MBB: Great Northeast Athletic Conference

[Pat Coleman]

Perhaps, it is cute how all you "diehards of the board" stick together. Where was I crying? I speak my mind, if you don't like it then stay off this thread

There are plenty of die-hard posters willing to give me or Dave a hard time if it's warranted. But when you cry about disrespect and you are ranked No. 7, you may well find someone will call B.S. 

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Dave- I been following this thread for a long time. I never heard you say anything good about AMC.. I've seen you write some neutral things about AMC but nothing positive/encouraging.. Where does your distain for AMC come from? . They came from nothing, not even thought about and mAde it to the sweet 16 within 5 or 6 years.. For their sake I hope they kill tomorrow. You talk about sos but no one wants to play a GNAC team that will beat them. Tell the NESAC and little east teams to schedule Albertus. Im sure Oliver will love and embrace the game. Amc was 20 points better then Springfield... JWU was 15 points better than Springfield.

I'm as big a fan of what Albertus can do as any neutral - I will likely prove crazy, but on the bracket challenge I have them in the Championship game (losing to Whitewater, so, I won't be anywhere near the top anyway, but still).  Yet, I'm not sure exactly what positive things you want people to say.

I was at the Stockton games last night, I constantly run into coaches from the area (E/NE/A) who have nothing good to say about the behavior of the coaches and players.  Coaches who would never schedule Albertus, not because they're afraid of losing (some of them are very used to losing), but because they just don't want their players being exposed to the kind of behavior Albertus allows - all the talking and complaining, etc.

I'm not saying it isn't valid.  It is.  No one is breaking rules (although, I'd argue it sometimes goes beyond what's appropriate), but playing (or reffing) against Albertus is just not fun or productive.

I get that it's cool to be the bullies.  Albertus has premier talent; it's part of the mystique, but if you're going to play that way, you have to get used to being the bad guy.  Oliver has (and I think he's way over this) to get used to being respected, but disliked.  That's just the way it's going to be.

I'm glad to have Albertus around.  I think the team is a welcome divergence from the typical plodding midwest giants we often see in d3.  It's great, but it's not terribly fun for the other teams.  There is some measure of tact that goes along with being included in the club.  Albertus has staked its reputation on being the despised outsider.  I'd love for the team to come through on the floor this year.  There's so much talent there, it would be a shame to see them lose.  At the same time, your team is what it is.  People are not going to have a ton of good things to say about them until they really win big.

A trip to Salem would go a long way towards getting there - of course, I suspect a trip to Salem would also mean losing your coach and probably having to start over in the reputation department anyway.

There are a lot of teams in d3 - a lot of them have major talent.  They don't all win.  Winning will solve a lot.  Cabrini had pretty much the same rep until they went to the championship game, then they got more respect.  It's just the way of things.

I try to be as positive as I can when I talk about Albertus, but there's a lot to question.

[Ferraro13]

Perhaps, it is cute how all you "diehards of the board" stick together. Where was I crying? I speak my mind, if you don't like it then stay off this thread

There are plenty of die-hard posters willing to give me or Dave a hard time if it's warranted. But when you cry about disrespect and you are ranked No. 7, you may well find someone will call B.S.

When did I ever have a problem with being ranked 7? Should read a few posts before commenting so you don't sound like a fool

[Ferraro13]

Dave- I been following this thread for a long time. I never heard you say anything good about AMC.. I've seen you write some neutral things about AMC but nothing positive/encouraging.. Where does your distain for AMC come from? . They came from nothing, not even thought about and mAde it to the sweet 16 within 5 or 6 years.. For their sake I hope they kill tomorrow. You talk about sos but no one wants to play a GNAC team that will beat them. Tell the NESAC and little east teams to schedule Albertus. Im sure Oliver will love and embrace the game. Amc was 20 points better then Springfield... JWU was 15 points better than Springfield.

I'm as big a fan of what Albertus can do as any neutral - I will likely prove crazy, but on the bracket challenge I have them in the Championship game (losing to Whitewater, so, I won't be anywhere near the top anyway, but still).  Yet, I'm not sure exactly what positive things you want people to say.

