MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Titan Q]

Here is the Pantagraph's article on John Koschnitzky...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/05/15/usports/doc482b3a830fa14948297011.txt

It seems to touch on that "versatility" theme I mentioned:


While statistics were unavailable for his prep school season, Koschnitzky received his team's "Most Versatile" award.

"I pretty much played every position. It helped me develop my fundamentals," he said. "I got a lot stronger and my shot got a lot better. We ran the Princeton offense, a lot of 3-pointers and back door cuts. It forced me to work on my ballhandling and quickness."

Rose sees Koschnitzky as a "combo forward" who could play on the perimeter or in the post.


The Sports Editor from the Southtown Star (formerly Daily Southtown) called me back with his senior year baseball stats...

As a pitcher, he was 7-1 with a 2.42 ERA, with 60 K's in 52 IP.  As an infielder (not sure what position), he hit .356 with 37 RBI.  He was 1st Team All-Area in baseball, as he was in basketball.  Again, not sure if he playing baseball at IWU or not.

[Titan Q]

I took the recruits on the board and slotted into the one position I think they'll end up playing the most in the CCIW.  This is simply my best guess...if anyone feels I have someone slotted incorrectly, I will be glad to change.  (Note - even for players who can, and will, play multiple positions, I picked one.)  Each position is sorted by points per game this past year (in high school).

Disclaimer - in absolutely no way I am suggesting that this is some sort of ranking by position.  There is a lot more that goes into projecting CCIW impact than high school scoring...and there is obviously a huge disparity in competition level from class to class in the IHSA.  This is simply an objective way to organize at this point.



PG
Jeremy Pflederer, Wheaton (6-0 PG, Tremont) - 25.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, .544 FG, .813 FT
Mike McCurdy, Elmhurst (6-0 PG, Burlington Central) - 24.5 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.0 rpg
Brian DeSimone, Augustana (6-1 PG/SG, Buffalo Grove) - 16.0 ppg
Eric Safranski, Augustana (6-0 PG/SG, Putnam County) - 12.9 ppg
Kevin Gillespie, North Central (5-10 PG, Geneseo) - 12.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, 66 3-pointers made
Steve Rudnicki, Illinois Wesleyan (6-4/165 PG/SG, Evanston) - 9.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.3 apg
Steve Pierotti, Wheaton (6-1 G, Wheaton North) - 5.2 ppg

SG
Lee Piccinelli, North Central (5-11 PG/SG, Henry) - 26.8 ppg
Zack Boyd, Elmhurst (6-2 G/F, Warrensburg-Latham) - 23.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.4 apg
Jordan Zimmer, Illinois Wesleyan (6-4 G/F, Delavan) - 23.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg
David Lopez, Elmhurst (6-1 G, Luther North) - 17.4 ppg
Griffin Dwyer, Augustana (6-1 SG, Hersey H.S.) - 14.3 ppg
Sean Seibring, Illinois Wesleyan (6-2 SG, Normal West) - 12.0 ppg
Jake Hasse, Carthage (6-1 G, Naperville North) - 11.1 ppg
Pace Bennett, Carthage (6-2 G, Rock Island Alleman) - 11 ppg, 4 apg
Peter Wessels, Augustana (6-3 SG, Bettendorf) - 10.7 ppg
Josh Glenn, North Central (6-2 G, South Elgin) - 10.0 ppg
Troy Rorer, Augustana (6-2 G/F, Bettendorf) - 9.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.5 apg

SF
John Koschnitzky, Illinois Wesleyan (6-6/205 SF/PF, Air Force Prep, Oak Forest H.S.) - 20.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg
A.J. Sutherlin, Elmhurst (6-5 SF, North Montgomery H.S., Crawfordsville, IN) - 18.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg,
Josh Evans, Augustana (6-4 SF/PF, Niles North) - 13.2 ppg
Kenny Branch, North Central (6-3 G/F, Mundelein) - ?

PF
Joel Benson, North Park (6-5/225 F/C, Westminster Christian) - 18.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg
Dexter Walker, Illinois Wesleyan (6-6/215 SF/PF, Morton) - 18.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg
Chris Anderson, Augustana (6-4 SF/PF, West Carroll) - 17.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg
Max Artis, Augustana (6-3 SF/PF, Kirkwood, Mo.) - 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, .592 FG, .674 FT
Phil Carr, Wheaton (6-5 F, Southgate Anderson, MI) - 13.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg, .438 FG, .624 FT
Nathan Swarts, Elmhurst (6-5/215 F/C, Monticello) - 12.5 ppg
Tyler Ruschmeyer, North Central (6-5 F, Pekin) - 11.6 ppg
Tim McCrary, Wheaton (6-6 F, New Trier) - 10 ppg, 7 rpg
Dawon Mitchell, North Park (6-5/190 F, St. Joseph's) - ?

