[JNixonParticipant]

24: Iona Gaels

Frontcourt- The Gaels lose Alejo Rodriguez, who was the teams low post guy and 2^nd leading rebounder. That hurts, because the team wasn’t great on the glass last year (89^th in the country in total rebounds). The do return their top rebounder and frontline player, 6’7 220 Sr. Mike Glover. Glover, who was a Seton Hall recruit out of HS and who spent 2 years as a JUCO, averaged 18 and 10 last year as a newcomer, and shot 61% from the field. He’s quick and athletic in the post and has solid length and touch around the hoop. He plays bigger than he is too. He needs to work on his face up game, which currently isn’t great and he was a 61% FT shooter, which he should try to improve upon, especially since he’s such a mismatch at this level he gets to the line really easily. The Gaels probably will play a bunch of smallball lineups, with 3 and sometimes 4 guards, but they  need contributions from their Fr. Josh Gomez, returning player Chris Pelcher, and/or from JUCO transfer Nyan Moikubo more than likely. Gomez, according to recruiting services, a long athletic post who will block shots and run the floor. He’s 6’9, but at 190 I know without ever seeing him play that he’s going to be at a girth disadvantage for a college post. He might simply not be ready to play and may redshirt. Pelcher has the best size at 6’10 245 and most experience. Pelcher looks the part and plays tough on both ends, but isn’t the best offensive player. The 6’7 205 Moikubo will be expected to contribute though, as a JUCO recruit. He’s described as a PF who rebounds runs the floor, but is raw on offense. This group basically has 1 legit stud in Glover down low, who will be a MAAC COPY shortlist candidate next year, and a lot of unprovens.

Backcourts- Iona loses one guy in Rashon Dwight, and 8 ppg 2 apg guy. They however should be boosted by Arizona transfer MoMo Jones, should he be allowed to play immediately. Jones will have 2 years of eligibility whether he is allowed to play or not, but he would be a big impact player if he plays next year. Jones, at 6’0 200, is very quick and pretty strong. Jones also is a crafty ball-handler who can push the ball well and break down the defense, and he also has a decent shot. He’s pretty talented. He’s not the greatest defender though, but he will be super productive and he’s also run the team well. Jones can play off the ball too. Look for him to get 17 ppg and 4 apg next year. The Gaels starting PG returns, 6’1 Sr. Scott Machado. Machado averaged 13 ppg and 7 apg, being smooth offensively and having great chemistry with Glover, often finding him for alley-oops. He’s good and the drive and kick or in transition where he’ll hit you if you fill lanes correctly, and he has a floater when he drives the lane or hit the 15 footer. Machado should improve his shot selection, 3-point shot, and decision-making more though, as he was a little bit high on TO’s and low on FG%. Also on the wing are Jr. Kyle Smyth and Sr. Jermel Jenkins, the team’s best shooters. The 6’4 190 Smyth has a quick release and a nice stroke, and can pull-up on hard closeouts, but lacks athleticism. 5’11 Jenkins also will contribute on the wing again. Jenkins is a smooth combo guard with a soft outside shooting touch. He’s a southpaw who likes to shoot the 3 in transition, who also plays PG when Machado is out. 6’3 Soph. wing Sean Armaud is also an intriguing player. He’s an aggressive scorer who showed a lot of promise last year, especially as a jump shooter (42% on 3’s). He also is physically mature for a younger guard with a strong 190 frame. He will be a very good player by his Sr. year. He averaged 6.4 ppg in 10 mpg last year, which is an extremely good rate. Iona has the best guards in the MAAC w/o Jones, and one of the better guard cores in the nation with him.

Overall- Iona has a chance at a great season next year. Their guard core is great, and they have one of the better frontcourt guys in the land in Mike Glover, ask Syracuse and Richmond, 2 tourny squads who he had good games against. They will have to play small once again, because their PF spot isn’t very strong, but they more than enough firepower on the perimeter to make up for it. MoMo Jones is looking to play immediately (Iona is close to Harlem, his hometown, and he transferred to be close to his ailing Grandmother) and is waiting for the NCAA’s approval. If he’s cleared, look for the Gaels to be a 2-and-out team.

