MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

Looking forward to the basketball season -- only two months now, so it will come pretty fast.

IWU should have a good team, but I guess everyone will be trying to find a way to take down AC after their super year last year, basically everyone back, right?

IWU has a lot back:

PG Nelms, Pennington
SG Rose, Dolan,
SF Bausch, Coyle
PF Coyle, others?
5 Marietti, Seibring

I'm sure there are others that are going to step up, have their time.  Still, about 8-9 quality players with major playing time from last year coming back.  Should be a good year upcoming.

Titan football certainly looking better, at least in the first three non-conference games, now 3-0 with good numbers of offence and defence.

IWU70

* I would think it more likely to see Dolam as the starting PG rather than the backup SG.
* it seems that the majority of the Green Team's minutes at SG for the next three years have pretty much already been allotted. I feel sorry for this year's freshman recruits who play the position. Unless they can switch positions, over the next three years they will get a great education, and very likely have the opportunity to watch a lot of good basketball.
* I think Bausch was a pleasant surprise for the Bloomington Boys Last year. He seemed to do a pretty nice job, and showed improvement over the course of the season. I w/b surprised if he wasn't the starting SF this year.
* Coyle's stock took a nose dive last season, especially at tournament time when Marietti started in his place.
* Seibring started all 29 games last year and had, to me at least, a very solid season.
* Marietti won't get many style points, but he can put the ball in the basket. He also gives the Green a stronger defensive presence than does Coyle.
* Given the last 3 points above, would it be surprising to see Seibring starting at PF, with Marietti maning the 5?

[AndOne]

Updated 2015 CCIW RECRUIT LIST

Augustana
* Jake Asquini, 6-2 SG (St. Charles East H.S.)
* Jordan Bradshaw, 5-10 PG (Hinsdale Central H.S.)
* AJ Dollmeyer, 6-8/240 C (Sauk Valley CC, Polo H.S. '14) Soph.
* Nolan Ebel, 6-0 PG (Regis Jesuit H.S., Aurora, CO)
* James Fox, 6-2 PG/SG (Edgerton H.S., Wisconsin)
* Joe Kellen, 6-1 PG/SG (Rockford Lutheran H.S.)
* Jake Nowak, 6-3 G/F (Plainfield North H.S.)
* Sean O'Neil, 6-6 PF (South Eugene H.S., Oregon)
* Chrishawn Orange, 6-2 PG (Jacobs H.S.)
* Pierson Wofford, 6-4 G/F (Springfield Lutheran H.S.)

Carthage
* Matt Acevedo, 6-3 SG (Maine West H.S.)
* Mike Canady, 5-10 PG (Jacobs H.S.)
* Chris Dolce, 6-2 SG (Conant H.S.)
* Dimitrije Kastratovich (Belgrade, SERBI)--This year's Serbian import
* Jordon Kedrowski, 6-2 PG/SG (Downers Grove North H.S.)

Elmhurst
* Adam Braxton, 6-3 G/F (Leyden Township H.S.)
* JayQuan Lee, 5'11" G (West Aurora HS, NPU '14, Waubonsee CC '15) Junior
* Chris Lynch, 6'3" F (Villa Park Willowbrook HS)
* Paulos Marakis, 6'7" F (Athens, GREECE)
* Mason Schaub, 6'0" G (Dunlap, IL/IL Valley Central HS)
* Aaron Twist, 6-11 C (West Frankfort H.S.)

Illinois Wesleyan
* Danny Baker, 6-5 SF/PF (Vianney H.S., Missouri)
* Colin Bonnett, 6-3 SG (Benet Academy, Lisle)
* Nick Coleman, 6-2 PG (St. Patrick H.S., Chicago)
* Mark Falotico, 6-1 PG (St. Viator H.S., Chicago)
* Jason Gregoire, 6-4 SG (Cary-Grove H.S.)
* Chasen Peez, 6-7 F/C (Batavia H.S.)
* Ben Sestak, 6-5 SF (Sacred Heart-Griffin H.S., Springfield)

Millikin
* Matt Kruse, 6-9 PF (NCAA D2 McKendree/Monticello H.S. '13)
* Nathaniel Lackey, 6-8 F/C (Fairfield Community H.S.)
* Nathan Lovekamp, 6-3 SG (Cerro Gordo H.S.)
* Tyler Pygon, 5-11 PG (Providence Catholic H.S.)
* Jack Simpson, 5-11 PG/SG (Kickapoo H.S., Springfield, Mo)
* Thomas Williams, 6-2 SG (Byron Nelson H.S., Trophy Club, TX '14...formerly Kaneland H.S.)

