Just some thoughts from a wild night in the NEC.
First off, great win by the Blue Devils, who looked great. The only think I would say is that the team they played is reeling, so I wouldn't put too much stock into it by itself. But it is the next step in a potential resurgence, which is the main objective here.
Whatever happens this year, I see the makings of something REALLY fun in New Britain in two years or so.
Quinnipiac's start has impressed me, mainly because of how highly I regard the Mount this season. Let's see how they do away from the Hockey Rink though.
I admit I might have to eat crow about Wagner, but we're only four games in, so I'm not ready to yet.
RMU has a favorable schedule coming before they head here on the 24th, so that could be a huge game as the Colonials will be right at the top of the league standings by then.
Didn't believe me that Saturday night wasn't a must win between CCSU and SFNY? Look at the Terriers. They bounced back from that loss by going to Sacred Heart, holding it to 38.3 percent from the floor and stealing a win. The Pioneers are the class of the league when they're on, but if they don't shoot well, they can be had by just about anyone.
Also, the Terriers have a player in Hines who, on any given night, can beat you himself. He might be as underrated a player as there is in the league. That team's problem seems to be that when Hines goes cold, so do the Terriers.
I'll have more on this as the week goes on, but a win by CCSU on Monday against a LIU team that Coach really respects would put the Blue Devils right back in the home court discussion. Now there's a loooooooooooooong way to go, and I know I'm always the one preaching patience, but it's worth mentioning in this case because of how the year began.
By comparative scores I think LIU might be better than its record, but like I said, more on that later in the week.
As for FDU and Monmouth? My advice to the NEC is to put them both away right now, because neither strikes me as a squad anyone would be excited to play in March.
It looks like we have two teams that are the top of the heap, two more playing for the third spot (with my money on MSM being no worse than third by March), and a total logjam in the middle. Sacred Heart is still in the mix, but can't afford to fall too far off the pace. I still expect the Pioneers to change places with the Bobcats, but they're another couple losses away from having to look for help from others.
Central has the three teams right "below" it in the standings in its next three games. They could force a tie in the loss column (always remember to look at the league by losses, that's what matters because they can't be removed, while more wins can be gained) with two and get past a third, and that's if those teams win their other games.
This is why college basketball, especially at this level, is so great. The guys on ESPN who try and tell me that every game doesn't matter have no clue.
Just checking in
As we start the doubleheader, with the women currently giving LIU a good battle.
I hadn't posted anything on Robert Morris' big win at B.C., which is great for the league if the Colonials are the team that gets its name called on Selection Sunday.
I've always believed the committee looks at individual teams more than conferences though, so if, say, Central is the league champ, that RMU win doesn't mean much unless CCSU beats Robert Morris twice. Then the committee might say, well, they beat RMU who beat B.C., etc. Of course, for any of this to matter, the Eagles have to play well in the ACC.
Even still, one game doesn't necessarily mean too much. Come March, some 14 or 15 will beat a 3 or a 2, but that doesn't mean they'd win many games in a BCS league. What the Colonials did is a very nice feather in the league's cap though, and it's a nice building block.
Even in some losses over the last two years, the NEC has held its own against some teams that, on the surface, you'd think would tear through this league like Mighty Igor used to tear through his opponents. So maybe the NEC can start getting a touch of respect.
I hadn't posted anything on Robert Morris' big win at B.C., which is great for the league if the Colonials are the team that gets its name called on Selection Sunday.
I've always believed the committee looks at individual teams more than conferences though, so if, say, Central is the league champ, that RMU win doesn't mean much unless CCSU beats Robert Morris twice. Then the committee might say, well, they beat RMU who beat B.C., etc. Of course, for any of this to matter, the Eagles have to play well in the ACC.
Even still, one game doesn't necessarily mean too much. Come March, some 14 or 15 will beat a 3 or a 2, but that doesn't mean they'd win many games in a BCS league. What the Colonials did is a very nice feather in the league's cap though, and it's a nice building block.
Even in some losses over the last two years, the NEC has held its own against some teams that, on the surface, you'd think would tear through this league like Mighty Igor used to tear through his opponents. So maybe the NEC can start getting a touch of respect.
A couple of confirmations
Stuff you'll read more about in the paper on Wed. morning:
1) Simmons is having surgery Wed. morning, and is likely out of the season thanks to that shoulder issue. He played too many games to redshirt, so he will not be eligible for a 5th year.
2) Chris Baskerville is indeed going to be enrolling at Central, but it's very unlikely that he'll play this season. Instead he'll get acclimated to his new surroundings and take some classes and practice with the team in order to get ready for next year. He can do that without losing eligibility, but if he plays this year he'd be considered a freshman now and lose that half a season.
1) Simmons is having surgery Wed. morning, and is likely out of the season thanks to that shoulder issue. He played too many games to redshirt, so he will not be eligible for a 5th year.
