MBB: Great Northeast Athletic Conference

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

So maybe I'm slow on the uptake, but I just now realized Rob Hennigan, who I saw rip ENC a new one, single-handedly - in a community center in Roxbury with two rows of bleachers, is the new GM of the Orlando Magic.

[lildave678]

What's up GNACers? Albertus 2010 grad who is a big follower of the basketball team. Long time lurker who is looking to get more involved in the discussion this year!

Just a little light on Albertus (and I'll throw this in the GNAC thread too), despite the loss of Ray they should be just fine. While I haven't been around the school as much this fall (I played soccer there, was there a lot last year but not as much this year), my best guess would be that Spencer Smith would slide right into Ray's 4 spot. Tenacious worker who's in there to bang on the boards and play defense.

As far as their incoming class, it's super talented. 2 All-State, state champions from CT join the squad in 6'5 swingman Kenny Armstead and point guard James Jennings. From what I saw on the web, Jennings was actually listed as MSG Varsity's CT Player of the Year and was supposed to go to Southern CT (DII) but somehow ended up at Albertus. Two kids from NJ join the team as well, Marc Wilson and Rodney Wilson. Not sure if they're related because they went to different high schools according to the roster. Rodney Wilson was listed at #94 on MSGV's top 100 in NJ as a junior, but can't find anything about him as a senior. The Falcons also add 6'8 Ebrahim Jallow who has a high ceiling but is quite raw.

They should run away with the GNAC, but one thing worries me - Darius Watson becoming the go-to-guy. Obviously Ray was going to get his and Watson was still a 20 ppg guy. I'm just hoping he doesn't become to full of himself and take everyone else out of the game. With Oliver coaching and such solid guard play from Jackson and Dugas I don't think it will happen, but I've seem him have his negative moments. Should be fun to watch again though!

[lildave678]

The opener for AMC was a bit strange, and without being there at the game it's tough to know what's going on with the team. Zach Dugas only played 2 minutes, and Arshad Jackson and Spencer Smith didn't even play. 7express said 2 guys were in street clothes so maybe it was them. They started a freshman (James Jennings) and the other big-time freshman Kenny Armstead got 12 minutes (and he took 10 shots!). Between Jennings and Armstead they went 5-24. Surprised they were allowed to shoot so much, especially Armstead. They must be better than I imagine, or it will all drastically change once the aforementioned players get back in rotation.

I'm not sure about height but based on what 7express said, you would think AMC should have outrebounded this team and they didn't. While AMC was never really a great defensive team, it seems as though the loss of Ray will be felt most on the interior D and on the boards. Hopefully they can get that corrected or they'll be out in the 1st or 2nd round of the NCAAs again. FT% needs to be better too. 66% won't cut it in big time games. They shot 15 more FTs than Western and only won by 6.

7express said they looked very disinterested and more worried about the highlights rather than actually winning the game. As I stated in the LEC topic, I hope this team isn't like the 10-11 team where they figure they can just turn it up come GNAC tourney time. That season, for whatever reason Ray doesn't play in the semi's and they lost. They should run away with the league but in a one-and-done scenario anything can happen.

Western had already played 2 games, one against a top 10 team and this was their home opener. I think they can be happy with the result. I just really want to see what happens with Dugas, Jackson, and Smith going forward and how the rotation will work once roles are solidified.

[pjunito]

Hey Dave, Welcome to the boards!

7express was right on with his post. Two horrible technical calls gave Albertus control of the game. The first was an over reaction call by the official. He heard a Western guy say something but it was no worst than what the Albertus guys said after a call. The second one, should have either been a double foul or nothing. It was just a strange technical.