North Central
* Jagger Anderson, 6-0 PG (Transfer from Lincoln College, Springfield Southeast H.S.) Jr.
* Anton Boethius, 6'2" SG (Ostersund, SWEDEN)
* Jack Bronec, 6-8 C (St. Charles East H.S.)
* Aiden Chang, 6-2 SG/PG (Aquin H.S., Freeport)
* Alec Epstein, 5'9" SG (Yutan, NE HS)
* Tanner Gardon, 6-7 SF/PF (Elgin Larkin H.S.)
* Logan Ivy, 6-6 F/C (Plainfield Central H.S.)
* Josh Jandron, 5-10 PG/SG (Woodstock North H.S.)
* Chris Jenkins, 6-0 PG/SG, (Luther North H.S.)
* Tommy Koth, 6-3 SF (West Aurora H.S.)
* Jaquan Phipps, 6-3 SG/PG/SF (Lyons H.S., LaGrange)
* Connor Raridon, 6-5.5 Wing/SG (Neuqua Valley H.S., Naperville)
* Alex Sorenson, 6-8 PF/C (Transfer from D2 Northern Michigan/Dunlap, IL HS '14) Soph.

North Park
* Kyle Beheler, 6'7" C (Kokomo, IN HS/Joliet JC) Junior
* Brandon Berry, 6'4" Wing (Chicago Bogan/Iowa Central CC) Soph.
* Darius Brown, 6-3 G (Belevidere HS/Rock Valley CC) Junior
* Cortland Gillespie, 6'0" G (Michigan City, IN Marquette/Judson JC) Soph.
* Devonte Gines, 6'6" F (Cahokia, IL HS)
* Patrick Meyer, 6'0" SG (Cary-Grove HS)
* Armahn Mooring, 6'2" G (Chicago Olive-Harvey Jr. College/seton Academy), Junior
* Matt Perhats, 6-1 P (Prairie Ridge H.S. '14, Crystal Lake)
* Vance Rockford, 6-1 SG (Chicago Lane Tech)
* Jelani Sankey, 5'10" PG ( Chicago Kenwood)
* Adam Sonneras, 6'4" SF (Kungsbacka, SWEDEN)
* Jayson Stone, 6'2" G (Danville, IN)
* Tim Townsell, 6'2" G (Seton H.S., South Holland)
* Sean Woodson, 6'0" G (Indianapolis, IN Broad Ripple HS)

Wheaton
* Tyrel Derrick, 6-0 PG (Lakeland H.S., Rathdrum, ID)
* Kobe Eichelberger, 6-4 SG (Trinity Prep, Maitland, FL)
* Trevor Gunter, 6-6 PF (Grace Community School, Flint, TX)
* Reagan Jones, 6-6 PF (Lake Braddock H.S., Burke, VA)
* Trae Masten, 6-7 SF (South Side H.S., Fort Wayne, IN)
* Troy Morrison, 5-11 PG (Phillips Exeter Academy, NH/Greater Atlanta Christian School '14, GA)
* Luke Peters, 6-3 G/F (Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Stow, OH)
* Michael Winowiecki, 6-3 SG (Indiana Wesleyan/Saugatuck H.S. '14, MI)

[iwu70]

AO, yes, I take your points. 

I could easily see a starting line-up this year of:

PG - Dolan
SG - Rose
SF - Bausch
PF - Seibring
5 - Marietti

With the other guys mentioned in the various rotational spots.  Nelms a solid backup at PG, Pennington at SG, and Coyle in the rotation with the big men, along with some of the others who are likely to step up, find some minutes.  I wouldn't be surprised if Pennington wins a starting spot.  IWU always has a long bench, plenty of guys playing JV minutes, so there may be other options, other developments coming that we know not of.  It will be interesting to see.  Always good for Ron Rose to have plenty of talent being developed, ready to step in as needed.  That's the TITAN way, the TITAN program for a long long time. 

Along with Augie, I guess EC and NPU may be in the top tier this year, too, right?  Not so sure about NCC or WC.  Please enlighten me, gentlemen. MU should be strong, but they just don't seem to get it together.  This is the year you'd think all that young talent would make a splash?  Time will tell.  Carthage?

IWU70

[CCIW >]

Along with Augie, I guess EC and NPU may be in the top tier this year, too, right?  Not so sure about NCC or WC.  Please enlighten me, gentlemen. MU should be strong, but they just don't seem to get it together.  This is the year you'd think all that young talent would make a splash?  Time will tell.  Carthage?

