MBB: NESCAC

[Old Guy]

Don't miss out on watching or reliving one of the longest DIII men's basketball games in modern history. 

(Just 2 OT periods short of tying the Skidmore vs S. Vermont DIII game from 2010 for longest DIII men's basketball game ever, but it is definitely the longest Brandeis men's basketball game ever-- may be for Tufts as well.)

I watched the end of the game, wild game indeed. My interest in the teams though began with Brandeis player Tommy Eastman, a great young man with a terrific versatile game. He was at Middlebury in 2019 and made the all-nescac second team — he's now completing his final year of eligibility at Brandeis. He's averaging 17 a game for the Judges, highest output on the team. I am told he was at the game but in street clothes. That right? He had injury issues in the past — I hope he's not hurt. He deserves better. .

[Painter66]

Eastman missed the last three games. May be a good sign that he was in street clothes. Per usual, no public explanation for his absence. Let's hope for the best.

[JEFFFAN]

Grant Robinson and Garrett Day lead the LJeffs to a strong victory over Springfield College, 75-61.   For the fifth straight game Amherst shot over 50% from the field.   The Jeffs go into the exam break undefeated against a relatively uninspired slate of opponents!

[nescac1]

I think Amherst is a legit top 25 team in terms of talent and the eye test.  They have tremendous quickness and experience in the backcourt and a lot of size and depth up front.  The question coming into this year was how they would replace three starting players in the front court.  But after the first semester, does Amherst really have any idea what it has up front, other than, they have a lot of big guys who are at least capable players? 

Here is the biggest guy they've faced (among starters) in each of their games: 6'3, 6'6, 6'4, 6'6, 6'5, 6'6, 6'7 (on a winless team) and 6'4.  Many of those teams were playing four guards, by necessity.  They have played against high-school-sized frontcourts, game after game.  Their four top big guys (Schretter, Vance, Scherer and Schlakman) are averaging together around 26 points, 21 boards, and over 2 blocks per game on close to 70 percent shooting, collectively.  But those guys are big (6'7, 6'7, 6'7 and 6'10, and all are bulky to boot) ... and seem to not really look to shoot from the perimeter at all (a combined 1-8 from 3 on the season).  Basically, they've been able to easily overpower much smaller players on the interior the entire season, and have had a size mismatch every single game, leading to loads and loads of layups and dunks with only minimal contestation.  How will they fare against Jordan James, Nate Karren, Donald Jorden, Alex Sobel, Luke Rogers (if he's back), Omar Sarr and so on?  It's impossible to say at this point.  (And by the way Nescac looks loaded at center this season!).  The Amherst bigs were all highly regarded recruits and certainly look the part, so I'm not saying they won't fare well against better competition ... but it's just impossible to say until early January.

For Amherst, the only other real question is outside shooting.  The rest of the team other than Garrett Day is shooting only 32 percent from 3.  Amherst seems committed to playing two non-shooters up front, unless Helmke sees more time in the rotation.  Tim McCarthy would instantly solve a lot of those problems, since he would give Amherst a second top-notch three point shooter on the wing.  But until he is back, it becomes Day and a lot of guys who have not been reliable from 3 even against very weak opponents (the rest of the guards are all in the 28-31 percent range).   

Where I have no questions about Amherst is defense.  They can hound opposing backcourts with waves of quick, athletic guards -- the guys off the bench (Reynolds, Phelan, Alausa and when McCarthy returns, Allen) are probably more difficult to deal with than the starting trio.  And there is a lot of rim protection up front with Amherst always employing two bigs and rotating fresh guys in and out.  No team has even managed to score over 61 points against them!  Yes, not very good teams, but just based on the eye test and the personnel, they are going to be very difficult to score against, even when teams have stronger offensive personnel. 

Wesleyan, Amherst and Williams can all really defend this year, and all have had moments of less efficient play on offense.  Unless the offenses catch up to the defenses over the next month, we may see some really low-scoring games among those three teams. 

[middhoops]

Good analysis, NESCAC1

[deiscanton]

Don't miss out on watching or reliving one of the longest DIII men's basketball games in modern history. 

(Just 2 OT periods short of tying the Skidmore vs S. Vermont DIII game from 2010 for longest DIII men's basketball game ever, but it is definitely the longest Brandeis men's basketball game ever-- may be for Tufts as well.)

I watched the end of the game, wild game indeed. My interest in the teams though began with Brandeis player Tommy Eastman, a great young man with a terrific versatile game. He was at Middlebury in 2019 and made the all-nescac second team — he's now completing his final year of eligibility at Brandeis. He's averaging 17 a game for the Judges, highest output on the team. I am told he was at the game but in street clothes. That right? He had injury issues in the past — I hope he's not hurt. He deserves better. .

Earlier last week, I called Brandeis SID Adam Levin expressing my concerns about Tommy Eastman, and Adam confirmed to me that Tommy Eastman was sitting on the bench in street clothes for the WPI game as well, and that his situation was day to day at this point about whether he was available to play.    As you can probably see from the 5 OT win over Tufts as well as the 44 point win last night vs Lasell, Brandeis is still deep enough without Eastman to get 7 to 9 wins in the UAA at least and get a winning season. All of the remaining Brandeis players, by the way they are playing, are telling me not to worry too much-- the Judges will be okay.  Still, I would like a healthy Tommy Eastman ready to play vs Case Western Reserve on January 16, if possible.  Eastman could be the difference in Brandeis potentially winning the UAA AQ or not this season.

