MBB: NESCAC

[P'bearfan]

Their applications likely went through an early read, which provides a high level of assurance that you will be admitted if you apply early decision and keep your grades up.  Early reads can be completed by the admissions department as early as July 1 -- the student then "commits" to submit an ED application once he receives a favorable early read determination.

Completely agree.  This is the process my son went through when he was recruited. 

By this time his senior year, he had finished his recruiting visits and agreed to apply ED.  That's as much of a "committment" as you can get.  Of course nothing is offical until: 1) the school formerly admits the student; 2) the student graduates in good standing. 

Once my son was accepted, my wife and I kept chanting  "no C's and no felonies".  Somehow it all worked out.

[nescac1]

Every NESCAC school does it, and does it routinely (both in the ED and RD rounds) -- and in all my years following NESCAC sports, I have yet to hear of someone who publicly "committed" to any NESCAC school prior to actually being admitted, but then ended up being rejected.  And for that to happen, I imagine that it would likely involve either a severe disciplinary infraction or a DRAMATIC drop in grades during the applicant's senior year in high school.  These guys don't make these sort of public announcements unless they are VERY confident they will actually be accepted when push comes to shove.   

[gordonmann]

With respect to good eating places for lunch in Williamstown....there is a nice lunchplace very near the entrance to the Williams BB court...around the corner so to speak.  Used to have sandwiches named after celebrities that visited Willytown.  Is it still in operation Nescac1?  Any suggestions for ronk who plans a visit

Yeah, there's a coffee shop near Chandler and a cool little pub called "The Purple Cow" nearby, too. I had a nice lunch there the last time I was in town.

[ronk]

With respect to good eating places for lunch in Williamstown....there is a nice lunchplace very near the entrance to the Williams BB court...around the corner so to speak.  Used to have sandwiches named after celebrities that visited Willytown.  Is it still in operation Nescac1?  Any suggestions for ronk who plans a visit

Yeah, there's a coffee shop near Chandler and a cool little pub called "The Purple Cow" nearby, too. I had a nice lunch there the last time I was in town.

  thanks, sounds like a Purple Royal ought to be dining at the Purple Cow.

[nescac1]

The pub is actually The Purple Pub .  It is very new, and replaced the old Purple Pub, which was smaller, dingier, but also had a lot more character -- I really miss the old Pub, actually, and wish they would try harder to recreate some of the atmosphere. 

The sandwich shop Amh63 speaks of is Pappa Charlie's, and that is definitely my top Williamstown lunch recommendation.  There are actually a ton of eating options in Williamstown for such a small town.  Others include Water Street Grill (beer and burgers, solid enough), Hot Tomatoes (excellent pizza but only sold by the pie), on a nice day sit on the benches by the river behind the pizza place and split a pie with friends, Pera Bistro (more a sit-down place, good Mediterranean food in a nice atmosphere), and a new burrito place run by a recent graduate, which I've yet to try.  There are a few others as well that I've never been to, like Hops and Vines and Spring Street Cafe.  Also a bunch of ethnic restaurants on Spring Street (Thai, Indian, Vietnamese) but you can get better ethnic food elsewhere in my view.  Finally Tunnel City is an awesome spot for coffee and pastries and is basically across the street from the football complex. 

For dinner, the best dinner by far in Williamstown is Mezze, equivalent to a high-end dinner in any major city, but costs some $$$ and you have to drive from the downtown area.  In downtown, I always enjoy Hobson's Choice, which is really old school -- cozy, nothing overly complicated or fussy, but they grill a mean steak and they are really warm and inviting to customers.  Also not cheap, but worth it.   

[ronk]

The pub is actually The Purple Pub .  It is very new, and replaced the old Purple Pub, which was smaller, dingier, but also had a lot more character -- I really miss the old Pub, actually, and wish they would try harder to recreate some of the atmosphere. 

The sandwich shop Amh63 speaks of is Pappa Charlie's, and that is definitely my top Williamstown lunch recommendation.  There are actually a ton of eating options in Williamstown for such a small town.  Others include Water Street Grill (beer and burgers, solid enough), Hot Tomatoes (excellent pizza but only sold by the pie), on a nice day sit on the benches by the river behind the pizza place and split a pie with friends, Pera Bistro (more a sit-down place, good Mediterranean food in a nice atmosphere), and a new burrito place run by a recent graduate, which I've yet to try.  There are a few others as well that I've never been to, like Hops and Vines and Spring Street Cafe.  Also a bunch of ethnic restaurants on Spring Street (Thai, Indian, Vietnamese) but you can get better ethnic food elsewhere in my view.  Finally Tunnel City is an awesome spot for coffee and pastries and is basically across the street from the football complex. 

For dinner, the best dinner by far in Williamstown is Mezze, equivalent to a high-end dinner in any major city, but costs some $$$ and you have to drive from the downtown area.  In downtown, I always enjoy Hobson's Choice, which is really old school -- cozy, nothing overly complicated or fussy, but they grill a mean steak and they are really warm and inviting to customers.  Also not cheap, but worth it.   

nescac,
thanks, I've printed your reply to take along on the trip.

