MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[toooldtohoop]

I have seen GG live, but wasn't taken aback by any antics.  but the other night I watched the IWU game, and because the audio was so bad, I muted it.  It allowed me to notice his behavior and even focus for awhile.  I actually burst out laughing.  He looked very much like a cartoon character.  I can understand why at least some of the officials just laugh.

[bopol]

Luke Johnson was dominant for the Red Men -- I think he got short-changed on the blocks, as I was convinced that he had a triple-double -- and Donte Logan continues to impress me. Throw in Reese Herth, Antwan Hill, and a few other guys who didn't get into the game but whom Bosko raves about, and I don't think that there's any question that Carthage has the best freshman class in the league. The Red Men are going to be awfully tough over the next few seasons.

Who is he raving about?  I like what I've seen of Logan and Johnson, but growth will be needed to get them to the highest levels of the CCIW.  In Logan's case, some better decision making on his passes and improvement in his jumper, but he has plus D already and he runs the point fairly well (especially for a freshman).  In Johnson's case, he needs to figure out to maximize his output in the Carthage offense (it seems that sometimes there is no clear plan on how to use him, which might be Bosko's fault) and he needs to improve his level of play against top notch CCIW bigs. 

Outside of that, Hill, Herth and Claybrook all have had good and bad moments but they are mostly inconsistant.  The guard play gets sloppy on offense when any of them run the point.  Any might grow into good players, but none strikes me that highly.  So I'm wondering who he is that high on, as obviously, he's seems them in practice and knows best.

Basically, my take on Carthage at this point is a) they have a game plan that works against weaker teams on average, but b) when it doesn't work, you see Malcom Kelly just try to take over the game.  He put North Central on the fence and brought Carthage back against North Park.  If Malcom isn't there, this team would be in heaps on trouble, but he just plays his butt off every night and IMHO, should be 1st team CCIW this year.

[A Lover of the Game]

IMHO, the jacket toss by GG early in the game, his continued antics, intimidated the officials to the point that they were more than happy to get off the floor at the end of the game.  They would have to deal with GG one more time, perhaps another technical?
The league should deal with this coach once and for all.  At a minimum, Augustana should address his actions with a stern hand!  Perhaps he should journey back to D1 or the pros where players play for money (tongue in cheek, D1).
During the IL/MI ST game last eve, the announcers stated the national head of officials had sent an email telling the officals to get tough on unsportsmanship like behavior.  This warning should be applied at all levels, not just the coaches and players, but also to the fans.

I remember last year during an IWU home game vs Augie G.G got upset, stomped his foot a couple times, and walked onto the court. The student section started chanting sit, sit sit, and once he went back to the bench and sat down they yelled stay. I hear G.G is a really good coach and from the looks of it, he is. I actually think his antics are rather comical because he looks like a big kid throwing a temper tantrum.

IWU70, I’ll put my critic-claws in for now and take it easy on Dortch. I talked to him after the Augie game, and critiqued his play a bit. He was pretty disgusted with himself because he feels like he isn't producing on the offensive side. Of course I have seen him play many times. He isn't a perimeter player but he can shot within the arc. Based on what I've seen this season, I think he needs to relax a bit as well as go up a little stronger when taking shots close to the hole.  During the North Park game he hesitated on one possession and looked like he was going to pass the ball. I yelled out cut to the hole (don’t know if he heard me. More than likely he didn’t), he made the basketball and picked up an “and one”. Hopefully he puts Tuesday night’s game behind him, and is ready to play this weekend. We’ll see what happens.


Go Titans!

[dansand]

I'm with Greg on the Coach G situation.  Unless it's drop-kicking puppies, exposing himself much more fully in public, or taking some of the Augie program's money, I think he, and his antics, are pretty much in the QC to stay.  Given earlier scandals discussed her, I guess the latter would be the most likely possibility. 

Nice innuendo. IWU70, have you ever been asked, "when did you stop beating your wife?"

I think that his players should get more technicals, but not for salty language or dramatic gestures with their clothing, a la their head coach. I think that his players should get more technicals for dispensing forearms to an opponent's solar plexus, for grabbing an opponent's shirt and throwing him out of bounds, for kneeing him in the back of the thigh, and for the dozens of other dirty little tricks that've come to characterize the Augie program we all know and love.

