MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

The IWU/BU game is now available on demand.  BU's final possession starts at 2:02:50.  Quite a rebound and shot by Lucas Johnson.

http://portal.stretchinternet.com/iwu/

I'm glad that He Who Shall Not Be Named is now being called by his formal moniker. Maybe a certain poster from Naperville won't pick up on the fact that it's the same guy.

But, some of those Naperville guys have been around the block a few times, and are smarter than you think.   

[AndOne]

North Park tops Chicago, 72-66.  Juwan Henry (29) and Jordan Robinson (27) led the scoring attack but T.J. Cobbs had a key steal and two free throws to seal the deal.  Quite a day at Foster & Kedzie, after the Viking football team defeated IWU earlier in the day. And Greg's voice will take a well-deserved rest after calling both exciting games.

GREG.........

Any particular reason that you are aware of, and able to report, as to why Jordan Robinson didn't start?

[Gregory Sager]

North Park 72
Chicago 66

Juwan Henry: 29 pts, 3:1 a:to
Jordan Robinson: 27 pts, 9 rebs
T.J. Cobbs: 7 rebs, 4 stls
Colin Lake: 4:2 a:to

Speed kills. And when your starting lineup is going to be dwarfed at all five positions by just about everybody you play, you'd better bring the speed. NPU has it, as pretty much everybody knows by now, but it takes nonstop energy and hustle in order to make that speed work for you. The Vikings played far from a perfect game last night, but that energy and hustle is what got them through in the end to upset the preseason 17th-ranked team in the nation.

Juwan Henry was a human highlight film, especially in the first half. Some of the things he does with a basketball in his hands just amaze me; I've seen so many good players on the crackerbox floor over the years, both Vikings and opponents, and I can't ever remember anybody who has the particular arsenal that he has. For instance, I've never seen a player make so many good and accurate shots released from waist level or below that he does. He's just a flat-out remarkable talent.

Once his partner in crime Jordan Robinson got his game going as well -- he does a better job of getting off, and making, interior shots with little or no space around him against bigger players than any CCIW player since Brent Niebrugge of IWU almost two decades ago -- the Vikings were off to the races. They just left the Maroons absolutely befuddled. It was like watching terriers run circles around St. Bernards. NPU led by nine at the half, and extended the lead to as much as 16 with about 13:30 to go in the second half. Even as late as the eight-minute mark the Vikings still enjoyed a double-digit lead.

But NPU's intensity started to flag when the Vikes slowed the game down by going into the weave in the final ten minutes. It's a strategy that Tom Slyder employed last year, and it's a sound one; it keeps important players such as Robinson, Henry, Colin Lake, and Michael Hutchinson relatively rested by withholding the actual running of the offense until the 15-second mark of the shot clock. The trick is to keep up the mental focus and energy while the weave is employed, and, unfortunately, the Vikes didn't do it so well last night. That, plus the fact that the Maroons are simply too good a team to run out of the gym completely, meant that Chicago made a run that I kind of felt all along was eventually going to come. They cut the NPU lead down to a deuce at 68-66 with a minute and change remaining.

After mutually-exchanged turnovers and a Henry miss rebounded by the Maroons, UC head coach Mike McGrath called a play for Chicago with :17 remaining. It was their bread-and-butter play -- get the ball to Maroons superstar Jordan Smith and have him turn the corner. He did so, but went too strong off the glass -- and 5'10 T.J. Cobbs, as he has done so often in the past, went up above the trees and grabbed the rebound with seven seconds left. He was immediately fouled, calmly swished both ends of the one-and-one -- and then promptly stole the inbounds pass for good measure, laying it in with one second left to provide the final 72-66 margin. That's what Cobbs does -- he's not a star, he's simply a winner. I wish that every North Park team had T.J. Cobbs on it. The past twenty years would've been a lot happier for me and all other Vikings fans.

As I said, the Vikings were far from perfect last night; the post defense was terrible, and the defensive rebounding needs more concerted effort. But they beat a very good Chicago team (that will certainly win a lot of games this year, and may very well end up being the best outfit in the UAA) with the speed, hustle, and energy that the Park needs to bring every night in order to be successful. It was a very good way to get the season started, as it served notice that the second half of the CCIW double round-robin last season was no fluke where the Vikings were concerned.

