Right off the bat, if you link to this blog:
Please update your link to the new CAA: LAMM home at Wordpress.
All new posts after this one will go there.
I've successfully imported everything over there but consider the new site under construction. I'm going to be futzing around with design and links and community and such, so it may not look the same each time you go over there.
Though I can't find the post anymore, the move to Wordpress is Mottram-inspired. I'm thinking somewhere in his new masterfully-designed site--I laughed, I cried, it was better than CATS--he said he switched to Wordpress. I might be making that up.
So I spent about 18 minutes poking around and made the call. See, it's about the technology of time, which is really this: I understand technology but I don't have the time to fiddle with it. It's either easy or it's not part of my life. Wordpress is loads easier to manage.
My time with Wordpress is getting dangerously close to one full hour, so expect the construction to last for awhile.
You don't care about any further detail so I'll shut up now.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Required Reading
I was going to let it go because it's sad enough, but you MUST read Seth Davis' column on Skip Prosser.
It sums up, beautifully, Skip Prosser. My personal favorite part: Davis didn't mention "great recruiting class" until the very last paragraph of the story. Kudos to Davis for that one, because that aspect is about the 18th most important great thing about Skip Prosser.
It sums up, beautifully, Skip Prosser. My personal favorite part: Davis didn't mention "great recruiting class" until the very last paragraph of the story. Kudos to Davis for that one, because that aspect is about the 18th most important great thing about Skip Prosser.
You've Got to Know Wright From Rong...
Panama took down the USA yesterday evening 75-67. The Dagger saw three minutes of action and missed both shots he took. To be more precise, he missed one shot and another was swatted away and shown in highlights. Alex Smith played seven minutes for Panama and scored three points. Smith made his only FG and was 1-5 from the line. However his three Fouls On in seven minutes is impressive.
(Side note: how come the national team doesn't have a nickname? Would we be more intimidating if we were the USA Lions, or USA Yankees? At least we'd have some new uniform options.)
Also, Frank Elegar had 11 points and eight rebounds in the Virgin Islands loss.
So that's two losses for the Not-So-Good Guys, one to Uruguay and one to Panama. Run those countries through the internet anagram server and you get: A Aura Nap Guy Um, which means I thought something funnier would be the result.
***
Captip to the JCCW, who called me hardcore, causing me to rethink what I do with my spare time. This comes not too long after Dan Steinberg called me relentless, something I hadn't heard since prom night.
(Today's side note #2: Steinberg uses a photo of Tony Skinn in a recent note on the Bog. Who's in the pic with Skinn but Loren Stokes...)
But the JCCW is dead on the mark with two points: first, a rising tide lifts all boats. If the Valley has shown anything, it's that everyone has to be a solid program for everyone to benefit. Don't get me started today on the Cycle of Winning.
And second, it's PanAm all day because, in all honesty, it is July. We hate recruiting here at the CAA:LAMM, and this time of year there is nothing else.
I'd cure eveyone's ills and jump into the CAA football fray, but somebody needs to fund the Stellas before that happens.
Importantly, look at it this way--if I'm reduced to blogging about CAA basketball players in the Pan Am Games, writing horrifically unfunny lines about prom night, think about how dull my real job has become.
***
Skip Prosser's untimely passing is indeed a very sad thing. I was fortunate enough to meet him once, for a handshake and 12 seconds of banter. Prosser looked me in the eye and showed 12 seconds of genuine interest in the book project. I walked away thinking "great guy."
Very sad indeed.
(Side note: how come the national team doesn't have a nickname? Would we be more intimidating if we were the USA Lions, or USA Yankees? At least we'd have some new uniform options.)
Also, Frank Elegar had 11 points and eight rebounds in the Virgin Islands loss.
So that's two losses for the Not-So-Good Guys, one to Uruguay and one to Panama. Run those countries through the internet anagram server and you get: A Aura Nap Guy Um, which means I thought something funnier would be the result.
***
Captip to the JCCW, who called me hardcore, causing me to rethink what I do with my spare time. This comes not too long after Dan Steinberg called me relentless, something I hadn't heard since prom night.
(Today's side note #2: Steinberg uses a photo of Tony Skinn in a recent note on the Bog. Who's in the pic with Skinn but Loren Stokes...)
But the JCCW is dead on the mark with two points: first, a rising tide lifts all boats. If the Valley has shown anything, it's that everyone has to be a solid program for everyone to benefit. Don't get me started today on the Cycle of Winning.
And second, it's PanAm all day because, in all honesty, it is July. We hate recruiting here at the CAA:LAMM, and this time of year there is nothing else.
I'd cure eveyone's ills and jump into the CAA football fray, but somebody needs to fund the Stellas before that happens.