Greg,

This post is definitely way below your usual standards. The criticisms of Coach G are fine, but a blanket accusation that Augie players are dirty, especially with no specifics or details, smacks a bit of silly whining. You're better than that. The game of basketball has gotten a lot more physical over the past 20 years or so (truth be told, more physical than I'd prefer), but it is what it is. Augie plays a tough, physical brand of basketball, but they're hardly alone. Augie's on the receiving end of plenty of physical play as well. Last year's St. Thomas team was one of the toughest and most physical I've seen, but in no way dirty.

[armywife]

I went to see UMHB play last weekend and it was kind of bittersweet. The last time I went to a game, I was able to connect with WheatonC for the first time. He was passing through this part of Texas, and we met up at the game. It was a joy to meet a brother and fellow Chicago area native. I'm glad he's home now, but he is missed on this board. My prayers are with his family.

[74impala]

Greg,

This post is definitely way below your usual standards. The criticisms of Coach G are fine, but a blanket accusation that Augie players are dirty, especially with no specifics or details, smacks a bit of silly whining. You're better than that. The game of basketball has gotten a lot more physical over the past 20 years or so (truth be told, more physical than I'd prefer), but it is what it is. Augie plays a tough, physical brand of basketball, but they're hardly alone. Augie's on the receiving end of plenty of physical play as well. Last year's St. Thomas team was one of the toughest and most physical I've seen, but in no way dirty.

While I can't second guess Chris Anderson's intent, the foul committed on DeMoss sure appeared flagrant.   The picture published in today's Wheaton Record confirmed that opinion.  It shows DeMoss in flight with Anderson still on the ground.  Anderson's arm is in John's back.

[Dennis_Prikkel]

I have seen GG live, but wasn't taken aback by any antics.  but the other night I watched the IWU game, and because the audio was so bad, I muted it.  It allowed me to notice his behavior and even focus for awhile.  I actually burst out laughing.  He looked very much like a cartoon character.  I can understand why at least some of the officials just laugh.

is this an autobiographical post?

[bopol]

Question for any officials: does a coach really change how you call the game and does it cause you to call the game more favorably for the team of that coach or against him?

I used to ump baseball and jack*ss coaches tended to have the opposite effect where the strike zone on their team expanded.  Of course, it wasn't right, but I was young and more easier ticked off then I am now, so I'm wondering if what effect really has on the refs.

[iwu70]

Dansand, not a question of innuendo, my friend.  We all know what the dismissable offenses are in almost any job, esp. those dealing with young people -- you physically abuse people or animals, expose yourself in public, or steal money, fudge or fix data, and you will likely be gone, and likely sooner than later.  Of course, long-time coverups do happen, as we have seen this year at Syracuse and Penn State.  But, the loss of big money in the ponzy scheme by a number of DI and DIII coaches was widely reported in the press, including a big loss by Coach G, right?  So I'm just reporting on the facts, not putting innuendos on Coach G or anyone else.  This is the reality in which all coaches, teachers, and many others now work.  Nothing really new.  Everyone is free to be stupid, to be taken, and to commit whatever antics one wishes, right up to and sometimes across the line.  Each institution has its culture and its tolerance level, and some places have a built up tolerance that places the line at a different place than others.  Some folks committing antics have built up tolerance or acceptance (or power) in ways that allow them to continue their antics, some would say their mis-behavior.  I think if Ron Rose threw his jacket into the crowd at Shirk, and pulled Coach G like stunts, he likely would not be around IWU very much longer.  Plus, perhaps its just me, but I thought coaching and DIII sports was at least a bit about education and proper role models.  But maybe I'm just old fashion.  I greatly respect the decorum and sportsmanship that Dennie Bridges always exhibited during his long coaching career.  Mia Smith and Ron Rose are in that mold.  IMHO. 

Big game tomorrow -- AC vs. NCC.  I'm pulling for the Doggies, antics or no.  Let's hope they play tough, good basketball and put a second league loss on NCC.  Titans have to take care of business at home vs. NPU.  Doubleheader and big night to raise money for the local Cancer Center.

IWU70

[Hardwood]

You people are unbelievable -- a technical given to coach G has morphed into his players are dirty and should be assessed technical fouls -- What?? It sounds like some people are tired of getting there asses kicked by Augie and are trying to move the spotlight from the programs success to demeaning the coach & players in the program.  Since 2005-06 season there have been 12 CCIW championships -- 6 conference and 6 tournament -- Augie has won 7 of the 12.  The good programs play defense and rebound with great tenacity and toughness which many of you appear to be mistaking for dirty play.  If that is the case you have a problem with the entire CCIW officiating staff not the Augustana program. 

