MBB: NESCAC

[JustAFan]

Great effort by both teams tonight. Williams continues to get better with each game, and puts into practice the lessons learned in previous games. I thought the Ephs had great composure tonight. They didn't let Middlebury go on a back-breaking spurt, even though they threatened to do so at times in the first half, and when Middlebury came out strong at the beginning of the second half I was worried we were in for a repeat of game 2, but the Ephs remained composed and then took control, and that is the sign of a rapidly maturing team. Kudos to Coach App for that.

The Ephs did a great job hitting their free throws early on, in contrast to Middlebury, and I thought this played a big role in keeping Williams in the thick of things. Casey hit some huge 3's, and Karpowicz showed why many of us have been advocating for more time for him. He hits the boards hard, has a terrific low post offensive game and is the best of the 3 Eph big men playing the high post in the Ephs motion offense since he has the best hands, sets the best screens and does a great job rolling off the screens for entry passes on the pick and roll. Next weekend (and definitely next year) Coach App has to find him more minutes, maybe even pairing him with Kempton. Imagine the 2 of them down low running a flex offense on occasion next season.

My heart goes out to the Middlebury seniors. I am sure this stings, and I suspect it stings even more for their parents, their coaches and their fans. They are great student-athletes, and the epitome of what is right and good about NESCAC athletics, and when you are around great kids like this you want them to achieve and win because they deserve it based on how they lead their lives off the court as well as on, but unfortunately the games don't always play out that way. But when the Middlebury seniors reflect on the season and their 4 years together at  graduation I hope they will appreciate how good they were notwithstanding tonight's loss, and how well they represented their college both on and off the court, and that no one can take away the NESCAC championship they won a few weeks ago.

[FanOfNescac]

Great effort by both teams tonight. Williams continues to get better with each game, and puts into practice the lessons learned in previous games. I thought the Ephs had great composure tonight. They didn't let Middlebury go on a back-breaking spurt, even though they threatened to do so at times in the first half, and when Middlebury came out strong at the beginning of the second half I was worried we were in for a repeat of game 2, but the Ephs remained composed and then took control, and that is the sign of a rapidly maturing team. Kudos to Coach App for that.

The Ephs did a great job hitting their free throws early on, in contrast to Middlebury, and I thought this played a big role in keeping Williams in the thick of things. Casey hit some huge 3's, and Karpowicz showed why many of us have been advocating for more time for him. He hits the boards hard, has a terrific low post offensive game and is the best of the 3 Eph big men playing the high post in the Ephs motion offense since he has the best hands, sets the best screens and does a great job rolling off the screens for entry passes on the pick and roll. Next weekend (and definitely next year) Coach App has to find him more minutes, maybe even pairing him with Kempton. Imagine the 2 of them down low running a flex offense on occasion next season.

My heart goes out to the Middlebury seniors. I am sure this stings, and I suspect it stings even more for their parents, their coaches and their fans. They are great student-athletes, and the epitome of what is right and good about NESCAC athletics, and when you are around great kids like this you want them to achieve and win because they deserve it based on how they lead their lives off the court as well as on, but unfortunately the games don't always play out that way. But when the Middlebury seniors reflect on the season and their 4 years together at  graduation I hope they will appreciate how good they were notwithstanding tonight's loss, and how well they represented their college both on and off the court, and that no one can take away the NESCAC championship they won a few weeks ago.

This last paragraph is everything about NESCAC sports

[gordonmann]

Nescac1, you going to Salem?

Stop by and say hello!

[Old Guy]

When Daly and Folger missed those two shots right at the rim, down by two, with just a few seconds left .. . . it just wasn't to be. Thought we had the miracle finish all set up. Hard to watch the other guys exult and cut down the nets in your gym, but the Ephs earned it. I can't believe Wiliams doesn't have a really good chance to win it all in Salem.

We had a hard time with Scadlock and Karpowicz on the blocks without double-teaming - and you double down low at your own risk with Teal, Heskett, Casey, Aronowitz, Greenman poised on the arc. That's a deep team with a lot of weapons. Williams is so tall!