Importantly, look at it this way--if I'm reduced to blogging about CAA basketball players in the Pan Am Games, writing horrifically unfunny lines about prom night, think about how dull my real job has become.
***
Skip Prosser's untimely passing is indeed a very sad thing. I was fortunate enough to meet him once, for a handshake and 12 seconds of banter. Prosser looked me in the eye and showed 12 seconds of genuine interest in the book project. I walked away thinking "great guy."
Very sad indeed.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
In Other PanAm Action Last Night...
The Dagger missed all four shots he took in six minutes and the United States lost to Uruguay 81-72. The Fightin' Pampas Grasses were led by the inimitable Esteban Batista (no relation to MLB journeyman Tony) with 25 points and seven rebounds.
Uruguay?
Also, Panama lost its opener to Argentina and some guy named Desmond Smith logged a DNP. Quick check of the W&M media guide says yes, that is Alex Smith. Here's hoping he passes through immigration okay.
Uruguay?
Also, Panama lost its opener to Argentina and some guy named Desmond Smith logged a DNP. Quick check of the W&M media guide says yes, that is Alex Smith. Here's hoping he passes through immigration okay.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Her Name is Rio and She Dances on the Sand....
Now try to get that song out of your head.
Sorry about that.
Pan Am Games are in Rio. I had to.
Found a site to track CAA interests in the Pan Am Games. It's going to take some scrolling, some time conversions, and some hunting to find what you're after, but it's worth it. Click on the Reports link for the game that interests you.
Or you can check this space.
Once you download the pdf, you can get a box score. My favorite part is the tracked statistic: Fouls On. I arched my eyebrows when a lunch time check found JJ Barea of Puerto Rico with 5 Fouls On in the first half of its game against Canada.
Then I realized it was more likely Times Fouled, which is kind of cool for a stat head like me.
So anyway, Puerto Rico leads Canada at the half 42-30 behind 15 points and five Fouls On from Barea. Vladie Kools missed all three shots he took in the first half.
EDIT
Puerto Rico downs Canada 82-63. Barea with 21 for the winners and Vladie Kools with four points, 1 assist and zero rebounds in 14 minutes for Canada.
And Frank the Tank Elegar went for 21 points and 7 rebounds but it wasn't enough as the Virgin Islands lost to Brazil 86-81.
Sorry about that.
Pan Am Games are in Rio. I had to.
Found a site to track CAA interests in the Pan Am Games. It's going to take some scrolling, some time conversions, and some hunting to find what you're after, but it's worth it. Click on the Reports link for the game that interests you.
Or you can check this space.
Once you download the pdf, you can get a box score. My favorite part is the tracked statistic: Fouls On. I arched my eyebrows when a lunch time check found JJ Barea of Puerto Rico with 5 Fouls On in the first half of its game against Canada.
Then I realized it was more likely Times Fouled, which is kind of cool for a stat head like me.
So anyway, Puerto Rico leads Canada at the half 42-30 behind 15 points and five Fouls On from Barea. Vladie Kools missed all three shots he took in the first half.
EDIT
Puerto Rico downs Canada 82-63. Barea with 21 for the winners and Vladie Kools with four points, 1 assist and zero rebounds in 14 minutes for Canada.
And Frank the Tank Elegar went for 21 points and 7 rebounds but it wasn't enough as the Virgin Islands lost to Brazil 86-81.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
You never know what you'll find...
You want two beauties that you probably have not seen? Links below, courtesy of Mr. Irrelevant, Jamie Mottram. He's moved to a new URL and blogging with his brother.
Mottram's trip down memory lane popped these two videos:
UConn ties it at the buzzer.
UConn NOT winning it at the buzzer.
Enjoy.
And check out yesterday's napkin work.
Mottram's trip down memory lane popped these two videos:
UConn ties it at the buzzer.
UConn NOT winning it at the buzzer.
Enjoy.
And check out yesterday's napkin work.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Napkins are good for more than wiping mustard off your shirt...
You get the benefit of a long Monday post that will hopefully begin to get the juices flowing for the Fall. Hope you had a good weekend. We got away again, this time to the Shenendoah, where a phenomenal Cab/Sauv, perfect weather, and an abundance of napkins conspired to provide you this entry. (With no power in the primary residence, "head for the mountains" took on more context than Busch beer.)
Back Of Napkin, Post-May Pre-August Forecast
1. George Mason: four (and sometimes five) starters return from a sixth-place underachiever. Sounds very familiar, doesn't it? Key: either Will Thomas learns a 15-foot jumper, or SOMEBODY can consistently knock down the three.
