MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Couple of thoughts:

Q - the All-Star game is not blah... it is really cool to see different players from around the country, in their own jerseys. It has been fun to see these great players on the same court and have seen some exciting and competitive basketball.

The walk-throughs "could" be done at a neighboring school's gym... though certainly wouldn't be the feel of the Civic Center, so that could be a challenge - though usually these walk-throughs are nothing more than that.

Someone is going to get the short end of the stick... the schedule for games could be tightened up a bit... because an 8:30 start seems a bit too late for me... say 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45?

And flipping the men and the women each year... good idea... but it will seem weird to play the women's consolation (if they keep it), the men's all-star game, the women's championship game, and then the men's championship game (just as a thought).

I just think someone will get the short end of the stick in this.

[NCF]

Couple of thoughts:

Q - the All-Star game is not blah... it is really cool to see different players from around the country, in their own jerseys. It has been fun to see these great players on the same court and have seen some exciting and competitive basketball.

The walk-throughs "could" be done at a neighboring school's gym... though certainly wouldn't be the feel of the Civic Center, so that could be a challenge - though usually these walk-throughs are nothing more than that.

Someone is going to get the short end of the stick... the schedule for games could be tightened up a bit... because an 8:30 start seems a bit too late for me... say 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45?

And flipping the men and the women each year... good idea... but it will seem weird to play the women's consolation (if they keep it), the men's all-star game, the women's championship game, and then the men's championship game (just as a thought)... but I still think it is doable... the NCAA and the Civic Center or whoever hosts has to really want to take this massive project on - though the Civic Center is used to the ODAC tourney, so it wouldn't be too difficult.

The all-star game is cool and if they went with one site, eliminate the consolation for women and go with an all-star game.  I would bet you'd get bigger crowds and think of all the great things you could sell, that people would buy!! It would be a basketball junkies dream vacation get away

[Pat Coleman]

I think only in a year where the same school is in both Final Fours is this really a draw, and that's hard to account for. Nobody really talks about it otherwise.

[iwu70]

Wonderful d3hoops piece on Eliud Gonzalez.  Glad he is getting the recognition for his outstanding play, season . . . and for all his dedication in coming back from pine-sitting and injury. I would bet Travis Rosenkranz is one of Eliud's biggest fans as well.  Titans have many good story lines this year, for Zimmer, for Kman, the outstanding, consistent play of Kevin Reed, and the emergence of sophomore Victor Davis . . . all the contributions of the rotation, bench players, and now too the key contributions of Rudnicki in this tourney run.  A true team effort with everyone making plays, contributing.  The freshmen are sitting there watching, waiting to make their mark in the next few years. 

I'm one of Eliud's biggest fans and have been singing his praises all season.  I'm not at all surprised it is all coming to fruition now.  Good luck to Eliud and all the IWU team members this weekend. 

GO TITANS!

P.S.  I, for one, like the third place game on the women's side and wish they still played it in the men's tourney.  Don't think any of the "All-Stars" will have many fans, coaches, even family members there to cheer for them . . . and feel the two semi-final losers deserve to play one more game, have their fans there to support them and enjoy their Final Four achievements.  At that point, all four teams have deserved their trips to Salem and should be the focus of the weekend, not some group of "All-Stars" coming in for one game.  Just IMHO. 

[iwu70]

I, too, would not favor combining the women's tournament with the men's tournament.  Of course, we are doubly blessed this year at IWU, with our Double Happiness Final Four, but that is a rare happening, and I'm sure some Titan fans feel torn on which team to support, which trip to make -- Salem or Holland.  We'll just have to suffer through . . . 

Pat, thanks again for all the great coverage.  Many fans are unable to travel at all -- for whatever reasons -- and very much appreciate all the coverage, the video links, the features, and all the impressions from fans at the sites who are posting on the boards.  We appreciate all the fine work of the Sports Information Directors and staff.  Thanks, Stew!!!   Many thanks.

GO TITANS, GO TITANS!!!

IWU70

[A Lover of the Game]

Courtesy of the MIAA board, check out this video of the crowd and atmosphere at the IWU/Hope game...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEuAYQ3q7kw


Every IWU fan I ran into at Wooster this past weekend that was at Hope said basically the same thing -- that the atmosphere at DeVos, and the fans, were just amazing.  Each in some way said it was the best Division III atmosphere they've ever seen.