In truth, I think Williams won it with its defense - it was outstanding. Midd had no easy trips all night. The Ephs really got back on defense. You gotta acknowledge what a gritty team Midd is. They always play hard and they certainly did tonight. Had a nice chat with Toad after the game. There's a lot of respect in these two programs for one another.

What a joy it has been for Midd fans, old and young, to follow this team this year - they exceeded expectations at every stop. Matt St. Amour and Jake Brown have etched themselves into the record book - and in the hearts of Midd basketball fans who have been thrilled by their courage and talent for four years.

And to the underclassmen who worked so hard and improved so much, we so look forward to watching you play next season. Lots of sad guys on the Midd team tonight, but they'll recover in time and realize what a great ride this year has been, and how much they accomplished and experienced together. There's nothing like being on a team, pulling together with a lot on the line. Effort, exhilaration, and intimacy.

Now I have to wear a Williams hat for a full day this spring - a bet with NESCAC1 (he was going to have to wear a Middlebury necktie). That will provoke some comment.

I'm home, exhausted, and no bourbon in the house. Probably a good thing. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

When Daly and Folger missed those two shots right at the rim, down by two, with just a few seconds left .. . . it just wasn't to be. Thought we had the miracle finish all set up. Hard to watch the other guys exult and cut down the nets in your gym, but the Ephs earned it. I can't believe Wiliams doesn't have a really good chance to win it all in Salem.

We had a hard time with Scadlock and Karpowicz on the blocks without double-teaming - and you double down low at your own risk with Teal, Heskett, Casey, Aronowitz, Greenman poised on the arc. That's a deep team with a lot of weapons. Williams is so tall!

In truth, I think Williams won it with its defense - it was outstanding. Midd had no easy trips all night. The Ephs really got back on defense. You gotta acknowledge what a gritty team Midd is. They always play hard and they certainly did tonight. Had a nice chat with Toad after the game. There's a lot of respect in these two programs for one another.

What a joy it has been for Midd fans, old and young, to follow this team this year - they exceeded expectations at every stop. Matt St. Amour and Jake Brown have etched themselves into the record book - and in the hearts of Midd basketball fans who have been thrilled by their courage and talent for four years.

And to the underclassmen who worked so hard and improved so much, we so look forward to watching you play next season. Lots of sad guys on the Midd team tonight, but they'll recover in time and realize what a great ride this year has been, and how much they accomplished and experienced together. There's nothing like being on a team, pulling together with a lot on the line. Effort, exhilaration, and intimacy.

Now I have to wear a Williams hat for a full day this spring - a bet with NESCAC1 (he was going to have to wear a Middlebury necktie). That will provoke some comment.

I'm home, exhausted, and no bourbon in the house. Probably a good thing.

Generally speaking, no bourbon in the house is NEVER a good thing!   But maybe just this once, you're right.

[grabtherim]

When Daly and Folger missed those two shots right at the rim, down by two, with just a few seconds left .. . . it just wasn't to be. Thought we had the miracle finish all set up. Hard to watch the other guys exult and cut down the nets in your gym, but the Ephs earned it.

The Ephs sure did earn it, and not just with what they did last night.  They earned it when at 1-4 in league play they stuck together, dug in and started the climb to where they find themselves today.  Congratulations to their players, coaches, fans and the families who's journey with these kids began when they could barely lift a basketball.  For the same folks on the Midd side, the sting is what it is, so many what ifs in a game like this after a season like that.  Seniors who captured your heart and now your memory as so many others before them have done for us who follow and cherish this program.  With  NESCAC athletes, the lessons learned are not the slick Calipari one and done variety but rather more of the long haul for life. Overall our athletes end up being quality young men and women.  I have no doubt that Jake, Matt and Bryan will hold that banner high.  So now on to Salem for the Ephs and their biggest supporter here Nescac1.  I hope he makes the trip.  I remember each of the two six hour drives to Salem feeling like they were a few minutes going down in anticipation  of what might be, and the drive home feeling like I was driving across Siberia.  Good luck to the Ephs.  They are a deserving bunch. 

