Haaaaappy weekend AUHoops fans! Without a doubt, Eagles Nation has been waiting with bated breath for the official 2010-2011 schedule to be released. We've had the (unofficial and subject to change) schedule for a few weeks now, and that's given us a pretty good idea of who we're going to be facing, just not when. While the (official and not subject to change) schedule has not officially been announced yet by the good folks in AU Athletics, they have thrown us a bit of a hidden bone.
Last night was the incredible Bender Blue Out, where the ever-faithful Blue Crew broke another DC collegiate volleyball record with approximately 2,055 fans in attendance as we smoked George Mason 3-0. Since this is the closest it gets to a Phil Bender-esque atmosphere until basketball season, I was pretty excited to attend. I had my eye out for more than just some great Eagles volleyball action, however. Athletics thankfully put out their 2010-2011 wall calendar for distribution as well, which contains home dates for each sport - including men's basketball - accurate as of the time the calendar went to press.
So, enough talk! You want to see the full schedule, eh? Pop on over to our handy new schedule page and have a look. Take your time, I'll wait.
Alright, done? Awesome. There's definitely some great stuff, and pretty much everything that was on the (unofficial and subject to change) schedule is still there. The only notable casualties are the Randolph-Macon exhibition game, and the Maryland game hinted at by a recent recruit. This doesn't mean, however, that these games aren't happening - this schedule is not yet definitive. I repeat, this schedule is not yet definitive. For example, the Florida Atlantic game was listed twice on consecutive days, so I made a best guess that it's more likely to happen on Saturday than Sunday. We'll be sure to update, of course, when the official schedule is officially released, officially. I definitely have my fingers crossed that we get the chance to lay some revenge on Randolph-Macon in early November, for one!
What are your thoughts? There's been a great thread going over on our message board, so make sure to check that out (and most importantly, add your voice to the discussion). Of course, we still retain regular commenting functionality on the blog as well, if you prefer.
That's all for this morning folks, I have to go update my calendar!
Pro Deo Et Patria and GO EAGLES!
Josh
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday Eagles Update (Sweet Clawed Z. Eagle, It's Actually Monday! Edition)
I hope everyone has caught their breath after the flurry of exciting recruiting news that hit us late last week. Now with the largest roster in recent Eagles history and so much fresh optimism that we're sure to be the 2011 NCAA Champions, things are looking up. They're looking so up, in fact, that this week's Monday Eagles Update is actually being posted on a Monday! If I had a nickel for every person who thought that would never happen...
First on the docket today is an update on how we're doing over on The Mid Majority's Top 100 countdown. As of today, they've hit #71 (Illinois-Chicago), with 38 points, and no sign yet of the Patriot League. At least in this case, that's a good thing, as we're sure to have at least three teams in the top 70.
Next up is this week's Poll of the Week. Last week we asked which point guard(s) would see the most play this upcoming season, with the opportunity to vote for multiple players. Unfortunately, the poll was created before we knew of Warren Flood's arrival on the team, otherwise he would have been up there as well. Sorry Warren! Over on the message board, user turtleguts very astutely stated "[Flood] seems like he will be our version of 'Rudy'." Definitely can't disagree there. So let's see how the rest of the guards stack up:
Next up, let's check in to see how the team's summer went. In his summer update, Coach Jones stated that although we have the makings of a great team, its success will depend on how well the players work together. He goes on to point out that this summer they seem to be "spending time together, hopefully developing some chemistry." I'd be inclined to confirm that there's no lack of chemistry on this season's squad, based on the following:
Here we have freshman forward Tony Wroblicky, sophomore guard Danny Munoz, and junior transfer Charles Hinkle (who will be eligible to become our new defensive powerhouse this December) kicking back and enjoying the off-season to its fullest. Not much more to say here, other than Danny's smile alone can stop a full-court press dead in its tracks. You heard it here first.
Finally, I want to give huge props to AU officials for helping to build up tradition with this year's Opening Convocation this past Friday. For those who haven't been around campus recently, last year President Kerwin committed to making Convocation a true bookend to Commencement. The incoming class marches in a parade through the Glover Gate, around the Quad, and into Bender Arena to officially open the academic year. This year, they decided to throw in some great Class of 2014 t-shirts. Why is this so cool?
That's right, they have the AU Fight Song on them UPSIDE DOWN so that it can be referenced at a glance by the wearer. How sweet is that!? If anyone knows how I could snag one of these, let me know! No excuses for not belting out the fight song in Bender this year, I tell you!