[nescac1]

Sure thing -- and enjoy!  I'm jealous, it's been far too long since I've been to the Berkshires in fall.  If you have time, try to hike Pine Cobble in Williamstown, fantastic view of town at the summit, or at the very least take the short walk up Stone Hill behind the Clark Museum, and I also highly recommend driving the few miles to North Adams to check out MassMOCA, which is my favorite museum anywhere (it helps if you love contemporary art, but the setting itself makes the museum fantastic even if you don't). 

One thing I forgot to mention: it's too bad The Log isn't reopening until, I believe, later in October ... that's the coziest spot to eat and drink in Williamstown, truly wonderful atmosphere, and after extensive renovations and expansions (keeping all the historic charm in place, supposedly) it will for the first time be open to the general public.  But I think it's still a few weeks away from being ready, alas ...

[ContinentalDomer]

Every NESCAC school does it, and does it routinely (both in the ED and RD rounds) -- and in all my years following NESCAC sports, I have yet to hear of someone who publicly "committed" to any NESCAC school prior to actually being admitted, but then ended up being rejected.  And for that to happen, I imagine that it would likely involve either a severe disciplinary infraction or a DRAMATIC drop in grades during the applicant's senior year in high school.  These guys don't make these sort of public announcements unless they are VERY confident they will actually be accepted when push comes to shove.

Almost invariably, such public announcements in social media - whether issued by the player or the AAU program that seeks early publicity - contain the caveat "pending admission" . . . if the official acceptance has not yet been received.

[nescac1]

Speaking of this topic, another recruit committing to Williams early, 6'2 combo guard Vince Brookins out of Ohio.  According to his Twitter account, he paid visits to both Amherst and Williams last week -- so in addition to being good at basketball, he's clearly very wise :

"Extremely blessed to announce that I have verbally committed to further my education and basketball career at Williams College! Go Ephs!"

Williams has done a good job recruiting Ohio in recent years -- Dan Aronowitz is the top returning player on the team, Kyle Scadlock is a very promising frosh recruit from Ohio, and now it looks like they will be adding another Ohio recruit too. 

Video on Brookins here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3645319/vince-brookins

Brookins was second team all-Ohio in the independent schools division.  His teammate Peter Barba will be playing for Columbia this year.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-hoops-announces-boys-basketball-all-ohio-selections-for-the-2014-2015-season-300051483.html

[middhoops]

Thought this might be a good time for a pre-season NESCAC to D1 player update.
As many of you know, Middlebury's Dylan Sinnickson is playing a grad student season at the University of Vermont.  He broke his arm his sophomore year at Midd, so had one season of eligibility remaining.
Last Friday, Vandy74 and I were guests at the UVM men's basketball tip-off dinner.  It was a great opportunity to meet players, talk to coaches and listen to basketball stories.  (If heaven is half that good......)
Dylan told us he'd played daily over the summer with the team, including incoming transfer students.  He said adapting to the speed of D1 was daunting but was most surprised by the "athleticism of the 6-8 guys".  Dylan said he thought he'd get playing time, backing up the starters at the 3 and the 4.  He will be a very undersized 4 but can stretch the court well, even by America East Conference standards.
The head coach indicated that he wasn't sure that Sinnickson actually has a position but time will tell.  He likes Dylan's intelligence, speed and 3 point shot.
One player sitting at our table who happened to be the most athletic guy in the room commented that Sinnickson is "very athletic" which came as high praise from a 6' guy who can pull down a rebound and instantly go back up to flush it.
Vermont lost a very important player over the summer who would have prevented Sinnickson from getting much, if any, meaningful playing time.  The younger brother of an NBA player, the kid just wanted to go back to Indiana and move on from basketball.  UVM's loss is Dylan Sinnickson's opportunity.
Dylan stated that his goal is to help Vermont get back to the NCAA tournament this season.

Sinnickson to D1 updates will appear if and when there is something exciting to pass on.

We look forward to hearing as much as we can about Robinson and Hart as 3 NESCAC players move to bigger programs and a higher level of competition.

[amh63]

Middhoops...thanks for sharing that info here! Plus k
Nescac1 ....you too for burrowing for all new " recruits" to CAC info.  I must have to respond to William's latest pickup.  I'm sure he will succeed at Williams.  However, I feel that his talents was met with the " no room in the inn" situation at Amherst.  I saw this situation occur about.six years ago....when Aaron Toomey was expected to show up.  I was at a game where a fine guard and his parents...both Amherst alums..met with Coach Hixon after the game.  The player went ED to another CAC program...where he was happy and made significant contributions.  I posted this info a while back.  Last season, when Amherst played in Baltimore again...the Amherst parents was at the game in support of the Jeffs.  For me in was a kind of " reunion"...talking with them again..while awaiting the start of the game.  It will add interests in future Jeffs vs Ephs matchups.