2. VCU: The Dagger returns with plenty of dish options, and even though Pellot Rosa and Walker have graduated scoring is the easiest commodity to replace. And there's that pace. Key: two of the heralded freshmen step up and contribute.
3. ODU: If last year proved anything, it's that Brandon Johnson can lead a team. Brian Henderson is a fifth-year player, and Gerald Lee is a future all conference player (maybe even this year). Never count out a Blaine Taylor-coached team. Key: consistent perimeter scoring.
4. Hofstra: Antoine Agudio is likely preseason POY, and people have forgotten the name Greg Washington. It may be shocking to see Hofstra go big, but it could happen. Key: Playstation Johnson's replacement of Carlos Rivera running the point.
5. UNCW: Honestly, I feel like a housewife from Modesto, CA playing the Range Game on The Price is Right with this team. Where do I hit the button, because they could be anywhere? Key: shaking the stigma of last season.
6. Northeastern: Matt Janning and Eugene Spates to mix with two new faces. Throw in Manny Adako and the Huskies are pretty big and athletic. Key: The Big C--chemistry. However Chris Alvarez and Nkem Ojouboh practiced with the team last season, so I'm tempted to think positively.
7. Drexel: I think I could pass the ball to Frank Elegar and be successful. The Dragons success will result from the "step up" factor--lots of graduation so lots of opportunity. Feurtado, Hawthorne, and Tribbett are at the top of my list. Key: the aforementioned step ups need to occur.
8. Towson: The cupboard is far from bare for the Neal-less Pat Kennedy. Thornton is a stud transfer, and CC Williams and Rod Spruill came on late last year. Coleman, Crossin, etc. It's a big list. Any team with Jon Pease has a chance. Key: There's Neal's 24 ppg, but there's also everything Dennard Abraham brought. Raw production.
9. William & Mary: Here is another team I'm unsure of where to slot. And since I'm working from a napkin--literally--we'll move on. Key: do the good things and avoid doing the bad things. Seriously, it's taking the next step. Shaver had them take a colossal step forward last season. Whatever needs to happen to do it again, the players need to buy in.
10. James Madison: For the first time in a long time, the Dukes can boast legit talent that also knows how to succeed on the collegiate level: The JYD and Terence Carter get St. Joe's transfer Abdullah Jalloh and an up and coming PG. Could be this year's Tribe. Key: changing the attitudes.
11. Georgia State: This is the house-cleaning year for Rod Barnes. Big men need to be in better shape. If there's anything a Rod Barnes team will do, it's get after you. Key: it's a new way of doing things at Georgia State. The players need to buy in.
12. Delaware: Monte Ross will bring this program back. That is a given. But it's going to be an uphill climb. Courtney and Johnson, not to mention McMahon, are solid players. Key: Ross needs to do what he did last year and recruit his tuchus off.
Back Of Napkin, Post-May Pre-August Forecast
1. George Mason: four (and sometimes five) starters return from a sixth-place underachiever. Sounds very familiar, doesn't it? Key: either Will Thomas learns a 15-foot jumper, or SOMEBODY can consistently knock down the three.
2. VCU: The Dagger returns with plenty of dish options, and even though Pellot Rosa and Walker have graduated scoring is the easiest commodity to replace. And there's that pace. Key: two of the heralded freshmen step up and contribute.
3. ODU: If last year proved anything, it's that Brandon Johnson can lead a team. Brian Henderson is a fifth-year player, and Gerald Lee is a future all conference player (maybe even this year). Never count out a Blaine Taylor-coached team. Key: consistent perimeter scoring.
4. Hofstra: Antoine Agudio is likely preseason POY, and people have forgotten the name Greg Washington. It may be shocking to see Hofstra go big, but it could happen. Key: Playstation Johnson's replacement of Carlos Rivera running the point.
5. UNCW: Honestly, I feel like a housewife from Modesto, CA playing the Range Game on The Price is Right with this team. Where do I hit the button, because they could be anywhere? Key: shaking the stigma of last season.
6. Northeastern: Matt Janning and Eugene Spates to mix with two new faces. Throw in Manny Adako and the Huskies are pretty big and athletic. Key: The Big C--chemistry. However Chris Alvarez and Nkem Ojouboh practiced with the team last season, so I'm tempted to think positively.
7. Drexel: I think I could pass the ball to Frank Elegar and be successful. The Dragons success will result from the "step up" factor--lots of graduation so lots of opportunity. Feurtado, Hawthorne, and Tribbett are at the top of my list. Key: the aforementioned step ups need to occur.
