Bryce is already thinking about it:
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/drew-already-has-eye-on-next-season/article_160ea90f-f86c-5dc5-ab47-2fb6d7bcfefe.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/drew-already-has-eye-on-next-season/article_160ea90f-f86c-5dc5-ab47-2fb6d7bcfefe.html)
So what about you? And I don't mean what we need to repeat as conference champ, but rather, what do we need to make it to the Sweet Sixteen??
We have one scholarship to give plus the chance for our guys to improve. Not sure what is out there for the scholarship and an impact player, but, here are a few thought on things that could make a difference for us from existing players:
Erik Buggs: Pretty simple, improve his shooting from the 3 to 25%. We saw him make a couple of 3's against Butler in the semis. If he could do that on a regular basis the defense has to change.
Ben Boggs/Matt Kenney: I view these two as cut from the same cloth. About the same size, same toughness and both good rebounders especially for their size. Improve your shooting. Ben particularly was a scoring disappointment. They both could disappear and that needs to change. We need a third CONSISTENT scoring option and they could be the answer.
Jay Harris: Again, consistent shooting. Hot and cold. Better ball handling and decision making. I fully expect that to occur as he matures.
Richie Edwards: He developed into our best third option. The improvement from the beginning of the season was dramatic. If it continues then, look out.
Bench: Vucic and Kurth: Keep improving or prepare for more splinters.
New guys: I really think Bobby Capobianco could be a difference maker. I'm thinking Kevin with an outside shot and probably more versitile. He will be the beast we lacked to back up Kevin if in foul trouble or injured. Vashil Fernandez: Probably needs another year of experience and maturity, although I've never even seen him practice!! Obviously just a guess. If he can become a legit shot blocker then we really have something. The two new bigs will make a huge difference.
So, if we could pick a new guy who would be available for next year, would it be another big, or another 6'5" athlete who can score, like, say what we expected from Dino or maybe a slightly smaller Richie? Thoughts??
We need a scoring point guard or some athletcism. Leke or the kid from VCA in Valpo should really be considered if their academics are ok.
:)howabout working on winning in the post season more often then once every five years!!
Quote from: VUfan on March 18, 2012, 05:50:17 PM
:)howabout working on winning in the post season more often then once every five years!!
Thanks for the stupid response. Maybe you should read the post before saying something.
Unless someone unexpected comes along late in the process the way Kevin did, at this stage of recruiting and given the addition of Capobianco and Fernandez, my guess is that Bryce will likely go the transfer route, someone who will redshirt next year (2012-2013) but add maturity to the young team he will have in 2013-2014, perhaps someone like Brad Karp, who has been mentioned on the forum before.
Quote from: valpopal on March 18, 2012, 06:50:32 PM
Unless someone unexpected comes along late in the process the way Kevin did, at this stage of recruiting and given the addition of Capobianco and Fernandez, my guess is that Bryce will likely go the transfer route, someone who will redshirt next year (2012-2013) but add maturity to the young team he will have in 2013-2014, perhaps someone like Brad Karp, who has been mentioned on the forum before.
Is Brad Karp in Junior College, or is he D1?
Quote from: valpopal on March 18, 2012, 06:50:32 PM
Unless someone unexpected comes along late in the process the way Kevin did, at this stage of recruiting and given the addition of Capobianco and Fernandez, my guess is that Bryce will likely go the transfer route, someone who will redshirt next year (2012-2013) but add maturity to the young team he will have in 2013-2014, perhaps someone like Brad Karp, who has been mentioned on the forum before.
I agree on the transfer idea. Bryce and staff are probably on the phone right now contacting guys who might help the program.
Quote from: sectionee on March 18, 2012, 04:00:38 PM
We need a scoring point guard or some athletcism. Leke or the kid from VCA in Valpo should really be considered if their academics are ok.
No..and NO.
Quote from: DMvalpo18 on March 18, 2012, 10:34:35 PMIs Brad Karp in Junior College, or is he D1?
Karp goes to Saint Xavier University. SXU is a NAIA Division I school. He averaged 23.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.9 APG and 1.56 StlPG.
Brad Karp roster info (http://www.sxucougars.com/roster/9/1/1797.php)
Quote from: EddieCabot on March 18, 2012, 10:41:44 PM
Quote from: valpopal on March 18, 2012, 06:50:32 PM
Unless someone unexpected comes along late in the process the way Kevin did, at this stage of recruiting and given the addition of Capobianco and Fernandez, my guess is that Bryce will likely go the transfer route, someone who will redshirt next year (2012-2013) but add maturity to the young team he will have in 2013-2014, perhaps someone like Brad Karp, who has been mentioned on the forum before.
I agree on the transfer idea. Bryce and staff are probably on the phone right now contacting guys who might help the program.
Looks like they got their man ... per a re-tweet from PantherU, South Florida transfer LaVonte Dority is heading to Valpo. Can't confirm beyond the Twitter report.
http://www.gousfbulls.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=204993632 (http://www.gousfbulls.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=204993632)
I went to the Bulls athletic site, but got confused. Can someone explain why his name does not appear on any USF BB roster: 2009-10, 2010-11 or 2011-12? I don't know how these things work, but has he been vaporized because he decide to Xfer?
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 20, 2012, 09:49:08 PM
I went to the Bulls athletic site, but got confused. Can someone explain why his name does not appear on any USF BB roster: 2009-10, 2010-11 or 2011-12? I don't know how these things work, but has he been vaporized because he decide to Xfer?
he was there earlier as part of 2010-11. apparently he didn't play at all this year. so he would have 2 years of eligibility starting in 13-14.
Thanks vuweather -- it's like he never existed. You guys out there are more familiar with this kid I'd guess as he's out of Chicago, right?.
ESPN/Scout rated him at 90. He chose SFL over IU, Baylor, New Mexico and Wisconsin. If he played as a Freshman and set out this year as a sophomore, doesn't that mean he will be eligible to play next year - and have 3 years of eligibility left? Or not?
Unless I'm wrong, I believe, since he 'redshirted' this season, he would sit out his transfer year, and only have 2 years remaining?
Short interview from this Jan:
http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1280:south-florida-transfer-lavonte-dority-breaks-down-his-recruitment-as-he-looks-to-select-a-new-school&catid=34:recruiting (http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1280:south-florida-transfer-lavonte-dority-breaks-down-his-recruitment-as-he-looks-to-select-a-new-school&catid=34:recruiting)
Someone on the DePaul message board said he was playing at SF at beginning of season and quit after he lost his starting pos. He enrolled at Triton Jr College in Jan - just going to school - no BB.