[Gregory Sager]

North Park tops Chicago, 72-66.  Juwan Henry (29) and Jordan Robinson (27) led the scoring attack but T.J. Cobbs had a key steal and two free throws to seal the deal.  Quite a day at Foster & Kedzie, after the Viking football team defeated IWU earlier in the day. And Greg's voice will take a well-deserved rest after calling both exciting games.

GREG.........

Any particular reason that you are aware of, and able to report, as to why Jordan Robinson didn't start?

Matt McNamara was rewarded for being an exemplary player in practice. Robinson played 38 minutes, so it really didn't mean much.

[AndOne]

IWU's non-conference schedule is strong as well.  Here is how I rank the 11 opponents at this point...

1. Ohio Wesleyan (#13), 22-6/16-2 NCAC/picked 1st in NCAC
2. Chicago (#17), 16-9/8-6 UAA; picked ? in UAA
3. Washington U. (ORV), 20-6/9-5 UAA; picked ? in UAA
4. Texas Lutheran, 18-10/11-3 SCAC; picked 2nd in SCAC
5. Rose-Hulman*, 14-10/10-7 HCAC; picked 2nd in HCAC
6. Benedictine, 18-9/15-5 NACC; picked 2nd in NACC
7. Southwestern, 15-11/8-6 SCAC; picked 5th in SCAC
8. Milwaukee School of Engineering, 13-13/10-10 NACC; picked 4th in NACC
9. Loras, 10-15/5-9 IIAC; picked ? in IIAC
10. Wilmington, 11-14, 8-10 OAC; picked 8th in OAC
11. Greenville, 13-12/10-8 SLIAC; picked 5th in SLIAC

*this matchup assumes IWU beats Wilmington and Rose-Hulman beats Fontbonne


I believe the Benedictine team the Titans open with is the 6th best team on IWU's non-conference schedule...and it sounds like BU is very strong.

I think Benedictine might be a little tougher than at least a couple of teams ranked higher in the TQ Rankings. The Bene Boys chief deficiency appears to be in the middle where they graduated a prime player in Tim McGinty. You would think that position would naturally be assumed by 6'9" former Carthage, former Benedictine, former D2 St. Leo, again current BU player, maybe a bird will nest in his Joakim Noah lookalike hairdo, very good D3 player, and future NBA player Luke Johnson. I think that if this situation materializes, BU will be an even stronger team this season. BU needs Mr. Johnson to provide interior scoring and defense/rebounding more than they do another outside shooter. However, on his long and winding road to future NBA employment, Johnson has demonstrated as much of an affinity to bomb from three point land as he has to establish residence in the post. Perhaps more of his time will be spent in that vicinity this season as BU has at least 2 fine distance shooters in John Dodson, and especially Mike Blaszczyk who has scored 683 points in his first two years. They also have a good, very versatile player in Tahron Harvey who, upon initial viewing does not appear to have a typical basketball type profile, but who gets the job done in several different ways. He is a good mid range and long 2 shooter who might lead D3 in making baskets from awkward looking, off balance positions. His shooting form often resembles a twisted Gumby like character, but he scores his points. He can also use his strength and deceiving quickness to outmuscle and get by smaller defenders to drive and get to the basket. Forward Adam Reynolds is nice inside scorer and good rebounder who is comparable to IWU's Alec Bausch.
I think the primary assets that tip the scale in the Green Team's favor are the combined interior strength of T. Seibring-Marietti-Coyle/Bausch, and overall team depth.

Benedictine 88
IWU 86

http://www.iwusports.com/boxscore.aspx?id=3473&path=mbball

* Joel Pennington: 21 points (6-8 FG, 5-6 3-point, 4-4 FT)
* Alec Bausch: 15 points, 7 reb
* Trevor Seibring: 14 points, 5 reb

* Michael Blaszczyk: 23 points, 5 reb
* Adam Reynolds: 12 points, 7 reb
* Lucas Johnson: 11 points, 6 reb
* Tahron Harvey: 9 points, 7 reb, 6 assists


The Titans led by 8 with 8:22 to play and 4 with 3:48, but could never shake a very talented Benedictine team.  IWU trailed 86-83 when senior Joel Pennington knocked down a 3 with 0:17 to go to tie the game.  After a timeout, Josh Dodson missed a tough shot with 2 seconds to play and the ball bounced high off the rim and towards the baseline.   6-9 Lucas Johnson caught it in the air and somehow twisted the ball around the backboard...and it dropped in at the buzzer.  I'll have to watch the play again to understand exactly how he made the shot.