8. Towson: The cupboard is far from bare for the Neal-less Pat Kennedy. Thornton is a stud transfer, and CC Williams and Rod Spruill came on late last year. Coleman, Crossin, etc. It's a big list. Any team with Jon Pease has a chance. Key: There's Neal's 24 ppg, but there's also everything Dennard Abraham brought. Raw production.
9. William & Mary: Here is another team I'm unsure of where to slot. And since I'm working from a napkin--literally--we'll move on. Key: do the good things and avoid doing the bad things. Seriously, it's taking the next step. Shaver had them take a colossal step forward last season. Whatever needs to happen to do it again, the players need to buy in.
10. James Madison: For the first time in a long time, the Dukes can boast legit talent that also knows how to succeed on the collegiate level: The JYD and Terence Carter get St. Joe's transfer Abdullah Jalloh and an up and coming PG. Could be this year's Tribe. Key: changing the attitudes.
11. Georgia State: This is the house-cleaning year for Rod Barnes. Big men need to be in better shape. If there's anything a Rod Barnes team will do, it's get after you. Key: it's a new way of doing things at Georgia State. The players need to buy in.
12. Delaware: Monte Ross will bring this program back. That is a given. But it's going to be an uphill climb. Courtney and Johnson, not to mention McMahon, are solid players. Key: Ross needs to do what he did last year and recruit his tuchus off.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Don't Push Me, 'Cause I'm Close to the Edge
Big storms took out our power yesterday at 4:00 and we're not supposed to get it back until tomorrow evening. Needless to say I'm behind in my work and I got no sleep. And I'll likely spend some part of my weekend tossing rotten salami and sour milk. Good thing there's leftover shrimp in the fridge. Cranky doesn't even begin to describe my mood.
Quotes for you from Anthony Grant gabfest:
"With seven new faces our depth will be better than last year. I'm excited about them as a group. They are a high character group and love to play basketball."
On Kirill Pischkjsdfkjsbfksbg, who comes to VCU by way of Russia: "He gives us size and physicality, something we lacked in abundance last year. He's (also) comfortable facing the basket and has a nice touch. His (main) adjustment is to our pace."
(Side note: I'll eventually figure out how to spell his name. Remember, today I'm cranky. So I'll also note that you need to get off my back when I call ODUs Gerald Lee Will Lee. It will happen at some point. It's not a shot at anyone; I was just a huge Letterman fan and Will Lee played bass for Paul Schaefer in the World's Most Dangerous Band.)
Lastly, on any difference in the style of play last year and this year: "Our adjustments are based on personnel."
***
More interesting CAA video is in the works, assuming I get power.
***
Over at Goodman's blog at Fox Sports, Eric Maynor was dubbed "Biggest Surprise." The quote:
"He’s a mid-major guy whose been able to more than hold his own. He can run a team, create his shot off the dribble. You always fear when someone steps up a level, but he’s clearly able to play at a high level."
Quotes for you from Anthony Grant gabfest:
"With seven new faces our depth will be better than last year. I'm excited about them as a group. They are a high character group and love to play basketball."
On Kirill Pischkjsdfkjsbfksbg, who comes to VCU by way of Russia: "He gives us size and physicality, something we lacked in abundance last year. He's (also) comfortable facing the basket and has a nice touch. His (main) adjustment is to our pace."
(Side note: I'll eventually figure out how to spell his name. Remember, today I'm cranky. So I'll also note that you need to get off my back when I call ODUs Gerald Lee Will Lee. It will happen at some point. It's not a shot at anyone; I was just a huge Letterman fan and Will Lee played bass for Paul Schaefer in the World's Most Dangerous Band.)
Lastly, on any difference in the style of play last year and this year: "Our adjustments are based on personnel."
***
More interesting CAA video is in the works, assuming I get power.
***
Over at Goodman's blog at Fox Sports, Eric Maynor was dubbed "Biggest Surprise." The quote:
"He’s a mid-major guy whose been able to more than hold his own. He can run a team, create his shot off the dribble. You always fear when someone steps up a level, but he’s clearly able to play at a high level."
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Rain Delay...
Real life and lunch with Anthony Grant got in the way...full report tomorrow...apologies...
Until then I will emphasize the need for help in amassing CAA YouTubes. I can't believe August is within sniffing distance and I've made so little progress on this blog.
We'll get there. Promise.
Until then I will emphasize the need for help in amassing CAA YouTubes. I can't believe August is within sniffing distance and I've made so little progress on this blog.
We'll get there. Promise.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
I Was Correct on Sunday; I Just Didn't Know It
VCUs Eric Maynor has made (re: passed the final cut, not just the 30-to-14 cut) the United States Pan Am Games team. Bravo for him, for VCU, and for the CAA. Nothing but good comes from this, and once again I mean for reasons having nothing to do with anything that occurs on the floor. Maynor doesn't even have to get off the bench; that isn't where the story resides.