From what I have heard, Dority left South Florida after the fall semester and went to a JUCO school. By doing this he should be eligible immediately.
Valparaiso adds Big East transfer in Dority:
http://m.nwitimes.com/mobile-touch-2/?disableTNStatsTracker=1#d6f00764-7308-11e1-ab42-00163ec2aa77 (http://m.nwitimes.com/mobile-touch-2/?disableTNStatsTracker=1#d6f00764-7308-11e1-ab42-00163ec2aa77)
once he started the season at USF, he cannot start the following season at another D1 school, unless he graduates from the JUCO. This is why Ben Boggs had to sit out the first semester this past season. Dority may not be in the same situation because he'd have a two-year degree.. We'll know more over the next few days. Don't know all the details about the lack of playing time at USF, but he was a huge get for them out of high school, having received offers from IU, Kansas, Baylor and Wisconsin. I would hope that this makes more sense than offerring the one remaining scholarship to Brad Karp. Although, I have little doubt that Brad would be a productive player if he transferred to Valpo.
Quote from: wh on March 20, 2012, 11:53:22 PM
Someone on the DePaul message board said he was playing at SF at beginning of season and quit after he lost his starting pos. He enrolled at Triton Jr College in Jan - just going to school - no BB.
Found the same imformation but from different sources. Looks to me that at worst he might be elligible (like Boggs was) for the second semester.Touted as an excellent playmaker with great scoring potential. If he is also a rock solid defender (of which I read no mention) then he would fill all of my requirements as that extra point guard extra defender that next years team might need to complete the puzzle. But for all we know they may want him to sit the entire season so that he doesn't lose the year of elligibility while playing in just one semester. Part of this decision might depend on how the Kurth issue plays out.
Chicago Hoops confirms he is going to VU. He wants a family environment with winning where he can showcase his skills.
I know nothing about him, but at 6'1" we need a true point guard, so hopefully it works out.
Just speculation, but we saw what happened last year with Witt and the decision to eliminate him from the program. The progam seems to have set a standard for players who do not progress.
lowposter
The article from Chicago Hoops dated today.
http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1615:lavonte-dority-to-transfer-to-valparaiso&catid=34:recruiting (http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1615:lavonte-dority-to-transfer-to-valparaiso&catid=34:recruiting)
Quote from: chef on March 21, 2012, 12:22:09 AM
I would hope that this makes more sense than offerring the one remaining scholarship to Brad Karp. Although, I have little doubt that Brad would be a productive player if he transferred to Valpo.
If Dority is eligible second semester next year, which I also have heard might be the case, he would take Kurth's spot on the bench as the next available guard, and I wouldn't be surprised if another scholarship spot opened up, which still could go to Karp or someone else.
An article from Illinois Prep Bulls-eye re: transfer Lavonte Dority. It appears he indeed might be eligible next season, as long as he gets his juco degree which he is pursuing.
This article also mentions another potential recruit that Valpo is in the mix for, this one for the class of 2013. David Cohn has been offered a scholarship by Valpo and also by several other HL schools, in addition to schools from other conferences.
http://ilprepbullseye.com/Dority_Valpo.html (http://ilprepbullseye.com/Dority_Valpo.html)
Today's Times article says that if he finishes his degree at Triton then he would be eligible immeadiately!
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/valparaiso-adds-big-east-transfer-in-dority/article_b518c3b5-1ba7-56ba-9a90-42c449a976cd.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/valparaiso-adds-big-east-transfer-in-dority/article_b518c3b5-1ba7-56ba-9a90-42c449a976cd.html)
Here's a very complete writeup on Dority. My guess is Scott helped Bryce find this kid as Baylor, via Mark Morefield, were very active in recruiting him. Sounds like a good kid in addition to being a stud on the court.
http://illinoishsbasketball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=797&Itemid=1 (http://illinoishsbasketball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=797&Itemid=1)
Quote from: vu72 on March 21, 2012, 10:01:01 AM
Today's Times article says that if he finishes his degree at Triton then he would be eligible immeadiately!
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/valparaiso-adds-big-east-transfer-in-dority/article_b518c3b5-1ba7-56ba-9a90-42c449a976cd.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/valparaiso-adds-big-east-transfer-in-dority/article_b518c3b5-1ba7-56ba-9a90-42c449a976cd.html)
I saw that too ... wonder where Oren got his information on this. If anyone would care to read what the NCAA says, flip to page 21 of this document. http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/TGONLINE2010.pdf (http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/TGONLINE2010.pdf)
The sticking point with Dority is that one-calendar year has not elapsed since he left his previous four year school. By the letter of the NCAA rules, Dority won't be eligible until he completes one full year of academic residence at his new four-year school. (Whether that means he needs a full year at Valpo or just a full year to pass since he left SFU isn't clear to me).
By comparison, Brandon Wood was eligible immediately when he came from Junior College because he had received his two-year degree and a full year had past since he left SIU (his previous four-year school).
My caveat is the same one I always throw out ... no matter what the NCAA rules say, they will choose to follow them or ignore them on a case by case basis! ;)
Paul Oren on Twitter announcing another Jr. College transfer. Jordan Coleman?
Word is out that the ONLY reason Dority chose Valpo was the facilities. The arena was impressive but more so was the Hilltop practice facility. The clincher was the lockeroom.
Quote from: vu72 on March 21, 2012, 03:30:13 PM
Word is out that the ONLY reason Dority chose Valpo was the facilities. The arena was impressive but more so was the Hilltop practice facility. The clincher was the lockeroom.
;)
Quote from: zvillehaze on March 21, 2012, 02:44:55 PM
Paul Oren on Twitter announcing another Jr. College transfer. Jordan Coleman?
I don't have twitter, but here is a link to his NWI Twitter account:
http://twitter.com/# (http://twitter.com/#)!/NWIOren
He mentions that Valpo, after Dority in fold, will add another transfer (Jordon Coleman), and look for someone to not be back next year (Kurth???).
Quote from: zvillehaze on March 21, 2012, 01:56:09 PMI saw that too ... wonder where Oren got his information on this.
