Mike Mayer – Nothing But NESCAC

2016 NbN Preseason All-NESCAC Basketball Teams

Is it any surprise that Lucas Hausman '16 is our choice to repeat as POY? No? Well, sorry to disappoint. He's just too good. (Courtesy of Bowdoin Athletics) — Is it any surprise that Lucas Hausman ’16 is our choice to repeat as POY? No? Well, sorry to disappoint. He’s just too good. (Courtesy of Bowdoin Athletics)

We came to the realization this fall that no matter much we may disagree, and no matter how smart we think we are, and no matter how witty our editorial commentary may be, our end-of-year All-NESCAC decisions aren’t going to be quite as weighty as the official All-NESCAC teams. That’s why we decided to put together an extensive awards list in lieu of the usual All-League format for the football season.

BUT! We remain the one and only place to find the picks for preseason All-League honors. Now you might say, “The season is halfway over. All you have to do is look at the top scorers and project them as All-League studs.” Oh, how wrong you are. NESCAC play is an entirely different beast, and those leaderboards are going to look a good bit different come March. Don’t believe us? Wait and see. These are our predictions for the guys who will win All-NESCAC honors.

First Team

Guard Lucas Hausman ’16 – Bowdoin

This one’s a no-brainer. He was an All-American a year ago, and he’s only gotten better. Despite the target on his back, he’s scored more points per game in fewer minutes and is shooting just as efficiently as a year ago. He was the top scorer in NESCAC games in 2015, and we expect that trend to continue. Hausman scores in unique ways. He’s not a phenomenal long-range shooter and he’s not very tall. What he is able to do is shoot off the dribble and finish in all kinds of traffic. There’s always a place for a guy that can put the ball in the hoop.

Guard BJ Davis ’16 – Wesleyan

What was an equal opportunity, three point guard team a season ago has turned in to the BJ Davis show. Recall for a moment that no Cardinal scored more than 11.9 ppg last season, and it was basically a six-man rotation. This year injuries to Jack Mackey ’16 and Joe Edmonds ’16 have made them ineffective (though Edmonds has shot the ball well percentage-wise), and the Cards have had to reshape their identity as the season has progressed. Through it all, Davis has been a scoring machine. He can shoot from anywhere and go by almost anyone. He has risen to another level.

Guard Connor Green ’16 – Amherst

I hemmed and hawed over this pick for awhile, because Green has a lot of questions around him. Being the primary scorer hasn’t seemed to suit the swingman over the past two seasons. His best work was done as a sophomore when he averaged 17.9 ppg and shot 44 percent. Before all of you in LJ country pick up your pitch forks, though, recognize that I’m still picking Green to be a First-Teamer. As the best player on the best team (so we think), Green is going to be worthy of some accolades. He’s still a matchup nightmare, and a great rebounder for his position. Johnny McCarthy ’18 might be ready to challenge Green for the title of top Jeff by the end of the season, and the wealth of talent around Green might cut into his numbers a little bit, but I believe his talent will shine through this season.

Center Tom Palleschi ’17 – Tufts

What a boon for Tufts to get this guy back after a heart condition kept him out of the 2013-14 campaign. Palleschi’s light feet allow him to slip right by lumbering big men and just get buckets. The Jumbos don’t have much in the way of size around Palleschi since Hunter Sabety – as we all know – departed, so his play is that much more impressive and important. He’s no slouch on defense either. Palleschi is at or near the top of the charts in every rebounding category and in blocked shots. The one other stat in which he leads the league disqualifications, i.e. foul outs. That won’t stop him from putting up big, First Team numbers, but it might stop Tufts from going deep in the NESCAC tournament.

Center Chris Hudnut ’16 – Colby

This pick is a bit speculative, as he joins Davis as the two guys who didn’t make All-NESCAC teams last season, and right now his numbers are not First Team worthy, and it’s hard for big guys to get All-League recognition. Last year five guards were First Teamers. However, I have faith that his best is yet to come. Hudnut can be an offensive juggernaut at times (see: 38 vs. Curry on Nov. 21 and 21 vs. Bowdoin on Nov. 5). However, he has disappeared against good frontcourts, too (see: four points on 1-6 shooting against Bates on Nov. 5). There are half a dozen front courts in the NESCAC (and that’s a lot, considering there are only 11 teams) with the ability to shut down Hudnut. Can he turn up the intensity in those games, or will he fail to realize his potential?

