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[2018 All-Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Team]

2018 All-Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Team

First Team
Clayton Custer, Loyola Jr. G 6-1 Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest
Alize Johnson, Missouri St. Sr. F 6-9 Williamsport (Pa.) St. John Neumann
Ryan Taylor, Evansville Jr. G 6-6 Gary (Ind.) St. John's Northwestern Military
Reed Timmer, Drake Sr. G 6-1 New Berlin (Wis.) Eisenhower
Milik Yarbrough, Illinois St. Jr. F 6-6 Zion (Ill.) Zion-Benton Township

Second Team
Jordan Barnes, Indiana St. So. G 5-11 St. Louis (Mo.) Christian Brothers
Phil Fayne, Illinois State Jr. F 6-9 Elk Grove (Calif.) Franklin
Armon Fletcher, S. Illinois Jr. G 6-5 Edwardsville (Ill.) Edwardsville
Donte Ingram, Loyola G/F Sr. 6-6 Chicago (Ill.) Simeon
Donte Thomas, Bradley Sr. F 6-7 Calumet City (Ill.) Thornwood

Third Team
Darrell Brown, Bradley So. G 5-10 Memphis (Tenn.) Germantown
Bennett Koch, UNI Sr. F 6-10 Ashwaubenon (Wis.) Ashwaubenon
Cameron Krutwig, Loyola Fr. C 6-9 Algonquin (Ill.) Jacobs
Kavion Pippen, S. Illinois Jr. C 6-10 Hamburg (Ark.) Hamburg Three Rivers CC
Brenton Scott, Indiana St. Sr. G 6-1 Fort Wayne (Ind.) Northrop

All-Newcomer Team
Bakari Evelyn, Valparaiso So. G 6-2 Detroit (Mich.) Hillcrest (Ariz.) Academy
Cameron Krutwig, Loyola Fr. C 6-9 Algonquin (Ill.) Jacobs
Tywhon Pickford, UNI Fr. G 6-4 Minneapolis (Minn.) Maple Grove
Kavion Pippen, S. Illinois Jr. C 6-10 Hamburg (Ark.) Hamburg Three Rivers CC
Milik Yarbrough, Illinois St. Jr. F 6-6 Zion (Ill.) Zion-Benton Township

All-Freshman Team
Elijah Childs, Bradley F 6-7 Kansas City (Mo.) Lee's Summit West
Tyreke Key, Indiana State G 6-2 Celina (Tenn.) Clay County
Cameron Krutwig, Loyola C 6-9 Algonquin (Ill.) Jacobs
Tywhon Pickford, UNI G 6-4 Minneapolis (Minn.) Maple Grove
Lucas Williamson, Loyola G 6-4 Chicago (Ill.) Whitney Young

All-Defensive Team
Obediah Church, Missouri St. Jr. F 6-7 Springfield (Ill.) Springfield
Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye, BU Jr. G 6-4 London (England) Bristol Academy
Sean Lloyd, Southern Illinois Jr. G 6-5 Philadelphia (Pa.) Mt. Zion (Md.) Prep
Ben Richardson, Loyola Sr. G 6-3 Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest
Tevonn Walker, Valparaiso Sr. G 6-2 Montreal (Quebec) Vanier College

All-Bench Team (selected by beat writers)
TBA -- Wednesday, Feb. 28

Most-Improved Team (selected by beat writers)
*TBA -- Wednesday, Feb. 28
*denotes team "captain" as designated by the league's beat writers

https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/968516565309239298
https://twitter.com/CoachRagsVU/status/968525004567695365
https://twitter.com/CoachZimba/status/968529432196648961
https://twitter.com/_amleavitt/status/968519655949299713

It's the regular season finale tomorrow and Drake's senior day. Let's play spoiler.

We have a 3 game home winning streak. Let's make it 4 and send Tevonn & Max off the right way!

Well deserved!

http://nabc.com/NABC_Releases/2018/golden_anniversary-drew

https://twitter.com/NABC1927/status/964516279028678656

https://twitter.com/coachgore/status/964577169916743680

A 18-10 (conf: 8-7) Bradley team comes to town on Saturday. They're 1-3 in their last 4 games and just beat a shorthanded IL St team at home last night. We're now firmly in the bottom 7 seeds but we can still try and build some momentum and confidence going into Arch Madness.