Andy Katz, ostensibly freed for the summer, has already penned a July column about Maynor. To the rest of the country, Maynor may only be that guy that hit that shot against Duke. But the fact remains, when the MSM is busily working their way through stories as they cover the Pan Am Games, Maynor's is at the top of the list. And that is good for the entire conference.
What I mean is that there are only so many "Roy Hibbert came back!" columns that can be written that are interesting. Maynor has the CAA finals against Mason, the Duke Dagger, and "you've never heard of this guy but he's good" on his side. For my money, the only better story (that I know about) is that two Washington State players made the team. Who'da thunk? The stories will be there and they will be written, and those are national stories about the CAA in the offseason--unheard of three seasons ago.
PS--let's not forget Smith, Elegar, and Vladie Kools.
Andy Katz, ostensibly freed for the summer, has already penned a July column about Maynor. To the rest of the country, Maynor may only be that guy that hit that shot against Duke. But the fact remains, when the MSM is busily working their way through stories as they cover the Pan Am Games, Maynor's is at the top of the list. And that is good for the entire conference.
What I mean is that there are only so many "Roy Hibbert came back!" columns that can be written that are interesting. Maynor has the CAA finals against Mason, the Duke Dagger, and "you've never heard of this guy but he's good" on his side. For my money, the only better story (that I know about) is that two Washington State players made the team. Who'da thunk? The stories will be there and they will be written, and those are national stories about the CAA in the offseason--unheard of three seasons ago.
PS--let's not forget Smith, Elegar, and Vladie Kools.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Not So Fast, My Friend...
Sorry--I still like Lee Corso.
So I got chat with Old Dominion head coach Blaine Taylor today, and probably the most striking statement that came out of his mouth was very humanizing:
"The thing about our league," he said, "is that a team can get going good; then they can get going better; then they get momentum and the whole (race) changes. The league is that good."
Why humanizing? Here is a guy in Taylor that is as aware as any coach and he admits that the margin between first and sixth in the CAA is razor thin.
Think about it this way: in the past three seasons George Mason has squeezed a Final Four run in between two sixth place finishes.
Side note: I tried my best to get him to call Gerald Lee the greatest thing since sliced bread, but Taylor wasn't biting.
"Gerald was part of the rotation last year," said Taylor, "and he has an opportunity to ramp up his role and take the next step."
Gee thanks Coach.
But I think we all know the real story on Lee.
***
Who's your fifth?
It's pretty clear that Eric Maynor, Frank Elegar, Will Thomas, and Antoine Agudio will be the top four players on the preseason All CAA team.
Number Five?
TJ Carter, Folarin Campbell, Todd Hendley are the first names that came to my mind. Then I stretched to Gerald Lee and Abdullah Jalloh. Can't avoid Herb Courtney or turn my back on Matt Janning.
So I got chat with Old Dominion head coach Blaine Taylor today, and probably the most striking statement that came out of his mouth was very humanizing:
"The thing about our league," he said, "is that a team can get going good; then they can get going better; then they get momentum and the whole (race) changes. The league is that good."
Why humanizing? Here is a guy in Taylor that is as aware as any coach and he admits that the margin between first and sixth in the CAA is razor thin.
Think about it this way: in the past three seasons George Mason has squeezed a Final Four run in between two sixth place finishes.
Side note: I tried my best to get him to call Gerald Lee the greatest thing since sliced bread, but Taylor wasn't biting.
"Gerald was part of the rotation last year," said Taylor, "and he has an opportunity to ramp up his role and take the next step."
Gee thanks Coach.
But I think we all know the real story on Lee.
***
Who's your fifth?
It's pretty clear that Eric Maynor, Frank Elegar, Will Thomas, and Antoine Agudio will be the top four players on the preseason All CAA team.
Number Five?
TJ Carter, Folarin Campbell, Todd Hendley are the first names that came to my mind. Then I stretched to Gerald Lee and Abdullah Jalloh. Can't avoid Herb Courtney or turn my back on Matt Janning.
Speedy Tuesday
Hofstra has made it into the CHN 144 teams in 144 days. The Pride crack the ranking for the CAA at #122. I'm currently sketching my preseason rankings on napkins and tablecloths, and I have Hofstra at #4. And that, of course, means nothing.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Good Performances, Bad Performances
Methinks I should retire from the Sunday updates. Or at least get enough coffee in me to sustain some sort of clarity. In one post I made two mistakes that have been updated--VCUs Maynor is in the Final 14, not the final roster, which is more of a clarification. And Jonathan Tannewald is from Philly.com, not the Philly fishwrap. Apologies.
