MBB: Centennial Conference

[Gabriel]

Eric,

I understand where you're coming from, it would be interesting to play more non conference games.  I know Kevin Small tries to schedule NESCAC schools every year but they do not want to do home and homes---traveling all the way to Pennsylvania from New England.  That is why he plays the tournaments away from Collegeville---- such as Williams, Hamilton and Wesleyan in recent years.  I think GRob has a hard time getting good teams to come to his tournaments.

Looking forward to the season.  As a die hard Ursinus fan, I believe we will be back in the thick of things this year led by Ward and Krasna.  They have four recruits who look good on paper and who will definitely make them more athletic and improve their defense and rebounding----both soft spots the last two years.
I think this year will be very competitive in the CC.  Hopefully more than one CC team will qualify for the post season.

[Reserved Seat]

Eric's point of F&M having two long-established and well-attended tournaments at home definitely hinders F&M's ability to schedule more away games.  Tradition plays a key part in college athletics, and these 2 tournaments are probably 2 of the oldest tournaments in D3.  As a follower of F&M basketball since 1966, I would hate to see them go.

[diplomaniac1]

Folks -

F&M's Athletic Department has updated the Men's Basketball Team Schedule posted on its website. The following is the link to the revised schedule. Enjoy!

http://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-baskbl/2011-12/schedule

Let the season begin! Regards to all.

Eric

[old ends]

Looking at F & M schedule the only thing I see is February. Traveling to 2/3 of the games. Bodies are tired, at least this old man would be.

[diplomaniac1]

Folks -

F&M's Athletic Department has posted some biographical summary information on its webpage regarding the freshmen basketball recruits. The following is the link to this infromation. Enjoy

http://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-baskbl/2011-12/releases/20110913fe7mfp

Let the season begin. Regards to all.

Eric

[Gabriel]

Eric,

Looks like some height there.  Phelps must be some player.  On paper the Dips have 13 returnees, add to that 5 recruits and you have 18 players competing for playing time.  Tough to keep them all happy.

[Swat Fan #1]

Yeh - I noticed Phelps also. 35 points a game? Is that real? If it is, I can't believe that he wasn't DI material. Those are very impressive stats. Another four long years for anyone who has to play F&M! =)

[d3hoopsfan]

I thought the same things Swat Dad.  He must have played in a weak league to put up those type of numbers and not get any higher offers.  Either way, 35ppg is still pretty impressive...

[Reserved Seat]

I believe Phelps played in a prep league, but he did hit threes.  One game he hit twelve of them.  The players look quite impressive.

[Gabriel]

Preseason picks by Sporting News for D3 mens' basketball:
1. Virginia Wesleyan
2. Marietta
3. Augustana (IL)
4. Williams
5. St Mary's (MD)
6. Rochester (NY)
7. Franklin & Marshall
8. Oswego State
9. Wisconsin Stevens Point
10. Cabrini

Good representation by the Mid Atlantic.  Now let's play the games.

[Reserved Seat]

I hope F&M can live up to the expectations, considering they lost 3 starters.
The freshmen will have to work into the line-up quickly.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

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
Eric

This is actually the third year the two teams have met in the regular season (started following a NCAA appearence at SMC - thus maybe your thought of four years). I am actually surprised they are playing one another considering I was told F&M had initially told SMC they were not going to honor the second-half of the original home-and-home and would not travel to SMC early last season - this eventually changed late last summer or early fall. Per that, I figured this out-of-conference "rivalry" (based on the high-caliber of play between the two top teams in the region the last three or four years) was just a two-year experiment. I like that it is returning once again - though the scheduled day is killing me... I may be in Ashland, Virginia for another set of games.

[Gabriel]

http://www.ursinusathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20110310do3ij2

The four Ursinus recruits have been announced.  The Bears have added some size and athleticism.  We'll have to wait and see how well they play.

I saw Mike Marciano and Phil Walker play a little bit this summer.  Mike is a project, albeit a big one at about 7 feet and 240 pounds.  Phil is 6'6" a superb athlete, excellent defender and rebounder. He is very comfortable playing above the rim.  He will need time to adjust to playing the perimeter as he was a post player at New Hope-Solebury.  Both are very smart kids who will learn fast.

The other two I have not seen as yet.  Trey Harry comes from a very good program at the Hill School.  He is 6'1", a combo card who defends, passes and rebounds very well.  Needs to improve his shooting but with his athletic ability this should come with practice.  Jermaine Kamara is a real unknown.  He comes from Ireland---very athletic at 6'7" and about 240.  Projected as a post player.  Another strong defender and shot blocker who needs to work on his offensive skills.

These four fine young men seem to be nice additions to the team.  As always, how much they play this year will depend on them.  Phil Walker will be exciting to watch as he is an excellent athlete, competitor and leader.

There is no doubt that the Bears will be led by Jon Ward and Jesse Krasna this season.  Jon is a junior and Kras was voted a co-captain as a sophomore----an indication of what his team mates think of him.  I look forward to seeing them in Rochester, NY in November.

[diplomaniac1]

Fellow Diplomat Fans -

Here is a link to an article recently posted on the Men's Basketball page of the F&M website.

http://www.godiplomats.com/sports/m-baskbl/2011-12/releases/20110929nudpq7

It offers some interesting reading and information. Enjoy. Just about six weeks to go - bring on the season now!

Regards to all.

Eric

[Gabriel]

Eric,

I just saw the Sporting News article.  Spencer Liddic from Muhlenberg was also on the second team and Jon Ward from Ursinus was honorable mention.  Congratulations to all three young men.