From the fire, and back into the fog:
Three months ago, I broke back into the world of writing.
Well, kind of.
The closest I've been was my five month stint with the Times Union. I wrote about Siena basketball. Some people like it. They didn't pay me anything and I still hassle them once a week. Is a gift certificate to Wendy's too much to ask for?
Since then I have wrote pieces on via BlogSpot and posted them on Facebook. Similar to most aspiring writers, I'm lazy, but three months ago I wrote a whopper.
I was going through a rut at the time. We all hit 'em.
What came out on screen was dark. If you know me, you know I'm generally a positive individual.
But a rut is a rut, so I wrote dammit. Spit it out on paper and let people think what they want to think.
Write first, think later.
Reading it now, it scares me a bit.
I wasn't in a great place.
I felt like the world was pressing against me.
I felt like I was in a burning building.
I heard voices outside coming for me, but nobody could get in to pull me out.
I grabbed for my soul and found it.
Then I ran.
I ran the hell out of that building. Literally ran.
I hit the streets like Balboa in Rocky Six and tried my best not too look back.
Initially, I felt like a lifetime smoker. I also ran like one.
I hacked and spit and did my best to keep pumping my legs.
It was the most physical exercise I had done since my boys from Siena and I went to beat up on some Italians a few summers ago.
My ankle throbbed and I liked it. I liked the burn and it liked me back.
On more then one occasion I received taunts from jackass high school kids who could clearly see me struggling. If only they knew, I used to be a big deal.
Slowly but surely, I began to become an athlete again.
The ankle still hurt, but the lungs felt better. I went a little more each day. Before each run, I'd pick out a person or a thing that would help me keep going. I was having a good time.
Two months into my new outlook on life ("Just run dammit"), I was on my daily journey. The sun was blazing and I liked that burn too.
I thought alot on my journeys.
I thought about everything, nothing, and anything.
All of a sudden I was brought out of my thoughts.
A horn was blaring and a car had slowed down.
"I swear if it's those damn kids again, I will pull them out of the car one by one," I thought.
It wasn't them.
It was a car full of females. That's right gentlemen, females.
I don't know if they were good looking or not, but frankly I didn't give a shit.
They hooted and hollered, and I smiled and waved.
Then I went back into my head and kept running.
So I got out of the burning building. Wohoo! Good, grand, great, wonderful!
Parts remain, some always will. We all feel the flames from time to time, sometimes hotter than others.
Just don't let yourself get trapped in that building. It's a long road out. So find a way out. And do it fast.
With the running I had found something. I felt alive and high.
I don't take drugs, so I don't know what that high feels like.
I do take beer, and know what it feels like to have a few in you.
But this was different. This was like playing ball again.
Then one day I ran into a fog. Back into a fog.
I thought I was out. I was sure I was.
I spent eight months in a fog once. It was a head hitting induced fog.
It's a fog that cripples you and makes a day seem like a long month.
So you could imagine my fear when this started happening:
One day at work I began to feel dizzy.
I felt real dizzy.
I didn't tell anyone. I'd sleep it off like a bad night at a bar in college.
I tried to ignore it, but it was relentless. I could function and get by without anyone knowing, but it was like a bad case of poison ivy. It just kept coming.
Everyday for two weeks I sold beds to people while eyeing a spot for my landing, which I was convinced would come any minute.
Over two years ago I got hit in the head with the hammer that is Ryan Rossiters elbow. It wasn't the first, second, third, fourth, or tenth time that kind of thing had happened. It's just the one that did the most damage.
It changed my life and still does to this day.
Since I smarted up and went to the Doctor, my symptoms have improved.
Nevertheless, tommrow I will have surgery on my left ear.
The injury happened over two years ago, but may have been re opened while running out of the fire.
I don't regret it. Far from it.
For the next week I will be on the laying low. I will be hanging out with King, Hemmingway, Bukowski, and Eric Taylor from Friday Night Lights. And don't forget, the infamous Phil.
I'd like visitors and presents. Mainly just presents. But if you want to stay and chat I'd love to have you.
Beer is out for now. But you can bring your own! Gatorade and chocolate milk would be appreciated.
When I feel up to it, I might clap on the keys for a while and take you inside my world.
If I seem like I'm on drugs, I probably am.
Come mid July, I'll get my runners high back.
I'm sure I'll have to hack and spit for a while. My ankle will get upset with me again. Maybe those high school kids will even come taunt me again. As long as they don't throw anything at my head, I'm fine with it.
Before I know it, the car of girls will come by again. I'll smile and wave.
Then I'll just keep running.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
This blogs for you Dad. One of the good guys. Happy Father's Day Dad.
It's funny growing up.
My earliest memories are of following what my older brother and father did.
That's what you do when you're that young. You follow the people in front of you, because you don't know any other way.
You keep doing that for a while, and it feels good. When you fall down, they pick you up. Time moves on, time moves fast (it always does).
Adolescence is when you get too cool to follow your dad. You and your older brother get in too many fights in the front yard to really say you follow him.
You pick out people on TV to immolate.
For me it was always a basketball player.