I was at the Stockton games last night, I constantly run into coaches from the area (E/NE/A) who have nothing good to say about the behavior of the coaches and players.  Coaches who would never schedule Albertus, not because they're afraid of losing (some of them are very used to losing), but because they just don't want their players being exposed to the kind of behavior Albertus allows - all the talking and complaining, etc.

I'm not saying it isn't valid.  It is.  No one is breaking rules (although, I'd argue it sometimes goes beyond what's appropriate), but playing (or reffing) against Albertus is just not fun or productive.

I get that it's cool to be the bullies.  Albertus has premier talent; it's part of the mystique, but if you're going to play that way, you have to get used to being the bad guy.  Oliver has (and I think he's way over this) to get used to being respected, but disliked.  That's just the way it's going to be.

I'm glad to have Albertus around.  I think the team is a welcome divergence from the typical plodding midwest giants we often see in d3.  It's great, but it's not terribly fun for the other teams.  There is some measure of tact that goes along with being included in the club.  Albertus has staked its reputation on being the despised outsider.  I'd love for the team to come through on the floor this year.  There's so much talent there, it would be a shame to see them lose.  At the same time, your team is what it is.  People are not going to have a ton of good things to say about them until they really win big.

A trip to Salem would go a long way towards getting there - of course, I suspect a trip to Salem would also mean losing your coach and probably having to start over in the reputation department anyway.

There are a lot of teams in d3 - a lot of them have major talent.  They don't all win.  Winning will solve a lot.  Cabrini had pretty much the same rep until they went to the championship game, then they got more respect.  It's just the way of things.

I try to be as positive as I can when I talk about Albertus, but there's a lot to question.

Hopps I respect your opinion more then anyone on this board. But cmon, they don't want to play us bc they don't want their players exposed to that type of behavior? First of all it is college basketball, not a dr Seuss gathering. That is absurd to hear, and if it's true, then d 3 basketball is so sheltered it's unreal. These guys aren't killers. They are inner city kids, no fights on the court, nothing. That's absurd to hear

[Ferraro13]

Dave- I been following this thread for a long time. I never heard you say anything good about AMC.. I've seen you write some neutral things about AMC but nothing positive/encouraging.. Where does your distain for AMC come from? . They came from nothing, not even thought about and mAde it to the sweet 16 within 5 or 6 years.. For their sake I hope they kill tomorrow. You talk about sos but no one wants to play a GNAC team that will beat them. Tell the NESAC and little east teams to schedule Albertus. Im sure Oliver will love and embrace the game. Amc was 20 points better then Springfield... JWU was 15 points better than Springfield.

I'm as big a fan of what Albertus can do as any neutral - I will likely prove crazy, but on the bracket challenge I have them in the Championship game (losing to Whitewater, so, I won't be anywhere near the top anyway, but still).  Yet, I'm not sure exactly what positive things you want people to say.

I was at the Stockton games last night, I constantly run into coaches from the area (E/NE/A) who have nothing good to say about the behavior of the coaches and players.  Coaches who would never schedule Albertus, not because they're afraid of losing (some of them are very used to losing), but because they just don't want their players being exposed to the kind of behavior Albertus allows - all the talking and complaining, etc.

I'm not saying it isn't valid.  It is.  No one is breaking rules (although, I'd argue it sometimes goes beyond what's appropriate), but playing (or reffing) against Albertus is just not fun or productive.

I get that it's cool to be the bullies.  Albertus has premier talent; it's part of the mystique, but if you're going to play that way, you have to get used to being the bad guy.  Oliver has (and I think he's way over this) to get used to being respected, but disliked.  That's just the way it's going to be.

I'm glad to have Albertus around.  I think the team is a welcome divergence from the typical plodding midwest giants we often see in d3.  It's great, but it's not terribly fun for the other teams.  There is some measure of tact that goes along with being included in the club.  Albertus has staked its reputation on being the despised outsider.  I'd love for the team to come through on the floor this year.  There's so much talent there, it would be a shame to see them lose.  At the same time, your team is what it is.  People are not going to have a ton of good things to say about them until they really win big.

A trip to Salem would go a long way towards getting there - of course, I suspect a trip to Salem would also mean losing your coach and probably having to start over in the reputation department anyway.