That's all for this week, folks. Barring any more breaking news, check back next Monday for another update so good that will make you say "Oh, sweet Clawed Z. Eagle!"
Pro Deo Et Patria and GO EAGLES,
Josh
First on the docket today is an update on how we're doing over on The Mid Majority's Top 100 countdown. As of today, they've hit #71 (Illinois-Chicago), with 38 points, and no sign yet of the Patriot League. At least in this case, that's a good thing, as we're sure to have at least three teams in the top 70.
Next up is this week's Poll of the Week. Last week we asked which point guard(s) would see the most play this upcoming season, with the opportunity to vote for multiple players. Unfortunately, the poll was created before we knew of Warren Flood's arrival on the team, otherwise he would have been up there as well. Sorry Warren! Over on the message board, user turtleguts very astutely stated "[Flood] seems like he will be our version of 'Rudy'." Definitely can't disagree there. So let's see how the rest of the guards stack up:
Daniel Munoz: 12 (40%)
Blake Jolivette: 9 (30%)
Steve Luptak: 5 (16%)
Wayne Simon: 12 (40%)
Jordan Borucki: 2 (6%)
Total Votes: 30
Danny and Wayne are locked in a solid tie for first. It's interesting that so many people already think Wayne is going to seriously compete for playing time, and I for one cannot wait to see how that pans out during the non-conference portion of our (yet to be released) schedule. Of course Blake is no slouch in our poll either, commanding almost a third of the votes as well. Senior Steve Luptak falls in fourth, although I do believe he's a bit underrated in this poll. Coach Jones has a healthy respect for experience and leadership, as he should, and Luptak had some real shining moments last season. Finally Jordan Borucki's supporters seem to have been on vacation last week, which is the theory I'm going to stick with.
This week's poll question is, "Who is your preseason pick for Patriot League Player of the Year?" Since there's nothing more fun (or substantive) in August than a healthy dose of speculation, why not get the ball rolling early?
Next up, let's check in to see how the team's summer went. In his summer update, Coach Jones stated that although we have the makings of a great team, its success will depend on how well the players work together. He goes on to point out that this summer they seem to be "spending time together, hopefully developing some chemistry." I'd be inclined to confirm that there's no lack of chemistry on this season's squad, based on the following:
If this amusement park ride was Holy Cross, it would be losing by double digits
Here we have freshman forward Tony Wroblicky, sophomore guard Danny Munoz, and junior transfer Charles Hinkle (who will be eligible to become our new defensive powerhouse this December) kicking back and enjoying the off-season to its fullest. Not much more to say here, other than Danny's smile alone can stop a full-court press dead in its tracks. You heard it here first.
Finally, I want to give huge props to AU officials for helping to build up tradition with this year's Opening Convocation this past Friday. For those who haven't been around campus recently, last year President Kerwin committed to making Convocation a true bookend to Commencement. The incoming class marches in a parade through the Glover Gate, around the Quad, and into Bender Arena to officially open the academic year. This year, they decided to throw in some great Class of 2014 t-shirts. Why is this so cool? 
That's right, they have the AU Fight Song on them UPSIDE DOWN so that it can be referenced at a glance by the wearer. How sweet is that!? If anyone knows how I could snag one of these, let me know! No excuses for not belting out the fight song in Bender this year, I tell you!That's all for this week, folks. Barring any more breaking news, check back next Monday for another update so good that will make you say "Oh, sweet Clawed Z. Eagle!"
Pro Deo Et Patria and GO EAGLES,
Josh
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Kager Has Company in Class of 2015
Image courtesy digitalsports.com
Only three days after the first member of the Class of 2015 made a verbal commitment to play at AU, he has been joined by another promising recruit. Yesterday The Washington Post's Recruiting Insider announced that John Schoof, a 6'5" forward-guard from W.T. Woodson High School in Virginia, made a verbal commitment to play for the Eagles beginning with the 2011-2012 season.
Schoof, like Kager, is a great catch. ESPN gives him an 82, a solid score largely based on his sophomore year of high school. Why his sophomore year? In December 2009, in the last practice before the season began, Schoof suffered a serious ankle injury during practice, taking him out of the game for most of his junior season. After a round of surgery and rehab, he played this summer for the AAU Team Takeover. He'll be back on the court this season for W.T. Woodson, and says that he feels just as good as he did prior to his injury. He still has plenty of time to improve, and is likely flying far under the radar as far as recruiting potential is concerned.
