Just wanted to check in with you guys, hope you all had an amazing holiday, whichever one you celebrate. Writing today from the floor of Mohegan Sun Arena (how cool is my job?). If you're watching the opener (which I came early just to do), I'm sitting under the basket URI shot is aiming for in the first half.
Thought I'd get back into the flow by perusing the board and chiming in.
As to the men's schedule: A few things. First, for now, let's just say Central didn't go into the year hoping to play Savannah St. I believe (my conjecture now) both teams were unaware that the other was at the Prosser Tourney for starters, and I know Central had another mid-major game fall though, as I've mentioned before. RR, this won't happen again. And there are definitely no plans to stretch it to best of five. That was funny, I have to admit. Nice job.
As for what's ahead: I think 2-0 isn't an unreasonable expectation, as long as you don't think it's going to be easy. HC is 2-11, but look at their schedule, as I mentioned in today's preview. They've played everyone that would play them. This isn't a 2-11 team in terms of quality.
I can't say I've studied Colgate yet, but I will say that it's a road game, which is never easy, I don't care if you're playing NBHS. Could CCSU get both of these? Yes, especially how it's playing. But both won't be easy.
As for the NEC slate: I don't think any league wants to play 20 league games. But to the point about rivalries dying... wouldn't you rather see the good teams come in than an old rival? I'd rather watch a competitive game with LIU than a game with a down Monmouth (just using examples, not saying that's how these games will be this year).
But, and I've posted this before, I think there's a way to do both. Have a nice mix of teams, and keep rivalries, while locking in a set schedule (which helps rivalries, familiarity breeds contempt).
You go to 2, 6-team divisions: CCSU, SHU, QU, Bryant and two NYC schools are one. The two PA schools, Mount, the two jersey schools and the other NYC school (the split of teams can be negotiated) are the other. You play home-and-home with the two in your division (10 games) and one each against the other (three at home, 3 road, which alternate). That gives you 16 league games, 8 home and 8 road.
The league tourney is the top 4 from each division. North 1 plays South 4, North 2 plays South 3, etc. Which makes the battle for home game between the 2nd and third team in each division key, since there's more travel involved now. Or just play the whole thing here at Mohegan. You're telling me people won't drive from all over to spend a weekend at a great hotel and casino? Play 4 games Saturday at 11, 2, 5 and 8, then the semis on Sunday and the final here or at the highest seed left on whatever night ESPN wants. Tell me why this wouldn't work.
Anyway, more later, gonna watch the rest of this and see if OSU can make a run.
3-for-18 doesn't help.
No comments:
Post a Comment