2) Chris Baskerville is indeed going to be enrolling at Central, but it's very unlikely that he'll play this season. Instead he'll get acclimated to his new surroundings and take some classes and practice with the team in order to get ready for next year. He can do that without losing eligibility, but if he plays this year he'd be considered a freshman now and lose that half a season.
Oh what a night/ Simmons news
GREAT win by the men tonight. It wasn't a good game in terms of quality, but both teams battled like it was the NEC final. Tristan's stats don't tell his story, he was beyond clutch and was his usual star on defense. The three with 50-something left was with a man all over him.
Joe was spectacular. I wish he were more consistent, because he could become a great wingman for "TB3". Speaking of Tristan, congrats to him on becoming the all-time leading 3-point shooter in school history. It was weird to see him do it as 00 (his jersey got left behind) considering Justin was '0'.
I'll have a little more later in the week on Hall, who is filling minutes and providing a bit of a spark. Horton had one of his up days on the up and down scale. Tamir continues to grow into his role.
Speaking of that role, I didn't have the room to put this in the paper, but here's the scoop on Simmons: CCSU doesn't want to say too much officially because these things can change for the better or worse, but it's safe to say that Simmons will be out for an extended period of time thanks to that shoulder issue. I was given numbers, but they're not firm enough to be printed from what I was told. I'm not a guy who likes to use "could be" much, so I didn't want to go with them either. I CAN tell you that we're certainly talking weeks or months, not days.
This is just me talking now, but I'd be surprised to see him play again this year.
Joe was spectacular. I wish he were more consistent, because he could become a great wingman for "TB3". Speaking of Tristan, congrats to him on becoming the all-time leading 3-point shooter in school history. It was weird to see him do it as 00 (his jersey got left behind) considering Justin was '0'.
I'll have a little more later in the week on Hall, who is filling minutes and providing a bit of a spark. Horton had one of his up days on the up and down scale. Tamir continues to grow into his role.
Speaking of that role, I didn't have the room to put this in the paper, but here's the scoop on Simmons: CCSU doesn't want to say too much officially because these things can change for the better or worse, but it's safe to say that Simmons will be out for an extended period of time thanks to that shoulder issue. I was given numbers, but they're not firm enough to be printed from what I was told. I'm not a guy who likes to use "could be" much, so I didn't want to go with them either. I CAN tell you that we're certainly talking weeks or months, not days.
This is just me talking now, but I'd be surprised to see him play again this year.
A couple of things as we start
1) If you heard me talking about size on the pregame... all I'm saying is that offensively, it'd be nice to have guys stop beating up Tristan by having someone else step up. I firmly stand by my position that you can win without height, though it's always nice to have.
1b) That's something Hall can bring. Bruce has been in love with him for awhile, and maybe he's right. Maybe he can take some heat off the other guards.
2) Simmons is in street clothes (shoulder).
1b) That's something Hall can bring. Bruce has been in love with him for awhile, and maybe he's right. Maybe he can take some heat off the other guards.
2) Simmons is in street clothes (shoulder).
One more on SFNY
Just wrote my preview for Saturday's double-dip, which I was kind of fond of. Check the paper tomorrow.
Simmons isn't even listed in the lineup in the game notes, and we'll have to see where this is going. Hopefully I'll have more Saturday night for the blog or Sunday's paper.
Simmons isn't even listed in the lineup in the game notes, and we'll have to see where this is going. Hopefully I'll have more Saturday night for the blog or Sunday's paper.
Ah, maybe I wasn't making sense
Yes, "Three", my friend, now we're connecting! I'm not against Central getting a new building at all, nor do I think resting on your laurels is the way to get better.
The only things that I was trying to drill home were that 1) there's no reason to think a building is coming (if there's even a shred of hope of one I'll pass that news along, I promise) and, more importantly, 2) that Central has proven it could win without one.
I wasn't saying that it wouldn't help, just that it's not required. If it were coming, we could talk about how it will help recruiting and prestige. Since the new building is not coming, let's focus on the fact that titles can be won without one, that was my only stance on that. I'm big on focusing on not just what's going on currently, but what's realistic.
I wasn't singling anyone out on any particular comment about the hope for one (It's hard for me to remember who's who going from board to board and not knowing everyone anyway), but I was just trying to end what I perceived (maybe wrongly) as the notion that Central was dragging its feet on this. Not being a homer, if I find reason to say they are I'll say so.
As for the last point, because they're a state school and not UConn, there's not a lot Central CAN do. Seriously, you guys on the CCSUFANS board should start a fund and solicit donations. We'll need about $10 million I reckon?
The only things that I was trying to drill home were that 1) there's no reason to think a building is coming (if there's even a shred of hope of one I'll pass that news along, I promise) and, more importantly, 2) that Central has proven it could win without one.