According to ESPN, "John is a long and active wing player...he makes good decisions with the ball and plays with a simple approach..." Players who respect fundamentals usually do very well under Coach Jones, and it's when they start trying to add too much flash they they run into trouble. Schoof is a pure shooter, as evidenced by this video, this video, and this video. Impressed yet?
Image courtesy Rivals VirginiaPreps
Schoof had to decide between multiple offers, including local rival George Mason and Patriot League defending champion Lehigh. According to Northstar Basketball, he also received interest from William and Mary, Davidson, Drexel, Penn, and Harvard, along with offers from Princeton, Mt. St. Mary's, and Lafayette. He was quoted as saying just last month "I like Princeton and Davidson, that's my two, I don't know, it's still open." According to WaPo, he also had a strong desire to stay close to home. Considering his array of options, Schoof made a great decision.
As there will be three seniors graduating in May, we'll be keeping our eyes out for the third and final freshman/transfer recruit for next season. As soon as we hear anything, you'll be able to find it here, with all the juicy details that we can't live without.
Finally, in the tradition of terrible puns that has developed here on AUHoops, we ask - is the competition ready to be "Schoofed?" I hope so. I quote user John K on our message board in saying,"I smell 5 straight titles starting with this year." Share his optimism? Let us know on the boards or in the comments!
Pro Deo Et Patria and GO EAGLES!
Josh
Thursday, August 19, 2010
"Flood Watch" in Effect as Eagles Roster Swells to 17
Image Courtesy The Washington Post
The official roster on AUEagles.com grew this evening as the freshman class received their numbers, and a surprise third player was added. Sophomore Warren Flood, who attended American University last year but did not play basketball, has officially joined the team.
The 6'2" guard previously played for Bullis High School in Maryland, where he was an "undersized player who excelled in the post", according to DCSportsFan.com in May of 2009. After his junior season, he had not yet received interest from any college teams. After playing in a number of tournaments and invitationals his senior season, he only ended up garnering interest from Division 3 schools. A strong desire to play in Division 1 led him to AU, where he sought a walk-on role.
Flood said in 2009, "I wanted a challenge. I want to prove people wrong. I want them to see the kind of dedication I truly possess. People still doubt my ability to make the team at American University, but knowing myself, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It appears his raw tenacity has paid off, and I can only assume he had to spend a year proving himself on the practice squad to get here.
Will his addition to the team open the "Floodgates" to another NCAA Tournament appearance? That remains to be seen. Fact is, we're already pretty much swimming (har har) in guards right now, and unless he has some real talent I can't see him coming off the bench too often. However Warren has worked incredibly hard to don the Red, White, and Blue, and truly exemplifies what it means to be an Eagle. I plan to cheer my lungs out the second he first steps foot on the hardwood.
In related news, Wayne Simon and Tony Wroblicky have been officially added to the roster as well, and assigned numbers 4 and 34 respectively. Phew, what an exciting few days! Is it November yet?
Pro Deo Et Patria and GO EAGLES!
Josh
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
BREAKING NEWS: First Recruit of the Class of 2015 Chooses AU Over Patriot League Rivals, Georgetown
Image courtesy New England Recruiting Report
Rivals announced today that Kyle Kager, a 6'7" forward attending prep school in Deerfield, MA has chosen to play at AU starting with the 2011-2012 campaign. Although he still has to make an official visit, and an official announcement cannot come until November, he appears to be solidly on our verbal commit list on both Rivals and ESPN.
I actually saw Kyle touring campus today, accompanied by Kieran Donohue, Lamar Barrett, and Matt Wolff. It was immediately apparent that he was someone we wanted, because the attention being heaped on him was pretty significant.
Image courtesy Deerfield Academy
Kager also received offers from Holy Cross, Lehigh, and Furman. He was also being recruited by Big East teams Georgetown and Providence, the latter of which was on his top 3 final choices. He credits AU's strong out-of-conference schedule (thanks Coach Jones!), coaching staff, training program, campus, and academics as his reason for committing early. It thrills me that not only did he choose us over those purple knuckle-draggers in Worcester, but the defending Patriot League Champions.