It was Shawn Kemp for awhile. If I had continued following his footsteps I'd be in the 300 club with a reputation for cocaine and women.
You go through high school with a variety of influences pushing you through, guiding you to the next step. Some of the people are great. Some of the people you will remember and keep in touch with. Some you don't.
In the background there he was, guiding with a light hand. Never pushing, but always there waiting in the wings if I were to fall.
Then you get to college. The time of mistakes, short lived glory, mistakes, and education.
In college you try things on your own for a while, not really following anyone.
You're too old to make movie stars and athletes your role models, and still seem too proud to commit to following anyone in particular. You're a boy trying to be a man, succeeding a little, and failing often.
He's still there in the background. Watching. Even when you don't call or write, or don't seem to listen to the advice he offers, he's still there watching and ready to catch you when you fall. He knows you will, because at some point, we all do.
Then I fall.
I fall and he comes and finds me.
Drops everything and comes.
He see's you hurt in more ways than one.
See's the game you've loved and played for years being slowly but so quickly taken away from you.
He mows down everything in his path to get me back to where I need to be.
You see him in action, and you realize that this man is your hero. No questions about it, this is the guy.
You take notes. He gives a little advice, nothing extreme, but somehow every word you soak up like a sponge.
Life moves along. The circus that is college is in it's final year. You take a new approach, with the man that has always been there in mind.
You have some fun, make some memories, and adjust to a new way of life. It's scary and strange, and from time to time things get tough, but you know now where to go when scary and strange happens.
Whether it's a phone call, or just a memory, he lifts you up.
College ends and the real world is here.
You've heard rumors about this place.
But none of those rumors could prepare you for it.
It hits like a ton of bricks.
You're really on your own now. Things change quickly. Friends and relationships that you had for what seemed like forever seem to disappear quicker than how they arrived.
And then things get tough again. You're at another one of those points when you question where your soul is. You go home again.
It's where you need to be. You need to take notes again. You need to see him in action, even if it's just for a day.
You see him. The man he is. The man his father was. You see a man with true grit.
Yeah, just like the movie, True Grit.
He doesn't wear revolvers around his waste. He doesn't drink whiskey for breakfast or hand roll cigarettes, but he has the grit.
With a smile that lights up a room, and personality that could sell a diamond ring to a homeless man, he's a tough dude. He doesn't need to act tough to be tough. Most of the tough one's don't. He just is.
That's my dad. The man who I try and be just like.
It has been a wild ride since I graduated from college. I'm assuming most recent college grads would say the same thing.
Shit, it was a wild ride when I was in college. Lot of ups and some downs. Ah, the downs. The one's where you wake up in the morning and say out loud, "How the hell am I going to do this?"
After a while, you smile to yourself, and think of all the times you have done this.
When you're going through times of uncertainty and change you find the one who knows the playing field. You handle the situations like they would.
Growing up everyone in town knew my dad. He was like a celebrity on the streets of Bangor. It didn't matter if it was the mayor or the bum on the street he used to chum with in high school. It didn't matter who they were, or how they were dressed, my dad always had time to talk.
I got embarrassed. Always having to stop and shake hands and learn new names. I just wanted to go to the gym and play ball, that's all.
I wish I could do that over again. See all the peoples faces when they saw my father. It's so clear to me now as a young man why everyone wanted to stop and talk to him.
Why wouldn't you want to stop and talk to a guy who makes you feel like a million bucks?
Bill Magee is my father, and my hero.
My story is a long one, all of ours are.
We all get hit, we all fall down, we all have highs, we all have days when we wake up and say out loud, "What am I supposed to be doing here?"
We fall down. Sometimes we get knocked down. Then we scramble to stand up. Bill Magee helps me stand, then I move. Hopefully one day just like him.
Happy Fathers Day Dad
My earliest memories are of following what my older brother and father did.
That's what you do when you're that young. You follow the people in front of you, because you don't know any other way.
You keep doing that for a while, and it feels good. When you fall down, they pick you up. Time moves on, time moves fast (it always does).
Adolescence is when you get too cool to follow your dad. You and your older brother get in too many fights in the front yard to really say you follow him.
You pick out people on TV to immolate.
For me it was always a basketball player.
It was Shawn Kemp for awhile. If I had continued following his footsteps I'd be in the 300 club with a reputation for cocaine and women.
You go through high school with a variety of influences pushing you through, guiding you to the next step. Some of the people are great. Some of the people you will remember and keep in touch with. Some you don't.
In the background there he was, guiding with a light hand. Never pushing, but always there waiting in the wings if I were to fall.
Then you get to college. The time of mistakes, short lived glory, mistakes, and education.
In college you try things on your own for a while, not really following anyone.
You're too old to make movie stars and athletes your role models, and still seem too proud to commit to following anyone in particular. You're a boy trying to be a man, succeeding a little, and failing often.
He's still there in the background. Watching. Even when you don't call or write, or don't seem to listen to the advice he offers, he's still there watching and ready to catch you when you fall. He knows you will, because at some point, we all do.
Then I fall.
I fall and he comes and finds me.
Drops everything and comes.
He see's you hurt in more ways than one.
See's the game you've loved and played for years being slowly but so quickly taken away from you.
