MBB: Midwest Conference

[Gregory Sager]

What's stranger still... they are more than willing to have most of their games be conference games as if those are really the only ones that matter (and I can understand if some presidents are others do feel that way).

And travel is generally tougher for MWC conference games than it is for non-conference games, given the league's vast footprint and the fact that it shares that footprint with five other D3 leagues. That means that MWC student-athletes are spending more time off campus on average when they travel to other MWC campuses than they are when they travel to non-MWC campuses.

[AndOne]

SNC president Tom Kunkel announced he is retiring after the 2016-17 academic year. I mention it here because of this part of the release:



==
    "This is a great institution and it is a privilege to serve as its seventh president," Kunkel said. "It is great fun, too, as we have been fortunate to advance the institution on many fronts. We still have much to do, and I look forward to using my remaining time here working on what is still a pretty long 'to do' list. This is certainly a time to ramp up and continue to make exciting things happen."

    Kunkel said that list includes developing more endowed academic programs, raising additional scholarships for students, building more partnerships with other colleges, universities and K-12 schools, and continuing to advance the Donald J. Schneider School of Business and the college's collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin. A major capital priority is a renovation and expansion of the college's Schuldes Indoor Athletics Center.
==

It is rumored to include a new field house, with a full indoor track (Don't get me started on the idiots who designed the current facility), a pool, new locker rooms, workout facilities, etc. It will be an addition immediately south of Schuldes. Not sure when the formal announcement will come but will be relatively soon.

gbpuck(fan)?

Must be a fan of Green Bay's only pro team. I believe its a hockey team that wears green and yellow and plays in the NHL North Division. The Green Bay Pucks.  

[gbpuckfan]

SNC president Tom Kunkel announced he is retiring after the 2016-17 academic year. I mention it here because of this part of the release:



==
    "This is a great institution and it is a privilege to serve as its seventh president," Kunkel said. "It is great fun, too, as we have been fortunate to advance the institution on many fronts. We still have much to do, and I look forward to using my remaining time here working on what is still a pretty long 'to do' list. This is certainly a time to ramp up and continue to make exciting things happen."

    Kunkel said that list includes developing more endowed academic programs, raising additional scholarships for students, building more partnerships with other colleges, universities and K-12 schools, and continuing to advance the Donald J. Schneider School of Business and the college's collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin. A major capital priority is a renovation and expansion of the college's Schuldes Indoor Athletics Center.
==

It is rumored to include a new field house, with a full indoor track (Don't get me started on the idiots who designed the current facility), a pool, new locker rooms, workout facilities, etc. It will be an addition immediately south of Schuldes. Not sure when the formal announcement will come but will be relatively soon.

gbpuck(fan)?

Must be a fan of Green Bay's only pro team. I believe its a hockey team that wears green and yellow and plays in the NHL North Division. The Green Bay Pucks.  

+1

It's my moniker on the uscho.com hockey chat boards so I used it here first on the hockey pages... just continue to use it for football, hoops, etc. And SNC was green & yellow before the Packers were...

[AndOne]

Perhaps SNC can then collect royalties from the Packers for their incorporation of the SNC color scheme into a recognizable asset (their uniforms) from which revenue is generated.     

[gbpuckfan]

Perhaps SNC can then collect royalties from the Packers for their incorporation of the SNC color scheme into a recognizable asset (their uniforms) from which revenue is generated.     

Would be nice... although the Packers are actually quite generous when it comes to SNC. The college makes pretty good money - and gets some national pub - from hosting the players during training camp. And the team, which obviously doesn't need to worry about selling its image, buys program ads, and has donated money and equipment to the school. Plus, the college president (including the current one) is traditionally offered a spot on the team's Board of Directors.

SNC played Fordham (Lombardi's alma mater) in games at Lambeau in 82 and 83. Now THAT would be fun to do again...

[judgetrainer]

Perhaps SNC can then collect royalties from the Packers for their incorporation of the SNC color scheme into a recognizable asset (their uniforms) from which revenue is generated.     

Would be nice... although the Packers are actually quite generous when it comes to SNC. The college makes pretty good money - and gets some national pub - from hosting the players during training camp. And the team, which obviously doesn't need to worry about selling its image, buys program ads, and has donated money and equipment to the school. Plus, the college president (including the current one) is traditionally offered a spot on the team's Board of Directors.

SNC played Fordham (Lombardi's alma mater) in games at Lambeau in 82 and 83. Now THAT would be fun to do again...

I understand the actual designer of the Packer G was a student at SNC at that time and now teaches there. His name escapes me. The Packer website mentioned him recently in a history story.

[judgetrainer]

Practice can start today, right?

Anyone hearing anything about the MWC teams?

[AppletonRocks]

Practice can start today, right?

Anyone hearing anything about the MWC teams?