Although Kager has no stars on Rivals, a 40 on ESPN, and has yet to appear on Scout.com, he is described as "a versatile player who can face up the basket to make jumpers or play on the interior", which is going to be crucial when we lose Vlad to graduation after this season. He looks like a long, quick big, the type that usually does pretty well under Coach Jones (he currently weighs in at 193 lbs, with plenty of time to add a little muscle). He was also on the Team Texas Elite 17U team, along with commits to Texas A&M and Kansas State. While he may not be the most lauded recruit at the moment, had Kager decided to pursue a Big East team more vigorously, I'm sure some rankings would already be out, and we will likely see some as he enters his senior year. We'll be sure to let you know if anything pops up.
On a related note, Kager specifically cited our upcoming matchups versus "Maryland, Florida, and West Virgina." For those keeping track, Maryland was not previously announced in the draft schedule we got our hands on a few weeks ago. Final negotiations with Gary Williams are likely a big reason that our schedule has not yet come out, so stay tuned for more as we find it.
Finally, make sure to keep up with the latest on Kager, and more Eagles recruiting news, on our new Message Board!
Pro Deo Et Patria and GO EAGLES,
Josh
UPDATE: Although completely unrelated to Kager, it's worth noting that the deadline for Stephen Lumpkins to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates passed on August 16th. He will remain with the Eagles this season, although he is still draft eligible.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday Eagles Update (Wait, It's Still Not Monday? Edition)
Clearly I need to look at a calendar and check just when Monday is. Don't worry, either I'll get it eventually or "Monday" is going to become a great inside joke. Either way, this week's Update has all of the Eagles goodness you have come to know and love on any day of the week that is most likely not Monday.
This weekend AU's class of 2014 began moving into their dorm rooms, including Wayne Simon II and Tony Wroblicky, this year's basketball recruits. While without a doubt they will both be discussed a good deal here on the blog, today I'd like to give a little thought to Wayne. I happened to see him walking by on campus, and a few things immediately stuck out to me. First, he looks fast. I don't mean to just quote the scouting reports, but that's the first thing that struck me when I saw him. He looks like he can zip around a defender and drive to the basket, which is something I haven't seen consistently out of one of our point guards in at least a season. Second, he's a bit wiry. Of course, he hasn't really started working out with the team yet, and he has months, if not years, to put on a little muscle.
This inspired me to ask around a bit, and from what I've heard, looks are not deceiving. He isn't timid on the court by any stretch of the imagination, and his speed is his greatest weapon. Is he the next CJ McCollum? I'm not ready to say that yet. Will he see more play time than the average freshman does? I certainly think so. Coach Jones was a freshman point guard once, and although he is reticent to let most freshman play, he certainly favors his own position, even we already have two or three very capable players who will compete for time. I'm not sure if he'll ever start over Danny this year, but I also wouldn't be surprised if it happened once or twice.
That leads me to this week's poll. The question is simple - which point guard will see the most play? You can select multiple answers this week, so let your (speculative) voice be heard!
Speaking of speculation, our official schedule has still not been announced. It will certainly happen within the next two weeks, and usually it's released some time between the second week of August and the second week of September. So really, any day now. However, some of our speculated opponents have released their non-conference slates, confirming our matches with them. First, we'll be facing the University at Albany Great Danes, and the cheers of one longtime AUHoops reader (and dual AU/Albany alum) at SEFCU Arena in Albany, NY on November 15th. Then on January 3rd, the Brown Bears will be making an inevitably ill-fated appearance in Bender Arena, facing down their former assistant coach Lamar Barrett. As we find more confirmed dates, or our full schedule is released, we'll let you know.
Finally, an update on The Mid Majority's Top 100 Mid-Major Countdown. As of today, #77 has been announced (Alabama State), and no Patriot League team has yet to make an appearance. Check out the AUHoops Message Board to see the results of last week's poll, which asked where you thought AU would show up in the ranking.
That's all for this week, folks.
Pro Deo Et Patria,
Josh
This weekend AU's class of 2014 began moving into their dorm rooms, including Wayne Simon II and Tony Wroblicky, this year's basketball recruits. While without a doubt they will both be discussed a good deal here on the blog, today I'd like to give a little thought to Wayne. I happened to see him walking by on campus, and a few things immediately stuck out to me. First, he looks fast. I don't mean to just quote the scouting reports, but that's the first thing that struck me when I saw him. He looks like he can zip around a defender and drive to the basket, which is something I haven't seen consistently out of one of our point guards in at least a season. Second, he's a bit wiry. Of course, he hasn't really started working out with the team yet, and he has months, if not years, to put on a little muscle.
