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02-16-2024, 09:41 PM
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#651 | |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Quote:
He is an exceptionally good shooter, isn't he? He has a decent handle, and he's not fantastic defensively, but he's certainly not bad. That's why I said if he left Vanderbilt and showed any interest in coming to play for Coach Sims, I'd have a scholarship for him. I'm looking forward to seeing how good a career he will have. He's not listed among the 50 top professional prospect in his class, so it looks right now like he'll remain a Commodore for four years. I hope that happens, since he lost one season to the AI coach's foolishness already. Thanks for stopping by! |
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02-23-2024, 11:41 AM
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#652 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 1, 2036
@#1 Villanova 105, Holy Cross 72 A program Coach Sims remembers well from his Patriot League days comes to Wawa Arena tonight. The Crusaders receive the 100-point treatment that we applied frequently last season. Eldon Castanon, who knocks down 6 of 10 triples, leads us with 20 points. Charlie Lambert adds 5 blocks to his 14 points and 13 rebounds. Kyle Gribble (11p/8r) and Sebastian Roberts (7p/8r) are also assertive down low. Connor Baxter (8p/7a) keeps the offense humming. Three reserves--Max Bennett (8p/7a/3s), Dane Barlow (12p) and Matt Valentine (14p) are particularly effective. Record: 6-0. December 6, 2036 @#1 Villanova 85, Davidson 58 Matt Valentine continues to provide lots of offense from the bench, leading us with 15 points as we take care of the visiting Wildcats. He's joined atop the scoring leaders by two other seniors: Kyle Gribble (13) and Eldon Castanon (14). Another reserve, guard Max Bennett, leads us with 6 assists. Sebastian Roberts and Charlie Lambert each block 3 shots, and Roberts scores 11 points. Record: 7-0. December 10, 2036 #1 Villanova 81, @Gonzaga 56 Our trip to the West Coast is a successful one, with Eldon Castanon (15p/7r/4a/4s)earning his third straight PotG nod. Seb Roberts (14p/16r) would have been a good choice, too. Those 16 boards are a career high for the sophomore center, and he also goes 2-for-5 from three-point range. And Matt Valentine (15 points) keeps scoring. He is the team's most productive point-getter, averaging 14 per game. Connor Baxter (13p/6a) and Kyle Gribble (11p/8r) enjoy productive games, too. Record: 8-0. December 14, 2036 @#1 Villanova 89, Virginia 65 Our visitors from Mr. Jefferson's University are greeted rather rudely by Charlie Lambert, but I'm just fine with that. Charlie scores 24 points--his season's best--yanks down 10 rebounds, and blocks a pair of shots. Senior guards Eldon Castanon (9p/8a/2s) and Connor Baxter (8p/7a) are active and productive. Matt Valentine and Luke Christensen score 10 points each off the bench. Kyle Gribble twists his knee, which will force us to juggle our lineup for about two weeks. Matt Valentine will start our next games in Kyle's place. Rod Baggett scores 32 in a losing Cavaliers effort. Record: 9-0. December 21, 2036 @#1 Villanova 82, William & Mary 53 More Virginians come to the Main Line, and these don't fare any better than their compatriots from Charlottesville. Sebastian Roberts leads four 'Cats in double figures with 20 points, and he grabs 12 rebounds, too. Charlie Lambert adds 19 and Connor Baxter 18 with 16 assists. Matt Valentine finishes with 13. Record: 10-0. I thought the top of this week's poll was interesting.  Code:
December 26, 2036 #1 Villanova 101, @George Washington 89 Charlie Lambert enjoys his trip to the nation's capital, scoring 22 points, snaring 12 rebounds, and rejecting 6 shots. Connor Baxter just misses joining him in the double-double club (18p/9a). Sebastian Roberts has 10 rebounds; Matt Valentine (16); Luke Christensen (12), and Dane Barlow (10) all score in double digits. Record: 11-0. December 28, 2036 Code:
We post two double-doubles, and nearly have a third. Look how close Eldon Castanon came to matching the feats of Sebastian Roberts and Charlie Lambert. And Matt Valentine nearly matches Sutton's point total. We're uncharacteristically inaccurate from the free throw line, but we shoot so many of them that it doesn't make much difference. Record: 12-0. Sutton Watch: Charlie continues to lead the Commodores in scoring. Here's a look at all his numbers: Code:
*You may notice I refer to Charlie as a redshirt freshman. I went into the editor and fixed something I thought was a mistake. Charlie didn't play at all as a true freshman last year. In the real world, a season like this would count as a redshirt year, since the status isn't confirmed until the end of the season. FBCB doesn't work like that. However, I can go into the editor and "reclassify" Charlie, and that's what I did. Now he'll get the four years of eligibility that he deserves, and that's more fun for everybody. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-23-2024 at 11:43 AM. |
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02-23-2024, 05:07 PM
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#653 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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This is what happens when you go a week without posting...
The last thing that happened in my last FBCB session was the December 1 recruiting update. We receive the good news that Tony Flaherty is committing to Villanova! Tony is the third five-star recruit to join our Class of '37, and they're all wings. Flaherty is listed at SF, but he's a big dude--6'7", over 220 pounds--so moving to PF wouldn't be out of the question. His skill set is balanced, so having him on the floor with classmates Zayden Calhoun and David Lovett could work. And the fourth recruit in our class, Jordi Ballester, could conceivably move from PF to C. His style would mesh well with the other three guys. Here's where some of the other recruits I talked about are playing next year: James Sanders, Jr., Gus Dean: Georgetown David Getty: Boston College Lucas Sheehan and Mark Rotz: Kentucky Tanner McLaughlin: Pitt Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-23-2024 at 05:10 PM. |
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02-23-2024, 05:25 PM
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#654 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 1, 2037
We got a surprising piece of bad news when fall semester grades were released today. Charlie Lambert is on academic probation, and he'll miss the remainder of the season! This is a huge blow. Through the first 12 games of the season, Charlie is our leading scorer (15.3 PPG), rebounder (8.8 RPG), and shot blocker (2.9 BPG). And, to make it even more frustrating, Charlie is no blockhead. His academic rating is 64. He scored over 1100 on his SAT, and he had better than a 3.0 GPA in high school. Time management, rather than ability, appears to be the issue here. Matt Valentine will move into the starting lineup for good. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-23-2024 at 05:25 PM. |
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02-23-2024, 06:05 PM
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#655 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 3, 2037
Code:
Some really good things:
Code:
I don't think I've ever posted this table... Code:
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02-28-2024, 08:33 AM
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#656 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 7, 2037
@#1 Villanova 75, Cincinnati 63 We attempt 51 two-point field goals and make 24 of them. That's not great, but it's not terrible, either. However, we try 16 threes...and make only 3. That's ridiculously bad. Fortunately, the Bearcats are nearly as bad. On the other hand, Kyle Gribble plays the best game of his career. His 20 points and 16 rebounds are both career highs. Max Bennett scores 19; Connor Baxter has 14 and 5 assists; Sebastian Roberts finishes with 11 points and 10 boards. Record: 14-0 (1-0). January 10, 2037 #1 Villanova 109, @DePaul 81 Our Big East schedule for January is weird. We play all our midweek games at Wawa Arena, and all our Saturday games on the road. Today, we're in Chicago, where we rout the Blue Demons. Matt Valentine leads a contingent of five 'Novans in double figures with 24 points. Sebastian Roberts (17p/8r), Connor Baxter (16p/8a), Kyle Gribble (16p), and Luke Christensen (14p) join him. Eldon Castanon dishes out 10 assists, and Demetrius Reed blocks 4 shots. Record: 15-0 (2-0). January 14, 2037 Code:
This generosity is nothing new. Connor Baxter is second in the Big East and third in the nation in assists, with 7.1 APG. Eldon Castanon (6.3 APG) is sixth and 13th. Connor and Eldon will probably finish the seasons in the second and third positions on our career list, behind the remarkable Justice Stafford. No team in the nation approaches our 24.3 APG. Record: 16-0 (3-0). January 17, 2037 #1 Villanova 68, @#16 West Virginia 62 We're terrible in the first half, scoring only 16 points. Fortunately for us, defense travels, and we hold the Mountaineers to 26. That gives us a chance to get back in the game, and we take advantage of the opportunity. In the process, we win our 42nd consecutive game. Kyle Gribble leads the way with 17 points, adding 8 rebounds. Matt Valentine has 16; Connor Baxter 15 with 6 assists. Eldon Castanon scores 11 points, and Sebastian Roberts claims 10 rebounds. Record: 17-0 (4-0). |
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02-28-2024, 11:02 AM
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#657 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 21, 2037