Oren's updated his position, via twitter:
"Coleman should be immediately eligible, but up in the air on how many years at the moment. Dority may not be able to play till semester."
and
"Lots of moving parts at the moment and trying to understand NCAA rule book is giving me a headache."
Funny to watch all of this in the twitter age:
Will Bogan @willbogan
S/o to @Doritykid my soon-to-be teammate with the verbal commit to us #crusadernation
Lavonte Dority @Doritykid
@willbogan @Doritykid thanks big homie...
Quote from: wh on March 20, 2012, 11:20:19 PMESPN/Scout rated him [Dority] at 90.
And three stars. 40th ranked point guard in the class of 2010. But all of that out of high school. He might rate lower than that as a transfer?
ESPN/Scout had Coleman rated 80 as a two star small forward, out of high school, at 6'4" 170. At Hawaii they list him a 6'4" 175 lbs guard.
Oren says, "Coleman (6'5 guard) averaged 10.2 ppg with 1.7 steals at SWIC."
If you have been at a four-year school and now attend a two-year school...
If you started at a four-year school, then transferred to a two-year school and now want to transfer to a four-year school, we refer
to you as a 4-2-4 transfer. Generally, here are the rules that apply to you.
4-2-4 and you want to go to Division I
If you are a qualifier...
Did you:
1. Complete an average of 12-semester or 12-quarter credit hours for each term of full-time attendance that can
be transferred toward your degree at the four-year school?**
2. Earn a GPA of 2.000 in those transferable credit hours?
3. Graduate from the two-year school AND have one-calendar year elapse since you left your previous four-year school?
If Yes to all:
You can practice.
You can receive athletically related financial aid.
You can play right away during the first year after you transfer.*+
* Additional progress-toward-degree rules from the NCAA, the conference or the school may affect whether you can play.
** In men's basketball, not more than two credit hours of physical education activity courses may be used to fulfill the transferable degree credit and
grade-point average requirements, unless the student-athlete is enrolling in a physical education degree program or a degree program in education
that requires physical education activity courses.
+ Baseball and basketball - mid-year enrollee: In Division I, a transfer student-athlete in the sports of baseball and basketball who initially enrolls at the
certifying institution as a full-time student for the spring term shall not be eligible to compete until the next academic year (i.e., fall term).
Kind of hard to understand because of poor wording especially in the mid year enrollee section. I think Dority probably sits next year and then plays 2 years after Buggs graduates.
I'm not sure which is the "certifying institution". But, if he left USF in the fall and attended Valpo for the spring semester 2012, he'd be eligible to play after finals, December 2012, right? I'd be surprised if going to a JUCO for that semester or two, instead of straight to Valpo, made him wait _longer_.
Coleman (#4) highlights from high school:
Jordan Coleman Calabasas H.S. Basketball 09-10 League (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3K8o-bpPpU#ws)
Quote from: agibson on March 21, 2012, 04:47:27 PMLavonte Dority
Quote from: agibson on March 21, 2012, 04:47:27 PMI'm not sure which is the "certifying institution". But, if he left USF in the fall and attended Valpo for the spring semester 2012, he'd be eligible to play after finals, December 2012, right? I'd be surprised if going to a JUCO for that semester or two, instead of straight to Valpo, made him wait _longer_.
I think that he is in the same situation as Boggs. He did play 9 games this past season so that is season of eligibility #2. It appears that he can not play until after first semester next year so that "2/3" of a season would be year of eligibility #3 and then the following year would be year #4. Exactly like the Boggs situation.
It seems as if Crandall Head, who left U of Illinois in late-Dec per this ESPN Chicago article and went to a Chicago area juco where he did not play basketball, had a very similar situation as Lavonte Dority, who left USF this past season and transferred to a juco. This article says that Crandall Head will only miss 2 games next season if he gets his associate's degree. I don't know the rules, but, I sure hope Lavonte Dority only misses a couple games next season based on this example. Don't know what the deal is or how the NCAA rules are interpreted.....
http://espn.go.com/chicago/ncb/story/_/id/7484653/former-illinois-fighting-illini-guard-crandall-head-transfer-depaul-blue-demons (http://espn.go.com/chicago/ncb/story/_/id/7484653/former-illinois-fighting-illini-guard-crandall-head-transfer-depaul-blue-demons)
Crandall Head bound for DePaul
Updated: January 20, 2012, 5:36 PM ET
By Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Former Illinois guard Crandall Head said Friday he plans to enroll into a Chicago-area junior college for the current semester and transfer to DePaul in the fall.
Head, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound shooting guard, left Illinois in late December after two seasons. He averaged 1.0 points, 0.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 9.2 minutes in nine games this season.
"I'm going to try to get into a junior college now," Head said. "I want to be somewhere close to home and get enough credits to get my associate's degree. If I get my associate's degree, I'll miss the first two games next year and play right away."
Head, who said he met with DePaul's coaches on campus Friday, will have two years of eligibility remaining at DePaul.
Head is unsure which Chicago-area junior college he will attend, but he said he will not play basketball for that school.
Head left Illinois because he said coach Bruce Weber's system didn't fit his game. Head believes DePaul's system will work for him.
"It's an up-tempo game," Head said. "They run the floor, get easy points in transition. I like their style of play. I like the coaches. I like the players. I know a couple of the players over there. I like that environment and being close to home."
Head was a highly-touted recruit for the Illini out of Rich South High School in Richton Park, Ill. He was ranked No. 79 in the Class of 2010 by ESPN Recruiting.
Scott Powers covers high school and college sports for ESPNChicago.com and can be reached at spowers@espnchicago.com.
Quote from: justducky on March 21, 2012, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: wh on March 20, 2012, 11:53:22 PM
Someone on the DePaul message board said he was playing at SF at beginning of season and quit after he lost his starting pos. He enrolled at Triton Jr College in Jan - just going to school - no BB.
Found the same imformation but from different sources. Looks to me that at worst he might be elligible (like Boggs was) for the second semester.Touted as an excellent playmaker with great scoring potential. If he is also a rock solid defender (of which I read no mention) then he would fill all of my requirements as that extra point guard extra defender that next years team might need to complete the puzzle. But for all we know they may want him to sit the entire season so that he doesn't lose the year of elligibility while playing in just one semester. Part of this decision might depend on how the Kurth issue plays out.
I don't know if there is a Kurth issue. If he just wants a free education he'll stay and not ever play, or he can transfer and actually play basketball. He was clearly the last option on the team this year and he just fell even further down the depth chart. The writing is on the wall...