Second Team

Guard Jaquann Starks ’16 – Trinity

The hometown hero was a First Teamer last season because of the way he lead Trinity to the No. 1 seed in the NESCAC tournament, so this might be seen as a knock on Starks, but more than anything it’s a testament to how his supporting cast has elevated its game. The offense always ran more smoothly last season when the slender Andrew Hurd ’16 handled the basketball, and he’s really taken over signal-caller duties full-time this year, starting most games and averaging 5.2 apg. Perhaps Starks is still adjusting to the different role, because his percentages are down, but he’s still an elite player and adds intensity on the defensive side as the face of Trinity’s ferocious defense. Opponents are shooting just 35.4 percent from the field against the Bantams. That’s not from three-point land. That’s from the field. In case you were wondering, yes, that number was tops in the D-III nation as of Jan. 4.

Guard Johnny McCarthy ’18 – Amherst

McCarthy was the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year. In 2015-16, he will make his first of three appearances to come on the All-NESCAC list. He’s an iron horse, playing over 30.0 mpg, something that might not cause the coaches to vote for him, but it should, and in addition to scoring and rebounding possesses the unique skill of being able to steal the basketball. Steals are something that are often a result of luck – a tip from one player turns into a steal from another – but McCarthy is a legit threat to pick pockets and passing lanes alike.

Guard Dan Aronowitz ’17 – Williams

As good as this Williams team can be, they don’t have the senior leadership that characterized the last two editions of the Ephs – from Mike Mayer ’14 and Taylor Epley ’14 to Dan Wohl ’15 and Hayden Rooke-Ley ’15, there has been a put-the-team-on-your-back senior tandem the last two seasons. Despite the difficulty of emerging from a no-pressure, third- or fourth-option role into indisputable superstar, Aronowitz is better than ever. He’s shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three while scoring 17.5 ppg. Oh yeah, he’s got 7.5 boards per game, too. Aronowtiz’s situation reminds me of Green a year ago, who was a junior leading a team devoid of impact seniors. He doesn’t have Green’s track record, but he could match the LJ’s 2014-15 stat line.

Guard Mike Boornazian ’16 – Bates

The Delpeche brothers are maybe the most fun duo to watch just because of their size and backstory as twins, but Bates will go only as far as Boornazian can take them. He has played second fiddle to Graham Safford ’15 the last few seasons, putting up solid numbers but deferring in the big moment. No more. The Bobcats are Boornazian’s team, and his current mark of 15.6 ppg could go up in conference play. He’ll tack on his fair share of rebounds and dimes as well, but this is one player whose intangibles and passion are noticeable.

Forward Jeff Racy ’16 – Amherst

Perhaps the biggest stretch of anyone chosen for these two teams, Racy has elevated his game to be Amherst’s second-highest scorer – more than McCarthy, more than big man David George ’17, more than D-I transfers Eric Conklin ’17 and Jayde Dawson ’18. Even though defenses know exactly what’s coming, they can’t stop it. Racy takes 8.7 shots per game and 7.2 of them are three pointers, which he is hitting at a 54.4 percent clip. Because he stands 6’5″, his range pulls an opposing swingman out of the paint, where guys like George, Green and Dawson do some of their best work. Racy’s ability to score in bunches will propel him to his first All-NESCAC honors.

Awards Predictions:

Player of the Year: Lucas Hausman

Hausman will repeat. There’s no reason to think that his play will drop during conference play.

Defensive Player of the Year: Jaquann Starks

This is always tough to predict. The past few years it was made much easier by the 7’0″ presence of John Swords ’15, but now there are a bevy of players who could deserve the honor, including some guys – i.e. Jake Brown ’17, David George – who aren’t even on our All-NESCAC roster. However, the honors are likely to go to someone who makes either the First or Second team, so we’re going with Starks, the front man for the league’s best defense.