There are a lot of teams in d3 - a lot of them have major talent.  They don't all win.  Winning will solve a lot.  Cabrini had pretty much the same rep until they went to the championship game, then they got more respect.  It's just the way of things.

I try to be as positive as I can when I talk about Albertus, but there's a lot to question.

Hopps I respect your opinion more then anyone on this board. But cmon, they don't want to play us bc they don't want their players exposed to that type of behavior? First of all it is college basketball, not a dr Seuss gathering. That is absurd to hear, and if it's true, then d 3 basketball is so sheltered it's unreal. These guys aren't killers. They are inner city kids, no fights on the court, nothing. That's absurd to hear

By the way, that's not aimed at you hopps, that's just me in disbelief of that bring remotely true. And trust me I do believe you

[Pat Coleman]

Perhaps, it is cute how all you "diehards of the board" stick together. Where was I crying? I speak my mind, if you don't like it then stay off this thread

There are plenty of die-hard posters willing to give me or Dave a hard time if it's warranted. But when you cry about disrespect and you are ranked No. 7, you may well find someone will call B.S.

When did I ever have a problem with being ranked 7? Should read a few posts before commenting so you don't sound like a fool

You should read what I said, too. I didn't say you were crying about being ranked 7, sir.

Hoops Fan is pretty well connected. He talks to coaches. He's seen Albertus play this year, in person. And he agrees with what Dave pointed out last year about the way the team carries itself. It's possible that that is correct, then, isn't it? Perhaps it's not just Dave, and the coaches he talks to, and the NCAA Tournament site rep, saying so. Seems like perhaps this is actually reality.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Dave- I been following this thread for a long time. I never heard you say anything good about AMC.. I've seen you write some neutral things about AMC but nothing positive/encouraging.. Where does your distain for AMC come from? . They came from nothing, not even thought about and mAde it to the sweet 16 within 5 or 6 years.. For their sake I hope they kill tomorrow. You talk about sos but no one wants to play a GNAC team that will beat them. Tell the NESAC and little east teams to schedule Albertus. Im sure Oliver will love and embrace the game. Amc was 20 points better then Springfield... JWU was 15 points better than Springfield.

I'm as big a fan of what Albertus can do as any neutral - I will likely prove crazy, but on the bracket challenge I have them in the Championship game (losing to Whitewater, so, I won't be anywhere near the top anyway, but still).  Yet, I'm not sure exactly what positive things you want people to say.

I was at the Stockton games last night, I constantly run into coaches from the area (E/NE/A) who have nothing good to say about the behavior of the coaches and players.  Coaches who would never schedule Albertus, not because they're afraid of losing (some of them are very used to losing), but because they just don't want their players being exposed to the kind of behavior Albertus allows - all the talking and complaining, etc.

I'm not saying it isn't valid.  It is.  No one is breaking rules (although, I'd argue it sometimes goes beyond what's appropriate), but playing (or reffing) against Albertus is just not fun or productive.

I get that it's cool to be the bullies.  Albertus has premier talent; it's part of the mystique, but if you're going to play that way, you have to get used to being the bad guy.  Oliver has (and I think he's way over this) to get used to being respected, but disliked.  That's just the way it's going to be.

I'm glad to have Albertus around.  I think the team is a welcome divergence from the typical plodding midwest giants we often see in d3.  It's great, but it's not terribly fun for the other teams.  There is some measure of tact that goes along with being included in the club.  Albertus has staked its reputation on being the despised outsider.  I'd love for the team to come through on the floor this year.  There's so much talent there, it would be a shame to see them lose.  At the same time, your team is what it is.  People are not going to have a ton of good things to say about them until they really win big.

A trip to Salem would go a long way towards getting there - of course, I suspect a trip to Salem would also mean losing your coach and probably having to start over in the reputation department anyway.

There are a lot of teams in d3 - a lot of them have major talent.  They don't all win.  Winning will solve a lot.  Cabrini had pretty much the same rep until they went to the championship game, then they got more respect.  It's just the way of things.

I try to be as positive as I can when I talk about Albertus, but there's a lot to question.

