MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Viking Blue]

I think the most disappointing thing about the Vikings' performance on Saturday night was the fact that it took place at home.

One would think that a team who still had a glimmer of hope to make the CCIW tournament would like to avenge a loss which took place in Decatur to a team who had won their only conference game thus far at your expense.

Guess not.  I have to agree with Prikkel that the decision to continue getting burned by the zone was bewildering.

Kudos to the NP fans for trying to will their team on, unsuccessfully, unfortunately.

[AndOne]

Well, it looks like I've been outvoted at least 3 to 1 with regard to my post about some of the greatest players at NCC. As all 3 of the posters voicing opposing opinions are more familiar with NCC and CCIW history than I am, and are among the most thoughtful and knowledgeable gentlemen on here, I'm willing to bow to their superior understanding of the subject.

Krum, Teis, & Ray---You guys are still great in my book.

TQ, GS, & CA--Thanks for the history lesson.

[Dennis_Prikkel]

Well, it looks like I've been outvoted at least 3 to 1 with regard to my post about some of the greatest players at NCC. As all 3 of the posters voicing opposing opinions are more familiar with NCC and CCIW history than I am, and are among the most thoughtful and knowledgeable gentlemen on here, I'm willing to bow to their superior understanding of the subject.

Krum, Teis, & Ray---You guys are still great in my book.

TQ, GS, & CA--Thanks for the history lesson.

additional kudos from me for your passion for Cardinal basketball - i've seen every North Central team for the last 43 years and seen probably a hundred games in Merner Fieldhouse over the years - what an improvement in fan support over and atmosphere now in the airplane hangar.

From the mid-sixties to the early eighties North Central basketball was at best weak (and that's being kind) - there were some individuals like Don Austin and Gary Groharing that stood out, but as a team.  Oy!

Then Bill Warden returned to his Alma Mater and the resurgence of Cardinal basketball really began with that date.  The 1984 and 1985 Cardinal teams and the 1990 and 1991 Cardinal teams were especially outstanding.  When player that went unmentioned in the recap by others was forward Curtis Hudson, certainly one of the best leapers the league has ever seen.

The 1985 games between North Park and North Central are still legend, the two teams tied for the league title, but North Central got the league's automatic bid based on the strength of their record in the last ten games of the regular season.  but North Park got to host the regional and won it, by defeating defending national champions Wisconsin-Whitewater by 2, #1 ranked Wittenberg by one in the quarterfinals, Nebraska Wesleyan by 5, and Potsdam State by one for the national title.

DoS

[AndOne]

Thanks, Dennis

In your post, you mentioned Nebraska Wesleyan. I graduated from NWU and played basketball there. Hence the picture under my screen name. As I have lived just 5 minutes from NCC in Naperville for several years, the Cards have become my adopted team, especially since 2004 when Todd Raridon came to North Central from Nebraska Wesleyan.

[79jaybird]

Couple thoughts from the Elmhurst game:
1) First off, I think Coach Giovanine is one of the best coaches in the CCIW.  While the players decided the game, I think Coach G's play calls and control of the game's momentum were superb.  Each time Elmhurst mounted a threat and came back to within 2 points, Coach G called a time out, added a little "fiery words of encouragement" and got his team to play the way they can.  He always seems to get the most out of his players.
2) For the first time all year I questioned the heart of the Bluejays.  For example, there was a loose ball off a missed EC shot that #21 could have picked up, he let the ball go assuming it would be called an EC possession (which was quite evident it was off an EC player), no hustle, Augie ball, and a missed opportunity for EC.  Overall, there was no energy, sporadic hustle, and you can't expect to be able to beat the 2-time defending Champs with an effort like that.
Now* you are not fighting for the CCIW title, you are just trying to make the CCIW Tournament.  Not where I thought EC would be this far along.
3) I don't think it was any "individual" performance from AC that beat Elmhurst, rather the team just wanted it more.  Wessels defense was outstanding and Collins penetration was solid.  The drive in the paint was there all night for Augie.

If we're playing "Who wants to be a Millionairre"  can I ask Regis for a Point Guard?  Geez,  we are so missing the effects and contributions from Brian Lee and Pat Bacon this year.  Somebody was correct earlier that Coach Scherrer is just trying to find a puzzle piece that will work at P.G.  All teams have been doing is double and triple teaming Ruch, because they no Saris, Childs, and whoever else won't shoot the ball on the perimeter.  What's even more frustrating is that the teams are "daring EC's guards to shoot" and they STILL DON'T   

EC has @MU  @ IWU @ Carthage  and @ Wheaton left.  Yikes! 

