This team has more returning impact players and contributors than any team I can remember in the Cluess era.
Of course chemistry can always be an issue regardless of how many returners there are, but this team has more continuity than any other that I can remember.
I have some concerns about integrating Washington, with his high profile and large following, into the team concept. I think Cluess will accomplish this, but I believe it has the potential to be difficult.
This team has more returning impact players and contributors than any team I can remember in the Cluess era.
Of course chemistry can always be an issue regardless of how many returners there are, but this team has more continuity than any other that I can remember.
That's a great point. Yes, this team should come together quicker than last years. I fully expect that, but the new additions are pretty significant and will take time to fit in the system. With Cluess teams, it always takes time.
This team has more returning impact players and contributors than any team I can remember in the Cluess era.
Of course chemistry can always be an issue regardless of how many returners there are, but this team has more continuity than any other that I can remember.
It's kinda why I DONT want Jelly and Thiam eligible until next year.
The greatest poster in the history of the MAAC as determined by THREE separate polls.
Maybe I am in the minority, but I want both IW and Thiam to be eligible right away. This is the MAAC, I really believe you go for it when you can. IF Iona was able to win a 5th straight MAAC tournament, the best chance to finally win a NCAA tournament game is with IW and Thiam playing. Thiam is a 6'9'' athletic kid that would help on the boards, and while IW struggled shooting at Minnesota, he proved he can run the offense and protect the ball at the highest level. Again IF Iona made it again to the NCAA tournament, we would hate to see IW and Thiam sitting at the end of the bench. Yeah, I knows it means Iona won the MAAC without them, but as we have seen, winning the MAAC and winning a NCAA tournament game are 2 completely different animals.
As far as off the court, there is plenty of buzz about the Iona program, between the upgraded facilities and IW coming home to play. If IW doesn't get his waiver, believe me some of that buzz will fade, as well as not having one of the MAAC'S best PGS not playing.
Maybe I am in the minority, but I want both IW and Thiam to be eligible right away. This is the MAAC, I really believe you go for it when you can. IF Iona was able to win a 5th straight MAAC tournament, the best chance to finally win a NCAA tournament game is with IW and Thiam playing. Thiam is a 6'9'' athletic kid that would help on the boards, and while IW struggled shooting at Minnesota, he proved he can run the offense and protect the ball at the highest level. Again IF Iona made it again to the NCAA tournament, we would hate to see IW and Thiam sitting at the end of the bench. Yeah, I knows it means Iona won the MAAC without them, but as we have seen, winning the MAAC and winning a NCAA tournament game are 2 completely different animals.
As far as off the court, there is plenty of buzz about the Iona program, between the upgraded facilities and IW coming home to play. If IW doesn't get his waiver, believe me some of that buzz will fade, as well as not having one of the MAAC'S best PGS not playing.
I don’t think Coach Cluess brought in players that he can’t handle and am pretty certain they’ve had (IW, Thiam and Coach) the discussion of what’s expected of them and roles. Believe we had the same concern when Momo came on board a few years back. Also, if I were to wager, expect both players will get waivers...
Maybe I am in the minority, but I want both IW and Thiam to be eligible right away. This is the MAAC, I really believe you go for it when you can. IF Iona was able to win a 5th straight MAAC tournament, the best chance to finally win a NCAA tournament game is with IW and Thiam playing. Thiam is a 6'9'' athletic kid that would help on the boards, and while IW struggled shooting at Minnesota, he proved he can run the offense and protect the ball at the highest level. Again IF Iona made it again to the NCAA tournament, we would hate to see IW and Thiam sitting at the end of the bench. Yeah, I knows it means Iona won the MAAC without them, but as we have seen, winning the MAAC and winning a NCAA tournament game are 2 completely different animals.
As far as off the court, there is plenty of buzz about the Iona program, between the upgraded facilities and IW coming home to play. If IW doesn't get his waiver, believe me some of that buzz will fade, as well as not having one of the MAAC'S best PGS not playing.
I don’t think Coach Cluess brought in players that he can’t handle and am pretty certain they’ve had (IW, Thiam and Coach) the discussion of what’s expected of them and roles. Believe we had the same concern when Momo came on board a few years back. Also, if I were to wager, expect both players will get waivers...
I would be shocked if IW doesn't get his waiver. On the other hand I would also be shocked if Thiam had his approved. Looking at "legislative waivers", it's usually for unusual situations as well as for kids transferring to their 3rd D1 college with the risk of losing a year of eligibility. Time will tell
Maybe I am in the minority, but I want both IW and Thiam to be eligible right away. This is the MAAC, I really believe you go for it when you can. IF Iona was able to win a 5th straight MAAC tournament, the best chance to finally win a NCAA tournament game is with IW and Thiam playing. Thiam is a 6'9'' athletic kid that would help on the boards, and while IW struggled shooting at Minnesota, he proved he can run the offense and protect the ball at the highest level. Again IF Iona made it again to the NCAA tournament, we would hate to see IW and Thiam sitting at the end of the bench. Yeah, I knows it means Iona won the MAAC without them, but as we have seen, winning the MAAC and winning a NCAA tournament game are 2 completely different animals.
As far as off the court, there is plenty of buzz about the Iona program, between the upgraded facilities and IW coming home to play. If IW doesn't get his waiver, believe me some of that buzz will fade, as well as not having one of the MAAC'S best PGS not playing.
+1
I believe our best chance of winning a tourney game will be slotted somewhere in the 11-13 seed range. Put out the best product now, rack up as many wins as possible and see where the chips fall. For me, the target would be a similar win/loss and resume to the 1998 team.
Crazy thing is with all the hype and talk about total wins, seeds and whether or not IW and Thiam will be eligible, it will still come down to three games in March. A MAAC team would have to go like 18-2 in league play, as well as a few "up" wins in OOC games just to be on the bubble.
Post by St. Louis Gael on Jun 23, 2019 22:02:31 GMT -5
Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see how Michael Ortale is a walk on at Iona. Kid is athletic, has a good handle, sees the floor (4 assists per game). This kid can play. Anyone know if he is on campus?
I can see this kid developing into a Ben Perez successor. Maybe one of TC's below the radar finds.
Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see how Michael Ortale is a walk on at Iona. Kid is athletic, has a good handle, sees the floor (4 assists per game). This kid can play. Anyone know if he is on campus?
I can see this kid developing into a Ben Perez successor. Maybe one of TC's below the radar finds.
And he had a Siena offer, maybe he is really smart and got mucho money
Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see how Michael Ortale is a walk on at Iona. Kid is athletic, has a good handle, sees the floor (4 assists per game). This kid can play. Anyone know if he is on campus?
I can see this kid developing into a Ben Perez successor. Maybe one of TC's below the radar finds.
And he had a Siena offer, maybe he is really smart and got mucho money
SLG, if he's on campus for the summer sessions, he'd have to pay his own way. And I wouldn't think that he could practice with the team.
IC59...since you have more historical context than most on this board, where would you put your excitement and expectation levels for this team compared to some of the other great teams in the past?
05, as someone who is approaching the "19th hole" on the course of life, I might be grasping at straws, but I must say that this year's team is one of our most exciting, EVER. Of course a lot depends on:
1. The waivers. 2. No player mistakes a coach for a punching bag. 3. If one or both of the waivers are denied, I'll be "first on line" for the Maroon/Gold scrimmage.
P.S. Being truthful, I guess Jeff's first year, and the anticipation of it, was my most exciting time as a fan. Keep in mind, we had JV hyping the team, and that was great fun.