Center
Ryan Connolly, Illinois Wesleyan (6-8/255 C, Springfield Lanphier) - 16.2 ppg, 9.9 rpg
Wes Dukeman, Elmhurst (6-8/180 C, Arthur) - 16.0 ppg
Eric McCullough, Illinois Wesleyan (6-9/220 C, Normal U High) - 13.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.4 bpg, .540 FG
Spencer Schultze, Wheaton (6-6 C, Grand Rapids Christian, MI) - 13.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, .530 FT, .650 FT
Drake Diamond, Wheaton (6-8/225 F/C, Centreville, VA) - 4.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg

[petemcb]

OK.  A week is long enough.  What?  Are we in Maxwell Smart's Cone of Silence or something?  Let's see.  Does anyone from any of the schools have any info on summer league action:  Des Plaines Prairie Lakes or Deerfield?  It's time to plug some of those into my summer schedule.

[petemcb]

Just looked around a little bit.  To answer part of my own question, go to joyofthegame.com and there is a link to their college summer league.  Registration deadline is May 30, so there isn't a schedule yet.  Teams play on Tuesday and Thursday nights, from June 12 to August 14.  I'll post more info as I find it.

[titanfan]

During the 4A state championship weekend, there was talk here about Richards PG Eliud Gonzalez:

Read in the Sun Times this morning that Augie is recruiting Eliud Gonzalez, the point guard for Richards---Have seen him play a few times and he is an excellent player---Hope they are fortunate enough to land him---He really knows how to play the position

Augie AND some other CCIW teams as well as several other regional teams. His stock has risen even more lately due to Richards' deep run into the playoffs and his corresponding added exposure. Eliud is a city/near suburban kid, who might feel a little more comfortable staying a little closer to his home turf.   

Additionally. we all know how hard it can be for a frosh to see meaningful minutes in a league as tough as the CCIW. Accordingly. Eliud would likely significantly increase his chances of seeing more floor time sooner rather than later by concentrating on schools who either graduate their point this year, had players manning that spot

who may be better suited to the off guard position, or had a plethora of guards who saw a great deal of time this season and will return next year. The later example aptly describes the Vikings as they started 3 guards this year who ALL will be back again in 08-09. Furthermore, in addition to Wessels, Washington, and Pelton, they now will apparently have an all conference player in Delp back from his injury for his 4th year of eligibility. Thats 4 battle tested guards, all of whom have already started on a conference winning team. That doesn't even take into consideration players like Larson or Avallone who saw varsity time this year, or any JV players.

Any incoming freshman guard will face exceptionally long odds as far as seeing any playing time next year at Augie. 

The two freshman guards saw time this year due to the Domino Effect of the Delp injury---Although both players had their positive moments, neither contributed on a consistent level---Typical of most freshmen in the CCIW---I don't think either player would have seen much time had the injury not occurred---However, I do disagree with AO on Gonzalez---I could see him get varsity minutes NEXT SEASON as a backup to Pelton---He can play the 1 spot---Pelton is the only true 1 in AO's assessment of the 4 returning guards---The others are 2's and 3's

Unless Gonzalez is a regular on this board I doubt AndOne's not so subtle effort to encourage him to attend some school other than Augie will fall on deaf ears. He'd make a great addition at Augie as only Pelton is a true PG among the returning guards.

Gonzalez will be on TV tonite in the final game of the day in Peoria. I think tipoff is around 8:30 p.m. A good chance to check out his credentials.

I heard today from a pretty reliable source that Gonzalez has decided to attend IWU.  Q, can you confirm??  Here are a few links on him:



http://blogs.suntimes.com/illinois/2008/03/small_school_gems_have_their_s_1.html

http://www.southtownstar.com/sports/highschools/837970,031208sptrichardsside.article

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_basketball/845259,031508bbk4agonzalez.article

[AndOne]

I have also heard from an extremely solid source that Gonzalez is headed to Wesleyan. He'll face long odds there for any meaningful PT given last year's starters at guard were only freshmen, and the top backup was a soph.

