MBB: Old Dominion Athletic Conference

[hasanova]

The Quakers had a scrimmage last night at home with DII Queens from Charlotte.  I was unable to attend, but sludge said he was going.  Sludge, what did you see from Ben, Tyler, Caleb, Eric and others.  Any interesting freshmen and who's elevated their game over the summer?  With Snipes and Burge graduated and Strickland at a CC this year, who do you think will start with Strong, Kimbrough and Belkoski?

I know I'm a bit biased, but I believe Guilford deserves the preseason nod.  I just hope VWC doesn't have our number again this season! 

[DeWayneCarter]

VWC should be a great team again this season with Tucker and his leadership at the point, Terrell Dixon and his defense at the two spot, Mr. March aka TonTon Balenga at the three, and Tyler Fantin at the four. The 5 spot is still open and there is some competition for it. Hey JWW, that kid Julius Carlton you talked about earlier... the kid can play. He's a very very athletic post player. Also, Stephen Fields is playing better than ever right now, and probably is the top 6th man in the ODAC. With that being said, I think that VWC will again be a great team and I can't wait till the season starts. I personally hope that both VWC and Guilford are undefeated in ODAC play when they meet Jan. 13th in Greensboro.

[jdubyadubya]

DWC - I'm there for the Tip Off. Can't wait

[hasanova]

In case some of you missed it, Guilford plays an exhibition game at DI South Carolina Monday night, 05Nov07, in Columbia.  I hope Coach Dave Odom (Guilford '65) will not be too hard on the Quakers.  Being ranked #4 preseason in DIII is one thing and being in the Southeastern Conference is another.  We'll see. 

I'm anxious for the start of the season as well.  I'll be in Boone for the Appalachian State/UT-Chattanooga game on 11/17, so I'll miss the home game versus Villa Julie, but you can bet I'll be at Hanes Gym on 11/28 for the away game at Greensboro.  Go Quakers!

[hasanova]

A mathematical model I wrote (using 10 points for 1st, 9 for 2nd, etc. all the way to 1 point for 10th) for the ODAC preseason voting shows it probably went like this (votes in parentheses):

1. GC - 1 (5), 2 (3), 3 (2) = 10 votes and 93 points
2. VWC -   1 (3), 2 (3), 3 (3), 4 (1) = 10 votes and 88 points
3. HSC -   1 (2), 2 (4), 3 (1), 4 (2), 5 (1) = 10 votes and 84 points
4. RC - 3 (4), 4 (3), 5 (3) = 10 votes and 71 points
5. RMC - 4 (3), 5 (2), 6 (3), 7 (2) = 10 votes and 56 points
6. E&H - 4 (1), 5 (2), 6 (2), 7 (3), 8 (2) = 10 votes and 47 points
7. BC -  5 (2), 6 (1), 7 (2), 8 (3), 9 (1), 10 (1) = 10 votes and 37 points
8. W&L -  6 (4), 7 (2), 8 (2), 9 (1), 10 (1) = 10 votes and 37 points
9. EMU -  7 (1), 8 (3), 9 (3), 10 (3) = 10 votes and 22 points
10. LC -  9 (5), 10 (5) = 10 votes and 15 points

I'm not saying this is the only possibility, but it's the one that seems most likely and all the totals jive.  Enjoy!

[algernon]

I personally hope that both VWC and Guilford are undefeated in ODAC play when they meet Jan. 13th in Greensboro.

I personally hope that Guilford has an ODAC loss on its record by January 9 ..... 

Go, Tigers!

[algernon]

A mathematical model I wrote (using 10 points for 1st, 9 for 2nd, etc. all the way to 1 point for 10th) for the ODAC preseason voting shows it probably went like this (votes in parentheses):

