Has Rivals even had a story on this? Nathan Knight, to me, is a future NBA player, and he only makes the second team CAA. That tells me the conference is pretty, pretty good. Mason, meanwhile, is picked 4th in the A-10. Didn't JMU outplay them last year only to lose late? VCU is picked 7th and Richmond 10th. My have the mighty fallen fast.

So a top 4 finish for sure bogey?

JMU's December 7th game at Mason has been selected to be televised live via MASN...

https://gomason.com/news/2018/10/18/mens...tners.aspx

MASN will air the non-conference game against Mason's oldest rival James Madison on December 7. The game will mark the 98thmeeting between the Virginia schools.

(10-18-2018 02:24 PM)Centdukesfan Wrote:  So a top 4 finish for sure bogey?

No major injuries and everybody stays eligible they could be sneaky good. I don't think 4th is out of the question. Ultimately their success is going to be based on the tournament. If they finish in the upper half of the league, are not in the play-in game and they make it to the semifinals I am going to be ok. This sort of finish would be really encouraging, particularly with the class that is currently in place (not final until they sign). I like the number of good high school recruits that Lou has signed so far. While transfers can definitely help a school, four year recruits build a program. Christmas and Wooden from this years class have a chance to be really good CAA players. We beat out ODU for Christmas and George Mason really wanted Wooden. I really love these two recruits but for what it is worth, some of the bigger schools that offered Christmas, did so earlier in his high school career and then backed away.

Lou has a five year deal but this has to be the year where things start trending up.

So basically we are going to win the caa. Love it. Thanks bogey

Scrimmage against usc upstate today. They were really bad last year. Let's hope we beat them soundly and remain injury free

(10-17-2018 08:58 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  Didn't realize and just learned that Elon has opened a new arena for hoops...

https://www.elon.edu/u/schar-center/

I like it just for the mere fact that it is symmetrical.

Elon’s new facility moves them into a Division 1 quality facility, but their finished design is weak.
A ton of air space and a very low angle seating grade = fail.
It is a shame that they built a shiny, new home and botched the arena bowl design.
Let’s hope JMU doesn’t make the same fundamental mistakes.

Their home court advantage will be decreased from what they had in Alumni Gym

Hart, I don’t think you have to be concerned about the design of JMU’s new arena. It’s a solid A+ all around. The only question I have is where will the students be seated.

Let’s hope so. Sometimes the final product veers from the initial design specs for various reasons.
Is it me or does Elon’s low grade seating angle look even worse than the current convo?

(10-20-2018 10:04 AM)Hart Foundation Wrote:  Let’s hope so. Sometimes the final product veers from the initial design specs for various reasons.
Is it me or does Elon’s low grade seating angle look even worse than the current convo?

Is that even possible? The Convo had horrible angles.

(10-20-2018 03:56 AM)Centdukesfan Wrote:  Scrimmage against usc upstate today. They were really bad last year. Let's hope we beat them soundly and remain injury free

Per the DNR beat writer JMU won the scrimmage but both teams agreed not to release much in the way of info publicly.

Just received the 18-19 Blue Ribbon College Yearbook. They pick JMU 5th in the CAA behind NE, COC, W&M and Hofstra. JMU rated as 2nd best backcourt in the CAA behind Hofstra.

Dukes are so good

Per DNR beat writer JMU MBB is #4 in pre season Pomeroy rankings- slightly above Hofstra

What was our pre-season rank last year? I though we were projected in the top half, but maybe that was wishful thinking.
I'd probably feel better if they underrated us. Give a bit more fuel for this team.
I'm trying very hard not to be disappointed this year but feel like it's inevitable. The sun rises and sets and the JMU Men's Basketball team disappoints year after year.
Please be different this year... I beg of you!

(10-22-2018 11:00 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  What was our pre-season rank last year? I though we were projected in the top half, but maybe that was wishful thinking.
I'd probably feel better if they underrated us. Give a bit more fuel for this team.
I'm trying very hard not to be disappointed this year but feel like it's inevitable. The sun rises and sets and the JMU Men's Basketball team disappoints year after year.
Please be different this year... I beg of you!

Don't know about specific publications/websites, but the CAA Preseason Poll at Media Day picked us dead last at 10th heading into last season... https://jmusports.com/news/2017/10/18/ca...ath=mbball

15 days to tipoff to the season. A complete SWAG at a depth chart for discussion purposes...

