Field of 68 kicked off their Media day with the MVC.
Highlights of Powell Conversation:
1. Powell believes he finally has the experience he was lacking in the previous 2 seasons and attributes the run from last year to being able to source "high level transfers"
2. Justus McNair is viewed as a key player for the roster from Field of 68. Expected to take a major jump. One thing Powell noted was that what separated Wright from McNair was that Wright had that extra year of prep academy play whereas McNair came straight from HS
3. Isaiah Barnes is highlighted by Field of 68. Chicagoland native and arguably has the best resume for the roster and is a former 4 star recruit. Once again highlights the experience. Owen Dease is also highlighted as being a high caliber of player being added and is especially nice in the Valley
4. Mark brown Jr was a top 60 JUCO player in the country. Stafford wasn't even top 100. JUCO shouldn't be looked over to find talent. Mark led his JUCO team to #1 in JUCO world. Powell believes he is adjusting well and has the chance to be a breakout player.
I’ve seen Roger a couple of times doing these pre-season interviews. He seems to be playing it very close to the vest. Lots of players going to have an impact.
FYI—Paul Oren will be on Morning in the Valley this coming Friday with his season impressions.
.FYI—Paul Oren will be on Morning in the Valley this coming Friday with his season impressions.
Really love what bidwell does with morning in the valley. Not a whole lot of content out there about mid majors. Fills a much needed niche
Did they only release top 5 as a "favorites" last year at first? Wish the whole coaches poll would have come out, maybe it will within the next week. Just curious where Valpo will land 
Did they only release top 5 as a "favorites" last year at first? Wish the whole coaches poll would have come out, maybe it will within the next week. Just curious where Valpo will land
From what I saw the MVC changed a lot with how they do their preseason media. Apparently they scrapped preseason player of the year for 20. A list of 20 players to watch. This wasn't the only change either
If I had to guess Valpo will be placed 11th for the sheer fact that they are Valpo
@vu72 I came away with the same thought, he seemed to be keeping his cards close to the vest.
I don't know how Powell doesn't keep things a bit mum. His roster has had a nearly complete turnover so judging who should be playing or be counted upon at this point is going to be premature.
Here is Paul Oren's evaluation/outlook for the men's and women's teams. Some take away--He thinks Brown will be a stud at the point, the Beacon's are much bigger and have a lot of depth. I may just have some sort of complex, but it seems that no one is talking about Carter Hopoi and neither did Paul though asked about him directly. Are they keeping him under wraps?? Could he be that good? The other giants are a lot heavier and he was looking for 10 fouls per game from the two (aka bruisers)
As for the women, he seemed really excited to watch this team primarily because of the way our new coach is running the show. Should be fun!
one is talking about Carter Hopoi and neither did Paul though asked about him directly. Are they keeping him under wraps?? Could he be that good?
Being honest. Hopoi has a lot of film out on him from his time playing pro ball overseas. Could be what you said and the fact that there isn't much to say given the amount of film available
Here is Paul Oren's evaluation/outlook for the men's and women's teams. Some take away--He thinks Brown will be a stud at the point, the Beacon's are much bigger and have a lot of depth. I may just have some sort of complex, but it seems that no one is talking about Carter Hopoi and neither did Paul though asked about him directly. Are they keeping him under wraps?? Could he be that good? The other giants are a lot heavier and he was looking for 10 fouls per game from the two (aka bruisers)
As for the women, he seemed really excited to watch this team primarily because of the way our new coach is running the show. Should be fun!
I'll be the first to admit that I've kind of forgotten about Carter. The reason is simple. I spent a ton of time around the team this summer and he wasn't here. Once the fall sports started, I spend the majority of my time covering those teams. I don't spend a lot of time at basketball practice. It also falls during a time early in the semester when I have a lot of meetings going on. All that said, I haven't seen a lot of Carter on the court. It's certainly not a case of me trying to keep him under wraps.
I'll also say, the coaching staff seems really hyped on Carter. They were also really hyped on Lucas Scroggins. I heard for an entire offseason about how he was going to the NBA. That's all.
Here is Paul Oren's evaluation/outlook for the men's and women's teams. Some take away--He thinks Brown will be a stud at the point, the Beacon's are much bigger and have a lot of depth. I may just have some sort of complex, but it seems that no one is talking about Carter Hopoi and neither did Paul though asked about him directly. Are they keeping him under wraps?? Could he be that good?
....or possibly the opposite? Young kid coming from another country who missed a lot of time others got with the team. Let's temper expectations particularly early.