Rookie of the Year: Kyle Scadlock ’19

Contributor Rory Ziomek just highlighted the best diaper dandies so far this season, which narrows down the field somewhat. The ROY battle is really a two-horse race between Scadlock and Bowdoin’s Jack Simonds ’19. Simonds is scoring at a better clip right now, but Scadlock adds the rebounding factor, and whomever wins the award will be more than worthy.

Coach of the Year: Damien Strahorn, Colby

This is basically like picking the team with the lowest expectations that will make a run for the NESCAC title. Strahorn benefits from having a five-man starting lineup of all seniors, but he’s done well to get those kids to this point. Now if he can just teach them to play defense, this will be a lock.

Trust Is the Key to Williams’ Success … and (Maybe) the Best Freshmen Class in the NESCAC: Williams Season Preview

The slender Bobby Casey '19 and his classmates might represent the best recruiting class in the NESCAC. (Courtesy of Williams Athletics) — The slender Bobby Casey ’19 and his classmates might represent the best recruiting class in the NESCAC. (Courtesy of Williams Athletics)

Last season was a transition year for Williams. Even though their .500 record wasn’t the best in the ‘CAC, Williams made a strong run. Recent graduates Dan Wohl ’15 and Hayden Rooke-Ley ’15 had outstanding and mirroring years, both leading the team in points per game with 19.7, earning All-NESCAC Honors and signing pro-contracts with teams in Israel. These two shooters will definitely be missed and whoever is going to fill their shoes has a mighty, but not impossible, job to do.

Williams lost in the NESCAC quarterfinals to Bowdoin 87-74 last season, which is tough to swallow after making it all the way to NCAA D-III Finals two years ago. Head Coach Kevin App cited trust as the missing link.

“We weren’t happy with the way we started or the way we finished, but when we played balanced and trusted one another on the court, we pretty much won every game. … It was hard for the team to open up and trust each other. The moments it did happen, I saw great things. … It’s like dating someone. You have to let your guard down at some point and open up to them.” – Head Coach Kevin App

2014-15 Record:

15-10 overall, 5-5 NESCAC (t-5th); lost in NESCAC Quarterfinals to Bowdoin 87-74; did not qualify for NCAAs

Coach: Kevin App, 2nd year, 15-10 (.600)

Returning Starters: Two

PG Mike Greenman ’17 (8.6 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.7 rpg)
G Dan Aronowitz ’17 (10.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 45% FG)

With Wohl, Rooke-Ley and F Ryan Kilcullen ’15 having graduated, there are three vacancies in the starting lineup. A lot of scoring production is gone, but Greenman and Aronowitz are seasoned vets by this point who can lead their teammates.

Projected Starting Five:

PG Mike Greenman (8.6 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.7 rpg)

Greenman played in all 25 games and averaged 8.6 points a game and was elected to be one of the three captains along with seniors Edward Flynn ’16 and Luke Thoreson ’16. Despite his diminutive size, Greenman runs the offense well and can occasionally hit a few shots if the defense doesn’t respect him. Greenman has had great success on the court and Coach App has full confidence that Greenman can lead this team to a winning season.

G Chris Galvin ’18 (2.5 ppg, 1.5 apg, 38.1% FG)

Galvin is going to be a much bigger factor this year. He provides a second option to Greenman with his ability to create for others, and at 6’3″ is going to be tough to guard.

G Cole Teal ’18 (3.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.0 A/TO)

Teal had a successful year as a freshman, according to App. He played a ton of games and has made impressive improvements on the court. The games that he did start, he put his best game forward, playing solid defense and adding points to his team’s rocky offense. Teal is going to be counted on to increase his production this season.

G Dan Aronowitz (10.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 45% FG)

Aronowitz had an outstanding season as a sophomore. He played in all 25 games last year, starting 23 of them and averaging 10.6 points per game. Though Aronowitz played only 13 minutes in the Ephs’ season opener, I’d be shocked if he didn’t lead the Ephmen in minutes and points by the end of the season. He scored 353 points in his first two seasons while playing second (and third, and fourth) fiddle to Wohl, Rooke-Ley and Taylor Epley ’14.

