Non-conference

Well, with 10 of 11 non-conference games in the books, what do we make of this Titan squad?

1) Zach Freeman is as good as any big man in Division III. Averaging 21.0 ppg and 10.8 rpg, while shooting .661 from the field, Zach is having one of the best seasons ever for an IWU low post man. He is fun to watch and has really taken his game to a new level.

2) The supporting cast has been inconsistent. This was to be expected I think, considering that Z. Freeman is the only member of the 2006-07 rotation to play meaningful varsity minutes last year. While we have seen glimpses from Andrew Gilmore, Darius Gant, Mike Harrigan, and Andrew Freeman, in the four losses only one (at best) played well. For this team to contend in the CCIW this season, Zach Freeman will need consistent offensive help from at least two other starters each time out. (If Andrew Freeman plays anywhere near as well as he did at Hanover during the CCIW schedule, this team has a shot.)

3.) The bench is thin. Again, we expected this...and the injuries to Sean Dwyer, Jason Bloom, and Brian Nussbuam made things worse. With Bloom now back and looking very good off the bench vs Chicago and Hanover, I think the Titans have found a key piece to the puzzle. He is a smart player who hustles every minute on the floor and always seems to be in the middle of the action. The Titans desperately need Dwyer back from that broken foot, as he is really the only true point-guard on the roster. His presence - just as a solid ball-handler and floor general - will help everyone on the floor. (Latest word is that Sean could be back as early as the second league game.)


Again, no real surprises in what we've seen so far. I think this team is close to turning a corner and getting very good...and at the same time, they could be close to turning the corner in the wrong direction. Lots of drama - that's what makes it fun!

The Titans host Albion Saturday at 1:00pm, then it's CCIW time.