MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Pat Coleman]

What about IWU. Didn't they pick up a couple of good recruits. I know they needed a big man.

Welcome and scroll back -- there's been a lot of talk about recruiting on this board in the past couple of months.

[Fox 40]

I've heard that McCurdy is a taller more athletic version of Drew... Sorry, won't go there again!

[minneapolis miracle]

IWU also recently added Stephen Rudnicki.  A 6-3 combo guard from an Evanston team that took third in the class 4A state tournament.

[Jim Matson]

The old Sears Cup standings for the year have been released (through the Winter season).  The CCIW captured 3 spots in the top 50 - without participating in fencing, men's and women's hockey, or skiing!  Wash U is in first place, Calvin in 13th, and...

25. Wheaton 287.50 points
28. North Central 278.25 points
42. Illinois Wesleyan 229.25 points

Between baseball, track, and men's and women's tennis, these teams should pick-up a few spots through the Spring season.  Not that it means that much, but I'm just a curious fellow.

[Titan Q]

IWU also recently added Stephen Rudnicki.  A 6-3 combo guard from an Evanston team that took third in the class 4A state tournament.

That'd be good news.  I haven't asked about Rudnicki in a while, so I can't confirm that.  The last I heard was the blurb posted here a few weeks ago...

http://www.illinoishsbasketball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=668&Itemid=1

Prospect head coach, and IWU grad, John Camardella absolutely loves Rudnicki...and I trust John's opinion very much.  I've never seen him play.

[Gregory Sager]

I've seen Rudnicki play a couple of times. He's a smart, heady player, although he's not what I would characterize as a great athlete. He has a chance to be a solid CCIW player as an upperclassman.

[AndOne]

As an upperclassman it will no doubt have to be.

Realistically, where is he gonna play for the first 2 if not 3 years? Certainly not in the guard/perimeter rotation of Rosenkranz, Johnson, and Dwyer. Nor on the wing with Morris, Lawson, and Schick. I'm probably even leaving out some additional players who will see minutes at the guard and wing positions ahead of him. And, thats not including the incoming freshman flash from the small school who TQ has already told us is a future all-conference player.

Lastly, as a stick at 6'3" and 165 lbs, he is really going to have to add some weight/muscle to avoid ending up as kindling wood in the CCIW fireplace.

From the standpoint of playing time on the basketball court, his choice seems odd, especially given the other schools he was considering.

[petemcb]

I've only seen Rudnicki play once (in Evanston's defeat of Prospect in the Regional Finals this past season), so my familiarity with him is less, I'm sure, than Coach Camardella's, but I'm with Greg and AndOne on this one. Heady player, not overly athletic, and heading into a situation where there doesn't seem to be much playing time waiting for him over the next 2-3 years.  I don't see him taking time away from Rosenkranz, Johnson, or Dwyer, and I don't even know IWU's incoming freshman to try and assess Rudnicki against them.  Sounds like a tough situation for the Evanston combo to come in to. 

[Titan Q]

As an upperclassman it will no doubt have to be.

Realistically, where is he gonna play for the first 2 if not 3 years? Certainly not in the guard/perimeter rotation of Rosenkranz, Johnson, and Dwyer. Nor on the wing with Morris, Lawson, and Schick. I'm probably even leaving out some additional players who will see minutes at the guard and wing positions ahead of him. And, thats not including the incoming freshman flash from the small school who TQ has already told us is a future all-conference player.

Lastly, as a stick at 6'3" and 165 lbs, he is really going to have to add some weight/muscle to avoid ending up as kindling wood in the CCIW fireplace.

Your first point and second don't seem to fit together.  If he's not physically ready to play in the CCIW (if he's "kindling wood"), then what does it matter who is ahead of him in the varsity rotation his freshman and sophomore years?

From the standpoint of playing time on the basketball court, his choice seems odd, especially given the other schools he was considering.

You've posted similar comments about other IWU and CCIW recruits.  I think the point is that a lot of kids do not base their college decision (maybe the biggest decision of their life up to that point) on whether or not they'll be in the varsity rotation on the basketball team right away.  With Steve Rudnicki, for example - his father is a professor at Northwestern.  I'm guessing that family is going to make a college decision based on a lot of things that don't have to do with varsity P.T. available at the 1 or the 2.  For some kids, immediate playing time is a huge factor...and I totally understand that.

This topic is bound to come up every year, and again, here is my take...

As long as a kid is making an informed decision and was not misled by the coaching staff, I think it is really hard to question any college decision.  Regarding information, the way the recruiting process plays out, I don't think anyone has to worry about CCIW recruits not having enough.  First, I'm quite sure every IWU recruit this year, for example,  was told all about Titans' freshman class and depth at certain positions by other Division III coaches ("where are you going to play there?").  Second, these kids all visit and come to a game.  Steve Rudnicki sat at the Shirk Center and watched IWU start 2 freshmen and 1 sophomore at the perimeter spots. 