He mows down everything in his path to get me back to where I need to be.
You see him in action, and you realize that this man is your hero. No questions about it, this is the guy.
You take notes. He gives a little advice, nothing extreme, but somehow every word you soak up like a sponge.
Life moves along. The circus that is college is in it's final year. You take a new approach, with the man that has always been there in mind.
You have some fun, make some memories, and adjust to a new way of life. It's scary and strange, and from time to time things get tough, but you know now where to go when scary and strange happens.
Whether it's a phone call, or just a memory, he lifts you up.
College ends and the real world is here.
You've heard rumors about this place.
But none of those rumors could prepare you for it.
It hits like a ton of bricks.
You're really on your own now. Things change quickly. Friends and relationships that you had for what seemed like forever seem to disappear quicker than how they arrived.
And then things get tough again. You're at another one of those points when you question where your soul is. You go home again.
It's where you need to be. You need to take notes again. You need to see him in action, even if it's just for a day.
You see him. The man he is. The man his father was. You see a man with true grit.
Yeah, just like the movie, True Grit.
He doesn't wear revolvers around his waste. He doesn't drink whiskey for breakfast or hand roll cigarettes, but he has the grit.
With a smile that lights up a room, and personality that could sell a diamond ring to a homeless man, he's a tough dude. He doesn't need to act tough to be tough. Most of the tough one's don't. He just is.
That's my dad. The man who I try and be just like.
It has been a wild ride since I graduated from college. I'm assuming most recent college grads would say the same thing.
Shit, it was a wild ride when I was in college. Lot of ups and some downs. Ah, the downs. The one's where you wake up in the morning and say out loud, "How the hell am I going to do this?"
After a while, you smile to yourself, and think of all the times you have done this.
When you're going through times of uncertainty and change you find the one who knows the playing field. You handle the situations like they would.
Growing up everyone in town knew my dad. He was like a celebrity on the streets of Bangor. It didn't matter if it was the mayor or the bum on the street he used to chum with in high school. It didn't matter who they were, or how they were dressed, my dad always had time to talk.
I got embarrassed. Always having to stop and shake hands and learn new names. I just wanted to go to the gym and play ball, that's all.
I wish I could do that over again. See all the peoples faces when they saw my father. It's so clear to me now as a young man why everyone wanted to stop and talk to him.
Why wouldn't you want to stop and talk to a guy who makes you feel like a million bucks?
Bill Magee is my father, and my hero.
My story is a long one, all of ours are.
We all get hit, we all fall down, we all have highs, we all have days when we wake up and say out loud, "What am I supposed to be doing here?"
We fall down. Sometimes we get knocked down. Then we scramble to stand up. Bill Magee helps me stand, then I move. Hopefully one day just like him.
Happy Fathers Day Dad
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
From the fire, but up and moving.
It has been some time since I have written anything that anyone's eyes other than my own has seen.
At the time I was anticipating the Siena Saints up and coming basketball season with a great deal of optimism. I firmly believed that the Saints had the body work to put together another spectacular season.
Similar to many of the things I had hoped for during my inaugural eight months in the adult world, my optimism was proved wrong. I watched from the bleachers and my couch, feeling the pain of their mediocrity this season.
Over the past eight months, I have felt much more disappointment than I had ever expected. I knew there would be adjustments and rocky roads, I'm not as dumb as I look, but I wasn't prepared for this.
Life is still great in ways, sometimes they are just hard to see. As many young adults can attest to, the first year in the real world can hit you like a ton of bricks. You feel like your trapped inside a burning building. You hear help outside, but they can't seem to come in and rescue you.
I am almost twenty four years young, and I am still trapped in the burning building. I'm not totally alone, although sometimes I feel like I am. At times I've felt like laying down and letting the flames do their job on me. I fall asleep without much optimism, or hope for that matter. I wake up and by God the sun still rises! (or for much of these months, the snow still falls!). There may not be optimism there, but some hope is still left. The fire has yet to take away the four walls that surround me.
Yes, hope is there.
I think of the past months, and the obstacles and frustrations that life has thrown at me. Some have been beyond my control, others have been self induced. These bumps in the road make me feel like I've wasted my time, lost my fight, and pushed away some people and things that I love and have never failed to love me in return.
These post college obstacles and frustrations are minuscule compared to some of the horror and terror that has been going on in the world lately. Nevertheless, the obstacles and frustrations are still there, right in front of me, and boy are they real. I could be wrong, maybe I am, because I am still trapped inside, but I've come up with a few observations and conclusions while I've been in here.
1. Giving up on things you love is not an option, it just isn't. If you give up on anything you love, part of you will be trapped in that burning building forever, never too see the light of day. The burning building is not fun. A variety of debris and bricks fall on you daily and you go to sleep every night with new scars and bruises. The more wounds you accumulate, the hotter the flames get, and it gets harder to hear anyone outside coming for help. Before long, nobody will be outside.
Giving up MUST be set aside. Unless you like the burning building, which there are usually a select few. Usually those who like being in there are heroin addicts and horrific alcoholics. See my friend Charles Bukowski.
