MBB: NEWMAC

[HotDog]

Albertus Magnus once again plays Babson early in their schedule this year but in NH in 2025.  AMC has reloaded this year with a Sacred Heart transfer in 6-4 guard forward Aidan Carpenter, 6-9 center Isiah Earl who won a jc national championship at Mohawk , NY College.  We also have returning guards Tazon Daniels and Fairleigh Dickinson transfer in 6-3 Ray Ford Jr.  It will be a very competitive contest on the 11th of November, the year of Lord 2025.

[WPI89]

Hot Dog - wow.  I always root for Magnus - Coach Oliver helped coach my daughter's AAU team for several years.................like him a lot.

[BaboNation]

Excited to get basketball season started.

First, a tribute to recently graduated Nate Amado.  One of my favorite players of the last 20 years.

Here's where he ranks all-time at Babson:

Points: 7th
Rebounds: 9th
Blocks: 2nd

But to do him justice, here's where he ranks among players since 2000, as a rough dividing line between eras and when the quality of opponents got much tougher and consistent:

Points: 2nd*
FTs: 2nd*
Rebounds: 3rd*
Blocked Shots: 1st

(*) #1 in category: Joey Flannery

The stats only scratch the surface of what he meant to the program.  He was the big game, go-to guy, consistently battled double teams, and had a strong all-around game.  He led the team in rpg as a freshman guard at 6'3".  Averaged 20/10 in 4 tournament games, 2 of which were in his freshman season.  He leaves a gaping roster hole.

Speaking of Flannery, Ryan Scott had a great article on him in the offseason: https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2025/08/flannery-scb-induction

Looking at 25-26:

Probably the most shocking part of the preseason NEWMAC poll is that someone picked MIT for first place.  Their last 5 season conference records are: 5-9, 5-8, 2-12, 5-11, and 3-13.  New, strong coaching hire in B. J. Dunne, but he was hired late (August).  They bring back 4 of their top 5 scorers from last year (Dobie will get postseason honors). I'd love to see a resurgent MIT because it would be good for the league.

I think the clear favorite is WPI.  I didn't realize both Reidy and Mortgensen had a 5th year of eligibility.  Molen inside will more than make up for the loss of Morelli.  The only question is whether they have a penetrating PG.  They have 3 guys with POTY potential in Newman, Molen, and Reidy.  Newman will likely repeat as DPOTY.  Loaded team.

Clark should be strong again, though they lost a ton.  Pridgen and John really came on in the NEWMAC tournament, while some of their vets struggled.  John shows flashes of untapped potential and is already a force on the defensive end at the rim.  Simms can flat out recruit and they bring in a really good looking recruiting class.  I wouldn't be surprised if 1 or more FYs start.  Inexperience may hold them back.

I like Emerson more than the coaches evidently.   Curley always seems to find and develop big men, and he has one in Helmhold who could have a breakout year.  If McNamara returns to form after missing a year and paired alongside Armant they should be in the NEWMAC semis.

And I like Coast Guard more than the poll results.  Farrell is a first team candidate inside and Parent and Huang make up a productive backcourt.  The small roster size (12) is a concern though.

I don't see Salve Regina, Springfield, or Wheaton in the mix, though Seymour (SR), and Iafrate (Wheaton) may put up big numbers and garner postseason honors.  Wheaton is the only team with all 5 top scorers returning, but is the 2nd team with a new coach, Alex Dubrow '20 (with the dreaded 'interim' tag).  The prior coach had the distinction of leading the only NEWMAC team to never win a conference championship over his 28 years.  The change was announced in August (not ideal).  No where to go but up, though it may take some time.

For Babson a lot will depend on how productive xfer Aydelotte can be at this level.  Not to put too much pressure on him, but if he can give them 13/8 that would be huge.  Babson has never really had a post presence like him (listed at 6'11") and most of the 6'8"+ guys in the past have been stretch 4's and 5's.  He looks good on tape and I've heard good things, so we'll see.
I think the team will be far more balanced in scoring and may threaten the under on the top scorer ppg from the last 15 years.
It would be great if they can hold opponents @ 65 ppg.  Lots of guys competing for time with a roster of 19.  Do they have a plus defender or two?  Time will tell.
I really like the last 2 recruiting classes.  While they may not produce some of the studs of the last 10 years, they all look to have high floors and include lots of gym rats too.
Guess at starting 5: Aydelotte, O'Toole, JJ Paul, Mulvey, Begin.
Guys who I think have the best chance at becoming larger contributors (+5 ppg or +10 mpg):  Murphy and Foster.

I like WPI, Emerson, Clark, Babson, Coast Guard, and MIT, in that order to make the conference tournament.

[WPI89]

Great to have you back, BABO