PSAC WEST

[GUbigGOLDEN]

Palek may have D1 aspirations ... just not sure D1 is going to come calling. We'll see. In my opinion, his speed and weight will be an issue. But, he can shoot from outside pretty well and he's in that 6'8" range.

Merraro had an amazing season -- especially considering A) he was a true freshman and B) he didn't exactly have a whole lot of help (they started a walk-on at guard all season). IUP played the entire season without two starters. I fully suspect he will be an All-American candidate next season. He's not jumping in to the portal this year. I can 100% tell you that. After next year ... we'll see. His height will be a concern. However, he's lighting fast and very smooth.

Herring has incredible athletic ability. He has great height for a guard (he's just under 6'6"). But, he's still raw. In normal times at IUP, he'd have (likely) redshirted. That said, his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll likely be the 4th guard next season. Dallis Dillard will return and take over the 2 or 3 spot.

Perhaps the most likely future D1 player of this years freshmen trio, however, you didn't mention. Tyler Grove had his moments this year. He had some bouts with confidence, etc. But, with a year under his belt and an off-season in the weight room, he could explode next season. He's nearing 6'8" and has a great outside shot. Again, he had his freshman funks this year (as they all do). They'll bulk him up some by next year. With his shot and size, he's going to be highly attractive to D1 programs. Grove does have family ties to IUP, so perhaps that will make his stay.

I think the hardest thing for IUP fans this year was to remember what we saw wasn't supposed to be the team. Those freshmen weren't supposed to play 30 mpg (or more). But, they got it over with and learned a lot. Joe's going to be pretty strong next year.

The best player in last year's class didn't play this season (Bautista Rodriguez). He's getting docked a season, however, so he'll be a 22-year-old sophomore next season. He had a mini career of sorts overseas, which played a big part in him being ineligible this past season.

They are also bringing in two transfers. But, I have to be quiet about them for now.

Joe's going to have this team for at least one more season. Beyond that, who knows.

I always wondered why Gannon couldn’t get Grove to sign with them. I watched a few McDowell/ Erie High games where he was by far the best player on the floor. You guys picked up a great player.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Totally agree about Ernest. He has struggled a bit now that he has had to carry the load offensively. I think he could really excel on a D1 one team where all he has to worry about is spotting up for 3s and playing defense.

If Ernest goes in ... he'll have 25 calls on Day 1.

As you said, if he doesn't have to be 'the man' ... deadly. He can be an elite SG.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Excellent point. Already mentioned but Palek already entered free agency, excuse me the portal with intentions to do just that after being out for most of the year. Didn't McClurg from Cal also jump back up last year?

For Gannon, I think Ernest Shelton is the most obvious one that could get poached. Has the height, length, and obvious shooting ability to be a highly coveted 3 and D prospect at the higher level. A month ago I wouldn't have been worried about Prosser, but he's put up some great tape down the stretch so will have to sweat that one out.

My question for you is do you think Merraro and Herring have the goods to potentially get scooped up as well? The 2 games I saw IUP in person, Herring looked like a freshman with the build of a junior/senior and is obvioulsy quite skilled. While Merraro is undersized, he was ultra quick and looked incredibly poised. Looked like the best player on the court at times against Gannon and given the circumstances of IUP's roster situation this year, the numbers he put up on the year is extremelty impressive. I would expect them to generate quite a bit of interest.

Palek may have D1 aspirations ... just not sure D1 is going to come calling. We'll see. In my opinion, his speed and weight will be an issue. But, he can shoot from outside pretty well and he's in that 6'8" range.

Merraro had an amazing season -- especially considering A) he was a true freshman and B) he didn't exactly have a whole lot of help (they started a walk-on at guard all season). IUP played the entire season without two starters. I fully suspect he will be an All-American candidate next season. He's not jumping in to the portal this year. I can 100% tell you that. After next year ... we'll see. His height will be a concern. However, he's lighting fast and very smooth.

Herring has incredible athletic ability. He has great height for a guard (he's just under 6'6"). But, he's still raw. In normal times at IUP, he'd have (likely) redshirted. That said, his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll likely be the 4th guard next season. Dallis Dillard will return and take over the 2 or 3 spot.

Perhaps the most likely future D1 player of this years freshmen trio, however, you didn't mention. Tyler Grove had his moments this year. He had some bouts with confidence, etc. But, with a year under his belt and an off-season in the weight room, he could explode next season. He's nearing 6'8" and has a great outside shot. Again, he had his freshman funks this year (as they all do). They'll bulk him up some by next year. With his shot and size, he's going to be highly attractive to D1 programs. Grove does have family ties to IUP, so perhaps that will make his stay.

I think the hardest thing for IUP fans this year was to remember what we saw wasn't supposed to be the team. Those freshmen weren't supposed to play 30 mpg (or more). But, they got it over with and learned a lot. Joe's going to be pretty strong next year.

