MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Knight81]

Calvin and Hope are both 12-6 overall. What are their chances of making the DIII tournament if they end up with 8-9 losses and don't win the MIAA tournament, or is it too early to tell?

[KnightSlappy]

Calvin and Hope are both 12-6 overall. What are their chances of making the DIII tournament if they end up with 8-9 losses and don't win the MIAA tournament, or is it too early to tell?

Well, it's important to only look at the regional record when assesing at-large (Pool C) tournament bids.

Calvin stands 8-1 and Hope stands 7-2 in in-region play.

3 more losses and I don't think either has a shot. 2 more loses and they might still have a chance (Calvin having a better chance), but I would be uncomfortable with it.

[Knight81]

Calvin and Hope are both 12-6 overall. What are their chances of making the DIII tournament if they end up with 8-9 losses and don't win the MIAA tournament, or is it too early to tell?

Well, it's important to only look at the regional record when assesing at-large (Pool C) tournament bids.

Calvin stands 8-1 and Hope stands 7-2 in in-region play.

3 more losses and I don't think either has a shot. 2 more loses and they might still have a chance (Calvin having a better chance), but I would be uncomfortable with it.

Calvin has its work cut out then. With 4 tough road games coming up, plus the conference tournament, chances are good they could lose at least 2 games, maybe more. Looks like they will have to win the MIAA tournament to get in.

[KnightSlappy]

Calvin and Hope are both 12-6 overall. What are their chances of making the DIII tournament if they end up with 8-9 losses and don't win the MIAA tournament, or is it too early to tell?

Well, it's important to only look at the regional record when assesing at-large (Pool C) tournament bids.

Calvin stands 8-1 and Hope stands 7-2 in in-region play.

3 more losses and I don't think either has a shot. 2 more loses and they might still have a chance (Calvin having a better chance), but I would be uncomfortable with it.

Calvin has its work cut out then. With 4 tough road games coming up, plus the conference tournament, chances are good they could lose at least 2 games, maybe more. Looks like they will have to win the MIAA tournament to get in.

That's why they only play one game at a time. Sure, Calvin has a tough road ahead, but I don't think you can look at any single game and say that it's unwinnable for Calvin.

I'm not saying they will go undefeated, or that it's even likely, but if you just look at the schedule and ask "can we win the next game?" the answer for Calvin the rest of this year will always be yes.

[sac]

Halfway through conference play I thought I might take a crack at an all-league team.

First team

Michael McClary-Olivet
Peter Bunn-Hope
Matt Veltema-Calvin
Jovon Mosley-Adrian
Joe Prepolec-Kzoo
Scott Rogers-Trine
John Mantel-Calvin


Second Team

J.C. Cruse-Albion
Nathan Jennings-Olivet
Chris Nelis-Hope
Ryan Clark-Kzoo
Kevin Ginther-Alma
Andre Evans-Olivet

I ended up picking 7 first teamers, because A) I believe Matt Veltema deserves a spot and B) I couldn't decide between Mantel and Rogers.  I put Andre Evans on the 2nd team as the last man because there really wasn't a point guard anywhere in my top 12.  Of the points, he seems to be having the best season.

Picking 12 13 is alot harder than picking the 16 we used to pick.......some players you'd like to see on the list like Wes Weir, Will Bowser, Andre Bridges, Chris Hutton and Tom Snikkers get left off the list.


MVP

At the moment it really seems like its Michael McClary's to lose, I think I'd go with him.  Leading this league in scoring and rebounding should count for something. One of the Calvin guys, Veltema or Mantel should make a strong charge as the year goes on.   Could be an interesting race if Bunn or Mosley have big 2nd halves along with their teams.


Freshmen of the year is a nice race between Tom Snikkers, Calvin and Scott Rogers, Trine.  Last year Trine's Fr, Chris Mislan impressed me but Rogers has pretty much put him on the bench........and we're well versed in the all around stat book stuffing that Snikkers is capable of producing.  A host of good Fr scatter the league this year which is pretty encouraging. 

Newcomer is probably easily Jovon Mosley of Adrian, he's had some big games and its doesn't really sound like anyone can really guard him well.