C Edward Flynn (1.4 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 58.3% FG)

Flynn is a senior center who knows the program inside and out. He has the ability to dominate the paint and therefore, open up shots for guards like Arnowitz and Greenman on the perimeter. He is also critical to what the Ephs want to do on offense. They need production from the paint in order to succeed with a four-out, one-in system, and while there are a bevy of first-years than can play center, Coach App would prefer his veteran and captain to really solidify himself in that role.

Breakout Player: G Chris Galvin

Be on the lookout for Chris Galvin ’18 who played in all 25 games last year as a freshman and averaged 20.2 mpg. This season could be huge for the sophomore guard.

Everything Else:

Last year’s team was heavily perimeter-oriented. With a deep recruiting class this year that features a couple of big, athletic frontcourt players, this edition of the Ephs will be much more balanced. The most established big man returning for Williams is center Edward Flynn, but he played just 6.1 mpg last season. There’s truly a void in the Williams frontcourt, but the coaching staff hopes that a few newcomers can step up to fill that space. It could be traditional big men Michael Kempton ’19 or Jake Porath ’19, but top of that list is Kyle Scadlock. At 6’6″, 205 pounds and very athletic, he’s not a traditional center, and he might remind some Ephs fans about current Michigan forward Duncan Robinson … Scadlock just so happens to wear Robinson’s old number, too. Scadlock’s stat line from his college debut: 5-10 FG for 14 points and 10 rebounds. He also ripped off at least three slam dunks in the game. Half of the teams in the league had three dunks all of last season.

While the starting lineup features four pure guards, Scadlock, F Marcos Soto and F James Heskett ’19 will get plenty of minutes off the bench and bring some height to the floor. Clearly, the Ephs have an athletic team, but will they be able to matchup with some of the better frontcourts that teams like Bates and Amherst can roll out?

Adding a talented frontcourt to an already loaded backcourt (and beefing up the backcourt, too; see, Bobby Casey ’19) will make the Ephs a force to be reckoned with once again. When they were competitive two years ago their offense flowed through All-World center Mike Mayer ’14. Who can be that guy? Scadlock doesn’t seem to be a sit-in-the-post type, but he still brings size and skill that Williams lacked last season. Flynn will need to take a monumental step forward if he is going to fill that void. Time will tell if this freshman class is as good as advertised. If so, the credit is due to Coach App and his staff for their recruiting efforts, and that bodes will for Ephs’ fans in the future as the program begins its climb back to national prominence.

Williams Team Preview: The Leftovers Still Ooze with Talent

Williams Ephs

2013-2014 Season: 28-5 (9-1 NESCAC), Reached NESCAC Championship game and National Championship game

Head Coach: Kevin App, 1st year

Starters Returning: 2

Dan Wohl ’15

Hayden Rooke-Ley ’15

Breakout player: Edward Flynn ’16

Flynn is a 6’10” lefty center who has good post moves. This year’s team has less height than in the past, especially with the loss of Center Mike Mayer so look for him to get quality minutes down low. Ryan Kilcullen ’15 is more of a faceup player than someone who can go down in the post so Flynn will be an important piece off the bench. He did not play last year because of injury but is healthy now and should contribute.

Projected Starting Five:

G Dan Wohl ’15 – The senior averaged 12.9 points per game and 6 rebounds per game even though he was often the fourth option for Williams on offense. He is also a good defender making him one of the best two way players in the league. Wohl needs to be a force on both ends as he is the best player the Ephs have right now.

G Hayden Rooke-Ley ’15 – After struggling with injuries for a good portion of his Williams career, Rooke-Ley settled in and had a very productive junior hear. He averaged 10.7 points per game and established himself as a very good perimeter shooter who as the ability to drive the lane.

G Mike Greenman ’17 – The first thing everybody notices about Greenman is that he does not have the normal height for a basketball player. Very quickly afterward they realize that he is a dynamic point guard. Greenman played more as the season went on and averaged 5.6 points per game. He is a good floor general and spot up shooter,

F Ryan Kilcullen ’15 – The former Boston College transfer is a skilled big man who can pass and shoot very well but struggled to get time because of the presence of All-American center Mike Mayer ’14 in front of him. Now Mayer is playing in Spain and Kilcullen will have to play major minutes his senior year.