This inspired me to ask around a bit, and from what I've heard, looks are not deceiving. He isn't timid on the court by any stretch of the imagination, and his speed is his greatest weapon. Is he the next CJ McCollum? I'm not ready to say that yet. Will he see more play time than the average freshman does? I certainly think so. Coach Jones was a freshman point guard once, and although he is reticent to let most freshman play, he certainly favors his own position, even we already have two or three very capable players who will compete for time. I'm not sure if he'll ever start over Danny this year, but I also wouldn't be surprised if it happened once or twice.
That leads me to this week's poll. The question is simple - which point guard will see the most play? You can select multiple answers this week, so let your (speculative) voice be heard!
Speaking of speculation, our official schedule has still not been announced. It will certainly happen within the next two weeks, and usually it's released some time between the second week of August and the second week of September. So really, any day now. However, some of our speculated opponents have released their non-conference slates, confirming our matches with them. First, we'll be facing the University at Albany Great Danes, and the cheers of one longtime AUHoops reader (and dual AU/Albany alum) at SEFCU Arena in Albany, NY on November 15th. Then on January 3rd, the Brown Bears will be making an inevitably ill-fated appearance in Bender Arena, facing down their former assistant coach Lamar Barrett. As we find more confirmed dates, or our full schedule is released, we'll let you know.
Finally, an update on The Mid Majority's Top 100 Mid-Major Countdown. As of today, #77 has been announced (Alabama State), and no Patriot League team has yet to make an appearance. Check out the AUHoops Message Board to see the results of last week's poll, which asked where you thought AU would show up in the ranking.
That's all for this week, folks.
Pro Deo Et Patria,
Josh
Friday, August 13, 2010
Start Off the New Season in Style
It's not very often that we here at AUHoops find ourselves giving fashion advice. Usually, it consists of an all-caps recommendation to paint oneself completely blue. While that is not a bad idea at any time of the year (but particularly from November-March), today I'd like to suggest something a little more practical. For example, how about an attractive AU Basketball Replica Jersey from Nike?
Wait, they make those?
Now they do! I'm very happy to announce that the powers that be have given a nod to the growing basketball culture on campus (and wherever alumni Eagles may be), and graced us with this fine example of textile perfection:
Ah, the number 24. That's...uh...wait...who is that? A quick glance at the roster reveals that there is no number 24 currently playing. Is it a goof? It's happened before. Maybe someone misread Vlad's #14 jersey while he was sinking a trey from the corner through three defenders? Ah, wait, what's that in the rafters of Bender Arena? Kermit Washington's retired #24 jersey? Excellent, I'll take it!
I love the little bit of nostalgia that comes with it, although it's the modern design. Seriously, I've been waiting for one of these for years, and for many of our readers, likely even longer. I have to give incredible props to the manager of the AU Bookstore, Kristi Cole, who not only listened when I strolled into her office out of the blue (pun intended) asking about the possibility an AU basketball jersey, but delivered.
No longer will anyone have an excuse for wearing a Duke or Kentucky jersey into Bender Arena, behind the weak facade of "well, it's blue." We can represent our Eagles just like those teams can, now, and I plan to be wearing this jersey when we beat their pants off in March (I'm calling it now).
Where can you get yours? Right here.
This season there's no excuse not to dress like the Eagles mean business, right from when we remind Randolph-Macon of their place, to the first round of the Tournament...and beyond. So BE THERE, BE BLUE, BE AU!
Pro Deo Et Patria,
Josh
Wait, they make those?
Now they do! I'm very happy to announce that the powers that be have given a nod to the growing basketball culture on campus (and wherever alumni Eagles may be), and graced us with this fine example of textile perfection:
Ah, the number 24. That's...uh...wait...who is that? A quick glance at the roster reveals that there is no number 24 currently playing. Is it a goof? It's happened before. Maybe someone misread Vlad's #14 jersey while he was sinking a trey from the corner through three defenders? Ah, wait, what's that in the rafters of Bender Arena? Kermit Washington's retired #24 jersey? Excellent, I'll take it!
I love the little bit of nostalgia that comes with it, although it's the modern design. Seriously, I've been waiting for one of these for years, and for many of our readers, likely even longer. I have to give incredible props to the manager of the AU Bookstore, Kristi Cole, who not only listened when I strolled into her office out of the blue (pun intended) asking about the possibility an AU basketball jersey, but delivered.