1. GC - 1 (5), 2 (3), 3 (2) = 10 votes and 93 points
2. VWC -   1 (3), 2 (3), 3 (3), 4 (1) = 10 votes and 88 points
3. HSC -   1 (2), 2 (4), 3 (1), 4 (2), 5 (1) = 10 votes and 84 points
4. RC - 3 (4), 4 (3), 5 (3) = 10 votes and 71 points
5. RMC - 4 (3), 5 (2), 6 (3), 7 (2) = 10 votes and 56 points
6. E&H - 4 (1), 5 (2), 6 (2), 7 (3), 8 (2) = 10 votes and 47 points
7. BC -  5 (2), 6 (1), 7 (2), 8 (3), 9(1), 10 (1) = 10 votes and 37 points
8. W&L -  6 (4), 7 (2), 8 (2), 9(1), 10 (1) = 10 votes and 37 points
9. EMU -  7 (1), 8 (3), 9(3), 10 (3) = 10 votes and 22 points
9. LC -  9(5), 10 (5) = 10 votes and 15 points

I'm not saying this is the only possibility, but it's the one that seems most likely and all the totals jive.  Enjoy!

I've looked at your numbers, hasanova, and you have certainly nailed one of the ways the vote could have gone.  However, I must say that anyone who thinks the Tigers are going to finish lower than 3rd is badly mistaken.  This is my reasoning:

Kaase, Prehmus, and Murray, playing together this year as seniors, are going to provide outstanding play, as usual, and strong leadership.

Turner King will build on the "almost FOY" season he had last year.

Lane Medlin, who looked better each week of his freshman year, will be even better under the basket with Kaase back in the lineup.  Jyri Laakso has clearly improved each year and will provide some very solid minutes.

Byron Lawton will be fine at point guard and Fitz Robertson will surprise a lot of people.

Matt Green is returning as Assistant Coach and his leadership will be a driving force ...

I think the only question is whether the Tigers will finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd during the regular season.  In my opinion, 2 of the ODAC coaches got it right .....

[mybleedinghands]

Turner King will build on the "almost FOY" season he had last year.

I think he's the best returning sophomore in the ODAC

[hasanova]

A mathematical model I wrote (using 10 points for 1st, 9 for 2nd, etc. all the way to 1 point for 10th) for the ODAC preseason voting shows it probably went like this (votes in parentheses):

1. GC - 1 (5), 2 (3), 3 (2) = 10 votes and 93 points
2. VWC -   1 (3), 2 (3), 3 (3), 4 (1) = 10 votes and 88 points
3. HSC -   1 (2), 2 (4), 3 (1), 4 (2), 5 (1) = 10 votes and 84 points
4. RC - 3 (4), 4 (3), 5 (3) = 10 votes and 71 points
5. RMC - 4 (3), 5 (2), 6 (3), 7 (2) = 10 votes and 56 points
6. E&H - 4 (1), 5 (2), 6 (2), 7 (3), 8 (2) = 10 votes and 47 points
7. BC -  5 (2), 6 (1), 7 (2), 8 (3), 9 (1), 10 (1) = 10 votes and 37 points
8. W&L -  6 (4), 7 (2), 8 (2), 9 (1), 10 (1) = 10 votes and 37 points
9. EMU -  7 (1), 8 (3), 9 (3), 10 (3) = 10 votes and 22 points
10. LC -  9 (5), 10 (5) = 10 votes and 15 points

I'm not saying this is the only possibility, but it's the one that seems most likely and all the totals jive.  Enjoy!

I've looked at your numbers, hasanova, and you have certainly nailed one of the ways the vote could have gone.  However, I must say that anyone who thinks the Tigers are going to finish lower than 3rd is badly mistaken.  This is my reasoning:

Kaase, Prehmus, and Murray, playing together this year as seniors, are going to provide outstanding play, as usual, and strong leadership.

Turner King will build on the "almost FOY" season he had last year.

Lane Medlin, who looked better each week of his freshman year, will be even better under the basket with Kaase back in the lineup.  Jyri Laakso has clearly improved each year and will provide some very solid minutes.

Byron Lawton will be fine at point guard and Fitz Robertson will surprise a lot of people.

Matt Green is returning as Assistant Coach and his leadership will be a driving force ...

I think the only question is whether the Tigers will finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd during the regular season.  In my opinion, 2 of the ODAC coaches got it right .....

algernon, you made some good points.  As I said earlier there may be other possibilities, but I played around with it and couldn't get any other combination to work.  I think the Tigers will finish in the top three as well, but it sure appears as though three coaches thought otherwise.  I was an undergraduate Math major and a grad student in Statistics, so I would never say this scenario is THE answer, but I will say it's the MOST PROBABLE answer.  As you and I both know, preseason picks and on-the-court results are often two different things.  Let the games begin!  I can't wait! 