The best player in last year's class didn't play this season (Bautista Rodriguez). He's getting docked a season, however, so he'll be a 22-year-old sophomore next season. He had a mini career of sorts overseas, which played a big part in him being ineligible this past season.

They are also bringing in two transfers. But, I have to be quiet about them for now.

Joe's going to have this team for at least one more season. Beyond that, who knows.

[GUbigGOLDEN]

Excellent point. Already mentioned but Palek already entered free agency, excuse me the portal with intentions to do just that after being out for most of the year. Didn't McClurg from Cal also jump back up last year?

For Gannon, I think Ernest Shelton is the most obvious one that could get poached. Has the height, length, and obvious shooting ability to be a highly coveted 3 and D prospect at the higher level. A month ago I wouldn't have been worried about Prosser, but he's put up some great tape down the stretch so will have to sweat that one out.

My question for you is do you think Merraro and Herring have the goods to potentially get scooped up as well? The 2 games I saw IUP in person, Herring looked like a freshman with the build of a junior/senior and is obvioulsy quite skilled. While Merraro is undersized, he was ultra quick and looked incredibly poised. Looked like the best player on the court at times against Gannon and given the circumstances of IUP's roster situation this year, the numbers he put up on the year is extremelty impressive. I would expect them to generate quite a bit of interest.

Totally agree about Ernest. He has struggled a bit now that he has had to carry the load offensively. I think he could really excel on a D1 one team where all he has to worry about is spotting up for 3s and playing defense.

[GUAlum92]

I'm curious how many more of our stars are also very happy for him ... and decide to do the same thing. It's going to be an interesting next couple weeks in the portal world.

There are certainly several players in the Atlantic who could easily play up next season.

Excellent point. Already mentioned but Palek already entered free agency, excuse me the portal with intentions to do just that after being out for most of the year. Didn't McClurg from Cal also jump back up last year?

For Gannon, I think Ernest Shelton is the most obvious one that could get poached. Has the height, length, and obvious shooting ability to be a highly coveted 3 and D prospect at the higher level. A month ago I wouldn't have been worried about Prosser, but he's put up some great tape down the stretch so will have to sweat that one out.

My question for you is do you think Merraro and Herring have the goods to potentially get scooped up as well? The 2 games I saw IUP in person, Herring looked like a freshman with the build of a junior/senior and is obvioulsy quite skilled. While Merraro is undersized, he was ultra quick and looked incredibly poised. Looked like the best player on the court at times against Gannon and given the circumstances of IUP's roster situation this year, the numbers he put up on the year is extremelty impressive. I would expect them to generate quite a bit of interest.

[GUAlum92]

Rumors are he and Bazzolli didn't get along well. They had some intense bouts during practices (it was cited that Montanos work ethic is not good). That's why he went from starting to strong bench player to healthy scratch the last month of games.

Word is that he was not invited to make the trip.

Makes alot more sense now thanks for clearing it up. Credit to Bazzolli for trying, appears he got every chance to turn it around and earn their trust back. Will be interesting to see where he ends up and if he can get it together, because again we know talent isn't the issue for the kid. Silver lining I suppose is it opened up an oppurtunity for Mason Kemp to play some meaningful minutes as a freshman and he made the most of it. High flyer, good length, and great motor. Time will tell but I think they found another good one.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

I am very happy for Omojafo- he is doing everything he could have possibly set out to do this year. He balled out in the Horizon championship, and will now get to see what he can do in the tournament against top talent. Best case scenario for RMU. I hope I can get off work to watch that one.

I agree about Montano. This year’s biggest question mark. We will really miss his offensive production tonight. He had 15 against Nova earlier this year. Last year against WL in the tourney he put up a solid 14 and 11 as a freshman.

I'm curious how many more of our stars are also very happy for him ... and decide to do the same thing. It's going to be an interesting next couple weeks in the portal world.

There are certainly several players in the Atlantic who could easily play up next season.

[Scrub]

Officiating can really impact a game like this. Teams that play this style foul a lot, but officials who are familiar with it may tend to let more go. Recall the Nova-WL national championship game a couple years ago turned into a pretty big mess especially in the second half. I don’t know where regional championship game officials typically come from, whether it’s in region or outside, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Just based on the fact that for each game I watched so far in the Regional, I only recognized one guy, that leads me to think each of the 3 conferences gets one representative on the officiating crew for each regional game. And believe me, there were definitely times when the CIAA or PSAC ref on the crew was calling stuff we don't normally see called during MEC season. So you're absolutely right that the stripes are--for better or worse--going to play a role tonight.

[GUbigGOLDEN]

Losing James was one of the bigger gut punches from the expected mass exodus last year, his energy and grit on the defensive end was huge...totally agree he'd have paired great running first wave/sharing court with debuck at times. Obviously Omojafo was the best to leave by far, but that one was a foregone conclusion with the ability to move up (pretty wild/impressive he'll be starting a tourney game against bama friday lol).

