Saturday, January 04, 2014

This Week in Wrenball: Rudyard Rules

 Macomb, Illinois is the seat of McDonough County and the location of Western Illinois University. It's also the hometown of the great actor John Mahoney, and was the summer training home of the St. Louis Rams from 1996 - 2004. It's not much else. I'm sure it's lovely, though.

Western Illinois is the final stop on W&M's out of conference hoops schedule, which finds us, as usual, puzzled about what we've got. Coming off a solid 74-68 win over longtime rival ODU, the Wrens carry a 7-5 record into tonight's contest against the Leathernecks. However, the if/but/candy/nut corollary tells us that W&M should probably be no worse than 9-3, and could be even better than that. Losses to High Point and Hampton remain inexplicable, and the Tribe may be the only team this season to go on a 20-2 run in the second half of a loss (we pulled this trick against Richmond).

Beyond a set of perplexing on-court results, it's also difficult to assess W&M's on-court potential. Senior guard Brandon Britt is still working his way back into the rotation after missing the season's first nine games due to a suspension. Britt has missed 15 of the 20 shots he's attempted in his three games, averaging only 6.7 ppg in 19 minutes.

In Britt's absence, senior Julian Boatner is putting up the best numbers of his W&M career, making 42.1% of his three-pointers and tallying 7.1 points per contest. He's also been solid with the ball, recording 27 assists against only 11 turnovers playing as an off guard. But Boatner's nowhere near as athletic as Britt, and is a liability on defense, especially against quick opponents.

Britt's return, along with that of injured freshman Daniel Dixon, means that Tony Shaver's able to use at least a nine-man rotation. While this ain't exactly Kentucky, it's certainly better than the early season's seven-man runs. Additionally, with Britt back in the lineup, Boatner and freshman revelation Omar Prewitt (13.8 ppg, good for second on the team) head a group of reserves that matches up well with just about any CAA foe.

I can't figure them out, either, Rudyard
And when Britt is all the way back, it'll free up Marcus Thornton to be Marcus Thornton, only moreso. Though the explosive junior is averaging a career-best 19.0 points after dropping 26 on ODU, he's doing it in a less efficient fashion than in previous years. His field goal, three-point field goal, and free throw percentages are all down significantly from last year, largely attributable to the fact that he's been the team's primary ballhandler in Britt's absence. He's done a decent job, leading the team with 31 assists and maintaining an acceptable assist/turnover ratio (he's given it away 31 times, too), but he's a born two guard.

All of which leaves us with Rudyard Kipling on the brain. The operative word for the Wrens as they head into conference play, is 'if':

If Britt can find his way back
If Marcus can soar; Beasthoven hits the floor
And lead W&M's diverse attack
If Omar keeps comin', and Gaillard can score
While Shaver juggles pieces and minutes
And Tarpey's hustle frees Boatner to gun
Theirs is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - they'll be the Man, my son!

We'll find out starting on Wednesday, as W&M kicks off the CAA schedule at home against preseason darling Drexel before traveling to highly-regarded Delaware. With a win tonight, the Tribe will enter CAA play with the league's second-best OOC record. That ain't much, but it's something.

76 comments:

Clarence said...

Gheorghe: The Poetry Slam

Rob, have you heard Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds' "Higgs Boson Blues"? The Farrellys should use it as a follow-up to Red Right Hand in D&D2.

rob said...

i have not, clarence. i'll rectify that soon.

Dave said...

wrenball and 19th century poetry, that's going to pull in the google searches . . .

T.J. said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GWsdqCYvgw

T.J. said...

excellent reminder, Dave. time to gin up another Ghooghles post.

rob said...

internet's leading source of caa basketball poetry, dave

Mark said...

So, if I can get the Tribe +2 tonight, should I take it?

rob said...

they should beat western, who are a mediocre summit league team. but I wouldn't bet on it.

Mark said...

Thanks. I guess.

TR said...

For all of you who wanted to know what Brian Zoubek was up to:

After working with a technology start-up for year, Zoubek decided to follow his own dreams and open his own bakery, named Dream Puffz, which specializes in cream puffs.[21] Dream Puffz opened in Haddonfield, New Jersey on July 30, 2012. However, Zoubek shut down Dream Puffz on February 16, 2013 to pursue real estate opportunities. Zoubek said he is in negotiations to sell the rights to the Dream Puffz name.

Lameness. Why wouldn't you play in Europe a couple years and make some good scratch before trying to become the pastry king of Haddonfield?

Danimal said...

I'd like to congratulate Mark on winning the inaugural college picks competition. I owe you a Bloody Mary. Well done Mark.

Clarence said...

All that for one Bloody Mary?

Danimal said...

And a lot of pride Clarence. A lot of pride. Not to mention a distraction for whomever owes us all a Day 12. That person should be thankful.

Marls said...

Murica....fuck yeah.

zman said...

I bet there's a lot of interest in the Dream Puffz name. Who wouldn't want a business so named?

zman said...

I've been awake for at most 90 minutes today. I feel like hell.

Danimal said...

I think zman has the hivvie. Worried bout him.
Good game here huh people.

TR said...

Will they torture the poor folks in Green Bay and delay the start of the second game?

Mark said...

Agreed on both counts. When does the flu last this long? TR-Can you get Zman some medicine?

TR said...

Chiefs are allergic to staying in bounds on positive plays.

Is Landry the fourth concussion of the day?

Danimal said...

Z never went to doctor did he?

Danimal said...

They scored too early

Danimal said...

I bet on Indy and am pleased to be in this position after being down by 3 Td's. However...as a coach why not run a few run plays when the opposition has scored at will?

Danimal said...

Ok...am ok now.

Danimal said...

I just wish Luck would shave his head and beard. Over/under on both is 2 more years.

