Drury Panthers

[crazznewt]

It is a little known fact that "Division 1" is a Greek term meaning to over spend/over hype for no reason. It's amazing such highly educated people can make such foolish decisions that drive costs up for everyone else just so they can enjoy a little prestige.

The unofficial athletics tax that D1 schools impose on the students ultimately costs the taxpayers. Where are the oversight committees for athletic departments at public schools?

[Bballfan]

With revenue sharing kicking in and athletic departments operating at a deficit all over the country, I don't know how there will be anything left at the trough for smallish D1 schools in name only.

[crazznewt]

With revenue sharing kicking in and athletic departments operating at a deficit all over the country, I don't know how there will be anything left at the trough for smallish D1 schools in name only.

The following is Grand Valley's reasoning for staying D2 in a condensed version and paraphrased:
The bottom line is it takes a LOT of money to have any kind of competitive program in Division I and Grand Valley is not even close to having that kind of money for its athletics programs. Grand Valley chooses Division II for philosophical reasons in addition to the financial reasons.

In contrast, Lindenwood cut programs that had just signed players. A lot of people were hurt. Things fell apart quickly after this shortsighted D1 move.
Lindenwood had transitioned quickly from NAIA to D2, to D1. Will they just as quickly join Hartford, who recently made the move from DI to DIII?

[Bballfan]

Grand Valley is not wrong. But they have a competitive advantage in D2 because of all their money. In D1, not so much. And they wouldn't be competitive at that level. I get it. UIndy is another school that has flirted with D1, but also dominates in a lot of sports at the D2 level.

Lindenwood isn't the only school recently moving to D1 that makes no sense. The same can be said for Mercyhurst and Le Moyne,

[crazznewt]

Aladji Gassama. Lob threat. Floater is consistent. Big body. Rebounder. Struggles to block shots for his size. Mediocre motor. Tremendous attitude. Great kid. Will back up Ruok.

Coach Foster gives a different report on Aladji:
"Aladji gives us added size and athleticism in our front court," said Foster. "He is an elite shot blocker and rebounder that will help anchor our defense. He is also a skilled offensive player and will give us another option in the post.

Also, another highly sought player has been added to Coach Bailey's 2025 class: Sage Stratton, an all state guard from Quincy, Illinois.

The future looks bright for both Drury programs.

[Bballfan]

I see schedules finally posted. Looks like some good non-conference matchups for the women. Important to get those early season matchups.... and win them.

[crazznewt]

I see schedules finally posted. Looks like some good non-conference matchups for the women. Important to get those early season matchups.... and win them.

Looks like there is a game not posted yet on November 9.

[panthersclawz1]

Coach Foster gives a different report on Aladji:
"Aladji gives us added size and athleticism in our front court," said Foster. "He is an elite shot blocker and rebounder that will help anchor our defense. He is also a skilled offensive player and will give us another option in the post.

Also, another highly sought player has been added to Coach Bailey's 2025 class: Sage Stratton, an all state guard from Quincy, Illinois.

The future looks bright for both Drury programs.

The beauty of a press release is that you can say whatever you want. Ever seen an official press release that is a lie? I might imagine it’s happened once or twice. Look at our political system ;).

Same source as before: “He’ll be a good rebounder but his shot blocking is average at best.” Vocal intonation pretty important here.

Sage is a great get for Bailey. Best kid she’s brought in outside of Matis Martin without any help. Rhi Gibbons was a huge part of bringing Josie Storey. Hope the 2025 class trend continues.

[crazznewt]

[QUOTE=panthersclawz1;n836791]

The beauty of a press release is that you can say whatever you want. Ever seen an official press release that is a lie? I might imagine it’s happened once or twice. Look at our political system ;). (Unquote)

This might be true, but the coach doesn't have a reprobate press to cover his tracks:)

[crazznewt]

Early season "classics" that included The Lady Panthers, SBU, Trevecca Nazarene, and Kentucky Wesleyan had been the norm the last few years. Trevecca left the GMAC and is now in the Gulf South. It looks to me like Ferris State has replaced Trevecca in this classic that will be held at Drury this season. Kentucky Wesleyan has not posted their schedule yet and maybe that is why Drury's schedule looks odd on November 9 and 10. All this is speculation on my part.

Talk about late, Central Missouri also hasn't posted their schedule.

The Lady Panthers may have some growing pains early as they have a lot of underclassmen that have to contribute. If everyone works as hard as Daniels and King, they'll be good soon.
https://x.com/cgh00ps/status/1824301778197684702

[Bballfan]

Drury women play the two tops teams from the GLIAC. Those games are critical to tournament seeding come March.

Playing GMAC schools is harder due to the extreme distance. Wesleyan is the closest GMAC school to Drury, and that is over a 6 hour trip.

Technically they still could play Trevecca as an "in-region" game as Tennessee does border Missouri as little bit. While not "in-region" anymore a game against an in-state or bordering state opponent does count for tournament seeding, regardless of regional affiliation. .