2. Time can move quick in the real world if you let it. The phrase "time fly's when your having fun," can be quickly shoved aside, because I have had little fun the past eight months, and even less over the past three.
I have a job that allows me to pay rent and purchase useless items from week to week. I do not manage my money well, and don't plan to for the time being (I'm still in the fire, remember?).
You talk to people who have been in this circus for a while. Some are happy, some act happy, and some are just downright miserable (definitely in the fire).
I work in a furniture store, and believe me, there is honor to it, as there is in almost any job. It isn't my dream job but it gets me my rent money and enough to eat. I've met some men and women who do their job with pride and do it damn well. Men who I would be proud to call my friend. But honestly, is that what they dreamed of doing in life? No, of course not. The majority of the American population isn't doing what they dreamed of doing, and in some situations that is OK.
But for some it is not OK ( the pretenders the miserables). These people have been in the real world (or even worse in the burning building) for so long they don't even remember their dreams. Well I still remember mine, and as I've stated, I'm almost twenty four years young! Indeed I am still young, but for the good or the worse, time moves fast! There is a voice deep inside me that screams "GET MOVING CORY, GO NOW! GO!" It is hard to get moving when your trapped inside the burning building. You try anyways, have little to show for it, and lay back down.
As of right now, I'm choosing not to lay back down, and anyone who is willing to openly admit of similar frustrations, I urge you not to lay down either. People will come for help, and you will help yourself, as long as your willing. Anyone who is too arrogant and proud to admit this, have fun living the nightmare.
3. Regret is a hurtful thing, and many times it can be horrific.
While in the fire, it is indeed horrific.
A quick word from the fire on regret; don't wait too long on anything you love. I've waited long enough on things I love over the past eight months, and the results are anything but desirable. If you love something do it, or at least try. Months move like minutes, and you'll feel alot better if you at least try.
Sometimes you lose an ounce of faith on things you love for one reason or another. When that happens people go into a shell, especially emotional people like myself. Once upon a time I lost faith in basketball.
I still love it to this day, but never fully recovered from the physical injury it caused me, and the ability to play it competitively again.
I have lost interest in my writing from time to time, but the typewriter is still with me and so are a few ideas that I plug away at while inside.
I stopped reading for a while, but have since resumed. There are too many stories and people to read about to put the books down. Yup, the literature is still here, and the magic still exists (burning building or not).
I didn't work out for months, a healthy and nourishing activity that I have done my whole life, until I got stuck in the fire.
I have found that I can still do push ups in the fire, and there is land all around for me to run (it's a big building). Hecklers or not, falling debris or not, running and pumping up my notoriously small chest is still here.
The most important piece to the puzzle is not with me. "Minutes away, but miles apart." This part, I will have to stay in the fire without, with regret, but never without faith.
I'll wrap this up now, there is a world to live, and a regret less day ahead. I'm not depressed, just in the fire. In the fire, but walking around, trying to claw my way out. The sun is fighting to come through, and I welcome it with a half smile, hope, and cautious optimism. Without these, there is no hope in the fire.
From the fire, Cory Magee
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Preview: # 1 The Siena Saints
# 1: The Siena Saints
Head Coach: Mitch Buonaguro
2009-2010 Record: 27-7
2009-2010 Conference Record: 17-1
Champions until proven wrong, right folks?
Alot can change in a year. In Loudonville it has. The most successful coach in school history is at Iowa. The player of the year is in Spain. The conferences best assist man ever is in a country that is hard to pronounce, and possibly the best talent the program has ever seen is preparing to launch his own professional career.
Coach Buonaguro takes the sidelines this Saturday as a front man for the first time in 19 years. Ahead of him lies high expectations and a team that has undoubtedly lost four pieces of greatness.
What remains is enough to pick Siena at number one entering the MAAC season. Call me a "homer," maybe I am. But what you have at Siena is two first team all league players and a group of players hungry to prove they still belong on top.
Is winning the MAAC a sure thing for Siena? Far from it. If they are to win a fourth straight MAAC title it will have to come on Fairfield's home floor. There could be up to five teams that I have previewed that could go dancing this year. By years end, I believe you will see a finished Siena product that will get it done again.
The Low Down On The Saints:
It all starts with two seniors.
Ryan Rossiter is a man amongst boys now, a far cry from what he was three years ago. Rossiter has attracted some NBA interest and is a double double machine. Rossiter is one of the best rebounders in the country. Look for him to lead Siena by example and vocally this season. He will be a terror inside for any team in the MAAC. Also look for him to shoot more from the perimeter this season.
Clarence Jackson is the most explosive scorer in this league. He can string together threes in bunches and is dangerous on the break. Defense has never been Jackson's strength, but look for him to step it up on the other side of the ball this season. Buonaguro has harped heavily upon defense this preseason.
Rossiter and Jackson are two of the best in the league, but who will step up around them? I believe it will be done by committee, but you can start with O.D. Anosike who is a sophomore now. He could be the next all leaguer to wear the green and gold. Anosike has big shoes to fill with the loss of player of the year Alex Franklin.