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 21, 2012, 08:53:49 PM
Quote from: justducky on March 21, 2012, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: wh on March 20, 2012, 11:53:22 PM
Someone on the DePaul message board said he was playing at SF at beginning of season and quit after he lost his starting pos. He enrolled at Triton Jr College in Jan - just going to school - no BB.
Found the same imformation but from different sources. Looks to me that at worst he might be elligible (like Boggs was) for the second semester.Touted as an excellent playmaker with great scoring potential. If he is also a rock solid defender (of which I read no mention) then he would fill all of my requirements as that extra point guard extra defender that next years team might need to complete the puzzle. But for all we know they may want him to sit the entire season so that he doesn't lose the year of elligibility while playing in just one semester. Part of this decision might depend on how the Kurth issue plays out.
I don't know if there is a Kurth issue. If he just wants a free education he'll stay and not ever play, or he can transfer and actually play basketball. He was clearly the last option on the team this year and he just fell even further down the depth chart. The writing is on the wall...
That's not really fair to either Tommy or the program - it's been medical issues that've kept him out much of the year - hence the reason he wasn't on a few road trips.
Interview with Lavonte Dority on his decision to transfer to Valpo
http://www.scoutingthemidmajors.com/ (http://www.scoutingthemidmajors.com/)
Everyone back from a league championship team plus 3 quality transfers that undoubtedly will be competing for serious playing time. So many good players and only 200 minutes to go around. It should be interesting...
As I have mentioned before I think the real question for next year among the current players concerns Jay Harris. I like Jay and I think in certain match ups he is a great scoring threat for us. However, I think that the coaching staff needs to challenge Jay to become much stronger physically. In games where Buggs got in foul trouble we needed to be able to count on Jay running the point and in certain situations he did not have the strength to match up with certain defenders. Perhaps Dority coming in takes that pressure off of Jay. I just want to see Jay reach the promised potential and success that I think he can achieve. A stronger Jay Harris will really help this team next year.
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 21, 2012, 08:53:49 PMI don't know if there is a Kurth issue. If he just wants a free education he'll stay and not ever play, or he can transfer and actually play basketball. He was clearly the last option on the team this year and he just fell even further down the depth chart. The writing is on the wall...
I would argue that there is a Tommy Kurth issue and and that very shortly we might have some answers. We have a kid here that started much of his rookie season who came back this year looking like he couldn't earn significant minutes anywhere or at any level of college basketball. So most of us would like to at least know why.
I do not believe that you were trying to be anything but blunt and to the point but frankly I believe you could have and should have worded that a bit more artfully. We need to remember that every comment that we make can and often will be read by these players parents. So just for fun lets just pretend that I am old, grouchy,tall and mean (all true) and that my real name isn't ducky but grandpa Kurth (might or might not be true) Have a nice day. >:(
Ducky, don't worry about that comment, as I am sure you have noticed that there are a rare few really negative posters on here. Regardless of whether or not you are a relative, everyone hopes the best for Tommy in whatever happens throughout the rest of his college career, and especially his health.
Quote from: justducky on March 22, 2012, 12:14:12 AM
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 21, 2012, 08:53:49 PMI don't know if there is a Kurth issue. If he just wants a free education he'll stay and not ever play, or he can transfer and actually play basketball. He was clearly the last option on the team this year and he just fell even further down the depth chart. The writing is on the wall...
I do not believe that you were trying to be anything but blunt and to the point but frankly I believe you could have and should have worded that a bit more artfully. We need to remember that every comment that we make can and often will be read by these players parents. So just for fun lets just pretend that I am old, grouchy,tall and mean (all true) and that my real name isn't ducky but grandpa Kurth (might or might not be true) Have a nice day. >:(
I'd argue that just as you can be grouchy and mean (what old and tall have to do with it, I don't know), posters here can be blunt and to the point as long as they aren't derogatory or attacking. This is a message board where fans don't have to be "artful" with their posts.
I'd also argue that as a relative of a player who reads and posts on a fan message board, you know what you are getting into and if you are mean and grouchy and can't handle your "grandson" being talked about, perhaps this isn't the best place for you.
Definitely...Dority is a quality player, with a winning attitude... he should be able to contribute immediately
Quote from: wh on March 21, 2012, 11:07:28 PM
Everyone back from a league championship team plus 3 quality transfers that undoubtedly will be competing for serious playing time. So many good players and only 200 minutes to go around. It should be interesting...
Not to mention that Fernandez will be eligible too.
Quote from: valpo04 on March 22, 2012, 06:17:10 AMI'd also argue that as a relative of a player who reads and posts on a fan message board, you know what you are getting into and if you are mean and grouchy and can't handle your "grandson" being talked about, perhaps this isn't the best place for you.
Bingo!
Quote from: chipper955 on March 22, 2012, 07:14:45 AM
Quote from: wh on March 21, 2012, 11:07:28 PM
Everyone back from a league championship team plus 3 quality transfers that undoubtedly will be competing for serious playing time. So many good players and only 200 minutes to go around. It should be interesting...
Not to mention that Fernandez will be eligible too.
In my mind it may not be a good idea to mention Fernandez and if he turns out to be a great benefit to the team, such as a shot blocker or rebounder, than so much better for Valpo. If not than fans won't be real disappointed in him either.
When you see the name Dority, does it make you want to eat some Doritos?
Quote from: bbtds on March 22, 2012, 11:33:40 AM
Quote from: chipper955 on March 22, 2012, 07:14:45 AM
Quote from: wh on March 21, 2012, 11:07:28 PM
Everyone back from a league championship team plus 3 quality transfers that undoubtedly will be competing for serious playing time. So many good players and only 200 minutes to go around. It should be interesting...
Not to mention that Fernandez will be eligible too.
In my mind it may not be a good idea to mention Fernandez and if he turns out to be a great benefit to the team, such as a shot blocker or rebounder, than so much better for Valpo. If not than fans won't be real disappointed in him either.
??? Is that some kind of mentalist trick?
A nice piece. And it sounds like _Dority_ doesn't even know his eligibility.
Quote
Dority's eligibility is still in question, as it depends on whether he can get his associates degree at Triton Junior College. If he can, he would likely be able to play immediately, if not he would likely sit a semester.