So, this Saturday, Colby comes to Auerbach Arena for the first time ever-- I only saw one Brandeis vs Colby men's basketball match in person in my lifetime, and that was the 1992 ECAC New England Championship game up in Waterville, Maine that Brandeis won.   I confess that I haven't really watched Colby on video much this season, what do the Mules bring to the table to challenge the Judges?

PS-- I also know that a Kevin O'Brien coached Brandeis team also played Colby once during my undergrad days. (1987 to 1991).    Colby, led by Matt Hancock, at the time, won that game.  The coach of Colby back then was the legendary Dick Whitmore.  I think that game was also up in Waterville, Maine as well, as I do not recall Colby coming to the Shapiro Gym during my Brandeis student days. 

[Bucket]

Don't miss out on watching or reliving one of the longest DIII men's basketball games in modern history. 

(Just 2 OT periods short of tying the Skidmore vs S. Vermont DIII game from 2010 for longest DIII men's basketball game ever, but it is definitely the longest Brandeis men's basketball game ever-- may be for Tufts as well.)

I watched the end of the game, wild game indeed. My interest in the teams though began with Brandeis player Tommy Eastman, a great young man with a terrific versatile game. He was at Middlebury in 2019 and made the all-nescac second team — he's now completing his final year of eligibility at Brandeis. He's averaging 17 a game for the Judges, highest output on the team. I am told he was at the game but in street clothes. That right? He had injury issues in the past — I hope he's not hurt. He deserves better. .

Earlier last week, I called Brandeis SID Adam Levin expressing my concerns about Tommy Eastman, and Adam confirmed to me that Tommy Eastman was sitting on the bench in street clothes for the WPI game as well, and that his situation was day to day at this point about whether he was available to play.    As you can probably see from the 5 OT win over Tufts as well as the 44 point win last night vs Lasell, Brandeis is still deep enough without Eastman to get 7 to 9 wins in the UAA at least and get a winning season. All of the remaining Brandeis players, by the way they are playing, are telling me not to worry too much-- the Judges will be okay.  Still, I would like a healthy Tommy Eastman ready to play vs Case Western Reserve on January 16, if possible.  Eastman could be the difference in Brandeis potentially winning the UAA AQ or not this season.

So, this Saturday, Colby comes to Auerbach Arena for the first time ever-- I only saw one Brandeis vs Colby men's basketball match in person in my lifetime, and that was the 1992 ECAC New England Championship game up in Waterville, Maine.   I confess that I haven't really watched Colby on video much this season, what do the Mules bring to the table to challenge the Judges?

And I'm sure Tommy desperately wants to return for that game w/ Case Western, as his former Midd teammate Griffin Kornaker is a key player as a grad transfer for the Spartans. In a game earlier this season, Griff set the single-game assist record for Case  Western.

[amh63]

Agree with ALL your comments on Amherst...in general.  One must remember that Amherst has a total new coaching staff.  Watching the games to date, I first check out who is not dressed for the game.  There has been a number of seasoned players along with FY players not dressed.  Tough practices??.  Against "smaller" opponents, I have noticed Amherst has countered with smaller FY guards that can shoot/score and run the team.  In short, the coaches are getting to know what they have...in game conditions.  Yes, the early season opponents are not as talented/strong as the Williams, Wesleyan, Tufts, Midd teams ahead.  It should be a "fun" season to watch when the new year arrives.

[Old Guy]

Earlier last week, I called Brandeis SID Adam Levin expressing my concerns about Tommy Eastman, and Adam confirmed to me that Tommy Eastman was sitting on the bench in street clothes for the WPI game as well, and that his situation was day to day at this point about whether he was available to play.    As you can probably see from the 5 OT win over Tufts as well as the 44 point win last night vs Lasell, Brandeis is still deep enough without Eastman to get 7 to 9 wins in the UAA at least and get a winning season. All of the remaining Brandeis players, by the way they are playing, are telling me not to worry too much-- the Judges will be okay.  Still, I would like a healthy Tommy Eastman ready to play vs Case Western Reserve on January 16, if possible.  Eastman could be the difference in Brandeis potentially winning the UAA AQ or not this season.

So what's the injury? He played (brilliantly) at about 80% at Midd, I was authoritatively told, and I thought he got his knee fixed during the year and a half pandemic hiatus. His Midd fans had so hoped that he might have an injury-free season with the Judges.

Midd played sloppily tonight against a weak Plattsburgh team and won 82-61, its largest lead of the night. Plattsburgh was 3-16 from the line! The Panthers were up by 19 in the first half, but Plattsburgh cut it down to 4 at one point in the 2nd. Midd shot poorly - 3-17 from three. Edwards was off (4-15 FG. 1-8 3pt, but 6-6 from the line — he's a really good foul shooter! The other frosh, Lamine Cisse, lots of athletic ability, had 11 pts in 13 mins.

