01-25-2006, 07:56 AM
I have not seen a NIU game in over 10 years (14 to be exact) and my only way to keep track of the team since then has been box scores, (limited) articles and now this board. Therefore, I don't know much about the team Jud has built since he came from Illinois 5 years ago. So, that's out of the way.
I see that NIU was tabbed to finish 4th in the MAC West this year behind Toledo, Ball St. and WMU. So, my expectations were set fairly low coming into the season. However, wins over KSU and Depud and an early high ranking in RPI and Sagarin gave me hope. I see now that the pre-season 1-4 rankings are now exactly the opposite in today's standings. NIU (#4) is now in 1st -- essentially by default as the rest of the division basically has been sucking this season. A couple of road wins against cellar dwellers C & E MU the next few days would be just the lift NIU would need going into 2 home games against (supposed) good Ball St and WMU teams.
Who knows, maybe in 10 days time, we'd be looking at a 8-4 (13-7) team and those calling for the ousting of Judson would now be calling for his coach of the year award.
One thing is for sure, NIU, unless they win the remaining regular season games outright and make it to the MACC game (and lose) their only hope is to win the MACC in order to make it to the NCAAs. An invite to the NIT will require winning at least 7 or 8 of the remaining 10 regular season games and strong showing at the MAC c-chips.
I'm confident in Jud and think this team will be 8-4 by the time February 4th ends its day and end up at least in the NIT.
I see that NIU was tabbed to finish 4th in the MAC West this year behind Toledo, Ball St. and WMU. So, my expectations were set fairly low coming into the season. However, wins over KSU and Depud and an early high ranking in RPI and Sagarin gave me hope. I see now that the pre-season 1-4 rankings are now exactly the opposite in today's standings. NIU (#4) is now in 1st -- essentially by default as the rest of the division basically has been sucking this season. A couple of road wins against cellar dwellers C & E MU the next few days would be just the lift NIU would need going into 2 home games against (supposed) good Ball St and WMU teams.
Who knows, maybe in 10 days time, we'd be looking at a 8-4 (13-7) team and those calling for the ousting of Judson would now be calling for his coach of the year award.
One thing is for sure, NIU, unless they win the remaining regular season games outright and make it to the MACC game (and lose) their only hope is to win the MACC in order to make it to the NCAAs. An invite to the NIT will require winning at least 7 or 8 of the remaining 10 regular season games and strong showing at the MAC c-chips.
I'm confident in Jud and think this team will be 8-4 by the time February 4th ends its day and end up at least in the NIT.