@#2 Villanova 74, Connecticut 57 That wasn't a typo. Georgetown, also undefeated, vaulted over us into the top spot in the polls. That's because they beat #7 Louisville by 30 points last week. Kyle Gribble enjoys another good game (19p/4r). So do Eldon Castanon (18p/7r/5a) and Matt Valentine (16p). And props to really good walk-on Erick Sullivan, who blocks 2 shots in 9 minutes. Huskies guard Michael Mancini, whom we took a long look at when he was a high school senior, scores 18 points, and Jelani Obasie, whom we liked even more, pitches in 10 off the bench. Record: 18-0 (5-0). January 24, 2037 #2 Villanova 76, @Marquette 59 Matt Valentine and Connor Baxter score 19 points each, but it's Sebastian Roberts who really shines as we travel to Milwaukee and beat the Golden Eagles. Seb scores a career-best 23 points and grabs 14 rebounds. He's a future pro, and he plays like one tonight. Eldon Castanon provides a scoresheet-filling 5 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Record: 19-0 (6-0). January 28, 2037 @#2 Villanova 95, Syracuse 68 Behind 21 points from Matt Valentine, we outscore the Orange 49-29 in the second half before another sellout crowd at Wawa Arena. Connor Baxter adds 16 points, while Eldon Castanon pairs 10 points with 9 assists. We get matching 8-point, 8-rebound performances from Seb Roberts and Kyle Gribble, and Demetrius Reed adds 8 and 7 off the bench. Record: 20-0 (7-0). January 31, 2037 #2 Villanova 88, @Providence 65 Thriving in his first extended opportunity as a starter, Matt Valentine continues to impress. He scores 25 tonight as we defeat the Friars in Rhode Island. Kyle Gribble finishes with 16, and freshman reserve guard Dane Barlow adds 11. Sebastian Roberts is our leading rebounder with 10. He leads the team with 8.7 RPG. Can you guess who's second on the team in that category among active players? It's Demetrius Reed, who's grabbing almost 6 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. Big D has 7 rebounds tonight. Record: 21-0 (8-0). Code:
Sutton Watch: Charlie Sutton and his Vanderbilt team scuffled a bit this month. The Commodores are unranked, with a 12-8 record that includes a 3-3 mark in SEC play. Here are Charlie's stats: Code:
Charlie is still the second leading freshman scorer in the Southeastern Conference, and he's sixth among all freshmen nationwide. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-28-2024 at 11:02 AM. |
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02-29-2024, 10:19 AM
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#658 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 4, 2037
#1 Villanova 95, @Seton Hall 78 The Pirates have no answer for Kyle Gribble tonight. The senior post scores a career-high 29 points and pulls in 7 rebounds on a night when we do almost everything very well. Our 6-for-23 shooting on three-pointers is the only exception. Connor Baxter supplements a double-double (14p/10a) with 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Matt Valentine (16p/7r) and Sebastian Roberts (13p/6r) also score in double figures. Eldon Castanon hands out 11 assists, and when he sinks a pair of free throws with just under 9 minutes remaining, he reaches the 1000-point mark for his Villanova career. Record: 22-0 (9-0). February 7, 2037 #1 Villanova 96, @Cincinnati 84 A strong performance from Sebastian Roberts (18p/11r/2s/1b) and 22 more points from Kyle Gribble key a victory over the Bearcats. Matt Valentine adds 14 points, and reserve Luke Christensen 13 more. And our veteran guards provide balanced productivity, too: Connor Baxter approaches a triple-double with 8 points, 8 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Eldon Castanon finishes with 9 points and 8 helpers. Record: 23-0 (10-0). February 11, 2037 @#1 Villanova 93, DePaul 68 The reserves outscore the starters, 47-46, inspiring a big Wawa Arena crowd who hasn't seen their favorites play at home in awhile. Luke Christensen (17p) leads the bench brigade, despite missing all 5 of the threes he attempts. Demetrius Reed (12p/11r) posts his first career double-double, and Max Bennett finishes with 10 points. Reed, who also blocks 6 shots, is named Player of the Game, and he deserves it. Kyle Gribble leads all scorers with 19, and Connor Baxter contributes 16. Baxter and Eldon Castanon each have 7 assists. Record: 24-0 (11-0). February 14, 2037 Code:
And, coolest of all: it's our 50th consecutive victory. I wasn't going to mention it until we hit a milestone. Now I hope I don't jinx us...  Record: 25-0 (12-0). February 18, 2037 @#1 Villanova 104, South Florida 78 No jinx. The five starters, who all score in double figures, make sure of that. Matt Valentine (24 points) and Kyle Gribble (20) top the list, followed by Connor Baxter and Eldon Castanon (17 each) and Sebastian Roberts (12). Baxter, Castanon, and Max Bennett combine for 19 assists, with Connor contributing the most (8). We make 13 of our 25 three-point tries, which ends a rather serious long-range shooting slump. Record: 26-0 (13-0). |
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02-29-2024, 11:14 AM
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#659 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 21, 2037
Code:
It's a Saturday night. The game is televised nationally. Wawa Arena, which has been designed to maximize the effect of a large, raucous crowd, is absolutely rocking. It's almost impossible to hear the announcement of Villanova's starting lineup over the noise. Everyone expects a close game, but it's not. We take it to the Hoyas from the start. They don't score for over three minutes, and by then, we're ahead 9-0. The last of those 8 points come when Sebastian Roberts throws down a fearsome dunk and is fouled by Stanley Bailes. When Seb's free throw goes in, the crowd erupts again. Max Bennett drills a three as the first half buzzer sounds, and the fans' reaction is even more deafening. It's now 52-25, Villanova, and the second half is more of the same. On a night when Matt Valentine struggles and Kyle Gribble encounters foul trouble, Luke Christensen and Demetrius Reed step up. Big D acts like every rebound is his to claim. The Hoyas take 16 three-pointers and make two; most of them are contested. We make 14 of 26. We assist on 25 of our 30 made baskets. Every win is a good one, but some are really special...like this one. Record: 27-0 (14-0). |
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02-29-2024, 01:09 PM
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#660 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 25, 2037
#1 Villanova 87, @#15 Notre Dame 66 I wondered if there might be a bit of a let-down, following the epic win over Georgetown. Connor Baxter (22p/7a), starting his 122nd game for us, simply won't let that happen. Nor will Eldon Castanon (9p/6a/5r), starting his 105th. Matt Valentine pairs 18 points with 8 rebounds. Max Bennett scores 10 points in 13 minutes. And Demetrius Reed, fresh off a 16-rebound master class against the Hoyas, grabs 14 more tonight. We clinch the Big East regular season championship with three games left to play. Record: 28-0 (15-0). February 28, 2037 #1 Villanova 93, @Rutgers 87 The Scarlet Knights give us all we can handle, forcing us into 20 turnovers and coming very close to handing us our first loss of the season. All five starters, plus Max Bennett, score in double figures. Kyle Gribble (24p) and Sebastian Roberts (19p/10r) lead the way, and Eldon Castanon (10p/12r/9a) comes *this* close to a triple double. Record: 29-0 (16-0). March 4, 2037 @#1 Villanova 90, Pittsburgh 65 It's the first Senior Night at Wawa Arena, and we send the players of the Class of '37 out in style. Senior Kyle Gribble leads us in scoring with 19 points and snares 7 rebounds. Senior Connor Baxter finishes with 10 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. Redshirt senior Eldon Castanon contributes 15 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. And senior Charles Peterman scores 2 points and grabs 3 rebounds in his first career start. Underclassmen Sebastian Roberts (17p/8r) and Matt Valentine (13p/4r) help make their teammates' night a special one. It's quite possibly Matt's last home game, too. Record: 30-0 (17-0). March 7, 2037 #1 Villanova 103, @#5 Louisville 69 Like we did against Georgetown, we play our best basketball against a very tough opponent, at their place, and emerge with a big win. Jonathan Larios pours in 27 points for the Cardinals, but Connor Baxter and Matt Valentine counter with 25 each for us. Seb Roberts (14p/10r) and Charles Peterman (a career high 11 points) also reach double figures, and Eldon Castanon hands out 11 assists. We complete our regular season with our unbeaten record intact. We're the second team to run the table in Big East play; Georgetown went 18-0 in 2032/33. Record: 31-0 (18-0). Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-29-2024 at 02:37 PM. |
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02-29-2024, 02:36 PM
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#661 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 12, 2037
Here's how the Big East tournament bracket looks as we prepare for our first game:  Big East Tournament Quarterfinal (1) #1 Villanova 83, (8) Syracuse 68 Kyle Gribble's 20 points and 10 rebounds set the tone for a victory over the Orange, which puts us in the tournament semifinal. The victory is the 800th of Graham Sims' career, against 135 defeats. Eldon Castanon also stars, with 7 points, 12 assists, and a career-high 5 steals. We get 11 points and 19 boards from Sebastian Roberts, 15 points from Connor Baxter, and 12 points from Matt Valentine. We also receive bad news when Matt Valentine is diagnosed with a broken rib. He won't see the court again this season unless we make a long run in the NCAA tournament. Record: 32-0. March 13, 2037 Big East Tournament Semifinal (1) #1 Villanova 89, (5) #13 Notre Dame 78 Senior guards Connor Baxter and Eldon Castanon evenly split 46 points, and we move on to the tournament championship game. Eldon adds 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures are Kyle Gribble (10) and Luke Christensen (11), who starts in Matt Valentine's place. Centers Sebastian Roberts and Demetrius Reed, who together are over 14 feet tall, combine for 23 rebounds (Seb 13, Big D 10). Poor Charles Peterman no sooner gets on the court before he's caught by an accidental elbow that breaks his jaw. Thus ends his Villanova career. Record: 33-0. March 14, 2037 Big East Tournament, Championship Game Code:
We don't shoot especially well, and that's largely due to the Hoyas' solid defensive play. Luke Christensen looks like the latest in a line of crack shots who have played in Villanova colors. Record: 33-1. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-29-2024 at 02:37 PM. |
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02-29-2024, 03:22 PM
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#662 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Cincinnati, OH
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Wow... what a run... if you have to lose, better to do it now than in the next tourney!