F Dan Aronowitz ’17 –The sophomore did not play for much of the year before injuries forced him to make three starts late in conference and acquitted himself well. He proved that he is an athletic wing who can drive the lane and post up on smaller defenders. He will have to grab a lot of rebounds from the power forward position.

Everything else:

The Ephs suffer major losses on the court due to graduation of Mayer and Taylor Epley ’14 and Division 3 Freshman of the year, Duncan Robinson ’17, transferring to play at the University of Michigan. Coach Kevin App takes over the helm of the program for Mike Maker who decided to accept the head coaching position at Marist. Coach App began his coaching career as an assistant at Williams for the ‘08-‘09 season. Even though, they lost a tremendous amount of talent both on and off the court, the Ephs come in at #5 in the preseason national poll.

Look for the three freshmen, Adam Kroot ’18, Chris Galvin ’18, and Cole Teal ’18, to have larger impacts later in the season as they mentally develop. Coach App already says that they are physically ready to play. All three are perimeter oriented players who are a little behind on offense. Each one played on Saturday and did not score a point.Front court depth is a major concern. Kilcullen played 38 minutes while Aronowitz was forced to play 35 as well.

If this team is going to make another final 4 run like last year, they are going to need Wohl to have a monster season and be their anchor. Then the guys around him like Rooke-Ley will have to show they are comfortable as primary scorers. Last year Williams was content to score with any team in the country, but it is more likely this year that they will have to defend more consistently if they want to contend. It won’t be an easy first year for App especially early, but this team still has the potential to win the league.

A Fan’s Perspective on the Beginning of the Kevin App Era

Editors Note: As most NESCAC men’s basketball fans (and all readers of our blog) already know, a mass exodus occurred from Williamstown, MA this offseason. Seniors Michael Mayer and Taylor Epley graduated after combining for 32.0 PPG and 11.9 RPG. On top of that loss, NESCAC Rookie of the Year and Second-Teamer Duncan Robinson transferred to Michigan, and head coach Mike Maker stepped down after six years at the helm and three Final Fours in order to take a Division-I head coaching job at Marist. Stepping into Maker’s shoes is his former assistant Kevin App.

Coach App played college ball at Cornell University where he was named tri-captain during his senior season. He got his first coaching gig as an assistant to Maker in 2008-09, then returned to his alma mater for one season before spending the last four years as an assistant at the United States Military Academy under head coach Zach Spiker, who coached App for three seasons at Cornell. Of all his stops as a coach so far, Williams held a special place in his heart.

“”I really didn’t apply for the job simply because I wanted to be a head coach,” App said. “I really applied because ever since I was assistant there, it’s been my dream to be the head coach at Williams College. I didn’t know — or think — I would get the opportunity this early.”

And these aren’t just idle words. App met his wife, formerly Katelyn Brochu, at Williams in his one year there. So Williams fans have reason to hope that App will be in Williamstown for a good long time.

On the departure of Robinson, App has a positive outlook.

“Now, we can kind of focus on the guys that will be there and start planning accordingly knowing exactly who’s going to be there,” App said. “It just gives other guys opportunities to step into bigger roles, which I think some of them are excited about… Even the incoming guys could be stepping into an impactful role.”

App has already been on campus, meeting with returning players and running a camp just weeks after taking the job. He’s also made his excitement about his new home clear via Twitter.

In case you missed Forbes ranking today. Williams College #1!! https://t.co/6zI2w42XeT

— Kevin App (@CoachKevinApp) July 30, 2014

The new coach has announced his first hire, Mick Hedgepeth. Hedgepeth is a former player at Belmont University who played overseas in Spain after graduation. App hopes to have his entire staff in place by the first of September.

Lastly, we wish a happy 29th birthday to Coach App, and the best of luck at Williams.

Appaction — Courtesy of Williams College Athletics

This has been a tough offseason for the fans of the Williams College basketball team, losing both their coach and star player to the bright lights of Division One. In order to get a more direct perspective on this trying period in Williamstown, I turned to my close high school friend (and rising sophomore at Williams) David Burt, a precocious math major, passionate basketball fan and average Mario Kart player. Burt and I sat down to discuss these matters in his basement, over a rousing game of NBA 2K14.

