MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[hopefan]

to be brief, as I can't find all the right words - so good to spend time with sac, fdf, civic, gohope, max, diehardfan, old school, hopeticketlady, and all the other hope fans - it was strange being so removed by the miles and years away, but it doesn't take much to get back into the mode.  Complicate that by playing my current home team, Wash U.  What a variety of emotions....   thanks to all for a great weekend.
I ran into Glen VW very quickly Sunday morn  -  his very quick assessment - "We gotta get a true post player"   -  may the rumors I heard discussed at the "Hilltop" about a certain prospect come true.

Hope I'll get to entertain all of you in a St. Louis sectional next year!

[ChicagoHopeNut]

Hope sure could use a true post up player. I have some hope that next year MVH can work into being a little more of a post player, pick and roll type of guy (ie Karl Malone) to DVS's point guard, catch and shoot and dish (ie John Stockton). Not to suggest any way they could match that sort of efficiency but I can see MVH and DVS playing those roles together in a way that nicely reflects the skills and approach adapted by those Jazz teams of the 1990s. We'll see.

Dare I ask about the rumors of a post player floating around at the Hilltop?

Stephen Cramer Gushing Section: Calvin fans need not read.

He really was an amazing player to watch from his first game in 2003. I really wish he had been given the opportunity to take over games and just carry the team from day 1 this year. I know it was usually not necessary but I think Cramer easily could have averaged 25 plus a game this year had he wanted to. I do hope he gets a chance to make a go of it in Europe next year. Does anyone know if he will attempt that route?

[northb]

Hope sure could use a true post up player. I have some hope that next year MVH can work into being a little more of a post player, pick and roll type of guy (ie Karl Malone) to DVS's point guard, catch and shoot and dish (ie John Stockton). Not to suggest any way they could match that sort of efficiency but I can see MVH and DVS playing those roles together in a way that nicely reflects the skills and approach adapted by those Jazz teams of the 1990s. We'll see.

Dare I ask about the rumors of a post player floating around at the Hilltop?

Stephen Cramer Gushing Section: Calvin fans need not read.

He really was an amazing player to watch from his first game in 2003. I really wish he had been given the opportunity to take over games and just carry the team from day 1 this year. I know it was usually not necessary but I think Cramer easily could have averaged 25 plus a game this year had he wanted to. I do hope he gets a chance to make a go of it in Europe next year. Does anyone know if he will attempt that route?

Please do not misconstrue the comments of Calvin fans.  We (of all people  ) can appreciate the skill of such an awesome player as Cramer.  Our emotions may be a little different than yours when seeing him perform (fear, envy), but we sure can appreciate the skill, grace and ability he brought to the court.  Our emotions may also be different seeing him graduate, as well!  But wow-did he ever dominate in the tournament.

[ChicagoHopeNut]

Hope sure could use a true post up player. I have some hope that next year MVH can work into being a little more of a post player, pick and roll type of guy (ie Karl Malone) to DVS's point guard, catch and shoot and dish (ie John Stockton). Not to suggest any way they could match that sort of efficiency but I can see MVH and DVS playing those roles together in a way that nicely reflects the skills and approach adapted by those Jazz teams of the 1990s. We'll see.

Dare I ask about the rumors of a post player floating around at the Hilltop?

Stephen Cramer Gushing Section: Calvin fans need not read.

He really was an amazing player to watch from his first game in 2003. I really wish he had been given the opportunity to take over games and just carry the team from day 1 this year. I know it was usually not necessary but I think Cramer easily could have averaged 25 plus a game this year had he wanted to. I do hope he gets a chance to make a go of it in Europe next year. Does anyone know if he will attempt that route?

Please do not misconstrue the comments of Calvin fans.  We (of all people  ) can appreciate the skill of such an awesome player as Cramer.  Our emotions may be a little different than yours when seeing him perform (fear, envy), but we sure can appreciate the skill, grace and ability he brought to the court.  Our emotions may also be different seeing him graduate, as well!  But wow-did he ever dominate in the tournament.

He absolutely dominated. And I do not mean to suggest in any way that Calvin fans don't appreciate Cramer's skill like I know Hope fan's appreciated Veenstra's skill for 4 years even if we hated the fact it worked against our beloved Dutchmen. I just realize reading post after post about Cramer may get tiring for those not from Hope Nation.

[ziggy]

The Pointers had Tayshaun Prince and still couldn't win a DIII game? Pathetic.

http://www.pictureprints.net/albums/1676/0021.jpg for the big picture

[gohope]

I'm already going through withdrawl.   

But... here are some memorable moments from the game on Saturday (you know me, the "Light hearted moments!):

*  The Dew Crew's cheer while a Washington U. player was at the free throw line:  "Laundromat, Laundromat, Laundromat..."  Those of us around the Crew were going: "Huh?"    Then they followed it up with "Wash U., Wash U., Wash U.!!  (ar, ar, ar!!)

* A sign from the Wash U. fans, "Its All About the Socks" which was held by a family member of #20 who was wearing even higher tube socks than a player from the night before.  The fun part after the game was seeing all of his family members wearing "High Tube Socks" in his support!

