INTRO
February is usually the worst month of the year, but thankfully a mild winter and a terrific tandem of road trips has helped ease the 28-day (29 this year… crap) blues.
Jim and I took a trip to Dayton and Terre Haute earlier this month to catch some sick Sycamore and fantastic Flyer action. This past weekend my wife and I visited two friends in the nation’s capital, checking off Georgetown and Maryland games in the process.
The following is a non-standard recount in reverse order about the places I visited and the games I attended.
MARYLAND
Pre-Game
D.C. is a cool city for a variety of reasons, but the one that sticks out to this college basketball degenerate is how many Division I schools reside in such a small area. College Park, the home of the Maryland Terrapins, was just a short and cheap 30-minute Metro ride from D.C.
I crowdsourced suggestions on where to go pre-game for some vibes and an adult beverage or two. Looney’s was the overwhelming winner. Unfortunately, Looney’s – a quintessential college bar just a few minutes’ walk from the Xfinity Center – was seemingly the choice for all 18,000-ish fans that attended the game.
There’s no exaggeration when I say Looney’s was the most crowded bar I’ve ever been to – if not most crowded, certainly in the top five. Four-person-deep lines stuffed with patrons trying helplessly to get a cold one circled the bar from the entrance and wrapped around the corner to the other end. A smattering of tables and other folks hanging out in between made it impossible to stand anywhere and lift your arms. That’s not a complaint either – that type of atmosphere is part of what makes college sports so great. Passionate fan bases showing up and celebrating pre-game is an institution.
So, since we missed the Looney’s boat, we bopped over across the street to a dive bar called Town Hall Liquor and Bar. Others had the same idea – one of two clearly stressed bartenders told a guy they were doing triple the normal amount of business that day. But we secured some brews, posted up against the wall and enjoyed some college vibes.
(P.S. - shout-out Marathon Deli for post-game eats).
The Arena
The game itself fulfilled expectations. The Xfinity Center is the 16th largest arena in D-I, and it was mostly packed with fans donning Terps colors. The student section is done right here, with students filling the sideline across from team benches and nearly and entire space behind one of the baskets on the baseline. It was one of the largest student sections I’ve seen in person.
The atmosphere was solid the whole way through, and we got a taste of what it could really be when Maryland tied the game late in the second half. If I’m picking nits, the size of the arena took away from “noise” potential – though it was much better than Georgetown (as described below).
Students were predictably ruthless with trolling of opposing players, which I am 100% for. Playing on the road should be hostile; it should be nasty. I don’t necessarily condone the “No means No” and “Lock him up” chants rained down upon Terrence Shannon… but I won’t lie it was kind of funny. What was even funnier, though, was the cacophony of boos aimed at the video screen and PA announcer when they reminded everyone to demonstrate good sportsmanship.
P.S. – Maryland. We need to get a bigger screen in the arena. The “jumbo” screen over the court is tiny in comparison to the rest of the arena. I’m told renovations are thankfully on the way.
Game and Player Notes
Pre-game was interesting. Right when I got there, as I was about to enter the court from the media hallway, Donta Scott (a Terps starter and key player) slipped and fell on wet concrete leading into the tunnel. He writhed in pain on the floor next to me and other media members as the staff tended to him and looked for people to blame. Scott didn’t start the game, but he did end up playing 33 minutes with a massive knee brace. He limped the entire time and clearly wasn’t 100%, but kudos to him for toughing it out.
Maryland has had a rough season, and it’s clear a key reason for that is a lack of quality depth. Offense is basically, “Go, Jahmir Young”. Young is fantastic and one of the top scorers in the country, but he cannot win games alone. Julian (or JuJu) Reese is a perfect “know your role” big guy who functions as a roll or dump-off threat, rebounder, and shot deterrer on the other end. Scott isn’t a creator, but he’s a deadly stretch forward who has the strength to punish weaker defenders.
Aside from those three, it’s bleak. Freshmen DeShawn Harris-Smith and Jamie Kaiser Jr. clearly have potential, but they aren’t quite where they need to be yet. Jahari Long doesn’t offer much in a reserve role. Head coach Kevin Willard barely plays anyone else. Reese and Young played 38 minutes apiece, Harris-Smith logged 35 out of necessity.