Ripon apparently has two 7 footers.  But I don't trust my source. 

[GreenKnightAlum]

I know this might be a bit early, but I'm extremely excited for the season to start and wanted to see how you all think this season will play out. I don't know really anything about incoming freshman for any team, so these are mainly based on returners.

1. St. Norbert
Even with the loss of Schwoerer, Elliott, and Hofacker, I still see the Green Knights staying on top of the conference. Bobinski and Garner will be a sneaky good offense/defense pairing. DeValk will make leaps headed into his second year. Also, look for big man Tim Marshall to anchor down low and provide some stability. Lacking some game experience, but they still have the athleticism and skill to stick with and beat anyone in the conference. Coach Grzesk will get them playing defense, which wins them yet another conference title.

2. Monmouth
Tons of returners here for a team that was probably the most complete behind SNC last year. Mathison will be a double-double machine, and if he developed his left, he could be borderline unstoppable in the MWC. Look for him to make a run at PoY. They have a ton of depth and I really like what Coach Skrivseth is doing in getting these young men to play with some fire. 

3. Ripon
Sabin will be another tough guard this year. Ketz returning will be able to provide some of what Loughrin brought, but I don't think he is quite as skilled on offense. If their big guys developed over the off-season, they could make a run at SNC, but I just don't see it. Let Sabin get his 30ppg, the role players will get about 20ppg, and that's about it. With the way they play defense, they won't be winning many games only scoring 50-60ppg. Planning on outscoring an opponent only works if they can't stop you, which Monmouth and SNC are both able to do.

4. Carroll
Nagy and Keranen return for their final year in the MWC before they head to the ultra-competitive CCIW. Look for them to work on a physical style of play with a pounding inside game with Nagy and Fritz. They play a very methodical style which will get them into a lot of close games, and I think the extra year of experience will give these guys an edge in a lot of them. Wouldn't be surprised if they got as high as #2 in the conference.

5. Grinnell
This looks like it will be one of the more mediocre Grinnell teams in recent years. Yeager and Taylor did a lot of heavy lifting last year, and it looks like Marx and Parker will be getting the nod this year. They undoubtedly will have some role players come in and hit shots (3's). The system will win you some games you shouldn't win, but it also loses you games you shouldn't lose. Grinnell just misses out on the 4 seed.

6. Lake Forest
Schick and Nikitas could both be potential all-conference players. This team will go as far as those two can carry them. Schick is a match-up nightmare for any other 4 or 5 in the conference with his inside-out ability.

7. Lawrence
Nikitas and Sonnleitner will the the go to 1-2 punch for the Vikings. They will be able to pull off a few upsets, but I can't see them sustaining a high level of play for the entire season.

8. Illinois College
Probably a little low here for the Blue Boys, but they will be a young team again this year. Look for them to make some noise towards the end of the season, building into next year.

9. Beloit
McAfee will be able to put up some huge numbers for the Bucs, but I don't see much else behind him. I see Bentley on the roster, but after his recent stints at Carroll and Whitewater, not sure if he'll be there or not. If he is, he provides leadership and experience for this team.

10. Cornell
11. Knox
Not sure on the order for these two. They both seem to have some turnover with players. The order really depends on if any freshman can step up and contribute right away.

MWC Tournament (Schuldes Sports Center)
1. St. Norbert vs. 4. Carroll
2. Monmouth vs. 3. Ripon

Final: St. Norbert over Monmouth (73-60) to earn their 4th straight post-season berth.


Let me know what you all think. I think there is a lot of room for movement in spots 2-7 really. Should be a fun year and I already can't wait! I'll do some All-Conference predictions early next week if others get involved with discussion ranking the teams and develop some interest.

[CCRamFam]

Pre-season coaches poll is out -

1 - St Norbert
2 - Monmouth
3 - Ripon
4 (tie) - Grinnell, Lake Forest
6 - Carroll
7 - Lawrence
8 - Beloit
9 - Cornell
10 - Illinois College
11 - Knox

[AppletonRocks]

What is the Vegas line on Whitewater vs Ripon Friday night?  And the over/under on Sabin points?   

[The Dino Man]

I think Sabin struggles from the floor vs more athletic defenders than he is used to playing against. The Warhawks will use a lot of different guys and try and wear him down. Still finishes with 20+ but a lot of it comes with game already decided.
I wonder how Ketz's teammates feel about him coming back after his failed experiment at UW-Superior. Coaching staff obviously decided it was a good idea, but it still is a surprising move.

[The Dino Man]

I know this might be a bit early, but I'm extremely excited for the season to start and wanted to see how you all think this season will play out. I don't know really anything about incoming freshman for any team, so these are mainly based on returners.