And on the topic of transfers...does anybody know what went down with Montano this season? The entire situation has been bizarre. Was pumped when he decided to come back after Fee left, and even brining in Taz figured he would be a staple on one of the units. We all saw how that played out...and I don't recall seeing him on the bench this weekend. Shame because we all saw the kid could really play.

I am very happy for Omojafo- he is doing everything he could have possibly set out to do this year. He balled out in the Horizon championship, and will now get to see what he can do in the tournament against top talent. Best case scenario for RMU. I hope I can get off work to watch that one.

I agree about Montano. This year’s biggest question mark. We will really miss his offensive production tonight. He had 15 against Nova earlier this year. Last year against WL in the tourney he put up a solid 14 and 11 as a freshman.

[bballfan03]

Losing James was one of the bigger gut punches from the expected mass exodus last year, his energy and grit on the defensive end was huge...totally agree he'd have paired great running first wave/sharing court with debuck at times. Obviously Omojafo was the best to leave by far, but that one was a foregone conclusion with the ability to move up (pretty wild/impressive he'll be starting a tourney game against bama friday lol).

And on the topic of transfers...does anybody know what went down with Montano this season? The entire situation has been bizarre. Was pumped when he decided to come back after Fee left, and even brining in Taz figured he would be a staple on one of the units. We all saw how that played out...and I don't recall seeing him on the bench this weekend. Shame because we all saw the kid could really play.

Rumors are he and Bazzolli didn't get along well. They had some intense bouts during practices (it was cited that Montanos work ethic is not good). That's why he went from starting to strong bench player to healthy scratch the last month of games.

Word is that he was not invited to make the trip.

[GUAlum92]

I would've loved to have seen Debuck back up James this year (or both on court with Sekasi back upload). James' play making ability was definitely something Gannon missed this year.

Losing James was one of the bigger gut punches from the expected mass exodus last year, his energy and grit on the defensive end was huge...totally agree he'd have paired great running first wave/sharing court with debuck at times. Obviously Omojafo was the best to leave by far, but that one was a foregone conclusion with the ability to move up (pretty wild/impressive he'll be starting a tourney game against bama friday lol).

And on the topic of transfers...does anybody know what went down with Montano this season? The entire situation has been bizarre. Was pumped when he decided to come back after Fee left, and even brining in Taz figured he would be a staple on one of the units. We all saw how that played out...and I don't recall seeing him on the bench this weekend. Shame because we all saw the kid could really play.

[Chuck Norris]

Massey has WL winning, 98-92.

Gannon beat WL by (15) last year, although few playing tomorrow played in that game. Gannon was stronger last year.

This is a tough one for the gamblers. Going with the Massey prediction, I'd call it WL -5.5

Both teams lose the big advantage of tiring out the opponent. Both are deep. Both know - generally - what the other is doing (or, trying to do). Neither was really challenged this past weekend. They both got to watch one another (twice).

That said, I think both head coaches have a losing record playing 'against' said system. Both love to create chaos. How will they handle it in reverse?

Gannon has struggled against other top teams this year (outside of the PSAC, which had very few good teams). The gym is going to be very loud and probably 96% for the home team.

All of that mumbo jumbo said, I think the spread is pretty good. Which way would I bet that WL -5.5 ? I'll have to think about that one a little more.

Officiating can really impact a game like this. Teams that play this style foul a lot, but officials who are familiar with it may tend to let more go. Recall the Nova-WL national championship game a couple years ago turned into a pretty big mess especially in the second half. I don’t know where regional championship game officials typically come from, whether it’s in region or outside, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

[bballfan03]

Speaking of Daemen, saw Derrick James and St. Thomas Aquinas upset them last night in their 4th matchup of the season. Believe they play the 6 seed Assumption in an absolutley chaotic region...might have to tune in

Wow! I had watched a few of STA games and they never looked that great. Very good, but the games I saw they were very undisciplined.

[bballfan03]

We really miss Derrick James, luckily DeBuck has done pretty well filling that void at the point.

I agree with those above, Gannon doesn’t have the depth like last year. But - they are only one win away from achieving the same results.

I think at the end of the day, it will depend on which team has their shooters show up. Hopefully Ernest can stay hot and have another big game.

I would've loved to have seen Debuck back up James this year (or both on court with Sekasi back upload). James' play making ability was definitely something Gannon missed this year.

[GUbigGOLDEN]

We really miss Derrick James, luckily DeBuck has done pretty well filling that void at the point.

I agree with those above, Gannon doesn’t have the depth like last year. But - they are only one win away from achieving the same results.

I think at the end of the day, it will depend on which team has their shooters show up. Hopefully Ernest can stay hot and have another big game.