No longer will anyone have an excuse for wearing a Duke or Kentucky jersey into Bender Arena, behind the weak facade of "well, it's blue." We can represent our Eagles just like those teams can, now, and I plan to be wearing this jersey when we beat their pants off in March (I'm calling it now).
Where can you get yours? Right here.
This season there's no excuse not to dress like the Eagles mean business, right from when we remind Randolph-Macon of their place, to the first round of the Tournament...and beyond. So BE THERE, BE BLUE, BE AU!
Pro Deo Et Patria,
Josh
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thoughts American Minute with Jeff Jones (Updated)
Be sure to check out this Youtube video featuring Jeff Jones for the "American Minute" that Josh posted and wrote about in his Monday/Friday Update (video embedded there). Be sure to notice a couple of things:
1. The excellent foliage in the background, complete with birds cheeping and insects buzzing. Really adds ambiance to the whole situation.
2. The effusive praise of the Blue Crew 1/2 of the way through the video.
3. The way the screen seems to take on a Vaseline-esque transparency on the close-up at the 2:40 mark; very strange.
UPDATE
So a couple of other things, let's break this down section by section on the video:
"Jeff Jones on...the 2009-2010 season."
I like how coach says, bluntly, that at the start of the season "we just weren't very good." He can be a slippery eel on getting a straight answer on some things, but this cuts right to the heart of it. With the addition of Vlad, he notes, things started improving and we made big strides. He commends the team for working extremely hard and developing chemistry.
"Jeff Jones on...the 2010-2011 season."
Coach notes that almost all D1 programs are hopeful right now, and we're no different. JJ cites all of the returners this year and the improvement from last year as positives and notes that we have "the makings" of a good basketball team but the proof is on the court. Not really much here in terms of specifics, just the normal chatter that every coach of any sport will give you. Hard work, determination, getting it done on the court. Etc. etc.
"Jeff Jones on...playing in a full Bender Arena."
Let me be as blunt here as JJ was in the beginning of this video. He almost shanks this 10 yard "gimme" field goal when he's asked about playing in a full Bender Arena when he says, "a full arena anywhere is an advantage for [the home team]." But then he converts the field goal and says, "When Bender Arena is really rocking it is as good a home court advantage as there is." Phew. If he hadn't rectified that, what a goof that would've been. He goes on to note that when Bender is full and when it's a sell-out or near sell-out (note the conditions), it makes a big difference and amps up the team. YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS, BLUE CREW. BE THERE. BE BLUE. BE AU.
"Jeff Jones on...men's basketball alumni and supporters"
Annnnd now we get the pitch. JJ notes several areas of vital importance: facilities, budget, and the alumni community's support. "It might be the biggest thing for us to continue to be successful or even ratchet it up." He notes, "We need people to feel connected to the program and be engaged in supporting the program...recruits notice that. The alumni support, the support of the entire university community makes a huge difference in the success or lack thereof of our program." Amen, all of that is true.
No disagreements from me here in theory, on that, Coach. Buuuuuuut I do take umbrage with said theory and then how it's put into practice. AU men's basketball has a good thing going on right now. I'm not positive, but I'm willing to say MBB gets more fan support than a lot of the other athletic programs at AU, if not any other program. I do feel some connection to the program, but then again it's the only one I follow at AU. I've got great memories of being in Bender, traveling for the tournament games, waiting 6-7 hours in the cold for tickets, etc. But do I really feel connected to the program in the way that Coach Jones is talking about? I don't, actually. Connection has to be a two-way street. I can buy season tickets and go to every home game (and liveblog every away game), and I can follow religiously this team on this blog with all of you die-hard fans, but that's a one-way fanship, not a two-way connection.
It's no secret that I like a lot of the things that George Washington's basketball program does. I'm not saying AU should be GWU because making a carbon copy of their program isn't going to do much for me either; we need to find our own way to make this connection. But, just for fun, let's compare the end of AU basketball games with the end of GWU basketball games.
AU: Game ends, players line up, teams shake hands, AU Eagles immediately go from the lines and sprint into the locker room. They do not return to the court. AU Pep Band (the best pep band in DC, by the way) plays the AU Fight Song. Generally we're asked to leave by security within about 90 seconds of the Fight Song concluding.