[nescac1]

Thanks for the excellent and dead-on sentiments from all the Midd fans.  What a year for that squad and I'm still kind of shocked the Ephs were able to pull this one off.   I rarely get to see the team in person, but I am fortunate to live in Virginia and I will be making my fourth trip to Salem.  It will be my son's second (the first was in utero!).  Look forward to meeting many of the posters there.  I've seen in my prior trips the two best performances I've EVER seen from a Williams team (semis vs. a really tough Guilford team in 2010 and semis vs. Amherst in 2014), two heart-breaking losses in which the Ephs played great but the opponent was just a bit better (the two title games those years) and one semi (2011) that I thought the Ephs really should have won but everything kind of fell apart down the stretch.  Oh, and GTR, while I am the most prolific Eph poster, the Eph fan who is the most die-hard is definitely Toad.  Neither rain nor slow nor sleet stop him from making a game, home or away! 

A few more thoughts on last night.  As I expected, both squads did a stellar job of taking their opponents' top options away.  Williams had a rotating cast of characters all over St. Amour, almost never losing him anywhere on the floor no matter the situation.   They were relentless on him and it truly was a collective effort.  In addition to his shot-making heroics, Bobby Casey had a massive block on Eric McCord last night which was a huge play during the key stretch of the game.  It really was a true team effort last night, with big contributions from a lot of sources who had been fairly quiet throughout the tourney run.  In particular, if the Ephs continue to get the improved center play they have demonstrated in the past three games, Williams will have as good a chance as anyone. 

At long last, NESCAC and CCIW meet in a semifinal game (I think this is the first time, correct me if I'm wrong, which is amazing, considering there have been plenty of semis with at least one NESCAC and one CCIW entrant).  EDIT: forgot about Amherst/North Central!!  And what a pair of improbable teams to meet.  Augustana and Williams are exact mirrors of each other this year, starting with the same record (23-8).  Both were considered a year, maybe two, away at the start of the season, with sophomore-dominated squads featuring only one rotation senior.  Both have only two guys who have played meaningful minutes on a Final Four team before, which is pretty amazing for Augustana considering they are only two years removed from their last appearance. Augustana in fact is even younger than the Ephs, as they feature three rotation frosh (who I imagine must be enormously talented) including the starting center; ridiculously bright future for that team.  Both had a stretch during 2017 where they lost 3 out of 4 games after which the idea of making it to Salem probably felt like a pipe dream.  And both won a series of do-or-die road games to book their trips to Salem (Auggie had four tough ones in the tourney while Williams won two in the NESCAC tourney and then two more road games this weekend). 

Heck, the teams' stats are nearly identical, too: Williams outscores opponents by a margin of 76.7-69.2, Augustana, 77.9-70.6.  Auggie shoots it a tad better, but the Ephs' limit their opponents' to a lower fg percentage.  Ephs have turned it over 390 times, Auggie, 387.  Williams outrebounds opponents by 2.5 per game, Auggie by 3.  An almost impossibly even match-up on paper.  The only significant difference I could find was that Williams is much more reliant on the outside shot ... Williams makes about four threes more per game than Auggie. 

[nescac1]

Duncan Robinson at the center of this video celebrating Michigan's Big Ten title.  We sure could use him in Salem this weekend but hard to say he made the wrong choice ... he had a very strong Big Ten tourney. 

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18892949

[mathteacherjedi]

Long time lurker, Williams alum, been following the Ephs since Nogelo dominated the hardwood. 

Just found these classics (from before my time).  Thought some folks on this board (nescac1, toad22, amh63) would appreciate them. 

http://www.gamefacelegacy.com/Williams-College/Williams-Mens-Basketball-/19941995-Mens-Basketball-/

[Mr. Ypsi]

Duncan Robinson at the center of this video celebrating Michigan's Big Ten title.  We sure could use him in Salem this weekend but hard to say he made the wrong choice ... he had a very strong Big Ten tourney. 

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18892949

I've actually been somewhat disappointed in his tourney performance (and in general).  I honestly thought he could be a star at Michigan, once he and the UM strength coach bulked him up - IF he could defend D1 opponents.  His shooting has never been in question, but he is having trouble getting PT due to continued defensive deficiencies.  Perhaps in his senior season he can finally blossom, or perhaps my expectations got carried away from Salem, 2014.  (The REAL eye-opener in Salem was Mike Mayer.  He missed too many games and was <100% for too many others to have any realistic shot at national POY, but as of Salem I think he was clearly the best player in the country.)

