MBB: Midwest Conference

[systemfan86]

From listening to the Larry fans during the last couple years, I can't help but think that Braier will be missed most in the game preparation. We've heard the stories about how hard he practiced and how that pushed everyone. That's such an incredible intangible that it's unfair to expect ANYONE to replace that.

It's very possible that LU can replace the Bopper's talent, but replacing his heart may be too much to ask. I don't for a minute think that they won't be factor in the league, but I'll be surprised if they are as dominant.

Now that we're far enough from the game, I feel it's OK to state that I was incredibly surprised that Larry failed to protect a 10 point lead with 7 minutes left in a game. So completely uncharacteristic of this team. Over the last seven minutes they were 3-10 shooting with 7 fouls, 4 turnovers, and they were outrebounded 10-4. I couldn't see that happening to this team. From the posts, it sounds like IWU earned this win, but they must have played an incredible 7 minutes.

[GrinnellFan68]

jeffp...I apoogize for any embarrassment I have caused you. I thought we were joking. I was just trying to fit in on the board with you hooligans. You guys have me laughing every day with your humorous tales and word play.
I can see now that you and I don't mix...much like oil and water, we are incompatitble. It is with a heavy heart that I walk away from posting up, never to post again. This is your arena, and it always will be. Good night, sweet prince.
Sorry, Jack Kennedy. Good player. Good man. Good people,

[systemfan86]

jeffp...I apoogize for any embarrassment I have caused you. I thought we were joking. I was just trying to fit in on the board with you hooligans. You guys have me laughing every day with your humorous tales and word play.
I can see now that you and I don't mix...much like oil and water, we are incompatitble. It is with a heavy heart that I walk away from posting up, never to post again. This is your arena, and it always will be. Good night, sweet prince.
Sorry, Jack Kennedy. Good player. Good man. Good people,

WTH 

GF68, no one, certainly not jeffp, takes this board THAT seriously, and neither should you.

Gotta be able to laugh at yourself.

I didn't think twice about your post because I knew that so easily could have been me. 

[hjmphelp]

GF68-
certainly no need to banish yourself or worry about embarrassing other posters. We are all fair game. I personally just try to draw the line at saying things that might embarrass players or coaches. They give too much for our enjoyment, and they usually have no way to defend themselves.

[digs]

For those that are wondering about next year's LU team remember that this team has been written off before due to graduation losses.  Yes, Briaer is as good as they get in DIII, but I would not count on this team falling off too much.

[mwc4life]

Guys,


I think you all know how I feel on this one. 

LU will definitely compete for the conference champioships next year, but they won't win it.  LU won't be "feared" as they have been the last 2/3 years.  Tharp has proven to be a good coach, but lets see how life is without a superstar.  LU will bring confidence and work ethic to next years' team, but you really feel the effect of losing a superstar in a couple years.

I only saw LU play 3 times this year, but I played against all those guys through their 3 year run.  I know Kroger looks like a nice player, but when I saw him it really looked like he was more of a product of the offense and having a guy like Braier to pass out of the post (I could be extemely wrong, having only seen 3 games, but it's what i saw).  The problem was you couldn't leave him open at all cause he would bury it. 

LU fans, I'm not sure who said this, but you are absolutely out of your mind if you think the loss of MacGillis isn't going to hurt you almost as much as losing Braier.  I realize that MacGillis and Braier can teach the underclassmen how to defend, but can they teach height?  MacGillis was a 6'4''/6'5'' lock-down defender and while you have a lot of players that can play great team defense, you still need a taller defender to guard shooters like Bo Johnson (remember, you've had MacGillis to lock him down for two years).  Until another player like that emerges, it's going to be tough for the smaller guards you guys have to stay with taller atheletes.

But, again, I would not be surprised if LU made another run at it because of their great team defense and coaching, but I really don't see anyone from this years team...besides Kroeger, that really scares me at all for next season....but that doesn't mean there won't be

[fishguy]

Lawrence might also lose its head coach too - there is no better opportunity for him to go than now. And he is looking, as everyone does. And he should - he's a hot commodity.

Any names coming out of St. Norbert's?

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I heard Jack Bennett in connection with Norbert; I wonder how serious that was?


If Tharp can keep Lawrence playing at a high (ie national tournament) level of play over the next three or so years, he might have enough of a track record to get a small d1 job.  I bet he sticks around a little longer.

[LU 05]

fishguy,
            I keep hearing these claims that Tharp will be on his way to something better.  What exactly does everyone consider better?  I don't think there is anyway he leaves for another d3 school.

[The Roop]

It's too long to tell here but I posted a funny work story on the blog. Click on the globe thingy to go there.

[proudofLU]

Guys,


I think you all know how I feel on this one. 

LU will definitely compete for the conference champioships next year, but they won't win it.  LU won't be "feared" as they have been the last 2/3 years.  Tharp has proven to be a good coach, but lets see how life is without a superstar.  LU will bring confidence and work ethic to next years' team, but you really feel the effect of losing a superstar in a couple years.

I only saw LU play 3 times this year, but I played against all those guys through their 3 year run.  I know Kroger looks like a nice player, but when I saw him it really looked like he was more of a product of the offense and having a guy like Braier to pass out of the post (I could be extemely wrong, having only seen 3 games, but it's what i saw).  The problem was you couldn't leave him open at all cause he would bury it. 

LU fans, I'm not sure who said this, but you are absolutely out of your mind if you think the loss of MacGillis isn't going to hurt you almost as much as losing Braier.  I realize that MacGillis and Braier can teach the underclassmen how to defend, but can they teach height?  MacGillis was a 6'4''/6'5'' lock-down defender and while you have a lot of players that can play great team defense, you still need a taller defender to guard shooters like Bo Johnson (remember, you've had MacGillis to lock him down for two years).  Until another player like that emerges, it's going to be tough for the smaller guards you guys have to stay with taller atheletes.

But, again, I would not be surprised if LU made another run at it because of their great team defense and coaching, but I really don't see anyone from this years team...besides Kroeger, that really scares me at all for next season....but that doesn't mean there won't be

I thought everyone here thought that Bo Johnson sucks.   

[The Roop]

Per the quote..................

Last year at this time many of us were talking about a 12-4 conference champion this year. Little did we "experts" know at the time that 14-2 would only be good enough for second place. Lawrence will be different next year but I'm not sure that they will be down next year.

Braier brought a personality to that team and they won't lose it just because he is gone. I think the MWC Tournament will still go through Alex next season. After that "Americas Team" will host for a long time.

[The Roop]

And there should be a new poll started.............. Did any of us really miss GrinnellFan68 ??

[systemfan86]

The D3Hoops All Region teams are posted. Two MWC players (Hinz & Braier) on the first team and one each on the second and third teams (Drury and Grotberg). Tharp is also co-COY for the region. So the MWC gets more than 25% of the All Region team members. Not too bad for a conference that members of this board seem to think gets disrespected.

It's nice to see that two of the four All Region players will be back next year.

BTW, Grotberg was one of only three freshmen voted to an All Region team. Congrats to John and the other MWC honorees.

[titan2000]

Will Grotberg try to sign a 10 dat contract later this season in the NBA or will he go via the draft?