Also of note: according to Dick Weiss, one of the best people to attribute "according to" in front of his name, writes that Drexel's Frank Elegar will represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Pan Am and Rick Apodaca, formerly of Hofstra, will play for Puerto Rico in the games.
Who can forget the CAA tournament--I'll guess 2002 but I could be wrong--where Apodaca almost single-handedly pulled off an upset, including a midcourt heave that had nothing to do with shooting range.
***
Later edit:
So I read the following on the USA Basketball site about the Pan Am Games--
"Featuring a roster of collegians who competed primarily against older and more internationally experienced senior national teams, the USA men suffered three narrow defeats in five games to place fourth at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic."
And it got me to thinking...if the USA was 2-3 and didn't medal four years ago--and it's being pointed out in every mention that the American team is playing against more experienced pros--shouldn't we be more excited for Elegar, Vladie Kools, and Smith than Eric Maynor?
Or at least just as excited?
Also of note: according to Dick Weiss, one of the best people to attribute "according to" in front of his name, writes that Drexel's Frank Elegar will represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Pan Am and Rick Apodaca, formerly of Hofstra, will play for Puerto Rico in the games.
Who can forget the CAA tournament--I'll guess 2002 but I could be wrong--where Apodaca almost single-handedly pulled off an upset, including a midcourt heave that had nothing to do with shooting range.
***
Later edit:
So I read the following on the USA Basketball site about the Pan Am Games--
"Featuring a roster of collegians who competed primarily against older and more internationally experienced senior national teams, the USA men suffered three narrow defeats in five games to place fourth at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic."
And it got me to thinking...if the USA was 2-3 and didn't medal four years ago--and it's being pointed out in every mention that the American team is playing against more experienced pros--shouldn't we be more excited for Elegar, Vladie Kools, and Smith than Eric Maynor?
Or at least just as excited?
Sunday, July 15, 2007
A Sunday Post? Are You Kidding?
VCUs Eric Maynor has made the Final 14 for the USA Pan Am team.
The player selections, which were made after five practices between July 12-14 at Haverford College (Pa.), were made by the USA Basketball Men’s Collegiate Committee, chaired by Syracuse University (N.Y.) head coach Jim Boeheim. Two more are due to be cut.
The United States has been placed in preliminary round Group A along with Argentina, Panama and Uruguay, and Group B consists of Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Keep in mind W&Ms Alex Smith (Panama) and UNCWs Vladie Kools (Canada) are also in the field.
The U.S. opens preliminary play July 25 facing Uruguay (10 p.m. Rio de Janeiro local time), then meets Panama on July 26 (7:45 p.m. Rio de Janeiro local time) and the U.S. closes out preliminary round action against Argentina on July 27 (7:45 p.m. Rio de Janeiro local time).
Semifinals will be held on July 28 and the finals will be played July 29.
(Thanks to Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philly.com, who has been covering the tryouts at the link above.)
The player selections, which were made after five practices between July 12-14 at Haverford College (Pa.), were made by the USA Basketball Men’s Collegiate Committee, chaired by Syracuse University (N.Y.) head coach Jim Boeheim. Two more are due to be cut.
The United States has been placed in preliminary round Group A along with Argentina, Panama and Uruguay, and Group B consists of Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Keep in mind W&Ms Alex Smith (Panama) and UNCWs Vladie Kools (Canada) are also in the field.
The U.S. opens preliminary play July 25 facing Uruguay (10 p.m. Rio de Janeiro local time), then meets Panama on July 26 (7:45 p.m. Rio de Janeiro local time) and the U.S. closes out preliminary round action against Argentina on July 27 (7:45 p.m. Rio de Janeiro local time).
Semifinals will be held on July 28 and the finals will be played July 29.
(Thanks to Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philly.com, who has been covering the tryouts at the link above.)
Friday, July 13, 2007
Didn't Think News Happened on Fridays
It doesn't, but I'm a day behind the rest of the world...
ODU beatnick Rich Radford pulled himself off the golf course long enough to file this update about the Monarchs' late summer plans.
High level: some detail around the ODU schedule and the team's preparation for their Labor Day excursion to the Bahamas.
***
Another Actual News Update comes from Rob Washburn in the conference office:
Two--and perhaps three--CAA vets will represent their countries in the upcoming Pan Am Games.
Tribe junior Alex Smith (Panama) and UNCW senior Vladie Kools (Canada) were chosen to play. The Pan-American Games begin July 13 with the men’s basketball portion of the schedule slated to start July 25-29. The Pan-American Games will be aired on ESPN Deportes.