Anosike is different than Franklin, but has the potential to put up double figure points and rebounds on any given night. It will be key for the team for him to improve on his foul shooting. Anosike will be key to have on the floor late game.
Buonaguro has said that he will play more players than Fran McCaffery did. Don't be surprised to see Siena go ten players deep every game. Owen Wignot and Kyle Griffin will start alongside Rossiter, Jackson, and Anosike.
Wignot is a athlete who will rebound and block shots above the rim. Look for him to get his points on open threes, pull up jump shots, and in transition. Griffin is a steady veteran point guard who can drill threes. Wignot and Griffin's ability too stroke the three along with Jackson will be vital to opening things up for Rossiter inside.
Kyle Downey could be one of the best sixth men in the league, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him start in some league games alongside Jackson. Downey's main problem is staying healthy. He is currently out with a knee sprain, but don't count on him being out long. The kid is tough as nails, can score in a variety of ways, and is the hard nosed defender that Buonaguro loves. Expect Jon Breeden to play backup to Jackson in Downey's absence. Breeden will add quickness and shooting ability to the backcourt.
The Saints have the biggest and likely the most talented front line in the league. Along with Rossiter and Anosike they will bring in even bigger bodies off the bench with Davis Martens, Brandon Walters, and Steve Priestly.
Martens seems to be the frontrunner to gain most of the minutes off the bench for the Saints. He is extremly athletic and has a skill set to go along with it. Walters is a space eater who can run the floor and block shots. Priestly is a wide bodied rebounder who does alot of little things right when he is out there. Don't be surprised to see any three of these players get double digit minutes on any given night.
Freshman are always a wild card but Siena has two good ones. Trenity Burdine has been slowed in the preseason by a foot problem, but look for him to impact games this year with his shooting ability and length. Rakeem Brookins could see more and more time as the season progresses. Expect him and Griffin to split time at the point guard slot through much of the season. Brookins is a hard nosed player with great shooting ability.
The Negatives:
Siena lost three of the programs greatest player ever and a coach that did nothing but win. There will be a drop off. Don't expect many blowouts. This team is more defensive minded than in the past, and will have to be to win. Aside from Rossiter and Jackson, they don't have the veteran stars they have in the past, so they will have to find some consistent scroing elsewhere to succeed.
The question is, who will do it? This a question that can only be answered in time. With a ultra competitive non league schedule look for Siena to take some bumps and bruises early as they figure out their new identity.
Griffin and Brookins are both point guards I'd take on my team any day of the week, but neither are Ronald Moore. Buonaguro won't expect them to be Moore, but it will be interesting come mid season who has the ball in their hands at the end of the game. Brookins has the potential to be a great guard in this league and Griffin's basketball I.Q. is through the roof, but will either of these factors be enough to help push the Saints over the top? Look for Siena to do some soul searching early on and have things clicking on all cylinders come March.
Even if things are clicking on all cylinders there are no walks in the park for this team. Expect a dog fight for the league title in March with five or six teams with the potential to put on their dancing shoes.
Stay tuned for my All-League picks. Thanks for reading folks! Get ready for a competitive and fun season.
Head Coach: Mitch Buonaguro
2009-2010 Record: 27-7
2009-2010 Conference Record: 17-1
Champions until proven wrong, right folks?
Alot can change in a year. In Loudonville it has. The most successful coach in school history is at Iowa. The player of the year is in Spain. The conferences best assist man ever is in a country that is hard to pronounce, and possibly the best talent the program has ever seen is preparing to launch his own professional career.
Coach Buonaguro takes the sidelines this Saturday as a front man for the first time in 19 years. Ahead of him lies high expectations and a team that has undoubtedly lost four pieces of greatness.
What remains is enough to pick Siena at number one entering the MAAC season. Call me a "homer," maybe I am. But what you have at Siena is two first team all league players and a group of players hungry to prove they still belong on top.
Is winning the MAAC a sure thing for Siena? Far from it. If they are to win a fourth straight MAAC title it will have to come on Fairfield's home floor. There could be up to five teams that I have previewed that could go dancing this year. By years end, I believe you will see a finished Siena product that will get it done again.
The Low Down On The Saints:
It all starts with two seniors.
Ryan Rossiter is a man amongst boys now, a far cry from what he was three years ago. Rossiter has attracted some NBA interest and is a double double machine. Rossiter is one of the best rebounders in the country. Look for him to lead Siena by example and vocally this season. He will be a terror inside for any team in the MAAC. Also look for him to shoot more from the perimeter this season.
Clarence Jackson is the most explosive scorer in this league. He can string together threes in bunches and is dangerous on the break. Defense has never been Jackson's strength, but look for him to step it up on the other side of the ball this season. Buonaguro has harped heavily upon defense this preseason.
Rossiter and Jackson are two of the best in the league, but who will step up around them? I believe it will be done by committee, but you can start with O.D. Anosike who is a sophomore now. He could be the next all leaguer to wear the green and gold. Anosike has big shoes to fill with the loss of player of the year Alex Franklin.
Anosike is different than Franklin, but has the potential to put up double figure points and rebounds on any given night. It will be key for the team for him to improve on his foul shooting. Anosike will be key to have on the floor late game.