Hopps I respect your opinion more then anyone on this board. But cmon, they don't want to play us bc they don't want their players exposed to that type of behavior? First of all it is college basketball, not a dr Seuss gathering. That is absurd to hear, and if it's true, then d 3 basketball is so sheltered it's unreal. These guys aren't killers. They are inner city kids, no fights on the court, nothing. That's absurd to hear

I'm not saying it will influence them or something - just that they don't believe their players deserve the kind of disrespect that comes from the Albertus style.  They can schedule a loss somewhere else.  It's more not wanting to reward the style with a scheduled game.  I haven't talked to any NESCAC coaches in particular, but it wouldn't surprise me if they're in the same vein.  I mean, yeah, there might be some SOS consideration there, but like Connecticut College will basically play anyone and they're not on the schedule.

I was at Stockton early in the year.  Believe me, Stockton was pretty bad too - and it was early season for the refs, so they certainly weren't at full speed, but the absolute abuse I saw was embarrassing just to witness.  Davis came off as such a immature baby.  Granted, you see that sort of complaining a lot more these days than in the past, but it was truly terrible.

Trash talk is trash talk.  I've got no problem with that either, but the sense of entitlement, the disrespect for officials, yelling at opposing coaches - it's just a selfish arrogance that maybe isn't indicative of the guys as people (I sure hope not).  It's not fun to witness.  I much prefer to watch Albertus on the internet than in person.

Maybe that was a particularly bad example, but Dave saw the same thing at Williams last year.

I've said before, I imagine part of the recruiting pitch to come to Albertus is the promise of freedom, but there should be a difference between freedom and disrespect.  If it were a young team, that might be one thing, but these guys are seniors.

It should be said, I didn't see much of anything from Sledge.  He's played at a high level for good coaches.  He knows how to behave.  Davis is the worst offender and younger guys follow his example.  Oliver could absolutely reign it in if he wanted to, but he's not so great himself.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Dave- I been following this thread for a long time. I never heard you say anything good about AMC.. I've seen you write some neutral things about AMC but nothing positive/encouraging.. Where does your distain for AMC come from? . They came from nothing, not even thought about and mAde it to the sweet 16 within 5 or 6 years.. For their sake I hope they kill tomorrow. You talk about sos but no one wants to play a GNAC team that will beat them. Tell the NESAC and little east teams to schedule Albertus. Im sure Oliver will love and embrace the game. Amc was 20 points better then Springfield... JWU was 15 points better than Springfield.

I'm as big a fan of what Albertus can do as any neutral - I will likely prove crazy, but on the bracket challenge I have them in the Championship game (losing to Whitewater, so, I won't be anywhere near the top anyway, but still).  Yet, I'm not sure exactly what positive things you want people to say.

I was at the Stockton games last night, I constantly run into coaches from the area (E/NE/A) who have nothing good to say about the behavior of the coaches and players.  Coaches who would never schedule Albertus, not because they're afraid of losing (some of them are very used to losing), but because they just don't want their players being exposed to the kind of behavior Albertus allows - all the talking and complaining, etc.

I'm not saying it isn't valid.  It is.  No one is breaking rules (although, I'd argue it sometimes goes beyond what's appropriate), but playing (or reffing) against Albertus is just not fun or productive.

I get that it's cool to be the bullies.  Albertus has premier talent; it's part of the mystique, but if you're going to play that way, you have to get used to being the bad guy.  Oliver has (and I think he's way over this) to get used to being respected, but disliked.  That's just the way it's going to be.

I'm glad to have Albertus around.  I think the team is a welcome divergence from the typical plodding midwest giants we often see in d3.  It's great, but it's not terribly fun for the other teams.  There is some measure of tact that goes along with being included in the club.  Albertus has staked its reputation on being the despised outsider.  I'd love for the team to come through on the floor this year.  There's so much talent there, it would be a shame to see them lose.  At the same time, your team is what it is.  People are not going to have a ton of good things to say about them until they really win big.

A trip to Salem would go a long way towards getting there - of course, I suspect a trip to Salem would also mean losing your coach and probably having to start over in the reputation department anyway.

