MBB: Midwest Conference

[Eastside]

Playing in the scrimmages and nonconference tilts are immaterial for a winner like Mr. Horton.  He will be ready to roll once the conference commences.  And remember its not who starts; its who finishes and plays during crunch time.  Starting is overrated.  Playing and winning when it counts is what matters.

[Greek Tragedy]

Nonconference games are hardly immaterial, especially when the NCAA uses those games in helping to determine if you get a Pool C bid. 

[System Error]

Personally, I hope that Horton is play all season. It is a shame to see a player with that much talent and athletic ability have such an injury plaqued career.

Is it too early for a board prediction on how the preseason standings may look when they come out shortly. I believe it safe to assume most people on this board have Lawrence receiving all 10 first place votes...

[The Roop]

Andy Horton freshman season. Worked hard but was a back up to Hinz.

Sophomore season. Flu bug hit campus at the same time as fraternity pledging did. Make that out how you will.

Junior year. Stress fracture.

Senior year........................ We will see.

He's a tremendous talent but he's not on scholarship at a D1 for a reason. Lack of off season conditioning.

The frosh carry Beloit to a 6th place finish this year, not Andy Horton.

If he doubts me then he can prove me wrong.

[The Roop]

Yes, I am "calling him out". But on the other hand I would like to congratulate him on his success in the classroom. As I've heard he is doing well there.

[RichBoy]

Roop...I think its a little ridiculous to call out Horton, as he led the team in pretty much every statistic last year.  Obviously his injuries have been frustrating for fans but there's no mystery that he has been rushed back a little too quickly in the past.  As for the freshmen leading them to 6th...I want to make sure you know that they arent ACTUALLY the fab 5...there's no Chris Webber on this squad.  If anything, I say Kenny and Lovgren lead them to 6th, along with the freshmen.  Look for a much lower finish, however, if Horton doesnt play.

Look for a report from me after the scrimmage tonight...cant wait to see how it goes

[Amos Lawrence]

Horton is a tremendous player, no doubt.  However, I think it's fair to question his durability thus far.  As good as he is, he plays pretty soft for a guy with his frame and really doesn't like physical defenders.  You can't help getting hurt, but sooner or later his tougness has to be questioned.  Part of being great means being on the floor playing through injury, illness, etc. 

Leading a team in stats that took last in the conference last year doesn't mean much either. 

[fightintitan2006]

Are any MWC teams playing Division 1 teams in scrimmages this year?

[gobucs]

I was pleasantly surprised after attending the BC/Edgewood scrimmage last night.  BC is loaded with good guards and the "big" guy mix was nice.  (even w/o Horton, and 2 out for football).  Their guards play very scrappy and are excellent ball handlers.  Kenny could/should shoot more, and plays in your pocket defense.
Lovgren will be a force, as he's got a sweet shot and can scrap down low.

As far as freshman, McDonald, Ewing, Horton and Towns were standouts last night.

Wimmer played more agressive than I remember him from last year.  He's got the size to disrupt the middle, thats for sure!

The way it sounds, Andy Horton will be back soon.  He will be a key cog for the Bucs success this year, and will bring some stability to a very talented group of freshman.

The Bucs ended up splitting with a very athletic/deep Edgewood team, and played well in our "situational" sets.

I won't make any predictions (yet), but am very excited for the "upswing" Bucs

[The Roop]

I heard Towns was having academic issues. Good grades means not enough time spent on basketball.

10 dunks and 15 3s per game is what I expect out of the team this year.

[Scots4]

I think the reason that he is not on a D-1 roster is because he is not good enough to play D-1. Not because of off season conditioning.

[beyondthearc]

From what I saw at the scrimmage vs. edgewood, there were some high and low points.  While better than last year, I think that there will still be some issues.  First of all, if Andy Horton plays, there will be a noticeable drop off when he needs to rest.  Wimmer did an okay job and did have some great possesions.  He had at least 2-3 blocks and a few baskets.  I still think he needs to learn some post moves.

Lovgren seems to have lost a step since last year.  He still has a nice touch, but looked a little out of shape.

Kenny looked great out there.  I would have like to see him shoot the rock a few more times.  Still has the handles, but him at the 2 guard is a great move.

I was most impressed by mini-Horton.  That kid can play.  He had the best ball skills on the court, and should be running the point this year.  Nice floater in the lane, too. 

And if you think there is going to be 10 dunks per game, at least 9 of those will be coming from Derek Carrier.  That kid can fly.  We didn't get to see him because of football, but he will add a great deal to the talent.

I think the Bucs will be at .500 this year.  With a bunch of dunks.

[Scots4]

Division I Western Illinois 72
Monmouth Scots 61

This game was tied 33-33 at half.

Monmouth might surprise some this year in conference. They are well rounded and a deep squad.

On that note, WIU is not going to surprise anyone.

[RichBoy]

I agree with "arc"...there were definitely some highs and lows.  the bucs looked great with a 13-8 lead early, but finishing the first 20 minutes down 43-17 doesnt bode well for my confidence on the season.  the freshmen looked good and mini horton was definitely a stand out.  the next 3 sessions the bucs looked a lot better as the freshmen shook the nerves and settled down.  it looks like they will be fast and all their guards can handle the ball.  i saw horton establish himself as the starter at PG and jake ewing looked phenominal as a scorer once he shook the nerves.  im not so sure lovgren lost a step, so i'm not sure where that comment came from...from what i saw he showed the ability to create off the dribble and still has his J...although he has been sick the past few weeks, so maybe that contributes to this supposed "lost step".  if anything im worried about the bucs ability to score quickly...at times they passed up shots to run the shot clock and were forced into off balance shots as the clock expired.  i'd like to see more agressiveness, especially from kenny, who should be a scorer on the floor all year.

the interesting thing to see is how horton will fit into the fast paced system...and if the other scorers can continue to contribute once hes on the floor.  wimmer was solid but needs to be stronger in the post.  the other freshmen all showed the ability to contribute, but we'll see if they can be this successful once the season starts.  i'd give the bucs a solid B- on the night, solid but with room for improvement.  that being said, im definitely looking forward to the alumni game (aka hinz vs the current team).  should be another classic...

[larry_u]

D3 Hoops Pre-season All-American teams annoucned...and MWC ignored completely.  Would have thought someone might at least get a HM nod....but guess not.  Guess we will see by the end of the year who is more accurate, this or the Sporting News that had Kroger listed as a first-team...