Buonaguro has said that he will play more players than Fran McCaffery did. Don't be surprised to see Siena go ten players deep every game. Owen Wignot and Kyle Griffin will start alongside Rossiter, Jackson, and Anosike.
Wignot is a athlete who will rebound and block shots above the rim. Look for him to get his points on open threes, pull up jump shots, and in transition. Griffin is a steady veteran point guard who can drill threes. Wignot and Griffin's ability too stroke the three along with Jackson will be vital to opening things up for Rossiter inside.
Kyle Downey could be one of the best sixth men in the league, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him start in some league games alongside Jackson. Downey's main problem is staying healthy. He is currently out with a knee sprain, but don't count on him being out long. The kid is tough as nails, can score in a variety of ways, and is the hard nosed defender that Buonaguro loves. Expect Jon Breeden to play backup to Jackson in Downey's absence. Breeden will add quickness and shooting ability to the backcourt.
The Saints have the biggest and likely the most talented front line in the league. Along with Rossiter and Anosike they will bring in even bigger bodies off the bench with Davis Martens, Brandon Walters, and Steve Priestly.
Martens seems to be the frontrunner to gain most of the minutes off the bench for the Saints. He is extremly athletic and has a skill set to go along with it. Walters is a space eater who can run the floor and block shots. Priestly is a wide bodied rebounder who does alot of little things right when he is out there. Don't be surprised to see any three of these players get double digit minutes on any given night.
Freshman are always a wild card but Siena has two good ones. Trenity Burdine has been slowed in the preseason by a foot problem, but look for him to impact games this year with his shooting ability and length. Rakeem Brookins could see more and more time as the season progresses. Expect him and Griffin to split time at the point guard slot through much of the season. Brookins is a hard nosed player with great shooting ability.
The Negatives:
Siena lost three of the programs greatest player ever and a coach that did nothing but win. There will be a drop off. Don't expect many blowouts. This team is more defensive minded than in the past, and will have to be to win. Aside from Rossiter and Jackson, they don't have the veteran stars they have in the past, so they will have to find some consistent scroing elsewhere to succeed.
The question is, who will do it? This a question that can only be answered in time. With a ultra competitive non league schedule look for Siena to take some bumps and bruises early as they figure out their new identity.
Griffin and Brookins are both point guards I'd take on my team any day of the week, but neither are Ronald Moore. Buonaguro won't expect them to be Moore, but it will be interesting come mid season who has the ball in their hands at the end of the game. Brookins has the potential to be a great guard in this league and Griffin's basketball I.Q. is through the roof, but will either of these factors be enough to help push the Saints over the top? Look for Siena to do some soul searching early on and have things clicking on all cylinders come March.
Even if things are clicking on all cylinders there are no walks in the park for this team. Expect a dog fight for the league title in March with five or six teams with the potential to put on their dancing shoes.
Stay tuned for my All-League picks. Thanks for reading folks! Get ready for a competitive and fun season.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Men's Preview: # 2 Fairfield Stags
# 2: The Fairfield Stags
Head Coach: Ed Cooley
2009-2010 Record: 23-11
2009-2010 Conference Record: 13-5
Every publication that has previewed the MAAC has picked Fairfield at number one. It may not be an overwhelming number one like it has been at Siena the past two seasons, but still Fairfield seems to be deemed the favorite.
Fairfield very well could win the league this year, and the fact that just last night they lost to Division 2 Stonehill has nothing to do with this prediction. Fairfield in my mind finishes a close second this year, but I won't be baffled by any means to see the Stags win the MAAC title on their home floor this year; I just won't put my money on it here in early November.
The Low Down On The Stags:
Derek Needham is the best guard in this league. He came out of deep right field last year to surprise the heck out of everyone in the league who never heard his name in high school. Ed Cooley found a gem from the mid west and is now banking on this kid to help lead him to a MAAC title.
Needham is a combo guard who has the eyes of a killer when he is playing. Although turnover prone, Needham can score in bunches and can change the course of the game all by himself. A one man fast break with great north to south speed, Needham will do his best to expand on a stellar Rookie Of The Year season.
So who is coming along for the ride with Needham? Well there are likely plenty of willing participants. Guards Lyndon Jordan and Collin Nickerson will likely share the duties of Needhams backcourt mate, with freshman Jamel Fields having the potential for an impact freshman season.
The real question is can a group of senior forwards stay healthy? Greg Nero, Warren Edney, and Yorel Hawkins have all been or shown flashes of being all league players. All three have endured a variety of injuries over the past three years. Nero's career was and may still be in jeopardy by a crippling case of Mono. Edney has had chronic foot problems, and Hawkins suffered a knee injury last season.
If these three seniors can stay healthy and are at the height of their playing ability, this number two pick may be a bust. Throw these three in with Needham and a cast of good role players and the league may be in trouble. When healthy Nero is an unorthodox hard playing big man who can give you a double double on any given night. Hawkins and Edney are slashing wings who will rebound and dunk with authority. All three if healthy are three of the best in the league.