__________________
Email: [email protected] |
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02-29-2024, 05:31 PM
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#663 | |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Quote:
It was a fantastic ride! I had a feeling the streak was on thin ice once Matt Valentine got hurt. Over the course of the year, we've lost our two leading scorers, for one reason or another. We still have plenty of talented players available, but from this point forward, we win or we go home. Had Coach Sims completed a perfect season, I would have considered having him retire and starting a new story based on this basketball universe. The loss to Georgetown ends that possibility. Thanks again for following along! P.S. I'll be posting an updated look at Charlie Sutton's season after it's completed. He and the Commodores are off to the Big Dance. |
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02-29-2024, 06:07 PM
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#664 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 15, 2037
We've been awarded the top seed in the NCAA East Region. The other one seeds are Boston College (West), Louisville (Midwest), and Georgetown (South). March 19, 2037 NCAA East Region, First Round (1) #1 Villanova 103, (16) Arkansas State 61 All five starters finish in double figures as we defeat the Red Wolves. Luke Christensen is the high man with 22 points; Connor Baxter (18p/6a), Eldon Castanon (17p/11a/4s), Sebastian Roberts (16p/13a), and Kyle Gribble (13p) follow. Demetrius Reed snags 7 rebounds and blocks 3 shots in a reserve role. Erick Sullivan will be limited for a few days, as he nurses a badly bruised cheekbone. Record: 34-1. March 21, 2037 NCAA East Region, Second Round (1) #1 Villanova 104, (9) Oregon 61 Once again, we get at least 11 points from each member of the starting five, and Kyle Gribble enjoys an especially big game with 27. Connor Baxter (17p/11a) and Sebastian Roberts (14p/13r/4s) post double-doubles. Luke Christensen pitches in 17, and Eldon Castanon scores 11 and hands out 7 assists. Meanwhile, Houston spoils a possible Villanova-Lafayette matchup in the Sweet Sixteen by routing the Leopards, 82-54. And Charlie Sutton's Vanderbilt Commodores are eliminated by top-seeded Boston College in a very close 86-83 contest, despite getting 37 points from Steven Albrecht and 20 more from Sutton. Record: 35-1. March 26, 2037 NCAA East Region Semifinal: the Sweet Sixteen (1) #1 Villanova 82, (8) #10 Houston 74 The Cougars are a very, very good eight seed, and they prove it; they battle us hard for 40 full minutes. Eldon Castanon makes sure his Villanova career doesn't end today, scoring 15 points, handing out 9 assists, and making 2 steals. Kyle Gribble (17p/7r) and Connor Baxter (14p/6a) also play like men who don't want to go home yet. We get 13 points and 8 rebounds from Sebastian Roberts, and 3 blocks from a fully-healed Erick Sullivan. And the long tournament run Matt Valentine needed comes to pass; Matt scores 6 points in 10 minutes off the bench. Georgetown's season is over. They lose to Tennessee, 69-60. Record: 36-1. March 28, 2037 NCAA East Region Final: the Elite Eight Code:
The seniors lead the way again, with a lot of help from Sebastian Roberts and Matt Valentine. One of the upperclassmen, Kyle Gribble, needs three points in our next game to reach 1000 for his career. In the Final Four, two Mountain West teams--Utah and New Mexico--face each other, while two Big East foes--Villanova and Louisville--are paired. Record: 37-1. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 02-29-2024 at 06:09 PM. |
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02-29-2024, 06:43 PM
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#665 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 4, 2037
NCAA Tournament Semifinal Code:
Connor Baxter is the best of a number of Villanovans who play well tonight. He needs four points on Monday night to pass James Martin and move into fourth place in our all-time scorers list. And Kyle Gribble can proudly display the game ball that commemorates his 1000th career point and tell his grandkids that it happened in the Final Four. One final task remains, gentlemen. Record: 38-1. |
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02-29-2024, 06:51 PM
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#666 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 5, 2037
While we wait for the national championship game, we can watch two future Villanovans face each other in the High School All-American Game. Code:
Zayden Calhoun leads his East team to a narrow victory over David Lovett and the West. There's very little defense played in this game, but 32 points is still a lot, and Zayden drains 7 of 11 triples. David plays well, too, coming off the bench for the West and reaching double figures. Georgetown commit James Sanders, Jr. doesn't shoot well, but he leads the East in assists. |
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03-01-2024, 09:09 AM
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#667 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 6, 2037
NCAA Tournament Final Code:
For Coach Graham Sims, it's "one for the thumb," a fifth NCAA championship victory and the ring that commemorates it. There are six active coaches who have led teams to national championships, and these coaches have 11 titles to their credit. Almost half of those are Graham's. The team's four seniors all distinguish themselves, including Charles Peterman, who recovered from his broken jaw to suit up and see action. Kyle Gribble scores that 1000th point, and then some. Is this Matt Valentine's last game in a Villanova uniform? If it is, he's going out in style, dropping 30 in the national championship final. New Mexico guard Charles Latour's final collegiate game ends in disappointment, but he delivers the kind of performance that has endeared him to Lobos fans over his four years in Albuquerque. Charles has scored over 2000 points, handed out over 600 assists, and grabbed over 500 rebounds in his career (despite his 6'1", 175-pound frame). He probably won't be drafted, but he's been a very good college player. He doesn't express them publicly, but thoughts of retirement are beginning to enter Graham Sims' mind. His place among college basketball's most accomplished coaches is unquestionably secure. He is healthy, and he's now a grandfather--Duncan and his wife Kathleen just welcomed a baby boy. Graham will be back for at least one more year, but the idea of coaching deep into his sixties holds very little appeal right now. Today, he's celebrating this season, and this team. |
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03-01-2024, 11:50 AM
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#668 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 6, 2037
Code:
Connor earns his second All-American recognition, moving up from the third team to the second team. He joins Asher Wise and Mason Reynolds as the only two-time All-Americans in Villanova history. Code:
Connor Baxter and Eldon Castanon make up the first team All-Big East backcourt for the second consecutive season. They're joined by big man Kyle Gribble, whose story I will love telling in his Senior Tribute. Connor is the only player in school history to make the All-Big East first team for three years. And Graham Sims' 18-0 run through the Big East gauntlet earns him another COY. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-01-2024 at 05:46 PM. |
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03-01-2024, 12:15 PM
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#669 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 6, 2037
Code:
Code:
Our 24.3 assists per game is a new NCAA record, breaking the one we set last season. No other team in the nation averages as many as 20 APG. I love that about our playing style. It's fair to evaluate our defensive stats in the context of the pace we're playing; I have it set all the way to 10. Our defensive efficiency was 93.6, which ranked 30th. Still, our margins look great because our offense was so prolific. Code:
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I have several players to write about in the Farewells and Senior Tributes. |
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03-01-2024, 01:42 PM