[AndOne]

I think that his players should get more technicals, but not for salty language or dramatic gestures with their clothing, a la their head coach. I think that his players should get more technicals for dispensing forearms to an opponent's solar plexus, for grabbing an opponent's shirt and throwing him out of bounds, for kneeing him in the back of the thigh, and for the dozens of other dirty little tricks that've come to characterize the Augie program we all know and love.

Greg,

This post is definitely way below your usual standards. The criticisms of Coach G are fine, but a blanket accusation that Augie players are dirty, especially with no specifics or details, smacks a bit of silly whining. You're better than that. The game of basketball has gotten a lot more physical over the past 20 years or so (truth be told, more physical than I'd prefer), but it is what it is. Augie plays a tough, physical brand of basketball, but they're hardly alone. Augie's on the receiving end of plenty of physical play as well. Last year's St. Thomas team was one of the toughest and most physical I've seen, but in no way dirty.

Perhaps Mr. Sager was, in fact, reporting on behaviors by Augie players which he has personally observed. If that is the case, then I think we need to take him at his word.
If he has not actually observed the aforementioned type of behaviors, perhaps he was merely suggesting that the perception of said behavior is an easy inference based on it being an extension of the personality of their leader. Someone whose behavior has been observed by many over the long term, and who has demonstrated repeatedly that he has not learned how to channel his aggressive drives into socially accepted patterns of behavior.     

[AndOne]

A lot of coaches ride officials for 40 minutes, but I've never seen one do it in such a childish manner as Giovanine.  There is just something odd about the whole "two handed waive off", the foot stomping, the coat throwing, etc, etc. He literally looks like a 3-year old kid who has just been told "no" most of the game.

Giovanine is a fantastic recruiter and tremendous coach, but just a complete jackass on the sideline.

I would like to see all fans of teams playing Augie for the rest of the season wearing suit coats that they can launch into the crowd at a specified time.

It would make a great display and would be fun to provide some agitation.

Heard via my mobile device while on the way home from a game tonight, various reports from the NCC campus indicating some of the students might be devising a special welcome and program for Grey Giovanine tomorrow evening. Among the possibilities being discussed are some chants addressing various aspects of GG's behavior which were addressed in Titan Q's above referenced post. Specifically, the jacket throwing, the "wave off," and The Stomp!

Among the chants under consideration relative to the above actions are:

Hey Coach G
Sling that jacket
Then hit the road,
Cuz you can't hack it.

Hey there zebras
When he flashes the wave,
Give him the technical,
Which he must crave.

Hey Giovanine
Do the Stomp, Stomp. Stomp
Then go file,
For Workers Comp.

And, concerning his "unfortunate" investment in an ill fated Ponzi Scheme-----

Hey Grey baby,
You paid the bill
Now show us what you got.
For your 1/2 mil!

Might be an interesting evening in the hangar!         
Might also never happen. We'll see.
   

[USee]

AndOne,

that's some solid entertainment! If I had any status on here I'd give you a +K. Maybe one day.........

[USee]

I have it on very good authority that this kid (man), from a christian school in Los Angeles, has committed to Wheaton. Obviously multiple national championships will follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4-CThQskBM

[Titan Q]

You people are unbelievable -- a technical given to coach G has morphed into his players are dirty and should be assessed technical fouls -- What?? It sounds like some people are tired of getting there asses kicked by Augie and are trying to move the spotlight from the programs success to demeaning the coach & players in the program. 

I can't speak to some of the comments from others, but I can tell you that I'd say that Grey Giovanine is "a complete jackass on the sideline" if his team finished last every year too.  And that he "looks like a 3-year old kid who has just been told 'no' most of the game." 

I've been extremely complimentary of the job Giovanine has done at Augustana over the years.  I don't see any problem with  acknowledging that he is a great coach, and at the same time acknowledging that he acts like a jackass during games.  The game Tuesday vs IWU was simply the latest reminder for those who watched online, or were there...Coach G's full arsenal was on display.  That's why the topic came up again here.

A lot of coaches ride officials for 40 minutes, but I've never seen one do it in such a childish manner as Giovanine.  There is just something odd about the whole "two handed waive off", the foot stomping, the coat throwing, etc, etc.  He literally looks like a 3-year old kid who has just been told "no" most of the game. 

Giovanine is a fantastic recruiter and tremendous coach, but just a complete jackass on the sideline.