MBB: NESCAC

[jesseowenssmoked]

I would also note, as it's been mentioned before on this board that the Middlebury broadcast crew is outstanding.  The Williams broadcast team...well the inanity forced me to turn off the sound.  In the seemingly likely event that Williams hosts the NESCAC Final Four will the Middlebury team still broadcast?

Personally I thought they were both brutal. One of the Williams guys was an alum who had never been to a game before.... The other was a girl whose analysis consisted of saying "Schultz looking cold today" after he missed his first shot. Middlebury better no doubt but still tough. They ended the game by saying that they blew that one out not because Colby was sloppy but because Midd is "just that good...."

By the way when you're told to go under screens against Williams and Midd... not surprising that you give up a lot of 3's.

[nescac1]

I thought the Williams crew was one of the better I've heard this year -- at least they seemed to know who the key players on both teams were, understood basic basketball terminology, and were able to pronounce names correctly, etc.  Half of the time, home broadcasters (when the Ephs are away) can't even pronounce "Ephs" right and almost have a heart attack trying to pronounce Geoghegan ... and certainly have no clue about whomever their team happens to be playing. 

[jesseowenssmoked]

Its gay'gan not go'he'gan. Williams guys screwed that up too. Not sure if he mispronounces it himself.

[toad22]

I believe the entire Geohegan family pronounces it Go'he'gan.

[mito72]

First time poster, short time reader . . . felt compelled by Walzy's genious to participate, and was induced by oldies versus AAU generation debate over the merits of each generation's all-time players. No question that William's best from the 70's could play. Wonder why Vern Manley (who carried team 69-72) not mentioned. But I have sinced also been excited about and must chime in on "maine ball" contributions--it has been terrific to have Colby discussed enthusiastically, and that should continue despite this weekend (perhaps outdone by Amherst--who went 0 for maine, cause for rejoicing?) Maybe the Jeffs will redeem this week! if Meehan back.  Best comment re debate was a reference to fact that players of past would have developed differently under present system. Zone defenses and no 3pointer, as well predominance of fast break, pressing or slow down strategies affected qualities of play. If Rehnquist not best ever at Amherst then Dave Auten '70 (1st team Small College All-American, when only Large and Small schools, no divisions, every player drafted NBA) likely is (due respect Olsen).Yet Jim had no "handle"--he could leap, bounded ferociously and it is scary to consider him with a 3 pt line! Interesting to note the comments re Heinsohn and Cowens. My high school coach, John Killilea, was enlisted by Auerbach to be the first Celt asst. coach to help Heinie with defense (not his forte). When Dave was drafted he came to Sam Jones' camp, which Killer directed, we got to see first hand maybe the best leaper ever (of any shade)in respect to his uncanny repeat hops (higher and quicker jumps 2-3) Those days exposed me directly to collegiate and pro players who could do everything todays players can. More later, thanks.

[jesseowenssmoked]

I believe the entire Geohegan family pronounces it Go'he'gan.

That's fine, but you can't criticize people for having a "heart attack" when they try to pronounce Geoghegan when the guy himself pronounces it in a non-standard way.

[nescac1]

It really isn't too hard to find out, as a broadcaster, how to pronounce players' names.  It is even easier to find out how to pronounce a team name like "Ephs."  But my larger point was that, particularly compared to other broadcasts I've seen, I though the Williams crews did a very good job this weekend, and were unfairly singled out for criticism. 

Back to NESCAC hoops talk, should be a very interesting race for all-conference this year.  Two leading contenders, Sharry and Meehan, have missed a lot of time with injuries, so while both are worthy of first team honors based on talent and production when they do play, it will be interesting to see what happens there.  Choice, Pierce, Schultz and Wang all seem like first-teamers, with one of those two joining them, depending on their impact over the rest of the season.  Strong candidates for second team include M. Russell, Brian Ellis, Bernier, Whittington (first sub to make all-NESCAC?), Wheeler (although he's been slumping a bit of late), Tim Edwards, Beyel.  Sha Brown seems like a lock for ROY, although Wolfin/Thompson from Middlebury, Robertson from Williams, Brust from Bates, a few other guys from Wesleyan, and the three Amherst frosh have all had their moments.   DPOY will probably come down to Locke, Whittington, and Edwards, with Edwards the favorite as a senior.  COY probably Maker unless Midd wins the NESCAC tourney (even then, Maker would still have a strong case). 

