Hoping to have big news for you on Tuesday, but wanted to tell you that it involves our coverage, which is what I meant by your reward for being so loyal by reading the paper and the blog here as you guys do. You do a tremendous job, and it's because of you that our coverage is possible and I try so hard for you guys.
Expected it today, but should have it Tuesday. Will let you know as soon as I do.
As for the weekend: The men showed marked improvement on offense. With Shemik out (and no, I don't think it's a long-term thing at all, will let you know if that changes), I expected the offense to be awful. But Robby is playing splendidly, and Dave will only get better as he gets back in the flow. Throw in a healthy Shemik and the continued improvement of the newcomers (Markeys I think is going to be a big factor before too long), I think the offense will be ok. I'm not saying they'll score 90 a night and win the league but I like what I've seen lately and think they'll be fun to watch as the year goes along.
The women got a big win at Toothpaste U. I like what they're doing, and really, really think they're on the verge of something here. Throw in the fact that a vast majority of the kids will be back next year, and Beryl is sitting on a goldmine in terms of growth. I really think they're the next Sacred Heart in the women's NEC.
Speaking of improvement, I'm working on a story about next year's recruits, and I think you'll be pleased. Assuming Kenny comes back healthy next year, Central will actually be deep up front. When was the last time we could say that? Not since I've been covering them, that's for sure.
Football: With the holiday and the off week, we laid low on football coverage, and to be honest I'm behind even on checking the boards and my blog email (shoot me a note at mstraubblog@hotmail.com). Will catch up with all that, and I PROMISE tons on the football team as we get closer to the Classic. Should be fun.
Check this thing Tuesday, will let you know hopefully some fun news.
On a side note, would you guys be interested in furthering the blog part of our coverage? One of the things I want you to email me about is interest in a Twitter type deal, which I'd do much more often since it would just be quick thoughts.
Also remember I blog as much as possible during hoops games. Check especially before the games for news on lineup changes and the like. Also, I do halfitme on the radio and net for every women's home game, check that out. Hoping to do more men's stuff this year on that side.
Bad blogger
I know, I missed two promises to update. But I want you to know it's because something potentially big is going on behind the scenes that will get you guys a pretty cool reward if it works out. I will keep u posted.
Manic Monday
Ok, so Monday's the day to do a lot of catching up here. I'll talk to you guys about football and hoops. It's my day off, so I'll have time.
Wanted to say something quick though.
A word to my fellow Northeastern Huskies, who lost their football program today. We all knew this was coming, but it makes it no less sad. The program was doomed with its awful facilities (you think Arute is subpar? Have Central play its home games on a high school level field next to a regular building that serves as locker rooms, and do it all in the next town over, say Newington, but not the Newington right next door. The other side of town.) and a league that it couldn't compete in.
But those kids busted their butts like anyone else. They deserved better than a press release. The last year could have been special. We all knew this was coming, and NU should have spent the year celebrating the program's history and giving those kids a hell of a send off in the finale.
And no, before you guys start, Central isn't going to the CAA. They're not ready. Let's worry about dominating the NEC for awhile before you try to move up. When Mac talks about "doing things right," he's talking about extra touches like going to SFPA a day early, which costs money. Central did that this time, but would have to do things like that all the time to even consider moving up. Mac's got the right frame of mind for the program in that regard, playcalling aside.
By the way, just bear with the NU alum for a second while he vents: The dumbest thing NU ever did was move to the CAA. The travel budget alone is a killer (in the other sports I'm talking) and NU lost some great rivalries. Just ridiculous.
Which goes back to the argument we had last basketball season. If CCSU ever jumps, it better make sure it goes to the right place. Losing the rivalries with the other CT schools because you think Vermont is a step up in class is VERY dangerous. Part of what made that Monmouth comeback so special is that it came against Monmouth. Fit is just as, if not more, important in finding a league than competitive level.
I have to find the dream conference a friend and I made when we figured out that the Big East would someday split into football and non-football, which I promise will happen someday. Providence, Seton Hall, St. John's and the like are going to be looking for leagues. Team them with the old AE schools who left the league and say CCSU and Quinnipiac. Now you're talking. You'd stay in the NEC for football, like Albany.
Ok, enough rambling. We'll talk tomorrow.
Wanted to say something quick though.
A word to my fellow Northeastern Huskies, who lost their football program today. We all knew this was coming, but it makes it no less sad. The program was doomed with its awful facilities (you think Arute is subpar? Have Central play its home games on a high school level field next to a regular building that serves as locker rooms, and do it all in the next town over, say Newington, but not the Newington right next door. The other side of town.) and a league that it couldn't compete in.
