MBB: Centennial Conference

[Red Onwuatuegwu]

GoDiplomats: Couldn't agree more and you know very well that Miller struggled against top teams like the Dips themselves.

HopkinsNest: I think your miller-kidd comparison is a stretch for the "emotional leader" of the Mules. Look no further than last seasons stats where he posted a solid 23,26,50 (three%,fg%,ft%) stat line.

Monix: Preposterous.... A coach getting fired because of a blog?? There is definitely some ethical issues going on if that were to be the case.

Hank: Gaynor should help this year with a full year to recover and a new staff. Coming out of high school he reminded me a lot of former Mules player Alec Stavetski who had a solid career with the Mules before injuries plagued him. Key to the success for the Mules though will lie in keeping the big German.

McClary's elite recruiting ability could also lead to Kaslander and English making the move to the fords if were throwing out other cent players possibly looking to make the switch. Kaslander can really play and would add a nice dimension to the fords on the mainline.

[Corporal Hicks]

      Hooah!  Corporal Hicks here.  I have been absent as of late from the blog due to the exhilarating NBA playoffs....NOT.  I have actually been absent due to some health problems.  Late last week I stubbed my toe while grilling up a couple sirloin steaks.  Tip: don't wear open toe shoes while operating heavy equipment. 

As for the speculations rumbling around about Miller leaving the mules.....Corp thinks it will be a huge loss for Muhlenberg.  @GoDiplomats Miller brings a lot more to the table than what the statistics say.  Numbers don't tell the whole story not even close.  Miller was regarded as a great locker room guy and a winner.  The last few seasons don't paint the whole picture for Millers game.  From the sources I have in the greater allentown area they all spoke highly on Miller.  The kid was Mr.  Athletics in high school up in North East Pa at Honesdale high school.  He was a thousand point scorer on the hardwood, batted .461 with 4HRs on the diamond, and threw for 24 TDs on 2,863 yards (all public information).  If that doesn't scream "Winner, Glue guy, leader, locker room guy" then I don't know.  Haverford would be lucky to get a guy like Miller while they are as well in a transition year.  Sorry @GoDipplomats but I have to say that numbers don't tell the whole story. 

@HopkinsNest7 I like your idea of the Centennial incorporating free agency into the league.  I think it could spice things up a bit and possibly create new rivalries.  Not sure the signing of Sherman is the answer for the Mules.  If the German born Werheim is indeed going back to the homeland, the Mules should acquire another big to go along with the girthy Baez. If Haverford would sign Miller that would be a huge off season landing, and would be the biggest off season move since Nash left the Mavericks in the summer of 2004.  Relatively speaking of course.  Man oh man what fun this Centennial free agency could be.....

Corp. Out.

[Hank Mardukas]

GoDimplomats:
You are a strawman, for those of you who don't know what a strawman is, it is somebody who twists what you say because it is easier for them to make an argument in response because in actuality they have nothing worth reading to respond with. I never stated that Miller himself will have a significant impact on them team (because it won't.) What I am saying is that he was considered a leader on the team and I believe other players could follow Miller and leave the program.

[Pat Coleman]

So when the three of you post in succession like that, are you all using the same computer or what?

[Red Onwuatuegwu]

So when the three of you post in succession like that, are you all using the same computer or what?

Pat, I am one and posted on my own. I had no control over the succeeding posts to mine. I intend to discuss the cent news and stories as a follower and fan of the conference.

[Red Onwuatuegwu]

Speaking of NEWS.... I have heard from my buddy Lou in A-town that 6'7" stretch 4 Sam McClellan is not returning either. He said he hasn't heard about any other fellow Mules following in the footstep of Miller and now McClellan, another possible player to add to the Fords! Not sure what the reasoning was for it but this hurts a team that is already limited at the big position. Coach Hopkins really needs to keep the big German now or it could be a long year for the Mules.

[TeamMonix]

Not a good sign that Hopkins was hired over 3 weeks ago and didn't have an assistant ready to be on the road the past 2 weekends of the LIVE recruiting period....

[GoDiplomats]

Speaking of NEWS.... I have heard from my buddy Lou in A-town that 6'7" stretch 4 Sam McClellan is not returning either. He said he hasn't heard about any other fellow Mules following in the footstep of Miller and now McClellan, another possible player to add to the Fords! Not sure what the reasoning was for it but this hurts a team that is already limited at the big position. Coach Hopkins really needs to keep the big German now or it could be a long year for the Mules.

Maybe something else to consider or make note of with all these departures from the Muhlenberg camp, is the players who are leaving are concerned that they shouldn't have been on the team in the first place. McClellan, like Miller, may have been a very good locker room presence but nonetheless and ineffective player on the court. At the end of the day, the most important thing is the W - L column if you're not getting results with WINS, who cares if you're a solid locker room presence.

@Corporal Hicks: Leader, Glue Guy, etc or whatever other qualities you may want to use. As a player on the court, Miller was largely ineffective especially against some of the higher tier teams in the conference. Coming from the F&M program, similar guys in the mold of a Miller would not have touched the court at all. Go back in Diplomat history and look at guys like Max Brewer, Lior Levy all great guys who were great character guys but couldn't find their way onto the court unless it was called for out of necessity or in garbage time, with Brewer's senior year being the one exception. If you are not producing you do not need to be on the court, POINT BLANK.

@Hank: I guess I have no problem being a "strawman", since you argument was completely debunked. Just like he may have been a "leader" on or for the team, with a new class coming in and a new group of seniors and upperclassmen a new leader can easily be found. With a new head coach as well, I definitely think that is what is needed to help the Mules get back on the train tracks after having been off for a few years now. Last time I can recall them being any good was when Malik Killings was still a member of the team some years ago.

Lastly, where are these speculations of McClary to the Fords coming from? Has he interviewed? Any legitimacy to these statements or is this all just speculation?

[TeamMonix]

maybe the AD will hold Hopkins hand through hiring an assistant as he held his hand through the interview process....nothing from hoopdog?

[HopkinsNest7]

From just my brief observations down here in Baltimore I would have to say for what Miller brought in leadership, McClellan offset and could even be seen as a cancer to the already suffering Mules. The Mules had allegedly ate at the Hopkins dining hall this year and apparently McClellan had flipped over a breakfast buffet tab;e in displeasure with the quality of the food. Seems like he may have some character flaws that need to be addressed. It will be interesting to see if he joins the likes of Miller, Kaslander and English in jumping to Haverford. Though it may be meaningless if he becomes unhinged... no coach has time for that.

[Hank Mardukas]

maybe the AD will hold Hopkins hand through hiring an assistant as he held his hand through the interview process....nothing from hoopdog?

hoopdog?

[TeamMonix]

All,

I have nothing against Kevin Hopkins. I have a HUGE problem with the AD. Sorry for not being optimistic about Kevin Hopkins but below is the last 3 hiring by the AD and what they have done in conference...

Lacrosse 0-16 (2 seasons in CC)
Baseball 38 - 51 (5 seasons in CC)
Wrestling 4-18 (3 seasons in CC)

[TeamMonix]

I'm sorry his new hire for softball this season went 6-12 as well

[Hank Mardukas]

I'm sorry his new hire for softball this season went 6-12 as well

It seems only fair that these coaches will also be cleaning out their offices like McClary did. Do you think this will happen?

[TeamMonix]

no because McClary wasn't a Corey Goff hire... you can tell by his winning records as a head coach!