Thanks, everyone and like Tiger, I hope we'll see ichoops, soon.
But back to yesterday, when I spent two very enjoyable hours watching Iona BB pickup games. And it was an alumni (mostly) team against current players. And for the current players, I'll break them into three groups. 1. The guys who weren't there. 2. Guys who were there, but didn't play. 3.The guys who did play. But first, the three man alumni team, which was joined by Jelanni Dublin and Grant Ellis. Their backcourt consisted of Sean Armand and a lefty point guard, who looked old and sported a thick black beard. I didn't recognize him and almost fell over when told that it was Steve Burtt, Jr. Their center was Mike Glover, with Dublin and Ellis in the front court.
1. The guys who weren't there, were the two European kids, plus Sledge. I don't know why Tavon wasn't there but don't believe he was there when OT visited. So it might mean something, or nothing. If I go back next week, and I hope to, I'll ask about him, if he's not there. I was told that the Greek kid should arrive in a couple of weeks, but no one (that I s/w) had any info on the Czech kid. Or if they did, they didn't share it with me. Once again, when I asked TC about the roster being set, I received the standard, "It's never finalized" answer. 2. Guys there, but not playing. Amayo and Robinson. Kelvin spent his time shooting on the side court, and someone told me that he's hoping to get a medical clearance, this week. Daniel Robinson was sitting court side, and while I didn't see any braces or heavy bandages, he just sat and watched. 3. The current players started Casimer and AJ at guards, and that might be our starting backcourt if Kelvin is medically unable to play, although the Greek kid could well be a starter, but I feel confident that Amayo will play and start. DL was at center with RH and IW up front.
Some observations, and keep in mind that it was a run and gun type of game, typical pickup game. *Cedric started slowly, missing his first three or four attempts from deep. But as the game progressed, he really picked up his game, and has me excited to see him again. He has a good handle, can shoot from deep, and also demonstrated the ability to get to the rim. IMO, he'll be a real crowd pleaser. Also showed that he can find the open man on the fast break. *AJ was AJ and will probably lead the team in scoring. Whether he's the PG or OG, he'll be a MAAC All Star and a possible POY. Unlike last year, when he had a break out year, he'll be a star from the get go. *DL worked mostly on his three point shot, and he might think that it will help his pro chances. He did demonstrate a nice deep touch. *RH looked good, and might have lost some weight, which helped him running the court. Right now I would think that he's in a battle with Dublin for the starting PF job. His offense vs. Dublin's defense and rebounding. Something to watch, and there is also the possibility of a surprise addition to the roster. *Dublin will be (assuming he's the starter) the smallest PF in the MAAC. Not a polished offensive player, but definitely a high energy guy, who hustles all the time. In the old days he would have been referred to as a garbage man, who gets many of his points on put back baskets. He is definitely not as big as I expected, and reminds me somewhat of our Rutgers transfer. His hustle makes him a TC type of player. *IW will definitely start, no surprise. Still has the great three point shot but seems to take the ball to the basket more. Like AJ, IW is a star, at least at the MAAC level. *Grant Ellis doesn't have the athleticism of Tre Bowman, but, imo, his deep shot is just as good. I just hope he gets the chance to show it off, because he has a great touch. Hopefully, we'll see him on the court a lot more this year. We just have to remember that he's very inexperienced, and that will only be overcome with more PT. *Young didn't show too much as he came off the bench for both teams, but din't get into the flow of the game. He is very athletic, and being lefty, it's easy to pick him out. My first impression was that he's an attack the basket type of guy. Will probably compete with Ellis for PT.
And while I didn't keep score, I would say that the young guys won, but it was close (just guessing). I just wish that Mike Glover had another year of eligibility and would love to see him team with DL. B/t/w, another alum who showed up and was shooting around, was Randy DeZouvre. He came by and said that he'd probably be back playing in Montreal, this year. It's also his hometown. Mike Glover is hoping for a team in Italy or Israel.
Great update. interesting that a possible mystery recruit is still being mentioned. In my opinion I would love to see Hines make the jump and win the starting PF position. Would give Iona one of the tallest frontcourts in the MAAC and have another legit 3 point threat on the court.
Welcome Back IC59 and thanks for the report. Hope all is well with you and your wife, I was wondering why you had not been posting.
Will be interesting to see how this developes, my hunch says the Czech kid isn't coming and a new Gael "surprise" is. Anxious to see who this is as well as see some of the new guys like Casimar. Cluess will play the best 5, and we have a great start with the 3 returning starters, so we only need a few of the others to contribute.
Widespread, think of me as, "Dead Man Walking". And while you're at it, think of Siena as, "Five Dead Men Walking". Just remember that the first criteria to become a Saint, is that you must be dead.
Widespread, think of me as, "Dead Man Walking". And while you're at it, think of Siena as, "Five Dead Men Walking". Just remember that the first criteria to become a Saint, is that you must be dead.
Welcome back IC. Fishing in Canada but found Wifi. Wishing you and your bride good health!
Thanks so much for the detailed report IC59. At this time of the year we are starved for info, so it was great to read your observations. I think it is significant that Robinson didn't play or shoot around. I seem to recall last year when his injury first came to light, someone indicated the possibility that he would not only miss the remainder of that season, but perhaps all of this one as well. I hope that isn't the case, but even if he does play this year, I would have concerns about his stamina and overall game ability after so long a layoff and lack of practice. Also interesting to hear about DLIII taking 3 pointers - maybe that missed 3 point attempt in the closing seconds of the MAAC championship game versus Manhattan left a bad taste in his mouth. However, my preference is that DL play close to the basket and let all the other long range sharpshooters take care of the outside game. Also, I feel it is time to cease using him as a point forward. This year's team has plenty of capable guards who can bring the ball up the court effectively.