There are a lot of teams in d3 - a lot of them have major talent.  They don't all win.  Winning will solve a lot.  Cabrini had pretty much the same rep until they went to the championship game, then they got more respect.  It's just the way of things.

I try to be as positive as I can when I talk about Albertus, but there's a lot to question.

Hopps I respect your opinion more then anyone on this board. But cmon, they don't want to play us bc they don't want their players exposed to that type of behavior? First of all it is college basketball, not a dr Seuss gathering. That is absurd to hear, and if it's true, then d 3 basketball is so sheltered it's unreal. These guys aren't killers. They are inner city kids, no fights on the court, nothing. That's absurd to hear

By the way, that's not aimed at you hopps, that's just me in disbelief of that bring remotely true. And trust me I do believe you

Yeah, perception is reality.  I imagine the team is better than the way they present themselves on the floor, but that is all most people see.  WE'll see how it goes at Dickinson tonight.

[falcons2010]

I am getting ready to watch some basketball, but need to throw in my two cents (which in about a 1,000 years, may mean something). I know the players pretty well at Albertus. I, as most people know, try to be as level headed as anyone when talking about teams I root for. There are a few players that are pretty arrogant at Albertus and they tend to show it on the court. I don't really like that style; I don't want to see guys celebrating after a routine tackle or clapping their hands while running down the line after a seeing eye single. I just like watching guys play ball (but also making sure that I remember these are college kids and their emotions may take over).

With all that being said; I think most of the guys that have played under Oliver have been good players who play the game the way it should. I am talking about current players like Larsen, Sledge, Vic L, Julian Saunders, and guys who have recently graduated, Darius Watson, Ray Askew, Walden St. Juste, Byron Reaves, Jimmy Economoplois, etc. Those guys didn't complain much, played hard, played fair. Those guys played college basketball with the emotion and fun that college basketball should be.

Now Davis, at times, whines and complains too much. He is talented but isn't the best sportsman. Oliver at times complains too much. He is very adamant and energetic.  A lot of people don't like that style, however, it is his style. Coaches work officials at every level in every sport. I think people natural temperament comes out during these times. I would love to see him be a little more cool on the sidelines, but it might not happen. What I do know is that he is a great teacher of the game and he retains players and graduates them.

I think it is unfair to single out one player and then make the assumption the whole team reacts that way. Again, I am just stating my thoughts not trying to change anyone's opinions.

As for those coaches not scheduling a team because they feel it may be too hostile. Now, that is a sad commentary. We are suppose to be educating at the D3 level. When someone doesn't want to play a game because it may cause more harm than good, then something is broken.

[falcons2010]

Now onto the game!

Again, always going to root for Albertus.

Let us look at the keys for both teams.

Dickinson
1. Need to keep turnovers to under 10. Cannot have 22 turnovers again, Albertus will take advantage of this.
2. Need to outrebound Albertus - a much smaller Regis team outrebound them last night and it almost hurt them
3. Need to keep out of foul trouble. I look for Albertus to attack the rim.

Albertus
1. Need to keep Vic and Larsen on the court - cannot have foul trouble
2. Need to shoot at least 75% from free throw line - yesterday 17-35 performance was hard to watch
3. Need to make more than one three pointer. If Dickinson is able to drop into a zone and dare Albertus to shoot, they need to make shots in order to open up the paint.
4. Need to play under control

Both teams had a B performance last night in their opening round games. They did some things well and some very poorly. Hopefully, they are able to give everyone a great effort tonight. If one team shows up and the other doesn't, goodnight Sally. This game will be over with 10 minutes left in the 2nd half. I don't think that Dickinson is going to look for many bench points, and I don't think more than 8 players will play for Albertus. This will fall to the starting guys. Sledge/Vic/Davis vs Wixted, Angradi, and Hinnenkamp.

Should be fun.

Dunk Haven!

[Mr. Ypsi]

I am getting ready to watch some basketball, but need to throw in my two cents (which in about a 1,000 years, may mean something). I know the players pretty well at Albertus. I, as most people know, try to be as level headed as anyone when talking about teams I root for. There are a few players that are pretty arrogant at Albertus and they tend to show it on the court. I don't really like that style; I don't want to see guys celebrating after a routine tackle or clapping their hands while running down the line after a seeing eye single. I just like watching guys play ball (but also making sure that I remember these are college kids and their emotions may take over).