But those kids busted their butts like anyone else. They deserved better than a press release. The last year could have been special. We all knew this was coming, and NU should have spent the year celebrating the program's history and giving those kids a hell of a send off in the finale.
And no, before you guys start, Central isn't going to the CAA. They're not ready. Let's worry about dominating the NEC for awhile before you try to move up. When Mac talks about "doing things right," he's talking about extra touches like going to SFPA a day early, which costs money. Central did that this time, but would have to do things like that all the time to even consider moving up. Mac's got the right frame of mind for the program in that regard, playcalling aside.
By the way, just bear with the NU alum for a second while he vents: The dumbest thing NU ever did was move to the CAA. The travel budget alone is a killer (in the other sports I'm talking) and NU lost some great rivalries. Just ridiculous.
Which goes back to the argument we had last basketball season. If CCSU ever jumps, it better make sure it goes to the right place. Losing the rivalries with the other CT schools because you think Vermont is a step up in class is VERY dangerous. Part of what made that Monmouth comeback so special is that it came against Monmouth. Fit is just as, if not more, important in finding a league than competitive level.
I have to find the dream conference a friend and I made when we figured out that the Big East would someday split into football and non-football, which I promise will happen someday. Providence, Seton Hall, St. John's and the like are going to be looking for leagues. Team them with the old AE schools who left the league and say CCSU and Quinnipiac. Now you're talking. You'd stay in the NEC for football, like Albany.
Ok, enough rambling. We'll talk tomorrow.
Nope
No CCSU. Gridiron Classic here they come.
I'll have to check Eastern Illinois, but my guess is they had a much better schedule.
I'll have to check Eastern Illinois, but my guess is they had a much better schedule.
check that
I think it's ESPNNews. I'll get the results up here asap, so don't worry if you don't have advanced digi cable.
Hey guys
Lots of football to catch up on, hoops too, just wanted to tell ya why I'm holding off.
Someone close to the process told me he believes CCSU will make the FCS playoffs today.
I'm calling BS, but I wanted to mention it's possible. Let's watch ESPNU at 3.
Someone close to the process told me he believes CCSU will make the FCS playoffs today.
I'm calling BS, but I wanted to mention it's possible. Let's watch ESPNU at 3.
Maybe breaking news
Since I haven't seen this anywhere, I think I'm breaking something for you guys here. I talked to Justin Alexander's high school coach, and he told me that he did in fact sign with Central. I know all the sites I've seen had it as a verbal, but he signed a NLOI.
Can he play? I can't tell you. Could something still happen that sends him somewhere else? Yeah. But he did sign. And he's quite tall.
RR15. It's certainly a valid argument you make. I just would rather have my best player's foul trouble in the first half so I can have him for more of the second half. The way it worked out, CCSU was down big without him, but he had the whole second half to try and catch up. I'd rather that then have him pick up, say a 4th one with 12 minutes left and miss the next 8.
Can he play? I can't tell you. Could something still happen that sends him somewhere else? Yeah. But he did sign. And he's quite tall.
RR15. It's certainly a valid argument you make. I just would rather have my best player's foul trouble in the first half so I can have him for more of the second half. The way it worked out, CCSU was down big without him, but he had the whole second half to try and catch up. I'd rather that then have him pick up, say a 4th one with 12 minutes left and miss the next 8.
Breaking news
At the women's game, will have full coverage in the paper in the morning, but wanted to pass along a nugget.
I just spoke with Dave Simmons, who told me he expects to play in the next game. He looks a lot better, too.
I just spoke with Dave Simmons, who told me he expects to play in the next game. He looks a lot better, too.
Catching up
So I've been working so much that I haven't had time to update the old blog.
So let's run through the week since the last time I did this, then give some thoughts on the topics of the day.
As always, please give me your thoughts at mstraubblog@hotmail.com
Friday: A gutty effort by the Devils, hindered by two absences. Sitting a few feet away, I watched Shemik gut out that game and am absolutely convinced that Central would have won had it not been for the 7 minutes he sat in the first half. They were down 2 when he left and played the second half I think down 1 with him the whole half. If he plays, they're at the very least in the game late, giving the shooters a realistic shot. You never know. But I think they win.
To the argument that you have to play Shemik with 2 fouls: no way. You'd rather lose him in the first half than the second. Maybe you try and steal the last minute of the half with him in, but he has to sit most of the time there. Dave coming back will be nice, too.
Saturday: What to say about the biggest comeback (in terms of importance) in school history? Great job by the defense in the fourth quarter, and a gutty effort by the offense. Again, the running game wears down the D and sets up a big play downfield. Great job by Aubrey and Josue to rescue the play, too. The key now will be Central's ability to keep focused heading into Saturday. Playing a bad team with so much on the line lends itself to a letdown the week after a big one. I think Central's seniors hold the fort and book a trip to the midwest.