We've been playing better of late and if we can put together a more consistent 40 minute performance, we could pick up the W in our last 3 games.

Predictions
barttorvik: Valparaiso -0.6, 66-65 (52%) http://barttorvik.com/team.php?team=Valparaiso
espn matchup predictor: gives us a 59% chance of winning

Bradley is a strong defensive team. They're long/athletic and disruptive on defense but aren't nearly as efficient on offense.

Let's pick up the W and have a great turnout! It's a Saturday game so Students SHOULD be out there in full force! No excuses! It's also Hall of Fame Night!

It's a Gold-Out on Sunday! A nationally televised game.

The 2nd place Redbirds will be riding a 4 game winning streak into the ARC Sunday afternoon. ISUr also might be a man down. Phil Fayne unfortunately rolled his ankle late in the game tonight. He had 24pts & 9 REB against VU a few weeks ago. With Fayne and Evans possibly out I think we can pull out the win at home against a shorthanded ISUr.

Only 3 more home games left! Let's make them count!

https://twitter.com/CoachRagsVU/status/961834662908739586
https://twitter.com/ValpoU/status/961707388926652416

[Is Valparaiso getting hazed by Valley officials?]

Valley officiating has been a frequent topic of conversation on this forum.

Check out Paul Oren's newest article. 

http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/inside-vu-sports/is-valparaiso-getting-hazed-by-valley-officials/article_9c982a48-0d11-11e8-a8ce-537a15574eeb.html

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/961753090054610944

Is Valparaiso getting hazed by Valley officials?
By: Paul Oren
February 8, 2018


Valparaiso's Bakari Evelyn charges into an Evansville defender during a game earlier this season.
Photo by: Suzanne Tennant, The Times

http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/inside-vu-sports/is-valparaiso-getting-hazed-by-valley-officials/article_9c982a48-0d11-11e8-a8ce-537a15574eeb.html

Just taking a poll to see how many are planning on going. I'm personally planning on making a trip of it to watch some great basketball and site see. I've heard great things about the event and have heard it's really well put on. I can't wait. The City of St. Louis also just did a big renovation of the Scottrade Center.

https://alumni.valpo.edu/s/1347/17/page-1col.aspx?sid=1347&gid=1&pgid=2193&cid=5106&ecid=5106&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=4418

http://www.mvc-sports.com/sports/2017/8/16/2018_ArchMadness_TourneyCentral.aspx

Valparaiso's Alum/Fan hotel: Marriott St. Louis Grand

We have a 1 game winning streak. Let's keep it going!

We played well against SIU at the ARC a few weeks ago. Sorolla and Max had a big game against them. I think the key to a win is to get the Twin Towers going early and establishing them in the post. SIU is some how tied for 2nd in the league but they seem beatable. Credit to Hinson and his players for over coming injuries this season. This is a winnable game.

We're on the home stretch of the season. Only 1 more month till Arch Madness. We're heading into February with a little momentum after beating Indiana State last night. We're fighting to stay out of the play-in rounds on Thursday (7-10 seeds). Valpo needs to start pulling off a few wins on the road in the Valley.

FEB 3, SAT at Southern Illinois (7-4)
FEB 7, WED at Evansville (5-6)
FEB 11, SUN vs Illinois State (6-5)
FEB 14, WED at Loyola (8-3)
FEB 17, SAT vs Bradley (7-4)
FEB 20, TUE vs UNI (3-8)
FEB 24, SAT at Drake (6-5) FINAL GAME OF THE REGULAR SEASON

Arch Madness begins on March 1.

This program needs a win. I don't care if it's an ugly win, we just need a win.

According to Paul we haven't lost to Indiana State at home since 1977 when one Larry Bird came to town. I don't see a Bird on that roster.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/958012508589252608

DEFEND THE ARC!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXC-jJhFaUI

We need a win.

please send us on a winning streak. Please & thank you. Amen.

I begrudgingly created this poll. Let's hope we start showing a pulse on offense this month.

Valpo walking into the month of January...

Jan 3, @ Bradley
Jan 6, vs SIU
Jan 10, vs Drake
Jan 13, @ UNI
Jan 17, @ Missouri State
Jan 21, vs Loyola
Jan 24, vs Evansville
Jan 27, @ Illinois State
Jan 31, vs Indiana State

What grade would you give to each player after the first 13 games of the season?

https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/946047004169392134

Tevonn Walker: A-
My only "critique" is his 3 point shooting could be better.