[AndOne]

OK.  A week is long enough.  What?  Are we in Maxwell Smart's Cone of Silence or something?  Let's see.  Does anyone from any of the schools have any info on summer league action:  Des Plaines Prairie Lakes or Deerfield?  It's time to plug some of those into my summer schedule.

Just looked around a little bit.  To answer part of my own question, go to joyofthegame.com and there is a link to their college summer league.  Registration deadline is May 30, so there isn't a schedule yet.  Teams play on Tuesday and Thursday nights, from June 12 to August 14.  I'll post more info as I find it.

I know North Central is skipping the Des Plaines league this year and entering two teams in Deerfield. A group of NCC alums, among them Walton, Simmons, Krumtinger, Vicario, Teising, Valker, Flanigan, also plans to field a team in Deerfield.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I have also heard from an extremely solid source that Gonzalez is headed to Wesleyan. He'll face long odds there for any meaningful PT given last year's starters at guard were only freshmen, and the top backup was a soph.

AO, after the 2006-07 season (which totally fell apart with Dwyer's injury, and Gilmore gamely trying to play out of position on bad wheels), there's no such thing as too many PGs!   But with Dwyer only going to be a junior, and Rosenkranz a sophomore (plus fellow recruit Rudnicki from Evanston), I hope Gonzalez is either 'all that' or very patient (and preferably both!).

[Titan Q]

I heard today from a pretty reliable source that Gonzalez has decided to attend IWU.  Q, can you confirm??  Here are a few links on him:

titanfan, I usually get a heads-up on recruits once things become "official" (deposit paid, etc).  I do not have official word on Eliud Gonzalez.

However, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye is reporting the same....

http://ilprepbullseye.com/page8.html

Illinois Wesleyan University head coach Ron Rose has done it again, as he has added another recruit to his banner 2008 class.  His latest addition is 5'10 point guard Eliud Gonzalez from Richards High School in Oak Lawn, IL.  Gonzalez was Richards' floor leader and spearheaded their class 4A state championship this past March.  In addition, Gonzalez is also an elite student.  Gonzalez becomes the Titan's eighth recruit from the class of 2008, a class which is now coming close to rivaling the outstanding one put together by coach Rose in 2007. 


I have never seen Eliud play but I hear he is your prototypical "pure point-guard" - smart, pass-first, floor general type.  I've also heard he is extremely quick and a great perimeter defender.  As a senior at Richards he averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 assists.  He finished the year with 203 assists.

Richards, of course, is in my hometown of Oak Lawn.  I'd be thrilled to have another south sider on the Titan roster.

[AndOne]

I heard today from a pretty reliable source that Gonzalez has decided to attend IWU.  Q, can you confirm??  Here are a few links on him:

titanfan, I usually get a heads-up on recruits once things become "official" (deposit paid, etc).  I do not have official word on Eliud Gonzalez.

However, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye is reporting the same....

http://ilprepbullseye.com/page8.html

I have never seen Eliud play but I hear he is your prototypicaly "pure point-guard" - smart, pass-first, floor general type.  I've also heard he is extremely quick and a great perimeter defender.  As a senior at Richards he averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 assists.  He finished the year with 203 assists.

Richards, of course, is in my hometown of Oak Lawn.  I'd be thrilled to have another south sider on the Titan roster.

TQ---

Have seen him play, and from what I saw, your above description is pretty much right on. Keep in mind that his assist total partially resulted from the fact he played with some very gifted athletes and prolific scorers.

[AndOne]

Lots of speculation here previously regarding the college destination of Dave Pilalis of Wheaton North. Don't know if anyone has previously reported this (didn't want to scroll back through many pages), but he will be attending Lake Forest, rather than any CCIW school.

[Titan Q]

I heard today from a pretty reliable source that Gonzalez has decided to attend IWU.  Q, can you confirm??  Here are a few links on him:

titanfan, I usually get a heads-up on recruits once things become "official" (deposit paid, etc).  I do not have official word on Eliud Gonzalez.

However, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye is reporting the same....

http://ilprepbullseye.com/page8.html

I have never seen Eliud play but I hear he is your prototypicaly "pure point-guard" - smart, pass-first, floor general type.  I've also heard he is extremely quick and a great perimeter defender.  As a senior at Richards he averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 assists.  He finished the year with 203 assists.