On the other side of that, I think most realize that IWU head coach Ron Rose is about as honest of a guy as you will ever find.  He is not the type to mislead any recruit and he goes out of his way to make sure each knows the situation and how hard they'll have to compete to earn playing time...and if JV time is a possibility.

Again, I should clarify - I have no confirmation on Steve Rudnicki's college decision.

[Titan Q]

Regarding IWU's lineup, by the way...

Just my opinion, but I would be shocked if IWU's perimeter starters are the same next year.  In '07-08, the Titans went with...

PG Travis Rosenkranz (6-0 Fr)
PG Sean Dwyer (5-11 So)
SG Sean Johnson (6-1 Fr)

With that lineup, IWU was just too small (with 6-1 Sean Johnson basically playing the 3).  I believe you'll see Rosenkranz and Dwyer (and whatever point-guards are on the roster) battle for the starting PG job and split 40 minutes, Sean Johnson compete for the starting 2 job and play all of his minutes there (none at the 1 or 3), and see a new starter at the 3 - someone with more traditional small forward size.

Again, just my opinion, but I think that is how it will shake up.

[Gotberg]

Augustana
Chris Anderson (6-4 F, West Carroll) - 17.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
Max Artis (6-3 F, Kirkwood, Mo.) - 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, .592 FG, .674 FT
Griffin Dwyer (6-1 G, Hersey H.S.) - 14.3 ppg

Carthage
Pace Bennett (6-2 G, Rock Island Alleman) - 11 ppg, 4 apg

Elmhurst
Mike McCurdy (6-0 PG, Burlington Central) - 24.5 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.0 rpg
Wes Dukeman (6-8/180 F, Arthur) - 16.0 ppg

Illinois Wesleyan
Eric McCullough (6-9/220 C, Normal U High) - 13.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.4 bpg, .540 FG
Jordan Zimmer (6-4 G/F, Delavan) - 23.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 123-293 3-pt (.420), .913 FT

North Central
Kenny Branch (6-3 G/F, Mundelein)
Kevin Gillespie (5-11 PG, Geneseo) -  12.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, 66 3-pointers made
Josh Glenn (6-2 G, South Elgin) - 10.0 ppg
Lee Piccinelli (5-11 G, Henry) - 26.8 ppg
Tyler Ruschmeyer (6-5 F, Pekin) - 11.6 ppg

North Park
Joel Benson (6-5 F/C, Westminster Christian) - 18.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg

Wheaton
Phil Carr (6-5 F, Southgate Anderson, MI) - 13.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg, .438 FG, .624 FT
Drake Diamond (6-8/225 F/C, Centreville, VA) - 4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 38-76 FG (.500), 29-45 FT (.644)
Tim McCrary (6-6 F, New Trier) - 10 ppg, 7 rpg
Jeremy Pflederer (6-0 G, Tremont) - 25.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, .544 FG, .813 FT
Steve Pierotti (6-1 G, Wheaton North)
Spencer Schultze (6-6 C, Grand Rapids Christian, MI) - 13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, .530 FT, .650 FT

I hope North Park announces some more recruits soon - seems like all the other CCIW schools are really loading up with some quality talent!

[iwumichigander]

Regarding IWU's lineup, by the way...

Just my opinion, but I would be shocked if IWU's perimeter starters are the same next year.  In '07-08, the Titans went with...

PG Travis Rosenkranz (6-0 Fr)
PG Sean Dwyer (5-11 So)
SG Sean Johnson (6-1 Fr)

With that lineup, IWU was just too small (with 6-1 Sean Johnson basically playing the 3).  I believe you'll see Rosenkranz and Dwyer (and whatever point-guards are on the roster) battle for the starting PG job and split 40 minutes, Sean Johnson compete for the starting 2 job and play all of his minutes there (none at the 1 or 3), and see a new starter at the 3 - someone with more traditional small forward size.

Again, just my opinion, but I think that is how it will shake up.

I'd agree.  I really don't  see a "set line-up" at this point in time but competition at each spot to win a starting assignment.  I do think by the time the CCIW conference play starts that McCullough will be the starting "5". 