IWU70

NCC in great shape from what I have seen.
Jaggar Anderson (transfer) and Jayme Moten (returning from last year) are likely to be the best starting guard combo in the CCIW (Sorry Elmhurst fans).
Also, coaches expect D-2 transfer Sorenson to be an All-Conference big man with POTY potential in future years.
Add in another stud Raridon and a lot of returning roll players and I think NCC will be a top contender this year.

[Titan Q]

* Given the last 3 points above, would it be surprising to see Seibring starting at PF, with Marietti maning the 5?

Seibring and Marietti started together in IWU's final 5 games last year.  That would have to be the most likely starting post combo heading into the season.  (I'd call Marietti the 4 and Seibring the 5...not that it really matters.)

Trevor Seibring was very good for the Titans down the stretch last year.  He averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds in IWU's final 5 games (final regular season game, CCIW tournament, NCAA tournament), shooting .571 from the field.  I think he has a chance to have a really good junior season.

[Titan Q]

* it seems that the majority of the Green Team's minutes at SG for the next three years have pretty much already been allotted. I feel sorry for this year's freshman recruits who play the position. Unless they can switch positions, over the next three years they will get a great education, and very likely have the opportunity to watch a lot of good basketball.

You are assuming Brady Rose can only play the 2.  There is a pretty good chance he plays a lot of 1 the next 3 seasons.

I'll bet, like always, things work themselves out and the best guys end up on the floor.

[iwu70]

NCC, thanks for the update on the NCC team, prospects.  Sounds like a contender. 

Greg, how does the NPU team stack up at this point?  Who do you think will be getting most of the minutes?

Any assessment out there from Millikin fans, posters?

Q, hope to see you at Homecoming, October 9-11.  My 45th reunion, getting to be a pretty big number.  My class always has a huge Homecoming turnout. Looking forward to it . . . and a good football game vs. the Big Blue. 

Basketball now in about 7 weeks.

IWU'70

[AndOne]

NCC in great shape from what I have seen.
Jaggar Anderson (transfer) and Jayme Moten (returning from last year) are likely to be the best starting guard combo in the CCIW (Sorry Elmhurst fans).
Also, coaches expect D-2 transfer Sorenson to be an All-Conference big man with POTY potential in future years.
Add in another stud Raridon and a lot of returning roll players and I think NCC will be a top contender this year.

Jagger Anderson has indeed shown well so far in open gym. However, so have both other newcomers as well as some returnees. According, it's still much too early to anoint him the starter at the point. Especially when choosing a starter is the most pressing and important decision facing the NCC staff as the upcoming formal practice period and season rapidly approach. Anderson is definitely among the early favorites, and may indeed be the choice should the season start tomorrow. However, I sense a ton of intense competition will take place once formal practice opens before the question is finally resolved.

At this point, baring injury, I think 3 starters are set. As IWU did the last 3 seasons, NCC will effectively play with 3 guards this year. The fourth starter will be either of two returning players. Because of height issues if both are on the floor at the same time, I feel the one who doesn't start will become the 6th man and will likely play as much as the starter. This 6th man will be able to sub in at 2 different positions. After the point guard question, this determination is the 2nd most pressing decision heading into the season for the Cardinals. Questions 3, 4, and 5 are most likely the determination of the primary backups at PG, SG, and in the middle.

[Gregory Sager]

NCC in great shape from what I have seen.
Jaggar Anderson (transfer) and Jayme Moten (returning from last year) are likely to be the best starting guard combo in the CCIW (Sorry Elmhurst fans).

Sorry, but I'm not buying that sight unseen.

Greg, how does the NPU team stack up at this point?  Who do you think will be getting most of the minutes?

I'm playing it close to the vest on your first question. Let's just say that I'm as excited about where the North Park program is now as I've ever been since Bosko left in '94, and leave it at that.

As for your second question, I expect most of the minutes to go to Juwan Henry (duh), Jordan Robinson (duh, again), Colin Lake (yet another duh), and newcomer Brandon Berry -- with generous portions of clock ladled out as well to T.J. Cobbs, Michael Hutchinson, Kylee Beheler, Matt McNamara, and perhaps one or two others, with a surprise special guest star waiting in the wings.

[Titan Q]

Sporting News preseason Division III poll...

1. Augustana
2. Amherst
3. Marietta
4. Catholic
5. Virginia Wesleyan
6. Whitworth
7. East Texas Baptist
8. Mount Union
9. Franklin & Marshall
10. New York U.

Augustana PG Hunter Hill is on their 5-man All-America First Team.

