West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Layton]

Too many ball handlers for the press and went cold the second half

[Layton]

[Layton]

[Columbuseer]

Re: D1 and D2 recruiting

D1 has huge advantages:
1) Mindshare - Billions of $ and impressions via ESPN and networks
2) NIL
3) Extreme Coddling - travel in style
4) Development league for NBA level players - although G league may cramp the style of the one and dones
5) Don't have to worry about that nuisance called academics - plenty of eligibility majors

D1 disadvantages
1) Utterly corrupt
2) You have to be on the very far end of the Bell Curve in physical measurables to get a shot - Height, strength, fast twitch muscle ratio, quickness speed, etc. These factors often much more important than outstanding fundamentals and basketball IQ
3) Coaches are under such pressure that they will cast aside players who are not developing quickly enough
4) AAU and agents


With few exceptions, great D2 programs compete for recruits only with the lower/mid D1 schools, who are students first and basketball players second.
I think the brand awareness is spreading for some of the top flight D2 programs like IUP, NWMSU, WLU, Nova SE, Lincoln Memorial, etc.
But they will never compete for high level D1 recruits who have a legitimate chance for NBA.
But if recruits realize that the Europe is far more feasible and the NBA is a pipe dream, they may consider a team that plays a style that will develop their skill set for Europe, which is a different game from the NBA.

The transfer portal may help D2, as more d1 schools are giving priority to the transfer portal over high school - less risk.
Also, some players who are good, but buried on the depth chart of a bad team might consider transferring to a championship caliber D2 team.

In summary, D1 and D2 are two different populations of players, with very little overlap.

[CALUPA69]

I am often amused by fans of DII programs that talk about their schools "recruting power" and how winning X games or X championship will bring in recruits in droves. Truth is, most HS players have never even heard of most DII's unless a school is physically located in their town. Robinson is a case in point. As far as DII basketball programs go, WLU has a pretty high profile and based on performance and style, should be well known to players across the NE, particularly those who are of DII caliber. Yet, an All-State player from the neighboring state who was not opposed to signing with a DII had never even heard of the program!

Sorry to say that for most of the players on DII basketball and football rosters in the MEC, PSAC, GMAC, CIAA, etc., the DII they are playing at is at best a fall back that they are attending because they didn't get a D1 offer. Not many HS recruits that say, "I'm from Baltimore and I've got an offer from Towson, but I've GOT to go to West Liberty!!"

Doesn't some of this knowledge of D1 alternatives come from a HS coach who not only cares for his student-athletes but his own reputation and job security. I remember listening to my high school's FB HC walking an undersized but effective OL through the application process for 1 of the numerous not PITT/PSU/ND choices available in Western PA. Though I didn't play, as a student I was certainly aware of the other schools and a major part of any college assistant is making your program well known to area high schools and their coaches. Plus former teammates do bring a lot of info home with them at T'Giving and Christmas for players who know quite well that they don't have D1 level talent.

[boatcapt]

FYI
great video podcast interview with Patrick Robinson III
1st 16:05 of podcast
Some key points
- never heard of west liberty prior to visit
- impressed by all the championship and ncaa tourney banners on visit
- coach Howlett told him he was going to push him, and as a result,, he has elevated his game to a higher level.

Special young man.

https://youtu.be/4e-L6zukxwk

I am often amused by fans of DII programs that talk about their schools "recruting power" and how winning X games or X championship will bring in recruits in droves. Truth is, most HS players have never even heard of most DII's unless a school is physically located in their town. Robinson is a case in point. As far as DII basketball programs go, WLU has a pretty high profile and based on performance and style, should be well known to players across the NE, particularly those who are of DII caliber. Yet, an All-State player from the neighboring state who was not opposed to signing with a DII had never even heard of the program!

Sorry to say that for most of the players on DII basketball and football rosters in the MEC, PSAC, GMAC, CIAA, etc., the DII they are playing at is at best a fall back that they are attending because they didn't get a D1 offer. Not many HS recruits that say, "I'm from Baltimore and I've got an offer from Towson, but I've GOT to go to West Liberty!!"

[Scrub]

The Toppers had better be ready for NDC tomorrow night. They come in unbeaten, and they basically have an entirely revamped full of transfers. They're a bit of an unknown right now, but an unbeaten unknown. And anything can happen in that bandbox gym of theirs. Hope the Toppers have their full attention on this one (and not peeking ahead at Andrew Sischo coming to town).

[Columbuseer]

FYI
great video podcast interview with Patrick Robinson III
1st 16:05 of podcast
Some key points
- never heard of west liberty prior to visit
- impressed by all the championship and ncaa tourney banners on visit
- coach Howlett told him he was going to push him, and as a result,, he has elevated his game to a higher level.

Special young man.

https://youtu.be/4e-L6zukxwk

[Columbuseer]

wlu 59 alderson broaddus 33 at half
65% from three 7-11
13 assists
forced 10 AB turnovers

[Columbuseer]

According to upj account of game, 1139 fans attended the Wed game with wlu, which they stated was one of the largest crowds in years. Hopefully, these interconference games will increase interest in D2 basketball.

[Columbuseer]

I would blame their professors more than them. They should be taught better than that. My high school announcers which are students do a better job

I agree that blame falls predominantly on the admin/ professors. They are students after all. Reminds me of the wlu tourney last weekend. They had students working the clock with insufficient training. It was very embarrassing. Officials had to stop play numerous times. Wheeling coach got frustrated and yelled at them. Official put him in his place. Something to the effect that "were YOU perfect the first time you did something?". Wheeling coach sheepishly went back to the bench. As a fan it was very embarrassing that wlu would have inexperienced and probably untrained personnel in such an important position. Not a good optic for administration.. Should have had them do the two scrimmages first and evaluate if they were ready.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

UPJ has had an awful broadcast for years. Appears at least they increased the bandwidth. I just turned volume off after first 2 mins.

It is so dark, too. I always thought Fairmont played in the dark until I went there. In person it is blinding bright. Online looks like a bat cave.

[Layton]

I would blame their professors more than them. They should be taught better than that. My high school announcers which are students do a better job

[IUPalum]

I get your point.
But from an academic image perspective, the fundamental pronunciation mistakes sullied the recognition of academic excellence during halftime - at least in journalism and communication majors. If one cannot do
a good job, probably best to not do it at all.

West Lib announcers do the same thing. I've heard it in the past. Just saying...

[Columbuseer]

Just be glad there was a broadcast!

I get your point.
But from an academic image perspective, the fundamental pronunciation mistakes sullied the recognition of academic excellence during halftime - at least in journalism and communication majors. If one cannot do
a good job, probably best to not do it at all.