MBB: NESCAC

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

The weirdest stat from NESCAC hoops last year, other than Williams (which shot a scorching 39 percent), EVERY team in the conference shot either 31 or 32 percent from three point range.  For an elite conference like NESCAC that is pretty bad - the national median team last year shot 33 percent.  I wonder if that 33 percent number, nationally, is low historically (can't figure out how to find historical D3 statistical data), due to the weird lack of continuity over the past few years due to COVID.  And NESCAC teams were probably the most adversely affected by that -- none had ANY sort of year in 20-21, and due to the league's very strict protocols, a ton of guys were in an out of lineups for lengthy stretches of the season, and lots of practice time missed - hard to build any sort of offensive flow or continuity under those circumstances.  But still, it's not great to see 10 teams in the conference shooting it below (albeit slightly below) an average team nationally.  Even Wesleyan, which had an awesome year otherwise, struggled to shoot the three, and it game back to burn them in the NCAA tournament when they made only 6 threes the entire game in the loss to RPI. 

The good news for NESCAC is, I expect teams to shoot it MUCH better this season. First, it should be a relatively normal season, without such incredibly strict COVID protocols across the league (though surely some guys will miss some time).  Second, NESCAC teams were permitted to start practicing much earlier than a typical season this year, so I think the teams won't exhibit their typical early-season rust.  Third, 17 of the top 20 players by made 3's per game, and 9 of the top 11 by three point shooting percentage, all return this season.  Of the 11 teams, only Amherst took a massive hit in terms of its primary three point marksmen graduating.  I'll bet that at least half the league is at 35 percent from 3 or higher this year.

Why the change?

The NESCAC removed the prohibition of starting practice before Nov 1st during COVID and I think the coaches just convinced the power-that-be to just not put it back.

[names jaismith]

NESCAC preseason rules are a ridiculous throwback to the prep school model of captain's practice etc during fall sports, then transitioning to the next season.  It's bad enough that they start later than everyone else, and even more absurd that not even one scrimmage is allowed no matter the sport . . . .it's huge disadvantage compared with the rest of the NCAA schools that get two. 

I'm old enough to remember when NESCAC couldn't even go to post season, then grudgingly allowed play in the ECAC.  Way back when, Hamilton was a true powerhouse year in and year out.  Those of us who coached against them called the ECAC Tournament the "Hamilton Invitational."  Tom Murphy coached many teams that would have been among the favorites for a national championship had they been allowed to play.

[nescac1]

Before my time, but by all accounts, the 1990 Colby team led by Matt Hancock would have been a national title contender as well.  They went 26-1 and averaged 95 ppg on 53 percent shooting from the field and 80 from the line, and Hancock put up absolutely ridiculous stats in his career.   

Hopefully the league allows the new earlier practice date to stick - I expect it will make a huge difference for early-season results. 

[toad22]

Before my time, but by all accounts, the 1990 Colby team led by Matt Hancock would have been a national title contender as well.  They went 26-1 and averaged 95 ppg on 53 percent shooting from the field and 80 from the line, and Hancock put up absolutely ridiculous stats in his career.   

Hopefully the league allows the new earlier practice date to stick - I expect it will make a huge difference for early-season results.

In true NESCAC fashion, practice was allowed to start about halfway between October 15, the start for everybody else, and November 1, the traditional start of NESCAC practices.

[Stretch4]

"The weirdest stat from NESCAC hoops last year, other than Williams (which shot a scorching 39 percent), EVERY team in the conference shot either 31 or 32 percent from three point range.  For an elite conference like NESCAC that is pretty bad - the national median team last year shot 33 percent.  I wonder if that 33 percent number, nationally, is low historically (can't figure out how to find historical D3 statistical data), due to the weird lack of continuity over the past few years due to COVID."

The lower three point shooting percentage last year across D3 definitely had to do with last year's expansion of the 3 point line in D3 from 20'9" to 22' 1 3/4" (the international distance).  If you recall, the distance was updated in D1 a few years ago, but D3 was not officially changed until 21-22.  Too many good shooters across the NESCAC and all of D3 for the 3 point shooting % not to increase this season.

[names jaismith]

So how come Midd can play UVM in an exhibition when other teams can't have a scrimamge?

[nescac1]

Stretch4, I either didn't know that or forgot, thanks!  Between a normal non-COVID year, a normal pre-season, a year to adjust to the new line, and most of the top shooters in the league back, I'd expect most Nescac teams to hover closer to 35 from three this year, with Williams and maybe 1-2 others well above that. 

Is there a way to watch the Midd-UVM game online?  Will be interesting to see how Sobel and Stevens fare against the big boys. 

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

So how come Midd can play UVM in an exhibition when other teams can't have a scrimamge?

Middlebury only has 23 games on their regular season schedule.  They might have sacrificed one to take this exhibition.

[middhoops]

As of this afternoon, the UVM site only shows a radio feed, no video.  Hopefully that gets updated.
UVM appears to be loaded with long athletes and experience.  Sobel, Stevens and Osher will need help getting their shots off.  The 5 Midd freshmen are in for a rough initiation to college basketball in Burlington tonight.

[SpringSt7]

So how come Midd can play UVM in an exhibition when other teams can't have a scrimamge?

Middlebury only has 23 games on their regular season schedule.  They might have sacrificed one to take this exhibition.

That is a puzzling decision for a team whose geography limits it from scheduling great non conference opponents. Although it does appear to be more beefed up this year than in the past.

[D3Parent1]

I think Midd has 16 away games and only 7 home games.   That is a tough travel schedule.  Playing UVM gave them an almost home game

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

These D1 games can bring a nice five figure payout, it's a great way for d3 teams to expand the budget and might be worth the sacrifice.

[nescac1]

Heck of a stat line for Sobel against UVM.  If he stays out of foul trouble, he is going to be an absolute monster, night in and night out, this year.  As good as he was last year, he must have been a bit rusty, having not played for a year and a half.  His style of play is so unique, the combination of brute size and strength and weird, old-school (or maybe just plain unorthodox) post play enabled by really great hands, that almost no one is going to win many match-ups with him in the low post, on either end.  And in NESCAC play, there are a lot fewer big, bruising centers around who can give him trouble with Jordan James, Donald Jorden, Luke Rogers, and Omar Sarr no longer around.  Rochester, Skidmore, Amherst, Keene, and Williams are likely the only teams on the schedule with bigs who will make him sweat. 

[nescac1]

Pre-season all-Americans out.  Sobel second team, Nate fifth team, which seems fair.  Actually all of the pre-season picks seem quite fair to me.  There is (as has been discussed here a bit already) an argument for Adams or Sobel over Houston on the first team, but all three are really good.  There will be a lot of fun big-man battles in New England when you toss in Nate Karren and Jeff Hunter to the mix!  Nicky Johnson, Sam Stevens and Dylan Thoerner are also guys to watch as potential all-Americans in NESCAC this year, but I can't say any of them warrant inclusion on the pre-season team. 

https://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-americans/men/preseason-2023

[toad22]

I think I write this nearly every year, but I can't wait for the beginning of the season. Every team has a perfect record and every team has reason for hope. Let the games begin!