GWU: Game ends, players line up, teams shake hands, GWU Pep Band plays GWU fight song (which the entire arena, led by the student section, belts out, by the way), GWU Colonials and spirit program members get together in a circle with their arms around each other and lead the crowd (which has not left, by the way) in a singing of the school's alma mater (which the crowd knows, by the way). Then there's rousing applause, some players stay to talk to the students in the student section, and then they head to the locker room. The crowd, after about 5-10 minutes is asked to move to a specific section of the arena if they're going to stay and watch the post-game press conference (I can't knock AU for not broadcasting the post-game presser as we don't have the technological capacity to do this...yet).
Notice the difference? See how in one scenario there's a connection made amongst members of the crowd because they're singing the fight song together, have just watched the game together, etc. but the connection between the crowd and the team isn't made because the team is hustled off the court? See how in the other there's, at least ostensibly, an attempt at interaction and cooperation between the crowd and the team and that connection reinforces that both players, fans, and alumni are parts of an overarching institution that they all have a connection to?
Now, all of this isn't to say that there's never any player-crowd interaction at AU. In my time as a fan it's happened twice: after winning the PL Championships. It was awesome. It means the world to fans to see people like Brian Gilmore, Derrick Mercer, Garrison Carr come into the crowd and say thank you and give out some high-fives. Probably one of my top five moments as an AU fan. It took 45 seconds. 45 seconds to give fans an interaction with the team that is meaningful.
I didn't intend for this to be an extended rant or an indictment of athletics or the way Jeff Jones does things. It's gotten heated on this blog a few times in the past year about Coach's pros and cons, and I come down on the side that he is a phenomenal coach for a program like ours. I'm not saying I'd trade Jeff Jones for Karl Hobbs (I wouldn't). What I am very much saying is that when you look at a guy like Hobbs, who makes it a point in his post-game pressers to encourage fans to come out for particularly important games and who ran a Twitter account to connect directly with people, you see little bits of evidence of a program that is making (or trying to make) a two-way connection with fans. Coincidentally, this is the same connection that Coach Jones lauds as critical in the American Minute video and the same connection that we need to do a better job with here at AU. It's those little things that make a huge difference to building connection with a fanbase. We need to do those little things. We need that huge difference.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Pro deo et patria and GO EAGLES!
1. The excellent foliage in the background, complete with birds cheeping and insects buzzing. Really adds ambiance to the whole situation.
2. The effusive praise of the Blue Crew 1/2 of the way through the video.
3. The way the screen seems to take on a Vaseline-esque transparency on the close-up at the 2:40 mark; very strange.
UPDATE
So a couple of other things, let's break this down section by section on the video:
"Jeff Jones on...the 2009-2010 season."
I like how coach says, bluntly, that at the start of the season "we just weren't very good." He can be a slippery eel on getting a straight answer on some things, but this cuts right to the heart of it. With the addition of Vlad, he notes, things started improving and we made big strides. He commends the team for working extremely hard and developing chemistry.
"Jeff Jones on...the 2010-2011 season."
Coach notes that almost all D1 programs are hopeful right now, and we're no different. JJ cites all of the returners this year and the improvement from last year as positives and notes that we have "the makings" of a good basketball team but the proof is on the court. Not really much here in terms of specifics, just the normal chatter that every coach of any sport will give you. Hard work, determination, getting it done on the court. Etc. etc.
"Jeff Jones on...playing in a full Bender Arena."
Let me be as blunt here as JJ was in the beginning of this video. He almost shanks this 10 yard "gimme" field goal when he's asked about playing in a full Bender Arena when he says, "a full arena anywhere is an advantage for [the home team]." But then he converts the field goal and says, "When Bender Arena is really rocking it is as good a home court advantage as there is." Phew. If he hadn't rectified that, what a goof that would've been. He goes on to note that when Bender is full and when it's a sell-out or near sell-out (note the conditions), it makes a big difference and amps up the team. YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS, BLUE CREW. BE THERE. BE BLUE. BE AU.
"Jeff Jones on...men's basketball alumni and supporters"
Annnnd now we get the pitch. JJ notes several areas of vital importance: facilities, budget, and the alumni community's support. "It might be the biggest thing for us to continue to be successful or even ratchet it up." He notes, "We need people to feel connected to the program and be engaged in supporting the program...recruits notice that. The alumni support, the support of the entire university community makes a huge difference in the success or lack thereof of our program." Amen, all of that is true.
