NEC Hoops News and Notes.

With conference play a week a way (January 9th) CTC is diving into some NEC news and notes.

Let's start with some actual news.

CCSU start Matt Hunter was declared academically ineligible. That's a huge blow to the Blue Devils who were struggling with Hunter in the lineup.

Central Connecticut forward Matt Hunter out for season (and career over because he's a senior). Academically ineligible.
— Mike Anthony (@ManthonyCourant) December 29, 2013

Our man Ryan Peter's has the story over at Big Apple Bucket: CCSU Star now Ineligible

That's a tough way to end a career, and it likely puts any chance of CCSU making any noise in the NEC to rest. They have no depth, and Kyle Vinales is their only weapon.

Speaking of the NEC race and who will make noise, Colonial fans got some encouraging news from a prominent college basketball writer.

Still think Robert Morris figures it out @gweintraUMD: @JonRothstein who takes the NEC?
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) December 30, 2013

I'm with Jon. Why?

Despite what appears to be a slow start, the Colonials have shown more positive attributes that point toward being a factor more, or at least even with, than any other team in the league.

The offense has obviously been good, and RMU has no place to go but up on the defensive end. Even with the poor numbers, RMU is projected to go 11-5 in the NEC, tied for first with Bryant, by KenPom.

It's no secret that the NEC has struggled, and not one team has emerged as a favorite.

RMU, Bryant, Wagner and LIU Brooklyn are the best candidates.

Speaking of the Blackbirds, its rumored that LIU star forward Julian Boyd is still on schedule to return in the second half of NEC play.

How effective he will be coming off back-to-back ACL tears remains to be determined, but there is little doubt the Blackbirds need him back.

One thing is certain, with NEC play about to begin, we all need to prepare once one crazy, up-and-down run.

--Kunkel5
--Lee Kunkel