 

[providencefriars1Participant]

Really, Iona over Oklahoma St and Villanova? That surprised me alot although I know that Iona is a strong team and should win the MAAC 

[providencefriars1Participant]

Really, Iona over Oklahoma St and Villanova? That surprised me alot although I know that Iona is a strong team and should win the MAAC 

[JNixonParticipant]

I really like their guard play and then they have a high-level post guy in Glover too. Villanova could be better, I think Iona could spend alot of next season in the top 25.

[JNixonParticipant]

I really like their guard play and then they have a high-level post guy in Glover too. Villanova could be better, I think Iona could spend alot of next season in the top 25.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Wow

You see Iona in the sweet 16?  Really? 

I don’t even see them as a top 50 team.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Wow

You see Iona in the sweet 16?  Really? 

I don’t even see them as a top 50 team.

[JNixonParticipant]

"You see Iona in the sweet 16? Really?"

2-and-out isn’t the Sweet 16.

[JNixonParticipant]

"You see Iona in the sweet 16? Really?"

2-and-out isn’t the Sweet 16.

[JNixonParticipant]

Also, you have Iowa State, Nebraska, and Clemson as top 50 teams. Just because you don’t see Iona as a top 50 doesn’t mean you have accurate projections. My rankings aren’t really what matters to me, it’s more about breaking down the players and how far the teams will get the tourny. Rankings change so much that it’s impossible to give an accurate rank this early. Iona lost by 6 to Syracuse last year and beat Richmond, 2 tourny teams (Cuse 2nd round, Richmond Sweet 16). They have talent. Certainly more so than the teams you have in your top 50 list.

[JNixonParticipant]

Also, you have Iowa State, Nebraska, and Clemson as top 50 teams. Just because you don’t see Iona as a top 50 doesn’t mean you have accurate projections. My rankings aren’t really what matters to me, it’s more about breaking down the players and how far the teams will get the tourny. Rankings change so much that it’s impossible to give an accurate rank this early. Iona lost by 6 to Syracuse last year and beat Richmond, 2 tourny teams (Cuse 2nd round, Richmond Sweet 16). They have talent. Certainly more so than the teams you have in your top 50 list.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Yeah,Iona is 1 of the nation’s sleeper teams…Dont be surprised if they end the year in the top 20..But i dont see any major outlets that’ll have them Ranked in the top 30 to start the season….

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Yeah,Iona is 1 of the nation’s sleeper teams…Dont be surprised if they end the year in the top 20..But i dont see any major outlets that’ll have them Ranked in the top 30 to start the season….

[NJHooper95Participant]

I was wondering what happend to him at Seton Hall. The hall was depending on him, but now I know. Iona could be a dangerous team come tournament time. Good Job

[NJHooper95Participant]

I was wondering what happend to him at Seton Hall. The hall was depending on him, but now I know. Iona could be a dangerous team come tournament time. Good Job

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Not that this matters but Dick Vitale just released his top 40 preseason rankings haha.  Iona didn’t make the list.  He did have Butler ranked #23 though.  I’m not high on them either.

I don’t see how you say Iona has so much talent… Iowa St., Clemson, & Nebraska all have more talent & would beat Iona on a neutral court.  Iowa St. & Clemson have rosters loaded with 4 star recruits. Iona played a cupcake schedule last season.  You brought up 2 games haha.  They played a bunch of nobodys & lost A LOT of those games.   They have absolutely no size.  I’m sure they will do good in their conference but talent wise they don’t stack up to the Power Conference teams.  Iona could make the tourney only by winning their conference tournament.  If they do make the tournament I don’t see them winning a game.

 

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Not that this matters but Dick Vitale just released his top 40 preseason rankings haha.  Iona didn’t make the list.  He did have Butler ranked #23 though.  I’m not high on them either.

