reeder

A few thoughts on Wilson:

1. Didn't Wilson hurt his knee over the summer when he missed the Empire State Games?

2. How bad must the Albany Orthopedic Surgeon and Jack feel that they let Wilson play against Colgate?

3. A redshirt would actually work well - give him an improved chance of graduating also an increased chance at making the tournament.

"The coach up there (Will Brown) talked to me and said if I don't get to start, I may average 20 minutes a game, and I'll take that," Bauman said. "I want to go in there and show I can play."

Where is Bauman going to get 20 minutes? I think UA is going to have a challenge getting Iati, Jordan and Wilson enough minutes - not to mention Lillis who will get some time at the 2.

It's all about the $$. I read where Oakland in Michigan is getting upwards of $50k to play at Cincinnatti, UA gets about $25k for Pitt. Initially, I didn't think it was a good idea as it was pretty much a guaranteed loss, but I looked at the numbers closer.

For the big schools, it's no big deal because it's another home game - Pitt drew over 8k fans at $10 each. They can pay UA, cover their fixed costs and still make a good profit (also they don't have $ associated with travel for a road game). So for them it's a huge win.

For Albany, think of what $25k means

- 50 new supporters donating $500 each to the athletic program

- 4000 paid attendance at the RACC (would be about 5000 total as students don't pay - that is about another BPG without the costs

- 30 recruiting trips if you assume $800 per trip (air, car, hotel...)

- 2 full scholarships for football for 1 year - total annual cost is about $13k for instate residents

Also,

it gives Brown a chance to chat up his colleagues and maybe find another 7' center that wants to transfer. It also gives Brown the opportunity to impress someone enough to play UA at the RACC one day and get a big crowd out to support the program.

Lastly, one day UA will win that game - Like Vermont vs. UCLA. When that happens, you'll get supporters coming from everywhere.

Yes, it's good for the kids to play big time opponents, but it's about the $$$.

Remember, Knotts was a great long range shooter in HS. He hasn't really gotten untracked at UA yet, but 3 for 8 from 3 point land against Pitt is impressive.

His challenge is that UA needs him to play in the post and he is much more comfortable on the outside.

I know this is speculation, but assuming Iati, Wilson and Jordan are all healthy next year, which two start?

Wilson played the point in HS, but struggled at the point last year. Iati is the point this year, but a point has to think pass first and shoot second - Iati is a shooter. Jordan was rookie of the year in the MAAC and has amazing talent.

My thought is Iati and Wilson with Jordan coming off the bench.

There is no way that Brown can start Iati and Jordan, given what Wilson means to the program - starting Wilson and Jordan hurts as neither one is a great three point shooter.

Don't want to beat a horse, but where is this guy? It is too late to withdraw for the semester - that line was late October.

I always enjoy going to games early as you can see the players and coaches interact and watch how they prepare for the game. That said, I went to 2 women's games last year (not counting Siena as I wasn't close enough to watch the interactions. Coach Patterson had almost no interaction with her players - either before the game or during the game. I posted this at the time on the old board, but I was shocked. The only interactions that I recall were during timeouts and that wasn't one on one coaching - that was drawing up a play. Not sure what that means, but I have gone to many games at all levels of play and I don't recall experiencing that before.

UA definitely needs a QB that can read defense, go through the progressions and complete passes. That said, the UA offense is so complexed, it will be difficult for a new player to pick it up. I think we'll have Sciarra next year as a senior and Delgado the following year (if he decides to stay for a fifth year).

Let's hope that he returns. It has been almost a month (based on the date of the notice) - it will be difficult to keep up academically if he has not returned to Albany.

Johnson should be happy to get any minutes. As a walk on at most schools, you're a practice player. He won't get any minutes next year when Jordan is available along with the freshment.

St. Hillaire is getting minutes as a walk on and appeared to have played well vs. Siena and over the summer - he may get minutes next year, but not as many as he'll get this year especially with the uncertainty surrounding when Hughes will return.

Regarding Pittsburgh, UA needs to avoid injuries, the remaining games are games that they have a legitimate shot at winning. Let's not ruin that chance by having a nother injury. Take the guarantee and get back to ALbany.

Playing in the ABA for the Kansas City Knights. It looks the ABA has resumed play this year after reorganizing last year.

Couldn't find much info - Kansas City Knights

Knights Roster

Name School Height Pos.

Clausen, Greg Marquette 01 6'11" C

Crispin, Joe Penn St 01 6'1" G

Davis, Jamaal Cincinnati 01 6'9" F

Grimm, Derek U of Missouri 97 6'10" F

Groves, Cortez K-State 2000 6'5" G

Harman, Mike U of Detroit Mercy 02 6'11" F-C

Holman, Jerry Minn 03 6'10" F

Johnson, Antoine Albany State 03 6'1" G

Melson, Kevin Wright St. 01 6'7" G-F

Pulliman, Trent Jackson St. 98 6'7" F

Orotho, Steve Baylor 03 6'11" C

Sears, Ryan Creighton 01 6'0" G

Wrenn, Doug U of Washington 03 6'8" F

Any sightings of Hughes on campus, practice...

He's not listed in the game preview on the UA website.

It's the small things like this that create a better atmosphere at the games. I think most of us have suggested it at one time or another.

