MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[GoKnights68]

Final is Calvin 71, Albion 67. Nice fight by Albion.

Edit- didn't realize until the post game show on 102.9 but Calvin was outrebounded by Albion. Not good when you have that height advantage. Albion had too many offensive rebounds tonight.

[oldknight]

A less than satisfying four point win by the Knights that included a second half when their defense gave up 46 points in the final frame. Even with that it seemed Calvin should have won this game comfortably as they had mostly good looks with Albion basically telling Calvin--especially in the first half--"Go ahead, take that outside jumper early in the possession." Calvin obliged, mostly eschewing opportunities to work hard, establish low post position, and force Albion to defend in the paint. But the most disappointing part was getting outrebounded 45-35, and allowing Albion to snare 18 offensive boards. This has been the bane of Calvin's team all year as they have repeatedly given up double digit offensive rebounds to opposing teams. When you do that its hard to stop teams from scoring. The Knights were outscored 19-9 on second chance points. Other game notes:

--this game demonstrated once again how you always seem to struggle when you shoot poorly from the arc. Calvin went 5-22 for the game on threes and most of them were pretty good looks though several were taken too early in the shot clock.

--Albion is very athletic and seems closer to a 6-1 first half club than the 1-6 record they currently have. I expect they will do damage to at least one team's title hopes.

--Calvin won almost none of the 50/50 balls tonight. After one of Calvin's big guys actually went after a second half rebound--and got it--I remarked how you can actually grab a few of these when you go after them rather than waiting for the ball come to you.

--Connor VanderBrug with 11 points in only 12 minutes of playing time. He also was one of the few players who scored inside while Calvin was running their offense. Am I the only person who doesn't understand why he doesn't play more minutes? His versatility puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses, he's a pretty good rebounder and he's not a poor defender.

--Calvin was charged with only five turnovers and it seems all of them came in the last two minutes which was poorly played.

--a very good knight from Jordan Daley who had a double-double with 12 points, 10 boards and the defensive play of the night with the game on the line, blocking Hurth's shot with 20 seconds left. Nice job at the line too, going 6-6 from the stripe, including two huge ones after his defensive gem.

[Happy Calvin Guy]

Hard fought, ugly win for the Knights last night. Seems like Albion games are always like that. A couple of thoughts on some of Calvin's personnel:

--Brad Visser seems to be much more effective as the season wears on. His shot selection was the main issue early and I'm sure he's had some guidance in that area as that has improved greatly. He's great finishing around the hoop and seems to have good court sense, quick hands, and reliable passing. I think he's an early favorite to join Calvin's starting backcourt in 2015-16. One question though, why does he drift back and to the left on every shot, even if he's wide open? He even does this in warmups. I don't understand how that could be optimal form for anyone.
--Michael Welch has also improved throughout the year. An offseason in the weight room would help even further but I like his game and I believe that Welch/VanderBrug will be able to step in and replace Dykstra/Stout in the starting lineup next year without missing a beat, and with a higher ceiling.
--Austin Parks' play should be commended. In conference play he leads the Knights in minutes and has only turned the ball over 5 times. He had a rough time shooting the ball from long distance last night, barely drawing iron on one attempt, but hit the four key free throws and was the floor general we needed. His durability and reliability means that we don't really even need a backup point guard (since Brink, et al can bring the ball up when Parks is on the bench), and that has squeezed Canonie out of the rotation.
--I wrote a post gushing about the addition of Cameron Denney, and since then he hasn't really lived up to the high bar I set. But, I do see great potential in him being a significant contributor this season and beyond.
--Can't say enough about the game/effort that Jordan Daley put forth. I'm very impressed with how he has put his 3-11 FT game vs Kzoo behind him. FT's are such a mental thing and we've seen even NBA players completely fall apart (Nick Anderson) after a bad game. Daley's 6-6 FT last night was key, as were his 10 rebs, and he showed that he has the physicality and heart to go toe-to-toe with guys that weigh 50 lbs more in his little tussle with Elliott.

Now, we can't look past Sam Hargraves' crew on Saturday. That's a dangerous one with Hope looming on Wed. I think both Alma and Hope are different teams than we saw 3 weeks ago.

[sac]

Hope 68  Adrian 58

Sort of a weird one.  Hope really dominated the final 30 minutes, Adrian played hard to the final whistle and narrowed the gap to 10

Adrian had cut it to 6 with around 5 to play and then Alex Eidson stuck a big boy 3 off a curl that just oozed with confidence to put Hope up 9, Chad Carlson followed on the next possession with his own 3 and it was Ft's from there.

