Post by TheReignman on May 18, 2020 10:07:58 GMT -5
The people called for it- so here it is. I have some trouble previewing the 2021 season with so much uncertainty up in the air. But here I will do my best with what I know to this point.
1A. Springfield- Returning an immensely talented group (Brandow - Anderson - York - Parker) along with multiple incoming transfer All-Americans (Torres - Reynolds) capped off with a freshman who I think can battle for the starting setting position and elevate their offense- Austin Richards.
1B. New Paltz- contingent on their seniors returning for their own "Last Dance"; Grace provides a setting and leadership unmatched in Division III, Carrk as one of the most dangerous hitters in the country, O'Malley as an offensive juggernaut. Still need to figure out the OH2 piece, IMO. Excellent potential landing spot for grad transfers- don't know too much about their incoming class.
3. Stevens- Probably the program I know least about to this point with the potential return of seniors. Either way- they have a deep and talented roster of younger players who can step in and shine if certain seniors don't return.
4. Kean- A group of really talented seniors returning from a long layoff; Capp will be able to challenge Grace for the top setter in the country and has an ideal OH2 coming back with him in Milnazik. Ray will benefit more than any player in the country from receiving a lower volume of balls and become a more efficient monster. Also some transfer rumors swirling with low tuition and a number of grad programs available.
5. Rutgers-Newark- Graduating 0 starters from a team that impressed all this past season. Tuhoy and Zaleck will continue to grow in sophomore campaigns; They play super technically and can produce a strong secondary hitter behind Zaleck- they can continue to compete
6. Vassar- Returning a strong core of players; Koja with a chance to continue maturing and van Beveren continuing to develop; I expect this team to continue competing at the top even with the loss of Ros; Rich Gary is one of brightest minds in D3 and will get this group moving
7. SJFC- Only losing one starter from the year prior (and he might be back for all I know) this group will continue to be dangerous; Bigford is a premier OH in the country (along with Brandow and Slivinski) and will showcase it again next season; Additionally, incoming freshman Jake Baker will make an impact as a Coach England continues to stockpile talent
8. MSOE- This is a group that had great start to the year and then didn't see much D3 competition afterwards; Ben Pung is one of the most underrated athletes in the country and will be returning to lead a program competing for top dog in the midwest
9. Lancaster Bible- Nate Miller is back- if the rest of the seniors follow suit- I think this group should be considered much higher. If not- I think Nate has the chance to keep this group in the national conversation
10. Carthage- this one is tough for me- and I'll admit my beat on the midwest is not as strong as the east coast. But I do know that Slivinski is a top flight outside and his talent can help prevail even with some other uncertainties and Wauman's (assumed) graduation.
Also Considered:
NYU - Endicott - Dominican - MIT - Ben U - Wentworth - Juniata
Returning seniors, transfers, and unknown freshman can all change these rankings. But right now this is how I see the picture. Next Monday I plan on tackling the most interesting questions I see in the 2021 season.
1A. Springfield- Returning an immensely talented group (Brandow - Anderson - York - Parker) along with multiple incoming transfer All-Americans (Torres - Reynolds) capped off with a freshman who I think can battle for the starting setting position and elevate their offense- Austin Richards.
1B. New Paltz- contingent on their seniors returning for their own "Last Dance"; Grace provides a setting and leadership unmatched in Division III, Carrk as one of the most dangerous hitters in the country, O'Malley as an offensive juggernaut. Still need to figure out the OH2 piece, IMO. Excellent potential landing spot for grad transfers- don't know too much about their incoming class.
3. Stevens- Probably the program I know least about to this point with the potential return of seniors. Either way- they have a deep and talented roster of younger players who can step in and shine if certain seniors don't return.
4. Kean- A group of really talented seniors returning from a long layoff; Capp will be able to challenge Grace for the top setter in the country and has an ideal OH2 coming back with him in Milnazik. Ray will benefit more than any player in the country from receiving a lower volume of balls and become a more efficient monster. Also some transfer rumors swirling with low tuition and a number of grad programs available.
5. Rutgers-Newark- Graduating 0 starters from a team that impressed all this past season. Tuhoy and Zaleck will continue to grow in sophomore campaigns; They play super technically and can produce a strong secondary hitter behind Zaleck- they can continue to compete
6. Vassar- Returning a strong core of players; Koja with a chance to continue maturing and van Beveren continuing to develop; I expect this team to continue competing at the top even with the loss of Ros; Rich Gary is one of brightest minds in D3 and will get this group moving
7. SJFC- Only losing one starter from the year prior (and he might be back for all I know) this group will continue to be dangerous; Bigford is a premier OH in the country (along with Brandow and Slivinski) and will showcase it again next season; Additionally, incoming freshman Jake Baker will make an impact as a Coach England continues to stockpile talent
8. MSOE- This is a group that had great start to the year and then didn't see much D3 competition afterwards; Ben Pung is one of the most underrated athletes in the country and will be returning to lead a program competing for top dog in the midwest
9. Lancaster Bible- Nate Miller is back- if the rest of the seniors follow suit- I think this group should be considered much higher. If not- I think Nate has the chance to keep this group in the national conversation
10. Carthage- this one is tough for me- and I'll admit my beat on the midwest is not as strong as the east coast. But I do know that Slivinski is a top flight outside and his talent can help prevail even with some other uncertainties and Wauman's (assumed) graduation.
Also Considered:
NYU - Endicott - Dominican - MIT - Ben U - Wentworth - Juniata
Returning seniors, transfers, and unknown freshman can all change these rankings. But right now this is how I see the picture. Next Monday I plan on tackling the most interesting questions I see in the 2021 season.