"We're still not quite sure about eligibility right now. We're going through all the rules and making sure we do everything the right way, but hopefully I can get my degree and play right away, that's the plan," Doherty stated.
Quote from: agibson on March 22, 2012, 12:21:46 PM
A nice piece. And it sounds like _Dority_ doesn't even know his eligibility.
Quote
Dority's eligibility is still in question, as it depends on whether he can get his associates degree at Triton Junior College. If he can, he would likely be able to play immediately, if not he would likely sit a semester.
"We're still not quite sure about eligibility right now. We're going through all the rules and making sure we do everything the right way, but hopefully I can get my degree and play right away, that's the plan," Doherty stated.
Not everyone knows if they will pass all their courses that they have crammed into their schedule while not playing their sport in order to be able to play their sport earlier. I understand Dority is a fair student and wants to take as many classes as possible while he is not playing. If he fails one or more classes he'll have a little extra time at Valpo to complete them but I'm sure it's easier at Triton Junior College. That will be two Valpo BB players coming from schools named Triton.
Could well be. I read it as "I haven't figured out this NCAA business either!".
Quote from: agibson on March 22, 2012, 12:51:17 PM
Could well be. I read it as "I haven't figured out this NCAA business either!".
Depending on which one of our guesses is correct will be a sign to how well Dority will do at Valpo.
Lost in all the Dority talk here, it seems that before this the talk was all about the schollie going to a big or a SF.
Now it's gone to a point guard, and one whose HS coach said
"Talking to Coach Drew, he said he needed a point guard, and that's exactly what he is," Robinson said. "He's very unselfish, but he can score when you need him to. He's very strong, has a good feel to him." (since I'm a n00b I can't post external links, but it's the Post-Trib's article on the transfer)
How is this not a slap in the face to Buggs? Is it spun as they needed another one BESIDES him, or literally, they needed one with an outside shot?
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 22, 2012, 03:32:29 PM
Lost in all the Dority talk here, it seems that before this the talk was all about the schollie going to a big or a SF.
Now it's gone to a point guard, and one whose HS coach said
"Talking to Coach Drew, he said he needed a point guard, and that's exactly what he is," Robinson said. "He's very unselfish, but he can score when you need him to. He's very strong, has a good feel to him." (since I'm a n00b I can't post external links, but it's the Post-Trib's article on the transfer)
How is this not a slap in the face to Buggs? Is it spun as they needed another one BESIDES him, or literally, they needed one with an outside shot?
i think it's both - buggs is a great defender, but historically has not been a good offensive presence. the other guards have more offensive prowess, but (with the exception of kenney, in my mind, who's solid), aren't great on-ball defenders. this kid sounds like a mix of both. it's a move designed to improve the defense when buggs is on the bench, the offense when necessary, but also a future guard for after erik leaves. next year is his last in college - we need to start looking at on-ball defense in the post-erik buggs era. in no way should this be considered an insult to buggs. i think even he would admit that he's been an offensive liability.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 22, 2012, 03:32:29 PM
Lost in all the Dority talk here, it seems that before this the talk was all about the schollie going to a big or a SF.
Now it's gone to a point guard, and one whose HS coach said
"Talking to Coach Drew, he said he needed a point guard, and that's exactly what he is," Robinson said. "He's very unselfish, but he can score when you need him to. He's very strong, has a good feel to him." (since I'm a n00b I can't post external links, but it's the Post-Trib's article on the transfer)
How is this not a slap in the face to Buggs? Is it spun as they needed another one BESIDES him, or literally, they needed one with an outside shot?
A noob or a reincarnation?
if by "reincarnation" you are surmising that I am some different instantiation of someone who has ever posted here before, you are incorrect, since I just found out about this site yesterday.
if you are thinking I'm a practicing Hindu, you're also incorrect.
Buggs could take it as a slap in the face, but there also hasn't been a player on Twitter in the last three days who has reacted more positively to the additions than Buggs.
That's great news. I guess I am still hoping just a little that Dority would become eligible 2013-14, so that the inevitable downturn after the graduation of a major class is softened somewhat. But no matter. The Bryce is Right.
The addition of Dority will do a couple of things--and remember, this coming year is our chance to really make a statement. First, as said before, often we were playing 4 on 5 as the defenses crowded the lane and let Erik shoot. If he improves his shot then that will solve that. The next issue was what happens when Erik is on the bench due to foul trouble or being tired. Jay was just OK as a backup and may be a better 2 if he can hit his shot more consistently. We lacked a steady third scorer as several guys went for 20 one night and zero the next. Jay was also not as good of a defender as Erik getting half as many steals over the course of the year. Both had very similar asst to to ratios.
Dority brings Erik like speed, as good of a defensive presence, a little bigger and stronger and a much better 3 % than Erik and better than Jay. (based on what we've heard and read)
As for the scholarship going to a big, why? We bring in Bobby and Vashil to go with Richie and Kevin. We'll be much improved depth wise up front and hopefully get Rowdy to his natural position.
Having another speedster and defensive presence will make us really hard to defend and allow for more pressing. I think we got what we needed the most.
Good point...by my math, Buggs has 5.18 pf/40 for his career, although he was best yet last year ('just' 4.41). He's like an Oppland point guard.
All in for next year then.
EDIT: with the "big" comment, I was referring to Oren's hypothesis that it would go to a Big that had to sit out a year.
Quote from: vu72 on March 22, 2012, 04:24:03 PM
The addition of Dority will do a couple of things--and remember, this coming year is our chance to really make a statement. First, as said before, often we were playing 4 on 5 as the defenses crowded the lane and let Erik shoot. If he improves his shot then that will solve that. The next issue was what happens when Erik is on the bench due to foul trouble or being tired. Jay was just OK as a backup and may be a better 2 if he can hit his shot more consistently. We lacked a steady third scorer as several guys went for 20 one night and zero the next. Jay was also not as good of a defender as Erik getting half as many steals over the course of the year. Both had very similar asst to to ratios.
Dority brings Erik like speed, as good of a defensive presence, a little bigger and stronger and a much better 3 % than Erik and better than Jay. (based on what we've heard and read)
As for the scholarship going to a big, why? We bring in Bobby and Vashil to go with Richie and Kevin. We'll be much improved depth wise up front and hopefully get Rowdy to his natural position.
Having another speedster and defensive presence will make us really hard to defend and allow for more pressing. I think we got what we needed the most.
