MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[petemcb]

Fact or myth:  I am the only one who doesn't follow that  -  even upon multiple readings.

I think you have to be listening to Pink Floyd for that post to make sense.

I guess I was close then.  The multiple readings made me UNcomfortably numb.

[Gregory Sager]

There was some surprise expressed in here when word got out that Benedictine had beaten NPU by 17 a week ago Sunday in a scrimmage in Lisle, but that ugly result was an accurate barometer of just how much turmoil has surrounded the Vikings in the preseason. While I suspect that ultimately the defection of Dan Oziminski will turn out to be addition by subtraction, for the time being at least it was a setback. It also turned out to be the first in a string of personnel losses that is really going to have NPU over the barrel in November and December. And there's no sense in staying quiet about it, since CCIW Chat will be asking questions as early as this coming Saturday afternoon when everyone sees the NPU vs. Wash U box score.

Two starters, Antonio Stevens and Chris Brown, didn't make grades and are going to have to sit out until at least the end of the semester. North Park now gets to experience the sense of frustration and irritation that Wheaton felt over John Mohan; you expect student-athletes to have their act together by the time they're juniors, and when they don't it's doubly hard to take because by that point their teammates and coaches have come to depend upon them much more than when they were mere freshmen or sophomores. The thing to keep in mind is that in the end, veterans or not, they're still only twenty-year-olds. Anyone who spends time with twenty-year-olds knows that they are prone to mess things up; maturity is not magically conferred upon someone on his eighteenth birthday. If it was, college would be a very different experience!

I hope that Tone and Chris keep their eyes on the bigger picture, which is that getting their grades in order and earning their degrees are the most important matters at hand, not simply getting back into uniform. Their progress is being closely monitored by the coaching staff, and I've been told that they're working hard to be reinstated at semester break.

That's just the beginning. Sophomore forward Nick Hoekstra, who was a steady customer on last year's JV team and had made such outstanding off-season progress that Paul Brenegan and his staff were looking to him to be a key contributor off the varsity bench this season, tore his ACL and is out for the year. Sophomore swingman Kendall Greer, who was projected to be the team's sixth man, broke a bone in his foot and is out until semester break. And sophomore guard Clayton Cahill, who is expected to be one of NPU's two biggest offensive threats alongside Nick Williams, has been nursing a pulled groin and has missed both of the preseason scrimmages. At last report the coaches are hopeful that he'll be able to suit up on Saturday against Wash U in Colorado Springs.

In the face of that onslaught of bad news, one is tempted to preface a question to Paul Brenegan with the words, "So, other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"  But there were some bright spots amidst the gloom in Monday's scrimmage against Dominican. NPU won the first half, 40-29, and looked very explosive on offense and surprisingly airtight on defense, especially in terms of interior help. In the second half ball control got wobbly, and the Vikings finished the half poorly, losing 37-33. NPU concluded the evening with a convincing 42-26 JV performance over the Stars, sparked by very strong play from freshman PG Ryan Beigie.

The main bright spot is that NPU looks much better down in the blocks than it did last season. Stephano Jones is a godsend to a program that really needs a dominant presence inside, and Phil Schniedermeier's aggressiveness and physicality is finally beginning to pay dividends in terms of his production (both points and rebounds). NPU isn't going to be a big team, but at least it won't be a doughnut team again. The other big bright spot is freshman point guard Roshawn Russell. As good as Bruce Durham looked last fall, Ro Russell looks like he can be even better. He makes much better decisions than Durham, and he's a far better shooter. In fact, Russell might be the best shooter on the entire team -- and that, combined with his quick burst, his fearlessness in attacking the rim, and his good playmaker's instincts, should make him an immediate force at the point. His main problem is the fact that his listed dimensions of 5'10, 150 are seriously overstated; as Pete McBride, who saw the NPU intrasquad scrimmage, will tell you, Ro goes about 5'7 and is maybe 140 pounds soaking wet. Physical teams like Augie and North Central are going to turn him into a human pinball, so it's best that he hie himself over to Helwig Rec Center tout de suite and acquaint himself with the weight room. And drink lots of milkshakes.

The Vikings will need a top-drawer performance out of the somewhat-inconsistent Nick Williams every night this season, and I think that he knows it. He's put on a lot of muscle, and he's a pretty intense rebounder now. The sky's the limit for Nick, as anyone who has watched the CCIW over the past two years knows. And it goes without saying that the Vikings absolutely need a healthy Clayton Cahill on the floor.

Four newbies who've really impressed me thus far are sophomore guard Sean McNamee, a Lake Forest transfer who has a great head for the game and is an all-out hustle machine; Issa Avery, a live-body freshman guard who is bursting with potential but isn't quite there yet as a shooter; D.J. Cooper, another freshman guard who is a shooter but who is still getting the hang of how to defend; and freshman forward Joel Benson, who is just a very smooth all-around player. They'll all probably play on the varsity, at least early on.

