MBB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[AppletonRocks]

Wow, Pat Miller's court side  behavior is abhorent.  Looks like a jack***.  Wins don't justify that. 

My take on this is that you're right - he does look foolish sometime. But he wants to win - hell he expects to win. He has developed a reputation for that behavior and its almost like "old news" now. The league didn't ever punish it & it is in line with D1 & D2 coaches behavior. What you do not correct you reinforce. So the league has in a sense promoted that behavior.

I don't know him either. I can't imagine he wants to win anymore than Juckem or Semling, and they both are respectful even when they are demonstrative. I have seen him coach 3 games live, and in 2 I didn't have a team I even supported in the opposition.  Thought the same thing each time.  I will put the hatchet away now, shame on the WIAC and the officials for taking this **** from him.  I am surprised the university hasn't tried to coach him to behave a little, after all, he represents them.   

[Greek Tragedy]

Stout (0-5, 3-11) at Oshkosh (3-2, 10-6)

Eau Claire (2-3, 9-7) at Whitewater (3-2, 12-4)

River Falls (5-0, 11-5) at Platteville (2-3, 8-8)

La Crosse (4-1, 10-6) at Stevens Point  (1-4, 8-8)

Should be a pretty straightforward day in the WIAC. The only game in question is La Crosse at Stevens Point. Sure, the Pointers are just 1-4, but three of their losses have been to (at) Whitewater by six, Oshkosh by 5 and at River Falls by 8. Three of La Crosse's wins have been over Platteville, Eau Claire and at Stout. With a loss to Oshkosh and a narrow win vs Whitewater, a win here could go a long way for the Eagles. Could Platteville really upset the Falcons at home? Possible  but not probable. 

[fredfalcon]

Good to see your comments again, Stoutguy. Beware of too much sun, sand, and Coors! Exercise your usual sense of proportion. Wait--maybe that's not good advice, considering your advanced age!

If Pat B. is not the best ref in the league, who is? He's especially good at letting everyone in the gym know who/what/why he's blowing the whistle. I'm told, too, that players like him because he is constantly warning them to get their hands off, etc before he whistles them. Even though I did not notice it, I was told that Coach S. thought it was too rough in the paint at RF, and that Pat B. consistently allows lots of contact before calling a foul. Reffing is a tough job. I don't see many positive comments here, or anywhere else about good officiating.

I'm going south too, but probably farther--to the Amazon River for a little piranaha fishing. Will be back just in time for RF/Stout game in Menomonie. Probably can't post after next Wednesday.

HnG, at least you don't hold on to your opinions like a bulldog does to a rag--that's a good trait. In a way, it's good that Ed A. does not seem to be in trouble despite his record. That said, RF struggled to beat his team at RF, and he's playing lots of young guys. I would think that he might decide to quit if/when his record gets to be too much of a burden. I'm sure he does not enjoy losing.

[stoutguy]

Fred-  We really are on the same page with Pat B.  And you are correct about throwing out a positive word occasionally about officiating.  The thing that does bother me (and others) is that Pat sometimes becomes "the show" and spends too much time holding up the game with reasons for a call, banter with coaches and players, etc.  As a fan, I do find him fun to watch.  His sense of humor is also a positive.  A few weeks ago, during a timeout he said to me with Miller and Andrist doing plenty of hollering, "Steve, wouldn't you think that these two guys would realize that at my age, they really shouldn't yell at me this much!  He takes it all in stride. Have a good trip.  Carpie and Mesch say "hi".

[Hoops_n_Golf]

HnG, at least you don't hold on to your opinions like a bulldog does to a rag--that's a good trait. In a way, it's good that Ed A. does not seem to be in trouble despite his record. That said, RF struggled to beat his team at RF, and he's playing lots of young guys. I would think that he might decide to quit if/when his record gets to be too much of a burden. I'm sure he does not enjoy losing.

Thanks (I think!) You are correct that the Devils are young. And playing hard. And I will concede that's a challenge in itself. The 3-year junior they have (only one) only has 7 conference wins in 37 tries. Tough to keep motivated and poised and the fact they're in games is a credit to the coaching staff for sure.

[cubs]

But now that you don't have VanDellen to bad mouth I guess someone else has to fill the void. 

I was thinking the same thing....  Heck, if he really wants to "fill the void" though, all he has to do is look at beloved Lawrence team....  Oh, that's right, JoJo can't be held to same standard as Coach Tharp. 

[AppletonRocks]

But now that you don't have VanDellen to bad mouth I guess someone else has to fill the void. 

I was thinking the same thing....  Heck, if he really wants to "fill the void" though, all he has to do is look at beloved Lawrence team....  Oh, that's right, JoJo can't be held to same standard as Coach Tharp. 

You need some fresh bait. 

[gbpuckfan]

Oshlosh handles Stout 67-42.

[Hoops_n_Golf]

What is going on in this darn conference? Up is down. Down is up. And Eau Claire beats Whitewater! They played them awfully close last year so this shouldn't be such a surprise except it is!

Maybe you guys are on to something! The parity could make the league MORE interesting!

[cubs]

But now that you don't have VanDellen to bad mouth I guess someone else has to fill the void. 

I was thinking the same thing....  Heck, if he really wants to "fill the void" though, all he has to do is look at beloved Lawrence team....  Oh, that's right, JoJo can't be held to same standard as Coach Tharp. 

You need some fresh bait. 

If you think my posts are meant to be "bait," you are more delusional than I thought.... 

[cubs]

Platteville knocks off River Falls 72-61...

2nd-7th place in the WIAC now separated by just two games...  (2nd = 4-2, 7th = 2-4)

[fredfalcon]

Pville over RF 72- 61, Point over Lax 69-67. The race tightens.

[Just the stats]

How crazy is this start to the season? This is the first time since 1998-99 that Eau Claire has beaten both Stevens Point and Whitewater in the same regular season. (It happened in 1999-2000 but one of those was in the NCAA tournament.)

[badgerwarhawk]

I am absolutely clueless.  I've been around the league a long time and I can't recall a year that is confusing me as much as this one.  And we're not half way through yet. 

[Brian R. Carroll]

I have little to add to these recent comments. The WIAC is wild and wooly this season.