I have to imagine that Augie will be #1 in every Division III preseason poll - seems like a no-brainer.

https://twitter.com/IWUhoopscom/status/649052168754892800

[Gregory Sager]

I was going to comment on the Sporting News forecast, having thumbed through the issue in the magazine section of my local CVS pharmacy two nights ago.

This wasn't one of Chuck Mistovich's better efforts. Yeah, he's overburdened, having to cover D2 and NAIA as well as D3, but there's a couple of egregious errors in his piece. First, he doesn't even mention Elmhurst, not even among the "possible breakthroughs" (or whatever he called the "best of the rest" roll call of teams at the end of his piece). It's inexplicable to me how anyone who covers D3 could fail to see that the Bluejays are absolutely loaded coming into this season and are very much a national contender. Indeed, he has St. Norbert among the possible breakthrough teams, and, leaving aside the fact that the next time that a MWC team appears in the Final Four it will be the first, the truth of the matter is that St. Norbert is not going to be as good as Elmhurst in 2015-16. That's not to denigrate the Green Knights; SNC is a very fine program, the Knights have some good players coming back, and over the past few seasons it's become apparent that Gary Grzesk has everybody else's number in the MWC. But the Knights lose their top three scorers, Schwoerer, Elliott, and Hofacker (the team's top two rebounders were Schwoerer and Hofacker, as well). Even if you're of the "they don't rebuild, they reload" mindset regarding the Green Knights, this is the national stage we're talking about, not the MWC.

The other big error is that he lists Jordan Brink of Calvin as one of his picks to be among the top players in D3 this coming season. (He's in the Honorable Mention category; you can see him at the bottom of Bob's Twitter post.) Brink used up his senior year of eligibility last season. He graduated in May and is no longer a Calvin student. Considering all of the hoopla surrounding Brink over the past few years, it's hard to see how anyone who follows D3 men's basketball could've made that oversight.

[AndOne]

Greg, how does the NPU team stack up at this point?  Who do you think will be getting most of the minutes?

I'm playing it close to the vest on your first question. Let's just say that I'm as excited about where the North Park program is now as I've ever been since Bosko left in '94, and leave it at that.

As for your second question, I expect most of the minutes to go to Juwan Henry (duh), Jordan Robinson (duh, again), Colin Lake (yet another duh), and newcomer Brandon Berry -- with generous portions of clock ladled out as well to T.J. Cobbs, Michael Hutchinson, Kylee Beheler, Matt McNamara, and perhaps one or two others, with a surprise special guest star waiting in the wings.

Surprise special guest star?

Not sure how big a star he will turn out to be, but it will certainly be a rather special occasion when Luke Johnson makes NPU his 4th stop/school along the road to future NBA stardom! LOL. 

[AndOne]

I was going to comment on the Sporting News forecast, having thumbed through the issue in the magazine section of my local CVS pharmacy two nights ago.

This wasn't one of Chuck Mistovich's better efforts. Yeah, he's overburdened, having to cover D2 and NAIA as well as D3, but there's a couple of egregious errors in his piece. First, he doesn't even mention Elmhurst, not even among the "possible breakthroughs" (or whatever he called the "best of the rest" roll call of teams at the end of his piece). It's inexplicable to me how anyone who covers D3 could fail to see that the Bluejays are absolutely loaded coming into this season and are very much a national contender.

Gregory,

With the multitude of activities available in the Big City, you really should get out more often and think about expanding your horizons to include a few more exciting exploits than hanging out under the "L" tracks in the magazine section of the corner drug store. 

Not only is the exclusion of Elmhurst egregious, it's just plain ignorant. If not a national contender, it should not be a surprise to anyone should the Baines Boys best Augie, or any other possible contender, for the CCIW title.

[iwu70]

Thanks, Greg, thanks, Q.

IWU'70

[AndOne]

* it seems that the majority of the Green Team's minutes at SG for the next three years have pretty much already been allotted. I feel sorry for this year's freshman recruits who play the position. Unless they can switch positions, over the next three years they will get a great education, and very likely have the opportunity to watch a lot of good basketball.

You are assuming Brady Rose can only play the 2.  There is a pretty good chance he plays a lot of 1 the next 3 seasons.

I'll bet, like always, things work themselves out and the best guys end up on the floor.

* No, I wasn't assuming Rose can only play the 2. I was assuming he would, most often anyways, play the 2.
* if his primary position turns out to be the PG, then it's the IWU recruits who play the point that I feel sorry for as they will be the ones watching a lot of basketball instead of playing much basketball over the next 3 years!