MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[sac]

Sac;  Thanks for verifying that the bar for any incoming fr. class is already high at Hope.  The 98 class had a very solid/talented group of upper classmen that they supplemented, and made better.      

In 1995 the only Freshman that I remember to play varsity was Holstege (can't confirm that, again the cheat sheet isn't here)  Kris Merritt was playing JV ball that year.  Although Muhlenberg left Hope with the 98 class he actually was apart of the 94 class and sat out a year at Hope with injury.  Dan VanHekken was playing at Concordia in 95.  Kyle Pheps and Josh Cannon came to Hope latter on, although I can't remember if they graduated in 1998.

Holstege had a great group to compliment with Bosma, Van Fossen, Brintnell, Duistermars, Gortsema,  Schlaff, Plank among others.  I doubt the 95 team even had room for 4 or 5 Freshman as this years team seems to have.  But the similarity is there in that no Freshman will be asked to carry a huge load in 08 as the Dutchmen already have a pretty solid lineup.

Holstege came off the bench for about 10 to 15 minutes of action most nights, and gained more minutes as the year went on.  I'd be happy if just one of Hope's freshman could garner that much trust and attention.

[devossed]

Sac;  Thanks for verifying that the bar for any incoming fr. class is already high at Hope.  The 98 class had a very solid/talented group of upper classmen that they supplemented, and made better.      

In 1995 the only Freshman that I remember to play varsity was Holstege (can't confirm that, again the cheat sheet isn't here)  Kris Merritt was playing JV ball that year.  Although Muhlenberg left Hope with the 98 class he actually was apart of the 94 class and sat out a year at Hope with injury.  Dan VanHekken was playing at Concordia in 95.  Kyle Pheps and Josh Cannon came to Hope latter on, although I can't remember if they graduated in 1998.

Holstege had a great group to compliment with Bosma, Van Fossen, Brintnell, Duistermars, Gortsema,  Schlaff, Plank among others.  I doubt the 95 team even had room for 4 or 5 Freshman as this years team seems to have.  But the similarity is there in that no Freshman will be asked to carry a huge load in 08 as the Dutchmen already have a pretty solid lineup.

Holstege came off the bench for about 10 to 15 minutes of action most nights, and gained more minutes as the year went on.  I'd be happy if just one of Hope's freshman could garner that much trust and attention.

http://www.hope.edu/pr/athletics/mbb/mbbarc.html

This is about as close to old rosters as you can get...

And Kyle Phelps/Josh Canan were both Hope class of 2000 (along with Mark Bray and Brian Paul), but Josh only played his first 2.5 years and then concentrated on academics.

[oldknight]

http://www.hope.edu/pr/athletics/mbb/mbbarc.html

This is about as close to old rosters as you can get...

Take a look at Floyd Brady's stats for the 67-68 season. In only 23 games he scored 712 points and snared 341 rebounds. That's 31 points and nearly 15 boards each contest. But the most mind boggling statistic of all is the fact that he went to the charity stripe 289 times--taking an average of more than 12.5 free throws per game.

[realist]

Back in 94-95 Holstege was fortunate that he wasn't counted on to start game one  He had time to grow into his role, and gained confidence rapidly .  Compare that to a Mantel at Calvin last season that was put into a very difficult spot for any fr.  This years Hope fr. group will be best served if they have a chance to follow in Holstege's path.
OK:  I recall several of those games from the "Braady" era.  He was a man playing with boys.  About the only guy that matched up with him was Bill De Horn, and he didn't last long.

[gohope]

http://www.hope.edu/pr/athletics/mbb/mbbarc.html

This is about as close to old rosters as you can get...

Take a look at Floyd Brady's stats for the 67-68 season. In only 23 games he scored 712 points and snared 341 rebounds. That's 31 points and nearly 15 boards each contest. But the most mind boggling statistic of all is the fact that he went to the charity stripe 289 times--taking an average of more than 12.5 free throws per game.

I was able to meet Mr. Brady a couple of years ago.  And that was one of the few visits he has made back to Hope.  As like his playing days, it's wasn't about him. What a humble man and a picture perfect example of humility. It was an honor to meet him and to this day, I have not washed that hand!!   

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Back in 94-95 Holstege was fortunate that he wasn't counted on to start game one  He had time to grow into his role, and gained confidence rapidly .  Compare that to a Mantel at Calvin last season that was put into a very difficult spot for any fr.  This years Hope fr. group will be best served if they have a chance to follow in Holstege's path.
OK:  I recall several of those games from the "Braady" era.  He was a man playing with boys.  About the only guy that matched up with him was Bill De Horn, and he didn't last long.

realist - absolutely agree about the bonus of not being counted on to start.  My impression was that Mantel was more comfortable on the floor last year after he was taken out of the starting lineup.

