MBB: Centennial Conference

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

seems kind of long and drawn out, my guess is it was a way to get money out of a championship game unopposed on final four sunday.  I'd imagine CBS Sports Network worked out a deal with NCAA to have D2 and d3 title games that sunday

Not really the case. The NCAA wanted to celebrate 75 years of basketball and decided they wanted to try and have all of the titles contended in Atlanta. Obviously you aren't going to play the games on Saturday when the D1 Final Four is taking place... and you aren't going to play the games on Monday (unless one of the schools in the D3 final is a religious type like Hope, Wheaton (IL and others), Messiah, etc.) to contend with the D1 title game... and you aren't going to play on Friday when the weekend is just kicking off and people, coaches, etc. are just getting to town.

As for CBS Sports Network, considering the game hasn't been on their air in a few years, this was a way for the NCAA to make sure it did get on their air. CBS actually has less of an ability to say no to carrying the game when they already have their entire wealth of crews and equipment right next door then they do in Salem. D2 already airs on the CBS Network... so this isn't a leap of faith either. It is just too bad that CBS decided not to go with the D2 and D3 games on the big network on a Sunday that I don't think they normally have a lot of other things scheduled.

[Gabriel]

2012-13 Schedules are starting to appear.

Ursinus' schedule includes 11 home games and 14 road games.  They open at the Lebanon Valley tourney on Nov 16 against a very good Middlebury team and then will play either the College of Staten Island or Lebanon Valley.  Other non-conference games before Christmas include home games against Immaculata, Moravian and Eastern.  After Christmas they travel to the Land of Magic Tournament in Florida and play Cortland State and Hamilton.  This seems to be a strong non conference schedule with two NESCAC schools in additon to very good teams from Staten Island and Cortland State.  I have no idea how good the three Pennsylvania schools will be but they are usually quite competitive.

Now Ursinus fans will just have to wait and see how good the Bears will be.  They will be better athletically.  The big questions are---who will step up to help Jon Ward offensively and can they cut down on turnovers.
They have the potential to be a play off contender.

[Reserved Seat]

Sounds good for Ursinus.  They should be much better than last year.  Hoping to find out who F&M's new freshmen are tomorrow.

[Gabriel]

Sounds good for Ursinus.  They should be much better than last year.  Hoping to find out who F&M's new freshmen are tomorrow.

Reserved Seat,

I think the Bears will be better this year but will need much better guard play.  We'll all be anxious to hear about the F&M recruits.

In an earlier post, you mentioned Ursinus recruit Malik Draper.  My understanding is that he is a terrific student, straight A's in high school with excellent test scores.  He was recruited by several Ivy and Patriot League schools but Ursinus was there very early.  He expects to be a science major.  He is so solid academically and as a person that he would have been accepted at Ursinus whether or not he played sports.  He was an all state player last year at Scranton High and undoubtedly will help the Bears.  I already have him projected as a starter this year at the 3.  We'll see how accurate my crystal ball is.  No doubt, Middlebury will be a tough opponent coming out of the gate.

[centfan]

i too think the bears will be better. i think they lacked reliable players last year except for ward. beyond their personnel, they didn't have leadership on the floor. they folded too easily and didn't show much heart. someone needs to assume a leadership position for them to be better and play with more desire to win. they haven't had a true leader in several years..they need someone who makes other guys better and makes them accountable.

[Gabriel]

Centfan,

Couldn't agree more.  The last true leaders were the tandem of Remy Cousart and Kevin McGarvey.  This year leadership needs come from Krasna, Ward and Donahue.  Freshmen Draper and Wonderling have potential but they need to earn their spurs first.  Bears will play with more heart this year and will be back near the top soon.

[Reserved Seat]

Talked to several possible players for F&M today.  I understand why Robinson doesn't hype future players.  Two of them indicated they're probably not going to try out in order to put emphasis on their academics.  Fortunately, Gordon Rogo is planning on playing.  He said he certainly has some big shoes to try to fill. 

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Another reason why I feel press releases indicating what players have "committed" to a school to play a particular sport are not worth much more than the email or paper they were printed on.

Until a student has been accepted, decides to attend, walks on campus, registers for classes, practices with the team, is put on the roster, and THEN puts on a uniform and is on the bench or in the game... I don't put ANY stock in who is or isn't coming to schools in Division III. There are too many variables along the way that have a player change their minds or direction in life.

[D.B. Cooper]

RS: What has happened to the tall F&M freshman center last year that was out all year with an illness & red-shirted. Is he coming back this season? Thx.

[Reserved Seat]

The two big centers that were on campus last year are both back on campus this year.  I believe you are referring to Matt Wilson.  As of now both are planning on trying out.  I would think both would be rusty after not playing for a year.  I try to talk to them this week if I see them on campus.

[bballgoat23]

I have watched CC basketball for many years, I live in a perfect spot where I can see a lot of games. And as this season gets started its funny to hear all the chatter of how teams need to improve and who is going to finish where. Let me point out some of my problems and feel free to respond; let me hear the feedback!

F&M: You will need to replace Gerogio, but you have a D1 transfer coming, you gotta play through Hyack & Salandra, and come someone please teach your wings how to shoot! Like C'mon Glenn.
Dickinson: You have two studs the rest need to step up, but #25 needs to control his emotions, Honig is good. Tell your coaching staff to dress better.
Ursinus: I have the biggest problem with Bears fan. When was the last time you made the playoffs? whats the problem; gaurds? coaching? Oh maybe its that Jon Ward is the biggest cry-baby in all of basketball including the Collegeville Biddy Leauge.
Muhlenberg: Gotta replace Liddic, but that kid Killing, hes got swag and the game to back it up
Washington: all I got to say is their biggest lost wasnt breslin, it was loosing their assistant coach.
Do we even need to mention the other teams? I do respect JHU, MCD plays tough. Swat good luck! Haverford maybe next year?
oh yeah Gettysburg....

[centfan]

goat...2 studs on dickinson? i saw one..wixted

[bballgoat23]

Ethan Stewart Smith

[onetinsoldier]

great stuff goat.  season will be here before you know it.  Just remember my mantra..

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven, You can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing, Come the judgment day
On the bloody morning after who.....
One tin soldier rides away

[Gabriel]

[/quote]
Ursinus: I have the biggest problem with Bears fan. When was the last time you made the playoffs? whats the problem; gaurds? coaching? Oh maybe its that Jon Ward is the biggest cry-baby in all of basketball including the Collegeville Biddy Leauge.
[/quote]

In the past 12 years, the Bears have 4 conference championships and 9 playoff appearances.  Not to shabby I would say.