MBB: NESCAC

[formerbant10]

Pretty good analysis...just 2 things I disagree with.

I never thought Olson was an arrogant player.  Very confident in his abilities and has a lot of showman in him....but he seemed down to earth.  This all may have changed in the past few years, but I never got that vibe from him.

I wouldn't say Russ Martin is soft.  Everyone has a bad game now and then.  Let's hope that he bounces back next weekend....which I'm pretty sure he will.

McLaughlin may be the most underrated player.  He's got a lot of tools.

[eclinchy]

I asked Sheldon after the Amherst/Trinity games who had the better backcourt.  I believe his exact words were "they're both great, but I'll give the edge to Amherst, since Baskauskas is 6'6"."

I think Amherst is way, way, WAY better than Trinity.  Not only do I agree that the backcourt is better, but I think Hoar and Westbrooks are pretty lousy compared to most NESCAC starting forwards.  I know I've been told not to worry about their lack of scoring against Tufts, but they were bad defensively as well.  Pierce, Kumf and Weitzen all lit them up.

As good as Kino and Pat Martin were, they can't carry that team.  Basically I think Trinity will need miraculously good shooting from Russ Martin and Robert Taylor to beat good teams.  They got that against Bates, but lightning won't strike twice.

[eclinchy]

And by the way, I disagree with McLaughlin as the most underrated player.  I think Baskauskas is better than T-Mac or Coulibaly.  I don't care if he is NESCAC Player of the Week -- until he cracks the starting five, I'll still consider him underrated.

[formerbant10]

Just to let you know, Russ Martin is leading Trinity in scoring....so good shooting days happen quite often for him.  Last year he was among the NESCAC leaders in FG% and I'm sure he's up there again this year.

Westbrooks sprained his ankle in the game, not the best game to judge him on.  Hoar got 2 fouls early and sat most of the 1st half, then got an early foul in the 2nd half.  Not great games for either of them.

Baskauskas had a lot of hype coming with him when he was brought in.  McLaughlin, not so much...and he continues to play good, efficient minutes.  But I'll concede that one to you.

[JeffRookie2]

I don't really think Tufts is THAT much better than Trinity. Sure they kicked their butts, but it was the second day of a road back to back, which is a pretty big advantage. Until further notice though, Tufts has regained it position as top contender for the throne in the NESCAC.

[fpc85]

Jack ripping out the jugular with his teeth was the best...he is my hero.....I can't believe the bomb went off.....OF course the had to kill the black on MLK day...

The Jeffs will continue to win because they are the best TEAM...and IMO they have the most talent.... Tufts appears to be a tough match for them.....but after 3 close games I think the Jeffs are just a tougher team. I love that many posters are unimpressed with the Jeff's play.......good teams win......these guys may not be as efficient offensively as recent editions of the Jeffs but I KNOW they are better defensively.....It will serve them well in NESCAC tourney and NCAA's if they are invited.

[fpc85]

sorry for the typo's...... it should read.......OF course they had to kill black man on MLK day.

[mrmike88]

New Top 25 out:

Two wins vs. Bates and Tufts and Amherst actually loses 3 first-place votes (and drops in total points).  I guess the OT game scared a few away.

Bates drops down in the poll but stays in the Top 25 at #21.

Trinity is receiving votes this week for their performance vs. Bates.

The Northeast, outside of the NESCAC, is well-represented this week!  WPI moves up 5 spots, and RIC and Keene State debut at #22 and #24, respectively.

The run towards the NCAA's might get interesting for NESCAC teams if these squads stay strong (especially since RIC and Keene State are in the same conference and would grab a Pool C bid).

[Pat Coleman]

Only lost two No. 1 votes.

[La Verdad]

I'm going to have to agree with formerbant on Olson.  I've talked to him a few times and seen him on campus quite a bit, and he never seemed the least bit arrogant.  He is confident in himself and is a bit of a showman, that I'll give you.  But I've never seen him cross the line into arrogance.  I think people may mistake his passion on the court for arrogance, but I can assure you he is anything but.

fpc,
I couldn't agree with you more.  Just when I think Jack is out of ways to kill terrorists he goes and bites a man to death...wow.  I was also sad to see Curtis go, I wish Jack had put a bullet into the president's nerdy advisor. 
To use your words, "Good teams win."  It may be coach talk, but it's the truth.  I agree that the Jeffs have the most talent; I'd say there are ten guys on that team who would start just about anywhere.

feed the snyder fair

[formerbant10]

The Bants were receiving votes last week as well.  Actually lost some votes due to the Tufts loss.

[hoopjunkie]

any early thoughts on top Nescac players am I too early to
start a conversation on 1st team 2nd team ?

first teamers for sure so far :
Olson
Stockwell
Cohen
Kino Clarke  or Pat Martin Trinity
other candidates :
Baukauskas , Stone , Wheller , Weitzen , Rudin , Kelly , Ray , Pierce

Also : I cant figure out Wes they beat a good Conn college team & lose tonight .

[JeffRookie2]

Whoa.. Whoa... I'm still on the end of season 5. Can we please at least put spoiler alerts if you are going to post that stuff. Man, I really liked Curtis.

First  Team:

Cohen
Olson
Stockwell
Weitzen
Clarke

Second Team

O'Keefe
P. Martin
Rudin
Stone
Wheeler

I feel good about everybody on there making at least 2nd team except O'keefe and Wheeler. Both are too inconsistent. But every time I think of replacing them with someone else they are either equally inconsistent (Rose, Kelly) or dont put up spectacular numbers (Ray, Shepard).

POY: Im staying with Cohen. Stats like that can't be denied.
COY: Jeff Brown 'cause he turned it around.
ROY: Joe Geoghegan

Obviously, some very good players left off this list.

[mrmike88]

WAMH is back on the airwaves with basketball action tomorrow!  We have an Amherst doubleheader, starting off at 5:00 with the Amherst women taking on Wesleyan.  After that, the men face off against Elms.

I'm excited about tomorrow because Elms head coach Ed Silva has agreed to come on the air and talk to us between the two games.

The whole thing starts at 4:55 for a quick pre-game with the women's game.  Men's pre-game will start following the conclusion of the women's broadcast.  The game is slated for a 7:30 start, according to Amherst's website.

http://wamh.amherst.edu/

[Pat Coleman]

Can you get me a list of all the games you'll be covering? We'll add links to our scoreboard pages.