Tough, tough loss at home in the opener for the Titans.  Benedictine is a very good team that should do very well this season.

IWU really misses 6-8 Mike Marietti.  Tonight Trevor Seibring had 2 fouls early and had to sit a bunch in the 1st half...there is a huge drop-off for the Titans when he leaves the game now.  With Marietti, IWU will have either Seibring or Marietti on the floor for 40 minutes...and that makes a huge difference.

I must admit that I thought the Green Team would win this game by 3-6 points mainly due to interior strength and home court advantage. However, I think most people not only expected an IWU win, but a win by 10-12 points even without Mr. Marietti being available. However, that BU was able to hang in and give themselves a chance down the stretch is not really that surprising given the BU team makeup as related above. As TQ said, IWU did miss Marietti, but i don't think they lost just because he didn't play.

Wesleyan fans.........2 questions, if I may so bold as to inquire.

1. Speaking of home court advantage-and this has already been mentioned by another poster or posters in conjunction with this game, it seems as though IWU crowds have dropped off recently. For years and years it seemed like fans had to basically be shoehorned into Shirk, and crowds were at or very near full capacity for every game. However, beginning about 2 years ago, it seems like home attendance has dropped off noticeably. Large open areas are often spotted in the stands when games are seen live or viewed later on demand. Are my eyes deceiving me or has a drop-off in attendance actually been observed by those who either attend or view IWU games regularly? If so, any reason for the drop-off?

2. Until Marietti is able to rejoin the team and assume his expected starter's role, would Wesleyan fortunes be better served by starting Bausch instead of Coyle?

Just wondering what IWU fan thoughts are. Thanks.

[AndOne]

Six CCIW teams have played so far - here is a look at rotations on opening weekend.  (Bench players listed in order of minutes played...any player 5+ minutes included.)

Augustana
Starters:
   G - Hunter Hill, 5-9/165 Sr.
   G - Jawan Straughter, 6-0/186 Sr.
   G - Griffin Pils, 6-4/216 Sr.
   F - Tayvian Johnson, 6-6/196 Sr.
   F - Ben Ryan, 6-5/216 Sr.

Bench:
   G - Dylan Sortillo, 6-3/175 So.
   F - Jacob Johnston, 6-5/194, Jr.
   G - Chrishawn Orange, 6-2/178 Fr.
   F - Brandon Motzel, 6-7/210 Sr.
   F - Michael Hoekstra, 6-7/204 Jr.

Carthage
Starters:
   G - Jordan Kedrowski, 6-3/185 Fr.
   G - Myles Olsen, 6-1/190 Sr.
   F - Drew Joiner, 6-4/185 Fr.
   F - Mike Stevenson, 6-4/195 Jr.
   F - Scott McNellis, 6-5/190 Jr.

Bench:
   F - Brad Kruse, 6-4/195 So.
   G - Mike Kjeldsen, 6-3/195 Jr.
   G - Kevin Kozil, 6-1/180 Sr.
   F - Sean Valentine, 6-4/200 Sr.
   G - Derek Mason II, 5-10/175 So.

Illinois Wesleyan
Starters:
   G - Brady Rose, 6-2/180 So.
   G - Bryce Dolan, 6-1/165 Sr.
   F - Andy Stempel, 6-4/192 Jr.
   F - Ryan Coyle, 6-6/210 Sr.
   F - Trevor Seibring, 6-8/235 Jr.

Bench:
   F - Alec Bausch, 6-6/210 Jr.
   G - Joel Pennington, 6-0/180 Sr.
   G - Colin Bonnett, 6-3/105 Fr.
   G - Brian Nelms, 5-11/170 Sr.
   F - Rob Mahlke, 6-8/200 Sr.

Millikin
Starters:
   G - T.J. Griffin, 6-0/168 Sr.
   G - T.J. Sims, 5-8/156 So.
   G - Jack Simpson, 6-0/182 Fr.
   F - Elijah Kinmon, 6-5/195 Sr.
   F - Tommy Pilackas, 6-4/210 Sr.