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#670 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2036/37 Farewell
MAX BENNETT Max was a Southeast PA player whom Georgetown tried very hard to lure away from us. When we signed him, I thought he'd stay for four years. I'm sorry to say that's not how it turned out. Code:
With two All-Big East guards manning the backcourt, Max was employed in a reserve role. His versatility--he could shoot and distribute--often made him the first perimeter player off the bench. He struggled a bit with his shot as a junior, but we still expected him to step into the starting lineup as a senior. Instead, Max will try his luck in the professional ranks. FBCB won't allow a player to return to college if he's not drafted, so this will close the curtain on Max's Villanova career. He is an exceptionally strong student, so the option of returning to complete his degree is always there. Thanks for the memories, Max. |
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03-01-2024, 01:55 PM
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#671 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2036/37 Farewell
MATT VALENTINE Delaware's Mr. Basketball as a high school senior was the first player in his class to commit to us. When we recruited him, we envisioned Matt as a do-everything guard. He turned out to be an dangerous offensive threat (Max Bennett ended up being a more well-rounded player). Code:
Matt saw action in most games as a freshman and sophomore. The outrageously good shooting he provided during his second season turned everyone's head, and we envisioned him as our sixth man this season. That's the role he played as the season began, and he was very good at it. Charlie Lambert's suspension opened up a spot for Matt in the starting lineup, and he was effective in that role, too. He ended the season as our team's leading scorer. He dropped a career-best 30 points in the final game of his career--which happened to be the NCAA championship game. Matt admittedly enjoys basketball much more than school. The breakout season he enjoyed as a junior has made him a pro prospect, and he'll try his luck in the draft. If he doesn't hear his name, he'll seek a free agent contract, or pursue overseas options. Thanks for the memories, Matt. |
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03-01-2024, 02:12 PM
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#672 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2036/37 Senior Tribute
CHARLES PETERMAN Charles Peterman's experience at Villanova took a few intriguing turns. Charles' home town is 2074 miles and a national boundary away from our campus. We offered him a scholarship before we'd fully evaluated him. He spent a semester on academic suspension when he couldn't keep his grades up. He also spent quite a bit of time unhappy. Still, he ended up staying the course, and now he has two national championship rings. Code:
Charles never developed into the player we thought he might be. Projected as a "top eight" kind of guy, the kind who gave us 15 minutes a night of solid production, he never seemed to remain motivated enough to deliver on his potential. He started two games late in his senior season, scoring 11 points in one and failing to score in the other. That lack of consistency was Charles in a nutshell. The same thing could be said for his academic career. Charles will need at least one more semester to complete his Accounting degree. He plans to do so, and I hope he does. Thanks for the memories, Charles. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-01-2024 at 02:13 PM. |
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03-01-2024, 02:24 PM
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#673 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2036/37 Senior Tribute
KYLE GRIBBLE The story of Kyle Gribble is a story of patience and perseverance, and it has a happy ending. I've been looking forward to telling it. Code:
We don't recruit many players from the West Coast. In fact, I think Kyle was our first California product. Two things stick out to me when I look at his profile. Look how much Kyle improved over his four years with us. He arrived on campus with loads of promise, but he was far from a finished product. His improvement from year to year was impressive, a reflection of his tenacity and optimism. And look at the progression of Kyle's role on our team. After two seasons as a depth player, he emerged as a key member of our rotation as a junior. And, in his fourth year, he was a fixture in our starting lineup and a first team All-Big East selection. Kyle aspires to a professional basketball career, possibly in Europe. First, he'll complete his degree in Chemistry, with honors. He's also expressed interest in a career as a research chemist. I'll never bet against him achieving whatever he wants to achieve. Thanks for the memories, Kyle. |
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03-01-2024, 05:34 PM
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#674 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2036/37 Senior Tribute
ELDON CASTANON Coming out of high school in the Class of 2032, Eldon Castanon was the kind of player we like to recruit. Maryland's Mr. Basketball and a high school All-American, he caught our eye right away. Unfortunately, Eldon didn't return the love. He'd grown up rooting for Lafayette and didn't like Villanova much at all. Not surprisingly, he signed with Lafayette, but after a lost season there, he entered the transfer portal. This time, he was eager to play for us, and we made it happen. Code:
When a comparison between your skills and those of Justice Stafford isn't ridiculous, you're good. While sharing the playmaking responsibilities with a teammate who was also a great orchestrator, Eldon posted the third highest career assists total in Villanova history, while playing only three years. He also led the Big East in assists as a senior, with a total that ranks second to Justice's best season. Eldon was a two-time All-Big East selection and, of course, a two-time national champion. He would like to continue his basketball career; if he isn't drafted this month, he might play in the G-League or in a foreign country. He'll complete a degree in Criminology next month. And, if his name is called, he hopes it's pronounced correctly. Eldon pronounces his surname "Cass-TANNEN," rather than "CASS-ta-non." Thanks for the memories, Eldon. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-01-2024 at 05:37 PM. |
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03-01-2024, 06:08 PM
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#675 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2036/37 Senior Tribute
CONNOR BAXTER I remember referring to this product of Slippery Rock, PA as a "young boss of a point guard" when we were recruiting him. I envisioned him as an all-action guard who could fill any and all backcourt roles. That's exactly the player Connor Baxter turned out to be. Code:
Connor is one of the best, and most important, players in Villanova history. He was the heir apparent to Justice Stafford in the Wildcats backcourt and, like Justice, he stayed for four years. However, unlike his predecessor, he spent much of his freshman season as a starter. I'm almost positive Connor's 134 career starts is a Villanova record. I know his 4,175 career minutes played is. Connor finished his career fourth on the all-time scoring list at Villanova, two buckets behind Mason Reynolds. His career assist total is second to Justice's. He's fourth all-time in steals, third all-time in field goals and three-pointers made. He is the first player in Villanova history to be a three-time member of the All-Big East first team, and only the third to be a two-time All-American. Connor is not considered a draft prospect, and he's unsure if he'd like to continue playing basketball or prepare for medical school. He'll graduate in May with a degree in Biochemistry, with highest honors. Thanks for the memories, Connor. |
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03-01-2024, 06:21 PM
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#676 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Before we close the book on the 2036/37 season, let's see how Charlie Sutton's year turned out.