[toad22]

Mito72,
I remember Autin quite well and even guarded him for a short stretch one game. He was very good and completely over-matched me. I played with Vern Manley for 2 years. He was a little bit like Walt Frazier, and certainly was the best offensive player we had at the time. My most vivid memory of him was in game Williams played at Albright College in a Christmas tournement. Manley drove the lane and got hit hard in the face by a defender. He went flying one way and one of his front teeth (root and all) went flying all the way out past half court. I happened to see the tooth and went out and pick it up. They found a dentist for Vern in the middle of the night to reinsert the tooth. Vern played the next night with a mouth guard and made the all tourney team. Vern is now the head of the parole board for the State of New York.

[Pat Coleman]

I believe the entire Geohegan family pronounces it Go'he'gan.

Go-HE-gan is what we were told last time I broadcast a Williams game. This is why broadcasters ask. Or are supposed to ask.

[mito72]

toad22-
In last game of his career against Amherst, Vern took inbound pass with seconds left and drove length of court against the best defender in the Little Three for a layup to win game.
Glad everybody straightened out pronunciation for benefit of this weekends announcers. [I thought Bates announcers were good]

[machine54]

Hard to believe that Colby is the third best team in the NESCAC - their offensive sets v. MIDD consisted of three sometimes four guys literally standing around the perimeter - it's Choice, Choice and more Choice - nice ball player - very smooth and athletic - but could we get just a little off the ball movement and you're playing one of the top defensive teams - at least make MIDD work a little bit -  Sharry looks like he still has a ways to go but if he can get close to full strength MIDD will be a tough out in the NCAA tournament - good D - balanced scoring - good inside/out game - MIDD v. EPH-U final four would be sweet revenge 

[toad22]

The NESCAC has a nice statistical section on their website. They break team and individual stats out for the full season and also just the NESCAC games. Maybe everybody is aware of this, but I just stumbled on it. One stat which surprised me is that Williams leads the league in both offensive stats and defensive stats (for the NESCAC only season). This demonstrates what Nescac1 has been saying about the Eph's improved defense. MIDD's defense is far more aggressive than William's, but so far that hasn't translated into better defensive numbers with common opponents.

[O-Boards10]

It really isn't too hard to find out, as a broadcaster, how to pronounce players' names.  It is even easier to find out how to pronounce a team name like "Ephs."  But my larger point was that, particularly compared to other broadcasts I've seen, I though the Williams crews did a very good job this weekend, and were unfairly singled out for criticism. 

Back to NESCAC hoops talk, should be a very interesting race for all-conference this year.  Two leading contenders, Sharry and Meehan, have missed a lot of time with injuries, so while both are worthy of first team honors based on talent and production when they do play, it will be interesting to see what happens there.  Choice, Pierce, Schultz and Wang all seem like first-teamers, with one of those two joining them, depending on their impact over the rest of the season.  Strong candidates for second team include M. Russell, Brian Ellis, Bernier, Whittington (first sub to make all-NESCAC?), Wheeler (although he's been slumping a bit of late), Tim Edwards, Beyel.  Sha Brown seems like a lock for ROY, although Wolfin/Thompson from Middlebury, Robertson from Williams, Brust from Bates, a few other guys from Wesleyan, and the three Amherst frosh have all had their moments.   DPOY will probably come down to Locke, Whittington, and Edwards, with Edwards the favorite as a senior.  COY probably Maker unless Midd wins the NESCAC tourney (even then, Maker would still have a strong case). 

I think Russell should get strong consideration for first team. He is averaging 14 ppg and 9.5 rpg. He has a chance to be the first player since the 05-06 season to average a double-double. I think that should be worth a first team nod. Especially when you consider the last players to do so (Cohen, Stone, Rhoten)

[nescac1]

I don't see how Colby could possibly have two first team guys after this weekend, and Choice is clearly going to be a first teamer.  In the front court, Schultz and Choice are obviously locks, and I think Pierce and Sharry, and probably even Whittington, are more deserving for the third slot.  The two big guys from Bowdoin both have an argument as well.  But Russell certainly warrants strong second team consideration. 

[walzy31]

The 2010 All NESCAC All Crazy Team is almost wrapped up. There is one more player slot available, as well as this year's craziest NESCAC fans. Feel free to send me a personal message or email with a crazy account and I will see what I can do (your input will be kept anonymous).

I leave you with a link to 2008's All NESCAC All Crazy Team (it starts on the bottom of page 379 and rolls into page 380). Some of these crazy hoopsters have since matriculated from their fine colleges and universities, yet others are still active players in the 'CAC and could be considered front runners for repeat accolades.
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