Bench:
   G - Tyler Pygon, 6-0/160 Fr.
   F - Zach Long, 6-5/185 So.
   F - Leighton Lark, 6-5/180 So.
   F - Bryn Agnew, 6-8/200 Jr.
   G - Nick Novak, 6-1/185 So.

North Park
Starters:
   G - Juwan Henry, 5-10/165 Jr.
   G - Colin Lake, 5-7/145 So.
   G - T.J. Cobbs, 5-10/165 Jr.
   F - Jordan Robinson, 6-3/205 So.
   F - Michael Hutchinson, 6-4/205 Sr.
   
Bench:
   G - Armahn Mooring, 6-2/180 Jr.
   G - Cam Burnett, 5-5/140 Jr.
   F - Joe Biko, 6-8/225 Jr.
   F - Matt McNamara, 6-6/250 Jr.

Wheaton
Starters:
   G - Jonathan Bernsten, 6-0/190 Sr.
   G - Ricky Samuelson, 6-3/185 So.   
   G - Murad Dillard, 6-4/195 So.
   F - Trae Masten, 6-6/185 Fr.
   F - Michael Berg, 6-6/210 Sr.

Bench:
   G - Riley Teuscher, 6-3/185 Sr.
   G - Troy Morrison, 5-11/165 Fr.

North Central opens next weekend with its traditional Marriott Tip-Off Tourney which is being played this year in a Classic style format. Challenging scheduling finds them hosting #7 Mt. Union on Friday at 7:30, and #17 U of Chicago Sun at 2:00.
As far as a starting line-up, only 2, possibly 3 starters are certain at this point. Both the remaining starters, and the subs who will see meaningful minutes are still at least somewhat up in the air due to the combination of a rash of recent or fairly recent injuries, and continuing close competition in practice.

[Titan Q]

1. Speaking of home court advantage-and this has already been mentioned by another poster or posters in conjunction with this game, it seems as though IWU crowds have dropped off recently. For years and years it seemed like fans had to basically be shoehorned into Shirk, and crowds were at or very near full capacity for every game. However, beginning about 2 years ago, it seems like home attendance has dropped off noticeably. Large open areas are often spotted in the stands when games are seen live or viewed later on demand. Are my eyes deceiving me or has a drop-off in attendance actually been observed by those who either attend or view IWU games regularly? If so, any reason for the drop-off?

IWU's average non-conference crowd for the last 5 seasons:
- 2014-15: 792
- 2013-14: 874
- 2012-13: 646
- 2011-12: 726
- 2010-11: 805

Saying "fans had to be shoehorned into Shirk" or that the "place used to be packed all the time", in terms of non-conference games for several seasons now, isn't accurate.  As to why fans don't come out like the "good ole days", I would have nothing but guesses to make there.

Last night's 1100 was pretty good for the Titans in a non-conference game.

The Titans draw much better in conference games:
- 2014-15: 1554 (NCC 1096, Augustana 1070)
- 2013-14: 1409 (Carthage 1176, Wheaton 1064)
- 2012-13: 1442 (NCC 1180, Wheaton 1177)
- 2011-12: 1600 (Wheaton 1411, Augustana 1012)
- 2010-11: 1468 (Wheaton 1187, Augustana 1090)

[Titan Q]

2. Until Marietti is able to rejoin the team and assume his expected starter's role, would Wesleyan fortunes be better served by starting Bausch instead of Coyle?

I'd say that could go either way.  Both guys are combo forwards, and neither can replace what Marietti can do (a big-bodied guy who can play the low post well on both offense and defense).  Either way Ron Rose goes there, he still has to play a dramatically different style when Trevor Seibring leaves the game.

I don't think it makes much difference who starts and who comes off the bench.  Last night Coyle played 22 minutes and Bausch 24 - plenty of opportunity for whatever guy is the better fit for the situation and matchups. It's always nice to have talent coming off the bench, so I kind of like Bausch filling that role - he's good at it.

[markerickson]

Henry and Robinson accounted for 56/72 Viking points last night.  No other player had more than six, according to the NPU website.  Biko fouled out in eight minutes.  I don't ever recall seeing those kind of stats.

[Red and black]

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.

Based off of the minutes from last night I did not notice new names. Did I miss something?  There has been a player removed from the roster. Is this guest star now waiting for semester?

