MBB: NESCAC

[nescac1]

Paul Ippolito transfers from Trinity to Redlands.  He was a steady back-up point guard for the Bantams, who now lose half of their ten-man rotation.  I expect we will see big minutes early from some of the heralded new arrivals next season.

[Stickthe3]

Wow, that's big news about Ippolito.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised given the current climate of college basketball, but that's a tough loss for Trinity.

On an unrelated note, Bentley HC Jay Lawson just announced his retirement.  It's probably too late for Nolan Ames to make any changes at this point, but got to feel for the kid as he initially committed to Colby, only to decommit after their coaching change, and now the coach he was planning on playing for is retiring (assuming he did not know about Lawson's plans).

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Wow, that's big news about Ippolito.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised given the current climate of college basketball, but that's a tough loss for Trinity.

On an unrelated note, Bentley HC Jay Lawson just announced his retirement.  It's probably too late for Nolan Ames to make any changes at this point, but got to feel for the kid as he initially committed to Colby, only to decommit after their coaching change, and now the coach he was planning on playing for is retiring (assuming he did not know about Lawson's plans).

I think that Bentley timing is weird.  Very late to make that announcement.  I'm watching this in conjunction with the rumors that more of the NE10 are exploring d3.  If (and I have no reporting on this at all) a school makes the decision to go that direction, it's often during this time of year.

[SpringSt7]

Makes a lot of sense to leave late if you want your kid to get the job

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Makes a lot of sense to leave late if you want your kid to get the job

That's just it.  It's not necessarily late, especially in terms of trying to dictate a successor.  Timing is curious, that's all.  Lot's of great coaches will want this job.

[D3BBALL]

Paul Ippolito transfers from Trinity to Redlands.  He was a steady back-up point guard for the Bantams, who now lose half of their ten-man rotation.  I expect we will see big minutes early from some of the heralded new arrivals next season.

For Trinity this fall may be like it was 4 years when they brought in 7 Freshman and 3 (Vetter, Okorougo and McDonald) average about 60 minutes/game. And there was no 5 in 5 out that year. Last 3 years only 2 freshman played significant minutes, Berry and Ayles, none this year.
5 spots to fill, but from reserves that didn't play this year, 4 will have an opportunity and I see at least 2 freshman that will play a lot. Hearing rumors that they have another potential that would be really good as well.

[D3BBALL]

Wow, that's big news about Ippolito.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised given the current climate of college basketball, but that's a tough loss for Trinity.

On an unrelated note, Bentley HC Jay Lawson just announced his retirement.  It's probably too late for Nolan Ames to make any changes at this point, but got to feel for the kid as he initially committed to Colby, only to decommit after their coaching change, and now the coach he was planning on playing for is retiring (assuming he did not know about Lawson's plans).

I think that Bentley timing is weird.  Very late to make that announcement.  I'm watching this in conjunction with the rumors that more of the NE10 are exploring d3.  If (and I have no reporting on this at all) a school makes the decision to go that direction, it's often during this time of year.

Agree, St A's is the first domino and most likely more to follow. Issue will be what D3 conferences are going to take them in. Bentley should have no issue but not sure the rest of D2, at least in the northeast, will find it easy to just get in any conference they want.

[nescac1]

Yeah, I can't imagine Trinity is close to the level from the last few years but in a NESCAC that feels pretty wide open with SO much attrition of top players, they should still have enough to be in the top group of 3-4 contending teams.

The starting five will be solid, but lacking an all-American caliber player, with Tristan Davis, Sam Norris (who I think could be a breakout player as more of a go-to option next year), Jared Berry (who I imagine will have a green light and put up a ton of shots, for better or worse), David Ayles (who can probably do a bit more than he's had to thus far) and glue guy Bangaly Berety.  But behind that group, it's basically all entirely unproven guys ... and no one who really popped in a massive way in Trinity's extensive garbage time minutes.  But D3bball you seem to have a better handle on young players on the current roster who might be ready to step up.  Either way, you figure 2-3 new players are likely to end up playing in the second unit. 

Overall from the top tier of teams I think Wesleyan (for sure, they have pretty obvious options to fill in for the graduating players) and Tufts bring back more, so it really depends on whether Trinity can get major contributions from its huge incoming group of players.