MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

North Park
Joel Benson (6-5 F/C, Westminster Christian)

Benson's days as a center are over, and he really shouldn't be listed as one. It might mislead people into thinking that NPU has recruited him to play a position that he actually won't end up playing in college. When you're 6'4 (not 6'5, although that's a minor quibble) and run about 215-220 pounds and you're playing your high school ball in the likes of the Private League, you can be an effective center. But those are not the dimensions of a CCIW center, and he thus was not recruited to be one.

[Titan Q]

North Park
Joel Benson (6-5 F/C, Westminster Christian)

Benson's days as a center are over, and he really shouldn't be listed as one. It might mislead people into thinking that NPU has recruited him to play a position that he actually won't end up playing in college. When you're 6'4 (not 6'5, although that's a minor quibble) and run about 215-220 pounds and you're playing your high school ball in the likes of the Private League, you can be an effective center. But those are not the dimensions of a CCIW center, and he thus was not recruited to be one.

I'm sure that is the case, but I think it helps people who haven't seen some of these kids play to know what their high school position was.  Seeing Benson listed as a F/C, for example, tells me that he was probably a back-to-the-basket player and a guy who spent most of his time in the paint.  If it just says "F", I'm not sure if he was more of a Keelan Amelianovich type wing, or a "slasher" in the mold of Alex Washington, or a Jason Wiertel kind of 4.  If I can find enough info. on these recruits, I'm trying to clarify their H.S. positions as best as possible ("G/F", "PG", etc).

Readers here are well aware that a 6-4 kid who played the 5 in H.S. might have to learn how to play the 4 in college.  I'm sure everyone can infer that.


http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=152621

Voted Most Valuable Player of the Private School League and named to Class 1A/2A second team IBCA all-state, Westminster Christian's 6-foot-5 senior center was nearly unstoppable in the paint this season.

[Dennis_Prikkel]

North Park
Joel Benson (6-5 F/C, Westminster Christian)

Benson's days as a center are over, and he really shouldn't be listed as one. It might mislead people into thinking that NPU has recruited him to play a position that he actually won't end up playing in college. When you're 6'4 (not 6'5, although that's a minor quibble) and run about 215-220 pounds and you're playing your high school ball in the likes of the Private League, you can be an effective center. But those are not the dimensions of a CCIW center, and he thus was not recruited to be one.

I'm sure that is the case, but I think it helps people who haven't seen some of these kids play to know what their high school position was.  Seeing Benson listed as a F/C, for example, tells me that he was probably a back-to-the-basket player and a guy who spent most of his time in the paint.  If it just says "F", I'm not sure if he was more of a Keelan Amelianovich type wing, or a "slasher" in the mold of Alex Washington, or a Jason Wiertel kind of 4.  If I can find enough info. on these recruits, I'm trying to clarify their H.S. positions as best as possible ("G/F", "PG", etc).

Readers here are well aware that a 6-4 kid who played the 5 in H.S. might have to learn how to play the 4 in college.  I'm sure everyone can infer that.


http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=152621

Voted Most Valuable Player of the Private School League and named to Class 1A/2A second team IBCA all-state, Westminster Christian's 6-foot-5 senior center was nearly unstoppable in the paint this season.

Interesting point and counterpoint - and North Park has hardly played anyone the last two years as a traditional "5" with their back to the basket. 

DoS

[Dennis_Prikkel]

Robert Bady's name pops up from time to time on CCIW chat.

Four-year starting point guard for North Park 1988-91, out of Taft High School in Chicago.

I ran into Robert on Saturday night at North Park, as his performing group from Reba Place Church in Evanston, was performing at the North Park Gospel Choir concert (son Tim is in the NPU gospel choir).

Robert looks almost the same (about 30 pounds heavier) than his playing days at North Park.  He and his wife Molly (another NPC alum) are lead singers in the group Reba Praise and Robert has an outstanding tenor gospel voice.  He is currently selling medical equipment in Chicago.

He says hi to all who remember him - it was the first time I had seen him in 17 years.

DoS

[AndOne]

Much like the mid-range jumper, a true, back-to-the-basket player is a rapidly disappearing art form in today's game.

I'm not an expert, and there are certainly some effective back-to-the-basket players around that I'm sure some of our knowledgeable posters can name, but by and large, I don't think there are a lot of such players around anymore.   

