He helped with deliveries, stood behind the counter, and did whatever else was needed at his grandfathers South Philadelphia appliance store before basketball season started. Its unlikely read, impossible that a five-star guy like Jalen Duren will end up in Albany because of a Griffin connection, but the Roman days wont leave Griffin anytime soon. Because weve had a relationship for such a long time, it was something that we had talked about, Griffin said. Arrigale besides his four years attending Lycoming College in Williamsport never found a reason to leave the neighborhood that raised him. I dont think were ever going to forget it, he said. Chapman, 5-9 junior guard, played the . In spite of the passionate fans, the bottom line is that enrollment numbers and financial pressures are concerns that PCL schools must monitor. One of the reasons for the strong support of the PCL is simple. Jardines buddies thought Arrigale was a cop when he pulled into their predominantly Black neighborhood to pick him up for practice. Lange made his approval very clear on the other end of the phone. According to all-knowing social media, Albany also has extended an offer to Daniel Skillings, who played for Griffin this past season at Roman. Joseph Bongard, expressing his interest in getting in the mix. One transfer picked up already out of the portal, Paul Newman, is a Roman grad, but graduated just before Griffin took over. Although Heydt [continue reading]. When Matt stepped away, it immediately popped into my head, man, could I make this work? he said. But neither was becoming one of Philadelphias all-time high-school basketball coaches. After five seasons, Chris McNesby is back as head coach following the departure of previous coach Matt Griffin, who replaced McNesby, to become an assistant at Albany. A familiar face is leading the Roman Catholic basketball program once again as the Cahillites strive to return to familiar heights. They won that night and his father died two months later. Junior point guard Xzayvier Brown (above) is a three-year starter for the Cahillites. 2 Roman 76, Cardinal O'Hara 52 No. An undrafted free agent rookie, Stevens is averaging 4.1 ppg in 12.5 mpg (40 games) for the Cavaliers, breaking out for 15 points and 11 rebounds against the Spurs in March. Those individual awards? He said, Listen, if I ever got a [head coaching] job, the first thing I would do is change the office. He specifically said, I would change the flooring in the office, just to create a different environment. . This is not A.A.U. In addition to his coaching duties, Griffin served as the Athletic Director for the last two years, overseeing 17 athletic programs. 21h Shareef Jackson hits a basketball at the buzzer! Theres times, not having those player relationships, its like gut-wrenching, to be sitting at home on a Friday night or a Sunday, like what am I doing?. Home The school announced his hiring Tuesday. No CL champ has finished with a perfect overall record. McNesbys also certainly proud of the Roman alumni he coached who have turned pro, most notably Stevens, who just signed a multi-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers after coming just a few points shy of setting the Penn State scoring record. Griffin is only the fifth Roman Catholic basketball coach since the 1968-69 season. Hes going to make sure we do what we have to do to win., Leading the Roman roster is star two-way senior forward, ., who has committed to Cincinnati; a pure scorer in Farmer, who has offers from a number of schools including Drexel, Albany and Fairfield; and junior point guard. He was already tied with Romans Dennis Seddon for the most. 3) (April 21-22, 2023), GUAA/Live at the Nook Notebook (Pt. When youre in it, you dont realize it, but when you step away, [you miss] the relationships of the Philly basketball community and your players, he said. Hes been there before. Roman Catholic head coach Matt Griffin will become the assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Albany - PSD Photo by Geneva Heffernan He had pitched the idea of having Griffin join his staff with the Great Danes for a few weeks, as the deal evolved from more of a possibility to a reality. Stephen Curry, Jeremy Lin, Emmanuel Mudiay, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, Blake Griffin, and many more are examples of Christian basketball players in the NBA. For 103 years, the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) has influenced generations of basketball players and coaches. Roman Catholic head coach Chris McNesby is a former player at the school. Certainly Chris comes with a lot of gravitas and did an excellent job, but I can honestly say from the committee we established, when we did interviews, he had to earn it again, Bongard said. Which NBA players are Christian? Of