[JustAFan]

In addition to Robinson, another Williams "could have been" was mentioned today during the television broadcast of the Yale/Princeton Ivy league championship game--6-6 Yale freshman Miye Oni, the Eli's leading scorer, who has started all but one of Yale's games this year as a frosh.  Oni "committed" to Williams during the fall of his senior year at  Viewpoint HS in California 2 years ago, then had a lights out senior year that led to D1 interest and an understandable re-thinking of his decision to attend Williams. He ending up doing a PG year at Suffield and then headed to Yale. He would have been another member of the Ephs' current sophomore class. The thought of him and Scadlock on the wings is tantalizing. Add in Robinson and the results could have been scary, but things have worked out just fine for the Ephs playing the hand they were dealt.

Also, kudos to the gentleman who broadcast the Williams/Middlebury game over the internet Saturday night. That was a first class, professional job, unbiased (for the most part!) and full of timely and pertinent information throughout the game. He has raised the bar for all future internet broadcasts. 

[FanOfNescac]

Duncan Robinson at the center of this video celebrating Michigan's Big Ten title.  We sure could use him in Salem this weekend but hard to say he made the wrong choice ... he had a very strong Big Ten tourney. 

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18892949

I've actually been somewhat disappointed in his tourney performance (and in general).  I honestly thought he could be a star at Michigan, once he and the UM strength coach bulked him up - IF he could defend D1 opponents.  His shooting has never been in question, but he is having trouble getting PT due to continued defensive deficiencies.  Perhaps in his senior season he can finally blossom, or perhaps my expectations got carried away from Salem, 2014.  (The REAL eye-opener in Salem was Mike Mayer.  He missed too many games and was <100% for too many others to have any realistic shot at national POY, but as of Salem I think he was clearly the best player in the country.)

My Ypsi, humbly responding here and intimidated by your post numbers and obvious esteem on this board. Robinson got 26 minutes today in the Big 10 championship game, essentially a 6th starter by minutes, despite coming off the bench. He did score only 3 points and took only 3 shots. There have been issues with his defense, and also, I think, with his offense, where he's never been as consistent as needed from a three-point specialist at that level. However, it seems that Beilein wants him on the floor because a) His presence forces opponents to guard a body far from the basket and creates space and b) He runs the offense crisply, makes the right pass and on a team with many shoot-first players (and good ones), he defers, sometimes to a fault. Michigan loses some offense, so it's possible Robinson will get more looks as a senior. Still, he's literally the first D3 player in verifiable history (records are spotty) to transfer on scholarship to a high D1 program and he's been a useful contributor, if not a star. It's all pretty remarkable for a guy who, as you suggest, was not even the best Williams player on the floor in the 2014 Final Four.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Duncan Robinson at the center of this video celebrating Michigan's Big Ten title.  We sure could use him in Salem this weekend but hard to say he made the wrong choice ... he had a very strong Big Ten tourney. 

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18892949

I've actually been somewhat disappointed in his tourney performance (and in general).  I honestly thought he could be a star at Michigan, once he and the UM strength coach bulked him up - IF he could defend D1 opponents.  His shooting has never been in question, but he is having trouble getting PT due to continued defensive deficiencies.  Perhaps in his senior season he can finally blossom, or perhaps my expectations got carried away from Salem, 2014.  (The REAL eye-opener in Salem was Mike Mayer.  He missed too many games and was <100% for too many others to have any realistic shot at national POY, but as of Salem I think he was clearly the best player in the country.)

My Ypsi, humbly responding here and intimidated by your post numbers and obvious esteem on this board. Robinson got 26 minutes today in the Big 10 championship game, essentially a 6th starter by minutes, despite coming off the bench. He did score only 3 points and took only 3 shots. There have been issues with his defense, and also, I think, with his offense, where he's never been as consistent as needed from a three-point specialist at that level. However, it seems that Beilein wants him on the floor because a) His presence forces opponents to guard a body far from the basket and creates space and b) He runs the offense crisply, makes the right pass and on a team with many shoot-first players (and good ones), he defers, sometimes to a fault. Michigan loses some offense, so it's possible Robinson will get more looks as a senior. Still, he's literally the first D3 player in verifiable history (records are spotty) to transfer on scholarship to a high D1 program and he's been a useful contributor, if not a star. It's all pretty remarkable for a guy who, as you suggest, was not even the best Williams player on the floor in the 2014 Final Four.

