PhoenixRising2 wrote:

Here's a look at Delaware St.:
Offensive Strength:  None

Defensive Strength:  None

This is just cold. Although you don't get to be the 2nd worst team in the nation on the back of strengths, I guess. 

Someone on the internet suggested that the two lowest conferences (the MEAC and the SWAC) need to be relegated, because they consistently have the worst teams in D1 year-in, year-out.

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

yak-rbc wrote:

This is just cold. Although you don't get to be the 2nd worst team in the nation on the back of strengths, I guess. 

Someone on the internet suggested that the two lowest conferences (the MEAC and the SWAC) need to be relegated, because they consistently have the worst teams in D1 year-in, year-out.

If they were "relegated" (and I am not advocating this), then the NEC, Robert Morris' conference, would be the lowest rated conference in the country - #30.  The schools in these conferences are Historically Black Colleges, which are really hamstrung with few facilities and meager budgets. But they do provide about 300 kids an opportunity for a college education and a chance to play Division 1 basketball.  Plus, I'll never forget seeing Coppin St. upset South Carolina at the Civic Arena; one of the most fun experiences that I have ever had attending a sporting event.  In addition, our own Chas Brown probably wouldn't be here without the opportunity afforded him at Coppin St.
 

Well said. The MEAC and SWAC also spend the the vast majority of their OOC schedules criss-crossing the country and collecting checks playing these "buy games" to fund their athletic departments.

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

yak-rbc wrote:

This is just cold. Although you don't get to be the 2nd worst team in the nation on the back of strengths, I guess. 

Someone on the internet suggested that the two lowest conferences (the MEAC and the SWAC) need to be relegated, because they consistently have the worst teams in D1 year-in, year-out.

If they were "relegated" (and I am not advocating this), then the NEC, Robert Morris' conference, would be the lowest rated conference in the country - #30.  The schools in these conferences are Historically Black Colleges, which are really hamstrung with few facilities and meager budgets. But they do provide about 300 kids an opportunity for a college education and a chance to play Division 1 basketball.  Plus, I'll never forget seeing Coppin St. upset South Carolina at the Civic Arena; one of the most fun experiences that I have ever had attending a sporting event.  In addition, our own Chas Brown probably wouldn't be here without the opportunity afforded him at Coppin St.
 

As bad as those leagues are, their top teams are sometimes quite good. They have won multiple games in the NCAAs. The NEC has never advanced past the round of 64. The NEC is a bad league, and there was speculation on the Pitt board that Bobby Mo is putting up a new building because the MAAC told them that they needed to upgrade their facilities in order to be extended an invite.

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

yak-rbc wrote:

This is just cold. Although you don't get to be the 2nd worst team in the nation on the back of strengths, I guess. 

Someone on the internet suggested that the two lowest conferences (the MEAC and the SWAC) need to be relegated, because they consistently have the worst teams in D1 year-in, year-out.

If they were "relegated" (and I am not advocating this), then the NEC, Robert Morris' conference, would be the lowest rated conference in the country - #30.  The schools in these conferences are Historically Black Colleges, which are really hamstrung with few facilities and meager budgets. But they do provide about 300 kids an opportunity for a college education and a chance to play Division 1 basketball.  Plus, I'll never forget seeing Coppin St. upset South Carolina at the Civic Arena; one of the most fun experiences that I have ever had attending a sporting event.  In addition, our own Chas Brown probably wouldn't be here without the opportunity afforded him at Coppin St.
 

Dropping the PBC would never fly in today's PC world. Also did anyone see that Bryant Gumbel show on HBO last month where it talked about how those schools end up as travelling punching bags for the big schools in both football and basketball in those "Paycheck games?"  It was very enlightening and mentioned Mississippi Valley State among ones who travelled all over the country.
 

PhoenixRising2 wrote:

Tejas, Mississippi Valley St. did turn out a couple of pretty decent football players - Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones. These buy games are a concern in football, since the kids’ health may be placed in jeopardy going up against bigger, stronger players while being outnumbered with scholarships.

Here’s a recent article from Sports Illustrated on the plus/minus of football buy games:  https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/11/15/fcs-fbs-upsets-underdogs-famu-liberty-mercer

We are playing a couple buy games in football the next few years. Hawaii and umass I believe.

Wow. 30 point lead in the first half.

DSU is really bad. Not sure how East Carolina only beat them by 6. That said, you can tell this team's confidence is growing each game. The added depth has made all the difference. It's so refreshing to be a well coached team.

Good to see marko make his debut. Another long body to help rebound.

An added plus was James getting into it in the final min., two treys and 13 points plus 3 boards and two assists. He had several steals also, I think.

Remember the year before last he was a starter and with his size and quickness could be a depth addition as a senior.

I really liked the passing the Dukes did to start the game. Good win as the program begins to rebuild.

Mike Lewis had 23 points in 22 minutes, that's some efficiency right there. At one point he made a 3 in 4 straight possessions. Him and Williams have been able to find their open shots the last few games and they've been drilling most of them. very good to see.

If we can avoid anymore injuries and carry 11 guys into conference play, I think we have the potential to surprise a lot of people. Every single returning player from last year looks substantially better under Dambrot. Also, Rene has really looked much better running the point recently. His assist numbers have been very impressive.

Keeping my mouth shut until conference play