MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[realist]

DCHN:  Thanks for the quick response.  I don't think replacing Cramer was easy, but IMHO in 07 the rest of the team tended to wait for Mr. C to do his thing.  If that didn't happen the others tended not to step up.  This year with no clear star, or better yet a star (MVH) without a big ego, everyone just sort of instinctively did what they could when they got the chance to make the team better.  Strangely all the hype the fr. got actually worked to make the returning players perform better to avoid the embarassment of being replaced by a fr.  Sort of a strange combination of ingredients, and situations, but somehow GVW, and the team just managed to make it all work for them.  As a Calvin fan it was apparent to me this was going to be a special year for Hope, and it was.  A bounce here or there for Hope on Friday night, and the outcome could have been different.  
Next year when you guys look back you will really understand how special this years group of jr. and sr. players really was.  Hope will be good, but expect some growing pains early in the season.

[AndersDY]

Finally back on here to check some reading. I was another of the folks that did not envision the Hope roster being as dominant as they were this year. I could imagine them being pretty good as experienced as the starters were, but didn't think they would go so far without one standout superstar. We have now had a good a 3 year run as there could be without the banner we are of course now lamenting. Hope's last 3 seasons have ended at the hands of the 2nd, 3rd, and 1st place finishers in the tournament; there is no team in all of D3 they should envy over the past 3 years other than the 3 title winners.

In the Ursinus game, the posters to this point have been correct that there was no reason to fear their monstrosity in the middle. He was pretty much a liability who would come in the game until his next foul would mean he needed to wait on the bench a while. As far as missing players to injury, they did something special for the opening tip of the consolation game to get a player on the floor as a starter just for the first second. Klein held off the jump ball and the big guy tapped it right to #21 for Ursinus, they then stopped the clock to sub him out. The fans were chanting MVP for him, so I assume that was an important loss which may explain their showing for the weekend. I was meanwhile chuckling to myself, complaining that "aw, c'mon, Ryan was gonna win that tip..."

As has been stated, there were a few wild calls that I would have liked to have seen go differently, but even with some more good fortune it's hard to envision Hope could have won with Wash U's shooters warmed up like that. Either the 2nd or 3 foul that got Marcus in foul trouble was an offensive call that appeared to just be Marcus removing his arm from a defender who was holding him. I'm not sure how much better he could have held things up in the middle with one less foul and more time on the floor. Hope fell to the same problems that came up on offense whenever they struggled this year though: not finishing the short shots at a high percentage and not making their FTs. Putting down a couple 3-foot misses and a couple more FTs would have put that game within reach in the last few minutes, though several things would have needed to improve to overcome Wash U at the end.

Those of us who stayed to watch the final game did see Wash U give Amherst at least as impressive a jump shooting clinic along with Ruths' 33 points. I was at least glad to see their shooting stay as good as it had been the night before to know that it wasn't some abnormally hot-shooting, out-of-character night that ended Hope's year. Another number Sac did not congratulate Washington for though was the 57 second half points that opened up the semi-final game. Has it been even longer since Hope has had that bad a defensive half against any team?

[hopefan]

Some of you recognize me as a Hope season ticket holder in the 80's, who then moved to St Louis in the 90's and lived here now for 20 years, adding Wash U support to my resume .  Prior to the game, I told Sac to watch two things - Who if anyone, between Ruths and Marcus got in foul trouble early, as it would alter that team's entire offensive outlook  -  and I said Ruths and Nading would get their 35-40 most nights, the key to holding down Wash U was denying Aaron Thompson the ball, not let him get hot.   After the game, a glum Sac sadly told me, I nailed it.

I was proud to show a friend I brought along the great crowd, the comrodery, that a D3 school is able to generate.....  I just hope so much that GVW gets another shot at the trophy and can bring it back to Holland.

Impressive sight - with a minute left in the Wash U - Amherst, and the entire Hope crowd having left for the long trip home, there were 4 lonely people left in the main part of the Hope seating section, taking in the final four to the end  -  Sac, Flying Dutch Fan, Civic Minded, and Gohope -  great to see you all this weekend.  Also a pleasure to meet Hope convert.

[HopeConvert]

Well, not the entire Hope crowd. We stayed until the bitter end as well. Frankly the sting of Friday's loss was removed somewhat by seeing WashU dismantle an Amherst team that I personally thought, after Friday's games, was the slight favorite.

Good to meet you and chat hopefan. In my experience, it's always been good to meet posters in person and gain a better appreciation of who they are.