Push the ball! And kick out to Rowdy, Boggs, Bogan, Kenney; or hit KVW (the trailer) as he finds a mismatch in the lane!
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 22, 2012, 04:29:02 PM
Good point...by my math, Buggs has 5.18 pf/40 for his career, although he was best yet last year ('just' 4.41). He's like an Oppland point guard.
All in for next year then.
EDIT: with the "big" comment, I was referring to Oren's hypothesis that it would go to a Big that had to sit out a year.
Maybe we are still going after a "big" at this point in time if you know what I mean.
Where is BigDWsu? I got crucified last year for interviewing guys, ha. Loved hearing from the new guy! Will you be talking to Coleman soon? These transfers have only increased the excitement for next year!
Quote from: vu72 on March 22, 2012, 04:24:03 PMBoth had very similar asst to to ratios.
I hope Valpo's to to ratio is 0 to 14. What did you think this was about?
I heard Joffrey had a good ratio though. Something like 85%
At Joffrey Ballet School-American Ballet Center in New York, New York the enrolled population is 14% male and 86% female.http://colleges.findthebest.com/q/2693/1270/What-is-the-male-to-female-ratio-at-Joffrey-Ballet-School-American-Ballet-Center-in-New-York-New-York (http://colleges.findthebest.com/q/2693/1270/What-is-the-male-to-female-ratio-at-Joffrey-Ballet-School-American-Ballet-Center-in-New-York-New-York)
Quote from: historyman on March 22, 2012, 08:32:11 AM
Quote from: valpo04 on March 22, 2012, 06:17:10 AMI'd also argue that as a relative of a player who reads and posts on a fan message board, you know what you are getting into and if you are mean and grouchy and can't handle your "grandson" being talked about, perhaps this isn't the best place for you.
Bingo!
You guys shouldn't gang up on an old man, its just not fair. So ok I am not Tommys granddad but it certainly seems like I have spent a lot of time defending the boy. Perhaps this is because few others have and perhaps because of my love of the underdog background and nature.
Now because of my work background and because of my reading of this boards interactions I have concluded that I am probably thicker skinned than say 95% of the people who post here. So maybe what I should be asking is how many others reacted to Milans post in the same way that I did? Since we can never put a voice to these posts with the additional imformation that a voices tones and inflections might provide it is all too easy to misinterpret. Here we were talking about a kid who is struggling and we all seem content to have him burried before we are even sure that he is dead or what was killing him in the first place. This is just way too impersonal and thus for me difficult to take. (and no Dr. Ducky does not suspect some terminal condition)
So just to wrap this up, if you were offended Milan-my apology. We all need to remember that our selection of wording does matter. I think I have probably spent more time choosing language in the Kurth issue this season than on any other. It is just difficult to explain what you yourself do not understand. I am tired and I have rambled enough.
Well, we all know milan is a "half empty" guy and perhaps that led to his choice of words. If you re-read the Kurth comments many are genuinely concerned about his health. He is a highly regarded person but not knowing why the level of play dropped off is a concern. Milan's point is valid, if not perfectly worded. Tommy just slid further down the depth chart with the addition of another guard who can also play the point. Valpo made a pledge to Tommy and I'm sure they will honor it. The question is, whether or not Tommy want to finish somewhere where he might see more court time, and that is a fair question.
It's too bad Kurth couldn't just switch to football. From what I've heard, he's good enough to be the starting QB at VU right now.
Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to receive an athletic scholarship.
Quote from: crusaderjoe on March 22, 2012, 06:08:24 PMMaybe we are still going after a "big" at this point in time if you know what I mean.
Well, and here's where I start to get uncomfortable, again.
I know, having just said "The Bryce Is Right"...but I'm *still* uncomfortable with the whole Witt thing, and if we really are "still going after a 'big'", then it looks like it's happening again--if it is to happen next year, that is. If you have a date to the prom, you don't keep looking for one (an "upgrade")--it's bad form. And right now our dance card is full.
If the price of one-upping Butler is to behave like UConn, then I don't know if it's worth it. Heresy, I know, in a day & age where sporting success trumps all other virtue claims. Yet there it is, and while I may be in the minority I'm sure I'm not alone.
I think the morality of it might depend on how it's sold to a player. Do you tell an, obviously still developing, big man that he's your starter for the next four years? Or do you let him know that you'll do your best to help him develop, that he'll have to earn playing time in practice like everyone else, and we'll see how it goes? Maybe you point to previous players who have succeeded, maybe you tell him you think he looks to have a high ceiling (if he does). I don't think that's any kind of commitment to be "the man" for four years, nor that he'll be happy at Valpo for four years. And, indeed, it might not even be a commitment to a scholarship for four years.
I don't think I mentioned it here, but it looks like Witt is trying to get some Netball action going at the Valpo YMCA!
Quote from: agibson on March 23, 2012, 10:02:10 AMI think the morality of it might depend on how it's sold to a player. Do you tell an, obviously still developing, big man that he's your starter for the next four years? Or do you let him know that you'll do your best to help him develop, that he'll have to earn playing time in practice like everyone else, and we'll see how it goes? Maybe you point to previous players who have succeeded, maybe you tell him you think he looks to have a high ceiling (if he does). I don't think that's any kind of commitment to be "the man" for four years, nor that he'll be happy at Valpo for four years. And, indeed, it might not even be a commitment to a scholarship for four years.
Perhaps, but given the trend among BCS schools--that, like the $2K stipend, sets a bar the rest of us will either meet, or fail to and further separate ourselves--that scholarships are becoming four-year deals, rather than one-year renewables, scholarships are becoming four-year commitments. And I'm fine with that--I think we owe it to protect the kids, who have more to lose than a large university. You're right in that there are better ways to handle it than others, but dear Lord, let's please not start becoming the BBall version of Alabama (cf. "St. Saban Memorial Hospital").
univ of san fran is getting hit hard by transfers -- 6, including a pair of junior starters are departing from the program.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/23/SP301NP9DU.DTL (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/03/23/SP301NP9DU.DTL)
i know he'd have to sit out a year, but perris blackwell could be interesting, if we could lure him in. the last two years, he's averaged at least 10pts and 6 1/2 reb per game. and at 6-9/240, there's some solid size there that could help.
Geez, that is terrible! I wonder what the issue is, as I think Walters would have recruited everyone in the program by now?
