4-FAIRFIELD– Last year’s surprise run to the MAAC title game has perhaps set up some unreasonable expectations for the Stags, and it’s important to remember how much Fairfield struggled overall in an, albeit, weird season. What was surprising about last year’s squad was how much they struggled defensively, especially given Jay Young’s coaching pedigree. However, most of Fairfield’s struggles were at the rim, which in turn can be tied to injuries to Chris Maidoh and Tshiefu Ngalakulondi, and I would expect a much stronger defensive effort from the Stags this year. The backcourt meanwhile is sort of loaded, but Caleb Green didn’t have quite the impact on the ball in terms of helping Jesus Cruz and Taj Benning with their efficiency rates that I thought he would- and ultimately Jake Wojcik ran the offense a little more than Young was probably comfortable with. That said, having the ball in Wojcik’s hands wasn’t a bad idea, as he was arguably the most complete offensive player in the league with his combination of deadly shooting, plus ball skills, deft passing, and ability to draw contact. Cruz meanwhile just doesn’t seem like he’ll ever be a consistent offensive threat, but he’s an absolute menace defensively, capable of guarding 1-3 with physicality. A healthy Jalen Leach will also be in the backcourt/wing picture, as will talented scoring guard Chris Cevis. The frontcourt isn’t a particularly skilled group on the offensive end, as Maidoh, Ngalakulondi, and Supreme Cook all have their struggles with efficiency around the rim, but all are stellar rebounders. Cook has by far the most offensive upside of the trio, and could develop into a legitimate interior threat in his second season. Expect a bounce back defensive campaign from Young’s squad, but true title contention will hinge on offensive development from Cook and anyone not named Jake Wojcik in the backcourt.
nash, Thanks and my bad but that's what happens when I rush the typing without checking while trying to batten down the hatches waiting for Hurricane Henri out here on the East End of Long Island. You and all Stag alumni stay safe and dry if you are in harms way tomorrow and Monday!.
Post by dannynoonan on Aug 31, 2021 13:19:53 GMT -5
Yale comes in at #71 overall, #1 in the Ivy with just 2 returning starters. It looks like Matt Knowling (East Catholic) will be a key player for Yale: www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/19753
Yale comes in at #71 overall, #1 in the Ivy with just 2 returning starters. It looks like Matt Knowling (East Catholic) will be a key player for Yale: www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/19753
Well it will be interesting to see how the year off for all the Ivy teams might effect performance in the coming year. As far as Yale is concerned, James Jones has built a program built to withstand some defections, but I have to think losing two stars in Paul Atkinson and Jordan Bruner will have to hurt quite a bit. And their OOC schedule is kind of loaded with match-ups scheduled against Seton Hall, UMass, Auburn, St. Mary's, Vermont and two of the MAAC's best in Iona and Siena. So there is certainly opportunity for some wins that will help their status on a national level. But even if they run into trouble before league play, surely they will be a force once that action gets underway in January.
As far as depending on Knowling, the CIAC POY in 2019 certainly can play. But having to rely on him or any of the other freshman to be key factors may be asking a lot if they truly are deserving of being #71 in the nation. My guess is the Ivy League may take a temporary step backwards this season, but OTOH being league champs will get a team into the Big Dance, and certainly Yale would have to be one of if not the favorite to do that very thing.
One things I've noticed over the years... there are so many moving parts on college basketball teams that a lot of the information (even in the best previews) rarely resembles what actually happens during the season.
The last four days the site has previewed Murray State, Drake, Toledo, and Western Kentucky - all at the top of near the top of their Mid Major conferences. They are up to #64 and have not come to Iona yet. They must have a tremendous amount of respect for the Gaels.