McFan

First off, I have no insider info., no first hand dealings with Coach Brown or Lee McElroy. We need to remember this is a negotiation. Coach Brown has done a very good to excellent job with this team. This puts him in a strong negotiating position and the University at a weak position. I personally hope the two ends can meet, but what if the Coach is trying to strongarm (again, no idea if this is happening, but when I'm in a strong position I certainly look to get as much as I can) the University into a deal longer than they want to go or at a salary that they just can't justify or afford. No matter how good Coach Brown is if his price is too high then its too high. Hey if I see a Rolls-Royce at a bargain price, I still can't afford it. Let's just hope both sides negotiate in good faith and are truly committed to continuing the improvements that this team has shown. We all look forward to competing for an America East title in the near future.

There were also a couple of B'ball players at the Track meet. Off topic but was wondering if in the picture on the front page of the TU, is that one of the regular RACC Rowdies?

With the weather looking good this is a good chance for locals to see some great performances and support one of the Universitys top programs. From the UAlbany website. UALBANY TRACK & FIELD WILL HOST 11TH ANNUAL SPRING CLASSIC Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany track and field program will host the 11th Annual UAlbany Spring Classic on Friday and Saturday, April 15-16 at University Field. More than 300 athletes from eight different schools will participate in the event. Junior Gered Burns will run the anchor leg on the men’s 4x400 relay, teaming with Junior Burnett, Stephan Evans and Jeremiah Wilson. Sophomore Alyssa Lotmore will race in both the 800- and 1500-meter events, while senior Nicole Susser is scheduled to compete in the 800. The UAlbany Spring Classic will begin on Friday at 4:00 p.m. with the women’s heptathlon and men’s decathlon. The multi-events will continue on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Field events are scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, with running events beginning at 1:00 p.m.

This goes back a bit. But there were some nice head to head matchups between UA Alum and Hall of Famer Bill Vanos and Tom Dalton in the early 90's. My biased recollection is that Vanos won most if not every time.

I agree. Somewhat amusing that the original list included Gillen and Daugherty. Guys with Big East and ACC resumes. Hey, this guy does have an over .500 winning percentage overall. Without knowing the details (as our coach has a pretty tough record over the last three years) I hate to say this but his record the last three years: 36-51, a .413 winning percentage. Good luck to Siena, I'm one of those guys that (especially with the Albany program on the rise) roots for them when they are not playing Albany or other AE teams. I just don't see this as a move forward for the program.

My wish list is a little different. I wish for: 1. 17+ wins in the regular season. 2. A win against every team in the AE. 3. 2 America East tournament victories. 4. One sellout at the RACC. 5. Attendance improves by at least 250/game. I think these are all attainable goals. Some more difficult than others and obviously the out of conference schedule can make a difference in #1.

I am hoping to go but have not finalized yet. I know the question has been posed previously, but do season ticket holders have any access to tickets through the University? If no one knows I'll give a call myself tomorrow but was hoping someone may have the answer. Thanks

Patch, I've never been absolutely correct. To follow, nothing wrong with standing up for the coach either. I'll be sure to do the same if I disagree with a poster "second guessing" Coach Brown.

Patch, Come on. Take a look at my limited posts. I rarely "second guess" the coach and think has done a fantastic job both recruiting and coaching. I voice one opinion and suddenly I "second guess evry decision and demand answers from the coaching staff." I do however think it is completely acceptable as a fan that never misses a home game to disagree with a move here and there. I could never X and O a game and don't pretend that I could, but I certainly can make some judgements of my own from the stands. The coach makes hundreds of decisions a game, not everyone is right. Some are not right or wrong, just decisions. I've never refereed a game but I can still call travel. As for still wanting to know what happened to Wyatt in the Vermont game maybe I should have said I would have liked to known. I certainly don't feel the coaching staff has to answer questions posted on a fan message board. Is it OK if I ask where Joe Dyson is? As for the Vermont game Zoellner played effectively but I happened to see a 23-2 run in the second half where maybe a "second guess" is appropriate. Hey I also would have liked to see Courtney Johnson get a shot at TJ Sorrentine but again, that's just my opinion. Maybe resting Jamar could have helped a little with his offense.

Heads up, this is tongue in cheek: Can Chris Wyatt sue the University for having him play with injuries the last two seasons just because they had no one else to play. I certainly admire his toughness but this kid (man) would have been a much stronger contributor (offensively) if he was allowed to heal. Saturday's game was an indication of his athleticism that was rarely seen. I still want to know where he was for the Vermont game. He now has sandwiched that 4-minute effort with two outstanding games.

I am sure the team is dissappointed with second place, but they are to be congratulated on another fine season (which isn't over for many). Finishing 1st, 1st, and 2nd the last three years is a great accomplishment. It's amazing how little difference there was in a number of events that could have swung the results in Albany's direction. Good luck to the athletes competing at IC4A's and Nationals. Beat Northeastern at the Outdoor Championships.