Bigger crowds are coming soon - improved atmosphere and increased talent level leads to improved attendance.

Would like to believe UA can compete with and possibly defeat Siena but the stars would have to align for that to happen. Even if Jamar was healthy, we would still be lacking in talent.

My hope is that they can keep it close - you never know what may happen. They need to get ready for the conference games where they have a legit shot at winning most nights.

The good news is that starting next year this will be a game that they can win. I got the SI tonight that previews the college top 20. UA's front court next year will ebe as big as most (you obviously have to adjust the talent for the AE), but a front court of Zellner, Dyson and Levine will be pretty impressive.

All 4 signed. UA is suddenly competitive.

Great job recruiting

I think today was the first day for NLI signing period. I assume all three kids signed - haven't seen or heard anything.

It looks like there are three choices:

1. Vidal - more of a speed back, not sure if he has the strength to be the primary rusher.

2. Fantell - Has played well in limited action. I know he was a star in Florida, but does he have the speed and strength to start?

3. Omar Johnson - redshirting this year, but he was a star running back in New Jersey last year. He'll have a chance to make his case in the spring.

ANy thoughts?

Based on the last three weeks, Jones should get an invite to the 1AA all star game in December. Assuming he can get about 125 yards next week, he will surpass his 1509 mark from last year in one less game. I think he also has 18 touchdowns this year.

Sentipal from Monmouth got an invite a few weeks back. I think there are only 10 invites left for all of 1AA.

It would be ashamed if he doesn't get an invite.

Back to back NEC championships.

UA probably won't get to the ECAC bowl, so game against Towson must become the bowl game. Wouldn't it be great if Jones and company finished up by beating Towson - a school that is moving to the A-10.

Can't look back, but the Monmouth loss probably cost UA not just a shot at the ECAC bowl but also the mid major national championship as well.

Anyway, the seniors did a great job. Let's finish it up against Towson. You never know, maybe St. Francis can beat Monmouth.

Was in NJ for business on Friday and decided to stay over to see the game vs. Wagner. A few observations.

1. What makes Jones such a tough back is the combination leg strength and speed. The first play of the game, he ran 80 yards after breaking a couple of tackles at the line of scrimmage. He also had a 40 yard run where he went in motion and took the handoff - the tacklers just couldn't catch him. Unfortunately that was called back because of an illegal block. Jones could have had 300 yards - a 40 yard run called back and he didn't play much of the second and fourth quarters (he had 175 at the half).

2. Not sure if these are injuries, but several defensive players either sat out or played very little in the second hald - Boone, Awofeso, Campbell.

3. Dustin Wilson was kicking field goals before the game and doing a pretty good job. Ford was standing by and watching - not sure what that meant.

4. The passing game looked pretty good, Sciarra had a beautiful pass to Miller - had he lead him another yard or so he could have scored. Also, a nice quick pass to Crudo where he ran for good yardage. UA also ran quite a few slant patterns which were pretty effective.

5. The defense was well prepared. Wagner would line up with trips and consistently throw a quick pass to the inside receiver. The UA defensive end would actually stand between the TE and that inside receiver and took that away in the second half.

6. Sciarra fumbled twice - could have cost two touchdowns. Once on the opening drive at the Wagner goal line and once he was sacked at the Wagner 20 and tried to pitch the ball.

7. They ran the option very well. Wagner seemed to bite on the dive consistently and when Sciarra pitched, there was never anyone outside to stop the running back. On one of Jones' TD's, he ran 40 yards untouched on a 4th down play. He got the pitch and there was no one on the corner to stop him.

8. Fantell played at the end of the game. He looks really good. Only had a couple of carries, but you can tell he will be a moajor contributor in the next couple of years.

9. There were a couple of defensive players that were just physically superior to Wagner. I don't get to see many games, so I am not sure if they are always this talented. Campbell (he's big and very physical) and Kryzak (huge and just clogs the middle - makes Camacho a better player).

10. Lastly, the Wagner facility was nice. Stands on one side (seats 3,500) of the field with fieldhouse beneath it. It would not cost UA very much to add stands like that - you were close to the field, benches were comfortable...

Tape of the game?

Anybody have a tape of the game or willing to tape the replay this afternoon - the replay is at 4:00? I don't live in the area and don't have access to the cable telecasts. I've contacted the cable company as well, but I'm not sure if they would can provide a copy.

Thanks

UA Hoops has a chance to be an upper tier AE school next year. They need to be in the upper echelon before the A10 or any other conference would want them.

This year, UA could very well become a mid tier AE team and next year if the new kids can play, UA should be eleveated to the upper tier. I do think they need another center to back up Zoellner next year. You want the 6'8" kids to play their natural positions which is PF.

Robert Morris 14 - CCSU 7

Sacred Heart 42 - Siena 10

Georgetown 20 - Stony Brook 14

Monmouth 21 - Wagner 10

Why can't they have a pre (or post) game luncheon in the RACC. That way people wouldn't have to leave work and you'd get the community more involved.

Regarding Profit Sharing

My understanding is that UA gets to keep the proceeds from it's ticket sales and that's it. I don't think they sell many tickets - most are given out to students. I think last year they allocated 1500 per quad.

Also, Siena needs to continue the series as much as UA in order to keep their average attendance up.