MBB: Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference

[TroyG]

can welton be considered to be a big man???

Who does Dominican have???
                  Benedictine???
                 Concordia??


It sounds like the illinois schools are going to have stronger teams.  R6 days to the  start of something special.  D 3 hoops.

Well hello to all,

If you don't already know, which most of you don't, my name is Bobby and I am a Dominican fan. Its nice to hear all the talk about you guys' favorite teams and to see some of you post that Dominican will finish number 1. It's only a few people but i think thats great. As for Dominican I believe that nobody from last years team graduated and are returning 4 starters (Clay, Jones, Haiduc, McMillan) from last years squad in addition to bringing in some juco players to build from last years minor success. In my opinion they have one of the most talented core group of guys and a solid bench with the additions made in the offseason. Not only are they talented but they are quick and bring athleticism in the forms of Jones and Haiduc. But what will get this team over the edge will be their committment to defense with two of the LMC'S leading shot blockers in Haiduc and McMillan. I think that Dominican is one of the top 2 or 3 teams and may be a force in the new and improved super conference. My list goes a little like this:

1. Dominican
2. Aurora
3. Lakeland
4. Benedictine
5. Edgewood
6. WLC
7. Rockford
8. Concordia Wisc.
9. Concordia Ill.
10. Marian
11. Maranatha

[Greek Tragedy]

Maybe I'm totally ignorant to what Dominican brings as a basketball team.  You are not the first to pick the Stars to win the first Northern Athletics Conference title.  Last year, they were a mere 6-8 in the conference (7 games back of Lakeland and 4 games back of MSOE.  Lakeland lost to former NIIC foes Rockford and Benedictine.  The former team ended up at .500 in conference and the latter team was a mere 3-7 in conference.  Aurora was 2nd at 8-2 with Clarke (independent now?) at 9-1.  Last year is last year, but Dominican needs drastic improvement while Lakeland, MSOE, Rockford and Benedictine...not to mention Aurora need to drop back a bit.

[TroyG]

Maybe I'm totally ignorant to what Dominican brings as a basketball team.  You are not the first to pick the Stars to win the first Northern Athletics Conference title.  Last year, they were a mere 6-8 in the conference (7 games back of Lakeland and 4 games back of MSOE.  Lakeland lost to former NIIC foes Rockford and Benedictine.  The former team ended up at .500 in conference and the latter team was a mere 3-7 in conference.  Aurora was 2nd at 8-2 with Clarke (independent now?) at 9-1.  Last year is last year, but Dominican needs drastic improvement while Lakeland, MSOE, Rockford and Benedictine...not to mention Aurora need to drop back a bit.

Yes I know that Dominican was a mere 6-8 and finished only .500 in their season and an impressive win over, then ranked #21 Aurora, but that is a massive improvement from years past of horrid records. But i think the sky's the limit for Dominican with all but one player returning from last years roster and key losses from the remaining 10 teams in the NAC. I would point all of those out but it is a long list. Among the top are Matt Harrison - Benedictine, Courtney Carson - Aurora, Seth Cooper - Edgewood, Jermaine James - Lakeland, Maurice Smith - Rockford, Thie big man and point gaurd - Concordia Wisc, Giles and their big man - Lutheran and there are many more to name. I am basing my pick all on the potential that I saw from last years team that underachieved on the floor and hopefully this time go round it will be different, but dont be suprised when you see Dominican among the top 3 in the NAC because I won't. I just think that all the chips fall their way and if they don't do as good as I hope then it will be their own fault and not because any of the other teams are better or more talented.

[cardinalfanrochelle]

I wouldn't count Lakeland out so soon. They really struck me last year as a team that was made up of interchangeable parts, with no real standouts apart from Germayne James -- and he wasn't someone whose numbers were irreplaceably high. It's sometimes tough to transition to a new coach, especially one who has never been the guy in charge before, but if a team returns plenty of experienced players it can make up for that with its leadership on the floor. Lakeland returns eight players next year who averaged double figures in minutes played. I see them as a genuine NAthCon contender in 2006-07.

Kyle Brumett looks like he has good credentials, as D3 head-coach newbies go. My questions about his chances for success would revolve around recruiting. He's an Indiana boy who has spent his entire playing and coaching career in the southern part of that state (Hanover, Southern Indiana, DePauw). That's a long way from Wisconsin. Recruiting for Lakeland is no easy thing even for an experienced Wisconsinite, seeing as how WIAC teams get first dibs at most instate D3-level players, with Ripon, Lawrence, Carthage, and now Carroll also further up the prestige ladder than the Muskies (and look for St. Norbert under former Lakeland coach Gary Grzesk to start landing some nice recruits as well). Brumett faces a very steep learning curve in terms of recruiting at his new post.

[cardinalfanrochelle]

Gregory S,
               I think Coach B should look South of the border, Coach G picked up Matt Rogers from Rochelle IL and he was ROY and from what I understand he is tapping Rochelle for a guard for next year. Talent is there from Northern Illinois, Lakeland should start tapping that pool even some JC have some super talent from schools like Sauk, Kish and Highland. Rockford has some great talent I wonder where Robert Eppinger is now or Josh Pikens?.As far as talent coming to LakeLand Coach B is a great Coach and we are lucky to have him, very good vibes..........    

