2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Preview: # 3 The Iona Gaels

# 3 The Iona Gaels

Head Coach: Tim Cluess

2009-2010 Record: 21-10

2009-2010 Conference Record: 12-6


Iona returns a core group of players that hit the twenty win mark last season, and that folks is no easy task in Division 1 basketball. Kevin Willard is now at Seton Hall, but guys like Scott Machado, Alejo Rodriguez, and a group of experience veterans remain in New Rochelle.


Tim Cluess made his mark at the Division 2 level, pilling off wins like Bob Knight for the last four years at C.W. Post. C.W. Post is a far cry from Indiana, but Cluess does have Division 1 experience. Cluess played his college ball at St. Johns and Hofstra.


Talent and experience remains at Iona. Can Cluess make the jump from Division 2 to help lead Iona to a MAAC title? Getting out of the first round may be a start, something Kevin Willard failed to do. But expectations in New Rochelle should have their sites set beyond the first round of MAAC tournament play. The tools are there, lets see if Cluess can put them in the right places.


The Low Down On The Gaels:

It all starts with Machado and Cluess. Machado has been one of the leagues elite guards since his freshman season. Although effective (how can you argue with 20 wins?) Kevin Willards helter skelter style of play often took minutes, shots, and play making opportunities away from Machado. I have yet to speak to Cluess, but my educated guess would be that he will look to play Machado more minutes with the ball exclusively in his hands.



If Machado has improved his shooting at all and Cluess gives him more minutes and more shot opportunities Machado could vastly improve his scoring and assists, both of which have never been anything to get overly excited about.


If Rodriguez can get healthy and stay healthy, he will be one of most effective centers in the league. He stays in character and does what he does best, which is rebound, finish around the hoop, and play within himself.

Look for Mike McFadden to take a step or two forward from his freshman season. The power forward is a tough hard nosed player that will compliment Rodriguez in the front court. He, like Rodriguez plays within himself and is effective around the basket and is tenacious on the glass.

The Negatives:

You never really know for sure how a new coach will work out, especially someone who has yet to coach a game at the division one level. It will be interesting to see how Cluess can manage a team that has been together for a while and is thirsty to make a jump past the first round of the MAAC tournament.

Who will step up and help Machado in the backcourt? Machado is the closest thing to a star at Iona, and he will need someone to play second fiddle to him in the backcourt. In years past Iona's guards have been nothing more than role players. Can someone like Kyle Smyth, Rashawn Dwight, or Trinity Fields, step up as scorers and leaders? If Iona anticipates a MAAC title all three of these players will have to excellerate their games. Cluess could be whatthese players need to take that step.