MBB: Centennial Conference

Gabriel · August 01, 2011, 04:11:35 PM

The basketball juices are starting to flow again. Ursinus is gearing up for their trip to Italy. I believe they leave on August 17 for about 9 or 10 days. These trips are great for team bonding----and for parents and grandparents who tag along. You can never go wrong with Italy.

The Ursinus schedule is out and guess what---they play 25 games----but----only 9 games at home and 16 on the road. I wonder how this compares with F&M's schedule. Ursinus' non league games include at Marymount, Keystone (Rochester tourney), TBD (Rochester tourney), at Eastern, at Moravian, Ramapo (at D3 Hoops Classic in Las Vegas) and Skidmore (at Las Vegas).

Any word on recruits for next year. I heard that Dickinson is adding at least two big men.

gordonmann · August 01, 2011, 10:53:01 PM

Another way to look at Ursinus' schedule is to say they play 9 games at home, three on a neutral court and three on the road with the second UR tournament game unknown. That's a very manageable non-conference schedule given that Eastern, Moravian and Marymount went a combined 27-47 last year.

Remember that the Centennial Conference's weak non-conference record last year really hurt the conference's at-large tournament hopes. Here's how the Mid Atlantic conferences fared in terms of non-conference records against Division III opponents.

5th (of 43): MACC 52-26 (0.667)
15th: MACF 44-35 (0.557)
20th: Landmark 41-36 (0.532)
22nd: CAC 36-34 (0.514)
25th: CSAC 29-33 (0.468)
30th: Centennial 27-37 (0.422)
38th: AMCC 23-43 (.348)
43rd: NEAC 6-45 (0.118)

The NEAC's record is so bad I had to double check it. The non-conference teams that are members of Division III and lost to the NEAC were Alfred (8-17), Cortland State (10-16), Wilkes (15-10), Medgar Evers (17-12), St. Lawrence (11-13) and Hilbert (12-15).

Gabriel · August 02, 2011, 01:18:03 PM

Quote from: gordonmann on August 01, 2011, 10:53:01 PM
Another way to look at Ursinus' schedule is to say they play 9 games at home, three on a neutral court and three on the road with the second UR tournament game unknown. That's a very manageable non-conference schedule given that Eastern, Moravian and Marymount went a combined 27-47 last year.

Remember that the Centennial Conference's weak non-conference record last year really hurt the conference's at-large tournament hopes. Here's how the Mid Atlantic conferences fared in terms of non-conference records against Division III opponents.

5th (of 43): MACC 52-26 (0.667)
15th: MACF 44-35 (0.557)
20th: Landmark 41-36 (0.532)
22nd: CAC 36-34 (0.514)
25th: CSAC 29-33 (0.468)
30th: Centennial 27-37 (0.422)
38th: AMCC 23-43 (.348)
43rd: NEAC 6-45 (0.118)

The NEAC's record is so bad I had to double check it. The non-conference teams that are members of Division III and lost to the NEAC were Alfred (8-17), Cortland State (10-16), Wilkes (15-10), Medgar Evers (17-12), St. Lawrence (11-13) and Hilbert (12-15).

Gordon,

Nice analysis but think the summary should be 3 on a neutral court, 12 on the road and one unknown. Don't forget the 9 conference games on the road.

Hopefully, the CC will fare better this year as I think the conference will be stronger top to bottom. Time will tell

gordonmann · August 02, 2011, 04:19:45 PM

Right, sorry.

Gabriel · August 03, 2011, 12:34:29 PM

http://www.ursinusathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20110711f0jycjhttp://www.ursinusathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20110524f047u1

Interesting changes in the Ursinus coaching staff for this year. Mike McGarvey moved on to become an assistant at Colgate. Colgate's head coach, Matt Langel, was a Fran Dunphy assistant--hence the connection.

Pat Price comes to Ursinus from years of experience coaching in Ireland. I met him in Ireland and he will be a terrific addition to the Ursinus staff as an experienced coach with great intangibles.

diplomaniac1 · August 19, 2011, 05:44:26 PM

Now that the students are returning to capmus for fall classes, that can only mean one thing. Basketball season can't be too far behind. Now that my juices are flowing again, lets get some chat going in here! Look forward to hearing from all you Centennial fans! Regards to all,

Eric

Reserved Seat · August 28, 2011, 09:42:41 AM

Meet two potential freshmen players-both 6'5". Unfortunately, I haven't seen any other height wandering around the campus.

Swat Fan #1 · August 29, 2011, 05:36:47 PM

While I usually feel that if Swat finishes anything other than last it is a good season, I think this season will be tremendously different. I think this year should be interesting and that other than F&M, there will be a ton of upsets. I feel Swat will be much more competitive this year if everyone stays healthy.

centfan · August 29, 2011, 09:52:30 PM

it is difficult to count swat out despite their history. they always play hard. good luck swat dad...the season will be here before we know it. i think the league will be up for grabs this year

Swat Fan #1 · September 03, 2011, 09:42:58 AM

Thanks! The best part of a new season is the optimism it brings!

diplomaniac1 · September 04, 2011, 04:28:27 PM

Folks -

F&M's Athletic Department has finally posted the Men's Basketball schedule on the team's webpage. There are still a few dates to fill with confirmed teams. See link below:

http://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-baskbl/2010-11/roster

Enjoy the long holiday weekend! Bring on the season! Regards to all.

Eric

Reserved Seat · September 05, 2011, 08:09:13 AM

diplomaniac1 you beat me to the post. I'll check into the other tourney opponents to see if they're known or still waiting for confirmations.

Gabriel · September 05, 2011, 08:52:05 AM

Quote from: diplomaniac1 on September 04, 2011, 04:28:27 PM

Folks -

F&M's Athletic Department has finally posted the Men's Basketball schedule on the team's webpage. There are still a few dates to fill with confirmed teams. See link below:

http://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-baskbl/2010-11/roster

Enjoy the long holiday weekend! Bring on the season! Regards to all.

Eric

Eric,

Gee, instead of just the usual obligatory 9 conference road games, Dips are actually playing 10 road games---traveling all the way to Lancaster Bible.

diplomaniac1 · September 06, 2011, 03:38:53 PM

Reserved Seat -

Nice to hear from you again and know that at least one other Diplomat fan is stirring! Any other new info will be greatly appreciated. What do you know about the recruits? Hope all is well.

Regards,

Eric

diplomaniac1 · September 06, 2011, 03:47:18 PM

Gabriel -

I know that my response will probably stir up all of the "GRob-haters" and the whole strength of scehdule agrument again. But, this Dips went to St. Mary's early in the season last year. This year, the Seahawks are visiting Mayser Center early in the season. I think this home and home non-conference series has been going on for about four years. Hopefully, the non-confirmed tournament games will add several more difficult oppenents than Lancaster Bible to the schedule. When a team is committed to 18 conference games and two long-established and well-attended tournaments at home, there are not alot of other opportunities to travel. Quite frankly, I preferred the old division structure that opened up a few more dates for out of conference play. Regards,

Eric