course, it came from the old shop on 8th Street. "It was a special . You had to have difficult discussions., READ MORE: Drexel's T.J. Bickerstaff enters transfer portal. Roman Catholic's Basketball Program Guide for the 2022-2023 School Year; Student Life. Our basketball program is in a great place. After a 10-2 season, which saw the exodus of Williams and Duren along with playing around restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Roman Catholic returns 6-6 junior forward, Just as Killings was a highly successful recruiter in this area, both while serving under, This website is powered by SportsEngine's. He wanted to see us thrive, Jardine said. WHYY reported the Archdiocesan conducted a study that found North Catholics enrollment decreased by 29 percent. I truly believe that the experience we have Roman Catholic prepares them for the next level.. (Friday, Temple forward Dre Perry committed to Albany as a grad transfer.). But Griffin still wasnt sure about full-time coaching. He is a current television analyst of the Philadelphia 76ers for NBC Sports Philadelphia. McNesby hadnt thought much about coaching since his departure, though hed been around his former program from time to time. & Co. McNesby stepped aside in May 2016. Working at the store, Arrigale figured, ensured his mother could still be there during the day so he could assist her and also distract her from the disease that would claim her life five years later. Of course, despite Romans terrific talent, thats not so easily done. Home Philadelphia High School Basketball Catholic League Winners, Year by Year. Now the coach of Sacred Heart, a Roman Catholic high school for girls in Hamden, Conn., near New Haven, has been suspended for one game by the schools administration, which apologized for the manner in which the outcome of the game was achieved on Monday night. Jumping right back into a team with nothing less than championship expectations is the only way McNesby would have it. Killings was with his wife, but drove to the group, put on his hazards, runs over, talks to us for ten minutes thats who he was.. 1 seed Kansas. Youre a champ forever and thats an experience with that group of guys that you take forever. Matt Griffin leaves Roman Catholic after five years, in which he won two PCL championships and one state title - PSD Photo by Mike Nance, As the school has no plans to hire a permanent head coach yet, Irving, assistantsKyle BernardandMike Wild, a member of the Cahillites 2000 Philadelphia Catholic League title team, will collectively oversee the program in the interim. A familiar face is leading the Roman Catholic basketball program once again as the Cahillites strive to return to familiar heights. Mantua: Neighborhood Community Center Faces Potential Demolition, Philadelphia has a rich sports tradition thatmany throughout the city share a deep passion for. MOST COACHING CHAMPIONSHIPS: NO. After five seasons, Chris McNesby is back as head coach following the departure of previous coach Matt Griffin, who replaced McNesby, to become an assistant at Albany. In the role of head coach, you cant make everyone happy all the time. Roman Catholic Basketball Read more Lou Rabito / File Photograph by Mike Jensen | Columnist Certainly Chris track record of knowing the program there was an advantage.. Another person said, Every time I drive by the Palestra, my son knows Roman is in that game. (Photo: Mark Jordan/CoBL). Meanwhile, I want to know if this Noah Song guy is going to make the team. I dont know if he remembers this, but 10 years ago, I remember sitting in the office at Boston University, Griffin said. The Cahillites were coached by Dennis Seddon throughout this period of dominance. 1) (April 28), 2023 Hoop Group Spring Jam Fest Day 1 Standouts (April 28), Plymouth Whitemarsh Spring League Notebook (Thurs., April 27), Jay Ems Northeast Basketball League (NEBL) 2023 Schedule, GUAA/Live at the Nook Notebook (Pt. Rising seniors Daniel Skillings (19.7 ppg), a 6-6 wing, and Khalil Farmer (18.9 ppg), a 6-3 guard, are two of the top scorers in the PCL, while 6-2 rising junior point guard Xzayvier Brown (10.1 ppg) like his two teammates also has multiple Division I offers. This really did mean something to these guys. Youd get like 10 or 15 bucks and back then in the 70s, you had money in your pocket for the week. They showed no mercy throughout, Mr. Lipka said. PHILADELPHIA As he drove the team bus back toRoman Catholicin the late hours on Monday night, a lot was going throughMatt Griffinsmind. While all the players McNesby coached have been out of high school at least a couple years, hes still got plenty of familiarity with the current state of the Cahillites program. I think half the people probably dont even really care but they dont know what else to ask me. Catholic League (B) "It was pretty cool. Philadelphia High School Basketball Coaches' All-Catholic Teams (1970-2022) Return to TedSilary.com Home Page The Palestra still has nights when it comes to life thanks to Catholic League basketball, to win his 13th Catholic League boys title, Roman Catholic vs. Neumann Goretti sets up familiar championship matchup for Catholic League title. 