Richards, of course, is in my hometown of Oak Lawn.  I'd be thrilled to have another south sider on the Titan roster.

TQ---

Have seen him play, and from what I saw, your above description is pretty much right on. Keep in mind that his assist total partially resulted from the fact he played with some very gifted athletes and prolific scorers.

It looks like he only averaged 5 FGA per game...

http://www.ihsa.org/activity/bkb/2007-08/4info4.htm

He played with Carl Richard (Indiana St), Tommie Thomas (U. of Illinois football, QB), and junior Shaun Pratl, who has D1 major basketball and football offers.

I think it is neat that Dwayne Wade flew to Peoria to watch his alma mater compete for a state title...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/cs-080315-richards-lockport-class-4a,1,4115244.story

Those kids will never forget that.

[AndOne]

I have also heard from an extremely solid source that Gonzalez is headed to Wesleyan. He'll face long odds there for any meaningful PT given last year's starters at guard were only freshmen, and the top backup was a soph.

AO, after the 2006-07 season (which totally fell apart with Dwyer's injury, and Gilmore gamely trying to play out of position on bad wheels), there's no such thing as too many PGs!   But with Dwyer only going to be a junior, and Rosenkranz a sophomore (plus fellow recruit Rudnicki from Evanston), I hope Gonzalez is either 'all that' or very patient (and preferably both!).

Mr----

You're sounding very much like a coach ("no such thing................").   

As has been discussed here before, some very good high school basketball players  are just going to have to be content with getting a great education and being a member of a very good, even possible championship, college team.

The harsh reality many are in for is that their college playing time will be severely limited, and the only real chance they have to set foot on the floor will be during the last minute or two of a blowout. I think this is especially tough on freshmen as being a star throughout high school, they have a very difficult time comprehending the fact there may be any, let alone a number of teammates at the next level who are better players. 

[titanfan]

I have also heard from an extremely solid source that Gonzalez is headed to Wesleyan. He'll face long odds there for any meaningful PT given last year's starters at guard were only freshmen, and the top backup was a soph.

AO, after the 2006-07 season (which totally fell apart with Dwyer's injury, and Gilmore gamely trying to play out of position on bad wheels), there's no such thing as too many PGs!   But with Dwyer only going to be a junior, and Rosenkranz a sophomore (plus fellow recruit Rudnicki from Evanston), I hope Gonzalez is either 'all that' or very patient (and preferably both!).

Mr----

You're sounding very much like a coach ("no such thing................").   

As has been discussed here before, some very good high school basketball players  are just going to have to be content with getting a great education and being a member of a very good, even possible championship, college team.

The harsh reality many are in for is that their college playing time will be severely limited, and the only real chance they have to set foot on the floor will be during the last minute or two of a blowout. I think this is especially tough on freshmen as being a star throughout high school, they have a very difficult time comprehending the fact there may be any, let alone a number of teammates at the next level who are better players. 

AO, something tells me that Gonzalez thrives on playing with teammates who might be considered better players.  As Q said, he played with Carl Richard (Indiana St), Tommie Thomas (U. of Illinois football, QB), and junior Shaun Pratl, who has D1 major basketball and football offers.  Eliud is a gamer, and I really look forward to seeing him in Titan green!

[Titan Q]

As has been discussed here before, some very good high school basketball players  are just going to have to be content with getting a great education and being a member of a very good, even possible championship, college team.

The harsh reality many are in for is that their college playing time will be severely limited, and the only real chance they have to set foot on the floor will be during the last minute or two of a blowout. I think this is especially tough on freshmen as being a star throughout high school, they have a very difficult time comprehending the fact there may be any, let alone a number of teammates at the next level who are better players. 

Illinois Wesleyan - and I suspect every great program at every level - has had tremendous success over the years by finding extremely talented kids who were not afraid of competition for playing time.  And kids who were willing to wait their turn to get into the varsity rotation.  Every team I watched in Salem two months ago was stocked full of those types of players (see Amherst one-year starter Fletcher Walters, a 6-8 forward who would have been the best player in most 3 leagues).  3-time CCIW defending champion Augustana certainly has been loaded with kids who came in with a lot of talent ahead of them and weren't afraid of competition.  And now IWU is certainly back to that fortunate position.

From a recruiting standpoint, it's great to be in position to provide a ton of immediate varsity playing time...the Titans were there last year.  From a winning conference championships standpoint, however, it's nice to find really good players who are willing to come in and battle.