The third is VCUs Eric Maynor, who is trying out for a spot on the USA team.
ODU beatnick Rich Radford pulled himself off the golf course long enough to file this update about the Monarchs' late summer plans.
High level: some detail around the ODU schedule and the team's preparation for their Labor Day excursion to the Bahamas.
***
Another Actual News Update comes from Rob Washburn in the conference office:
Two--and perhaps three--CAA vets will represent their countries in the upcoming Pan Am Games.
Tribe junior Alex Smith (Panama) and UNCW senior Vladie Kools (Canada) were chosen to play. The Pan-American Games begin July 13 with the men’s basketball portion of the schedule slated to start July 25-29. The Pan-American Games will be aired on ESPN Deportes.
The third is VCUs Eric Maynor, who is trying out for a spot on the USA team.
Because G: TB is Right...
It's Friday and I can't get to coaches until next week, so let's take ourselves a little less seriously and have some harmless fun.
A friend sent me this link. You're going to need Flash 9.0 for this, but you can use this site to see if the battle for the best moustache in the conference is truly a two-man battle between Blaine Taylor and Tony Shaver.
***
For your actual weekend thoughts...I had a conversation yesterday with an In The Know, and we both determined there is no greater mystery in the CAA than UNCW. The Seahawks are coming off truly their Worst Season in Memory, but you look at them and wonder.
How can a team that starts TJ Carter, Vladie Kools, and Todd Hendley be awful? Throw in Montez Downey, a kid I personally think is going to be very good. Oh, and Fountain playing the role of marksman.
It will be Benny Moss' second year--a quantum leap of greater than one year in terms of experience and understanding.
It really mucks the picture for how the conference will shake out next season, as if there already didn't exist 5,000 question marks. (To wit: Hofstra minus Stokes/Rivera; Towson minus Neal but plus more complementary talent; Jalloh at JMU; ODU losses and gains; W&M edging ever better; Drexodous of seniors; Nor'Easter with guys you don't know but beat you; etc.)
Perhaps I needed caps: ETC.
What do you think?
A friend sent me this link. You're going to need Flash 9.0 for this, but you can use this site to see if the battle for the best moustache in the conference is truly a two-man battle between Blaine Taylor and Tony Shaver.
***
For your actual weekend thoughts...I had a conversation yesterday with an In The Know, and we both determined there is no greater mystery in the CAA than UNCW. The Seahawks are coming off truly their Worst Season in Memory, but you look at them and wonder.
How can a team that starts TJ Carter, Vladie Kools, and Todd Hendley be awful? Throw in Montez Downey, a kid I personally think is going to be very good. Oh, and Fountain playing the role of marksman.
It will be Benny Moss' second year--a quantum leap of greater than one year in terms of experience and understanding.
It really mucks the picture for how the conference will shake out next season, as if there already didn't exist 5,000 question marks. (To wit: Hofstra minus Stokes/Rivera; Towson minus Neal but plus more complementary talent; Jalloh at JMU; ODU losses and gains; W&M edging ever better; Drexodous of seniors; Nor'Easter with guys you don't know but beat you; etc.)
Perhaps I needed caps: ETC.
What do you think?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Where You Can Hear the Pitter Patter of Little Feet...
College Hoops Net has begun its annual summer gasfire--the ranking of 144 teams in 144 days. The list is certainly a conversation starter for the summer months, when less-evolved sports fans are following NFL training camps. They've reached #123 (Albany) and no CAA squad has seen the light of day.
Of course this "poll" is more interesting than scientific, but they've done some research and they have the guts to publish it. For those reasons alone you should keep popping by to see what strikes you.
Today it hit me that High Point, at #137, is ranked one spot ahead of Iowa State. (That puts the Cyclones at #138 for those of you that went to ODU...)
High Point sounds like a hotel chain. Or a low end vodka. Maybe an organic olive oil. Iowa State plays in the Big Freaking 12.
Whatever. The point is that you learn stuff with this poll, so keep going back. And I learned High Point won 22 games last season and finished second in the Big South. That knowledge will be unveiled in my next convo with Whelliston.
Side note: lighten up, Monarchs fans. It's been months since I took a shot at you. You had to know it was coming. Are we even if I tell you I've been hearing some very good things about Marsharee Neely?
Of course this "poll" is more interesting than scientific, but they've done some research and they have the guts to publish it. For those reasons alone you should keep popping by to see what strikes you.
Today it hit me that High Point, at #137, is ranked one spot ahead of Iowa State. (That puts the Cyclones at #138 for those of you that went to ODU...)
High Point sounds like a hotel chain. Or a low end vodka. Maybe an organic olive oil. Iowa State plays in the Big Freaking 12.