I know everyone likes to hate on Mantel here, but seriously sac.   Mantel and Joe play the same position and I am wondering how in your mind Joe can possibly be a shoe-in, while Mantel is on the bubble.....epsecially considering Mantel averages more Points, Rebounds, and Assists, while (more importantly) leading his team to a 7-0 start, while Kalamazoo is a mere 3-4?  Please explain because I don't understand.

There's no 'hating on Mantel' in case you didn't notice he's on the first team..........conference only stats, at this point Prepolec deserves it.  Like I said the choice came down to Rogers and Mantel, compare the stats in conference play, you'll see what I mean.  If anything I gave Mantel the respect he deserves.

Mantel: 14.1 pts, 29-58  50% FG, 57 reb, 15 assists, 12 turnovers, 8 blocks
Rogers: 15.1 pts, 47-74 63.5% FG, 45 reb, 11 assists, 15 turnovers, 7 blocks
Prepolec:19.1 pts, 55-98 55.1% FG, 68 reb, 10 assists, 19 turnovers, 18 blocks

[Knight In The Stan]

I hope to watch a close one tomorrow down here in Florida. I think that bench play will ultimately be the difference. Hope has some guys who are injured and depending on how deep they can go into their bench will win/lose the game in my opinion. Calvin has had solid bench play all year for the most part. I expect Bunn to have a huge game, he creates a defensive stuggle for Calvin as he can play so many different roles offensively.

Ty Tanis scares me. He was a guy that we all thought was going to be a large thorn in Calvin's and the rest of the conferences side. I truly feel that his abilities have been under appreciated at Hope, but then again there could be circumstances that we are unaware of. Its pretty hard to guard someone who has been on a roll and has something to prove... I just have a feeling he is going to have a Tyler Wolfesque(3-4 humungous 3 balls) game tomorrow against Calvin.

I hope everyone enjoys the game tomorrow and heads over to the New Holland Brewery afterwards and throw a couple back for me.

Go Calvin.

[realist]

I tend to agree with KS:  One game at a time is all that needs to be played.  Tomorrow Calvin has to go to De Vos, and the key is for Calvin to start strong, and than play consistant ball.  The matchups favor Calvin.  Yes, Hope can beat Calvin, but it won't be easy.  Beating Calvin would be big for Hope, but they still have to play the other 6 just like Calvin must.  It is easier to get up for #1, than it is for # 7 or 8, but the Alma "lesson" from last year is still fresh in Calvin's mind.  Let your guard down, come in complacent, etc. etc. and most teams in the MIAA will make you pay for your folly.

[hoopdreams]

I too, believe that role players ( hate the term"bench players") will play a big part in the outcome.  I'm not bashing GVW but it's hard to argue that his sub patterns tighten up in these big games.  Are they going to get a chance to break a sweat and get into the flow, or not be able to produce like Dav was quoted against I believe, Alma recently?

I don't know KVS from a hole in the ground but I do appreciate his willingness to go 9, 10 or 11 deep, keep kids fresh, and allow his players to play a bit, even through mistakes and missed shots.  I know that's a little vague but that's how I see things.  I still cannot understand why he had Veltema taking the ball out when they needed a 3 in game #1 this year but..... Rodts may have been hot but 2 options are always better than 1.

As well as tanis has seemingly played as of late, and as well as he played in a couple of past Hope/Calvin games, unless their is major foul trouble in the backcourt for hope (bunn), ty will likely play as much as Peter needs to rest.  With tv timeouts this could be 2 minutes tops.  I think he may be playing with a chip on his shoulder right now and this could be huge for hope basketball.  In regards to SAC's comment, I too have noticed how positive ty and Nate, amongst others, have been the entire year.  It speaks volumes about their character as young men.

[GoKnights68]

I hope to watch a close one tomorrow down here in Florida. I think that bench play will ultimately be the difference. Hope has some guys who are injured and depending on how deep they can go into their bench will win/lose the game in my opinion. Calvin has had solid bench play all year for the most part. I expect Bunn to have a huge game, he creates a defensive stuggle for Calvin as he can play so many different roles offensively.