1
Matt Lewis, So.
DeShon Parker, Fr.
This and the 5 position are the two I think are pretty straight-forward. Parker can spell Lewis straight up and/or Lewis can move over to the 2/3 if/when needed (e.g., Mosley or Banks in foul trouble)

2
Stuckey Mosley, Sr.
Antanee Pinkard, Jr.
Matt Urbach, Fr.
Hicklin could join this party at the 2 as well. Side note, will be interesting to see sharp-shooter (and hopefully "maker") Richey coming in as a frosh next year. If he can be a legit 3-pt threat coming right in as a true frosh, he will have a chance to compete for Mosley's vacant starting spot

3
Darius Banks, So.
Greg Jones, So.
Jonathan Hicklin, Fr.
Jones is probably more suited for the 4, but I put him here just to show he will likely be in the 9-man rotation somehow some way. As mentioned previously, Hicklin could play some 2. He's a slasher and less of a shooter if my memory of his film is accurate. Jones can and will play some 4 when needed. Much depends I'd think on Flowers' development and whether Smith can get back 100% and contribute in the post. Some interchangeable parts between the 3 and 4 no doubt.

4
Zach Jacobs, So.
Devon Flowers, Fr.
Cam Smith, Grad
Jacobs is more of a stretch-4. I am very keen to see his off-season development. He has good technique on his outside shot, but he rushed far too many shots out there last year. But, he was a freshmen. Most freshmen tend to do that. With development and increased confidence he can let the game come to him and not force things. He was abused more often than not making post moves last year so hopefully if he is going to try to score with his back to the basket on the block I hope he has worked on some moves and is stronger. Flowers and Smith are wildcards as to what they will bring. I think Flowers can get up and down the court.
Will be interesting to see what he brings to the floor. Smith can likely play some 5 as well, if needed.

5
Develle Phillips, Sr.
Dwight Wilson, So.
This should be a good battle as the season progresses for starting and playing time. If Wilson continues development, this could be closer to a 50-50 time share by time the CAA schedule gets going. Hopefully Phillips realizes this is his last rodeo. He showed sparks at times last year of being very effective and then at times he was invisible. I almost want someone to go up to Develle and punch him in the gut just before tipoff. IOW, piss him off and get his blood flowing real good. When he's aggressive, he is the starter and leader in the post. Wilson will likely be a more skilled post by time he's a junior or senior. I'm looking for Wilson to keep his big body and get up and down the court better this winter. He has a good skill set and appears to understand the game. These 2 guys have different bodies and different skill sets. Nice compliment to one another. If we can get 14 pts, 14 boards, and 3 or 4 blocks out of this position (read: these 2 guys) each night out, we'll be in great shape. This position mostly needs to play defense. Phillips is the better defender. He positions himself better and his long arms are to his advantage. UNCW and W&M both have post players who can put up crazy good numbers every night out. Use all 10 fouls on them if needed.

The strength of this team is obvious and that's our backcourt. That's a good place to be because CBB is very much about guard play. Having said that, the key to success may very well be in what becomes of the 4 and 5 positions. And yes, no question about it Lou Rowe has to manage games better - particularly at the end. It should help as the saying goes "the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores." Hopefully our guys won't fall apart by epic proportions as their anal cavities tighten to...well...epic proportions in the final minute(s) of games this year.

I welcome tearing apart these thoughts above and telling me where and how I'm wrong. Any discussion about the upcoming season is welcome.

Go Dukes!

The picture contained herein makes it look much better than Hart's view. All 5,100 seats are theater seats and have unobstructed views evidently.

http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Article/164873

(10-22-2018 11:53 AM)Wear Purple Wrote:  

(10-22-2018 11:00 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  What was our pre-season rank last year? I though we were projected in the top half, but maybe that was wishful thinking.
I'd probably feel better if they underrated us. Give a bit more fuel for this team.
I'm trying very hard not to be disappointed this year but feel like it's inevitable. The sun rises and sets and the JMU Men's Basketball team disappoints year after year.
Please be different this year... I beg of you!

Don't know about specific publications/websites, but the CAA Preseason Poll at Media Day picked us dead last at 10th heading into last season... https://jmusports.com/news/2017/10/18/ca...ath=mbball

Blue Ribbon had JMU 10 last year but while they had COC first they also had Northeastern 4 and Elon 2 so it's never a perfect science.