9 Father Judge 61 Quarterfinals No. How does it impact our student-athletes?. McNesby coached the sons and relatives of his former teammates at Roman Catholic. Who is next?. When the Center Cityall-boys high school found itself in need of a new basketball coach following Matt Griffins departure to the University at Albany, a reach-out from an all-too-familiar name turned out to be exactly the right answer. Home; Student Services; Student Affairs. And the washing machine? But this felt like time. 4) (April 22-23, 2023), GUAA/Live at the Nook Notebook (Pt. We return almost our entire roster and I think the staff has been together for a really long time. Story Links Saint Joseph's Head Coach Billy Lange has announced that Xzayvier Brown (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic), Anthony Finkley (Philadelphia, Pa./Roman Catholic) and Shawn Simmons, Jr. (Philadelphia, Pa./Hillcrest Prep) have signed national letters of intent to attend Saint Joseph's University in the fall of 2023. But it wasnt the Xs-and-Os that made Arrigale special. The dad told his son that he needed it by himself. Both McNesby and Griffin have won two Philadelphia Catholic League titles in their time at the helm, but Roman has finished as the runner-up the last two seasons. MaxPreps National Basketball Editor Jordan Divens takes a look at this week's MaxPreps Top 25 basketball rankings. Coach is a great family man, friend, teacher, & coach who made a mistake which he feels terrible about. Im 56 and I get cranky this time of year, Arrigale said. I can hear the stadiums from my house. That trio alone will be plenty for opponents to deal with, along with 6-8 big man Chad Anglin and promising sophomore Toby Ojukwu, who started a few games as a freshman; it remains to be seen if 6-7 rising senior wing Matija Radanovic, a Montenegro native, comes back for another year. Just as unrelenting were the barrage of three-point shots and fast-break chances. As we publish more, the complete list of schools previewed will be found here. In a statement, Sister Sheila ONeill, the schools president, said: Sacred Heart Academy values the lessons taught and cultivated through athletic participation, including ethical and responsible behavior, leadership and strength of character and respect for ones opponents. "At Roman, we have expectations of ourselves every year," Roman head coach Chris McNesby said. Assistant Coach Email mjgriffin@albany.edu Phone (518) 442-3036 Previously, Griffin was the head coach at Roman Catholic High School from 2016-2021. It wasnt the first time that a scholastic sports program had drawn criticism for running up the score on an opponent and prompted a debate over the boundaries between athletic prowess and sportsmanship. Deep down, I do love it.. Im losing money doing this because what they pay you and what you put out doesnt match up. Cantrell Fletcher one of the leagues best players tore an ACL at the start of the quarterfinals and his backup freshman Tabby Cunningham had skipped practice the day before, resulting in a benching. He is the son of former Temple star and Philadelphia 76er Marc Jackson. Griffin played his first two collegiate seasons at Rider then transferred to play at Boston University, where he met Killings, who was an assistant with the Terriers at the time. (Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL). They all love each other, Arrigale said. People started to take notice.. Theres always a new challenge to meet or a talented guard to coach or a kid he just wants to see graduate. 1:15. Killings later moved on to Connecticut and Marquette. . He knew the neighborhood and had thought about coaching high school hoops ever since playing for Speedy Morris at Penn Charter. Gillespie and Samuels returning to Villanova, Drexel's T.J. Bickerstaff enters transfer portal, California residents do not sell my data request. Three different teams at Neumann-Goretti share one court for practice times, including the mens basketball program. On 3/18, the Roman Catholic varsity basketball team won their away playoff game against Parkland (Allentown, PA) by a score of 53-35. Theres always going to be ups and downs, but the more that those three guys can bring the group along I always say players play and, as coaches, we can guide them, but they have to take it over.. Christ the King Roman Catholic School. It was a PhD in coaching, Griffin said of his time at Roman, coaching an ultra-talented