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2012, 12:13:13 PMGeez, that is terrible! I wonder what the issue is, as I think Walters would have recruited everyone in the program by now?
Let's hope it's as simple as he's told them he's taking another job...except that almost always the announcements would have happened in the reverse order.
I think some clarification on the "Witt thing" might be helpful here. The fact is the Cam is still getting a full ride at Valpo. That comittment was being met inspite of the fact that scholarships are year to year. My understanding is that Cam just wasn't as interested in putting in the time and effort to improve. He has a girl friend etc. So, what is the coaching staff to do? A player has shown a lack of effort or desire but nonetheless, we are obligated to a four year full ride? The compromise was very fair. Cam got to finish his degree and the basketball team got to add a player with more skills. Seems fair to me.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 22, 2012, 03:32:29 PM
Lost in all the Dority talk here, it seems that before this the talk was all about the schollie going to a big or a SF.
Now it's gone to a point guard, and one whose HS coach said
"Talking to Coach Drew, he said he needed a point guard, and that's exactly what he is," Robinson said. "He's very unselfish, but he can score when you need him to. He's very strong, has a good feel to him." (since I'm a n00b I can't post external links, but it's the Post-Trib's article on the transfer)
How is this not a slap in the face to Buggs? Is it spun as they needed another one BESIDES him, or literally, they needed one with an outside shot?
I really did not think that after the addition of Fernandez and Capobianco we needed another big with this scholarship. If we look at the bad losses that we had to the Summit League teams there is a theme that runs through those games, and that theme is Buggs in early foul trouble, fouling out of the game playing no more then 23 minutes.
IPFW - Third foul with almost 6 minutes left in the first half. Plays only 19 minutes and fouls out of game.
Oakland - Third foul 1:30 into second half. Fourth foul with about 15 minutes left in 2nd half. Fouls out of game only playing 15 minutes.
IUPUI - Started out pretty good with Erik getting first foul with only 4:30 to go in the 1st half. Second foul came 15 seconds into second half with third foul less then 2 minutes later. Fourth foul came with 9:35 remaining and he fouls out with 6:36 left in the game.
Dority IMHO is the last piece of the puzzle, this allows Harris to stay at the 2 and gives us another point that can distribute, defend and perhaps score a little. Bryce and the coaching staff made a great pick up and got us exactly what we needed.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on March 23, 2012, 11:25:15 AMuniv of san fran is getting hit hard by transfers -- 6, including a pair of junior starters are departing from the program.
Very strange.... even the way Walters sounds in the article seems a little odd.
Hey--I realize now that this was not the way to dispel whatever remaining "crusader03" comparisons might still be out there--but I submitted a "Hello" post (think MGoBlog) for Dority. Here's a preview, sans the link brigade. I don't know how these things work, but I guess I'll see. Thanks to those who welcomed me to this board.
As already announced, Chicago Foreman product LaVonte Dority is transferring to Valpo after originally playing for the University of South Florida. ESPN lists him as 6'1", 185; Rivals as 6'0", 180; Scout, 6'0", 185. USF originally listed him as 6'0", 180; this year, 6'1", 195. Consensus: Mike Jones-sized, just with drastically different hair (HS and college versions). A highly ranked point guard coming out of high school, Dority will get two more years in a better environment to realize his admittedly excellent potential.
At Edwin G. Foreman High, he was one of four D-I signees (all co-captains) on a team (Mike McCall/St Louis; Tommy Woolridge/Eastern Illinois; Eddie Denard/UIC) that went 26-4 their senior year. Undefeated in the vaunted Public League (10-0), they were ranked #256 in the nation at one time (#12 in Illinois), but lost to Whitney Young in the sectional final. Region fans will note that they defeated Gary West Side 60-48 in their lone game against non-Illinois schools.
Dority's numbers on the year: 12.9 PPG (second on team), 4.5 APG (2nd) , 2.8 RPG , 1.8 SPG. Shooting percentages: 45%/2, 36%/3, 72%/FT. Of note is that he acquired just 1.75 fouls a game. His AAU team was the Chicago Elite. (Note: his USF bio claims greatly inflated stats but looking at his game-by-game box score, he only broke 20 points maybe twice--some games not listed.) Of some import is a AST to TO ratio of around 2.35 (again, not all games included).
we could certainly use another player that can hold onto the ball. one of matt kenney's biggest (and maybe THE biggest, depending on who you talk to) problems is the turnovers that he gives away. great kid, but you have to be a couple moves ahead, like in chess, when you have the ball. especially when you drive the lane and get turned around. he frequently coughed the ball up in the air because he didn't know what he wanted to do with the ball until it was too late. the more i read about this kid, the more i think he's going to be a key cog in the wheel for this team when he starts playing.
let's assume that, even if he gets his degree, he isn't immediately eligible (which, given the ncaa, may be a safe bet). even if he becomes eligible at the semester point, are we gonna try to hold him out the full year, in order to get two complete seasons from him? or do we try to get him into the fold immediately, knowing that his 2 seasons just essentially became 1 1/2?
If he is the missing cog in a chance to make a run to and in the tournament, then I think we have to use him next year. The following year will in all likelihood be a rebuilding year although we will have Dority, Capo, Vashil, a couple of Indiana All Stars and the other new guy plus probably some other transfers. I still think we will make a run next year. How many teams will be starting five seniors?
Gotta be really careful these days about transfers and how their eligibility/graduation projects down the years. Otherwise you lose a year of value (Brandon Wood). My guess is more and more schools will really watch this and use it to their advantage and attempt to keep their players the full time.
lowposter
On the Valpo FanZone I have posted a "Hello" article for LaVonte Dority that I'd like some feedback on--and immediately, how to embed pictures and especially video, which would make for a much more satisfying post.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 23, 2012, 05:17:17 PM
On the Valpo FanZone I have posted a "Hello" article for LaVonte Dority that I'd like some feedback on--and immediately, how to embed pictures and especially video, which would make for a much more satisfying post.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Nice article... thanks for writing that.
To embed pictures or video, click on the "Upload/Insert" link directly above the edit box, on the left.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.valpofanzone.com/2012/03/23/hello-lavonte-dority/ (http://www.valpofanzone.com/2012/03/23/hello-lavonte-dority/)
Would I be wrong to think that the last Chicago Public League player at Valpo was Morris Smith?