[nescac1]

Amh63, while I'm sure you'd like to think and apparently assume that all players who are recruited by both Williams and Amherst and who end up at Williams are merely Amherst's unwanted detritus, I can assure you that is most certainly not the case.  Hixon has historically not exactly turned his nose at the players that Williams heavily recruits as first-choice talents (as opposed perhaps to those at some other programs). 

[P'bearfan]

I must have to respond to William's latest pickup.  I'm sure he will succeed at Williams.  However, I feel that his talents was met with the " no room in the inn" situation at Amherst.  I saw this situation occur about.six years ago....when Aaron Toomey was expected to show up.  I was at a game where a fine guard and his parents...both Amherst alums..met with Coach Hixon after the game.  The player went ED to another CAC program...where he was happy and made significant contributions.  I posted this info a while back.  Last season, when Amherst played in Baltimore again...the Amherst parents was at the game in support of the Jeffs.  For me in was a kind of " reunion"...talking with them again..while awaiting the start of the game.  It will add interests in future Jeffs vs Ephs matchups.

First let me say that I know absolutely nothing about Vince Brookins, his recruiting process and why he chose Williams vs Amherst.  I only wish him the best of luck going with his career going forward.

However, I am very familiar with the recruitment of the son of the two Amherst alums.  amh63, that situation was more complicated that you are describing here and the player's decision to apply ED to another school involved more factors than just the presence of Aaron Toomey.   

I would hope that potential playing time is one of the many factors recruits are considering  but my experience is that the decision process is just more complex than that - especially when we are talking about students who could play in the NESCAC.

[amh63]

Nescac1 ......please do not read too much in my post.  I was just making an inference....and playing time....as P'Bearfan indicated....came to mind.  I am not even aware of the position he wants to play.  If you want to know the why...maybe you can tweet him on the subject.  I assure you, I have no further interest on the Why.  If....and this is a big if at my age...remember the player...when Amherst and Williams meet NEXT season....it will make the game more interesting to watch.
P'Bearfan....I agree that when young persons make a decision on where he or she goes to college, it is a complicated process.   WENT THROUGH THAT PROCESS....for three kids.   For a student athlete, it can be a little more complicated...and yes, playing time is important.
For the Player that I mentioned and you are aware of...I did not know at the time...when I met the family, his grade or his position.  I found out his parents colleges when I chatted with him.  They told me then...at Stevenson...old facility...that he was a senior and was going ED....to Bowdoin.  Based on his size, I assume he was a potential guard....maybe even a PG. I was more curious when they all went over to meter up with Coach Hixon.
I do know the process of admission to Amherst....having been involved with it for the DC...not Baltimore...area for about two decades.  The Baltimore alum who was involved when I was involved are friends in fact.  I sat with him a bit last year at the game in Baltimore.
The children of Alums can meet with the Amission head person in fact for a personal evaluation so to speak.  The Admission Dean looks over the records available and makes a determination if the potential applicant is competative with the application pool for Amherst.  If the person is marginal, the dean will suggest colleges that the applicant is competative.  The dean may even suggest the person to apply ED.  It short, the early read will let the student to be know if Amherst is an option.
I am confident that the young man was told to apply...that he was a good candidate.  His parents could provide a " tip" so to speak...if needed.  My inference to playing time when I mentioned Toomey is more hind sight.  At the time....around early Nov...early BB season, I never heard of Aaron!  The following season just when practice started...Homecoming time, I dropped by to see the team at practice.  I remember a slight built Aaron who was sitting on the floor rolling his calf over some sort of rollers.  I just shook my head...trying to figure if that was Toomey that was causing some talk in the Amherst BB world.
The above is my best recall of the situation.  Oh yes, I do remember the Bowdoin player played very well when he played at LeFrak...high scorer for his team in his senior year.  Higher than his average, I believe.
Enough on the matter....just returned from Amherst...saw.Amherst beat Bowdoin in Football and defending National Champ Tuft's in soccer . Awaiting wife who was in NYC over the weekend...visiting our sons and daughter in laws.  Hope she kept my suggested spending limit...not a chance 

[jayhawk]

This is all somewhat silly. NESCAC point forward a minor" jab at Amherst"- whether in jest or not (often some truth often in comments) that the recruit had visited Amherst and Williams and decided on Williams
Amh63 it is not fair to say that Hixon necessarily did not want this recruit- I did not know if he wanted this payer but there are lots of fish in the sea

What I can say is that Amherst and I suspect Williams has multiple recruits visit campus since the summer. Both potential recruits and coaches are now in a dance to determine who are their top choices for early decision and the recruit faces the same issue can he or she can a "lock" as an ED candidate

I believe Amherst tends to prefer to not openly state their bball commit till officially accepted-
What I feel is most appropriate to say is that the new Amherst recruit Eric Sellew is a nice fit that complements the present players on the team. He is big and can play inside but what makes him unusual is that for someone his size he has very good dribbling skills, can take players off the dribble, ambidextrous around the basket and appear to have an excellent 3 point shot. He reminds me of Willie Workman but perhaps not with the same leaping skills. He should be able to play at 3 or 4 position