No disagreements from me here in theory, on that, Coach. Buuuuuuut I do take umbrage with said theory and then how it's put into practice. AU men's basketball has a good thing going on right now. I'm not positive, but I'm willing to say MBB gets more fan support than a lot of the other athletic programs at AU, if not any other program. I do feel some connection to the program, but then again it's the only one I follow at AU. I've got great memories of being in Bender, traveling for the tournament games, waiting 6-7 hours in the cold for tickets, etc. But do I really feel connected to the program in the way that Coach Jones is talking about? I don't, actually. Connection has to be a two-way street. I can buy season tickets and go to every home game (and liveblog every away game), and I can follow religiously this team on this blog with all of you die-hard fans, but that's a one-way fanship, not a two-way connection.
It's no secret that I like a lot of the things that George Washington's basketball program does. I'm not saying AU should be GWU because making a carbon copy of their program isn't going to do much for me either; we need to find our own way to make this connection. But, just for fun, let's compare the end of AU basketball games with the end of GWU basketball games.
AU: Game ends, players line up, teams shake hands, AU Eagles immediately go from the lines and sprint into the locker room. They do not return to the court. AU Pep Band (the best pep band in DC, by the way) plays the AU Fight Song. Generally we're asked to leave by security within about 90 seconds of the Fight Song concluding.
GWU: Game ends, players line up, teams shake hands, GWU Pep Band plays GWU fight song (which the entire arena, led by the student section, belts out, by the way), GWU Colonials and spirit program members get together in a circle with their arms around each other and lead the crowd (which has not left, by the way) in a singing of the school's alma mater (which the crowd knows, by the way). Then there's rousing applause, some players stay to talk to the students in the student section, and then they head to the locker room. The crowd, after about 5-10 minutes is asked to move to a specific section of the arena if they're going to stay and watch the post-game press conference (I can't knock AU for not broadcasting the post-game presser as we don't have the technological capacity to do this...yet).
Notice the difference? See how in one scenario there's a connection made amongst members of the crowd because they're singing the fight song together, have just watched the game together, etc. but the connection between the crowd and the team isn't made because the team is hustled off the court? See how in the other there's, at least ostensibly, an attempt at interaction and cooperation between the crowd and the team and that connection reinforces that both players, fans, and alumni are parts of an overarching institution that they all have a connection to?
Now, all of this isn't to say that there's never any player-crowd interaction at AU. In my time as a fan it's happened twice: after winning the PL Championships. It was awesome. It means the world to fans to see people like Brian Gilmore, Derrick Mercer, Garrison Carr come into the crowd and say thank you and give out some high-fives. Probably one of my top five moments as an AU fan. It took 45 seconds. 45 seconds to give fans an interaction with the team that is meaningful.
I didn't intend for this to be an extended rant or an indictment of athletics or the way Jeff Jones does things. It's gotten heated on this blog a few times in the past year about Coach's pros and cons, and I come down on the side that he is a phenomenal coach for a program like ours. I'm not saying I'd trade Jeff Jones for Karl Hobbs (I wouldn't). What I am very much saying is that when you look at a guy like Hobbs, who makes it a point in his post-game pressers to encourage fans to come out for particularly important games and who ran a Twitter account to connect directly with people, you see little bits of evidence of a program that is making (or trying to make) a two-way connection with fans. Coincidentally, this is the same connection that Coach Jones lauds as critical in the American Minute video and the same connection that we need to do a better job with here at AU. It's those little things that make a huge difference to building connection with a fanbase. We need to do those little things. We need that huge difference.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Pro deo et patria and GO EAGLES!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday Eagles Update (Is Almost Absurd on A Friday Edition)
I often wish that I lived in a world where I could do nothing but think about college basketball. Alas, that is but a pipe dream, and a particularly busy week has kept me away from AUHoops. It was my goal this week to provide a timely cure for that nasty "case of the Mondays", and when that didn't happen, to provide some relief from Wednesday's inevitable "hump day." Alas, it is now the end of the week, and at best I can hope to merely pump you up for the weekend ahead. Of course, in true Eagles spirit, if that's what I'm going to do, I am going to get you so freaking pumped for the weekend that you spend it strolling down the street humming the AU fight song. There's a lot to report this week, including a fun new ranking, a new coach for a rival, some comments from Coach Jones, a new NCAA tracking system, more improvements to AUHoops, and finally a great opportunity. So without further adieu, make your Monday Friday fun again after the jump!
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