(modified by GS for formatting)

[iwumichigander]

2. Until Marietti is able to rejoin the team and assume his expected starter's role, would Wesleyan fortunes be better served by starting Bausch instead of Coyle?

I'd say that could go either way.  Both guys are combo forwards, and neither can replace what Marietti can do (a big-bodied guy who can play the low post well on both offense and defense).  Either way Ron Rose goes there, he still has to play a dramatically different style when Trevor Seibring leaves the game.

I don't think it makes much difference who starts and who comes off the bench.  Last night Coyle played 22 minutes and Bausch 24 - plenty of opportunity for whatever guy is the better fit for the situation and matchups. It's always nice to have talent coming off the bench, so I kind of like Bausch filling that role - he's good at it.

I have to agree with Q for now with a qualifier - this will shake out when Marietti returns.  I like Bausch off the bench as he is an energizer bunny off the bench.  I also like Bausch on the floor when Sebring sits.  To me, as fours, Bausch plays more like a five and Coyle more like a three.  I do think this is one spot in the rotation that shakes out before the Conference games start.

[iwumichigander]

Some random thoughts on last nights IWU Benedictine game.
Ugly.  The only times the refs swallowed their whistles was when Lucas Johnson and Trevor Sebring both had four fouls.  The only flow to this game was trips to the free throw line and/or the bench with foul trouble. 

Your team makes 30 of 33 free throws and loses the game? 

A bright spot - freshman Colin Bonnett.  I know it is only one game but this young man has a big upside.  He does a lot of little things that do not show up on the stat sheet or scorebook.  Good court presence, appears to have high basketball IQ, sees the whole court, someone to watch

[AndOne]

Some random thoughts on last nights IWU Benedictine game.
Ugly.  The only times the refs swallowed their whistles was when Lucas Johnson and Trevor Sebring both had four fouls.  The only flow to this game was trips to the free throw line and/or the bench with foul trouble. 

Your team makes 30 of 33 free throws and loses the game? 

A bright spot - freshman Colin Bonnett.  I know it is only one game but this young man has a big upside.  He does a lot of little things that do not show up on the stat sheet or scorebook.  Good court presence, appears to have high basketball IQ, sees the whole court, someone to watch

iwumich,

The more you watch him 2 other things you will learn and appreciate are that he has a very high motor especially including very quick feet. 2 "little things" that don't show up on the stat sheet or scorebook.

[AndOne]

2. Until Marietti is able to rejoin the team and assume his expected starter's role, would Wesleyan fortunes be better served by starting Bausch instead of Coyle?

I'd say that could go either way.  Both guys are combo forwards, and neither can replace what Marietti can do (a big-bodied guy who can play the low post well on both offense and defense).  Either way Ron Rose goes there, he still has to play a dramatically different style when Trevor Seibring leaves the game.

I don't think it makes much difference who starts and who comes off the bench.  Last night Coyle played 22 minutes and Bausch 24 - plenty of opportunity for whatever guy is the better fit for the situation and matchups. It's always nice to have talent coming off the bench, so I kind of like Bausch filling that role - he's good at it.

I have to agree with Q for now with a qualifier - this will shake out when Marietti returns.  I like Bausch off the bench as he is an energizer bunny off the bench.  I also like Bausch on the floor when Sebring sits.  To me, as fours, Bausch plays more like a five and Coyle more like a three.  I do think this is one spot in the rotation that shakes out before the Conference games start.

Yes, but starter Coyle had 4 pts and 9 boards while sub Bausch had 7 and 15. 😊
When Marietti recovers, and assumes his starting spot, I would not be surprised to see Bausch become the primary frontline sub rather than Coyle.

[AndOne]

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.

*Red and black---I don't understand what you did. I believe the above quote was previously the work of Greg Sager, but it looks like you are the author from the way you have arranged things. ?

Based off of the minutes from last night I did not notice new names. Did I miss something?  There has been a player removed from the roster. Is this guest star now waiting for semester?

Obviously, Brandon Berry has elected not to join the NPU squad despite GS previously projecting him as a likely starter or at least a major player.
Beheler is on the roster, but didn't see action in the first game despite GS's prognostication that he would/will see a "generous portion of clock."
It would be nice if the identity of the "surprise special guest star" could be revealed. Perhaps keeping his identity a secret is a matter of national security.   

(modified by GS for formatting)