It’s not just Valley teams. Northwestern had nine guys enter the portal. It’s everyone.
Some good points being raised here - every program deals with this to some degree. This year, Roger retained roughly 50% of last season’s available roster. Of those departures, about half were due to eligibility, while the other half transferred out. That means around 75% of this roster turnover was expected and could be planned for by the time the portal closed.
More importantly, Roger retained almost all of the key returning pieces. I’d argue Shon was the only significant loss, and even that could ultimately end up being a wash depending on how the roster develops.
Compared to where this program was during the previous offseason, that’s a very positive position to be in and something fans should feel optimistic about. In today’s landscape, maintaining this level of continuity is difficult, which makes the staff’s work this offseason encouraging to watch.
It’s exciting to see the program in this phase rather than in the position a program like Indiana State University basketball currently finds itself in. At the same time, we’ve been there before ourselves, and college basketball changes quickly enough that things can unravel just as fast if the wrong pieces fall into place.
That’s also what makes the offseason fun. Speculating on the unknowns, debating roster questions, and watching how it all unfolds over the course of the season helps shape everyone’s understanding of roster building and program development. It also helps inform our own future analysis. Every year there are always a few surprises in each direction.
I would also add that Valpo should be viewed as a legitimate preseason contender. Sure, Illinois State has had success this offseason, but they’re not operating at some untouchable level above Valpo by any means. The same goes for Murray State. UIC has put together an impressive offseason as well, but there’s no reason Valpo can’t compete with them either.
In the Valley, so many games come down to one or two possessions. That’s where continuity, chemistry, and roster cohesion become major advantages. Valpo returns enough experience and stability to realistically compete near the top of the league and be firmly in the conversation come Arch Madness.
I think it’s fair to be optimistic enough to talk about a post season appearance of some kind being a realistic expectation. Yes it’s very early but that’s the phase we are building in as a program in year 4.
It’s not just Valley teams. Northwestern had nine guys enter the portal. It’s everyone.
So these young men are trading in a full ride at a prestigious university for...what? Even if we're talking in the most crass ROI terms, I'm curious if their landing spots will deliver the same value or better.
Looks like Illinois State and Valpo are finalizing games against Purdue
Looks like Illinois State and Valpo are finalizing games against Purdue
I’ll make that trip for sure
This line-up is looking solid.... My assumption is preseason predictions will finally given VU some love, probably not as much love as they deserve.. Excited to see this group go to work in the fall.
76 team NCAA a factor at all? Hoping for a great/fun season complete with post season action.
Just thinking out loud.
I’m so happy to see what Roger has done for one of the smallest schools in the MVC that has been a pretty consistent league bottom dweller since joining.
Against one of the lowest league BB budgets, the worst rated arena in the league, one of the smallest alumni populations that has demonstrated less than fanatic basketball support/attendance, and probably the smallest NIL pot in the league, he has gone “outside the box” and creatively moved our team into a contending position for 26-27 through the sheer force of his beliefs, approach, ideas and personality. Wow.
Then I think about the scary part. Imagine Roger in an identical situation but at another school, one with a solid budget, a large, enthusiastic and well-heeled alumni base, and a sizable NIL pot. OMG, he’d be kicking butt.
That, my friends, is what we are facing within the next 2 to maybe 3 years. Is there anything we can do to keep him? He experienced Gonzaga. Can VU evolve to that type of program in today’s NCAA in the next couple of years? Might that keep him here?
Athletically and academically higher education across the board is in turmoil. So, who the heck knows?
Then I think about the scary part. Imagine Roger in an identical situation but at another school, one with a solid budget, a large, enthusiastic and well-heeled alumni base, and a sizable NIL pot. OMG, he’d be kicking butt.
Illinois state fans were asking the same question. ISU had the opportunity to select him as their head coach and passed. Until recently it was seen as a major blunder by a contingent of ISU fans.
That, my friends, is what we are facing within the next 2 to maybe 3 years. Is there anything we can do to keep him? He experienced Gonzaga. Can VU evolve to that type of program in today’s NCAA in the next couple of years? Might that keep him here?
Athletically and academically higher education across the board is in turmoil. So, who the heck knows?
At this point it would take A LOT to get him to leave. I know the addage is "never trust a head coach", but he seems to truly love the program and the position he was in. He gava a lot up at Gonzaga to coach at a school some thought would close within the decade and was seen as a career ender for any head coach to touch.
With the 5 in 5 eligibility rule likely going into effect for the incoming freshman, there will be no need for any of them to red-shirt.
Powell gets an extension
Powell gets an extension
a no brainer decision in my book!
....and it's awesome that Coach Powell agreed to it.
I still carry skepticism as to whether even the best mid-major head coach can overcome the impact of NIL cash and the transfer portal. But if anyone can, it's this guy.
I think we have in our university president and in our MBB head coach the kind of leadership Valpo needs to thrive and punch over its weight.
Powell gets an extension
a no brainer decision in my book!
....and it's awesome that Coach Powell agreed to it.
I still carry skepticism as to whether even the best mid-major head coach can overcome the impact of NIL cash and the transfer portal. But if anyone can, it's this guy.
I think we have in our university president and in our MBB head coach the kind of leadership Valpo needs to thrive and punch over its weight.
I think your skepticism is totally reasonable and spot on. Additionally, Valpo is still at or just next to the bottom in NIL spending by MVC teams which makes things more difficult. I think the reasonable and fair hope for our program when judging the staff is that we sprinkle in good years (like last season) every few years. For us to think that the current state at Valpo can consistently complete for a bye type seed in Arch Madness does not seem reasonable to me when taking all factors into consideration. So yes you are right, we have the right people in place to punch over our weight class but we do have to keep in mind what that weight class is.
Additionally, Valpo is still at or just next to the bottom in NIL spending by MVC teams
I’m curious if this is based on fact or speculation. If fact, can you please share your source? Thanks!