[MIdoubleA]

I've met Mr. Brady as well and find a more upstanding, kinder gentlemen you will not.

As far as my predictions/thoughts for Hope go, I say this.

While this board is full of theorcraft and guesswork (which I love it for ) the worst thing we can do for the freshmen class is to put undo pressure and speculation on their shoulders. I'll leave it at that.

Moving on to current players, here's my starting 5 (in no particular order).

MVH, Klein, Reimink, Wolfe and DVS.

For Klein and Reimink, I see them having solid seasons. I think they will be the definition of consistency for Hope, the two players that show up every night, never flashy and never flat.

DVS and MVH have (possibly) the most talent on the floor but also the most problems. (Funny how those to things seem to go hand in hand...) In my mind, they will each be challenged (Marcus more than Derek) for playing time should they become lazy. Depending on who shows up (the players or the attitudes) on any particular night, they will both be hit or miss all season long. Should both players show up together, watch out.

Wolfe is going to have his best season this year. I'm calling it right now. Save injury (knock on wood!) or something else, I really think this year is when we will see Tyler catch fire. I have a feeling that a summer in the gym will show us a quicker, better defending wolfe with a more consistent shooting hand.

I haven't been to any team practices, nor do I know anything about the incoming freshmen. My predictions are pure guesses, feelings and wishes. I've been lurking all summer on the board, but now that the season has started I'll be back to posting.

Happy basketball, everyone.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

Interesting article in the GR Press about the Dutchmen, and specifically how some of the difficulty for freshman is addressed at Hope

http://www.mlive.com/sports/grpress/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/119271557524530.xml&coll=6&thispage=1

[KnightSlappy]

Back in 94-95 Holstege was fortunate that he wasn't counted on to start game one  He had time to grow into his role, and gained confidence rapidly .  Compare that to a Mantel at Calvin last season that was put into a very difficult spot for any fr.  This years Hope fr. group will be best served if they have a chance to follow in Holstege's path.

realist - absolutely agree about the bonus of not being counted on to start.  My impression was that Mantel was more comfortable on the floor last year after he was taken out of the starting lineup.

I think that comfort also came from having several games under his belt.

[realist]

fdf:  Just curious.  Hope's roster for last yr. shows 7 jrs.  The article above mentions 6 srs.  Which one didn't come back or go out for the team?
Gues it isn't unusual to see some attrition esp if playing time was scarce.
Welcom back to MIdA, and all the others.  Looking forward to another great year.

[Flying Dutch Fan]

fdf:  Just curious.  Hope's roster for last yr. shows 7 jrs.  The article above mentions 6 srs.  Which one didn't come back or go out for the team?
Gues it isn't unusual to see some attrition esp if playing time was scarce.
Welcom back to MIdA, and all the others.  Looking forward to another great year.

Considering all 7 seniors have been at practice, I suspect the error was made by the sports writer.

ALERT - ALERT - ALERT - a newspaper writer in west Michigan got his facts wrong   

The only other possible answer might be that one of these gentleman actually has another year of eligibility.  If that turns out to be true, I will apologize to the sports writers, with a BIG smile on my face   

[hoopdreams]

I believe Osburne is a junior athletically.  can't remember when he transferred, but he played football at NIU, so that may be the missing SR.  I know that a couple of the frosh  must have had a rewarding experience with the mentor program based on the number of times they where at the devos/dow working together. Saw wolfe and tanis together ALOT.  Some others I heard, didn't go quite as well, but it was better than starting from scratch when the season started.  Great concept though.  Hope it pays huge dividends in the future.

[AlwaysHope]

Regarding earlier comments about Floyd Brady...

I had the fortune to be at Hope for all four of the Brady years ('64-'68).  He could do it all -break the press, get the rebound, play "D", make the pass, and seemingly score when he wanted to; I don't remember him fouling out any game either.  I will always remember the sight of two black hands above the rim and above anyone else's as he ripped down still another rebound; he normally was the only black player on the floor and he seemed to be literally heads and shoulders above everyone else despite being about 6'3".  Another strong memory was his ball control, shifting the ball from one hand to another while in mid-air.

As a person he was always humble and first class in my limited contact with him.  I believe he still lives in Chicago, and last year (?) he was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at a Hope game.

I believe that we only had one class together, and my regret is that I did not get to know him better.

[wolverinekeith]

Anyone know when the rosters are usually put out?  I know practice "officially" started this week, so.....what?  Sometime next week? 

[GoKnights68]

Anyone know when the rosters are usually put out?  I know practice "officially" started this week, so.....what?  Sometime next week? 

Well try-outs were this week, and I know they still might be undecided about some players if they will be on JV or Varsity.  My guess is sometime next week...