Peter: Okay, I’m sitting here with David Burt, my friend who goes to Williams College-

David: Wait they’re listening to this whole thing? The interview is going on the blog?

P: No, no, I’m transcribing it later.

D: So why are you talking like that then?

P: I was just setting it up a little, getting in the zone…whatever, can we just get started here?

D: Fine, fine.

P: First of all, can I run you a bath, or get you a drink or something? I know this offseason must have been a trying time for you.

D: I definitely do not want a bath from you, no. Thanks though.

P: What are your thoughts on the Williams offseason?

D: There are obviously a lot of questions about next year, but I think it speaks to how strong the program has been in the last few years that our coach [Mike Maker] and Duncan are both going to D-1 schools.

P: That exposure should also help with recruiting in the future, as Williams is much higher profile now due to the Division One attention.

D: Yeah, I would assume so.

P: You mentioned Coach Maker in there, what are your thoughts on the new coach, Kevin App? He’s been kind of a man of mystery on this blog; we haven’t really done anything on him yet, although I understand he doesn’t have much head coaching experience.

D: He hasn’t ever been a head coach is my understanding, but he was at Williams as an assistant, so in some sense he’s coming back, and he’s been with a couple Division One programs as an assistant. Cornell and the US Military Academy, I believe. I think he [Coach App] is young, and will bring a lot of energy to the program, which again should be a good factor in recruiting. (Coughs loudly and obtrusively) Don’t worry, just choking on some popcorn.

P: We’ve got Smart Food down here, he requested it as compensation.

D: I think it was more of a demand than a request…

P: Anyway, the big story coming out of the Williams offseason was Duncan Robinson’s transfer to Michigan, and, honestly how do you think he’s going to do there? We haven’t had a lot of discussion about that yet, we’ve been more focusing on the effects it has on NESCAC, but it’s certainly exciting to imagine. Can he play with those D1 guys?

D: Clearly he was different, you could tell as soon as he stepped on the court at Williams that he was the best guy. It’s hard to say, but with the year off to develop, the future looks bright.

P: Yeah that’s one thing I was thinking as I was reading the SI.com article on Robinson, this year off could be the best thing for him. A year to practice against his seasoned D1 teammates, and get his quickness and defense up to that level will be huge for his development.

D: Definitely. Offensively I think most everyone who watched him last year can imagine him being a Division One level player.

P: He was definitely special.

D: Question. If I say “off the record,” will it actually be off the record?

P: Of course. If you say that, I won’t put it in the piece.

D: That’s cool, I like that.

(Pause)

P: Do you have something to say off the record?

D: Oh not at all, I was just wondering.

P: Okay, cool. It would be huge for NESCAC if Robinson did well there also, just for respect and exposure purposes. From watching NESCAC basketball the last couple of years, you have a basic knowledge of the rest of the league, so how do you think the league shakes out with these changes in Williamstown?

D: Amherst looks good-

P: Way to earn the Smart Food, stellar analysis there, Tim McCarver.

D: Let me finish. Williams is definitely a wild card, it would be hard to imagine a NESCAC season without them being in the mix at the end, but some things will definitely have to work out. Middlebury is also something of a wild card, they have a lot a talent and returning starters, but the inconsistency from last year has to get worked out. Tufts will also be in the mix. I think Amherst has to come in as the favorite, as much as I hate to say it. And I do HATE to say it.

P: More than anything. Yeah, I actually expect Tufts to be excellent this year, almost all of their key players are coming back. I could see them finishing first or second in the league, and certainly being above Williams and Middlebury in preseason rankings. I would still have to put Amherst at number one though, which is just terrible.

D: Sucks. Completely unbiased note here, Amherst is awful.

P: Well, those were David Burt’s illuminating comments. David just spilled a ton of Smart Food on the floor, so we’re going to go deal with that situation now. Thanks for reading.

