Good morning! If you’re reading this, you’re clearly starting your day off right with an effort to better yourself by becoming more educated about the goings-on in the mid-major world.
In a landscape so dominated by the biggest schools and conferences, it’s quite hard to winnow down the information you want and need to hear about your favorite mid-major programs.
Thankfully, Mid-Major Madness is here to aggregate the news and links for you, providing you with a brand-new, daily post about the world of mid-major hoops.
#Content to Read
San Jose State’s Dave Wojcik resigns (Mid-Major Madness)
After four seasons at the helm in San Jose, Dave Wojcik is stepping down, citing “personal reasons.” The program has struggled lately, but Wojcik’s statement below tells exactly why he left:
This past year has been emotionally challenging for me with the loss of my father. His passing made me evaluate what is important in life and the value of family. With the considerable needs of my widowed mother as well as my son moving to the East Coast after his high school graduation, I believe it is the appropriate time to resign my position as head men’s basketball coach at San José University.
Debunking Western Kentucky conspiracy theories (WBKO)
With the recent news that Shammond Williams is no longer at Western Kentucky, theories were running wild that 5-star recruit Mitchell Robinson might be following suit. However, with his recent enrollment at Western Kentucky, it’s clear that he’s going to be a Hilltopper next season.
The great Chad Bishop, WKU beat writer for WBKO, took the time to debunk that conspiracy theory, as well as a few others surrounding the WKU basketball program. One such theory discussed revolved around Robinson possibly playing in China:
Twas brought to my attention via text message that somewhere out there in Internet land over the weekend the latest rumor was Robinson would forego his college basketball career and play professionally in China, of all places. That rumor grew so loud that even Jeff Goodman of ESPN reported there could be some validity to the issue.
Now, I will say, of all the possibilities pertaining to Robinson’s future, this one could have been believable. What five-star, All-American, possible NBA draft pick wouldn’t consider starting his pro career as soon as possible?
You might argue that any 18-year-old, told he can be paid to play basketball for a year and then have a legitimate shot to be an NBA star a year later, would grapple with that decision.
Rothstein’s A-10 Offseason Notes (FanRag Sports)
Friend of the site Jon Rothstein compiled his Atlantic 10 offseason notes, complete with power rankings, First Team selections, and storylines of interest to fans of the conference.
Two of the storylines Rothstein is most interested in revolve around the expected dominance of Rhode Island and whether or not Saint Louis is ready to make the jump in Travis Ford’s second season as the Billikens’ head coach.
Oh, and Jon also has a sleeper pick (it’s Davidson).
Tweets of Interest
As a Belmont site, I must report this news to you
Go Bruins!! pic.twitter.com/nGmZurVA4E
— Mitch Listau (@MitchListau34) July 10, 2017
Purnell memes will be around as long as I’m on Twitter
Being leader of the G20 is just another job that Oliver Purnell can’t be fired from. pic.twitter.com/ZgM4xVSCCX
— Cam Newton (@morrisoncrying) July 10, 2017
KEEP REFRESHING, ELI
Worth a try. pic.twitter.com/6pNyJTWLgr
— Eli Boettger (@boettger_eli) July 11, 2017
Congrats to a former Billiken
Brian Conklin inked a 2-year deal recently with @limogescsp in France. Congrats Conk!#AlwaysABilliken ⚪️ #Billikens pic.twitter.com/JOz7WSEinn
— SLU Men's Basketball (@SaintLouisMBB) July 10, 2017
Nike is a good look for WKU
First shipment of @Nike gear has arrived for @WKUFootball pic.twitter.com/C8TBzBFsOX
— WKU EQUIPMENT (@WKUEquipment) July 10, 2017
Here’s some news
Former #JMU basketball coach Matt Brady is now Maryland's director of player personnel.
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) July 10, 2017
When’s the wedding?
— Peter The Anteater (@PeterTAnteater) July 10, 2017
Listen to Evan
@BelmontMBB goes 30-0 this year behind assistant coach @coachjstrong3 https://t.co/NeJAEeHytf
— Evan Bradds (@EasyBreezy_35) July 10, 2017
Some Mount St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart fans got into it in my mentions
He could be. But honestly he's a rip off of Big Red of Sacred Heart. The Mount cheated!! pic.twitter.com/0dehwbTkzl
— Ryan Peters (@pioneer_pride) July 10, 2017
SPIDERS GETTING READY
Good day at the office today! #OneRichmond pic.twitter.com/vpWu6ujA8Q
— Richmond Basketball (@SpiderMBB) July 10, 2017
Recruiting News
2017 Colby CC (KS) G Shaq Athie has committed to Grambling State. (HT @JucoRecruiting) @YaBoy_ShaQ https://t.co/sRKfovu2dq
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) July 11, 2017
Wagner F/C Marquis Salmon(RS JR) is leaving the program. Will graduate and be immediately eligible
— Tai Young (@TaiYoungVC) July 10, 2017
American transfer Lonnie Rivera has committed to Wagner, per a source.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) July 10, 2017
2018 Paul VI (VA) G Miles Latimer has committed to Stony Brook. @Mles30 https://t.co/ZIuspJqCRg
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) July 10, 2017
Former North Texas G Ja'Michael Brown is transferring to Angelo St.
— Tai Young (@TaiYoungVC) July 10, 2017
Florida A&M G K'Ja Johnson (SO) is leaving the program. https://t.co/N4wOx63Pea
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) July 10, 2017