Other Chicago Public League players - Ron Howard (3 yrs) - Vincent Humphrey (1 yr) - Larry Roby (2 yrs) - Ivier McSwine - John mcIlvain - Art Goodwin - Craig mcKenzie (walk on) : some maybe from Catholic League but all since Mo Smith. Not many obviously.
Quote from: valpo04 on March 23, 2012, 06:10:05 PMNice article... thanks for writing that.
To embed pictures or video, click on the "Upload/Insert" link directly above the edit box, on the left.
thank you so much, and thanks for the feedback. now is there a way to reedit or is it a done deal? my WP dashboard does not want to give me that permission...
Vince Humphrey was from Fenwick, which is a Catholic League School. Ron Howard is correct.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 23, 2012, 08:59:09 PM
Quote from: valpo04 on March 23, 2012, 06:10:05 PMNice article... thanks for writing that.
To embed pictures or video, click on the "Upload/Insert" link directly above the edit box, on the left.
thank you so much, and thanks for the feedback. now is there a way to reedit or is it a done deal? my WP dashboard does not want to give me that permission...
You should be able to click on edit on the bottom right of the post. If you can't, send me a PM and we'll work on it.
I got into a discussion with a friend yesterday at the Indiana State Finals about Chicago high school basketball. My comment was that "Chicago high school basketball" is a step or two below "Indianapolis/Indiana high school basketball".
The talent level of Indianapolis basketball at this time is simply outstanding. With Roger Powell on board, we can certainly expect our Illinois recruiting to step up, which is needed. The recent additions of 2013 committments from Indiana shows a committment to the local players. However, in my estimation, the Indianapolis market is simply not being addressed sufficiently. Kenney has been a great player for us, and granted, IU, Purdue, Butler, Xaiver, Ball State, IUPUI, and others are firming entrenched, but there is considerable talent in that market.
Just my opinion.
lowposter
lowposter, I do like your post. What I think is the pertinent issue about why Bryce and the staff might be considering the Indiana recruiting base more than Chicago or Illinois is that the Indiana AAU coaches aren't asking, "If I send you my kid, what will you do for me?". The coaches in Chicago do this regularly, and it affects how some of those kids are being recruited to the major conference schools. This may also be the reason why Depaul and UIC has struggled so much with recruiting players for their systems, not so much the new coaches, but the AAU coaches saying, "If I give you my kid, what do I get? A spot on your coaching staff, a summer camp gig, something to increase my name and ego?"
Unfortunately run, Indiana has some questionable AAU characters of it's own:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6587668 (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=6587668)
Quote from: justducky on March 23, 2012, 03:44:18 AM
Quote from: historyman on March 22, 2012, 08:32:11 AM
Quote from: valpo04 on March 22, 2012, 06:17:10 AMI'd also argue that as a relative of a player who reads and posts on a fan message board, you know what you are getting into and if you are mean and grouchy and can't handle your "grandson" being talked about, perhaps this isn't the best place for you.
Bingo!
You guys shouldn't gang up on an old man, its just not fair. So ok I am not Tommys granddad but it certainly seems like I have spent a lot of time defending the boy. Perhaps this is because few others have and perhaps because of my love of the underdog background and nature.
Now because of my work background and because of my reading of this boards interactions I have concluded that I am probably thicker skinned than say 95% of the people who post here. So maybe what I should be asking is how many others reacted to Milans post in the same way that I did? Since we can never put a voice to these posts with the additional imformation that a voices tones and inflections might provide it is all too easy to misinterpret. Here we were talking about a kid who is struggling and we all seem content to have him burried before we are even sure that he is dead or what was killing him in the first place. This is just way too impersonal and thus for me difficult to take. (and no Dr. Ducky does not suspect some terminal condition)
So just to wrap this up, if you were offended Milan-my apology. We all need to remember that our selection of wording does matter. I think I have probably spent more time choosing language in the Kurth issue this season than on any other. It is just difficult to explain what you yourself do not understand. I am tired and I have rambled enough.
I'll lead with this, no I was not offended, not at all. As pointed out, I am definitely a glass half empty kind of guy. I also wasn't attacking Tommy Kurth personally either, just to be clear. He might be a very nice kid, I have no idea. My guess is he's a nice guy, at least from what I've heard here. Maybe he was sick, injured, or just going through some tough times last year, again I have no idea. That being said, that WAS chosing my words carefully. If you want to see me not choosing my words carefully, search this forum for Logan Jones, you'll understand why I say that. In the end this is just a message board, and nobody should take things personally, including parents and players. I generally try to follow this... don't say anything on a message board you wouldn't say in a conversation with a friend in public that somebody might overhear.
Again, my goal isn't to offend, just to state my opinion. Sorry if I come off as harsh.
http://www.valpofanzone.com/2012/03/23/hello-lavonte-dority/ (http://www.valpofanzone.com/2012/03/23/hello-lavonte-dority/)
Hey everyone, I just finished MAJOR revision/updates of my "Hello: LaVonte Dority" post.
PLEASE do give it a read, and give me some feedback about how you liked it, how it might need improvement for the future...it was a few hours of work but (i hope) worth it.
valpo04 edit: fixed the URL
Dority and Coleman additions officially announced by Bryce today:
"We are very excited about the addition of LaVonte," said Drew. "He brings experience, toughness, and very good playmaking ability to our program. He handles and distributes the ball very well, which should be a great asset for our offense. Valpo fans will look forward to seeing LaVonte play."
"Jordan is a great athlete who can play and defend multiple positions on the floor," said Drew on Coleman. "His versatility will fit in very well with how our team plays. Jordan played for a legendary coach [Jay Harrington] last year, so he will be well prepared when he arrives on campus. We are looking forward to the opportunity to coach him."
More here:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2011-12/11679/crusaders-announce-addition-of-two-transfer-guards/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2011-12/11679/crusaders-announce-addition-of-two-transfer-guards/)
Details about the Kurth situation:
Drew says it's also not easy to assess what Kurth's impact might be going forward.
"Tommy and I have discussed that, and I don't think Tommy knows," Drew said. "I don't think anybody but God knows how he's going to respond to the injuries and sickness he's had, how good he can still be if his medical problems are behind him and he has a great summer, but I do know if it boils down to hard work and determination, he's still going to be very good."
More at the following:
http://www.etruth.com/article/20120418/SPORT/704189919 (http://www.etruth.com/article/20120418/SPORT/704189919)