Illinois is a good team. Shannon is a bull in transition and impossible to stop with a head of steam. He shot 16 free throws because there’s literally nothing Maryland defenders could do to stop his 6-6 225 lb. frame traveling at the speed of sound to the bucket. Fellow 6-6 do-everything guard Marcus Domask is a legit talent from Southern Illinois. He had 19 and 12 and took on primary ball-handling responsibilities. With Ty Rodgers as the other guard, Illinois starts five guys who are 6-6 and taller – it’s an intimidating squad. I think the lack of true point guard will bite this team hard in the NCAA Tournament, but they are a good group.
One final note on Illinois – is there a team that whines to officials as much as the Illini? Coleman Hawkins has apparently never fouled anybody in his life. Every single call made against him – and even his teammates – sent Hawkins into a tizzy. Maybe he gets it from his coach Brad Underwood, an excellent coach in every right but one certainly known for bitching at the refs.
Thank You
Thanks to Maryland’s athletic communications department for credentialing Three Man Weave at this game.
GEORGETOWN
Note: I made some waves on Twitter Friday following Three Man Weave’s denial of a media credential for this game. See below for my thoughts on “Credential-gate”.
Pre-game
My wife, friends, and I headed over to the Georgetown campus pre-game to check out one of the most prestigious universities in America. “Rich” doesn’t come close to describing the immediate surrounding area of the campus. Homes that are no doubt worth millions basically bump up the campus and dorms. How do students afford to live here?
The area itself is lovely and charming. We had a couple drinks at The Tombs, a very cool bar in town that once employed one of my favorite comedians, Mike Birbiglia. We walked through the athletics center on campus, which showcased the trophies from the winning days of Georgetown basketball as well as a dope Air Jordan shoe wall.
The Arena
To my dismay, the Georgetown arena was not on campus. In fact, it wasn’t a Georgetown arena at all but rather an NBA arena. The Hoyas play at Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Wizards. The venue seats over 20,000 people, which I don’t need to tell you is far too many. There aren’t even Georgetown banners in the place – very sad and not fair to what is a lively and passionate fanbase.
The crowd was far better than I anticipated. I had heard going in that attendance numbers weren’t great this season (or the past few), and with the Hoyas sitting at 8-17 (1-13) now on the year that isn’t too surprising. But Hoya faithful showed out and the students were strong in numbers. Villanova was a large draw, I’m told, due to alumni living in Philly and likely a healthy contingent of actual Nova fans in attendance.
But the arena destroyed any potential for a real college atmosphere. It didn’t matter how many fans were there – you couldn’t hear them. The whole thing felt hollow. Georgetown basketball deserves far better.
Game and Player Notes
Georgetown started hot, and the bench was very into the game. I saw the passion in the benchwarmers, and it seemed we might be in for an upset special. (Side note: while I appreciated the passion, it’s really hard to see over Ryan Mutombo when he stands up – he’s very tall).
But, as has been the case all season, Georgetown fizzled as the game progressed. Villanova felt in control the whole way. When looking at a side-by-side of the rosters, it isn’t surprising. Nova is playing far below its talent. One could argue that on paper the Wildcats are a top 15 team. Perhaps coaching, chemistry, or some other mythical entity is holding them back.
Georgetown severely lacks talent. Jayden Epps cannot have the highest usage on a good team. No offense to Epps, but he just isn’t that guy (at least yet). He takes horrible shots, and whether that’s by necessity or his own choice the fact remains the same: Georgetown cannot win with that setup.
Supreme Cook is a solid big man, but he’s also a Fairfield transfer and this is the Big East. Dontrez Styles is a fine role player that probably should be asked to do more. Jay Heath is a knockdown shooter who has struggled this year. Rowan Brumbaugh is just a freshman. Ish Massoud has really never been that good in college, but he still should’ve played more in this game. Wayne Bristol gets WAYYYY too many minutes.