One player I'm somewhat familiar with who played well with his back to the basket during his high school career is a recent addition to the CCIW, just having completed his freshman season. Even though he played with his back to the basket far more often, and much more effectively than most players, one of the things that made him such a good HS player was the fact that he was also good facing the basket. The player of whom I'm speaking is Doug Sexauer of IWU. As I remember this past season however Doug seemed to favor more of the face up style during the couple of times I saw him in action. Perhaps one of our Wesleyan posters can comment further on the percentage of time he played each style.

The bottom line however, is that there aren't nearly as many back-to-the-basket players around at any level anymore. Because of the more limited numbers of such players, finding one can provide a program with a very effective weapon. 

[Dennis_Prikkel]

Much like the mid-range jumper, a true, back-to-the-basket player is a rapidly disappearing art form in today's game.

I'm not an expert, and there are certainly some effective back-to-the-basket players around that I'm sure some of our knowledgeable posters can name, but by and large, I don't think there are a lot of such players around anymore.   

One player I'm somewhat familiar with who played well with his back to the basket during his high school career is a recent addition to the CCIW, just having completed his freshman season. Even though he played with his back to the basket far more often, and much more effectively than most players, one of the things that made him such a good HS player was the fact that he was also good facing the basket. The player of whom I'm speaking is Doug Sexauer of IWU. As I remember this past season however Doug seemed to favor more of the face up style during the couple of times I saw him in action. Perhaps one of our Wesleyan posters can comment further on the percentage of time he played each style.

The bottom line however, is that there aren't nearly as many back-to-the-basket players around at any level anymore. Because of the more limited numbers of such players, finding one can provide a program with a very effective weapon. 

I saw Sexhauer play at Carthage - and really felt if he had stayed in for the overtime the Titans would have won - he played almost entirely with his back to the basket and the Red people had no answer for him defensively.

DoS

[AndOne]

http://www.aurora.edu/scoreboard/news/080408lancasterihs.htm

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/index.asp?path=mbball

http://www.augustana.edu/x8324.xml

Evidently, we have a 3 way tie for the honor of Illinois Basketball Coaches Association DIII CO-Coach of the Year between James Lancaster of Aurora, Bill Harris of Wheaton, and Grey Giovanine of Augustana.

However, its apparent that one of the concerned institutions of higher learning is somewhat confused about the award. A review of each of the involved schools' web sites shows that while (the first ) two schools provide a complete and honest description including mention of the fact the award had CO winner(s), the third release states that institution's coach was the (sole) winner.

Perhaps just a bit of wishful thinking? Possibly, just an oversight.   

Given the personality involved, it makes you wonder if the release was written by the SID or the concerned head coach himself?

Augustana SID Dave Wrath is one of the best in the business, AO. I'm sure that the Augie press release was accurate to the degree that it reflected the information given to the Augustana sports information office.

Hence my indication that it wouldn't be very surprising if the release was actually written by another concerned party whose personality and acting aplomb would seem to readily lend that individual toward a little added self promotion.

Additionally, while I too have been impressed by my limited dealings with Mr. Wrath, isn't part of his responsibility as SID to confirm the information contained in releases officially posted through his position and office?

[Gregory Sager]

North Park
Joel Benson (6-5 F/C, Westminster Christian)

Benson's days as a center are over, and he really shouldn't be listed as one. It might mislead people into thinking that NPU has recruited him to play a position that he actually won't end up playing in college. When you're 6'4 (not 6'5, although that's a minor quibble) and run about 215-220 pounds and you're playing your high school ball in the likes of the Private League, you can be an effective center. But those are not the dimensions of a CCIW center, and he thus was not recruited to be one.

I'm sure that is the case, but I think it helps people who haven't seen some of these kids play to know what their high school position was.  Seeing Benson listed as a F/C, for example, tells me that he was probably a back-to-the-basket player and a guy who spent most of his time in the paint.  If it just says "F", I'm not sure if he was more of a Keelan Amelianovich type wing, or a "slasher" in the mold of Alex Washington, or a Jason Wiertel kind of 4.  If I can find enough info. on these recruits, I'm trying to clarify their H.S. positions as best as possible ("G/F", "PG", etc).