Code:
I'm surprised Charlie didn't earn any post-season honors. He was repeatedly beaten out by the national Freshman of the Year, Vicente Ezell of Tennessee. Right now, I'd say Charlie is as likely to stay for three more years at Vanderbilt as he is to turn professional. I hope he decides to remain a Commodore. |
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03-02-2024, 04:32 PM
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#677 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 11, 2037
Draft night brings a range of emotions to 'Nova Nation. Matt Valentine receives the best news; he's a lottery pick, chosen at #12. Eldon Castanon is delighted to hear his name at #48. But none of the other draft-eligible Wildcats--Charles Peterman, Connor Baxter, Kyle Gribble, or junior Max Bennett--were drafted. I wish that meant Bennett would return to Villanova, but that's not the case. Code:
Code:
The Big East, on the whole, recruited well, with six classes ranked among the top 16 in the nation. However, the conference will have a very different look this coming season... |
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03-02-2024, 04:58 PM
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#678 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Spring 2037
I'd been thinking about a possible change to my college basketball universe for a while now, and I've decided it's time to give it a try. It's inspired by the tumultuous conference realignments of the recent past, which have radically altered the landscape of college sports. I'm 40 years old, and I discovered college basketball in the early 1990s. And I heard my parents, who both love college hoops, talk about how much fun it was in the 1980s. I miss being able to easily name all the teams in the major conferences, comprised of teams with regional and traditional connections. So I decided that, in my universe, the NCAA has turned back the clock. I've spent a few hours in the editor, rearranging the conferences and teams in my game. I used the 1989/1990 season as my template, because I attended my first college basketball games that year. Because I was left with dozens of Independents, I added teams to some conferences and created several new, fictional conferences of my own. That, of course, changes the setting of our story. The "old", nine-team Big East has returned. The Villanova-Georgetown rivalry, which is college basketball's best in this version of history, remains intact. There's a third powerhouse in the restructured league: Boston College, with its 100 prestige. Pitt (90) is the fourth-most highly regarded team; the rest are in the 70-80 range, with the exception of Seton Hall (55). Even without Louisville, West Virginia, and Miami, the Big East is the most competitive conference in the country. And we'll face all our opponents twice, home-and-home, which I think is wonderful. I considered moving Lafayette (83 prestige) from the East Coast Conference to the Big East, but I decided to leave them alone. The Leopards are clearly the class of the league, but that was true in the Patriot League, too. I hope the changes will be fun. Even more, I hope they didn't break the game...cross your fingers. P.S. I saved an unaltered version of the game, so I can return to it if my changed version crashes, etc. |
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03-02-2024, 05:37 PM
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#679 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 1, 2037
Another Hall of Fame-worthy coach has decided to retire. Thaddeus Dorton, who won the 2012 national championship with Arizona before moving to Texas, is stepping away from basketball at age 61. Coach Dorton compiled a career record of 643-236 in 26 seasons as a head coach. He's the sixth-winningest coach of all time. Coach Dorton's teams won six conference championships and advanced to the Final Four twice. He coached 10 All-Americans over the course of his career. Daniel Turcotte has left Lafayette for Oklahoma State. Coach Turcotte posted an 80-33 record with the Leopards. His place will be filled by former Hofstra head coach Mason Puckett. Coach Puckett, 59, has a 243-199 career record at Hofstra and Oakland, and wears the NCAA championship ring he won as an assistant at West Virginia in 2029/30. There will be an opening on the Villanova staff this spring. John Gruber, who spent the last three years as Graham Sims' X-and-O man, has taken the head coaching job at Virginia Commonwealth. His place will be filled by Greg Seward, who comes to us after a five-year run as the head coach at UC-Irvine. Coach Seward's record there was 79-77. He got his start as an assistant at Southern California. He's 44 years old, and is skilled in coaching both offense (83) and defense (100). Coach Seward will earn $142,099/year on a three-year deal. Welcome to the staff, Coach. We discover that Isiah Cook is transferring from Georgetown, and he's somewhat interested in playing for us. Cook was the #5 player in the nation as a high school senior, but he languished on the bench as a freshman Hoya. We offer Isiah a scholarship, but he picks Texas Christian instead. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-02-2024 at 05:47 PM. |
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03-02-2024, 07:23 PM
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#680 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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July 1, 2037
It's the first day of recruiting season. We have only one senior on scholarship this year: post player Charlie Lambert. The early departures of Matt Valentine and Max Bennett leave us with only 10 scholarship players, and five walk-ons. We "officially" have two offers to make, but I can cut some of the walk-ons and gain more scholarships. A closer look at the roster tells me that we need to make big men the focus of this year's recruiting efforts. Lambert is graduating, and junior center Sebastian Roberts has been expected to be an early departure since he was a freshman. That would leave Demetrius Reed as the only true big on the roster next season. There are two five-star center recruits in Pennsylvania this year, and their high schools are located 42 miles apart. Chris Wilson, a 6'9" All-American from Dallas, is the more highly regarded. However, he prefers Boston College and North Carolina right now. Tony Craighead, from Carbondale, is taller (6'11") and lists Villanova first on his Top Schools list. We'll look very closely at both Chris and Tony. We're also intrigued by Amir Kirk, a very productive player from the Detroit suburbs, and Zak Marshall, a power forward from rural Ohio. Both players express Very High interest in playing for us, but neither list us among their top five schools. Power forwards Forrest Curl and Matthew Scholl are four-star talents who have us on top of their lists. Riley Rose, Broderick Boone, and DeAndre Brown are among the wings we're recruiting. Our needs aren't as immediate on the perimeter, but we've recently seen how injuries, academic issues, and early departures can wreak havoc on a roster. Here's our initial call list, sorted by "interest": Code:
I'll be back with more news after we evaluate them. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-02-2024 at 08:15 PM. |
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03-02-2024, 10:21 PM
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#681 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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August 1, 2037
I decided to cut a walk-on so I would have three scholarships to offer. Let's take a look at them first. Code:
He's moved us to the top of his list, and we'll do all we can to keep us there. Coaches Sims and Caballero will visit him, and we'll bring him to campus. After taking a look at Forrest Curl, we've made an offer to him, too. Code:
Boston College is the only other top-prestige program on Forrest's list, and we'll try to seal the deal with an all-out recruiting effort that includes a trip to campus. Guard DeAndre Brown is the third player to whom we've made an offer. Code:
I wonder if other programs have almost conceded DeAndre to us. I won't take anything for granted; we'll invite him to visit campus and send our coaches to visit him, too. There are enough other intriguing players I think we might sign that I decide to cut a second walk-on and gain a fourth scholarship. I'm considering big men Zak Marshall and Tony Craighead, along with wing Riley Rose. |
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03-02-2024, 10:39 PM
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#682 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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September 1, 2037
I decided to award the fourth scholarship offer to Zak Marshall, so let's take a look at him. Code:
I'm surprised we're the only school who has offered Zak a scholarship. That's one reason why I chose to offer him one. He apparently enjoyed his visit, and we'll continue to recruit him heavily. The rest of our recruiting efforts went well, too. DeAndre Brown got an offer from Boston College, but we're still atop his list. Forrest Curl narrowed his list to us and Boston College, but the Eagles haven't made him an offer. And Chris Wilson removed every other school from his list. |
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03-02-2024, 10:45 PM
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#683 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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October 1, 2037
Chris Wilson decides to add Georgetown and Boston College to his Top Schools list, but neither Big East foe has offered him a scholarship. For that reason, I feel good about our chances with him. Likewise, Zak Marshall lists Louisville as his #2 choice, but we're still the only school who has made him an offer. Unless that changes, I think we'll receive good news from him, too. Forrest Curl also lists two schools--BC and UNC--that haven't made offers. We've always been Forrest's first choice. And DeAndre Brown, who does hold a Boston College offer, says he'd rather play for us. I would love to go four-for-four this year. Let's see what happens on November 1... |
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03-02-2024, 11:11 PM
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#684 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 1, 2037
