Preseason Player of the Year

[slider]

I just saw the Lax Magazine with the IA preview and noticed that there is not a preseason poy, but a player to watch, Chris Cook from N'eastern. Since he is the only player mentioned, are we to assume that he is essentially the preseason poy? I think Cook is very good, but if we're calling it player(s) to watch, some more names should be thrown into the mix. Who else could be listed as Preseason Players to Watch? Combs? Bird? Cannis? Others?

[defense_wins_championship]

This is just my personal opinion, but I would think that Combs would have to top the list. I mean the kid was unbelievable last year on a team the has had a very fast rise to glory. Also with all the controversy that was surrounding them this offseason. I would bet that they will be a team with a chip on their shoulders, that comes out with something to prove and him leading the way. I thought that Michigan is returning most of their offense and they also had a few note worthy players in Krauss, Morales and Fox. Two sophomores and a junior respectively. With the graduation of some great offensive talent last year, I'm excited to see who becomes the offensive machines this year.

[sohotrightnow]

Benny Cannis from Sonoma. Amazing defender and is great in transition.

That Cook kid...I dunno. He did not look so amazing when he played a decent team. He did virtually nothing against UCSD and in my opinion, did not merit a full page article.

[CATLAX MAN]

In my opinion, there are 2 names that should be on the top of the list. Damon Conklin-Moragne, the UCSB LSM, might just be the best player in the MDIA. A true game changer. The other should be Nick Dean who hoisted his team on his back last year to get UCSD to the tourney. If UCSD had more talent around him, he would be unstoppable.

[sohotrightnow]

Right on Catlax. Don't know how those two slipped my mind. I think Dean, Cannis, and Conklin are the best in the country at their respective positions.

[Dan Warren]

sohotrightnow:

That Cook kid...I dunno. He did not look so amazing when he played a decent team. He did virtually nothing against UCSD and in my opinion, did not merit a full page article.

First of all, Northeastern did not play UCSD at all in 2005. But, yes, in NU's first game of the tourney, against Michigan, Cook had zero points. I did notice that NU played 20 games, and Cook is listed as playing 19.. I don't know if he missed that game or not...BUT..here are some point totals for Cook in 7 games played against "decent" competition:

vs. UNH, 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points
vs. BC, 5 goals, 0 assists, 5 points
vs. UNH, 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points
vs. BC, 3 goals, 2 assists, 5 points
vs. Mich, O points
vs. Ariz, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points
vs. VTech, 2 goals, 8 assists, 10 points

so in 7 games versus "decent" teams, Cook totaled 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points.

I coached Bridgewater in the PCLL last year, and saw Cook play. I can tell you that he is a very good player that, in my mind, did deserve the full page article. I believe he lead the MDIA in assists with 77 last year, and had 109 points total. I think it is refreshing to read about a star offensive player that has more than twice as many assists than goals, you just don't see that all the time.

[Daniel Morris]

Another point is that this article highlights a "Player To Watch". Unless you have been living in a cave, you know who Justin Combs is. His name is everywhere. Cook finished second to Combs in points last season but doesn't have anywhere near the name recognition. Cook comes from a relatively unknown team (nationally) in Northeastern, and has been the major reason they have exploded onto the scene and into the MDIA tournament for the first time in the team's long history as part of the PCLL. I think the combination of his contributions and anonymity make him a perfect choice and shine a little light on an overlooked conference.

[sohotrightnow]

Yes, my mistake, it was 2004. However, player of the year for the entire MDIA?

Those are some great stats against "decent" competition, however BU and UNH did not make the tournament and 4 of the games you listed were against those two teams! If I am not mistaken, Cal, which finished with a losing record, beat UNH on the road, so how "decent" are they really?

In addition, you suspiciously failed to mention that his stats against V Tech and Arizona were in consolation games.

Maybe player of the year in his league, but not the country.

[slider]

I don't think this thread should turn into a debate about Cook. He is a very good player. I just think that the title of "player to watch" was a little confusing and it might have been better to at least throw some other names out there in a preseason article (as they did in the wdia article). I think one of the reasons this is an interesting discussion this year is because some of the biggest names on the "top" teams are defensive players (Cannis, Conklin, Jokisch). The biggest offensive names returning this season are on tournament teams, but not consistent contenders (Combs, Cook, Dean). I'm sure some names will emerge on those "top" teams this year, but as of right now, this seems to be the case.

[Dan Warren]

sohotrightnow

Yes, my mistake, it was 2004. However, player of the year for the entire MDIA?

Those are some great stats against "decent" competition, however BU and UNH did not make the tournament and 4 of the games you listed were against those two teams! If I am not mistaken, Cal, which finished with a losing record, beat UNH on the road, so how "decent" are they really?

In addition, you suspiciously failed to mention that his stats against V Tech and Arizona were in consolation games.

Maybe player of the year in his league, but not the country.

I did not say that he should be "player of the year for the entire MDIA", just that his performance in 2005 was worthy of the credit he recieved of the full page article. Like Dan Morris said, it was refreshing, and he was a big reason for NU making the tourney, and bursting onto the scene.

Also, it was games against Boston College, not BU (big difference), and New Hampshire. Both teams that finished in the MDIA top 20, at 19 and 20 respectively. Both are recent tourney teams, and PCLL champs. I think it is fair to say that being a top 20 team qualifies you as "decent"

I did fail to mention that the games against U of A and V. Tech were consolation games, but I really don't think that is relavent. The teams are there, officials are there, you are playing teams you have never played before, why does it matter? I really doubt that guys would take it easy because they are consolation games. A game is a game.

Let's move on.

[sohotrightnow]

I am willing to move on, but you obviously do not know the mindset of players in consolation games. Case in point, Arizona gave Sonoma St. all it could handle in 2002, losing in OT in the quarterfinals. The next day they lost to an inferior team, I believe it was Texas A&M, by a few goals.

So, yes, players, refs, and coaches are there, but it is foolosh of you to assume that their mindset is the same.

Now we can move on Mr. Warren.

[PigPen]

consolation games are just that-consolation. individual accomplishments are nice-that FSU kid made some nice passes a couple of years ago and earned the record, but I think everyone has a different midset during those games. It's a shame because some of those matchups are so intriguing on paper. But I have seen it too many times-it's like confetti after the party.

[Danny Hogan]

a big part of VTech left after they got eliminated, i believe to attend graduation.

[Daniel Morris]

I am willing to move on, but you obviously do not know the mindset of players in consolation games. Case in point, Arizona gave Sonoma St. all it could handle in 2002, losing in OT in the quarterfinals. The next day they lost to an inferior team, I believe it was Texas A&M, by a few goals.

So, yes, players, refs, and coaches are there, but it is foolosh of you to assume that their mindset is the same.

Now we can move on Mr. Warren.

And it is foolish to assume it isn't. I have been at this tournament year after year as staff and every player and team is different. If you think most teams aren't trying to win, you are mistaken. Yes, players leave and others don't have the same fire they may have had the day before, but it is still competition and there is still pride out there.

And if you have such a big problem with Cook being chosen, take it up with Lacrosse Magazine. This choice wasn't made by the message board, it wasn't made by the PCLL. It was made by the premier lacrosse magazine in the country. Maybe they see something you don't?

[Dan Warren]

I think we could argue this forever. NU was missing kids just the same..some players play hard every game, some need something on the line, you never know..whatever. The kid is good, he deserves some credit. He was not crowned any title like POY or anything. My arguement is just that I think he is worthy of some press, and that is all.