*  I'm wondering if the 809 attendance number is the LOWEST ever of a Elite Eight Final Game in DivIII Playoffs?


Now for memories from the ride home:

*  Just outside of Plover, a sign:  "Beware of dust on road"  HUH?   

*  Kudos to the young man who came up with what WIAC really stands for:  "Wisconsin Is All Cheese."  And speaking of this young man:  "Turtle Power!"

*  FDF -  You've got to make sure to remember for next year to teach the Dew Crew the new "Ref" cheer! 

*  And some of the "Annual Trivia Questions" from the road trip:  What players have a name of an animal in their name (i.e. Stephen has "hen")?  There are 7 in case you want to try!  Another one:  How much does the team weigh (Yup all 16 of them together!) How about, What is the average height of the players?  (Now remember, the person who has to come up with the answers is doing the driving. So don't cheat and go to your game program and see how well you do?   

*  I also heard that some of the Hope fans, who were drowning their sorrows after the game on Saturday, were ablot to turn their sorrow into dancing, but... saw pink elephants on their drive home.... ??

* And Last, and in tribute to SAC, the following bumper sticker was seen on a car while waiting at a toll booth:  "I'm not speeding, I'm Qualifying!!"

Bring on the talk about recruits!   

[gohope]

Good story that was in the Kalamazoo Gazette Friday night:

http://www.mlive.com/sports/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1173435604290120.xml&coll=7

[Pat Coleman]

According to the official attendance, not even the lowest for the night. I believe they listed 550 at St. John Fisher for Wooster/Brockport.

[oldknight]

*  I also heard that some of the Hope fans, who were drowning their sorrows after the game on Saturday, were ablot to turn their sorrow into dancing,

Must have been liturgical dance numbers you were rehearsing because I'm sure our Reformed Hope bretheren were preparing for the Sabbath.

[petemcb]

WashU Wallis was probably the best PG Hope played this year, he just doesn't make mistakes and a couple of his 3's were just killer.   Hope did a wonderful job on Ruth, much better than Point did, they gave up six 2 point baskets and lost......six. 

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, so just as a point of interest I'll throw out there that Sean Wallis was a great point guard at Glenbrook North High School in the north shore suburbs of Chicago  -  a point guard for Duke freshman Jon Scheyer and Kelly, the backup post guy for Wash. U.  That was a great high school team that did well in the Illinois AA playoffs for at least three years in a row.  That high school has also produced Chris Collins (son of Doug Collins) who played at Duke, as well as other luminaries and interesting pedigrees (Craig Hodges' nephew, as well as a 6'11" kid a few years back rumored to be the nephew of Kareem).  

By the way, congratulations to Hope on a great run.  My HS junior son and I became big Hope fans over the first weekend in Aurora.  Exciting team, exciting fans, great school.  You guys have a lot to be proud of.  We plan on visiting it the last week in March.  Will the ten million tulips be out by then?

[gohope]

WashU Wallis was probably the best PG Hope played this year, he just doesn't make mistakes and a couple of his 3's were just killer.   Hope did a wonderful job on Ruth, much better than Point did, they gave up six 2 point baskets and lost......six. 

I haven't seen this mentioned yet, so just as a point of interest I'll throw out there that Sean Wallis was a great point guard at Glenbrook North High School in the north shore suburbs of Chicago  -  a point guard for Duke freshman Jon Scheyer and Kelly, the backup post guy for Wash. U.  That was a great high school team that did well in the Illinois AA playoffs for at least three years in a row.  That high school has also produced Chris Collins (son of Doug Collins) who played at Duke, as well as other luminaries and interesting pedigrees (Craig Hodges' nephew, as well as a 6'11" kid a few years back rumored to be the nephew of Kareem).  

By the way, congratulations to Hope on a great run.  My HS junior son and I became big Hope fans over the first weekend in Aurora.  Exciting team, exciting fans, great school.  You guys have a lot to be proud of.  We plan on visiting it the last week in March.  Will the ten million tulips be out by then?

Petemcb -

Thanks for the additional comments.

And in regards to your question about the tulips, I HOPE not, "Tulip Time" doesn't begin until May!! 

[almcguirejr]

Bring on the talk about recruits!   

Maybe GVW should contact Kirk Walters.  Looks like he could get a red shirt year for this year and have 1 year of elgiibility left.  GVW could retire with over 600 hundred wins and could really make a strong run at a championship.  It would also reunite Walters with high school teamate DVS.  Likely?  probably not, but it is the time of the year for speculation.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

A couple of comments

- liturgical dancing it was, since by then it was the sabbath      (P.S. there really was a large pink elephant wearing glasses - I have the pictures to prove it)

- the laudromat chant by the Dew Crew was quite fun.  I also liked the singing of a Christmas carol followed by "get new colors" (WashU colors include red and green)

- I also appreciated the WIAC = Wisconsin Is All Cheese, which is supported by the number of cheese markets seen as well as what must have been between the ears of the officials we had   

- Another classic road sign - "Watch for Crop Duster" - like what am I supposed to do, duck?

