MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[Briton Backer]

KVS gets a T, the next 12 calls go blatantly in Calvin's favor.  Soderberg gets one, Calvin shoots 20 free throws in 6 minutes.  Can you see where it might be easier for Calvin to "play above the officiating"?

Also, the public love-fest between Hope, Calvin and Ernie Cryer and Tom Hoffman immediately upon their retirement, certainly raises the collective eyebrow of the Hope/Calvin bias believers.  I can't wait to see what happens when Geerlings retires.  Calvin will probably rename the Fieldhouse after him.

[goodknight]

Only if he drops about $15 million in the collection plate.

[randomthoughts]

I find it so funny that the best teams in the league (and their backers) find it so easy to "play above" the officiating.  For the underdogs in the league, we know we have to have a perfect game from our players, and then a good game from the officials to pull off the upset.

History, I guess, is written by the winners.  Doesn't make it right.

[oldknight]

KVS gets a T, the next 12 calls go blatantly in Calvin's favor.

Not true; it was only 9  and we paid good money for those 9 too. 

[John Rusnak]

I find it so funny that the best teams in the league (and their backers) find it so easy to "play above" the officiating.  For the underdogs in the league, we know we have to have a perfect game from our players, and then a good game from the officials to pull off the upset.

History, I guess, is written by the winners.  Doesn't make it right.

This is really just an extension of life in general.  Do you notice how those with more money tend to have all of the advantages swing in their favor?  Sure, the underdog sometimes gets lucky and pulls out of the gutter and makes something of himself, but the people that come from wealthy families or go to "better" schools tend to finish better as well.

I'm not making any judgments, just pointing out how our society functions.

[ziggy]

I find it so funny that the best teams in the league (and their backers) find it so easy to "play above" the officiating.  For the underdogs in the league, we know we have to have a perfect game from our players, and then a good game from the officials to pull off the upset.

History, I guess, is written by the winners.  Doesn't make it right.

This is really just an extension of life in general.  Do you notice how those with more money tend to have all of the advantages swing in their favor?  Sure, the underdog sometimes gets lucky and pulls out of the gutter and makes something of himself, but the people that come from wealthy families or go to "better" schools tend to finish better as well.

I'm not making any judgments, just pointing out how our society functions.

Ah, Basketball.  The microcosm of life!

[RastaRob]

I find it so funny that the best teams in the league (and their backers) find it so easy to "play above" the officiating.  For the underdogs in the league, we know we have to have a perfect game from our players, and then a good game from the officials to pull off the upset.

History, I guess, is written by the winners.  Doesn't make it right.

This is really just an extension of life in general.  Do you notice how those with more money tend to have all of the advantages swing in their favor?  Sure, the underdog sometimes gets lucky and pulls out of the gutter and makes something of himself, but the people that come from wealthy families or go to "better" schools tend to finish better as well.

I'm not making any judgments, just pointing out how our society functions.

Both of these statements are extremely interesting. I completely agree with you. I am a Hope fan and I am willing to admit the bias that I see on most occasions. Either Hope plays the way they should and blow out the teams like they should. Or they play close ones against weaker teams and sometimes they get a little help, almost because the are expected to win. It is pretty sad when you think about it. But I guess it is the way it is. The same can be said for Duke or UConn. Basketball is that way.
And yes, our society is focused on the rich and perpetuating teh rich. That is obvious. That is what a capitalistic society is all about. I think it is awful, but it is interesting how sports imitate real life.

[RastaRob]

So,

I am a high school JV basketball coach and clearly my game is right during the Hope/Albion game. I cant even listen to the end because I have to be at the Varisty game too. Any suggestions on how I can hear at least part of the game. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

[randomthoughts]

It was nice to see a Hope fan admit to seeing some bias at times!  Some of us who root for the underdog may agree that it is not there all the time, but there are times when the team that is "expected" to win, gets the benefit of the doubt at crunch time.

Just like if there is contact in the post, 99% of the time, Brandon Crawford is going to head to the line.  Even if he initiated the contact and got an advantage from it.  However, I guess that just means that people are going with the "Hack-a-Shaq" technique.

Looking forward to the trip to GR this evening to see some quality basketball.  

[randomthoughts]

Find someone with a cell phone who will be at the game and give them a call...  Email me if interested, I will be up at both games.

[hoof02]

Do you know why Brandon Crawford goes to the line when he puts up a shot in the post?  Because he's always taking it STRONG to the basket.  He can't do it any other way.  You will get the call if you go strong to the basket.  That is something that Hope's Voisen is beginning to learn.  If you're 6'9" and are right under the basket you have to go strong and try to dunk the ball.  If you don't make it, you'll get the call.  You might even get both sometimes.  But Crawford knows this and does a great job with it.  It's smart basketball.  There are a lot of big men out there that could learn a thing or two from Crawford.

[hoof02]

What up, RastaRob?!?

[RastaRob]

Great idea randomthoughts. I know plenty of Hope studnets that will be at the game. I will ahve them call me at halftime and at the end. Thanks.

[northb]

I wonder what KVS does to get such respect?  Maybe other coaches should be like him.  I was at the game Wed night.  A good case can be made that the Olivet comeback was directly related to the double technical--got those guys fired up.  Clearly the parade to the FT line in the last 5-6 minutes was part of the game plan for Olivet.  They played a very tight, physical press, and intended to make many of those fouls (or get away with a mugging).  The plan worked well, and got them back into the game.  Obviously, the second T on the bench was not a smart idea, and cost the Comets the last chance they had.  WWKVSD?

[realist]

Random Thoughts:  Hope and Calvin are top teams because they do play above the officiating
BritBacker:  What you miss is KVS just doesn't get T's.  He doesn't let his players get T's, and when one does he (KVS) is very obvious in expressing his displeasure with the player.  It is game control, and game management.  Both coach responsibilities.  If you listen to KVS he is constantly telling his players to use their heads, and if a bad call happens he is quick to tell them to forget it, and stay focused on the game.  Also most Calvin fans don't exactly jump for joy when they see Geerlings in the fieldhouse or on the road.  
A-19  Watch what is happening in the other confernce tournaments.  Several 22-2 in region teams have gotten beat and they are ahead of MIAA schools.  Like it or not Albion has to win the MIAA tourney.