Williams’ Duncan Robinson Mulls Transfer

“Robinson 2 Mich?” Thus read the text I received from David, my fellow grade A NESCAC basketball junkie (and current card-carrying member of the Tortured Williams Basketball Fan Society) at roughly 9:30 AM yesterday morning. Once I recovered from being awakened at such an ungodly hour, I did my best Chris Broussard impression and reached out to my other sources, in hopes of distinguishing truth from the various hysterical rumors. The most updated news I’ve found maintains that, as Duncan Robinson ’17 himself told The Wolverine, a Michigan-focused branch of Rivals.com, he is heavily leaning towards transferring, and is weighing interest from Michigan, Davidson and Creighton, all noted Division One schools. However, he will not make a decision before meeting with new Williams coach Kevin App. He has already visited Davidson and Michigan, and is planning to visit Creighton next week.

Robinson’s announcement comes on the heels of three other major stories involving Division One and NESCAC relations. Matt Hart, last year’s leading scorer left Hamilton for George Washington, Amherst was able to snag two Division One players for themselves in Jayde Dawson from Fairleigh Dickinson and Eric Conklin from Arizona (cue Lord Vader’s March). Finally and most notable in regards to the Duncan Robinson decision, Williams coach Mike Maker accepted an offer to take over the program at Marist. It seems like a safe assumption that the departure of Maker, a former assistant of Michigan coach John Beilein, was a major factor in Robinson’s decision to explore transferring. Maker’s system at Williams was heavily derived from the principles he learned under Beilein, namely a focus on ball movement and outside shooting, two things in which Robinson specializes. Throw in the personal connection between Beilein and Maker, and it becomes clear that Maker’s departure set up that of Robinson, and possibly Michigan’s interest in him. Robinson is first visiting Davidson this weekend and Michigan early next week.

There will be no shortage of speculation over the next week or so as to where Robinson will choose to go, and how he will fair, but the effects that his departure will have on the NESCAC if he does indeed transfer are equally intriguing, and that is what I would prefer to focus on, at least until there is a concrete place for that speculation to center on. In the short term, Robinson’s departure creates a fascinating paradox in NESCAC. On the one hand, it creates what appears to be a top two in the league. Amherst will be in the mix as usual, with the Division One players joining talented junior Connor Green ’16 and rising sophomore David George ’17. The newcomer to the upper crust would be Tufts, with an experienced returning class, including last year’s Rookie of the Year (non-Robinson division) Hunter Sabety and the possible return from a year off of 2012-2013 NESCAC Rookie of the Year Tom Palleschi ’16.

Yet, Robinson’s departure also greatly opens up the league, with teams like Middlebury, Bowdoin, Colby, and Trinity all having somewhat equal chances to contend for the spot at the top that Williams will presumably forfeit. And, even Amherst, with lots of unproven commodities, and Tufts, who were only 13-12 last year, could lose their presumed spots at the top to one of the younger, upstart teams that were previously swallowed by the Williams-Amherst juggernaut. The idea of a NESCAC top three without Williams is hard to fathom for those of us who have followed NESCAC basketball over the last ten years, but it seems like it could be the case next season, and possibly for the next few years as Coach App tries to launch his program without its wings. A good amount of talent including Dan Wohl ’15, Hayden Rooke-Ley ’15, Mike Greenman ’17, and Dan Aronowitz ’17 will return to Williams no matter what Robinson decides, but the amount of talent they lose is huge. Besides Robinson, Michael Mayer ’14 and Taylor Epley ’14 were the first and third leading scorers respectively and both have graduated.

The long-term ramifications of Robinson’s move are naturally more difficult to project. However, depending on his success in Division One (if he does indeed choose to transfer), we could see a continuation of the high levels of Division One-Division Three interaction we’ve seen this offseason. This would hopefully benefit both leagues, with players ideally transferring back and forth, as Division One teams see the value of Division Three players, and Division One players who aren’t stars opt for the playing time and better educational experience that Division Three schools can offer. However, this could also increase the level of shady recruiting tactics. Regardless, this is an incredible opportunity for Robinson to play at a Division 1 level.

This will certainly not be the last piece we post about Duncan Robinson this year. In fact, it probably won’t be the last one this week (Editors Note: It won’t. Expect another article after Robinson makes his decision). But wherever he ends up, his progress and the effects it has on NESCAC will be fascinating to follow and cover, and all NESCAC fans should be rooting for him at his new home. Unless, of course, he somehow ends up at Amherst.