2008 Woodie Awards
MAAC Tourney Preview
Mike Calabrese
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Sports
By Mike Calabrese
News Editor / Contributing Writer
Loyola
X Factor
Brian Rudolph has been a brilliant floor general over the past few weeks, proving that coach Patsos' early-season patience has paid tremendous dividends. Brett Harvey has also blossomed into an excellent complement to Gerald Brown, capable of playing either the one or the two depending on the situation.
Recent history has proven that the most dangerous mid-majors have been strong in their backcourts (St. Joes '04, George Mason '06, Butler '07). Loyola's collection of guards separates it from the rest of the pack in the MAAC. This has lessened the burden placed on Brown and Sullivan to fill it up night in and night out. Loyola will need to use its depth to wear teams out in the second half come tournament weekend.
Why Factor
It's been fourteen years since the late, great Skip Prosser guided the Hounds to the Big Dance. The Baltimore basketball scene in general had fallen on hard times entering this season. That being said, as of February 22, three Baltimore teams are either leading or are tied for the top spot in their respective conferences. UMBC leads the American East, Morgan State the MEAC and Loyola is tied atop the MAAC. The time has come for the three programs to reach the Promised Land.
Cool Factor
A sweaty hot-head with a penchant for technicals: CBS is gonna love Jimmy.
Odds to win the title: 3-1(Solid poll position)
Niagara
X Factor
Niagara entered the season with a hole at the one spot, but Anthony Nelson has filled that position and more. A leading candidate for MAAC Rookie of the Year, Nelson averages 5.2 assists per game. The offense runs through Nelson, and he's been executing at a high level. Once Nelson passes the timeline, however, everyone in the building knows where it's going. Charron Fisher, the nation's leading scorer at 28 points per game, has been a force and carried this team all season. As long as Nelson can keep up his production and Fisher keeps firing, the Purple Eagles have a great chance at taking the MAAC.
News Editor / Contributing Writer
Loyola
X Factor
Brian Rudolph has been a brilliant floor general over the past few weeks, proving that coach Patsos' early-season patience has paid tremendous dividends. Brett Harvey has also blossomed into an excellent complement to Gerald Brown, capable of playing either the one or the two depending on the situation.
Recent history has proven that the most dangerous mid-majors have been strong in their backcourts (St. Joes '04, George Mason '06, Butler '07). Loyola's collection of guards separates it from the rest of the pack in the MAAC. This has lessened the burden placed on Brown and Sullivan to fill it up night in and night out. Loyola will need to use its depth to wear teams out in the second half come tournament weekend.
Why Factor
It's been fourteen years since the late, great Skip Prosser guided the Hounds to the Big Dance. The Baltimore basketball scene in general had fallen on hard times entering this season. That being said, as of February 22, three Baltimore teams are either leading or are tied for the top spot in their respective conferences. UMBC leads the American East, Morgan State the MEAC and Loyola is tied atop the MAAC. The time has come for the three programs to reach the Promised Land.
Cool Factor
A sweaty hot-head with a penchant for technicals: CBS is gonna love Jimmy.
Odds to win the title: 3-1(Solid poll position)
Niagara
X Factor
Niagara entered the season with a hole at the one spot, but Anthony Nelson has filled that position and more. A leading candidate for MAAC Rookie of the Year, Nelson averages 5.2 assists per game. The offense runs through Nelson, and he's been executing at a high level. Once Nelson passes the timeline, however, everyone in the building knows where it's going. Charron Fisher, the nation's leading scorer at 28 points per game, has been a force and carried this team all season. As long as Nelson can keep up his production and Fisher keeps firing, the Purple Eagles have a great chance at taking the MAAC.
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