Monday: The women are going to be good. Struggling to finish against two teams from allegedly better leagues isn't that bad a thing, especially since Central had both games in its sights. All that's left to do is iron out the slow starts. When Central fights for loose balls and boards and gets a spark from the likes of Dowdy, it will be fine.
The men need experience and Simmons. A win in the meantime to get their spirits up would be nice, too. There will be nights like this for a team that relies so heavily on outside shooting. No shots, no win.
Btw, I don't remember if I mentioned this during my trips to hoops practice, but if not I feel bad since I killed Central for it last year. GREAT job fixing the devil at midcourt and having it face the hard camera. It will look a million times better on tv now. I also like that the women's banner is blue. Nice way to make it different.
As for the recruiting: Getting three starters from a class is a good thing. Yes the rest of that class is gone, but sometimes that's a mutual thing. Sometimes schools like when guys they don't want leave so they can replace them with someone else.
Baskerville has played 2 games. Let's not close the book on him either way for at least another year. Talk to me at the end of next season.
This year's group: I like Deans, Vince can shoot from anywhere, and Howie LOVES Efese. I have to find an excuse to get the quotes I have from him about Joe E. into a story. He's VERY high on him. We shall see.
Lots of good rumors about next year, I'll see what I can find out.
So let's run through the week since the last time I did this, then give some thoughts on the topics of the day.
As always, please give me your thoughts at mstraubblog@hotmail.com
Friday: A gutty effort by the Devils, hindered by two absences. Sitting a few feet away, I watched Shemik gut out that game and am absolutely convinced that Central would have won had it not been for the 7 minutes he sat in the first half. They were down 2 when he left and played the second half I think down 1 with him the whole half. If he plays, they're at the very least in the game late, giving the shooters a realistic shot. You never know. But I think they win.
To the argument that you have to play Shemik with 2 fouls: no way. You'd rather lose him in the first half than the second. Maybe you try and steal the last minute of the half with him in, but he has to sit most of the time there. Dave coming back will be nice, too.
Saturday: What to say about the biggest comeback (in terms of importance) in school history? Great job by the defense in the fourth quarter, and a gutty effort by the offense. Again, the running game wears down the D and sets up a big play downfield. Great job by Aubrey and Josue to rescue the play, too. The key now will be Central's ability to keep focused heading into Saturday. Playing a bad team with so much on the line lends itself to a letdown the week after a big one. I think Central's seniors hold the fort and book a trip to the midwest.
Monday: The women are going to be good. Struggling to finish against two teams from allegedly better leagues isn't that bad a thing, especially since Central had both games in its sights. All that's left to do is iron out the slow starts. When Central fights for loose balls and boards and gets a spark from the likes of Dowdy, it will be fine.
The men need experience and Simmons. A win in the meantime to get their spirits up would be nice, too. There will be nights like this for a team that relies so heavily on outside shooting. No shots, no win.
Btw, I don't remember if I mentioned this during my trips to hoops practice, but if not I feel bad since I killed Central for it last year. GREAT job fixing the devil at midcourt and having it face the hard camera. It will look a million times better on tv now. I also like that the women's banner is blue. Nice way to make it different.
As for the recruiting: Getting three starters from a class is a good thing. Yes the rest of that class is gone, but sometimes that's a mutual thing. Sometimes schools like when guys they don't want leave so they can replace them with someone else.
Baskerville has played 2 games. Let's not close the book on him either way for at least another year. Talk to me at the end of next season.
This year's group: I like Deans, Vince can shoot from anywhere, and Howie LOVES Efese. I have to find an excuse to get the quotes I have from him about Joe E. into a story. He's VERY high on him. We shall see.
Lots of good rumors about next year, I'll see what I can find out.
Told you so
After FU threatened to pull away, Central has come to life in the last few minutes behind Shemik with a big assist to Markeys Deans. Down 8 with 11:57 left.
1st half thoughts
Well things were going just fine until shemik went out with his 2nd foul. After that FU went on a 14-4 run to close the half.
THeir size hurts the Devils, but FU isn't really pulling away with that advantage What happened was that CCSU scored 4 points without Shemik in nearly 7 minutes. I think if he (and everyone else) stays out of trouble, CCSU makes this a game again.
THeir size hurts the Devils, but FU isn't really pulling away with that advantage What happened was that CCSU scored 4 points without Shemik in nearly 7 minutes. I think if he (and everyone else) stays out of trouble, CCSU makes this a game again.
Starters set
Shemik, Rosario and Robby in back of Chris and Markeys (playing for Dave, who is sick).
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