OK, I think that the misunderstanding here was that your list refers backwards to the player's high school career (and for a perfectly valid reason), whereas I had thought that your list was reflective of what position the player is actually going to play once he's matriculated at a CCIW school. Good to clear that up.

Robert Bady's name pops up from time to time on CCIW chat.

Four-year starting point guard for North Park 1988-91, out of Taft High School in Chicago.

I ran into Robert on Saturday night at North Park, as his performing group from Reba Place Church in Evanston, was performing at the North Park Gospel Choir concert (son Tim is in the NPU gospel choir).

Robert looks almost the same (about 30 pounds heavier) than his playing days at North Park.  He and his wife Molly (another NPC alum) are lead singers in the group Reba Praise and Robert has an outstanding tenor gospel voice.  He is currently selling medical equipment in Chicago.

He says hi to all who remember him - it was the first time I had seen him in 17 years.

Rob's a great guy. I bumped into him and Molly while standing in line to see a movie at Lincoln Village three or four years ago.

I'm bummed that another commitment forced me to miss the NPU Gospel Choir concert on Saturday. I've always been a big fan.

[Gregory Sager]

http://www.aurora.edu/scoreboard/news/080408lancasterihs.htm

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/index.asp?path=mbball

http://www.augustana.edu/x8324.xml

Evidently, we have a 3 way tie for the honor of Illinois Basketball Coaches Association DIII CO-Coach of the Year between James Lancaster of Aurora, Bill Harris of Wheaton, and Grey Giovanine of Augustana.

However, its apparent that one of the concerned institutions of higher learning is somewhat confused about the award. A review of each of the involved schools' web sites shows that while (the first ) two schools provide a complete and honest description including mention of the fact the award had CO winner(s), the third release states that institution's coach was the (sole) winner.

Perhaps just a bit of wishful thinking? Possibly, just an oversight.   

Given the personality involved, it makes you wonder if the release was written by the SID or the concerned head coach himself?

Augustana SID Dave Wrath is one of the best in the business, AO. I'm sure that the Augie press release was accurate to the degree that it reflected the information given to the Augustana sports information office.

Hence my indication that it wouldn't be very surprising if the release was actually written by another concerned party whose personality and acting aplomb would seem to readily lend that individual toward a little added self promotion.

Additionally, while I too have been impressed by my limited dealings with Mr. Wrath, isn't part of his responsibility as SID to confirm the information contained in releases officially posted through his position and office?

It's always possible that Dave delegated the responsibility to confirm the details of the award to someone else. He's been serving as Augustana's interim athletic director in addition to his usual role of media relations director, so I'm sure that he's been incredibly overworked the past few months. I'm just saying that it's not like him to overlook something like an award being shared rather than gained outright. And I highly doubt that Grey Giovanine has pulled an Al Haig and commandeered the Augustana SID's office.

[Dennis_Prikkel]

http://www.aurora.edu/scoreboard/news/080408lancasterihs.htm

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/index.asp?path=mbball

http://www.augustana.edu/x8324.xml

Evidently, we have a 3 way tie for the honor of Illinois Basketball Coaches Association DIII CO-Coach of the Year between James Lancaster of Aurora, Bill Harris of Wheaton, and Grey Giovanine of Augustana.

However, its apparent that one of the concerned institutions of higher learning is somewhat confused about the award. A review of each of the involved schools' web sites shows that while (the first ) two schools provide a complete and honest description including mention of the fact the award had CO winner(s), the third release states that institution's coach was the (sole) winner.

Perhaps just a bit of wishful thinking? Possibly, just an oversight.   

Given the personality involved, it makes you wonder if the release was written by the SID or the concerned head coach himself?

Augustana SID Dave Wrath is one of the best in the business, AO. I'm sure that the Augie press release was accurate to the degree that it reflected the information given to the Augustana sports information office.

Hence my indication that it wouldn't be very surprising if the release was actually written by another concerned party whose personality and acting aplomb would seem to readily lend that individual toward a little added self promotion.

Additionally, while I too have been impressed by my limited dealings with Mr. Wrath, isn't part of his responsibility as SID to confirm the information contained in releases officially posted through his position and office?

Let's cut the Wrath of Dave a little slack on this one.  Dave has been for the past several months serving as Acting Athletic Director at Augiestana College, so I would guess that perhaps one his student minions propelled this missive out of the Viking press mill.

