MBB: NESCAC

[middhoops]

amh63, are you trying to put us non-LJ fans in the position of rooting for D1 schools to get kids so Hixon doesn't deplete the higher level?

[amh63]

Middhoops....no such thoughts!  Just passing on random info that shows the range of talent that conference coaches are keeping an eye on/aware of, etc.  Quite surprising at times when I, a person that is often "blind" to what is going on, pick up connections.  I'm wondering if Maker had been aware of Obi when he was still at Williams.
From my recent posts, you can tell that I'm getting bored with Summer and I have not had the family annual gathering at the Beach yet.

[jumpshot]

amH63:

Are you aware that most of your posts on all boards include some mention of Williams College? Simply reinforces the point made earlier by several people about the preoccupation of amHerst alums and staff about what the Ephs are doing, winning, changing, building, innovating ...., etc.

[grabtherim]

Actually the point from a few months ago was that Williams and Amherst folks seem to see the world at least the college world revolving around them both. In each sides zeal to one up the other, they minimize the value of everyone not a part of their rivalry.   

amH63:

Are you aware that most of your posts on all boards include some mention of Williams College? Simply reinforces the point made earlier by several people about the preoccupation of amHerst alums and staff about what the Ephs are doing, winning, changing, building, innovating ...., etc.

[toad22]

I understand the concerns regarding the Amherst/Williams rivalry. Up until the Maker era, I did put Amherst in a different category than everybody else. Maker believed that all games were important, Amherst included. His real concern was the NCAA tournament, and doing well there. I have come around to that viewpoint. Amherst can't be minimized, however, because they have frequently been the best team in the league, the region, and on two occasions, the nation. Thus, they are a hurdle for Williams nearly every year. Middlebury has also assumed that very same position in the last 6-7 years. Now, I think Tufts, Trinity, and possibly Bowdoin and Colby need to be added. If schools stay big threats for a few years, they naturally become important rivals.

[Panthernation]

According to multiple sources, Duncan Robinson will take an official visit to Michigan this week. He will likely be offered Michigan's final available scholarship.

http://www.umhoops.com/2014/07/29/report-michigan-host-division-iii-transfer-duncan-robinson/

https://michigan.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=883&script=%2Fcontent%2Easp&cid=1663626

[nescac1]

As an Eph fan, of course, it's devastating news -- Duncan is the best frosh I've ever seen in NESCAC, by a comfortable margin, and I am confident that if he stays (which I realize is not likely at this point) he would go on to be the best player in the NCAA era in NESCAC history.  Sadly, he seems to be a little TOO good for this level, and Maker departed at the absolutely worst time possible -- just a perfect storm, and I think as soon as Maker left, we all knew this was a possible outcome as just about any D1 coach will salivate for an athletic 6'8 kid with handle, innate hoops sense, and 26-foot range.  I really hope Duncan decides to pass up the glory of Big 10 hoops for the joys of three more years dominating Division 3 in a great hoops environment, and receiving the best education in the country, but as a realist, I know that very few people would pass up that kind of opportunity, and if he does leave, I will be rooting hard for him to succeed on the big stage, and I'm confident that he will. 

[sac]

According to multiple sources, Duncan Robinson will take an official visit to Michigan this week. He will likely be offered Michigan's final available scholarship.

http://www.umhoops.com/2014/07/29/report-michigan-host-division-iii-transfer-duncan-robinson/

https://michigan.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=883&script=%2Fcontent%2Easp&cid=1663626

News travels fast!

[GingerBaker]

Interesting development.  Michigan's no slouch academically, so whether or not he gets PT, he'll still leave with a rad degree.  I wonder how much that played into his decision, especially because there's no guarantee he'll play, or at least play the way he did at Williams. 

[nescac1]

A Michigan hoops site already has a highlight film of Robinson's first year posted:

http://www.umhoops.com/2014/07/29/video-duncan-robinson-highlights-williams-college/

[AmherstStudent05]

Thanks for the update, PN.  Michigan seems like a logical landing place for Duncan Robinson.  I suspect that very few D1 head coaches have followed the Williams program as closely as Coach Beilein has over the past few years (perhaps only Paulsen, Duquette, and now Maker himself).

I can't help but think that this situation must be quite a delicate one for the obviously conscientious and honorable Mike Maker.  Who do you advise and how?  There are potentially conflicting loyalties to his mentor, his star pupil, and his former employer.

The good news is that Duncan has only great options to choose from, so he can't go too far wrong.  Funny that a Second-Team All NESCAC player has been offered a scholarship at a D1 powerhouse (I think I have been clear about which side of that equation I think was flawed).

As an Amherst fan, I can't say as I would be too sorry to see Duncan go.  Still, I, like others, am very curious to see how Duncan would have developed in the NESCAC over these next three years (would any record or legacy be safe?).  Of course, I am also most eager to see how Duncan would stack up in the Big 10.

Either way, this will be very interesting! Best of luck to the young man as he weighs an obviously difficult and important life decision.

[middhoops]

Assuming DR does move up, I, for one will be sad to see him go.  Even as a Middlebury partisan, the NESCAC is a far more interesting league with the best player in D3 than without him.
Must say though, I'm going to be torn having to root for the Wolverines for the first time in my long life.

[WPI89]

Absolutely fascinating to follow the Robinson story - would be thrilling to see him succeed on the biggest of stages.

Question - I think it has been discussed, but I can't find it.  D1 to D3 transfers can play right away.........but D3 to D1 transfers are subject to the sitting one year restriction, correct?

As a fan of a team that may be in the mix this year as one of the better NE teams - I can't say I am heartbroken if this happens. But as a D3 fan in general - I would have loved to see how he developed in Williamstown the next 3 years!

[nescac1]

Any transfer to a D1 school (unless they earned their degree and have a year of eligibilty remaining, or are a hardship case) has to sit out for a year.  Probably not a bad thing for a D3 guy, because it gives an extra year to add strength, endurance, and speed.  So Matt Hart, and Duncan if he does ultimately transfer, will both have to sit. 

If Duncan does leave, it will complete a pretty incredible one-year drain of talent from NESCAC: Mayer, Epley, Robinson, Toomey, Killian, Hart, Kizell, Vadas.  The conference will have a very, very different look next year.   

[jumpshot]

The only compelling and right result is what is in the best interests of the student athlete, not the coaches, institution, any program, alumni, fans, etc. Sounds noble, yet is true, and hard to find these days in the big business of Division I athletics. The ultimate outcome is not likely to be known until playing days---of whatever duration--- are over.