It's a very good freshman class. I just hadn't expected to see so much of it playing on the varsity at the outset rather than the JV. But that's the hand NPU has been dealt -- a hand that the rest of the CCIW coaching braintrust obviously peeked at, given the seventh-place prediction with which North Park was saddled -- and Brenegan and his staff are going to have to live with it. The bottom line isn't excuses, it's wins and losses. And in terms of wins and losses Brenegan is going to have an uphill struggle to keep his annual trend of slow-but-steady-progress intact this season.

[iwumichigander]

Greg - Thanks for the honest but painful update.  A tough way for Coach B to starts out.  IWU fans certainly understand, in particular, how much the injury situation impacts program progress.  The bright spot for NPU seems to be contributions from the underclassmen and some continuing postive development by returning players.  It could very well be NPU becomes a tougher improved team faster come January.

[petemcb]

Physical teams like Augie and North Central are going to turn him into a human pinball, so it's best that he hie himself over to Helwig Rec Center tout de suite and acquaint himself with the weight room. And drink lots of milkshakes.

Once Greg rolls out the ol' "tout de suite" each season, that's my sign that he is in mid-season form and has his posting game face on. 

[petemcb]

Four newbies who've really impressed me thus far are sophomore guard Sean McNamee, a Lake Forest transfer who has a great head for the game and is an all-out hustle machine; Issa Avery, a live-body freshman guard who is bursting with potential but isn't quite there yet as a shooter; D.J. Cooper, another freshman guard who is a shooter but who is still getting the hang of how to defend; and freshman forward Joel Benson, who is just a very smooth all-around player. They'll all probably play on the varsity, at least early on.

At that scrimmage, it was Avery who I found to be the most exciting freshman on the floor.  In fact, I found him to be one of the most exciting players on the floor, regardless of class.  He showed a great ability to get to the basket from the perimeter and finish.  He showed a nice array of moves and covered a lot of ground with not too many dribbles.  I would say he is NPU's freshman to be excited about, and I would have guessed he'd be seeing varsity time all season, regardless of the team's injury situation.  Greg, I can't remember if it was McNamee or Beigie, but one of those two just never quit.  Really scrappy and more effective because of that.  Which one was that?

[robberki]

Does anyone know if the NPU-WashU game will be broadcast on the net? I couldn't tell at the WashU website.
Incidentally, what an amazing challenge for NPU right out of the gate, particularly in light of the personel problems that Paul and the team are experiencing. Obviously this is going to be a tough, tough game but I really view this as a great opportunity for the Viking squad. Paul has steadily improved the program the last 4 years but it's time for them to take the next step. The CCIW is such a tough conference that it's not unheard to have a team improve 100% yet not have it reflect in the conference record.

[Titan Q]

Each season I do an Illinois Wesleyan season preview for IWUhoops.com.  I also dedicate a section to the CCIW.  Here is the preview for IWU's 100th season of basketball...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/prev09.htm


Thanks to those of you who helped in sorting out your teams.

[Titan Q]

An article from the Pantagraph on the Titans...

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/11/13/usports/doc491ce15595a15766109510.txt


The annual Green-White game will be this Saturday at 10:00am.  The teams are as follows (note, I have projected the starters - those are just my best guess):

G Sean Dwyer (Jr), 5-10
G Jordan Morris (Sr), 6-3
F Matt Schick (So), 6-4
F John Koschnitzky (Fr), 6-6
C Doug Sexauer (So), 6-7

Reserves: Eliud Gonzalez (Fr, 5-9), Dexter Walker (Fr, 6-5), Ryan Connolly (Fr, 6-9), Michael Kempf (So, 5-11)


G Travis Rosenkranz (So), 6-0
G Sean Johnson (So), 6-1
F Jordan Zimmer (Fr), 6-5
F Duncan Lawson (So), 6-7
C Edmond O'Callaghan (So), 6-6

Reserves: Eric McCullough (Fr, 6-9), Josh Sutton (So, 6-5), Steve Rudnicki (Fr, 6-3), Sean Siebring (Fr, 6-2)

[Gregory Sager]

Physical teams like Augie and North Central are going to turn him into a human pinball, so it's best that he hie himself over to Helwig Rec Center tout de suite and acquaint himself with the weight room. And drink lots of milkshakes.

Once Greg rolls out the ol' "tout de suite" each season, that's my sign that he is in mid-season form and has his posting game face on. 

It's my signature move, Pete.

Four newbies who've really impressed me thus far are sophomore guard Sean McNamee, a Lake Forest transfer who has a great head for the game and is an all-out hustle machine; Issa Avery, a live-body freshman guard who is bursting with potential but isn't quite there yet as a shooter; D.J. Cooper, another freshman guard who is a shooter but who is still getting the hang of how to defend; and freshman forward Joel Benson, who is just a very smooth all-around player. They'll all probably play on the varsity, at least early on.