(10-22-2018 01:01 PM)Wear Purple Wrote:  15 days to tipoff to the season. A complete SWAG at a depth chart for discussion purposes...

1
Matt Lewis, So.
DeShon Parker, Fr.
This and the 5 position are the two I think are pretty straight-forward. Parker can spell Lewis straight up and/or Lewis can move over to the 2/3 if/when needed (e.g., Mosley or Banks in foul trouble)

2
Stuckey Mosley, Sr.
Antanee Pinkard, Jr.
Matt Urbach, Fr.
Hicklin could join this party at the 2 as well. Side note, will be interesting to see sharp-shooter (and hopefully "maker") Richey coming in as a frosh next year. If he can be a legit 3-pt threat coming right in as a true frosh, he will have a chance to compete for Mosley's vacant starting spot

3
Darius Banks, So.
Greg Jones, So.
Jonathan Hicklin, Fr.
Jones is probably more suited for the 4, but I put him here just to show he will likely be in the 9-man rotation somehow some way. As mentioned previously, Hicklin could play some 2. He's a slasher and less of a shooter if my memory of his film is accurate. Jones can and will play some 4 when needed. Much depends I'd think on Flowers' development and whether Smith can get back 100% and contribute in the post. Some interchangeable parts between the 3 and 4 no doubt.

4
Zach Jacobs, So.
Devon Flowers, Fr.
Cam Smith, Grad
Jacobs is more of a stretch-4. I am very keen to see his off-season development. He has good technique on his outside shot, but he rushed far too many shots out there last year. But, he was a freshmen. Most freshmen tend to do that. With development and increased confidence he can let the game come to him and not force things. He was abused more often than not making post moves last year so hopefully if he is going to try to score with his back to the basket on the block I hope he has worked on some moves and is stronger. Flowers and Smith are wildcards as to what they will bring. I think Flowers can get up and down the court.
Will be interesting to see what he brings to the floor. Smith can likely play some 5 as well, if needed.

5
Develle Phillips, Sr.
Dwight Wilson, So.
This should be a good battle as the season progresses for starting and playing time. If Wilson continues development, this could be closer to a 50-50 time share by time the CAA schedule gets going. Hopefully Phillips realizes this is his last rodeo. He showed sparks at times last year of being very effective and then at times he was invisible. I almost want someone to go up to Develle and punch him in the gut just before tipoff. IOW, piss him off and get his blood flowing real good. When he's aggressive, he is the starter and leader in the post. Wilson will likely be a more skilled post by time he's a junior or senior. I'm looking for Wilson to keep his big body and get up and down the court better this winter. He has a good skill set and appears to understand the game. These 2 guys have different bodies and different skill sets. Nice compliment to one another. If we can get 14 pts, 14 boards, and 3 or 4 blocks out of this position (read: these 2 guys) each night out, we'll be in great shape. This position mostly needs to play defense. Phillips is the better defender. He positions himself better and his long arms are to his advantage. UNCW and W&M both have post players who can put up crazy good numbers every night out. Use all 10 fouls on them if needed.

The strength of this team is obvious and that's our backcourt. That's a good place to be because CBB is very much about guard play. Having said that, the key to success may very well be in what becomes of the 4 and 5 positions. And yes, no question about it Lou Rowe has to manage games better - particularly at the end. It should help as the saying goes "the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores." Hopefully our guys won't fall apart by epic proportions as their anal cavities tighten to...well...epic proportions in the final minute(s) of games this year.

I welcome tearing apart these thoughts above and telling me where and how I'm wrong. Any discussion about the upcoming season is welcome.

Go Dukes!

I'm interested to see what role the Freshman play- the team has solid depth at most positions. My guess is that Urbach and Flowers to a lesser degree develop this season and don't get as many minutes. Parker is definitely in the guard rotation and Hicklin gets some run as well as a defensive body out there.

I think Pinkard won't really get much run again this year and my guess is he graduates and makes room for Christmas's spot next year. Things will be even more crowded then so Lou needs to get into a rhythm with the rotation. There will likely be some critique from fans on this. Some prefer a tight 8 man rotation others are open to a 10 man rotation. I'm for the later especially if you want to play hard defense and keep guys fresh.

My 10 sight unseen this season would be Lewis, Mosely, Banks, Parker, Jones, Jacobs, Wilson, Smith, Phillips and Flowers because he has a unique skill set.