[frontiercascade]

I have a wealth of knowledge about both conferences.  My feelings are that the Illinois schools will dominate the league this year hands down.  Order of finish:

Aurora- welton will be the mvp
dominican - their big is for real and they brought in some ballers
edgewood- new coach, new program =more wins
benedictine- coach b will come close to 20 wins this year
Wisc. Lutheran- bringing back some young talent, scrappy play causes confusion
Con. WI- good senior, huenink will dominate the league
Lakeland- rogers is for real
Marian- the big will surpass 1000 pts.
Con. RF- all 5 starters return
Rockford- lost everybody, brought in nobody
maranatha- will be playing rockford for this spot

[luv d3hoops]

Is AU realy that good. And dose welton have what it takes to lead this team.Thay showed me nothing last year after coming off a #21 ranking the year before.   

[centilbball]

3 more days to the official start of the d3 season and in fact the rest of college bball.  Why did everyone from  Rockford go?  Also au can be good as long as the others around him (welton)  step up!!!! Domincan has a soild younger core returning, Concord of Chicago will be much but as long as they play as a team and work hard.  Coach S has done a great job with them!!!!!!  Coach Bunks I am sure has his work cut out for him, loosing 76% percent of his scoring ( harrsion and fudge and others) he will have to rely on a very young team that will make a solid run for post season next year!!!!!! However the eagles can win 15 - 18 games if they play hard and together.  The wisconsin schools will posse a battle for any school traveling to the cheese state this year.   Look for 3 illinois and 3 wis schools make up the first post season event.

[auballer]

Frontiercascade-

I agree with you that Aurora will be great and Welton will be MVP, but you said Rockford didn't bring in anybody.  Do me a favor and "google" the name Nick Stiggers and tell me if you think he might be a threat in this conference.

[WLCALUM83]

I have a wealth of knowledge about both conferences.  My feelings are that the Illinois schools will dominate the league this year hands down.  Order of finish:

Aurora- welton will be the mvp
dominican - their big is for real and they brought in some ballers
edgewood- new coach, new program =more wins
benedictine- coach b will come close to 20 wins this year
Wisc. Lutheran- bringing back some young talent, scrappy play causes confusion
Con. WI- good senior, huenink will dominate the league
Lakeland- rogers is for real
Marian- the big will surpass 1000 pts.
Con. RF- all 5 starters return
Rockford- lost everybody, brought in nobody
maranatha- will be playing rockford for this spot

Thanks for the positive projection. The Warriors are going to need a bit more height and depth. Hagel, Krygiel and Sorum (especially if all 3 were to start) could use some help rebounding. A taller guard or two wouldn't hurt either.

Still, they'll make their fair share of noise if all hands stay healthy.

[budder]

Just letting you all know Dominican had their first scrimmage with Kalamazoo College Monday night.  They played without a couple key players, but were able to play OK.  DU lost the first half by 3 and won the second by 26, the 3rd twenty was running time and was close again.

[Tiger Woods]

Who are the best players in the conference this year?  Not much conversation on here with the season quickly approaching.

[budder]

coaches poll is out
   
2006-07 NAC Men's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Poll

1. Aurora University (8), 117
2. Lakeland College (3), 102
3. Edgewood College, 95
4. Dominican University, 84
5. Benedictine University, 70
6. Wisconsin Lutheran College, 66
7. Concordia University Chicago, 52
    Rockford College, 52
9. Concordia University-Wisconsin, 41
10. Marian College, 36
11. Maranatha Baptist Bible College, 11

First place votes in parentheses.

[WLCALUM83]

Brian Hagel of WLC gets the most print as far as all-around play (inside-outside offensive threat and rebounding), the Warriors have virtually everyone back, and barring injury, etc, they figure to have plenty of depth off the bench.

[FrSamuel]

I have to say I think the polls seem pretty legit.  I mean, if anyone plans on winning the conference, you are going to have to beat Aurora.  Welton is a freak of a Division III basketball player and they always seem to have a couple of shooters every year and floor leadership at the point.

Lakeland was very solid last year and ran their offense better than any team I saw.  However, new head coach and no Germayne James...jury is still out on them.

Edgewood is very solid with the a strong front court featuring Averkamp and Ciche not to mention the fat that the Edgedome is a tough place to play.

Dominican has been a hot topic on this board with all of their guys returning a what-not.  They typically have been very athletic but sloppy with the basketball.  I'm very interested to see them this year.  If they take better care of the ball and learn how to finish games, they could be extremely dangerous...just ask Aurora.

I would have to slide Concordia up to fifth behind Dominican.  They have improved immensely over the last couple of years.  In fact, they beat Benedictine (who claimed the five spot in the poll) three times last year, including twice in a five day span at the end of the season.

Benedictine, Wisconsin Lutheran and Rockford will all be contenders for anywhere from fourth to eighth come the end of the season.  Benedictine routinely finished in the top two or three in the NIIC annually.  They lose Harrison but he may have pulled the team apart rather than be the glue that held it together.  He wore his emotions on his sleeve and when things didn't go his way, he showed his frustrations towards teammates.  WLC marched to the LMC championship last season but the road to repeat will be tough.  They may miss out on the NAC tournament this year as may Rockford (but I don't know much about what they have).