Mark said...

That was fun.

Mark said...

Luck should definitely shave his head. But keep the beard. I heard that's what the cool guys were doing.

zman said...

I went to the doctor and he gave me purple drank. No antibiotics because it's the flu (a virus). Flu lasts 1-2 weeks. Today was my one week anniversary with this virus so I'm guessing we'll kick it together for two weeks total.

zman said...

Mark did you hear that new Mac Miller song, Erica's House? It features a guy named TreeJay. I wish I made that nickname up for the Teej.

Mark said...

I have not. Is it good? Since it features a guy named TreeJay I'm guessing no.

zman said...

It's ok, somewhat witty but it doesn't inspire me to buy the album.

Mark said...

Ok. I'm sure ill steal it at some point. In other news, my kid threw up on me tonight.

zman said...

Rob Ryan has a picture of his dad on his play sheet. That's cool.

rob said...

tribe by 11. sorry, mark.

Shlara said...

It sure got quiet in that Philly stadium

rob said...

first playoff road win ever for the saints.

Shlara said...

And, who styled Cris Collingsworth tonight? That ski vest?

Mark said...

Sometimes the Titusville, FL just comes out in a man, Shlara.

T.J. said...

Hola, Los Gheorghies.
- El TreeJay

Clarence said...

Hi, Gheorghies!

Marls said...

Clarence, it doesn't count if you are getting up to go to church. You know that.

mayhugh said...

Did not see much of the second game but if I know those awesome Philly fans they were probably booing their team up 7-6. No fan base deserves a bitter first round home loss more.

TR said...

Good news: at airport w/ family about to head to Jamaica for a week.

Bad news: at airport w/ family and flight is indefinitely delayed due to weather. Small kids and unknown delays are not an ideal combination.

Shlara said...

This A1 WaPo piece on Little Danny is just depressing.
And I'm not even a fan of the Washington football team

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/daniel-snyder-washington-redskins-owner-still-struggles-to-find-formula-for-success/2014/01/04/5d86bfa4-74a4-11e3-bc6b-712d770c3715_story.html?hpid=z1

TR said...

Nottingham Forest laying the wood to West Ham in the FA Cup. Insert Robin Hood joke here.

rob said...

could be worse, tr. tribe hoops team in the midst of a 16-hour bus trip home from illinois.

rob said...

and in related news, i'm in the airport on the way to vegas. my maiden voyage. work-related, though i hope to find my way to a sports book for part of tomorrow's game. anyone got an interesting prop bets?

zman said...

Isn't that an illegal formation by SD on Cincys FG attempt?

zman said...

So Old Spice will get you laid? Seems
improbable in light of what I know about Old Spice and women.

zman said...

These jaguar ads are awful. They have the best looking sedans in the world but never show the car clearly. And the Elvis cover doesn't fit the image of a $70k car.

Mark said...

So how much longer does Andy Dalton keep the starting QB job in Cincinnati without competition?

Mark said...

Rob- go to whatever sports book you like and get a prop bets sheet. Any decent book will have a ton of prop bets for the BCS game.

zman said...

Maybe Dalton has the flu?

Mark said...

He's the weak link on that team at this point. This isn't just a reaction to today either. Really good possibly great defense when Atkins and Hall are healthy. Deep WR corp, good OL, above average RBs and Dalton. Who has 6 picks in the last two games.

Mark said...

Nice punctuation by me. I'm blaming my phone!

Mark said...

Didn't expect AJ Green to do THAT.

zman said...

Funny thing is he threw 33 TD and almost 4300 yards. And I agree he isn't very good.

Mark said...

And those numbers are why plenty will argue for him. He's not bad but he's limited.

zman said...

When was the last time Ronnie Brown ran that far?

zman said...

Really? They spiked it?

zman said...

Harbaugh's decision to forego a coat is ill-advised. William Henry Harrison y'all.

Danimal said...

Lots of good golf stuff Robert....Tiger and Major wins for example. Ryder Cup. Yada Yada.

Mark said...

Not that anybody cares about CBB right now but big ass win for San Diego State at Phog Allen today.

rob said...

been in vegas less than an hour and have seen a lady in a 'twerk team manager' t-shirt. this place is not my average hangout.

rob said...

gheorghies, hello. vegas is a deeply weird place, and i haven't even scratched the surface.

Mark said...

This just in.

Squeaky said...

Rob, you are not there for CES, are you? If not, try to get in a for a little while. It's one of the largest consumer electronics shows. Tons of gadgets.

mayhugh said...

Rob - Most Vegas natives will tell you that you have to go to In&Out Burger wil in LV. While entirely inexpensive, their burgers are very forgettable and it is really a wasted drive/cab ride.

If you want to gamble without having to experience the rest of the Vegas scene (which can grow tiresome), go to Silverton. I think Darius Rucker still owns a piece of the casino, they have very friendly dealers (fairly slow pace, which can be good or bad depending on your outlook) and they have a huge Bass Pro Shop attached.

Bellagio has a great buffet if you're in to that sort of thing. And I think Seinfeld is out there right now at the Caesars.

mayhugh said...

"wil" somehow should be "while". Apparently I am still hung over from last week.

rob said...

went for a run on the strip - literally dozens of people in auburn gear walking around. at 6:30 local time.

Danimal said...

auburn people are early risers

zman said...

Which way is the Bass Pro Shop supposed to cut?

mayhugh said...

It is a must-see, really. It is at least three times the size of any other pro fishing outlet. It's sheer size and diversity have to be seen to be believed. And there's an $11 buffet there. And the slots are loose.

Danimal said...

and mayhugh has been to some huge fishing outlets.

rootsminer said...

And dropped his coins in plenty of loose slots, too.

T.J. said...

new post up