MBB: NESCAC

[nescac1]

Commitment from future Eph Brandon Arnold, a 6'7 forward from North Carolina.  Based on his highlight film and stats, looks like an interior player with good athleticism:

https://twitter.com/brandondevonne/status/1060001014022094848?s=21

[nescac1]

First (I think) NESCAC roster and it's an interesting one, Tufts:

http://www.gotuftsjumbos.com/sports/mbkb/2018-19/roster

The Jumbos have only seven (!) returning players, but added a senior walk on (I assume) and five frosh to fill out the roster.  The Jumbos have only two upperclassmen who figure to contribute at all, juniors Racy and Savage.  There is plenty of talent to work from -- Savage, a stacked sophomore class that will be heavily relied upon this year, and Aronson plus any other frosh ready to contribute.  But man, that is a very inexperienced team.  I think the Jumbos have a bright future, but this season, they will likely experience some growing pains, and even making the top 8 in a very deep NESCAC this season will be a challenge.  I expect they will likely be fighting with Colby, Bates, and Trinity for the 7-10 spots in the league, and I don't see a lot at this point to distinguish among that group. 

Speaking of Trinity, one other bit of news, it seems that Jeremy Arthur may not be playing for Trinity this year.  If true, a huge loss, because that would mean Trinity's only two double-digit scorers on last year's team will not be returning.  Bantams will be tough, deep, and athletic as always, but who will be a go-to scorer is a big question mark. 

[jayhawk]

Middlebury roster up
several good freshman
two that I know of Noah Goldman guard , very good 3 pt shot and Alex Sobel, big man from Long Island received accolades in Long Island paper ( I am from Long Island)

[JustAFan]

Bowdoin dips into the Worcester Academy roster again for its second WA player for next year, this time 6-3 guard Manav Randhawa.  Manav will join his teammate Dylan Lien in Brunswick next year. Both are complimentary players with very good 3 point range.

[NEhoops]

About a week away before things get fast and furious. Based on some typical preseason unknowns, I've provided a tiered ranking below. They are alphabetized (I know, total cop out).   

Tier 1 – They all performed last year, and have plenty of firepower returning
Hamilton
Wesleyan
Williams

Tier 2
Amherst – Their talent level always keeps them in the conversation
Bowdoin – Experienced team. Are they ready to take the next step?
Middlebury – The two way play of Daly will be missed, but they'll continue to improve
Trinity – The defense will be there, but will they be able to score enough to stay competitive?

Tier 3 – Anyone one of these team could make the playoffs
Bates – good guard play, need better front court production on both ends
Colby – still rebuilding, but another year older
Conn College – staying consistent during conference play could go a long way
Tufts – lost a lot, but could be higher? How soon do they find some leaders/playmakers?

[Mountain Man]

Alex Sobel was deemed best passing big man on Long Island last two years.

Some video to peruse.

http://www.hudl.com/profile/6847420/Alex-Sobel

[Mountain Man]

Hamilton & Williams are the class of the league.

Hamilton slight edge due to loss of Greenman. Who takes point for Williams?? Casey is best off ball.

Wesleyan lost one of their leading scorers (Krill) from a team that has extended periods of scoring difficulties.
They are not in the class of Hamilton or Williams

[Mountain Man]

Williams at Wesleyan  December 1st.

First really good NESCAC matchup although not counting against league standings

[NEhoops]

The beauty of the Williams offense is that they don't always need a true PG on the floor.

What Wesleyan lacks in offense, they make up for on the defensive end.

In addition to the Wil/Wes game on 12/1, I have highlighted a few other intriguing match-ups. Any others we should know about?


Tufts at #5 MIT (11/20)

Colby at Bowdoin (11/29 - non league)

#17 Middlebury at #14 Plattsburgh (12/4)

#7 Springfield at Trinity (12/5)

Bowdoin at Bates (12/6 - non league)

Colby at Bates (12/8 - non league)

#8 Williams at #7 Springfield (12/8)

Amherst at #7 Springfield (12/11)

#14 Plattsburgh at Wesleyan (12/19)

[ContinentalDomer]

I second your first two points below. 

To amplify, if you asked every player/coach in the league which team is the toughest to defend from a team offense standpoint, I believe most would say Williams. Note - I'm not talking about one or two players in particular. Rather, I'm talking about defending their five when they run team offense in the half court.  Their sets present significant challenges that stretch defenses and force players to make tough choices about what to give up.  They're very efficient, talented and experienced.

As to Wesleyan, their defense will most certainly get quite a bit done.  Also, don't discount the added impact of a healthy Kevin O'Brien at PG.  He's really good.

The beauty of the Williams offense is that they don't always need a true PG on the floor.

What Wesleyan lacks in offense, they make up for on the defensive end.

In addition to the Wil/Wes game on 12/1, I have highlighted a few other intriguing match-ups. Any others we should know about?


Tufts at #5 MIT (11/20)

Colby at Bowdoin (11/29 - non league)

#17 Middlebury at #14 Plattsburgh (12/4)

#7 Springfield at Trinity (12/5)

Bowdoin at Bates (12/6 - non league)

Colby at Bates (12/8 - non league)

#8 Williams at #7 Springfield (12/8)

Amherst at #7 Springfield (12/11)

#14 Plattsburgh at Wesleyan (12/19)

[amh63]

Not much info on Amherst.  Official info on the website....roster, pre season newsletter, etc.  No announcement on a possible new assistant coach.  Most preseason info was earlier when the team took an overseas trip....IMO, a "bonding " type trip. 
Previous posters used Springfield college as a key school to gauge the Nescac programs.  Previous successful Amherst teams were run by a top point/backcourt player.  Amherst is loaded with big talented front court players with both offensive and defensive skills.  Hoping for a talented backcourt player that was injured most of last season to have a breakout season.
It is to be noted that Hamilton and Williams were both "upset" by Amherst late last season  . 
It should be an interesting season.  Looking forward to to seeing Amherst in the mix of CAC teams reaching the NCAA tournament. 

[nescac1]

Amherst commitment from forward Beluo Oranye:

https://twitter.com/beluooranye/status/1061033983339913218?s=21

[AmherstRules]

Amherst commitment from forward Beluo Oranye:

https://twitter.com/beluooranye/status/1061033983339913218?s=21

[magicman]

The beauty of the Williams offense is that they don't always need a true PG on the floor.

What Wesleyan lacks in offense, they make up for on the defensive end.

In addition to the Wil/Wes game on 12/1, I have highlighted a few other intriguing match-ups. Any others we should know about?


Tufts at #5 MIT (11/20)

Colby at Bowdoin (11/29 - non league)

#17 Middlebury at #14 Plattsburgh (12/4)

#7 Springfield at Trinity (12/5)

Bowdoin at Bates (12/6 - non league)

Colby at Bates (12/8 - non league)

#8 Williams at #7 Springfield (12/8)

Amherst at #7 Springfield (12/11)

#14 Plattsburgh at Wesleyan (12/19)

Another game that should be worth the admission price (free) is Skidmore at Middlebury on December 8th at 4:00 PM. Skidmore returns just about everyone from last year.

And a slight correction:
The Plattsburgh game against Wesleyan on December 19th is not at Wesleyan but is being played in Miami, Florida over the holidays. Should be a good game.

[amh63]

Welcome aboard for the 2018-2019 season Magicman!  It should be a competitive season in the conference....again and what's new .
I think that both Midd and Amherst will surprise many posters...both head coaches are too good.  They will win a bunch of games with the talent on hand...plus mixing in the FYs.