Ed Cooley is a good coach, but his rotation decisions in this game were bizarre. It was pretty clear Bristol was out of his element the entire game, and yet he played 23 minutes to Massoud’s 4. Benching Heath at the end of the game was strange as well, especially given the facts that Heath played decently well and is actually a threat to shoot from 3. Brumbaugh has potential, if not for any other reason than he looks like he’s actually trying out there.
This was Villanova’s game the whole way, and really, they could’ve won by a lot more. Both teams combined to shoot 61 3s, but shots weren’t really falling at a high clip. Villanova fans should be livid that this team is 14-11 (7-7). Justin Moore is legit. Eric Dixon is legit. TJ Bamba is legit. Tyler Burton is legit. Brendan Hausen is a stone-cold 3-point killer. And yet the Cats might miss the Tournament. If that isn’t an indictment on Kyle Neptune, I don’t know what is.
Credential-Gate
Three Man Weave was initially denied media credentials for this game. The reason? We did not appear to have a “working function” for the game. This was the second time we have been denied credentials. The first was USC. In that case, the USC SID didn’t like what Matt had to say about Andy Enfield’s performance as head coach in his season preview. Hey USC fans, how’s Andy working out for ya?
Anyway, I tweeted about the denial, annoyed that the Final Four and many other universities – with much better programs than Georgetown – have granted us access in the past. The tweet got the attention of media members and fans, and I appreciate the support it received.
After the uproar and a connection (without our knowledge) got a guy whose name rhymes with Ned Dooley to step in, we were given media credentials and four seats behind the Georgetown bench. I say this part because it was clear that without that intervention, we would have remained denied.
There was a very, very small minority on Twitter who took issue with me tweeting the screenshot of the denial because it had the name of the media communications person in the picture. Well, to that I say, go Google “Georgetown basketball athletic communications” and see what name pops up. That’s literally what I did in the first place.
Also, I’m glad the tweet got attention. Multiple smaller blogs / outlets reached out saying they have been denied in the past by Georgetown for media access. How high and mighty do you have to be deny someone who wants to talk about your team (that is struggling massively by the way) just because they don’t seem like a big enough outlet? It’s a ridiculous attitude, and one not shared by most athletic communications departments. Hopefully this helps change the credentials process going forward.
A sincere thank you to the guy whose name rhymes with Ned Dooley for calling the media contact and getting us great seats and access.
INDIANA STATE
Pre-Game
Jim and I made the 3-hour drive from Dayton to Terre Haute to see my favorite team in the country square off against Drake. The game featured the two best Missouri Valley squads and promised to be a barn-burner.
We posted up at Copper Bar, a very cool local watering hole right around the corner from the Hulman Center. Food was great, beers were great, and, most of all, the people were great. Do the nicest people on Earth reside in Terre Haute, Indiana? I don’t know, but it has to be close.
On the way to the game, I decided to check my junk email to see if we ended up getting media credentials. Unlike the Georgetown situation, this one was truly space dependent, as ISU only had so much media seating available (like four chairs). Thankfully, the approval email was in the junk folder, and we were granted credentials (though Jim was a little sore with me because he was wearing a spinny hat and sweatpants expecting to sit in our normal seats).
A big shoutout goes to the SID at Indiana State (I’d name him, but I’m never sure if people actually want to be named in these). He gave both Jim and I courtside seats at the media table that featured just two other chairs filled by local writers. It was a true treat to be on the court for a fantastic game.
The Arena
Hulman Center is a pretty cookie-cutter arena from a design perspective, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It serves its purpose and puts the fans in a good position to where you can feel the noise on the floor. The student section was out in full force behind us on the baseline next to Drake’s bench. Chatter was flowing back and forth between Drake walk-ons and student – I absolutely loved it.
The leader of the student section seemed to be a guy in his 50s – I would love more information on this guy, he was fantastic.
My one gripe with the arena was the concessions setup. Lines were like a hundred deep at all times, perhaps a result of just not having the infrastructure or employment. Not a deal breaker, but Papa Ky wanted some grub.
Game and Player Notes
Robbie Avila. That’s it, that’s the note. (Side note: I really hate this style of journo tweet – it should be retired effective immediately).