[ChicagoHopeNut]

While the outcome of this weekend is not what I would have wanted a silver lining I took away from this weekend is that I am not nearly as worried about next year as I was heading into the weekend. The thought of losing four quality starters really had me concerned but I was very impressed by Zach Osburn this weekend and really enjoyed watching the speed Bosch brings to the point position. Those elements along with Reimink, the much discussed freshmen and the rest of the bench is encouraging. After this weekend I have a great deal more hope for next year's team than I had before.

That said there are still 6 spots open on next year's roster! (Maybe 7 spots if anyone on this year's varsity squad does not return, which I hear is a possibility).  Along those lines any word on incoming freshmen or this year's JV players? Particularly do we have any height somewhere? Our tallest returning players are 6'5". And as I said I thought Osburn played great but I rather not see him having to play the 5 and guard 5's all next year. I think of him as a 4.

[Pat Coleman]

Some of you recognize me as a Hope season ticket holder in the 80's, who then moved to St Louis in the 90's and lived here now for 20 years, adding Wash U support to my resume .  Prior to the game, I told Sac to watch two things - Who if anyone, between Ruths and Marcus got in foul trouble early, as it would alter that team's entire offensive outlook  -  and I said Ruths and Nading would get their 35-40 most nights, the key to holding down Wash U was denying Aaron Thompson the ball, not let him get hot.   After the game, a glum Sac sadly told me, I nailed it.

I was proud to show a friend I brought along the great crowd, the comrodery, that a D3 school is able to generate.....  I just hope so much that GVW gets another shot at the trophy and can bring it back to Holland.

Impressive sight - with a minute left in the Wash U - Amherst, and the entire Hope crowd having left for the long trip home, there were 4 lonely people left in the main part of the Hope seating section, taking in the final four to the end  -  Sac, Flying Dutch Fan, Civic Minded, and Gohope -  great to see you all this weekend.  Also a pleasure to meet Hope convert.

Thanks to you and sac for coming up and introducing yourselves this weekend -- was nice to meet you and wish we'd had more time to talk. It's a busy weekend for us, unfortunately.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Just for the record, the Ursinus team everyone saw this past weekend was not the same. Shattuck was playing on two bad ankles, which he injured one twice the opening weekend of the tournament and the other he badly injured in the game against Coast Guard. He was not even 50% against Wash U and was basically not going to play against Hope. It is too bad, he is a big difference, on the second team of the All Americans and having seen him play plenty, wish he could have played at even 75%.

As for #41, Michael Shema, the criticism is unfounded. He didn't have a great weekend, plain and simple. He is actually a pretty good player, despite the fact he didn't start playing ball until his sophomore year in high school and suffered several bad injuries in his years at Ursinus. Coming into the tournament he only averaged about 8 points a game, but put up 21 against Gettysburg and 18 against Coast Guard. #23 is a good player, but if Shema is on, he is a far better player. And for reference, give this a read: http://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2008/03/21/Shema+could+pick+up+slack/2065

As for Hope... congrats on making it to the Final Four. The team certainly had to battle against Wash U in that semi-final game and as we know, they simply got beat by a better team. Good luck next season!

[wiz]

Just for the record, the Ursinus team everyone saw this past weekend was not the same. Shattuck was playing on two bad ankles, which he injured one twice the opening weekend of the tournament and the other he badly injured in the game against Coast Guard. He was not even 50% against Wash U and was basically not going to play against Hope. It is too bad, he is a big difference, on the second team of the All Americans and having seen him play plenty, wish he could have played at even 75%.

Just for the record, the Wash U team everyone saw this past weekend was not the same either.  They lost superstar, Sean Wallis, early in the year and most likely would have won both Salem games even more easily with him in the lineup.

[Pat Coleman]

Thanks. We weren't aware.

[HopeConvert]

Just for the record, the Ursinus team everyone saw this past weekend was not the same. Shattuck was playing on two bad ankles, which he injured one twice the opening weekend of the tournament and the other he badly injured in the game against Coast Guard. He was not even 50% against Wash U and was basically not going to play against Hope. It is too bad, he is a big difference, on the second team of the All Americans and having seen him play plenty, wish he could have played at even 75%.

Just for the record, the Wash U team everyone saw this past weekend was not the same either.  They lost superstar, Sean Wallis, early in the year and most likely would have won both Salem games even more easily with him in the lineup.

My reasons for dissenting from that judgment have been posted elsewhere. Suffice it to say I doubt they would have scored more than 57 points in the second half against Hope with Wallis, nor shot better than 70% against Amherst. Ross Kelley wasn't exactly chopped liver, and Aaron Thompson really stepped up, probably taking some of the shots Wallis might have.