[DeWayneCarter]

Turner King will build on the "almost FOY" season he had last year.

I think he's the best returning sophomore in the ODAC

He's good, and so is VWC's Stephen Fields. I think he too will build on last year. He's improved tremendously over the summer and preseason.

[mybleedinghands]

Turner King will build on the "almost FOY" season he had last year.

I think he's the best returning sophomore in the ODAC

He's good, and so is VWC's Stephen Fields. I think he too will build on last year. He's improved tremendously over the summer and preseason.

stephen fields is going to be a beast.

[ODACfan4life]

I believe VWC will be there in the end - too much talent not to be.  But you never know - its  a long season and alot can happen. 

There is a good case made for HSC's top 7, but can they go deeper?

I would not want to be voted as the front runner in the ODAC.

[mybleedinghands]

I would not want to be voted as the front runner in the ODAC.

I don't really see why it really matters where you are ranked in any preseason poll, it's essentially worthless as far as i'm concerned. so what if someone is ranked #1, it's not going to mean anything unless you back it up. yes you can say that means you have a big target on your back now, but if you are good enough to be ranked #1 you are going to have a big target on your back to begin with.

[sludge]

The Quakers had a scrimmage last night at home with DII Queens from Charlotte.  I was unable to attend, but sludge said he was going.  Sludge, what did you see from Ben, Tyler, Caleb, Eric and others.  Any interesting freshmen and who's elevated their game over the summer?  With Snipes and Burge graduated and Strickland at a CC this year, who do you think will start with Strong, Kimbrough and Belkoski?

I know I'm a bit biased, but I believe Guilford deserves the preseason nod.  I just hope VWC doesn't have our number again this season! 

Nice scrimmage, a good matchup.  Queens U. ran and pressed, it was like playing HS-C or VWC, with a bit more muscle and hops.  Guilford stood up well.  The thing went three falls, and it was pretty even.  I rate it edge to Guilford, but I don't remember the scores and I'm biased, ya know.

Three freshmen made the team for Guilford, all guards, and they all look good for freshmen.  I could see we're trying to figure out how the offense works without Jordan Snipes and Thomas Burge, who were both great with the ball.  We don't have the cohesion yet that we had at this point last year, and we need to eliminate silly turnovers.  We've got the speed all right, though.  We'll run with you, and we'll run without you.  We might shoot better this year too.  Defense is still gelling.  All the returning players looked better, and the freshmen look stronger than freshmen often do.  Guilford won't be easy pickings.

I understand why Guilford, VWC, Hampden-Sydney, and other ODAC teams including Lynchburg are optimistic.  I think its the kind of year where I wouldn't be discouraged if some team takes a dip early.  There's a lot of evolution that all these teams will go through this year.

VWC, voters were thinking your 2000 point guy was maybe a significant factor in your recent excellence.  Brandon could finish a completely busted play like a magician, and we don't know your freshmen.  Also, freshmen post guys are bound to have their hands full with some teams in the ODAC.  So, I know you have a great team.  I wouldn't be at all shocked to see you on top at the end, but I will be surprised.

The cool thing about the ODAC schedule is that whoever among us does make it into the NCAA, we're prepared for whatever happens.  Last year, ODAC only lost to a non-ODAC team in the final.

[ODACfan4life]

I would not want to be voted as the front runner in the ODAC.

I don't really see why it really matters where you are ranked in any preseason poll, it's essentially worthless as far as i'm concerned. so what if someone is ranked #1, it's not going to mean anything unless you back it up. yes you can say that means you have a big target on your back now, but if you are good enough to be ranked #1 you are going to have a big target on your back to begin with.

Well as an old veteran who has seen too many games, it just always seems that unless you are the front runner who is obviously to dominate a league (Guilford is good but not dominant in my opinion), the front runner rarely holds serve until the end.  I haven't looked at the stats on that but it would be interesting.