I don’t see how you say Iona has so much talent… Iowa St., Clemson, & Nebraska all have more talent & would beat Iona on a neutral court.  Iowa St. & Clemson have rosters loaded with 4 star recruits. Iona played a cupcake schedule last season.  You brought up 2 games haha.  They played a bunch of nobodys & lost A LOT of those games.   They have absolutely no size.  I’m sure they will do good in their conference but talent wise they don’t stack up to the Power Conference teams.  Iona could make the tourney only by winning their conference tournament.  If they do make the tournament I don’t see them winning a game.

 

[JNixonParticipant]

"I don’t see how you say Iona has so much talent… Iowa St., Clemson, & Nebraska all have more talent & would beat Iona on a neutral court. Iowa St. & Clemson have rosters loaded with 4 star recruits. Iona played a cupcake schedule last season. You brought up 2 games haha. They played a bunch of nobodys & lost A LOT of those games. They have absolutely no size. I’m sure they will do good in their conference but talent wise they don’t stack up to the Power Conference teams. Iona could make the tourney only by winning their conference tournament. If they do make the tournament I don’t see them winning a game."

I brought up the 2 best teams they faced, it’s hard to exclude their games against 2 legit tourny squads. Competition is relevant, especially for a team in the MAAC. They have talent. They don’t have size, but what size does Iowa State and Nebraska have? Who cares what 4 star recruits. Maybe that would matter if they were the Oak Hill Academy Cyclones or the Findlay Prep Tigers, but they are Iowa State and Clemson. That’s a poor way to determine if a team is going to be good or not. None of their players that ISU or Nebraska have that are big are more valuable or experienced than the guys Iona has one the perimeter or even as good as Mike Glover down low. And then they add in MoMo Jones? You have both of those teams are ranked ahead ahead of Iona, and Iona has better guards than Clemson, ISU and Nebraska. Iona is a tourny team and they have a bunch of experienced Jr’s and Sr’s.

[JNixonParticipant]

"I don’t see how you say Iona has so much talent… Iowa St., Clemson, & Nebraska all have more talent & would beat Iona on a neutral court. Iowa St. & Clemson have rosters loaded with 4 star recruits. Iona played a cupcake schedule last season. You brought up 2 games haha. They played a bunch of nobodys & lost A LOT of those games. They have absolutely no size. I’m sure they will do good in their conference but talent wise they don’t stack up to the Power Conference teams. Iona could make the tourney only by winning their conference tournament. If they do make the tournament I don’t see them winning a game."

I brought up the 2 best teams they faced, it’s hard to exclude their games against 2 legit tourny squads. Competition is relevant, especially for a team in the MAAC. They have talent. They don’t have size, but what size does Iowa State and Nebraska have? Who cares what 4 star recruits. Maybe that would matter if they were the Oak Hill Academy Cyclones or the Findlay Prep Tigers, but they are Iowa State and Clemson. That’s a poor way to determine if a team is going to be good or not. None of their players that ISU or Nebraska have that are big are more valuable or experienced than the guys Iona has one the perimeter or even as good as Mike Glover down low. And then they add in MoMo Jones? You have both of those teams are ranked ahead ahead of Iona, and Iona has better guards than Clemson, ISU and Nebraska. Iona is a tourny team and they have a bunch of experienced Jr’s and Sr’s.

[B FreeParticipant]

I have been enjoying these so far good job, but I have missed a few Im wondering if you have done Nevada yet or if you plan too?

[B FreeParticipant]

I have been enjoying these so far good job, but I have missed a few Im wondering if you have done Nevada yet or if you plan too?

[JNixonParticipant]

Nah man, I don’t have Nevada in my Countdown.

[JNixonParticipant]

Nah man, I don’t have Nevada in my Countdown.

[providencefriars1Participant]

I’m also surprised Creighton wasnt in the late 30’s, but anyway Iona blows the pants of Clemson, Nebraska and Iowa St.