[Titan Q]

I received a very "unofficial" note that Wheaton has landed two big kids from Michigan that picked the Thunder over D3 power Hope...

6-6 C Spencer Schultze of Grand Rapids Christian (MI).  Schultze averaged 13.5 per game.

http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=GRCHS&t=c&s=basketball&p=profile&playerID=25430

And 6-7 C Josh Eisenga of McBain H.S. (MI).  Eisenga averaged 13.0 ppg and was a 3rd Team all-stater in Michigan's Class C...

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/SPORTS05/804110321/1049



These two were both high on Hope's priority list.  Again, don't take this as a confirmation...but I believe the info. is accurate.

Wheaton is doing very well on the recruiting trail.

[Titan Q]

Much like the mid-range jumper, a true, back-to-the-basket player is a rapidly disappearing art form in today's game.

I'm not an expert, and there are certainly some effective back-to-the-basket players around that I'm sure some of our knowledgeable posters can name, but by and large, I don't think there are a lot of such players around anymore.   

One player I'm somewhat familiar with who played well with his back to the basket during his high school career is a recent addition to the CCIW, just having completed his freshman season. Even though he played with his back to the basket far more often, and much more effectively than most players, one of the things that made him such a good HS player was the fact that he was also good facing the basket. The player of whom I'm speaking is Doug Sexauer of IWU. As I remember this past season however Doug seemed to favor more of the face up style during the couple of times I saw him in action. Perhaps one of our Wesleyan posters can comment further on the percentage of time he played each style.

The bottom line however, is that there aren't nearly as many back-to-the-basket players around at any level anymore. Because of the more limited numbers of such players, finding one can provide a program with a very effective weapon. 

I agree.  The hardest thing for a Division III team to find - and actually, I think this applies to schools at all levels - is a pure 5.  Most good high school players with size seem to prefer to step out and face the basket quite a bit.  Doug Sexauer is a good example.  Doug is very skilled with his back to the hoop and definitely knows how to score in the paint, but of his 177 field goal attempts as a freshman, 32 were 3-pointers and probably more than that were 15-18 foot jumpshots.  Sexauer can play the 5, but he is definitely more of a 4.  And let me clarify - there is absolutely nothing wrong with a 6-7 player who can play both back-to-the-basket and facing (in fact, it is great to have), but I certainly agree there aren't many true 5's around.

Wash U won a national championship this year behind 6-6 center Troy Ruths.  Ruths was that rare Division III pure center, who was incredibly skilled with his back to the basket.  Most Division III national champs I've seen in Salem have had the true 5.  It is just such a huge advantage to have that kind of consistent low post scoring threat...a guy opponents constantly have to double.

In the CCIW, of course, we have Elmhurst's 6-9 Brent Ruch, who has a chance to be a 1st Team All-American next year.  Outside of Ruch, how many pure back-to-the-basket players were there in the CCIW last year?  IWU's Brett Chamernik (listed at 6-5...actually 6-4) was one.  Brett (10.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, .588 FG) added so much muscle between his freshman year and last season that he was able to compete in the paint, despite being 2-3 inches undersized.  Augustana's 6-9 Dain Swetalla (11.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, .478 FG) was another. 

The scarcity of centers is why, as an IWU fan, I'm so excited about 6-9/220 Eric McCullough...it's just really hard to find a talented 5 with that type of size at this level.   

It seems like the second hardest position to find is a good point-guard.  Easy to find the "combo guard" -- the kid who can kind of play the point, but is really more of a 2.  But it is pretty hard to find that talented pure point-guard.

I think great point-guards and great centers separate the good teams from the great ones.

[thundermike11]

Much like the mid-range jumper, a true, back-to-the-basket player is a rapidly disappearing art form in today's game.

I'm not an expert, and there are certainly some effective back-to-the-basket players around that I'm sure some of our knowledgeable posters can name, but by and large, I don't think there are a lot of such players around anymore.   

One player I'm somewhat familiar with who played well with his back to the basket during his high school career is a recent addition to the CCIW, just having completed his freshman season. Even though he played with his back to the basket far more often, and much more effectively than most players, one of the things that made him such a good HS player was the fact that he was also good facing the basket. The player of whom I'm speaking is Doug Sexauer of IWU. As I remember this past season however Doug seemed to favor more of the face up style during the couple of times I saw him in action. Perhaps one of our Wesleyan posters can comment further on the percentage of time he played each style.