Ty Tanis scares me. He was a guy that we all thought was going to be a large thorn in Calvin's and the rest of the conferences side. I truly feel that his abilities have been under appreciated at Hope, but then again there could be circumstances that we are unaware of. Its pretty hard to guard someone who has been on a roll and has something to prove... I just have a feeling he is going to have a Tyler Wolfesque(3-4 humungous 3 balls) game tomorrow against Calvin.

I hope everyone enjoys the game tomorrow and heads over to the New Holland Brewery afterwards and throw a couple back for me.

Go Calvin.

Pretty nice analysis, KnightInIraq.

With all the talk about Veltema being able to light it up from long-range, I too, fear that that could easily happen on the other side tomorrow, where someone like Bunn kills us.  And "Tyler Wolf"...there's a name from the past I didn't need to hear.  How many times did we leave him wide open to hit daggers against us!? 

I am pretty sure Hope will not shoot as poorly from long-range as they did against Calvin a few weeks ago, where they went 5 for 18.  It is a given that Calvin's help-side defense will give Hope some nice opportunities to get hot from long-range.  I am sure Hope learned their lesson from last time and probably won't let Calvin have so many wide-open 3s, and I don't expect Calvin to go 12 for 22 again for long-range.  That is why it is key Calvin gets the down-low game working all game and get the ball inside.

I don't hope to watch too close of one tomorrow like you do KnightinIraq becuase I'd like to keep some of my hair, but I do predict it'll come down to the final possession.

[Knight In The Stan]

I hope to watch a close one tomorrow down here in Florida. I think that bench play will ultimately be the difference. Hope has some guys who are injured and depending on how deep they can go into their bench will win/lose the game in my opinion. Calvin has had solid bench play all year for the most part. I expect Bunn to have a huge game, he creates a defensive stuggle for Calvin as he can play so many different roles offensively.

Ty Tanis scares me. He was a guy that we all thought was going to be a large thorn in Calvin's and the rest of the conferences side. I truly feel that his abilities have been under appreciated at Hope, but then again there could be circumstances that we are unaware of. Its pretty hard to guard someone who has been on a roll and has something to prove... I just have a feeling he is going to have a Tyler Wolfesque(3-4 humungous 3 balls) game tomorrow against Calvin.

I hope everyone enjoys the game tomorrow and heads over to the New Holland Brewery afterwards and throw a couple back for me.

Go Calvin.

Pretty nice analysis, KnightInIraq.

With all the talk about Veltema being able to light it up from long-range, I too, fear that that could easily happen on the other side tomorrow, where someone like Bunn kills us.  And "Tyler Wolf"...there's a name from the past I didn't need to hear.  How many times did we leave him wide open to hit daggers against us!? 

I am pretty sure Hope will not shoot as poorly from long-range as they did against Calvin a few weeks ago, where they went 5 for 18.  It is a given that Calvin's help-side defense will give Hope some nice opportunities to get hot from long-range.  I am sure Hope learned their lesson from last time and probably won't let Calvin have so many wide-open 3s, and I don't expect Calvin to go 12 for 22 again for long-range.  That is why it is key Calvin gets the down-low game working all game and get the ball inside.

I don't hope to watch too close of one tomorrow like you do KnightinIraq becuase I'd like to keep some of my hair, but I do predict it'll come down to the final possession.

I could have said Ryan Klingleresque but that makes me pull my hair out just thinking about it...

[oldknight]

CK60 - If you're talking about all-conference considerations, you have to look at conference only stats.  Based on those stats, it's a no brainer that Prepolec is a 1st teamer (19.1 pts, 9.7 reb, 2.6 blks per game).  Mantels numbers (14.1 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.1 blks per game) support sac's tough decision.  

I always love the arguement about "he's on a 7-0 team" versus "he's on a 3-4 team".  Not sure either side of that wins over the other.

I have always been of the mindset that all-conference performers earn their spot based on individual accomplishments but team records should play some role in determining a Most Valuable Player. However, it would be entirely different if the conference named a Most Outstanding Player.

I think McClary would be the clear MOP. MVP may be a different argument, especially with a few more losses. In the end it is a matter of semantics, no real right or wrong opinions.