The second biggest question with this team is what are you going to get out of Ryan Olander? Olander is a junior now and is one of the biggest players in the league and has skill to go with it. Has Olander found more aggression and assertiveness than he has in years past? If he has you may see yet another potential all league player on Fairfields roster. It will be interesting to see if Olander can be an answer to some of the leagues premier big men (Rossiter, Bacon, Rodriguez).
The Negatives:
The keys to this team winning a MAAC title on their home floor in March are their three injury plagued seniors staying healthy, and Ryan Olander establishing himself as a consistent force in this league. Both of these things could happen, and if they do it will be very hard for any team in the league to upend Fairfield in March.
How likely is it that both of these issues go in Fairfield's favor? Honestly I'm not sure. On the health front you would hope all three stay healthy. The last thing you want to see is one of these seniors experience reoccurring problems. That being said, the Division 1 basketball season is a long and at times painful.
We will see if Cooley and his staff have figured out a way to sustain Olanders flashes of dominance. The kid is 6"10 and skilled. If Olander can find a way to be a force on the block and continue his versatility as a shooter and passer Fairfield is in buisness, and could maybe even afford a injury or two. If not they may need some outstanding performances from Needham and his backcourt mates to have a chance.
Head Coach: Ed Cooley
2009-2010 Record: 23-11
2009-2010 Conference Record: 13-5
Every publication that has previewed the MAAC has picked Fairfield at number one. It may not be an overwhelming number one like it has been at Siena the past two seasons, but still Fairfield seems to be deemed the favorite.
Fairfield very well could win the league this year, and the fact that just last night they lost to Division 2 Stonehill has nothing to do with this prediction. Fairfield in my mind finishes a close second this year, but I won't be baffled by any means to see the Stags win the MAAC title on their home floor this year; I just won't put my money on it here in early November.
The Low Down On The Stags:
Derek Needham is the best guard in this league. He came out of deep right field last year to surprise the heck out of everyone in the league who never heard his name in high school. Ed Cooley found a gem from the mid west and is now banking on this kid to help lead him to a MAAC title.
Needham is a combo guard who has the eyes of a killer when he is playing. Although turnover prone, Needham can score in bunches and can change the course of the game all by himself. A one man fast break with great north to south speed, Needham will do his best to expand on a stellar Rookie Of The Year season.
So who is coming along for the ride with Needham? Well there are likely plenty of willing participants. Guards Lyndon Jordan and Collin Nickerson will likely share the duties of Needhams backcourt mate, with freshman Jamel Fields having the potential for an impact freshman season.
The real question is can a group of senior forwards stay healthy? Greg Nero, Warren Edney, and Yorel Hawkins have all been or shown flashes of being all league players. All three have endured a variety of injuries over the past three years. Nero's career was and may still be in jeopardy by a crippling case of Mono. Edney has had chronic foot problems, and Hawkins suffered a knee injury last season.
If these three seniors can stay healthy and are at the height of their playing ability, this number two pick may be a bust. Throw these three in with Needham and a cast of good role players and the league may be in trouble. When healthy Nero is an unorthodox hard playing big man who can give you a double double on any given night. Hawkins and Edney are slashing wings who will rebound and dunk with authority. All three if healthy are three of the best in the league.
The second biggest question with this team is what are you going to get out of Ryan Olander? Olander is a junior now and is one of the biggest players in the league and has skill to go with it. Has Olander found more aggression and assertiveness than he has in years past? If he has you may see yet another potential all league player on Fairfields roster. It will be interesting to see if Olander can be an answer to some of the leagues premier big men (Rossiter, Bacon, Rodriguez).
The Negatives:
The keys to this team winning a MAAC title on their home floor in March are their three injury plagued seniors staying healthy, and Ryan Olander establishing himself as a consistent force in this league. Both of these things could happen, and if they do it will be very hard for any team in the league to upend Fairfield in March.
How likely is it that both of these issues go in Fairfield's favor? Honestly I'm not sure. On the health front you would hope all three stay healthy. The last thing you want to see is one of these seniors experience reoccurring problems. That being said, the Division 1 basketball season is a long and at times painful.
We will see if Cooley and his staff have figured out a way to sustain Olanders flashes of dominance. The kid is 6"10 and skilled. If Olander can find a way to be a force on the block and continue his versatility as a shooter and passer Fairfield is in buisness, and could maybe even afford a injury or two. If not they may need some outstanding performances from Needham and his backcourt mates to have a chance.
Friday, October 29, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Preview: # 4 St. Peters Peacocks
# 4: St. Peters Peacocks
Head Coach: John Dunne
2009-2010 Record: 16-14
Conference Record: 11-7
St. Peters was a sure pick at my number three spot a month ago. Now with Senior guard Wesley Jenkins possibly lost for the season with a knee injury the Peacocks file in at number four.
John Dunne has built an outstanding and highly respected program in his time in Jersey City. The former Siena and Seton Hall assistant is a underrated front man who stresses defense and toughness. Each year under his guidance St. Peters has moved closer and closer to becoming a true contender in the MAAC.
2010-2011 seems to be a judgment year for Dunne and his team. A once young and pesky squad now seems ready to be one of the leagues elite. But can they do it without one of the top shooting guards in the league? As of right now nobody seems to be ready to give a honest answer as to Wesley Jenkins health. With or without Jenkins St. Peters will give teams problems, enough for me to still pick them at # 4, even if Jenkins does not play.