[AndersDY]

Impressive sight - with a minute left in the Wash U - Amherst, and the entire Hope crowd having left for the long trip home, there were 4 lonely people left in the main part of the Hope seating section, taking in the final four to the end  -  Sac, Flying Dutch Fan, Civic Minded, and Gohope -  great to see you all this weekend.  Also a pleasure to meet Hope convert.

Hey now, they were not all alone, I was sitting in CM/FDF's row with them and didn't leave until we had heard the all-tournament team. I suppose I can give you a pass since we did not get to meet in person. I was hoping to also meet a few more board folks than the ones I already know, but that is a hectic environment to try to make that happen.

Like you, I've gained a second D3 allegiance through my attendance at Wooster, but I am so far 0-5 in my Salem trips. I'm sure it's good to see it even if it is your second choice team you get to watch win it all. Hopefully I'll be seeing that one of these years before too long (as I scanned the banners of past winners this weekend, I pondered to myself if any two teams not yet on that wall can claim a stronger D3 basketball history than Hope and Woo..?).

[iceBerg]

That said there are still 6 spots open on next year's roster! (Maybe 7 spots if anyone on this year's varsity squad does not return, which I hear is a possibility).  Along those lines any word on incoming freshmen or this year's JV players? Particularly do we have any height somewhere? Our tallest returning players are 6'5". And as I said I thought Osburn played great but I rather not see him having to play the 5 and guard 5's all next year. I think of him as a 4.

From what I have seen there are several jv players that could step up for next year.  One, that I was very impressed with this past year, was Nelis.  He's a bigger body and is very quick.  Another that comes to mind is Cox.  When he turns it on, he can shoot lights out. 

I think that there are 7 spots open for sure for next year. (I may be mistaken, but I believe Cody Cannon is a senior)  I think we could also look forward to the possibility of another strong recruiting class.

Also, I see Kratz pushing through his sophomore slump and being very good next year.   

[sbaum]

I think the Nelis on the swim team is a different person. I've heard that there is a transfer coming in next year, so we'll see if that all pans out! It sure wouldn't hurt!

[almcguirejr]

That said there are still 6 spots open on next year's roster! (Maybe 7 spots if anyone on this year's varsity squad does not return, which I hear is a possibility).  Along those lines any word on incoming freshmen or this year's JV players? Particularly do we have any height somewhere? Our tallest returning players are 6'5". And as I said I thought Osburn played great but I rather not see him having to play the 5 and guard 5's all next year. I think of him as a 4.

From what I have seen there are several jv players that could step up for next year.  One, that I was very impressed with this past year, was Nelis.  He's a bigger body and is very quick.  Another that comes to mind is Cox.  When he turns it on, he can shoot lights out. 

I think that there are 7 spots open for sure for next year. (I may be mistaken, but I believe Cody Cannon is a senior)  I think we could also look forward to the possibility of another strong recruiting class.

Also, I see Kratz pushing through his sophomore slump and being very good next year.   

Jon Snikkers?

[hopehoopfan]

That said there are still 6 spots open on next year's roster! (Maybe 7 spots if anyone on this year's varsity squad does not return, which I hear is a possibility).  Along those lines any word on incoming freshmen or this year's JV players? Particularly do we have any height somewhere? Our tallest returning players are 6'5". And as I said I thought Osburn played great but I rather not see him having to play the 5 and guard 5's all next year. I think of him as a 4.

From what I have seen there are several jv players that could step up for next year.  One, that I was very impressed with this past year, was Nelis.  He's a bigger body and is very quick.  Another that comes to mind is Cox.  When he turns it on, he can shoot lights out. 

I think that there are 7 spots open for sure for next year. (I may be mistaken, but I believe Cody Cannon is a senior)  I think we could also look forward to the possibility of another strong recruiting class.

Also, I see Kratz pushing through his sophomore slump and being very good next year.   

Jon Snikkers?

Snikkers will definitely have a positive impact. I saw him play in the preseason scrimmage the JV had against the Alumni and this was before I knew who he was. He appeared older and was pretty much the dominant force for the Alumni team. He was big, strong and could shoot lights out! He will be an addition along the lines of another Reimink. Also agree that Cox and Nelis will transition well to Varsity. (This is a different Nelis from the one on Hope's swim team, but does anyone know if they are related?)   Word about two months ago was that a couple of tall players were considering coming to Hope, both with 1 or 2 years experience(most likely at a CC). Guard play should be strong with Bosch and Carter and a slight chance of one of the three PGs from the JV moving up.