---With Hope trailing by 9 in the first half it was Brock Benson that sort of got them going with his hustle and energy.  There were a couple key plays in there that really turned the momentum to Hope.  They ended up holding Adrian without a FG the final 9:55 of the first half.

---Big key for me was starting strong the 2nd half and putting Adrian in a double-digit deficit.  Hope first two possessions they ran what looked like similar sets for easy layups by Blackledge and Benson each assisting the other perfectly.

---Ricky Jackson finished with 20.  12 of those came in the games first 10 minutes and one final meaningless layup late, in between Hope held him to just 6 points, that was over 25 minutes of game time.  Great effort by Gardner for much of it.

----After seeing Adrian in person I don't get some their losses, very puzzling.    If Adrian gets the 4 seed that's going to be a pretty tough out for the MIAA's top seeded team in the tournament.

[sac]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

[HOPEful]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

[sac]

+1 or road win, -1 for home loss
Calvin   6-1    +2
Trine     6-1    +2
Hope     5-2    +2
Adrian   4-3    0
Alma     3-4    0
Kzoo     2-5    -2
Albion   1-6    -2
Olivet    1-6    -2

Remaining games:
Adrian:  Olivet, @Trine, @Calvin, Albion, Kzoo, @Alma, @Hope
Albion:  @Kzoo, Alma, Hope, @Adrian, @Olivet, Trine, Calvin
Alma:    Calvin, @Albion, @Olivet, Trine, Hope, Adrian, @Kzoo
Calvin:  @Alma, Hope, Adrian, @Kzoo, Trine, @Olivet, @Albion
Hope:   Trine, @Calvin, @Albion, Olivet, @Alma, Kzoo, Adrian
Kzoo:    Albion, @Olivet, @Trine, Calvin, @Adrian, @Hope, Alma
Olivet:   @Adrian, Kzoo, Alma, @Hope, Calvin, @Albion, @Trine
Trine:    @Hope, Adrian, Kzoo, @Alma, @Calvin, @Albion, Olivet


Saturday all 3pm starts
Trine at Hope
Olivet at Adrian
Calvin at Alma
Albion at Kzoo

[sac]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

Player A:  Jordan Brink
Player B:  Will Dixon
Player C:  Jared Holmquist

[HOPEful]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

Then I went and looked to see each player was. Oddly enough, the one I'd vote for 3rd was the aforementioned "forgone conclusion"...

Player D: 99 points, 62% FG, NA 3FG, 55 rbs, 13 assts, 13 to's, 5 steals

Might get my vote before player A...

[KnightSlappy]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

Then I went and looked to see each player was. Oddly enough, the one I'd vote for 3rd was the aforementioned "forgone conclusion"...

Player D: 99 points, 62% FG, NA 3FG, 55 rbs, 13 assts, 13 to's, 5 steals

Might get my vote before player A...

I think the key for Trine the second time through the league will be whether or not they can afford to run the entirety of the offense through Dixon, Good, and Holmquist. Those three guys have each played more than 80% of the available minutes for Trine during conference play, and they've combined to take 75% of the team's shots (86% of the shots while they're on the floor). Can they continue to carry that load while remaining so efficient?

[Flying Dutch Fan]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

Then I went and looked to see each player was. Oddly enough, the one I'd vote for 3rd was the aforementioned "forgone conclusion"...

Player D: 99 points, 62% FG, NA 3FG, 55 rbs, 13 assts, 13 to's, 5 steals

Might get my vote before player A...

I think the key for Trine the second time through the league will be whether or not they can afford to run the entirety of the offense through Dixon, Good, and Holmquist. Those three guys have each played more than 80% of the available minutes for Trine during conference play, and they've combined to take 75% of the team's shots (86% of the shots while they're on the floor). Can they continue to carry that load while remaining so efficient?

The answer to that question will not only be a big determining factor in the MVP race but will also determine the league championship IMHO.

[sac]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

Then I went and looked to see each player was. Oddly enough, the one I'd vote for 3rd was the aforementioned "forgone conclusion"...

Player D: 99 points, 62% FG, NA 3FG, 55 rbs, 13 assts, 13 to's, 5 steals

Might get my vote before player A...

I think the key for Trine the second time through the league will be whether or not they can afford to run the entirety of the offense through Dixon, Good, and Holmquist. Those three guys have each played more than 80% of the available minutes for Trine during conference play, and they've combined to take 75% of the team's shots (86% of the shots while they're on the floor). Can they continue to carry that load while remaining so efficient?