As far as the rest of the game. Dugas and Smith are both hurt and Jackson will be available next week. 3 very key guys and I think this allowed the flow of the game to become out of wack. Albertus was more talented, however, I think we saw some youth from the team (poor decision making) and also it was Albertus's first game. They are still feeling each other out. Jennings is a stud; however, took too many shots and a lot of them were bad shots. For over 10 mins, they didn't hit a field goal. Very bad offense, no movement, and poor shot selections. I chalk this up to the first game and not having their two veternan guards. I don't think they were disinterested, simply think they took bad shots and made bad decisions. What we forget is that Jennings and Kenny A were able to make a lot of plays in high school, forcing the ball and making difficult shots. You can't do that in College and they will learn that. West Conn dominated the glass, but Albertus had a lot of block shots and contested shots. They need to be better at boxing out. I think once Smith gets back; we see better team defense and rebounding. Key moment of the game, Watson took over with about 3 mins left; hit a nice running lay-up, drilled a 14 footer, and hit his free throws. This kid can score and take over. He will have a very good year.

And Dave, don't forget; Jimmy, Dugas, and Lora were all suspended during the 10-11 season and didn't play in the semis. So, no Ray, Lora, or Dugas, that's three starters and the 6th man, not playing.. This team is very deep and athletic.

I think they are one year away from competing with the big boys

[lildave678]

I appreciate the insight very much! Like I said, I wasnt there at the western game, or during that run in 10-11. Based on their record during the regular season (granted the GNAC was better as a whole) it seemed like they really weren't giving their best effort knowing that come GNAC tourney time they could just turn it on.

Given your insight, I've seen Mitch pull people for stupid/dumb decisions on offense so I'm assuming the lack of depth/injuries attributed to Jennings and Armstead taking so many shots (and not making them). From what 7express told me, Jennings looks like a STUD and I know he was supposed to go to Southern. If he continues to develop AMC will be good for the next 4 years.

Regardless...as much as I've seen (and partied ) with the Albertus team, they shouldn't be that close with a team as inferior as Western is. As we've alluded to, once everyone is healthy the team will be a whole 'nother story and that's what I'm waiting for...

Do you have any recent info on the Wilson's from Jersey? Couldn't find anything recent on them, especially Rodney who was #94 on the MSG Varsity Top 100 as a junior.

[lildave678]

Basically like I said, being it our first game, on the road, playing against a decent DIII squad (not a GNAC team) who already played against a top 10 team, the result is satisfactory

[7express]

Interesting to pay attention to the Wesleyan AMC game Sunday.  Wesleyan coming off a loss at home to NESCAC and little 3 rival Williams.  As long as you can stay in front of Sha Brown of Wesleyan and control the other's your in good shape to win and I think AMC will pull that off by about 10 or so.

[7express]

I appreciate the insight very much! Like I said, I wasnt there at the western game, or during that run in 10-11. Based on their record during the regular season (granted the GNAC was better as a whole) it seemed like they really weren't giving their best effort knowing that come GNAC tourney time they could just turn it on.

Given your insight, I've seen Mitch pull people for stupid/dumb decisions on offense so I'm assuming the lack of depth/injuries attributed to Jennings and Armstead taking so many shots (and not making them). From what 7express told me, Jennings looks like a STUD and I know he was supposed to go to Southern. If he continues to develop AMC will be good for the next 4 years.

Regardless...as much as I've seen (and partied ) with the Albertus team, they shouldn't be that close with a team as inferior as Western is. As we've alluded to, once everyone is healthy the team will be a whole 'nother story and that's what I'm waiting for...

Do you have any recent info on the Wilson's from Jersey? Couldn't find anything recent on them, especially Rodney who was #94 on the MSG Varsity Top 100 as a junior.

Also, its too bad we can't a replay of this game @ AMC in January or February.  This Western team is extremely young & inexpierenced.  Only 4 players (out of 15) were on the team that finished last season, 0 starters, and only 1 guy back that played significant minutes.  Russ Payton played in 10/11 (sat out last year due to academics I believe) and LeRoy Mayers last played in 09/10 (sat out the last 2 years).  Once this Western team starts to gel and get used to playing together they can be a very dangerous club.  I still have them finishing 3rd in the LEC.  I'd like to see another matchup between these 2 this year.

[lildave678]

No stats are up yet but I just checked from work and AMC defeated Wesleyan 82-73.