I have to agree with ziggy on this. If you play on a middle-of-the-pack team, I don't see how you can be considered most valuable in the conference, no matter how good your stats are. In 1972, Steve Carlton was properly awarded the Cy Young as the NL's best pitcher for winning 27 games. He pitched for the Phillie's when his last place team only won 59 that year. Despite this truly amazing performance, he was not given the league's MVP, nor should he have won it. How can you be the league's most valuable player when your team could have finished last without you?

If I was given the task of naming the MIAA's first half MVP, Mantel is the easy choice for me even if other players have better stats. Calvin's offense begins with him, he's Calvin's best rebounder, and he plays consistently good defense. There certainly is plenty of precedent for naming an MVP who did not finish first in the major categories. The Knights would not be 7-0 without him.

[CalKnight60]

CK60 - If you're talking about all-conference considerations, you have to look at conference only stats.  Based on those stats, it's a no brainer that Prepolec is a 1st teamer (19.1 pts, 9.7 reb, 2.6 blks per game).  Mantels numbers (14.1 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.1 blks per game) support sac's tough decision. 

I always love the arguement about "he's on a 7-0 team" versus "he's on a 3-4 team".  Not sure either side of that wins over the other.

I have always been of the mindset that all-conference performers earn their spot based on individual accomplishments but team records should play some role in determining a Most Valuable Player. However, it would be entirely different if the conference named a Most Outstanding Player.

I think McClary would be the clear MOP. MVP may be a different argument, especially with a few more losses. In the end it is a matter of semantics, no real right or wrong opinions.

I have to agree with ziggy on this. If you play on a middle-of-the-pack team, I don't see how you can be considered most valuable in the conference, no matter how good your stats are. In 1972, Steve Carlton was properly awarded the Cy Young as the NL's best pitcher for winning 27 games. He pitched for the Phillie's when his last place team only won 59 that year. Despite this truly amazing performance, he was not given the league's MVP, nor should he have won it. How can you be the league's most valuable player when your team could have finished last without you?

If I was given the task of naming the MIAA's first half MVP, Mantel is the easy choice for me even if other players have better stats. Calvin's offense begins with him, he's Calvin's best rebounder, and he plays consistently good defense. There certainly is plenty of precedent for naming an MVP who did not finish first in the major categories. The Knights would not be 7-0 without him.

Not to mention that when you look at him head to head with two other bigs Joe and McClary, he has gotten the best of both of them. Mantel outrebounded Joe and Joe had 2 more points but it also took him 9 more shots to get there, is that worth it? Then verse McClary, John had 4 assists as well as 16 and 10, and while McClay had 8 more points than Mantel, but again it took him 14 more shots than Mantel took  to do that, is that worth it?  And then of course there is the fact that Mantel led his team to victory over both of them...this is why I agree with Oldknight that Mantel is the clear choice.

[almcguirejr]

Mantel has done a good job of drawing fouls this year.  He has shot 58 FT's in league games.  I think J.C. Cruse is next with 45.  His ability to draw fouls has helped put Calvin in the bonus and double bonus for extended periods of time during games.  JM may have had some struggles at the FT line but his team has benfitted.  Veltema, Rodts, etc have been great at the line and the FT shooting is something that has really stood out as an advantage for Calvin this year.

[Dark Knight]

I think Mantel and the rest of the front line are going to have to have big games if the Knights are going to prevail. Last time around the Dutch got burned by leaving open too many players at the arc; tomorrow I think they'll extend the defense a bit and see what the front line can do.

[CalKnight60]

I feel like almost ever Hope Calvin game someone somewhat unexpected steps up to give their team  huge boost.  In the past it has been Reimink (had some monster games as a sophmore) Mantel and Veltema (both had a couple of huge freshman games), Tyler Wolfe, and so on and so forth. I would argue that last game it was Bryan Powell coming up huge with some crucial 3's. The question is who will that unexpected x-factor be tomorrow?  Schuster, Snuggerud, Powell, Tanis, Scheiders, Neil?  Who knows, which is why these games are so great, but i get the feeling that whichever team has that player tomorrow will come out on top.