With all that being said; I think most of the guys that have played under Oliver have been good players who play the game the way it should. I am talking about current players like Larsen, Sledge, Vic L, Julian Saunders, and guys who have recently graduated, Darius Watson, Ray Askew, Walden St. Juste, Byron Reaves, Jimmy Economoplois, etc. Those guys didn't complain much, played hard, played fair. Those guys played college basketball with the emotion and fun that college basketball should be.

Now Davis, at times, whines and complains too much. He is talented but isn't the best sportsman. Oliver at times complains too much. He is very adamant and energetic.  A lot of people don't like that style, however, it is his style. Coaches work officials at every level in every sport. I think people natural temperament comes out during these times. I would love to see him be a little more cool on the sidelines, but it might not happen. What I do know is that he is a great teacher of the game and he retains players and graduates them.

I think it is unfair to single out one player and then make the assumption the whole team reacts that way. Again, I am just stating my thoughts not trying to change anyone's opinions.

As for those coaches not scheduling a team because they feel it may be too hostile. Now, that is a sad commentary. We are suppose to be educating at the D3 level. When someone doesn't want to play a game because it may cause more harm than good, then something is broken.

Very good, level-headed post, but I disagree with your last paragraph (if I am interpreting it correctly).  If that is meant as denigrating other coaches for not scheduling Albertus, I disagree.  Since there are plenty of other options available which might be more pleasant (whether or not there would be a greater chance of success ), why wouldn't a coach schedule elsewhere?  On the other hand, if you meant it was a sad commentary on Albertus developing that self-defeating perception, I agree.  Back in their heyday, most of the Pistons reveled in their "Bad Boys" persona (and arguably it did bring fannies to the seats), but in the NBA coaches can't decide which teams not to play - in college (aside from conference commitments), they can and do.

[falcons2010]

Mr. Y, I meant sad from both sides. Any time a team doesn't schedue another because of non budget or basketball related issues; then something is wrong.

[Ferraro13]

Perhaps, it is cute how all you "diehards of the board" stick together. Where was I crying? I speak my mind, if you don't like it then stay off this thread

There are plenty of die-hard posters willing to give me or Dave a hard time if it's warranted. But when you cry about disrespect and you are ranked No. 7, you may well find someone will call B.S.

When did I ever have a problem with being ranked 7? Should read a few posts before commenting so you don't sound like a fool

You should read what I said, too. I didn't say you were crying about being ranked 7, sir.

Hoops Fan is pretty well connected. He talks to coaches. He's seen Albertus play this year, in person. And he agrees with what Dave pointed out last year about the way the team carries itself. It's possible that that is correct, then, isn't it? Perhaps it's not just Dave, and the coaches he talks to, and the NCAA Tournament site rep, saying so. Seems like perhaps this is actually reality.

I believe that it is true, I just can't believe it figuratively speaking, not literally. I mean I just watched catholic and Randolph Macon coaches/players almost brawl and get three techs. Emotions run high in competitive sports.

[Ferraro13]

Dave- I been following this thread for a long time. I never heard you say anything good about AMC.. I've seen you write some neutral things about AMC but nothing positive/encouraging.. Where does your distain for AMC come from? . They came from nothing, not even thought about and mAde it to the sweet 16 within 5 or 6 years.. For their sake I hope they kill tomorrow. You talk about sos but no one wants to play a GNAC team that will beat them. Tell the NESAC and little east teams to schedule Albertus. Im sure Oliver will love and embrace the game. Amc was 20 points better then Springfield... JWU was 15 points better than Springfield.

I'm as big a fan of what Albertus can do as any neutral - I will likely prove crazy, but on the bracket challenge I have them in the Championship game (losing to Whitewater, so, I won't be anywhere near the top anyway, but still).  Yet, I'm not sure exactly what positive things you want people to say.