team which won two Philadelphia Catholic League titles and two state titles. The dedicated fanbase of the PCL was surprising to Neumann-Goretti Athletic Director Pat Devenney when he was first hired in 2021. Matt Griffin (above) takes over as Roman Catholic's head coach 42 years after his father graduated from the school. Three of his assistant coaches Bill Goebig, Kyle Bernard and Mike Wild are all still on staff, as is team statistician and local hoops figure Tom Hock McKenna. Sacred Heart won the leagues Division 2 championship last year. Prior [continue reading], Lawncrest resident Rick Heydt is entering his 11th year coaching in the Fox Chase Roller Hockeyleague. Following that magic run led by future Penn State standouts Lamar Stevens, Tony Carr & Co. McNesby stepped aside in May 2016. After taking the job in June 2016, he led Roman Catholic to four consecutive league title games, winning in 2018 and 2019, as well as the 2018 PIAA Class 6A state title. [ November 28, 2022 ] North Philadelphia: Can the Next Crimes be Prevented? His mom told him they would take care of the store while he coached. Schools Not bad for a guy from the neighborhood. Arrigale was a fifth grader at King of Peace on 26th and Reed when Dom Giordano put him on the seventh- and eighth-grade team. Arrigale was hired in 1999 and Neumann finished his first season in second place before falling in the playoffs. So Arrigale left C&D Appliances on Friday afternoon and headed to Neumann Goretti. Held at the historic Palestra, the Catholic League playoffs are the biggest stage in local high school basketball. Its an adjustment for me and it happened so quickly. Six crowns were won in succession (1989-94). Chris McNesby (above, in 2016) led Roman to back-to-back PCL and PIAA championships. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Were not looking for yesterday, were looking for the future.. before he stepped down from the position he began in 2008, guiding the Cahillites to a 168-55 record in eight seasons. Imhotep Charters Justin Edwards is Phillys top high school player in 30 years. Morris, who had more than 1,000 wins as a high school and college coach, was Penn Charters coach for Arrigales final two seasons. But in recent years, despite the championship pedigree, the PCL has become known for something else: A lack of resources. From Miami Heat point guard Kyle Lowry to Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, the PCL has produced an immense amount of talent over the years. The declining enrollment of the areas catholic schools and financial pressures within the Archdiocese (both national trends) have spilled over onto the court. 2022-23 Preview Where were they? There is nothing like it.. But champions are always remembered., READ MORE: Roman Catholics Xzayvier Brown leads the Cahillites back to a Catholic League championship game. The former St. Joes Prep point guard, who had also taken over as the schools athletics director, had the team in prime position to challenge for yet another PCL title in 2021-22 when he jumped on the opportunity to be a Division I coach. Arrigale will receive another one on Monday night when the Palestra fills up and the old building buzzes. Reading High will play District 12 champ Roman Catholic (27-3), which defeated Archbishop Wood 66-56 Tuesday, Saturday at Hershey's Giant Center at 8 p.m., looking to win its third title in. There was never much doubt in their ongoing talks about where Killings would eventually end up well, maybe the where. John Griffin (May 17, 1956) is an American former college basketball player and coach at Saint Joseph's and Siena. Hes been there before. 5) (April 21-23, 2023), GUAA/Live at the Nook Notebook (Pt. So you know youre going up against future SEC players and Big East and ACC players, said St. Josephs Prep head coach Jason Harrigan. A Roman alum, McNesby went 168-55 (.753) overall and 90-16 (.849) in the Catholic League in the eight years that followed, winning back-to-back Catholic League and PIAA state championships in both 2015 and 16. As he was only 17 years-old, Greer chose to reclassify to the Class of 2021 and while his final season of basketball before college will not be at Roman Catholic, he still helped orchestrate one final, memorable year. Coach, Im on 11th Street. Im like 11th Street is the new Broad Street. PhiladelphiaNeighborhoods: A program of the Department of Journalism at the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University. He had pitched the idea of having Griffin join his staff with the Great Danes for a few weeks, as the deal evolved from more of a possibility to a reality. The potential income of this program was supposed to keep North Catholic open for another five years. The leadership at the [Philadelphia] Archdiocese and at each of these schools [challenges] are faced. North Philadelphia: Can the Next Crimes be Prevented? The decision to suspend him was made by Sacred Heart, according to Mr. Carbone, who said that the league did not have a mercy rule in basketball. I wasnt sure how it would feel at first, but it keeps coming back to me, Chris McNesby said. Farmer followed with 18.