MBB: NESCAC

[TheHerst2and4]

The Lord Jeffs welcome another 2013 recruit to the Pioneer Valley in David George out of Philly. He played at Philly Electric Charter then Blair Academy this past season. A solid class for the Jeffs.
Not to resurrect the highlight video debate, but for those interested- here are clips from his last season at PEC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4QH-hN8aQs

[nescac1]

Seven recruits for Amherst this year?  Wow.  That makes 12 in two years ... looks like the Jeffs will be loaded for the foreseeable future if even half of those guys pan out (and at least two from last year's class already have). 

George looks particularly legit, according to this, he had three D-1 offers BEFORE his post-grad year:

http://saintjosephs.scout.com/2/1176403.html

It looks like a really, REALLY strong group of incoming frosh in NESCAC ...

[grabtherim]

The Lord Jeffs welcome another 2013 recruit to the Pioneer Valley in David George out of Philly. He played at Philly Electric Charter then Blair Academy this past season. A solid class for the Jeffs.
Not to resurrect the highlight video debate, but for those interested- here are clips from his last season at PEC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4QH-hN8aQs

If he plays defense like that with the help intensity seen in the highlights whenever he's on the floor, he could be special in the NESCAC. 

[P'bearfan]

Seven recruits for Amherst this year?  Wow.  That makes 12 in two years ...

That's incredible....it reminds me of when USC had 9 HS All American tailbacks on the team under Pete Carroll.  At what point will the recruits realize that their odds of playing are pretty small? 

[old_hooper]

David George looks like he could alter offensive game plan for many opponents.  He was listed at 6'9 on the Blair roster.  Looks like he might add to that and will need to get some muscle.  Will be interesting to see how quickly he can adjust to college level and competition.  Offensive skills look like they need some work but I am sure if he sees significant minutes next year it will not be for that.  With his addition to the roster it just puts more pressure on the existing bigs to really step up.  Sanderson is another big guy that should see key minutes next year and you also have Levine.  With Pollack already in the mix looks like the Jeff's are solid for the next 3-4 years when it come to bigs.

[Charles]

Seven recruits for Amherst this year?  Wow.  That makes 12 in two years ... looks like the Jeffs will be loaded for the foreseeable future if even half of those guys pan out (and at least two from last year's class already have). 

George looks particularly legit, according to this, he had three D-1 offers BEFORE his post-grad year:http://saintjosephs.scout.com/2/1176403.html

It looks like a really, REALLY strong group of incoming frosh in NESCAC ...

With the cost of Amherst, why turn down 3 legit scholarships? Either he comes from extreme wealth or at 6'9" he has some limitations.

[hoya73]

Or, Charles, if he comes from urban Philadelphia, he qualifies for a need scholarship and will go to school for little cost (just like if he was at an Ivy League school).  I think your comment that he is limited may be more wishful thinking than anything else.

[P'bearfan]

With the cost of Amherst, why turn down 3 legit scholarships? Either he comes from extreme wealth or at 6'9" he has some limitations.

He may be a little unpolished but his athleticism is remarkable.  The guy has very big upside and could develop into quite a player.

[jayhawk]

The quality of NESCAC BBALL is continuing to rise from its already with the impressive array of recruits for next year and returning players
Always interesting to see the development of these players from high school to college
Often one of the nice things about NESCAC bball is that players who did not get the  notoriety in high school reach a higher level

This quote from facebook page of Blair Academy is a nice statement about David George:
"Unsigned 6-8 athlete David George has "turned the corner." Playing harder and w purpose. High skill/ceiling/character and Ivy grades."