[pjunito]

I appreciate the insight very much! Like I said, I wasnt there at the western game, or during that run in 10-11. Based on their record during the regular season (granted the GNAC was better as a whole) it seemed like they really weren't giving their best effort knowing that come GNAC tourney time they could just turn it on.

Given your insight, I've seen Mitch pull people for stupid/dumb decisions on offense so I'm assuming the lack of depth/injuries attributed to Jennings and Armstead taking so many shots (and not making them). From what 7express told me, Jennings looks like a STUD and I know he was supposed to go to Southern. If he continues to develop AMC will be good for the next 4 years.

Regardless...as much as I've seen (and partied ) with the Albertus team, they shouldn't be that close with a team as inferior as Western is. As we've alluded to, once everyone is healthy the team will be a whole 'nother story and that's what I'm waiting for...

Do you have any recent info on the Wilson's from Jersey? Couldn't find anything recent on them, especially Rodney who was #94 on the MSG Varsity Top 100 as a junior.

Also, its too bad we can't a replay of this game @ AMC in January or February.  This Western team is extremely young & inexpierenced.  Only 4 players (out of 15) were on the team that finished last season, 0 starters, and only 1 guy back that played significant minutes.  Russ Payton played in 10/11 (sat out last year due to academics I believe) and LeRoy Mayers last played in 09/10 (sat out the last 2 years).  Once this Western team starts to gel and get used to playing together they can be a very dangerous club.  I still have them finishing 3rd in the LEC.  I'd like to see another matchup between these 2 this year.

7, what's up man. I should have told you I was going to the West Conn game. West Conn is better than what they showed on Tuesday. They have some big bodies and a very good guard. The game had a lot of fouls (refs called it tight), this gave Albertus an advantage. Seems as if Albertus might be a bit deeper. The bench for West Conn didn't have the same offensive flow as the starters. This allowed for easy points in my opinion. I think West Conn will get better as the year continues and would not like to seem them again.

[pjunito]

Good day for the GNAC. St Joe's and Albertus beat tough teams and Norwich wins as well.

Albertus 82, #23 Wesleyan 73

St. Joe's 70, Southern Me 56

Norwich 71, Johnson St. 65

[magicman]

New D3hoops Top 25 poll is out and Albertus Magnus breaks into the rankings as they are listed at #23 with 108 points. Here's the link:

    http://d3hoops.com/top25/men/2012-13/week1     

[FormerGNACplayer]

Albertus beats a surprisingly tough Mitchell team tonight. Lora was out but the sophomore Larsen stepped up with a double double, Jennings hit tough shots, Jackson is back and Watson scores effortlessly. Albertus will be fine this year, won't be a repeat of 10-11 season. That yr, Watson was a freshmen and not even half of what he is now and last yr, St.Juste and Reaves (starting guards) both missed games due to injuries during the season, Transfers Dugas, Massey(Becker) and Cagle came in mid-year, Askew, Jackson, Lora, Dugas, Eco, and Sweeney all missed the game at JWU in the playoffs, not to mention that Thomas from JWU was lights out that season, especially at home. 10-11 team was never established. Still early, Albertus now looks to be settled and if Jennings and Jackson can limit TO's and bad shots, they will be playing for the title game. Larsen and Smith are solid. Need Lora to be 6'8, play big as he did last year in the GNAC playoffs. Any news on St.Joes? New players? Anybody got a top 5 in the GNAC? St.Joes, Norwich, Albertus have been solid for years, any reason they don't get respect in the Northeast?

[lildave678]

Darius Watson named ECAC New England Player of the Week!

http://ecacsports.com/sports/winter/mbkb/potw/General/2012-2013/November_27-_2012

[pjunito]

Tough game for Albertus today; but they pulled out the victory. Lasell has played Albertus tough last year. they play a princeton style offense, lots of back-cuts, and shooting the three. Today, they were hitting their threes, but Watson took over the game with 10 mins left. jennings and Kenny A had nice 2nd half performances as well.

Albertus remains unbeaten, but really need to play better if they want to win the conference.