1. St. Norbert
Even with the loss of Schwoerer, Elliott, and Hofacker, I still see the Green Knights staying on top of the conference. Bobinski and Garner will be a sneaky good offense/defense pairing. DeValk will make leaps headed into his second year. Also, look for big man Tim Marshall to anchor down low and provide some stability. Lacking some game experience, but they still have the athleticism and skill to stick with and beat anyone in the conference. Coach Grzesk will get them playing defense, which wins them yet another conference title.

2. Monmouth
Tons of returners here for a team that was probably the most complete behind SNC last year. Mathison will be a double-double machine, and if he developed his left, he could be borderline unstoppable in the MWC. Look for him to make a run at PoY. They have a ton of depth and I really like what Coach Skrivseth is doing in getting these young men to play with some fire. 

3. Ripon
Sabin will be another tough guard this year. Ketz returning will be able to provide some of what Loughrin brought, but I don't think he is quite as skilled on offense. If their big guys developed over the off-season, they could make a run at SNC, but I just don't see it. Let Sabin get his 30ppg, the role players will get about 20ppg, and that's about it. With the way they play defense, they won't be winning many games only scoring 50-60ppg. Planning on outscoring an opponent only works if they can't stop you, which Monmouth and SNC are both able to do.

4. Carroll
Nagy and Keranen return for their final year in the MWC before they head to the ultra-competitive CCIW. Look for them to work on a physical style of play with a pounding inside game with Nagy and Fritz. They play a very methodical style which will get them into a lot of close games, and I think the extra year of experience will give these guys an edge in a lot of them. Wouldn't be surprised if they got as high as #2 in the conference.

5. Grinnell
This looks like it will be one of the more mediocre Grinnell teams in recent years. Yeager and Taylor did a lot of heavy lifting last year, and it looks like Marx and Parker will be getting the nod this year. They undoubtedly will have some role players come in and hit shots (3's). The system will win you some games you shouldn't win, but it also loses you games you shouldn't lose. Grinnell just misses out on the 4 seed.

6. Lake Forest
Schick and Nikitas could both be potential all-conference players. This team will go as far as those two can carry them. Schick is a match-up nightmare for any other 4 or 5 in the conference with his inside-out ability.

7. Lawrence
Nikitas and Sonnleitner will the the go to 1-2 punch for the Vikings. They will be able to pull off a few upsets, but I can't see them sustaining a high level of play for the entire season.

8. Illinois College
Probably a little low here for the Blue Boys, but they will be a young team again this year. Look for them to make some noise towards the end of the season, building into next year.

9. Beloit
McAfee will be able to put up some huge numbers for the Bucs, but I don't see much else behind him. I see Bentley on the roster, but after his recent stints at Carroll and Whitewater, not sure if he'll be there or not. If he is, he provides leadership and experience for this team.

10. Cornell
11. Knox
Not sure on the order for these two. They both seem to have some turnover with players. The order really depends on if any freshman can step up and contribute right away.

MWC Tournament (Schuldes Sports Center)
1. St. Norbert vs. 4. Carroll
2. Monmouth vs. 3. Ripon

Final: St. Norbert over Monmouth (73-60) to earn their 4th straight post-season berth.


Let me know what you all think. I think there is a lot of room for movement in spots 2-7 really. Should be a fun year and I already can't wait! I'll do some All-Conference predictions early next week if others get involved with discussion ranking the teams and develop some interest.

I think Monmouth dethrones St. Norbert at the top of the league. They have done a great job of gathering talent and play a style suitable to beating SNC late in the season. Ripon, Grinnell and Lawerence are next. The way the Pioneers of Carroll played last year I can't see them having success this year. Maybe a year from now. Too many young players. Monmouth goes to the tournament from the MWC unless Sabin gets hot in the conference tournament. Nothing surprises me anymore.

[LetsGetRipped]

I think Sabin struggles from the floor vs more athletic defenders than he is used to playing against. The Warhawks will use a lot of different guys and try and wear him down. Still finishes with 20+ but a lot of it comes with game already decided.
I wonder how Ketz's teammates feel about him coming back after his failed experiment at UW-Superior. Coaching staff obviously decided it was a good idea, but it still is a surprising move.

The return of Ty Ketz to Ripon has more to do with academics than basketball.  Ty is a strong student but had issues with transferrable credits etc.  His teammates are glad to have him.  He makes this team better.  Hopefully better than last year.  The RedHawks have been 15-9 the last 2 years and are looking to make a move up.  Still a young team but not inexperienced.  At any given time last year you might see 3 freshman on the floor in tight games.  Those pups have added muscle and confidence (just like every other freshman).  Ty Sabin is special.  If he can take the next step in his development and make everyone around him better, this team will be hard to handle.

[judgetrainer]

Just saw a story that LU's Sonnleitner is not playing this year. Story only said he notified the coach in October he would not play this season.