved a shot! The two toughest teams we played all year besides CNU were your Quakers and VWC!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

For the All Tourney team, they poll the media and the men's basketball committee. In past years, they've handed out a paper ballot and given us 20 minutes or so to fill it out. This year, they just stopped by and asked verbally for five names on the spot. That made it real tough to consider every option.

[Macon]

WOW, just WOW!  I can breathe now, been holding my breath for 3 weeks.  And no postings, as not to jinx this great team.  May be the most dominating performance by any DIII team in the NCAA tournament.  The individual and team records are too many to list, but to be 100-7 in four years with the Seniors never losing in Crenshaw, just Wow.

As to the tournament team, I agree with '82.  If you are truly voting for the top performers in the Final Four, JT makes the team and probably Ian.  Typically these teams are the top two from winning team and one each from others teams, as this tourney team fell as well.  I'm sure JT and Ian are happier about the trophy than a tournament team slot.

And also yes, the Jackets have a lot coming back, but sorely needs a good big man or two, plus more depth at all positions.  Losing Cerrato mid-season hurts for next year (hoping he may be back) and something not mentioned here before, but RMC lost a 6-7 recruit coming into this season.  Both would have hopefully helped next season.  You'd think a Championship Trophy helps recruiting. 

[Macon]

And, also a big thanks to the all of the other ODAC teams for helping prepare the Jackets for the NCAA tourney.  Playing good teams and good ODAC coaches helped the Jackets compete at a very high level.  Certainly a huge victory for RMC, but also for the ODAC!

[Macon]

FYI, for those in the Ashland/Richmond area, there is a Championship celebration tonight in Crenshaw at 6:30.  Wish I could be there but I'm four states away.  Hoping there is video available.

Also, this was really cool, the Jackets got a police escort into Ashland yesterday from the airport.  Link below. 

https://www.facebook.com/RandolphMacon/videos/665997168018639

[CNU85]

Congrats to RMC! An Impressive run for sure!