It was really fun spending time with all of you out there this year, and meeting a lot of new posters I hadn't previously met.  Also great to spend time with so many "old" friends, like sac, gohope, hopefan, diehardfan, goodknight, oldknight, erm schmigget, vera grace, and many more (CM - FPOD).  After a great time this weekend, I'm left with one thought running through my head.....



"Come on Charlie, let's go to Candy Mountain"

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Dutchmen, Dutchmen, Dutchmen...   A tribute to the seniors

Mike Aldrich
To watch Mike in action at practice or a game is to see someone with a real passion for the game.  He had big shoes to fill, and he filled them to overflowing.  I loved to talk to Mike after games, because his assessments of the team's performance were so dead on.  Obviously Mike has huge potential as a coach – something Coach Izzo recognized and will be utilizing next year.  And you had to love the fact that while his guys were doing pre-game warm-ups, so was he – usually a hot dog and some nachos.

Patrick Wolpert
A great player with a great attitude and the smile to go with it.  Pat always impressed me with the intensity in his play.  That darn broken arm his freshman year set him back, and then being surrounded by such a great team, limited Pat's playing time.  Pat always played with such a "leave it all out on the floor" approach, and he practiced the same way.  A great example for the young guys on the team, Pat's leadership will be missed.

Tim Partridge
Watching Tim with that quick release three was always a pleasure.  After a somewhat frustrating junior year – playing out of position for the good of the team – it was great to see Tim play his senior year.  His defense and rebounding were real assets to the team, as well as those quick points off the bench.  Having Tim come in with that second 5 this year was always an amazing thing.  Their defensive intensity was a beautiful thing to watch.   It's a shame we only had him for two years.  A great kid who is going to be a great doctor some day.

Brett Jager
Brett was really the heart and soul of this team.  I'll never forget reading about Brett, getting after his teammates last year after a really bad game at Albion.   A natural leader, who worked his butt off to become a great point guard.  His improvement over the last two years is a real testament to his work ethic.  Brett had the amazing ability to make the big 3 at the time it had the most impact – usually to put the other team away.  Whether leading the cheers from the bench, or dishing the ball on the court,  Brett will be missed.

Scott Richardson
Scott was all hustle form his first game as a freshman until his last game as a senior.  He always impressed me as a player who made the most out of his abilities.  Often undersized against the opposing center, he managed to out position and out hustle them.  Scott seemed to always have the big defensive game when it was really needed.  I remember the amazing effort Scott put up against Mr. Crawford.  I'll also remember all those charges he took, and time I saw someone picking up something of the DeVos floor in the middle of the game, and what they were picking up were Scott's front teeth.  One tough kid!

Stephen Cramer
The classiest most athletic Hope player I can remember watching.  Stephen is the most humble star I know, who always found time for all the kids who hang around him after games.  What an awesome role model he has been for those kids.  He is a leader, who lead very quietly, and let his actions do all the talking.  And boy, those actions sure told some great stories, like the dunks, the 6 straight 3s, the maximum effort, and the circus shots.  He also grew a lot in his 4 years at Hope, improving his defense greatly.  He fulfilled every role he was given with maximum effort, from playing point guard to jumping center, and everything in between.  Stephen is a one of a kind player, with a quick, dry sense of humor, and a real love for teaching.  He is gonna make a great teacher and coach after graduation.

[AlwaysHope]

Sorry to add another Cramer post, but this is the only way to say Goodbye.

I saw "THE MAN" play all four years, so I am very sorry to see him leave.  Two words describe his character and play:  Class and Smooth.  Part of his greatness was his humility on the court, never, ever, showing up anyone - teammate, opponent, fan, coach, or ref.  He always let his play do his talking, and his performance spoke loudly.

Five parting memories:

1) After his last DeVos game, after a painful two point loss to Calvin, he picked up his little brother and gave him a hug.  Cramer leads the team with 28 points, but is probably wondering if his career is finished.  Fortunately Hope gets a bid to the D3 dance the next day.

2) With about one minute left in the Calvin game at Aurora, GVW takes him out.  THE MAN walks up to GVW and gives him a smile, the most emotion I saw him exhibit in the entire game.  Cramer leads his team with 26 points, the day after his career high of 32 points vs. Chicago.  Hope fans give him a standing ovation, as the Dew crew chants "USA, USA."

3) Hope is down at halftime to Washington, 31 -19.  With 30 seconds gone in the second half, THE MAN steals the ball, goes the distance on the court, and we witness the last of his elevated dunks; he then shows the most emotion I had ever seen from him, directed at his teammates to encourage them.  Cramer then takes the game into his own hands, and for the first 8 minutes of the half scores 14 of Hope's 19 points, tieing the game at 38-38.    

4) With the seconds winding down, we witness the last Cramer shot, a nothing but net three pointer, bringing Hope within three.  Unfortunately there is only one second left on the clock.  Reminds me of the famous Bobby Lane quote:  "I never lost a game, I just ran out of time."

5) Seconds later, Cramer stands alone on the floor, watching the Washington team celebrate, while he has his uniform in his teeth, but still controlling his outward emotions.  

THE MAN wore the Hope uniform with class and dignity for four years.  He will be gone, but not forgotten.