I was at Thomas More with the women's team, but everyone I spoke with on campus--from players to IWU students who were there to old timers--said the same thing.  It looks fantastic.  The players even said they wished the students would "choreograph" moves the way the Hope fans did.  Maybe a return to the cheer blocks of old, or something better?

The atmosphere was the best!!! It caused my teenage daughter, who is not easily excited, to stand up and cheer with the IWU fans (something she does not do).  I think I may have even heard a bit of a yell. Heck, I got so caught up that at one point I cheered when Hope scored on us, and kept clapping until my daughter said, "Um mom they just scored....on us." Great time, indeed!

GO TITANS!!!

[Just Bill]

Having been a part of a third place game back in the day, I don't think anyone really wants to be there. It was a major downer. Maybe I'd feel different if my team had won it, but the whole thing felt kind of depressing. I think most players would say they don't need a consolation game to feel better about what they've accomplished.

[Pat Coleman]

Agreed on the third-place game. Sometimes that game is well-contested and played straight up, and I'm sure IWU fans are thinking of the great game against Ohio Northern in 2001. But that's not the norm.

[iwu70]

Yes, IWU and IWU fans have had a positive experience with the third place game a number of times.  Winning your last game of the season is better than losing it, no doubt.  I have an open mind . . . and will await impressions on those seeing, attending the "All-Star" game to see what it is all about, what it is like. 

Have a great weekend everyone -- in Salem and in Holland.  Wish I could be both places at once!!!

IWU70

[Dennis_Prikkel]

maybe he's waiting for the "green" tsunami to subside

[NCF]

I think only in a year where the same school is in both Final Fours is this really a draw, and that's hard to account for. Nobody really talks about it otherwise.

JMO but I think it might be  because it's never been done. I guess it is hard to break with tradition, but I think a men's/women's Final Four week-end might renew interest in the D3 tournament.

[TitansIWU]

I think it might be worth a shot, to see if would get good attendance. Marketing is the key.

As someone who never really followed D3 hoops until about 5 years ago, I think there are a whole lot of people still missing an unbelievable basketball experience.

I will be honest, I used to fall into the trap of believing that D1 was really all that was worthwhile. I just never gave anything else much thought.

Now, I have sat on the edge of my seat too many times, stared at tiny pixelated computer video screens until my eyes burn waiting to see how a certain unbelievable game would be decided.

I've now sat in some of the coolest atmospheres I can imagine existing while watching D3 games.

I was lost and now I am found.

I think anything the game can do to increase the school's fan base is good for the players, the sport and really, everyone.

I was once one of those missing it. I only wish I had found it 10 years ago!!!!

[NCF]

I think it might be worth a shot, to see if would get good attendance. Marketing is the key.

As someone who never really followed D3 hoops until about 5 years ago, I think there are a whole lot of people still missing an unbelievable basketball experience.

I will be honest, I used to fall into the trap of believing that D1 was really all that was worthwhile. I just never gave anything else much thought.

Now, I have sat on the edge of my seat too many times, stared at tiny pixelated computer video screens until my eyes burn waiting to see how a certain unbelievable game would be decided.

I've now sat in some of the coolest atmospheres I can imagine existing while watching D3 games.

I was lost and now I am found.

I think anything the game can do to increase the school's fan base is good for the players, the sport and really, everyone.

I was once one of those missing it. I only wish I had found it 10 years ago!!!!

I agree with you. I only followed D3 bball for a few years after college and went to see my first game in years this past season. It is a great night out with the family and you see a very good brand of basketball. I always thought after my son left college, I would not want to follow D3sports, but I was wrong. I am looking forward to enjoying several D3 sports with my son after he graduates.

[IWU53]

 This is my annual post to express appreciation to all of you who let an old timer like me (80 years young) enjoy the CCIW from afar (Sunny Florida). Thanks!!!!

GO TITANS -- TAKE HOME TWO BIG ONES!!!!!

[Titan Q]

IWU got its travel itinerary today from the NCAA.  How is this for a bad route to Salem tomorrow...

* Drive from Bloomington to Moline, IL (2 hours)

* The party splits up then, with 14 travelers flying through Atlanta to Roanoke, and 12 through Chicago


Ugh...what a mess.

Maybe Coach G will have the boys over for a barbecue in the Quad Cities?