Again, no defending the students, there should be at least 2,000 at every game, but there are at least 5 times more students this year than last. I was with two guys that I went to school with in the late 80's early 90's and we were discussing how many games we went to when they were DIII. It helped that they were a very good team and as fellow athletes we had training room acquaintance level relationships with some of the guys on the team, but it really came down to we were basketball fans. The other issue that is brought up that I think does play a part (not the Siena monologue) is cable TV in the dorms. I still would have went to games but I know some who would rather watch ACC, SEC, and Big 10/12 rather than mid/low DI. Winning and turning it into mid DI will certainly help. Just my$.02

As a former UA Track man, I wish the team best of luck and had the chance to express that to Coach Vives at the game the other night. It is just impossible at this point to make the trip. To reitterate what has been said before: This is a fantastic program and has been for many years. Coach is a class act and has always produced great student athletes. Those of you who visit the Hall of Fame room should take the time to look at the number of T&F and XC athletes on that wall, very impressive. Again, Good luck to the team this weekend.

There were 3 plays that down the stretch stick in my head as very costly. 1. On one break B. Wilson stepped out of bounds (just tough luck) 2. Another break B. Lillis looses it out of bounds. Other side of the court but looked like a fair amount of body involved. 3. Last was L. Jordan on a 2 on 2 break becoming hesitant and turning it over. I think we were down by 6 at the time anyway but though being hesitant was the worst thing to do. Pull up for three, pull up in the lane, or go hard. Go hard my preference as he is a great finisher. Other random thoughts. Sorrentine was great. In defense of Jamars defense he was getting crushed and seemed fatigued by the end. Maybe 3-4 minutes of C. Johnson could have helped but its so tough because he offers so little offensively. Atmosphere was great. Although there could be more students, the ones there are loud and involved, and appear to be gaining in numbers. Zoellner played Coppenrath well but after Wyatts performance last game I though he might see a couple of more minutes. Did Brown sit him due to the "tough" foul on Coppenrath? I had two Siena fans (season ticket holders) with me and they loved the game. One has already asked when the next game is.

What was Lillis known for at the H.S. level. Was he a shooter? We/ve had a couple of glimpses of him as a slasher. Interesting to know if he could knock down the jumper on a relatively consistent basis. At 6'5" with good leaping and ballhandling ability, excellent defense, if he can shoot on a consistent basis what a tough matchup he becomes in the America East. Added fun for Coach Brown to find minutes next year with Iati back. Wilson, Jordan, Iati and Lillis.

Interest is high. I've had a couple of Siena guys at the office request tickets. Don't worry, they will be rooting for Albany.

Interest is high. I've had a couple of Siena guys at the office request tickets. Don't worry, they will be rooting for Albany.

Why isn't the game on Fox980?

My group was discussing if it was what Levi said or that Levi said it. Later in the game one of the Hartford players yelled pretty good after he was called for a foul and nothing was said. Also, what happened with the double foul with Wyatt? I was following the ball and missed the whole thing. I heard the word "punch" but neither player was ejected were they. Jamar is a blast to watch. If the offensive fouls are cut down he could score 20+ every night. He hoisted a couple of threes last night that he has seemed hesitant to shoot at times this year. I seem to remember that when open he has a nice shot from 3. And defensively, although "Charlie" wasn't that good he did try to drive on Jamar late in the shot clock a number of times and was stopped every time (or almost).

I thought there were more fans there last night than the last couple of home games. Not a lot more, but more. How are the counting attendance? No turnstyles at either entrence. Students don't need tickets. Are they missing some or I'm I?

To early to give up, but... The ball goes in and doesn't come back out. If he can increase to 40+% (including turnovers) I'd be happy. It does seem the look for him every time for certain stretches. Please don't read it as knocking him there are just a few 7'1" guys that can make quick moves and decisions, and Kirsten is not there at this time. Once in a while a catch and a quick pass back would help. The other difficulty is he is having a tough time catching the ball on the move (off of Jamars penetration). That would get him another 4-6 a night. That said, I love a 7'1" center clogging the middle and grabbing rebounds. If he can improve gradually this team will only get better.

Games are over by 9:15 that leaves plenty of time to get to the bars. And weekend games are during the day. I doubt many students start that early on a Saturday or Sunday. Maybe too hungover for the 1:00 start but not in the bars already, I hope?

I would hope that the winning record and uptempo basketball will bring some additional students to the games. Is it too much to ask for 500+ students for home games? That will put 2200+ in the arena. I'm not sure if Yoggi said it but I've heard this somewhere "the more people that show up the more people show up".

Every game must be looked at as a big game for this team, but they should win this game. I'll jump in at 68-58. Only that close do to the fact that it is a road game and the travel schedule. Albany beat this team last year and they don't seem that much better and Albany has certainly improved. That said I'll certainly be listening to hear how things go. Talent at this level is very even and a down night or an up night can swing 10-15 points (or more if you saw the Alabama/MSU game last night). The outcome means 5-2 or 4-3 going to Vermont. Not a must but a very important game.

Thanks for the link GreatDanes84. Just sent my short note. It does not happen in the real world it should not happen here.