The bottom line however, is that there aren't nearly as many back-to-the-basket players around at any level anymore. Because of the more limited numbers of such players, finding one can provide a program with a very effective weapon. 

I agree.  The hardest thing for a Division III team to find - and actually, I think this applies to schools at all levels - is a pure 5.  Most good high school players with size seem to prefer to step out and face the basket quite a bit.  Doug Sexauer is a good example.  Doug is very skilled with his back to the hoop and definitely knows how to score in the paint, but of his 177 field goal attempts as a freshman, 32 were 3-pointers and probably more than that were 15-18 foot jumpshots.  Sexauer can play the 5, but he is definitely more of a 4.  And let me clarify - there is absolutely nothing wrong with a 6-7 player who can play both back-to-the-basket and facing (in fact, it is great to have), but I certainly agree there aren't many true 5's around.

Wash U won a national championship this year behind 6-6 center Troy Ruths.  Ruths was that rare Division III pure center, who was incredibly skilled with his back to the basket.  Most Division III national champs I've seen in Salem have had the true 5.  It is just such a huge advantage to have that kind of consistent low post scoring threat...a guy opponents constantly have to double.

In the CCIW, of course, we have Elmhurst's 6-9 Brent Ruch, who has a chance to be a 1st Team All-American next year.  Outside of Ruch, how many pure back-to-the-basket players were there in the CCIW last year?  IWU's Brett Chamernik (listed at 6-5...actually 6-4) was one.  Brett (10.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, .588 FG) added so much muscle between his freshman year and last season that he was able to compete in the paint, despite being 2-3 inches undersized.  Augustana's 6-9 Dain Swetalla (11.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg, .478 FG) was another. 

The scarcity of centers is why, as an IWU fan, I'm so excited about 6-9/220 Eric McCullough...it's just really hard to find a talented 5 with that type of size at this level.   

It seems like the second hardest position to find is a good point-guard.  Easy to find the "combo guard" -- the kid who can kind of play the point, but is really more of a 2.  But it is pretty hard to find that talented pure point-guard.

I think great point-guards and great centers separate the good teams from the great ones.

Don't forget Andy Wiele. He has put his outside shooting days behind him and turned himself into a quality inside player

[Mugsy]

I received a very "unofficial" note that Wheaton has landed two big kids from Michigan that picked the Thunder over D3 power Hope...

6-6 C Spencer Schultze of Grand Rapids Christian (MI).  Schultze averaged 13.5 per game.

http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=GRCHS&t=c&s=basketball&p=profile&playerID=25430

And 6-7 C Josh Eisenga of McBain H.S. (MI).  Eisenga averaged 13.0 ppg and was a 3rd Team all-stater in Michigan's Class C...

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/SPORTS05/804110321/1049



These two were both high on Hope's priority list.  Again, don't take this as a confirmation...but I believe the info. is accurate.

Wheaton is doing very well on the recruiting trail.

Thanks for the info on recruiting, Q.  Keep it coming - particularly if it is good news for Wheaton.

[Titan Q]

I received a very "unofficial" note that Wheaton has landed two big kids from Michigan that picked the Thunder over D3 power Hope...

6-6 C Spencer Schultze of Grand Rapids Christian (MI).  Schultze averaged 13.5 per game.

http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=GRCHS&t=c&s=basketball&p=profile&playerID=25430

And 6-7 C Josh Eisenga of McBain H.S. (MI).  Eisenga averaged 13.0 ppg and was a 3rd Team all-stater in Michigan's Class C...

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/SPORTS05/804110321/1049



These two were both high on Hope's priority list.  Again, don't take this as a confirmation...but I believe the info. is accurate.

Wheaton is doing very well on the recruiting trail.

OK, a correction.  Schultze has in fact committed to Wheaton.  I was wrong about Eisenga, however - in fact, I don't think Wheaton is even on him.

The other player Wheaton is close to getting who also considered Hope is 6-6 Tim McCrary of New Trier H.S. (10 ppg, 7 rpg)...

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/playeroftheweek/797471,021508mccrarypoy.article

Sorry for the confusion.