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while Brown averaged 10.1 points and a team-high 6.9 assists and 2.8 steals. 3 of 18 4 of 18 University at Albany men's basketball assistant coach Matt Griffin, right, . In a city rich in high school hoops, Arrigale is at the front of the pack. He played for Jim Boeheim and against Mike Krzyzewski and said Arrigales basketball mind is just as sharp. They stop talking about them a week after they come out. I cant look at a crystal ball. Everything had seemed to change since he sat at Deans Bar. That turned the coaching lights fully on. [ April 26, 2023 ] Amateur Sports: Philadelphia Catholic League Has Traditions That Extend Beyond the Court. Its funny, the first time I ever saw Dwayne, he was walking around campus with Pat for his interview, Matt Griffin said this week. That history is rivaled by few, if any, high school basketball leagues across the nation, leading the PCL to be considered one of the great athletic traditions in a city full of proud sports traditions. He was hired in October, replacing Eric Gregg, who stepped down after a six year tenure. But if you look backwards, [Bishop] McDevitt has closed, [John] [W.] Hallahan has closed, North Catholic has closed, said McKee. Anyone can read what you share. Im on 11th Street. In 2009, PCL stalwarts North Catholic High School, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School, and Cardinal Doughtery all shut down. Im feeling recharged and ready to go., It was 13 years ago that McNesby, several years a Roman assistant coach, succeeded longtime Roman coach. Mr. Carbone, the Southern Connecticut Conference commissioner, pointed out that scholastic coaches in the state must be certified. (Ed. 2) (April 21-22, 2023), This website is powered by SportsEngine's. Hopefully, Ive done that.. He will officially sign his contract with the university on Thursday. Arrigale looks to finish his 25th Catholic League season with a win in Monday's championship vs. Roman. Doyle spent just a season at Neumann and the next coach Tom Dougherty lasted only three. He said No, you cant stop until you get the title.. So that was huge.. Coach Kirck made mistakes in how he handled the game last night, but enough with the character assassination, Mr. Shea said. 860 Elm . Roman Catholic's Xzavier Brown '23 has emerged as the finest pure point guard in the Greater Philadelphia region . NAME: 12: Carl Arrigale . His father, John Griffin Sr., played at Roman Catholic and was the head coach at St. Josephs University from 1990-95. get out of your glass houses & move on.. , who both played under McNesby and graduated in 2015; Wilkerson played college hoops at Hartford and Lincoln, while Taylor played football at Rutgers. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. Griffin accrued a 96-29 overall record, including going 54-12 in the Philadelphia Catholic League. After serving as an assistant for two seasons atSt. Joes Prep, his alma mater, under legendary coachWilliam Speedy Morris, Griffin succeededChris McNesby, who had stepped down after winning back-to-back Philadelphia Catholic and Class 4A titles. Tyreek Duren, one of the best guys who ever played for us, he was on 11th Street all the time, said Arrigale as the street leads to the schools gym. On Monday afternoon, Anthony Finkley, Roman Catholic's 6-foot-7, 230-pound rising senior forward, gave Saint Joseph's University basketball coach Billy Lange a call to tell him he's committing to the Hawks. Philip Brave Davis, the Leader of the Opposition On the Death of Sports Ico." Through the way of 17 varsity sports as well as an intramural program, we teach young men the core values of preparation, teamwork, commitment and humility. Three of his assistant coaches , are all still on staff, as is team statistician and local hoops figure, Theres another couple familiar names on the staff in freshman coaches. Now the boss, putting together his own first staff, Killings reached back to that one season in Boston, to a guy he calls a rock star born in the business.. When it comes to Philly hoops, Jardine said his old coach belongs in the conversation with luminaries like John Chaney and Bill Ellerbee. McNesby will still have plenty of familiar faces around him, including Tom McKenna (behind, with glasses). You have to make sure you prepare yourself.. You have to win the 11th title, he said, and have the record on your own. Almost five years after taking the job at one of the most successful and