Originally Posted by
Kermit
I watched Lien and Kretchman a lot in high school and I've watched them quite a bit with the Dragons. I haven't seen Arvidson as much, so I won't comment on him. Our staff did not "miss out" on these kids. They were followed closely by NDSU and Lien was actively recruited as a preferred walk-on. He was probably close to getting a scholarship offer. I was a fan and wanted to see him with the Bison. Would they be difference makers for the Bison? Absolutely not, in my opinion. There is a huge difference in the physicality of the Summit League vs. the NSIC. Some of the guys who score at will in the NSIC would have a hard time getting open shots in D1. There are exceptions to this (think Schilling and Janssen at Augustana). Furthermore, I don't know who a kid like Kretchman would guard in the Summit. Most of the guards are either much longer than him or much stronger, if not both.
I'd also comment on NDSU players who can't seem to shoot or score in games. You would be amazed at how good many of those same guys look in practice or against lesser competition. It is a whole different ballgame when you have D1 athletes guarding you.