The Low Down On The Peacocks:
The back court of Nick Leon and Wesley Jenkins could be the best in the league. These two have been effective from jump street in Jersey City. Both are 1,000 point scorers who can string together threes in bunches. Leon is a undersized guard who plays with heart and craftiness. Although turnover prone, Leon gets the job done from the point guard slot. Jenkins could be the leagues best sniper from three land. Jenkins makes defenses play him honest with sharp and effective cuts to the rim.
While Jenkins and Leon have been carrying the scoring load over the past three years, Dunne has been patiently waiting for the front line to catch up. This year St. Peters will boast a front line that is more than capable of battling with the leagues elite.
Ryan Bacon is one of the leagues best at swatting shots and cleaning the glass. Bacon is the most tenacious rebounder in the league not named Rossiter. If Bacon has added an effective post move or two and improved his touch around the hoop, look for some big scoring outputs to go along with his rebounds and blocks.
Darius Conley is big and effective down low. He won't do anything flashy but fits St. Peter's pedigree of tough and tenacious. Throw him in with Bacon and you have a formidable front line.
Two under the radar players to watch will be Jeron Belein and UTEP transer Blaise Ffrench. Belein had a solid year last season, and pending Jenkins injury he may asked to take on more of the scoring load. Belein has the capability to be one of the best wing defenders in the leage.
Ffrench may be even more vital for Dunne if Jenkins is unable to play. If Jenkins is out Ffrench will have to rub the rust off quick and be ready to contribute in big ways. Ffrench is a strong athletic guard who will see big minutes with or without Jenkins.
The Negatives:
If Jenkins can't go, St. Peters looses one of the best players in school history, and a preseason All-MAAC first team selection. Over the past three years Dunne has constantly ran plays to get him open looks. St. Peters has always played tough, and has some great pieces outside of Jenkins, but if he can't play St. Peters is a much less dangerous team.
Offensive productivity has been a weakness from this group in past years. Even if Jenkins is able to play, it will be interesting to see if St. Peters can continue their grind it out style, while putting more points on the board.
Head Coach: John Dunne
2009-2010 Record: 16-14
Conference Record: 11-7
St. Peters was a sure pick at my number three spot a month ago. Now with Senior guard Wesley Jenkins possibly lost for the season with a knee injury the Peacocks file in at number four.
John Dunne has built an outstanding and highly respected program in his time in Jersey City. The former Siena and Seton Hall assistant is a underrated front man who stresses defense and toughness. Each year under his guidance St. Peters has moved closer and closer to becoming a true contender in the MAAC.
2010-2011 seems to be a judgment year for Dunne and his team. A once young and pesky squad now seems ready to be one of the leagues elite. But can they do it without one of the top shooting guards in the league? As of right now nobody seems to be ready to give a honest answer as to Wesley Jenkins health. With or without Jenkins St. Peters will give teams problems, enough for me to still pick them at # 4, even if Jenkins does not play.
The Low Down On The Peacocks:
The back court of Nick Leon and Wesley Jenkins could be the best in the league. These two have been effective from jump street in Jersey City. Both are 1,000 point scorers who can string together threes in bunches. Leon is a undersized guard who plays with heart and craftiness. Although turnover prone, Leon gets the job done from the point guard slot. Jenkins could be the leagues best sniper from three land. Jenkins makes defenses play him honest with sharp and effective cuts to the rim.
While Jenkins and Leon have been carrying the scoring load over the past three years, Dunne has been patiently waiting for the front line to catch up. This year St. Peters will boast a front line that is more than capable of battling with the leagues elite.
Ryan Bacon is one of the leagues best at swatting shots and cleaning the glass. Bacon is the most tenacious rebounder in the league not named Rossiter. If Bacon has added an effective post move or two and improved his touch around the hoop, look for some big scoring outputs to go along with his rebounds and blocks.
Darius Conley is big and effective down low. He won't do anything flashy but fits St. Peter's pedigree of tough and tenacious. Throw him in with Bacon and you have a formidable front line.
Two under the radar players to watch will be Jeron Belein and UTEP transer Blaise Ffrench. Belein had a solid year last season, and pending Jenkins injury he may asked to take on more of the scoring load. Belein has the capability to be one of the best wing defenders in the leage.
Ffrench may be even more vital for Dunne if Jenkins is unable to play. If Jenkins is out Ffrench will have to rub the rust off quick and be ready to contribute in big ways. Ffrench is a strong athletic guard who will see big minutes with or without Jenkins.
The Negatives:
If Jenkins can't go, St. Peters looses one of the best players in school history, and a preseason All-MAAC first team selection. Over the past three years Dunne has constantly ran plays to get him open looks. St. Peters has always played tough, and has some great pieces outside of Jenkins, but if he can't play St. Peters is a much less dangerous team.
Offensive productivity has been a weakness from this group in past years. Even if Jenkins is able to play, it will be interesting to see if St. Peters can continue their grind it out style, while putting more points on the board.
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