Elmhurst really has to step it up and focus on playing consistent ball.  The only consistent game we have seen from EC was their win over North Park, and that was due moreso to NPU just having a bad night- as opposed to EC dominating.

Focus on Millikin Jays and think about what makes your team succeed.

[petemcb]

For what it's worth, I saw Chris Childs play a few times while he was at Barrington High School, and in those few games, he was a shooter.  He had the ability and court sense to create an opening for himself with a few well-directioned dribbles, stop on a dime, get up and drain it from about 12 feet to beyond the arc.  It might be a little early to give up on him or label him as a non-shooter.  Maybe CCIW-level confidence is still developing, but the ability is there.  I've seen it.

[LU_nut]

Petemcb

I could not agree more regarding Childs.  IMO, he will be a very accomplished PG who happens to score before he is done.   It is a tough transition for someone from being "the" man on their HS team to being a pass first PG in the CCIW.   It takes a few years to make the adjustment and get the self confidence.   He was terrific offensively in HS and will be very solid once he gets over the hump for the Jays.

just my humble opinion.

Nut

[Naperick]

Couple thoughts from the Elmhurst game:
1) First off, I think Coach Giovanine is one of the best coaches in the CCIW.  While the players decided the game, I think Coach G's play calls and control of the game's momentum were superb.  Each time Elmhurst mounted a threat and came back to within 2 points, Coach G called a time out, added a little "fiery words of encouragement" and got his team to play the way they can.  He always seems to get the most out of his players.
2) For the first time all year I questioned the heart of the Bluejays.  For example, there was a loose ball off a missed EC shot that #21 could have picked up, he let the ball go assuming it would be called an EC possession (which was quite evident it was off an EC player), no hustle, Augie ball, and a missed opportunity for EC.  Overall, there was no energy, sporadic hustle, and you can't expect to be able to beat the 2-time defending Champs with an effort like that.
Now* you are not fighting for the CCIW title, you are just trying to make the CCIW Tournament.  Not where I thought EC would be this far along.
3) I don't think it was any "individual" performance from AC that beat Elmhurst, rather the team just wanted it more.  Wessels defense was outstanding and Collins penetration was solid.  The drive in the paint was there all night for Augie.

If we're playing "Who wants to be a Millionairre"  can I ask Regis for a Point Guard?  Geez,  we are so missing the effects and contributions from Brian Lee and Pat Bacon this year.  Somebody was correct earlier that Coach Scherrer is just trying to find a puzzle piece that will work at P.G.  All teams have been doing is double and triple teaming Ruch, because they no Saris, Childs, and whoever else won't shoot the ball on the perimeter.  What's even more frustrating is that the teams are "daring EC's guards to shoot" and they STILL DON'T   

EC has @MU  @ IWU @ Carthage  and @ Wheaton left.  Yikes! 

Elmhurst really has to step it up and focus on playing consistent ball.  The only consistent game we have seen from EC was their win over North Park, and that was due moreso to NPU just having a bad night- as opposed to EC dominating.

Focus on Millikin Jays and think about what makes your team succeed.

Great post as always, 79Jaybird!  I agree with all of your points.  Especially your first point.  Gray is an outstanding coach and really seems to always get a superior effort from his players.  The CCIW is filled with great coaches and he might be the best.  Bosko at Carthage and Harris at Wheaton are also very good.

[79jaybird]

Thank you Naperick,  I know Coach G on a personal level along with Tom Jesse the Asst. Coach.  Two great guys with a great love for the game. 
The problem with Elmhurst is not coaching and more of the players either A) not executing B) not shooting well  or C) not giving enough effort to win the game(s).  You can live with missed shots and lack of execution, but when the heart and energy are not there, that's the most disappointing.  I know the 2007-08 Jays have enough talent to compete and beat every team in this league, however their inconsistencies and turnovers have obscured this ability.    Furthermore, as I alluded to earlier  teams are playing great defense on Ruch with 2-3 guys, forcing somebody else to step up.  Unfortunately, other than Ryder (especially in the NC game) nobody is stepping up. 
OK no more knocking my own team, just very frustrating to see a team with a lot of talent underachieving.

[Late nite]

Got to agree with AO on Teising---Have watched the league for many years and he was as close as one could get to being a "true point guard"---He was the engine that made that team very dangerous, made every other player on the floor better and also received the assignment of guarding the other teams best perimeter player night in and night out---Maybe not the stats of some, but a winner in every sense

Well, it looks like I've been outvoted at least 3 to 1 with regard to my post about some of the greatest players at NCC. As all 3 of the posters voicing opposing opinions are more familiar with NCC and CCIW history than I am, and are among the most thoughtful and knowledgeable gentlemen on here, I'm willing to bow to their superior understanding of the subject.

