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
Those shirts are absolutely brilliant. Best thing I've seen from AU this year.
ReplyDeleteNot many basketball savvy respondents to last week's poll. How can they pick Simon over Luptak who was last year's backup. They haven't even seen Simon play.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely need some good nicknames to distinguish between Wayne Simon and Simon McCormack, because I'm already having trouble keeping them straight.
ReplyDeleteI've been having trouble registering on the message board (is it not Chrome compatible?) so I'll post this nugget here. The first Patriot League school in The Mid Majority's Top 100 Legacy Countdown came in at number 63.
ReplyDeleteAnd that Patriot League school was....drumroll please....The Crusaders of Holy Cross!
So we're at least higher than them (no surprise since it's based on the last 6 years since TMM came into existence). And while it's fun to have bragging rights since we're higher on the list, I also want to note that Holy Cross is this high despite not making the NCAA tournament once over the last 6 years. That means, AU, Bucknell, and likely Lehigh will all be much higher since each school has won the League twice.
Thanks for the heads up, anonymous! However, Holy Cross did represent the Patriot League in the NCAA Tournament in 2007. That gives both HC and Lehigh 1 Tournament appearance each in this poll, and AU and Bucknell 2 each. HC also gets big points for both appearing in and winning a game in the NIT. Since Lehigh has not yet appeared, I fear that they might not make it into the poll (other than the 2010 Tournament appearance, their biggest draw is an early 2009 Red Line Upset over Rutgers).
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