I can't disagree with anything you said.  (I didn't check back late enough to get a box score with minutes played on it - based on his stats I assumed he only played 8-10 minutes.)

Don't get me wrong; I am a HUGE DR fan!  I was so WOWed in Salem, I thought he could be all-B1G once he became less 'wispy'.  He's still got a year to go (when then can't just fall back on Derrick Walton Jr.), so maybe he can still fulfill the promise I rightly-or-wrongly predicted for him.  He IS definitely a contributor, even if he doesn't become the STAR I hoped he would be.

[P'bearfan]

When Daly and Folger missed those two shots right at the rim, down by two, with just a few seconds left .. . . it just wasn't to be. Thought we had the miracle finish all set up. Hard to watch the other guys exult and cut down the nets in your gym, but the Ephs earned it. I can't believe Wiliams doesn't have a really good chance to win it all in Salem.

We had a hard time with Scadlock and Karpowicz on the blocks without double-teaming - and you double down low at your own risk with Teal, Heskett, Casey, Aronowitz, Greenman poised on the arc. That's a deep team with a lot of weapons. Williams is so tall!

In truth, I think Williams won it with its defense - it was outstanding. Midd had no easy trips all night. The Ephs really got back on defense. You gotta acknowledge what a gritty team Midd is. They always play hard and they certainly did tonight. Had a nice chat with Toad after the game. There's a lot of respect in these two programs for one another.

What a joy it has been for Midd fans, old and young, to follow this team this year - they exceeded expectations at every stop. Matt St. Amour and Jake Brown have etched themselves into the record book - and in the hearts of Midd basketball fans who have been thrilled by their courage and talent for four years.

And to the underclassmen who worked so hard and improved so much, we so look forward to watching you play next season. Lots of sad guys on the Midd team tonight, but they'll recover in time and realize what a great ride this year has been, and how much they accomplished and experienced together. There's nothing like being on a team, pulling together with a lot on the line. Effort, exhilaration, and intimacy.

Now I have to wear a Williams hat for a full day this spring - a bet with NESCAC1 (he was going to have to wear a Middlebury necktie). That will provoke some comment.

I'm home, exhausted, and no bourbon in the house. Probably a good thing.

I had exactly the same sentiment when Bowdoin played Williams.  About 10 or 12 minutes into the first half they brought yet another big off the bench.  I remember asking myself "Exactly how many 6'-8" players do these guys have?!!"

Congrats on the great season.  I'm sure it ended earlier than you would have like but this was a great Midd team.

[nescac1]

The leap from D3 to say the Patriot League is big, but the leap to the very top of D1 is enormous.  Had Duncan chosen Davidson, he could have been a star.  I felt confident that Duncan would contribute for Michigan, but he was always going to be at a big disadvantage physically -- even though he has muscled up a ton, he never had the inherent frame to bang with Big 10 level 4's and 5's, nor the explosive athleticism to match Big 10-level wings.  I'd say ending up as a sixth man / sometimes-starter on a team like Michigan still has to be considered a huge success, and he has shot the ball beautifully in both years at Michigan (47/44/86 career shooting stats while averaging nearly 10 points per game).  His shooting and huge hoops IQ compensate for his athletic deficits.  Remember, lots of high level scholarship recruits won't ever see the floor much at a place like Michigan; being in the top six guys for two years running, and playing very well, is impressive.  And I do think next year he will have a chance to showcase his offense a bit more in light of who Michigan is likely to lose in the offseason. 

Mathteacherjedi, thanks for the photos link -- love 'em!  Glad to see Geoff Chapin's hair was indeed as glorious as it is in my memory.  I am almost positive I was at that game, but despite studying the photos intensely, I was unable to locate a depiction of a devastatingly handsome young NESCAC1.