Krum, Teis, & Ray---You guys are still great in my book.

TQ, GS, & CA--Thanks for the history lesson.

[Dennis_Prikkel]

OK no more knocking my own team, just very frustrating to see a team with a lot of talent underachieving.

Were you talking about Elmhurst or North Park - description seems to fit both.

DoS

My son asked me last night if I would be coming down to North Park next Saturday for the Wheaton game - I just smiled.

Let's see - who's playing nearby next Saturday night?  um....

[petemcb]

Got to agree with AO on Teising---Have watched the league for many years and he was as close as one could get to being a "true point guard"---He was the engine that made that team very dangerous, made every other player on the floor better and also received the assignment of guarding the other teams best perimeter player night in and night out---Maybe not the stats of some, but a winner in every sense

Well, it looks like I've been outvoted at least 3 to 1 with regard to my post about some of the greatest players at NCC. As all 3 of the posters voicing opposing opinions are more familiar with NCC and CCIW history than I am, and are among the most thoughtful and knowledgeable gentlemen on here, I'm willing to bow to their superior understanding of the subject.

Krum, Teis, & Ray---You guys are still great in my book.

TQ, GS, & CA--Thanks for the history lesson.

So closer to a "true point guard", etc. than Dauksas, John Nielson, Tony Bollier, Wessels #1, Antoine McDaniel.....all of whom did everything you describe above plus numbers?

[petemcb]

OK no more knocking my own team, just very frustrating to see a team with a lot of talent underachieving.

Were you talking about Elmhurst or North Park - description seems to fit both.

DoS

My son asked me last night if I would be coming down to North Park next Saturday for the Wheaton game - I just smiled.

Let's see - who's playing nearby next Saturday night?  um....

Unfortunately for you and your son, that game is the only game in town that night, unless you want to drive up to Deerfield for the Trinity Christian @ Trinity Intl. clash of the titans......

[Late nite]

I believe the original statement from AO was in reference to NCC players---Don't really see any Cards in your comparison---Where are your NCC point guards?

Got to agree with AO on Teising---Have watched the league for many years and he was as close as one could get to being a "true point guard"---He was the engine that made that team very dangerous, made every other player on the floor better and also received the assignment of guarding the other teams best perimeter player night in and night out---Maybe not the stats of some, but a winner in every sense

Well, it looks like I've been outvoted at least 3 to 1 with regard to my post about some of the greatest players at NCC. As all 3 of the posters voicing opposing opinions are more familiar with NCC and CCIW history than I am, and are among the most thoughtful and knowledgeable gentlemen on here, I'm willing to bow to their superior understanding of the subject.

Krum, Teis, & Ray---You guys are still great in my book.

TQ, GS, & CA--Thanks for the history lesson.

So closer to a "true point guard", etc. than Dauksas, John Nielson, Tony Bollier, Wessels #1, Antoine McDaniel.....all of whom did everything you describe above plus numbers?

[petemcb]

I believe the original statement from AO was in reference to NCC players---Don't really see any Cards in your comparison---Where are your NCC point guards?

Got to agree with AO on Teising---Have watched the league for many years and he was as close as one could get to being a "true point guard"---He was the engine that made that team very dangerous, made every other player on the floor better and also received the assignment of guarding the other teams best perimeter player night in and night out---Maybe not the stats of some, but a winner in every sense

Well, it looks like I've been outvoted at least 3 to 1 with regard to my post about some of the greatest players at NCC. As all 3 of the posters voicing opposing opinions are more familiar with NCC and CCIW history than I am, and are among the most thoughtful and knowledgeable gentlemen on here, I'm willing to bow to their superior understanding of the subject.

Krum, Teis, & Ray---You guys are still great in my book.

TQ, GS, & CA--Thanks for the history lesson.

So closer to a "true point guard", etc. than Dauksas, John Nielson, Tony Bollier, Wessels #1, Antoine McDaniel.....all of whom did everything you describe above plus numbers?

Maybe that was AO's intent.  I was responding to your quote:  "Have watched the league for many years and he was as close as one could get to being a 'true point guard'".  I read that as a general reference to the league, not a simply a North Central reference.  That's why there were no Cardinals on my list. 

Now, back to Dennis's lack of viable basketball options this coming Saturday.......