Augie plays for D2 title

[MrAugustana]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Man, I don't know. To me, they looked like the epitome of REALLY good D2 players. None looked like great athletes. Schilling looked to be the only one capable of the defensive effort/ability that Nagy expects, and he's undersized for his position.

Exactly. They are at the right level. And I agree, Janssen is a bit too dramatic. That said, very glad they won the title. Impressive.

I'm going to ask an honest question here (in the sense that I'm hoping for an honest, genuine answer). Keep in mind that, if this were an in-person conversation, I'd be asking this question in a normal, level-headed tone. This isn't an angry, heated discussion or anything. I just want genuine reflection and conversation about it.

Do you truly think that the National Division II Player of the Year (according to both the National Association of Basketball Coaches and D2 Bulletin) wouldn't have made more of a difference for you guys than some of the bigs on your roster right now?

I'll admit that Daum might be better than Jansen today and will be a better overall player by the time he graduates, but do you really think Jansen (and Schilling, but particularly Jansen, since Schilling is slightly undersized) wouldn't have done more for you guys this year than Connor Devine and Logan Doyle? And, if you look at it objectively, if you dropped Ian Theissen onto this Augie team in place of Jansen this year, do you honestly think he is good enough to earn Division II National Player of the Year honors, skill and athleticism-wise? I know Theissen is younger than Jansen, but, statistically, Jansen was almost equally as impressive last year as he's been this year, so it's not like Jansen made a huge jump between his junior and seniors seasons. And regarding Jansen's less than exceptional defense, you're telling me you wouldn't take Jansen's more than competent offense and limited defensive liabilities over Devine's non-existent offense and moderate to slightly above average defensive abilities?

If you can say yes to those questions, then I won't be able to change your mind and I won't spend much more time trying, but if you are just saying that because Jansen is a D2 player, he's not good enough...without trying to look at what that actually means in the context of the current players on your roster, I feel like you're just being dismissive and unrealistic because he's not currently a D1 basketball player.

But as more than a few people have said to me, I probably try to hard to defend these guys sometimes. Regardless, I'm beyond happy they didn't end up in Jacks blue and yellow one way or the other. Blue and gold has suited them just fine as far as I'm concerned.

[MrAugustana]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

It has been a fun year. On the plus side, we Augie fans (mainly I) can take a break from the "who would win" argument. After winning a National Championship, beating the Jackrabbits in an exhibition game isn't all as important as it seemed to be earlier in the season. Appreciate reading the kind words about the win. Fun to see people appreciate good basketball, even if it's a different level categorically.

[rabidrabbit]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Enjoyed watching Augie pick up their first national bb title. Dr. Pepper arena seemed about the size of the Pentagon in SF. Good Augie crowd, probably about 65 %.

[jackmd]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Man, I don't know. To me, they looked like the epitome of REALLY good D2 players. None looked like great athletes. Schilling looked to be the only one capable of the defensive effort/ability that Nagy expects, and he's undersized for his position.

And am I the only one that thought Janssen whines a bit too much?

Exactly. They are at the right level. And I agree, Janssen is a bit too dramatic. That said, very glad they won the title. Impressive.

[AugieJackFan]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Those "highly skilled, limited athletically" basketball players beat the University of Iowa on their home floor early in the year.

Exactly! Proud Augie alumni here!

[filbert]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

A wise-guy on the Iowa fan board Hawkeye Nation posted "Rock Island will be partying tonight". LOL.

Ah, Lutheran humor.

[JackAttack44]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

I watched the game and was pulling for Augie. Schilling looked like a man among boys yesterday...superior effort and althletisism. He and Richter pushed them to a win. Janssen contributed but just didn't stand out like the other two. For those that felt like he and Schilling wouldn't belong in D1 athletics, we really are only a few years removed from a time we would have taken anyone athletic and 6'6"+.

[Nidaros]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

A wise-guy on the Iowa fan board Hawkeye Nation posted "Rock Island will be partying tonight". LOL.

I guess this guy does not know the difference between a Swede and a Norwegian. SF=Norsk RI=Swede, no difference really just that Sioux Falls should get the credit, they won the D2 championship.

[RowdyRabbit]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Huh. Was flippin through the channels today and happened upon this game. Watched for a brief minute and kept flippin. Had no clue until now it was for all the hot dogs.

Congrats to Augie.

[JackJD]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

A wise-guy on the Iowa fan board Hawkeye Nation posted "Rock Island will be partying tonight". LOL.

[FeaRed]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Upsets never happen...

Pre-freaking-season nonetheless...

[filbert]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

wonder if he is related to beckstrand. ha

watched most of the game they played really good. tom's done a great job with that team.

Ah, memories.

Fast forwarding to today:

Well Done, Augie! Ya done good. Congratulations from this yellow-and-blue-bleeding Rabbit to all y'all blue-and-goldsters.

[Nidaros]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Congratulations to Augustana University.

[jack power]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Those "highly skilled, limited athletically" basketball players beat the University of Iowa on their home floor early in the year.

Upsets never happen...

[Kemo]

Re: Augie plays for D2 title

Those "highly skilled, limited athletically" basketball players beat the University of Iowa on their home floor early in the year.

I'm aware.

Superior skill can win out over size and athleticism in the game of basketball, however, offense is less consistent (skill) than defense (size/athleticism).

The notion that a great DII team couldn't beat a solid DI team is just as silly as saying that a great DII team would beat a solid DI team.