I was at the Stockton games last night, I constantly run into coaches from the area (E/NE/A) who have nothing good to say about the behavior of the coaches and players.  Coaches who would never schedule Albertus, not because they're afraid of losing (some of them are very used to losing), but because they just don't want their players being exposed to the kind of behavior Albertus allows - all the talking and complaining, etc.

I'm not saying it isn't valid.  It is.  No one is breaking rules (although, I'd argue it sometimes goes beyond what's appropriate), but playing (or reffing) against Albertus is just not fun or productive.

I get that it's cool to be the bullies.  Albertus has premier talent; it's part of the mystique, but if you're going to play that way, you have to get used to being the bad guy.  Oliver has (and I think he's way over this) to get used to being respected, but disliked.  That's just the way it's going to be.

I don't know Davis personally. But I do know the director of admissions who accepted him into Albertus. He is a close friend and has had conversations with Davis. Great kid, I know you never said he wasn't, but from everything I hear he is a great kid with a great head on his shoulders. Ne personally, I'm from the inner city of new haven, so maybe I can relate to his passion on the court. The kid just wants to win

I'm glad to have Albertus around.  I think the team is a welcome divergence from the typical plodding midwest giants we often see in d3.  It's great, but it's not terribly fun for the other teams.  There is some measure of tact that goes along with being included in the club.  Albertus has staked its reputation on being the despised outsider.  I'd love for the team to come through on the floor this year.  There's so much talent there, it would be a shame to see them lose.  At the same time, your team is what it is.  People are not going to have a ton of good things to say about them until they really win big.

A trip to Salem would go a long way towards getting there - of course, I suspect a trip to Salem would also mean losing your coach and probably having to start over in the reputation department anyway.

There are a lot of teams in d3 - a lot of them have major talent.  They don't all win.  Winning will solve a lot.  Cabrini had pretty much the same rep until they went to the championship game, then they got more respect.  It's just the way of things.

I try to be as positive as I can when I talk about Albertus, but there's a lot to question.

Hopps I respect your opinion more then anyone on this board. But cmon, they don't want to play us bc they don't want their players exposed to that type of behavior? First of all it is college basketball, not a dr Seuss gathering. That is absurd to hear, and if it's true, then d 3 basketball is so sheltered it's unreal. These guys aren't killers. They are inner city kids, no fights on the court, nothing. That's absurd to hear

I'm not saying it will influence them or something - just that they don't believe their players deserve the kind of disrespect that comes from the Albertus style.  They can schedule a loss somewhere else.  It's more not wanting to reward the style with a scheduled game.  I haven't talked to any NESCAC coaches in particular, but it wouldn't surprise me if they're in the same vein.  I mean, yeah, there might be some SOS consideration there, but like Connecticut College will basically play anyone and they're not on the schedule.

I was at Stockton early in the year.  Believe me, Stockton was pretty bad too - and it was early season for the refs, so they certainly weren't at full speed, but the absolute abuse I saw was embarrassing just to witness.  Davis came off as such a immature baby.  Granted, you see that sort of complaining a lot more these days than in the past, but it was truly terrible.

Trash talk is trash talk.  I've got no problem with that either, but the sense of entitlement, the disrespect for officials, yelling at opposing coaches - it's just a selfish arrogance that maybe isn't indicative of the guys as people (I sure hope not).  It's not fun to witness.  I much prefer to watch Albertus on the internet than in person.

Maybe that was a particularly bad example, but Dave saw the same thing at Williams last year.

I've said before, I imagine part of the recruiting pitch to come to Albertus is the promise of freedom, but there should be a difference between freedom and disrespect.  If it were a young team, that might be one thing, but these guys are seniors.

It should be said, I didn't see much of anything from Sledge.  He's played at a high level for good coaches.  He knows how to behave.  Davis is the worst offender and younger guys follow his example.  Oliver could absolutely reign it in if he wanted to, but he's not so great himself.

[Ferraro13]

I donor know davis personally, but I know the admissions director who accepted him into albetus. He has spoken to Davis several times, and by all indications is nothing but a great kid. I know never said he wasn't, but I'm gonna stick up for him here. Maybe me being from the inner city of new haven, I can relate to his passion on the court. The kid just wants to win. I actually wrote this before but screwed up the reply. Let's go albertus, Gonna need their A game tonight