notorious programs in Philadelphia (and abroad), Griffin will head north to play in the same league where he played his last two years of college basketball. The suspension of Jason Kirck, the third-year coach of the Sharks, one of the top-ranked teams in the state, was confirmed on Thursday by Al Carbone, the commissioner of the Southern Connecticut Conference. Now, McNesby and his team are aiming to pick up 2021-2022 where the coach left off his last time: on top of the PCL. McNesby coached the sons and relatives of his former teammates at Roman Catholic. Forget all the expectations about winning; the most important thing of why I got into coaching is to make a difference. The second team was led by Greer, Hart and Lundy as well as highly ranked freshman in Justice Williams and 6-foot-10 big man Jalen Duren, both of whom are now at Montverde Academy (Fla.). Following that magic run led by future Penn State standouts. Beatty Taylor, now one of Arrigales assistants, pleaded with the coach to play Cunningham. Chris McNesby (above, in 2014) won 168 games in eight years as Roman's head coach from 2008-2016. He and his wife had three children under the age of 10, and the grind that is being a top-level coach in the Philadelphia Catholic League isnt one that ever really lets up. Roman then lost the Catholic League title game each of the next two seasons against Neumann-Goretti and Archbishop Wood, respectively. Its not going away.. As he moves onto his next endeavor, Griffin was able to reflect on the success he had at Roman Catholic and what coaching has always meant for him. Hes done what we want to do before. Theres another couple familiar names on the staff in freshman coaches TreVaughn Wilkerson and Manny Taylor, who both played under McNesby and graduated in 2015; Wilkerson played college hoops at Hartford and Lincoln, while Taylor played football at Rutgers. Mr. Carbone said that it was a learning experience for everyone involved, but acknowledged that the score would remain in the record books for perpetuity. I want the kids to have things that theyll talk about forever, Arrigale said. In 2018, Griffin was named USA TODAY Coach of the Year in the state of Pennsylvania. Killings told him that for open gyms, college coaches might know who theyre coming to watch, but might not have seen that player yet, wouldnt recognize him, or they might see someone younger who catches their eye. People dont know how good he is, Killings said of Griffin, who moves into the college ranks after five seasons at Broad and Vine, as head coach at Roman Catholic High. So there was the rest of the family, voicing their support. The team of Allan Hilton-Clarke, Kaj Sanders, Andrew Boakye and Logan Casey led from the gun to the finish line at . 10.1 points and 6.9 assists. I had zero wins and losses to my name.. North Catholic created a $1.5 million dollar information-technology program, Amateur Sports: Five People Most Local Citizens Havent Heard Of, North Philadelphia: Andy German of The Prep Says, It All Comes Down to Coaching., Fox Chase: How A Hockey Coach Intertwines Sport And Family, Health: The Unseen Cost of an Undiscussed Topic, Northeast Philadelphia: Socks For The Streets Is Reducing The Stigma Of Homelessness, Mantua: Murals Serve As Reminders of Community Triumphs, Fairmount: Joining the Global Conversation on Water Sustainability, Philadelphia Neighborhoods Student Reporters, Lew Klein College of Media and Communication. Having them around is great, McNesby said It makes you feel good because maybe in some way theyve really enjoyed the experience of Roman and playing for me at Roman, so as a coach you feel a little proud about that.. If he can tighten up all aspects of his game, he can help take Roman to another level. Jackson, the older son of former Roman Catholic and Temple star and NBA player Marc Jackson, finished with 19 points on 8-for-8 shooting from the field and 3-for-5 from the line. s departure to the University at Albany, a reach-out from an all-too-familiar name turned out to be exactly the right answer. There were also his kids: Allie (14), Julia (12), and Patrick (10). Tournament Game 2023 PIAA Boys' Basketball Championships 4A Boys' Championship Allentown Central Catholic 49 Neumann-Goretti 67 Final Box Score Tournament Bracket Mar 21, 2023 @ 1:29am Some of the players had graduated 20 years ago. Roman Catholic's second-leading scorer is 6-7 sophomore forward Shareef Jackson, who averages 10.7 points per game. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Do we need to do a better job of teaching what sportsmanship is?. Well thanks to Andre Noble (Imhotep Head Coach) and John Mosco (Archbishop Wood Head Coach) hoop heads, sportswriters and, most importantly, High Major D1 college basketball coaches will get to see the best possible matchup.