Avila is a 6-10 forward who kinda looks like Barry Keoghan and does anything else except play Division I basketball. But not only does he in fact play Division I basketball, he plays it extremely well. His passing and shooting are nearly perfect. His court vision is streets ahead. Even his defense is solid as a rock. The bespectacled, tatted, dad-bodded, sophomore will be America’s hero if ISU makes a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Indiana State also rosters a trio of guards who collectively make up on the best backcourts in the country. Isaiah Swope is one of the quickest players I’ve seen in person. Julian Larry isn’t far behind. And Ryan Conwell can do everything on the offensive end. Jayson Kent is a perfect glue piece that holds the lineup together, and his 20-rebound performance in this game – on his birthday no less – epitomizes his value.
ISU does lack depth, however. Josh Schertz plays six maybe seven guys and that’s it. That could be the Sycs’ kryptonite.
Drake dug itself a hole early, and seemed headed for a blowout when star player Tucker DeVries sprained his ankle. But DeVries toughed it out, scored 26 points, and nearly led his Bulldogs to a comeback win.
I won’t fully recap a game that happened 16 days ago but suffice to say both teams are awesome and both can make noise in the Dance.
I placed a future on Indiana State to make the Final Four after the game. Unfortunately, the Sycs have dropped two straight since then making an at-large bid unlikely. I hope for my sake and America’s sake (they MUST know who Avila is) the Sycamores go dancing.
DAYTON
Pre-Game
The Weave was given four free tickets from someone in the Dayton athletics department (again won’t use names in case they don’t want me to). We were stoked for the opportunity to see the Flyers on their homecourt play against a good St. Bonaventure team.
Matt had a dentist appointment, so Jim and I went to the game with Jim’s brothers’ buddy and a fellow college basketball diehard who made a long drive from his home in New York.
Per the recommendation of Dayton Twitter personality Sully (a standup guy and a true Flyer fan), we enjoyed a beverage at Milano’s pre-game, a sit-down college bar with good food, a good environment, and, best of all, college beer prices.
The Arena
UD Arena is sick. I’m a sucker for unique arena designs, and Dayton’s qualifies as unique. The sideline stands go up and out sort of like wings, but the views are still solid from up top. Both baselines have club-seating almost overhanging the court. Students pack the baseline bleachers behind one basket and go all the way in droves on one of the sidelines. As expected, the students were LOWD and passionate.
When Dayton was rolling, the place was rocking. A+ environment.
Game and Player Notes
DaRon Holmes is awesome and should be an All-American. He was unstoppable in the second half as the Flyers ran their offense through him. There’s nothing on the court Holmes can’t do. He scores at will on the block, via the drive, and even from out past the 3-point line. He’s a great passer and rebounder. He’s one of the best shot-blockers in the country. All he had in this game was 34 points, not bad.
His supporting cast has done yeoman’s work replacing the production of Malachi Smith, the presumed starting point guard and potential All-Conference honoree, who was lost for the season in the first game of the year. Merrimack transfer Javon Bennett has been excellent in his stead, protecting the ball at all costs and providing scoring when needed. Pitt transfer Nate Santos has also been a pleasant surprise and serves as a matchup challenge with his versatility at the 4. Koby Brea is one of the best shooters in the country, Kobe Elvis is also a shooter and capable ball-handler to boot, and Enoch Cheeks has been a valuable two-way guard filling in the gaps.
Dayton’s fanbase deserves a good NCAA Tournament run after COVID took away their best chance at a National Championship. Holmes will be the best player on the court against almost any opponent in the Dance, and the guard play is savvy enough to facilitate a deep run. Anthony Grant’s defensive mindset has trickled down to his team, as the Flyers can be a true pain to score against with how they scrap and claw on every possession.
As for the Bonnies, it’s been a disappointing year. Many thought St. Bonaventure would challenge for an A-10 title this year, but despite ranking in the Top 80 on KenPom, they are just 7-6 in league play. Defense hasn’t been as strong as other Mark Schmidt-led teams, and the offense has had a tendency to stall at times. Though they struggled early in the game against Dayton, the Bonnies showed their potential by taking the lead in the second half and nearly upsetting the Flyers on their home floor.