Plattsburgh had no one to keep Sobel from dominating. He plays with such restraint. Doesn't try to do too much. Very soft touch near the hoop: 22 points (9-15), 13 boards, 4 blocks, in 29 minutes (just 3 fouls).

Skidmore next, at home. Skidmore beat Plattsburgh 88-44. Midd will have to be sharper than they were tonight.

[nescac1]

With the HUGE caveat that this is before a single league game has been played, Alex Sobel is on pace for the most statistically dominant season in NESCAC since   Genuine question ... I don't know the answer.  Right now, he's second in the league in scoring, first in rebounding (by a two rebound per game margin), third in FG percentage, and first in blocks, with double the number of blocks of the second-ranked guy.  And in the top 20 in assists to boot.  He's 2-3 from 3 and also shooting it well from the foul line.   

If the POY vote was based on performance to date, it wouldn't be a close contest.  If he performs at this pace against NESCAC competition, it will be hugely impressive.  Clearly, he's dramatically improved since his last season of play. 

[Bucket]

Love how my friend OG keeps calling Stevens "Edwards." Not as good a defender (yet) as Timmy, but perhaps more offensive upside?

[nescac1]

The Ephs keep rolling with a comfortable win over a decent enough Union team.  Good to see the Ephs win easily with a depleted backcourt, as Cole Prowitt Smith was out sick and Alex Stoddard has yet to return for the Ephs since looking good in game one.  Ryan Moon did a nice job handling point guard duties after a tough day vs. Wesleyan, getting 6 points, 3 boards, 3 steals, a block, and critically, no turnovers vs. an aggressive Union press, in what is surely a career high 28 minutes.  Lot of great hustle plays by Moon, as always.

As it's been all year for Williams, the offense was a bit hit or miss (and certainly missed Cole) but the defense was stellar.  Jovan Jones was great on both ends for Wiliiams, he has been playing very well and finished plays beautifully today, and Nate Karren continued his first half dominance before maybe running out of steam a bit in the second.  Still, he's playing great overall.  Marc Taylor continued to shoot well from deep, great to see him making big contributions after basically losing 1.5 seasons due to an achilles tear, and Declan Porter had an excellent game for the Ephs.  Before tonight Declan was mainly an outside shooter but he scored in a variety of ways today, posting up smaller guards and taking it strong to the hoops.  The Ephs will benefit if he continues to look for offense aggressively and not just as a set shooter.

The Ephs are very, very hard to get clean looks from 3 against.  Their last four opponents, none of them terrible teams: 7-27, 6-23, 5-29, and 2-17.  The Ephs have so much length and just don't leave guys very open around the arc.  If you are going to beat Williams, unless you are hitting very difficult deep shots, you are likely going to do it with mid-range jumpers and quick guards who can drive to the hole and force help. 

Offensively, I love how unselfish the Ephs are but sometimes they can be a bit TOO unselfish, especially late in the shot clock.  If you have a good look, sometimes better to just put it up rather than try to find an even better shot, especially, again, as the shot clock is running down.  But the Ephs have so many different guys who can make plays on offense, it's a real luxury even with two very good offensive players out, the Ephs seemed to have plenty of playmakers out there. 

[ephoops]

Middlebury news:

"Middlebury has moved to remote instruction as of December 10. In alignment with COVID-19 protocols for team play, all athletic competitions will be postponed until further notice. Makeup dates for each competition will be posted at a later date."

Bucket and Old Guy - What is the mood at Midd??  I imagine there's an extraordinary amount of frustration.  I believe that almost everyone in the Midd College community (students, faculty, admins, etc.) is vaccinated. 

[Old Guy]

With the HUGE caveat that this is before a single league game has been played, Alex Sobel is on pace for the most statistically dominant season in NESCAC since   Genuine question ... I don't know the answer.  Right now, he's second in the league in scoring, first in rebounding (by a two rebound per game margin), third in FG percentage, and first in blocks, with double the number of blocks of the second-ranked guy.  And in the top 20 in assists to boot.  He's 2-3 from 3 and also shooting it well from the foul line.   

If the POY vote was based on performance to date, it wouldn't be a close contest.  If he performs at this pace against NESCAC competition, it will be hugely impressive.  Clearly, he's dramatically improved since his last season of play.

Alas, Middlebury is sending everyone home ("out of an abundance of caution"), canceling all athletics events this weekend. COVID. I hope such "caution" is not necessary going into the new year, for the happiness and well-being of everyone, of course, but it's hard not to feel especially for Alex who is off to such a great start.

[Old Guy]

Middlebury news:

"Middlebury has moved to remote instruction as of December 10. In alignment with COVID-19 protocols for team play, all athletic competitions will be postponed until further notice. Makeup dates for each competition will be posted at a later date."

Bucket and Old Guy - What is the mood at Midd??  I imagine there's an extraordinary amount of frustration.  I believe that almost everyone in the Midd College community (students, faculty, admins, etc.) is vaccinated.

Bucket is closer to campus doings than I (though my wife is still teaching at Midd). This comes as a surprise. Numbers are up in the last two days.