I wasn't saying that it wouldn't help, just that it's not required. If it were coming, we could talk about how it will help recruiting and prestige. Since the new building is not coming, let's focus on the fact that titles can be won without one, that was my only stance on that. I'm big on focusing on not just what's going on currently, but what's realistic.
I wasn't singling anyone out on any particular comment about the hope for one (It's hard for me to remember who's who going from board to board and not knowing everyone anyway), but I was just trying to end what I perceived (maybe wrongly) as the notion that Central was dragging its feet on this. Not being a homer, if I find reason to say they are I'll say so.
As for the last point, because they're a state school and not UConn, there's not a lot Central CAN do. Seriously, you guys on the CCSUFANS board should start a fund and solicit donations. We'll need about $10 million I reckon?
little clarification and some thoughts
and an update.
1) In that Wagner preview I wrote, Tristan was talking about getting used to playing big teams, as in, players that are tall, not big programs like UMass.
Next year I'd like to see a game or two on the agenda like that, but I'm glad they avoided some this year since there's so many freshman.
2) I'm going to Brooklyn tomorrow, I agree it's a huge game. Can't say must win because I believe the goal for this year is the 6th or 7th spot, which can be achieved without this one, but a win at SFNY sure would help. The players and coaches I'm sure are thinking about first place, so getting this one will be huge for them in that regard.
3) When I'm down in Brooklyn I'll try and get more in-depth info on Simmons' injury woes. I haven't heard anything encouraging. Though the play of Tamir and Marcus (who had seven rebounds last night) helped. If Tamir can get around 10 boards and not commit a turnover, that's huge. And if Palmer can start to add some consistent rebounding to his game, he'll be a player sooner than later.
1) In that Wagner preview I wrote, Tristan was talking about getting used to playing big teams, as in, players that are tall, not big programs like UMass.
Next year I'd like to see a game or two on the agenda like that, but I'm glad they avoided some this year since there's so many freshman.
2) I'm going to Brooklyn tomorrow, I agree it's a huge game. Can't say must win because I believe the goal for this year is the 6th or 7th spot, which can be achieved without this one, but a win at SFNY sure would help. The players and coaches I'm sure are thinking about first place, so getting this one will be huge for them in that regard.
3) When I'm down in Brooklyn I'll try and get more in-depth info on Simmons' injury woes. I haven't heard anything encouraging. Though the play of Tamir and Marcus (who had seven rebounds last night) helped. If Tamir can get around 10 boards and not commit a turnover, that's huge. And if Palmer can start to add some consistent rebounding to his game, he'll be a player sooner than later.
A couple quickies
1) J.J., thanks for the kind words, even if they're probably crazy. :)
I do think you should want a new arena, it's the expectations of one or the apparent belief that the money is there and not being spent by the athletic dept. that I was arguing with. Heck, I'd love one too. My only other point was that CCSU has done fine without one as recently as last March, and the sky isn't falling.
2) For my money, Howie is the best coach in the region, and that has a lot to do with why the Devils have done so well with less than great facilities and a low budget. Someday he'll be gone (my hunch is after this next recruiting class is seniors, which is 5 years from now, but that's a total guess), and that hire will be the 2nd biggest in the program's D-I history. They'll need another coach who can find those diamonds in the rough and coach them so hard and so well.
3) I also think Moore will do a nice job, but, and I say this having never met the man so I might be dead wrong, I get the impression he won't be at QU long.
I do think you should want a new arena, it's the expectations of one or the apparent belief that the money is there and not being spent by the athletic dept. that I was arguing with. Heck, I'd love one too. My only other point was that CCSU has done fine without one as recently as last March, and the sky isn't falling.
2) For my money, Howie is the best coach in the region, and that has a lot to do with why the Devils have done so well with less than great facilities and a low budget. Someday he'll be gone (my hunch is after this next recruiting class is seniors, which is 5 years from now, but that's a total guess), and that hire will be the 2nd biggest in the program's D-I history. They'll need another coach who can find those diamonds in the rough and coach them so hard and so well.
3) I also think Moore will do a nice job, but, and I say this having never met the man so I might be dead wrong, I get the impression he won't be at QU long.
Don't forget the women Wednesday
For anyone who can get there, the women are home at 2 p.m. Wed. for a game against Longwood. America's newest Division I member (well, along with UC-Davis and Northern Colorardo) has some good wins, including one over the Mount, so maybe this one won't be the cakewalk I thought it would be before the season.
Still, for a young team any win is big, so Central could use one.
Still, for a young team any win is big, so Central could use one.
Format question
Since I was just talking about working for you guys...
When we're doing this give and take that I hope you guys enjoy as much as I do, even if it makes me have to be the bearer of bad news sometimes, there are 2 ways for me to do it.