[providencefriars1Participant]

I’m also surprised Creighton wasnt in the late 30’s, but anyway Iona blows the pants of Clemson, Nebraska and Iowa St.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Just to name a few Iona lost to Bryant University, Vermont, Canisius, Rider, Loyola, Fairfield, St. Peters last year. Not good.

Iona was in the CIT Tournament last season lol

Iowa St. has Korie Lucious, Chris Allen, Anthony Booker, Royce White, Milvin Ejim, Scott Chrisopherson, & Chris Babb.  Thats solid.  Booker & White are both underrated post players.  We all saw Lucious & Allen at Michigan St.  

Clemson made the NCAA tournament last season.  They still have Andre Young, Devin Booker, Milton Jennings, Tanner Smith, Bernard Sullivan. 

Nebraska has a ton of size.  They have 5 players on their roster who are 6’10" or taller.  Bo Spencer (transfer from LSU) will be playing this season.  He can ball.  Dylan Talley is one of the top JUCOs in the country.  The team is loaded with Seniors.  

But since both of you seem to see something in Iona, I’ll keep an eye on them this upcoming season.  Should be a good one.

[gatorheelsParticipant]

 Just to name a few Iona lost to Bryant University, Vermont, Canisius, Rider, Loyola, Fairfield, St. Peters last year. Not good.

Iona was in the CIT Tournament last season lol

Iowa St. has Korie Lucious, Chris Allen, Anthony Booker, Royce White, Milvin Ejim, Scott Chrisopherson, & Chris Babb.  Thats solid.  Booker & White are both underrated post players.  We all saw Lucious & Allen at Michigan St.  

Clemson made the NCAA tournament last season.  They still have Andre Young, Devin Booker, Milton Jennings, Tanner Smith, Bernard Sullivan. 

Nebraska has a ton of size.  They have 5 players on their roster who are 6’10" or taller.  Bo Spencer (transfer from LSU) will be playing this season.  He can ball.  Dylan Talley is one of the top JUCOs in the country.  The team is loaded with Seniors.  

But since both of you seem to see something in Iona, I’ll keep an eye on them this upcoming season.  Should be a good one.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 How is Mo Mo Jones going to be eligible this year? Won’t he have to sit out a year?

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 How is Mo Mo Jones going to be eligible this year? Won’t he have to sit out a year?

[llperez]

im gonna assume a good bit of this ranking has to do with you predicting mo mo jones playing this year seeing as how you predicted him to get about 17ppg and 4apg. So would this ranking drop out of your top 35 if he doesnt play iggy? And while mo mo is a very solid player who started last year for zona, if he were considered the best player on any of the pac 12 teams i would say that team is in trouble.

[llperez]

im gonna assume a good bit of this ranking has to do with you predicting mo mo jones playing this year seeing as how you predicted him to get about 17ppg and 4apg. So would this ranking drop out of your top 35 if he doesnt play iggy? And while mo mo is a very solid player who started last year for zona, if he were considered the best player on any of the pac 12 teams i would say that team is in trouble.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 As a Arizona fan I wouldn’t put all my eggs in the Mo Mo Jones basket, he doesn’t make good decisions on a consistent basis and while he can have his good moments, the majority of them for me were frustrating. 

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 As a Arizona fan I wouldn’t put all my eggs in the Mo Mo Jones basket, he doesn’t make good decisions on a consistent basis and while he can have his good moments, the majority of them for me were frustrating. 

[ForTheWinParticipant]

Great post, but you forgot to mention Duravcevic and Kesic, two forwards who were very limited last year ,but are expected to see more time this year.

[ForTheWinParticipant]

Great post, but you forgot to mention Duravcevic and Kesic, two forwards who were very limited last year ,but are expected to see more time this year.

[providencefriars1Participant]

No one is putting all of their eggs in Jones’ basket their main contributor is Mike Glover. Also, Machado is a seriously underrated baller

[providencefriars1Participant]

No one is putting all of their eggs in Jones’ basket their main contributor is Mike Glover. Also, Machado is a seriously underrated baller

[Author]

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