[Titan Q]

IWU's 2008-09 schedule...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/sch09.doc


Non-conference games are:

@ Manchester Tournament, 2 games (other teams - Kalamazoo and NAIA from IN?)
vs Maryville (Mo.)
@ Olivet Nazarene
@ Wash U Lopata Classic, 2 games (other teams - Hamilton and ?)
@ Hanover
vs Chicago
@ Northwood U. tournament (West Palm Beach, FL), 2 games
vs Illinois College


Northwood's head coach is Rollie Massimino and assistant is Dennis Hopson (Ohio State '87)...

http://www.northwood.edu/fl/athletics/teams/mens/basketball/

Looking at their roster, there appear to be some serious ringers here...

http://www.northwood.edu/fl/athletics/teams/mens/basketball/roster/

[AndOne]

As an upperclassman it will no doubt have to be.

Realistically, where is he gonna play for the first 2 if not 3 years? Certainly not in the guard/perimeter rotation of Rosenkranz, Johnson, and Dwyer. Nor on the wing with Morris, Lawson, and Schick. I'm probably even leaving out some additional players who will see minutes at the guard and wing positions ahead of him. And, thats not including the incoming freshman flash from the small school who TQ has already told us is a future all-conference player.

Lastly, as a stick at 6'3" and 165 lbs, he is really going to have to add some weight/muscle to avoid ending up as kindling wood in the CCIW fireplace.

Your first point and second don't seem to fit together.  If he's not physically ready to play in the CCIW (if he's "kindling wood"), then what does it matter who is ahead of him in the varsity rotation his freshman and sophomore years?

Q----

I don't see how the two points I made are mutually exclusive. On the contrary.  Rather than there being only one reason (other personnel) why chances are not good for any significant PT for 2-3 years, there is also a 2nd reason (physicality) that will likely work against him initially. Even if Wesleyan didn't have skillful players ahead of him who have already been part of their rotation, he would likely be at a disadvantage physically when going against other incoming players or less experienced returnees. 

[AndOne]

From the standpoint of playing time on the basketball court, his choice seems odd, especially given the other schools he was considering.

You've posted similar comments about other IWU and CCIW recruits.  I think the point is that a lot of kids do not base their college decision (maybe the biggest decision of their life up to that point) on whether or not they'll be in the varsity rotation on the basketball team right away.  With Steve Rudnicki, for example - his father is a professor at Northwestern.  I'm guessing that family is going to make a college decision based on a lot of things that don't have to do with varsity P.T. available at the 1 or the 2.  For some kids, immediate playing time is a huge factor...and I totally understand that.

This topic is bound to come up every year, and again, here is my take...

As long as a kid is making an informed decision and was not misled by the coaching staff, I think it is really hard to question any college decision.  Regarding information, the way the recruiting process plays out, I don't think anyone has to worry about CCIW recruits not having enough.  First, I'm quite sure every IWU recruit this year, for example,  was told all about Titans' freshman class and depth at certain positions by other Division III coaches ("where are you going to play there?").  Second, these kids all visit and come to a game.  Steve Rudnicki sat at the Shirk Center and watched IWU start 2 freshmen and 1 sophomore at the perimeter spots. 

On the other side of that, I think most realize that IWU head coach Ron Rose is about as honest of a guy as you will ever find.  He is not the type to mislead any recruit and he goes out of his way to make sure each knows the situation and how hard they'll have to compete to earn playing time...and if JV time is a possibility.

Again, I should clarify - I have no confirmation on Steve Rudnicki's college decision.

TQ (and any other interested parties)-----

Let me be perfectly clear:

1. I sure as hell hope any student-athlete makes his/her college decision based more on how a school can teach, challenge, nurture, and promote their educational and professional goals rather than the amount of PT they will get and how soon.

2. Because I realize that this, thankfully, happens, I italicized "playing time on the basketball court."

3. I would be the first to tell any kid (and have) that if he loves a school and feels comfortable and at home there, then thats where he should be, and the athletics will take care of themselves.

4. I realize the educational opportunities available at IWU-----AND at several other CCIW and other midwest schools.  A college/university is much more than average test scores and percentage of incoming students ranking in the upper whatever percentage of their graduating class. Its also the professors, fellow students, alumni, career development, and many other components.

5. Of course Coach Rose is an honest and forthright individual. In my limited interactions with him, I've never known him to be anything less. I never inferred otherwise. I wish I could say that of all the coaches I'm familiar with---and TQ, (among others) knows exactly where I'm coming from.

6. Regardless of how much (or little) any coach tells a prospect about the amount of PT that may realistically be available, I think many incoming freshman who were stars on their HS teams cannot either envision or accept that the same level of stardom/success will not continue at the next level.

7. Due to #6, again, purely from the standpoint of playing time on the basketball ( or any other) court, I feel many kids will continue to make decisions based on their past accomplishments rather than looking realistically at the opportunities that may or may not be available at the next level. And, IF playing time is one of the more major reasons for their decision, then they could often have made a better decision that would ultimately result in their BOTH still going to an excellent school AND having the opportunity to play sooner. Thats all.