Whatever. The point is that you learn stuff with this poll, so keep going back. And I learned High Point won 22 games last season and finished second in the Big South. That knowledge will be unveiled in my next convo with Whelliston.
Side note: lighten up, Monarchs fans. It's been months since I took a shot at you. You had to know it was coming. Are we even if I tell you I've been hearing some very good things about Marsharee Neely?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Using 95 South (Watch the Traffic)
As widely reported, Scott Cherry, an assistant to Jim Larranaga at George Mason, is leaving NoVa to head to Western Kentucky to coach on Darrin Horn's staff. Yes it is a minor note, but a Cherry quote stood out to me:
"I’m excited about the opportunity that coach Horn is providing not just for me, but my family. It’s a wonderful chance to not only work with a great coach and program, but to get my family closer to home."
It stands out because of my interaction with Cherry. To say I know him is an overstatement. In fact, our conversations--if you could even call them that--never got past hellos and basic small talk. But what always stood out to me was how Cherry chose to spend his time before games, and between games, and after games.
Cherry could've been yucking it up with the Mason players. He could've been overanalyzing a piece of minutiae with his fellow coaches. He could've been yucking it up with me, a reporter, or any member of the GMU staff. But Cherry could always be found sitting in the stands with his wife and toddler--usually the child was in his arms.
It always struck me as a wonderful thing that Cherry chose to spend his free time being a husband and father. So when he says his move is to get his family closer to home, believe it. Better/worse/lateral move shouldn't be part of the conversation.
Eric Konkol is returning to Mason to replace Cherry. Konkol was an assistant for the team from 2002-05.
***
More Mason, and not the good kind of news. A longstanding rumor was confirmed by the Richmond Times Dispatch when the paper reported that Highland Springs guard Jay Threatt, an All-Metro selection and key cog in the school's run to the state AAA title, is facing robbery and abduction charges in a carjacking case.
Threatt had signed a letter of intent with the Patriots.
***
With thanks to Georgia State's Charlie Taylor, a nugget from Rod Barnes about the first thing he told the team when he took over as head coach:
"The first thing my staff and I are trying to do is instill the work ethic that it takes to be successful. We have got to be sure we are working as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. I’ve said before that basketball players are built in the off-season and teams are built in the fall. This has got to be a year round effort by the student-athletes as the rewards of that show up everywhere. It shows up in the classroom with the extra summer school. It shows up in the camaraderie of the team. It shows up in the strength and conditioning.
This summer with Coach Tredell Dorsey we are setting the tone of how important the strength and conditioning program is to our success. It is a long process and it will take a full cycle to see the long-term results of this year-in, year-out work."
"I’m excited about the opportunity that coach Horn is providing not just for me, but my family. It’s a wonderful chance to not only work with a great coach and program, but to get my family closer to home."
It stands out because of my interaction with Cherry. To say I know him is an overstatement. In fact, our conversations--if you could even call them that--never got past hellos and basic small talk. But what always stood out to me was how Cherry chose to spend his time before games, and between games, and after games.
Cherry could've been yucking it up with the Mason players. He could've been overanalyzing a piece of minutiae with his fellow coaches. He could've been yucking it up with me, a reporter, or any member of the GMU staff. But Cherry could always be found sitting in the stands with his wife and toddler--usually the child was in his arms.
It always struck me as a wonderful thing that Cherry chose to spend his free time being a husband and father. So when he says his move is to get his family closer to home, believe it. Better/worse/lateral move shouldn't be part of the conversation.
Eric Konkol is returning to Mason to replace Cherry. Konkol was an assistant for the team from 2002-05.
***
More Mason, and not the good kind of news. A longstanding rumor was confirmed by the Richmond Times Dispatch when the paper reported that Highland Springs guard Jay Threatt, an All-Metro selection and key cog in the school's run to the state AAA title, is facing robbery and abduction charges in a carjacking case.
Threatt had signed a letter of intent with the Patriots.
***
With thanks to Georgia State's Charlie Taylor, a nugget from Rod Barnes about the first thing he told the team when he took over as head coach:
"The first thing my staff and I are trying to do is instill the work ethic that it takes to be successful. We have got to be sure we are working as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. I’ve said before that basketball players are built in the off-season and teams are built in the fall. This has got to be a year round effort by the student-athletes as the rewards of that show up everywhere. It shows up in the classroom with the extra summer school. It shows up in the camaraderie of the team. It shows up in the strength and conditioning.
This summer with Coach Tredell Dorsey we are setting the tone of how important the strength and conditioning program is to our success. It is a long process and it will take a full cycle to see the long-term results of this year-in, year-out work."
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