At that scrimmage, it was Avery who I found to be the most exciting freshman on the floor.  In fact, I found him to be one of the most exciting players on the floor, regardless of class.  He showed a great ability to get to the basket from the perimeter and finish.  He showed a nice array of moves and covered a lot of ground with not too many dribbles.  I would say he is NPU's freshman to be excited about, and I would have guessed he'd be seeing varsity time all season, regardless of the team's injury situation.

Ro Russell and Joel Benson looked much, much better on Monday night than they did when you saw them in the intrasquad scrimmage, Pete. In Benson's case it's because he's rounding into game shape, and in Russell's case I think it's a matter of his being more comfortable with what the coaches are expecting him to do in terms of running the offense.

Avery actually plays the same spot as Antonio Stevens, which is why I think that this latest setback gives him an early opportunity to establish himself as a varsity player that he otherwise wouldn't have. Incidentally, his sister Ayo, who was also a basketball standout at St. Ben's, is a freshman on the NPU women's team this year. She's going to be a very good CCIW player eventually, too.

Issa's a skinny 6'4, and I swear that every time that I see him he looks taller. He might still be growing.

Greg, I can't remember if it was McNamee or Beigie, but one of those two just never quit.  Really scrappy and more effective because of that.  Which one was that?

That was Beigie, who has very nice potential as well -- he's sort of a Drew Wessels clone, only with more colorful body artwork -- but he's probably stuck behind Russell on the depth chart for now. McNamee was by the consensus of the NPU coaching staff the most improved player that the Vikes had against Dominican. The recent CCIW player to whom I compare McNamee is Billy Jacklin.

Speaking of teams that are having personnel setbacks, it appears that Elmhurst has more to contend with than just the refusal of Pat Bacon to return from sabbatical and the fact that Marco Macias didn't return to school. Matt Ryder, who started all 26 games at off-guard for the 'jays last season and averaged 8.2 ppg (and whose .485 trey percentage led the team, significantly ahead of Ryan Burks, while his .481 trey percentage in CCIW play ranked fourth in the league), isn't listed on the Elmhurst roster and didn't play in the scrimmage against Valpo. It would appear, then, that he is another casualty. I've also heard a rumor that Jimmy Saris isn't going to play for the 'jays, either. Yea or nay on that rumor, 'jays fans?

According to what I was told, Dustin Bainter and Mitch Blair started in the backcourt for Elmhurst against Valpo, with Chris Childs and freshmen Mike McCurdy and Zach Boyd coming off the bench.

[Gregory Sager]

Does anyone know if the NPU-WashU game will be broadcast on the net? I couldn't tell at the WashU website.

I'm not sure either, Roberto. Perhaps Colorado College will carry the game on its website if Wash U doesn't.

The CCIW is such a tough conference that it's not unheard to have a team improve 100% yet not have it reflect in the conference record.

Very true, and it's worth repeating.

[Titan Q]

I've also heard a rumor that Jimmy Saris isn't going to play for the 'jays, either. Yea or nay on that rumor, 'jays fans?

According to what I was told, Dustin Bainter and Mitch Blair started in the backcourt for Elmhurst against Valpo, with Chris Childs and freshmen Mike McCurdy and Zach Boyd coming off the bench.

Saris tore his ACL and will miss the season.

Against Valpo Elmhurst started Bainter and Boyd in the backcourt...

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbb/2008-2009/BoxScores/mbbexh.htm


(And yes, Ryder and Macias are no longer on the team.)

[OurHouse]

Remember, DEFENSE WINS games - in D3 basketball atheleticism, quickness and playing defense is a key to WINNING, points will follow.

A team will NEVER WIN BIG games unless they have that ingredient on the floor at all times!

Mark my words     

[Gregory Sager]

(And yes, Ryder and Macias are no longer on the team.)

Macias isn't even attending Elmhurst anymore. I don't know if Ryder is still an Elmhurst student.

Is it just me, or did Our House just make a semi-coherent post?

[John Gleich]

Remember, DEFENSE WINS games - in D3 basketball atheleticism, quickness and playing defense is a key to WINNING, points will follow.

A team will NEVER WIN BIG games unless they have that ingredient on the floor at all times!

Mark my words     

... I thought OFFENSE won games and DEFENSE won championships...  Or the best offense is a good defense?

How about a defense for your offense...? 

Unfortunately I can only find these clips from Fred Heinz and his "World Style Basketball" video...  but that's the one quote I remember from watching his video over 15 years ago while at a Wheaton College Crusader basketball camp...  When shooting a one handed shot, you were supposed to put your other hand up to knock away the defense... that was the defense for your offense...

Alas, couldn't find that clip, but here are two more that are almost as entertaining...!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zxDGC_JhlM

... and there's good reason why we've never seen this before...!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2t_DE72d5M

I've really gotta thank Coach Harris for this... it makes me chuckle even today!

[Gregory Sager]

The annual CCIW pick'em contest is starting up again. Be sure to head on over to the CCIW pick'em room and post your prognostications before Saturday afternoon's season opener.