2 years ago David George was 2nd team All Philadelphia

From Blair Academy website: David George '13

Posted: January 21, 2013
This past Saturday in the Dan Finn Classic at the Jersey City Armory, David George '13 led the Blair Boys' Basketball team to their most impressive victory of the season over Linden High School, the # 6 ranked team in New Jersey. David's 15 rebounds, 10 points, and 8 blocked shots set the tone in a game Blair led throughout. A late run by the talented Linden team was finally slowed by David's two key blocked shots and a pair of timely rebounds. His excellent defensive play and overall contributions provided coaches and some of NJ's most educated fans a glimpse of how good this still-developing group of players may be in the weeks ahead.

Last Updated: January 28, 2013

[P'bearfan]

The quality of NESCAC BBALL is continuing to rise from its already with the impressive array of recruits for next year and returning players
Always interesting to see the development of these players from high school to college
Often one of the nice things about NESCAC bball is that players who did not get the  notoriety in high school reach a higher level

I agree and think there are several reasons for this.  High school ball often emphasizes athleticism over team play.  Can't count the number of teams I've seen who use a fast break as their sole offensive scheme.  On average, NESCAC players may not have D1 athleticism but the more rounded team play in the conference helps them shine.  Also I suspect at least a few players come from programs where they were surrounded by legitimate D1 teammates who received more of the spotlight.

[amh63]

Jayhawk......Thanks for the info.  My brief "look" at Mr George impressed me with one thing.....the references to his academic side...keeping his sights high as he improves his BB skills.  I believe he is aware that BB is his way to get a good education.  He seems to have his head on straight.  Quite a contrast to some of the young players that only see the NBA as their future....on this the eve of the NBA draft.
Some comments on the large Amherst recruiting class...7 players.
If there are no major injuries, it maybe that Amherst is thinking of having a JV team.....something that some UAA and even NESCAC schools have done in the past.  Practices will be very interesting this coming season, I think!
Speaking of the UAA in general and Wash U. in particular.....the school that beat Amherst in 2008 for the Div.3 title and repeated in 2009.....it has posted it's upcoming season roster, minus the freshmen class.  It has 18 players listed to date with 7 seniors on the roster.  Some of the UAA schools have used graduate students on their roster in past season....a practice that few "CAC" schools can.  My point?  Other fine schools have brought in large BB classes and have let the players develop.

[P'bearfan]

Some comments on the large Amherst recruiting class...7 players.
If there are no major injuries, it maybe that Amherst is thinking of having a JV team.....something that some UAA and even NESCAC schools have done in the past.  Practices will be very interesting this coming season, I think!
Speaking of the UAA in general and Wash U. in particular.....the school that beat Amherst in 2008 for the Div.3 title and repeated in 2009.....it has posted it's upcoming season roster, minus the freshmen class.  It has 18 players listed to date with 7 seniors on the roster.  Some of the UAA schools have used graduate students on their roster in past season....a practice that few "CAC" schools can.  My point?  Other fine schools have brought in large BB classes and have let the players develop.

I have no doubt that this strategy works well for the school and a few of the players.  But unless there's a particulary weak existing roster there's just no way that all the incoming players will get enough court time to develop.  Given how smart these players are I would expect more would realize this and look for opportunities at other great schools where they have a better shot at playing more.

[jumpshot]

As pointed out a few weeks ago, the athletic playing field in NESCAC is currently as uneven as I've seen it for many years, as evidenced by varying standards, strategies, and numbers of recruits.

[middhoops]

Andrew Locke was a fairly one dimensional player.  Yet, at the highest level of DIII basketball, he was a devastating force.  All the talk about "D1 offers" has little effect.  Nolan Thompson was a WALK ON at Midd.
If a kid can block 4-5 shots a game in the NESCAC, he's going to be a huge force.  Keep an eye on Wesleyan's Joseph Kuo as a disruptive defender in the future as well.

[grabtherim]

Interesting news on the day of the NBA Draft is that a D3 Center from Brooklyn who played at Farmingdale is getting a fair amount of looks by NBA teams.  A.J. Matthews has recently worked out for the Nets, Knicks and others.  My guess is he will not be drafted.  Does anyone know the last D3 player drafted or signed as a Free Agent by an NBA team?