...and do it on the road at DeVos, VanNoord and Kresge

[wiz]

Hard fought, ugly win for the Knights last night. Seems like Albion games are always like that. A couple of thoughts on some of Calvin's personnel:

--Brad Visser seems to be much more effective as the season wears on. His shot selection was the main issue early and I'm sure he's had some guidance in that area as that has improved greatly. He's great finishing around the hoop and seems to have good court sense, quick hands, and reliable passing. I think he's an early favorite to join Calvin's starting backcourt in 2015-16. One question though, why does he drift back and to the left on every shot, even if he's wide open? He even does this in warmups. I don't understand how that could be optimal form for anyone.
--Michael Welch has also improved throughout the year. An offseason in the weight room would help even further but I like his game and I believe that Welch/VanderBrug will be able to step in and replace Dykstra/Stout in the starting lineup next year without missing a beat, and with a higher ceiling.
--Austin Parks' play should be commended. In conference play he leads the Knights in minutes and has only turned the ball over 5 times. He had a rough time shooting the ball from long distance last night, barely drawing iron on one attempt, but hit the four key free throws and was the floor general we needed. His durability and reliability means that we don't really even need a backup point guard (since Brink, et al can bring the ball up when Parks is on the bench), and that has squeezed Canonie out of the rotation.
--I wrote a post gushing about the addition of Cameron Denney, and since then he hasn't really lived up to the high bar I set. But, I do see great potential in him being a significant contributor this season and beyond.
--Can't say enough about the game/effort that Jordan Daley put forth. I'm very impressed with how he has put his 3-11 FT game vs Kzoo behind him. FT's are such a mental thing and we've seen even NBA players completely fall apart (Nick Anderson) after a bad game. Daley's 6-6 FT last night was key, as were his 10 rebs, and he showed that he has the physicality and heart to go toe-to-toe with guys that weigh 50 lbs more in his little tussle with Elliott.

Now, we can't look past Sam Hargraves' crew on Saturday. That's a dangerous one with Hope looming on Wed. I think both Alma and Hope are different teams than we saw 3 weeks ago.

All very perceptive comments and I agree with everything stated except for one sentence: "I believe that Welch/VanderBrug will be able to step in and replace Dykstra/Stout in the starting lineup next year without missing a beat, and with a higher ceiling."  I know Dykstra and Stout have paid their dues and now they are seniors, but I believe the transition you mention should happen this year rather than next.

[sac]

Hoopsville is doing their marathon today.  A couple time slots worth tuning into relevant to MIAA.  http://www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/archives/2014-15/jan29
I'm sure it will be archived at some point.

3:40  --Jeff Burns, Chair of men's national committee
4:40  --Brooks Miller, Trine
6:40  --John Ross, Calvin women's basketball
7:20  --Steve Moore, Wooster  (always a good interview)

[HopeConvert]

One of these players was the heavy favorite to be league MVP.  What was a foregone conclusion is a pretty strong race and I didn't even include anyone from Hope here.

Player A:   109 points, 45%FG, 38% 3FG, 36 rbs, 16 assts, 14 to's, 11 steals

Player B:   144 points, 48%FG, 35% 3FG, 22 rbs, 14 assts, 12 to's, 13 steals

Player C:   121 points, 51%FG, 22% 3FG, 51 rbs,  6 assts,  12 to's, 11 steals

I vote player C. The 51 rbs is why.

Then I went and looked to see each player was. Oddly enough, the one I'd vote for 3rd was the aforementioned "forgone conclusion"...

Player D: 99 points, 62% FG, NA 3FG, 55 rbs, 13 assts, 13 to's, 5 steals

Might get my vote before player A...

I think the key for Trine the second time through the league will be whether or not they can afford to run the entirety of the offense through Dixon, Good, and Holmquist. Those three guys have each played more than 80% of the available minutes for Trine during conference play, and they've combined to take 75% of the team's shots (86% of the shots while they're on the floor). Can they continue to carry that load while remaining so efficient?

I don't know the answer to this, but is there an optimal amount of minutes per game for a player (making allowances for differences in players, such as size, general fitness, and so forth)? Seems to me that when you're dealing with 20 year olds an average of five more minutes a game just isn't going to matter that much. These kids are energizer bunnies. I find it hard to believe that the Trine players are going to be that much more worn out than players on other teams, especially since we don't know much about their rest and recovery practices.

If there are data on playing time thresholds and their relation to performance and efficiency, I'd be interested in seeing them. In the meantime, I don't think I'd be too worried about their minutes.