I can post new comments all the time, like I just did today with ForThree, or we can keep it going in the comments of posts, like I just did with Big Blue.
Let me know what's easier to read/better, I'm not exactly a blogging expert.
When we're doing this give and take that I hope you guys enjoy as much as I do, even if it makes me have to be the bearer of bad news sometimes, there are 2 ways for me to do it.
I can post new comments all the time, like I just did today with ForThree, or we can keep it going in the comments of posts, like I just did with Big Blue.
Let me know what's easier to read/better, I'm not exactly a blogging expert.
ForThree
It wasn't a tangent, and it certainly wasn't intended to be negative towards other views... in fact the point of this blog is to interact more with you the fans. We at the Herald don't just want you to read us, we want you to talk with us and interact.
I'm trying to get a dialogue going here, that's the whole purpose. So believe me, me responding to stuff you and the other loyal fans say isn't me having rabbit ears (believe me I've been called worse than a homer in my day), it's attempting to create that interaction. You guys are our readers, we work for you as much as we do our corporate bosses. We want to talk with you.
I agree with just about everything you said in your response to my post, both the good and the bad about Central, except for the dedication part: I know Central is interested in a new building if it could get it.
But the point I think you (and others) keep missing is in the comparisons. For example, in the last comment, you were talking about UConn and Gonzaga. (I know I mentioned UConn, but someone else had first). Those aren't fair comparisons for Central.
That's not a defense of Central, it's just perspective. In fact, comparing it to schools with different financial setups like Quinnipiac isn't even really fair. Central just isn't that kind of school. The plans I saw for the new fields are nice, but it's not like they're building the Big House for football, and we know Gampel South isn't coming to New Britain anytime soon.
As for the other point, which I absolutely stand by, you made it for me even better than I had. St. John's plays a majority of its games in the mecca of college basketball and in a city that produces point guards like Nike makes jerseys. Yet they aren't doing terribly well. MSG isn't necessarily helping them. That's all I was trying to say, you can win without a glorious building, and having a building doesn't make you a winner. (Not saying they never will, but call me when the Bobcats win the NEC in their new place, LIU in theirs, etc.).
I totally agree that Central would be better off with lots of new facilities, but NEC titles can be won without them, that's all I'm saying. Since they're not coming (for basketball anyway), the fans should focus on that.
It's the generalizations that send me into a tizzy the most. Like the height thing. If that's all you look at, then you wouldn't have gotten Obie. Winners are winners, and they can be seven feet or 6-2, and they can play in a 10,000 seat palace or Detrick Gym.
Keep the emails, posts and replies coming, that's why I'm doing this blog, to talk to and with you guys. And because I love a good argument.
Matt
P.S. I'll be honest, I don't know where Beecher Court is, but I'll bet Howie could win there.
I'm trying to get a dialogue going here, that's the whole purpose. So believe me, me responding to stuff you and the other loyal fans say isn't me having rabbit ears (believe me I've been called worse than a homer in my day), it's attempting to create that interaction. You guys are our readers, we work for you as much as we do our corporate bosses. We want to talk with you.
I agree with just about everything you said in your response to my post, both the good and the bad about Central, except for the dedication part: I know Central is interested in a new building if it could get it.
But the point I think you (and others) keep missing is in the comparisons. For example, in the last comment, you were talking about UConn and Gonzaga. (I know I mentioned UConn, but someone else had first). Those aren't fair comparisons for Central.
That's not a defense of Central, it's just perspective. In fact, comparing it to schools with different financial setups like Quinnipiac isn't even really fair. Central just isn't that kind of school. The plans I saw for the new fields are nice, but it's not like they're building the Big House for football, and we know Gampel South isn't coming to New Britain anytime soon.
As for the other point, which I absolutely stand by, you made it for me even better than I had. St. John's plays a majority of its games in the mecca of college basketball and in a city that produces point guards like Nike makes jerseys. Yet they aren't doing terribly well. MSG isn't necessarily helping them. That's all I was trying to say, you can win without a glorious building, and having a building doesn't make you a winner. (Not saying they never will, but call me when the Bobcats win the NEC in their new place, LIU in theirs, etc.).
I totally agree that Central would be better off with lots of new facilities, but NEC titles can be won without them, that's all I'm saying. Since they're not coming (for basketball anyway), the fans should focus on that.
It's the generalizations that send me into a tizzy the most. Like the height thing. If that's all you look at, then you wouldn't have gotten Obie. Winners are winners, and they can be seven feet or 6-2, and they can play in a 10,000 seat palace or Detrick Gym.
Keep the emails, posts and replies coming, that's why I'm doing this blog, to talk to and with you guys. And because I love a good argument.
Matt
P.S. I'll be honest, I don't know where Beecher Court is, but I'll bet Howie could win there.
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