Good news comes in threes this month! First, we hear from Zak Marshall, who says yes to the chance to play for Villanova. We think he will develop into an elite defender who can guard any position on the floor. That versatility, along with his lean frame, makes me think he might switch to the three as a collegian. Zak hasn't been a big scorer in high school, but we think he could develop enough inside game to be a threat. Next, we learn that DeAndre Brown will be joining us next year. He's not the most college-ready player in his class, but we envision him as a versatile guard who can score and defend, possibly as a sixth man. Finally, Chris Wilson tells us that he's chosen Villanova. Chris combines elite rim protection and interior defense with the ability to score from the post or midrange. Listed as a center, I think Chris could play effectively anywhere in the frontcourt. We're still waiting for Forrest Curl's decision. He doesn't have another offer, so it seems like it's simply a matter of time. |
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03-03-2024, 12:12 AM
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#685 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 8, 2037
The two-time defending national champions will send these players into the 2037/38 season: Code:
And this is how their autumn training camp went: Code:
Charlie Lambert has returned for his senior season, determined to atone for the negligence of his academic responsibilities that cost him much of last year. He's one of the nation's most complete players, able to score, rebound, and play defense. Joining him in the frontcourt will be junior Sebastian Roberts. The seven-footer was already considered a top professional prospect, but he entered camp determined to improve even more. He's emerged as a more dangerous scorer, armed with a jump shot that is effective from three-point range. Coach Graham Sims has two desirable options for the third frontcourt spot. He can go big, which means moving Roberts to power forward and inserting Demetrius Reed at center. The 7'1" sophomore is an intimidating defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Sims can also choose Luke Christensen, an athletic 6'4" junior who can get to the rim on offense and create havoc on the defensive perimeter. Both Reed and Christensen have also been effective coming off the bench, too. Last year's team featured an All-Big East first team backcourt, Connor Baxter and Eldon Castanon. Their primary backup, Max Baldwin, left school, so Coach Sims must reload with young players. Freshman Zayden Calhoun demonstrated enough growth in camp to earn the chance to start his first collegiate game. A 6'5" wing, Zayden is an excellent shooter and a responsible defender. The Wildcats won't need him to carry the load offensively this season, although he looks like he could do so if needed. The keys to the offense will be in the hands of sophomore Dane Barlow, who apprenticed with his veteran teammates last season. A five-star recruit and a high school All American, Dane worked hard to improve his game in camp and should be ready to take his place as the next Villanova backcourt star. Redshirt freshman Nick Spencer looks like he'll be a better player than the "experts" thought he'd be. He is an old-fashioned point guard who looks to pass first and takes care of the ball. Nick will be the first guard off the bench. Another highly-regarded freshman, Tony Flaherty, will provide depth at both forward spots. And the best walk-on I've ever seen, senior center Erick Sullivan, is now a Green player whom I wouldn't hesitate to start in any game. Also available are freshmen David Lovett, whose development might be curtailed by his lack of academic readiness, and Jordi Ballester, a Spanish work-in-progress who reminds me of a young Venceslás Castillo. The "new" Big East contains nine teams, and five of them begin the season ranked #13 or higher. The team that emerges from this crucible as its champion will be a worthy one. I don't see Villanova, or anyone else, going 18-0 this season. |
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03-03-2024, 01:17 AM
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#686 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 12, 2037
Preseason NIT, First Round (2) #1 Villanova 95, (15) Western Illinois 72 The Wildcats came out firing, putting up 35 threes and making 17 (the school record for three-pointers in a game is 20). Dane Barlow and Charlie Lambert lead the way with 24 points each; Dane goes 7-for-12 from distance, and Charlie is 5-for-9. Lambert also adds 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Sebastian Roberts (14p/9r/5a) and reserves Luke Christensen (10p) and Tony Flaherty (10p) also score in double figures, while Demetrius Reed grabs 10 rebounds and blocks 4 shots. It's an especially big day for Charlie Lambert, as he scores his 1000th career point. Record: 1-0. November 14, 2037 Preseason NIT, Quarterfinal (2) #1 Villanova 93, (10) Oklahoma State 70 Three Wildcats score at least 22 points as we advance to the Preseason NIT semifinals. Charlie Lambert (26p/6r) and Dane Barlow (24p/4a) top the 20-point barrier again, and this time they're joined by Seb Roberts (22p/6r). Demetrius Reed pulls in 11 rebounds, Nick Spencer records 5 assists, and Luke Christensen scores 10 points. Record: 2-0. November 21, 2037 Preseason NIT Semifinal (2) #1 Villanova 90, (6) Air Force 68 Tonight, freshman Zayden Calhoun is the star as we knock out the Falcons and earn a spot in the tournament championship game. Zayden scores 18 points, going 4-for-6 from behind the arc, and makes 4 steals. Sebastian Roberts (16p/12r/3b), Charlie Lambert (16p/9r/2b/2s), Luke Christensen (12p), Dane Barlow (7p/8a), and Tony Flaherty (6p/7r/5a/2s in 16 minutes) are all solid supporting actors. Record: 3-0. November 23, 2037 Preseason NIT Championship Code:
It begins with 18 seconds remaining in the game. Avery Dumont has just made a three-pointer to bring UK within two points, at 90-88. As Sebastian Roberts inbounds the ball to Barlow, the Villanova guard is trucked by Rotz. Dane immediately bounces up and confronts his opponent. Barlow is a solid 6'2", 200 pounds, but Rotz is eight inches taller and 78 pounds heavier. The officials separate them, and Dane steps to the line to shoot two free throws. He makes the first, but the second bounces off the rim. Rotz grabs the rebound and, rather than giving the ball to a guard, begins to gallop up the court himself. Kentucky coach Brooks Runyan is out of timeouts, so he can only watch, his hands on his head, as Rotz runs amok. Somehow, the big man with a 9 rating for Ballhandling manages to reach the Villanova end of the floor without losing his handle. This feat accomplished, Mark then decides to launch a three-point shot. Mark Rotz is rated 0, as in zero, for this skill. The shot goes in. Rotz turns and taunts the Villanova bench, skipping sideways, a wild grin on his face, as he pretends to shoot an arrow. He then shakes three fingers in the general direction of Dane Barlow. The score is now tied at 91, and seven seconds remain. That's enough time for a decent shot, and Graham Sims calls time out to plan his strategy. Kentucky comes out in a full-court press. Zayden Calhoun passes the ball to Barlow, who slices through the press and leads a 3-on-2 break. Dane fakes a pass to Charlie Lambert, keeps the ball, and drives to the basket. His layup goes in with one second left. Dane gets the last laugh, and we get the victory. Sebastian Roberts and Charlie Lambert play superbly once again. Record: 4-0.  November 28, 2037 @#1 Villanova 110, Lipscomb 61 We shoot .625/.545/.783 as we take care of our visitors from Nashville. Sebastian Roberts (20p/6r) leads a group of five players with at least 15 points. The others are Zayden Calhoun (17p/5r), Charlie Lambert (17p/4a/2s), Dane Barlow (15p/6a/4r/2s), and Luke Christensen (15p/2s). Demetrius Reed grabs 8 rebounds and rejects 4 shots. Record: 5-0. |
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03-03-2024, 01:24 AM
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#687 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 1, 2037
Let's take a look at Charlie Sutton, Vanderbilt's redshirt sophomore guard. Code:
Charlie emerged from camp with an even deadlier jump shot, which is an especially dangerous weapon from long range. However, he's begun the season in a bit of a slump. Code:
He's not shooting as often, and not nearly as accurately, as he did last year. The season is still young, however, and Charlie showed signs of breaking out in his last game, a 71-70 win at Georgia Tech. There, he scored a much more Suttonesque 20 points featuring 4-for-5 from three-point range. |
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03-03-2024, 01:32 AM
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#688 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 1, 2037
Our recruiting class is now complete, as Forrest Curl gives us his commitment! Forrest is a traditional big man with an added feature: an especially smooth jump shot that is accurate out to 18 feet. He also passes the ball very well; I can envision him taking the ball in the high post, finding an open shooter, and kicking the ball out to him for a catch-and-shoot three. Forrest's signing gives us three high school All Americans among our four-man class. I'm looking forward to seeing how this talented quartet turns out, aren't you? For some strange reason, there's another 5-star big man who doesn't have an offer! If I had a fifth scholarship, I'd offer it to Amir Kirk in a hot second. |
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03-04-2024, 10:19 AM
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#689 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 2, 2037
@#1 Villanova 103, Green Bay 75 Charlie Lambert's career-high 31 points highlight a comfortable victory at Wawa Arena. Charlie also grabs 8 rebounds and blocks 6 shots. Sebastian Roberts finishes with 24 points; Zayden Calhoun pitches in 14; Dane Barlow adds 12 points and 8 assists. Record: 6-0. December 5, 2037 #1 Villanova 71, @#5 Duke 39 A trip to Durham for a marquee matchup against the Blue Devils isn't nearly as interesting a game as we thought it would be. Duke scores only 14 points in the second half, as we pull away for an easy win. Unless you like free throw shooting, there's very little to please a connoisseur of offense. The two teams combine to go 10-for-50 from three-point range. There are a lot of rebounds to be had, and Charlie Lambert claims 16 of them. He also scores 19 points, blocks 5 shots, and makes 2 steals. Dane Barlow scores 12 points, and Seb Roberts scores 8 with 9 rebounds. Things like this don't usually happen at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Record: 7-0. December 9, 2037 @#1 Villanova 98, Pennsylvania 44 We return home and rout the visiting Quakers, holding an opponent to less than 30% shooting for the second straight game. Meanwhile, Zayden Calhoun leads a group of six Wildcats in double figures with 21 points, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists for good measure. Zayden is joined by Dane Barlow (17p/5a), Sebastian Roberts (15p/12r/2b), Charlie Lambert (13p/8r), Luke Christensen (10p/5r) and Tony Flaherty (10p). Demetrius Reed (7r/3b) and Erick Sullivan (5p/6r/2b in 14 minutes) also contribute meaningfully to a balanced, enjoyable victory. Record: 8-0. December 12, 2037 Code:
Senior Nathaniel Heatherly plays the game of his life against us, but we get a similar effort from big Demetrius Reed. Big D demonstrates offensive chops I hadn't seen from him before. All three frontcourt players grab at least 10 rebounds for us, and Dane Barlow completes the guard's classic version of the double-double. The last of Heatherly's 13 baskets brings Notre Dame to within a point of us in the final half-minute of the game, but Zayden Calhoun's two free throws secure the win for us. Jesus Boring, a freshman guard who possesses one of the best names I've seen, makes the most of his 5 minutes of action, making a three every 100 seconds. Record: 9-0. |
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03-05-2024, 09:33 AM
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#690 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 16, 2037
@#1 Villanova 105, Dartmouth 69 Another balanced, productive offensive display sees five players score between 12 and 22 points: Sebastian Roberts (22), Zayden Calhoun (18), Dane Barlow and Charlie Lambert (15 each), and reserve Nick Spencer (12). Lambert (13r) and Roberts (12r) complete double-doubles. Erick Sullivan blocks 4 shots and scores 7 points in 12 minutes. Record: 10-0. December 20, 2037 #1 Villanova 89, @Virginia 51 We travel to Charlottesville for a matchup against the struggling 3-6 Cavaliers, and only add to their struggles. Charlie Lambert's 21-point, 5-rebound, 5-block effort earns him a PotG. Sebastian Roberts adds another 20 point double-double (20p/12r). Dane Barlow (13p/9a) and Zayden Calhoun (13p/5a/3s) play well, and Demetrius Reed (8r/2b/3s) makes his presence felt defensively. Record: 11-0. December 27, 2037 Code:
It's the second-highest scoring game in school history, trailing only the 121 points we scored against Dartmouth in January 2036. We're shooting .501/.414/.806 for the season, a pace I'd love to see us maintain (although I doubt we'll fare as well against Big East competition). Record: 12-0. |
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03-05-2024, 09:33 AM
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#691 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 1, 2038
Sutton Watch: Vanderbilt (7-5) isn't off to its customary outstanding start, but Charlie Sutton's play has picked up considerably of late. He's shooting his way out of the slump that nagged him in November. Code:
Charlie's points per shot mark this season is better than last season's, mainly because he's hitting threes at an even higher percentage. He's shooting a bit less, so his scoring average is a bit lower. Charlie is still one of the best players in one of the best conferences in the nation. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-05-2024 at 09:42 AM. |
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03-05-2024, 09:58 AM
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#692 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 2, 2038
Code:
Every Wildcat who played more than 10 minutes scored at least 10 points except one: center Demetrius Reed. He got 10 rebounds instead. Big D also blocked more shots than he attempted, which I would think happens very rarely. Charlie Lambert's return from academic suspension has been a successful one. I admit I sweated the January 1 email delivery, wondering if he would be sidelined again. Two of the freshmen--David Lovett and Jordi Ballester--are unhappy. It's probably a lack of playing time that has them upset. I'm getting them into every game, but they're only playing a few minutes per game. Unfortunately, the rules of basketball restrict us to five players on the court at a time, and it's hard to make everyone happy. Record: 13-0. Code:
Our conference does have the top three teams in this week's poll, and the #4 and #5 teams--Louisville and West Virginia--were members of the "old," pre-realignment Big East. |
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03-05-2024, 02:41 PM
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#693 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 6, 2038
#1 Villanova 76, @#12 Connecticut 66 We pass our first Big East test with a victory at UConn. Sebastian Roberts (21p/9r) and Zayden Calhoun (20p) lead the offense, with help from Charlie Lambert (14p/6r). Dane Barlow passes out 9 assists. Sebastian also becomes the newest member of our 1000-point club. The Huskies' Jelani Obasie, a big man we recruited actively, posts a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double and adds 2 steals. Record: 14-0 (1-0). January 9, 2038 #1 Villanova 86, @#11 Georgetown 81 We make it two victories in a row against ranked teams on the road, fighting off a second-half comeback by the Hoyas. Charlie Lambert wouldn't let us lose this game. He finishes with 27 points and 6 rebounds. Zayden Calhoun adds 17 more, including 9-for-11 from the line, and 3 steals. Seb Roberts contributes 11 points and 9 boards. Georgetown drops to 0-2 in Big East play. Record: 15-0 (2-0). January 13, 2038 @#1 Villanova 82, Xavier 57 A break in the conference schedule sees the Musketeers visit Wawa Arena. The offense is again keyed by Charlie Lambert (22p/8r) and Sebastian Roberts (19p/7r). A disruptive defensive effort features 12 blocks (Roberts has 3 and Lambert 6), and 3 steals from Dane Barlow. Record: 16-0. January 16, 2038 Code:
Zayden Calhoun ties his career high with 26 points, knocking down 5 of 6 threes. We shoot 15-for-26 from behind the arc, and end with more steals than turnovers. Seb Roberts misses his only three-point attempt tonight, but he's shooting almost 44 percent for the year. He's taken 39 of them, so the stat's not a fluke. Not many seven-footers can shoot like that, while also doing their job in the post. No wonder some experts think he'll be the first overall pick in the next pro draft. Record: 17-0 (3-0). Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-06-2024 at 10:08 AM. |
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03-06-2024, 10:08 AM
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#694 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 20, 2038
#1 Villanova 66, @Seton Hall 53 This game is different, an old-fashioned Big East rock fight. We demonstrate our ability to win ugly. Sebastian Roberts (19p/9r), Zayden Calhoun (14p), and Charlie Lambert (14p/8r/2b/2s) score in double figures. Dane Barlow (7p/6a/0t) runs the offense efficiently. And everyone plays tight defense. Record: 18-0 (4-0). January 23, 2038 @#1 Villanova 92, St. John's 61 Charlie Lambert and Sebastian Roberts combine to shoot 17-for-26 from the floor and 10-11 from the line and score 49 points between them: 25 for Charlie and 24 for Seb. Dane Barlow (12p/9a/3s) also plays well. Sebastian snags 13 rebounds and Charlie blocks 4 shots. Zayden Calhoun misses all 8 of his shots and fails to score, but hands out 7 assists. Record: 19-0 (5-0). January 27, 2038 Code:
Several names on the Eagles' roster are very familiar, because I recruited several of them. In the cases of David Getty and Taylor Murray, I spent quite a bit of money and time trying to get them to come to Villanova. And several of our players were recruited actively by BC, too. Having them in the Big East with us will be fun. We have a major size advantage here. Getty is their tallest starter, and he's 6'9". Our bigs are both at least seven feet tall, and our three (Charlie Lambert) is 6'9" and protects the rim like he owns it. Our rematch against Boston College is the last game of the regular season. I think both coaches have already circled it in red ink. Record: 20-0 (6-0). January 30, 2038 #1 Villanova 109, @Syracuse 84 Sebastian Roberts is very good at basketball. He demonstrates this once again tonight, scoring a career-high 31 points as we dismantle Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. Seb adds 10 rebounds and 5 assists, and the pair of threes he shoots and makes raise his season mark to 24-for-48. On most nights, Charlie Lambert would be an easy choice for PotG, with his 18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 assists and 2 steals. But The Final Boss, as his creative teammate Dane Barlow now calls him, has to yield center stage to Roberts this time. Dane's 14 points and 10 assists are also noteworthy, as are Zayden Calhoun's 15 points and 5 boards. Record: 21-0 (7-0). |
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03-06-2024, 10:29 AM
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#695 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 1, 2038
Code:
What a fun league! The five ranked teams are all listed as Locks in the first edition of the Bubble Watch. We still have to play Pitt twice; we play there tonight, and at Wawa Arena on March 3. Sutton Watch: Vanderbilt (14-7, 7-2) has been playing well lately, moving up to second place in the SEC behind Kentucky. Charlie Sutton's improved performance has been one reason why. Code:
Charlie shot 52-for-99 during January (52.5%) and 24-for-48 on three-pointers (50.0%). He's among the SEC's leaders in scoring (6th), field goal percentage (6th) and three-point percentage (3rd). He's very close to the 1000-point plateau; at his current scoring pace, he'll reach it at LSU later this week. His overall play is improving, too. His assist-to-turnover ratio is almost twice as good this season as it was as a freshman. Vanderbilt fans will be delighted to learn that Charlie isn't listed among the top 50 professional prospects in his class. That means they're likely to enjoy his sharpshooting for two years after this one. |
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03-06-2024, 03:01 PM
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#696 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 1, 2038
Code:
Tyrese Russell, whom I tried to lure to Villanova when he was a high school senior, does a very good job guarding Charlie Lambert. Tyrese is 6'8", 230 pounds, an excellent defender, and an insanely good athlete (97 Quickness, 77 Strength, 96 Jumping). And Jack Blankenship (like Russell, a four-year player whom we recruited) outplays our guards. We get another very strong performance from Sebastian Roberts, and an exceptional effort from reserve Luke Christensen. We don't beat ourselves, and that's the best thing I can take away from this game. We'll see the Panthers in March. Record: 20-1 (7-1). February 3, 2038 Code:
We trail the Hoyas, 45-42, at the half, but the Wawa Center crowd sends the players to the locker room with a mighty roar of approval. We emerge from the break with an 11-2 run, punctuated by a dunk and a three from Charlie Lambert. Zayden Calhoun's three steals all come in the second half, as part of a robust defensive effort. Sebastian Roberts endures a forgettable game, but his teammates have his back. Record: 22-1 (8-1). February 8, 2038 @#1 Villanova 79, #19 Connecticut 71 The Huskies put up a valiant fight at Wawa Arena, but Sebastian Roberts is more than the visitors can handle. Seb finishes with 26 points and 11 rebounds. I'm surprised to see UConn play so much zone defense against us. All five of their starters are good defensive players. Big men Jelani Obasie and Matt Palermo are both very good post defenders, and the 7'1" Obasie has the size to match up with Sebastian. Luke Christensen and Dane Barlow each score 12 points; they're the only other Wildcats in double figures. Record: 23-1 (9-1). February 10, 2038 #1 Villanova 88, @Providence 78 Sebastian Roberts adds to his credentials as a possible Big East Player of the Year with a 21-point, 17-rebound performance at Providence. He leads a group of three double-figure scorers that also includes Charlie Lambert (20) and Luke Christensen (17 in 16 minutes). And Seb also leads a group of three double-figure rebounders, along with Lambert (10) and Demetrius Reed (12). Dane Barlow matches his 6.0 assists-per-game average perfectly. Record: 24-1 (10-1). |
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03-09-2024, 08:03 PM
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#697 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 14, 2038
@#1 Villanova 100, Michigan 74 A brief interlude from the Big East campaign brings the Wolverines to Wawa Arena. Dane Barlow stars with a career-best 26 points and adds 9 assists. Dane gets quality help from Charlie Lambert (22p/11r) and Demetrius Reed (7p/8r/3b). Our high point total is more the effect of our very fast pace. We take 79 shots, making 42; the other night, we attempted 81 against Providence. We're not accurate from three-point range (8-for-27). Fun stat fact: All five starters finish with exactly four fouls. Record: 25-1 (10-1). February 17, 2038 #1 Villanova 90, @St. John's 53 Five of our players score in double figures, and all finish with totals divisible by five. Charlie Lambert (20p/12r/2b) leads the way. Zayden Calhoun (15p/4a/3s), Sebastian Roberts (15p/8r/3b), Luke Christensen (15p), and Dane Barlow (10p/6a) follow. Demetrius Reed plays 27 minutes, grabs 9 rebounds, and misses his single field goal attempt. Record: 26-1 (11-1). February 24, 2038 @#1 Villanova 86, Syracuse 73 All three frontcourt starters grab at least 12 rebounds, part of a 52-39 advantage on the glass that helps us overcome our 36% shooting. Charlie Lambert (24p/12r), Sebastian Roberts (19p/12r), and Demetrius Reed (2p/13r/3b) are active all night long. Big D again blocks more shots than he attempts. Nick Spencer contributes 10 points off the bench. Record: 27-1 (12-1). February 28, 2038 @#1 Villanova 65, Seton Hall 58 The Pirates focus their defensive efforts on containing Charlie Lambert, and it works well. Charlie takes only 9 shots (he averages over 13), making 2, and scoring 7 points. Fortunately, several of Charlie's teammates step up. Zayden Calhoun leads us with 14 points, and grabs 8 boards. Sebastian Roberts finishes with a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Demetrius Reed, tired of being cast as a no-offense player, produces 10 points to go with his 10 rebounds. Record: 28-1 (13-1). Sutton Watch: I'll post Charlie Sutton's "hero card" at the end of the season, but I want to congratulate him for scoring his 1000th career point. He scored it at LSU on February 6, as I thought he might. Charlie's Vanderbilt Commodores (18-11, 11-6) are looking forward to an NCAA tournament invitation. |
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03-09-2024, 10:29 PM
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#698 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 3, 2038
Code:
It's Senior Night for Charlie Lambert and Erick Sullivan, and both men play well. Erick is as impactful as any walk-on I've ever coached, and he plays much more than "thank you" minutes in a game we have to win. He blocks almost as many shots per 30 minutes as Charlie does, and he displays his trademark skill 3 times tonight. The Panthers' zone defense contains Zayden Calhoun and Dane Barlow very well, but Sebastian Roberts finds plenty of joy. I'm surprised Pitt coach Steven Bumgarner doesn't let Chris Hicks, one of the nation's best post defenders, guard Seb man-to-man. We face one more very tough opponent, Boston College, on Saturday. But no matter what happens, we'll enter the conference tournament as its top seed. Record: 29-1 (14-1). March 6, 2038 @#5 Boston College 87, #1 Villanova 74 Taylor Murray scores 22 points and dishes out 11 assists to lead the Eagles in a successful defense of their home court. They defend us well, and we shoot terribly: we're 23-for-67 overall, and a horrific 5-for-28 from three-point distance. Sebastian Roberts finishes with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Charlie Lambert (12p/9r), Dane Barlow (16p/7a/2s), Demetrius Reed (7p/9a/6b), and Luke Christensen (12p/4s) also do noteworthy things. Record: 29-2 (14-2). |
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03-09-2024, 11:04 PM
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#699 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 11, 2038
After tonight's play-in game, here's how the Big East tournament bracket looks:  March 12, 2038 Big East Tournament Quarterfinal (1) #1 Villanova 85, (8) Seton Hall 57 We play much better than we did against the Pirates last month, and advance to the semifinals with relative ease. Our opponents once again do a decent job of containing Charlie Lambert (13p/5r), but they have no answer for Sebastian Roberts (20p/11r). Seb scores 10 of his points at the free throw line, in 11 attempts. They have even more difficulty containing Zayden Calhoun, who scorches them for 24 points and grabs 9 boards. Luke Christensen scores 15 points, and Dane Barlow hands out 8 assists. Graham Sims has coached his Villanova teams to 30 or more victories every year since he arrived on the Main Line. His last four Lafayette squads also won at least 30 games. so that means Coach Sims' streak extends to 16 consecutive seasons. Record: 30-2. March 13, 2038 Big East Tournament Semifinal Code:
I don't think I've ever seen us finish with seven players in double figures. James Sanders, Jr. is going to be a very good college player, but he goes up against grown men tonight in Seb Roberts, Erick Sullivan, Charlie Lambert, and Demetrius Reed. Big D is only a year older, but a year's worth of Big East battles matures a player quickly. A rematch with Boston College awaits us. Record: 31-2. March 14, 2038 Big East Tournament Championship Code:
You could say we win it at the free throw line, where we go 14-for-18 to the Eagles 9-for-20. Our percentage is almost exactly equal to our nation's best .775 mark from the stripe. We also knock down almost half our three-pointers, giving us another edge that could mathematically ensure our victory. Freshman Zayden Calhoun plays very well on a day when the Eagles handle our top scorers quite well. Record: 32-2. |
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03-10-2024, 12:02 AM
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#700 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 15, 2038
The Ides of March see us seeded first in the NCAA East Region. The other top seeds are Kentucky (West), Boston College (Midwest), and Louisville (South). March 19, 2038 NCAA East Region, First Round (1) #1 Villanova 106, (16) Albany 47 Two Wildcats achieve career highs in scoring as we muzzle the Great Danes. Charlie Lambert drills 7 of 11 three-pointers en route to a 32-point game. Dane Barlow goes 6-for-9 behind the arc and finishes with 27. Sebastian Roberts (15p/12r), Luke Christensen (12p/2s) and Demetrius Reed (0p/8r/3b) provide strong support. I looked it up, and over the course of his career, Demetrius has blocked more of his opponents' shots (120) than he has made (111). Lafayette's Samuel Davis did that, too, and Big Sazzy's difference was even greater (403 blocks, 286 FGM). Maybe true Blue Collar Men do this more often than I thought. Ezra Love only made 22 more shots than he blocked in his career, and he was the #1 pick in the pro draft. Record: 33-2. March 21, 2038 NCAA East Region, Second Round Code:
The game is tied, 37-37 at halftime. Seb scores 22 of his points in the second period, and we need almost every one of them. In fact, Sutton nearly ties the score at 87 with 11 seconds left, but his shot kicks in and out. It's only one of two threes he'll miss. Charlie's still had a heck of a season. I'll include a look at it in my year-end reports. Record: 34-2. March 26, 2038 NCAA East Region Semifinal: the Sweet Sixteen (1) #1 Villanova 82, (4) #17 Kansas State 55 Dane Barlow authors a 16-point, 8-assist, 8-rebound performance to lead Villanova to the East Region final. Zayden Calhoun scores 20 and rebounds 8, while Seb Roberts finishes with 14 points, 5 boards, and 2 steals. Record: 35-2. March 28, 2038 NCAA East Region Final: the Elite Eight (1) #1 Villanova 102, (2) #6 West Virginia 91 We get the better of a former conference foe, with several Wildcats making crucial contributions. Sebastian Roberts is named PotG on the strength of his 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Zayden Calhoun (20p/8r/3s) would have been another fine choice, as would Charlie Lambert (24p/5r). Dane Barlow (14p/7a) and Luke Christensen (13p) also perform well. Rod Brinkman scores 30 points for the Mountaineers, and Jack Edwards adds 27. You might remember us recruiting Edwards three years ago. He's lived up to that #2 overall ranking. We earn a spot in the Final Four once again. This is Graham's seventh trip to the Final Four at Villanova, and his ninth overall. Record: 36-2. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 03-10-2024 at 12:05 AM. |
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