Joe Burton: B-/C+
He was MIA in some games. He's a talented player but he's not aggressive at times. Who knows if we'll have him for the rest of the season. I'm not optimistic. A C+ might be a little harsh but there was expectations for him this season and when he's been on the court I was expecting more from him.

Bakari Evelyn: B-
This grade may sound harsh but he's the starting point guard and the way he's taken care of the ball the last 4 games has been terrible. Bakari is one of the most talented players on this team and he's played really well some games but I have higher expectations for the PG position compared to every other position. Bakari can really make some flashy plays but some of the turnovers are maddening and when the whole team is struggling to take care of the ball it puts even more emphasis on the PG. His body language is awful. We need him to be a leader and not get on his teammates when they can't make the play. Hold people accountable but he should takes notes from Max Joseph on how to interact with teammates on the court after a play doesn't go our way.

Markus Golder: B+
He's been a pleasant surprise. Love the energy and defense he brings. He's shot the ball really well from 3 also. Markus has a ton of potential to get even better. He definitely needs to work on some things though that will get exposed if he doesn't evolve. Markus is extremely right hand dominant and needs to learn to finish with left. Also opposing teams are picking up that when Markus drives to the hoop he doesn't bail out and they can take the charge against him. Given the expectations Markus has delivered so far.

Derrik Smits: C
The offense has been strong but he makes horrible decisions with the ball in his hands. Way too many turnovers from a big man. He also gets himself into foul trouble which limits his scoring ability. Mental mistakes are his achilles heal right now. 29 turnovers this season. Every 7.5 minutes he commits a TO... and it's even less then that against D1 opponents. He needs to cut them down.

Max Joseph: B+
He does so many things that don't show up on the stat sheet and he's a leader. He's not the guy you want to rely on for offense but he's reliable most of the time and he's a huge presence on the court especially with this young squad. He'd honest get an A if the offense/FT shooting were a little bit better.

Jaume Sorolla: C+
I expected more from him. Another guy who gets himself into foul trouble which hurt his production.

John Kiser: B
Mr. Reliable. He's a nice role player but in a perfect world he should not be a starting forward on a team like Valpo. He's step up because of the lack of reliability and production that the freshman PFs. He's done well for being pressed into the starting lineup and going up against players with more size. He's another guy who does the dirty work that doesn't show up in the stat sheet. I'd like to see him be better from the free throw line. He hasn't provide much offense but I never expect him having to supply offense coming into this season.

Mileek McMillan: C
He's just not reliable right now. He has glimpses of brilliance and potential but he's a risk of getting fouled out every game. I'm excited about his future but right now he so inconsistent. I love his potential but it's frustrating to watch him make some bad foul. He'll get better with time. In hindsight he's a player I wish the coaching staff red-shirted but this team actually needs him because we're so worried about the other big getting into foul trouble also.

Marty Linssen: B-
Extremely raw but he's plays really hard and can grab boards. I love watching this kid hustle. He plays hard every minute he's out there. I'm grading him a B- because the expectations weren't high coming in this season. We won the Kent State game because Linssen stepped up big. Another guy who gets into a lot of foul trouble.

Micah Bradford: D-
I'm not going to sugarcoat it. He's been very bad. His role is a scorer and he's very bad at that. Micah's not a great defender, not a great rebounding guard and he's not a dynamic distributor like Bakari. The only reason he's not getting an F is because he's a warm body out there and supplying minutes. He's shooting .500 from the Free Throw Line!!! Shaq would have shot better from the FT Line!! and Micah is a guard! That is a atrocious. He has a 37.1 FG% and 29.2% from the 3pt line. I'm sorry but he was a net negative to the team during the non-conference. He takes 3 pt shots from 4 feet behind the 3 point line and they are flat out air balls a lot of the time and it kills any offensive flow the team has. Just because you can hit a shot from there doesn't you should take that shot. And when he isn't hot it's border line selfish to chuck up shots the way he does. I am not a fan of Micah's game at all. He's a streaky shooter who doesn't contribute when he's not a hot shooter.

Parker Hazen: D+
It's a been a struggle. I think he's actually a capable defender at times but he simply hasn't played like a D1 player on the offensive end of the ball in his first 13 games. That doesn't mean he's not a D1 player. I definitely think he'll get better but right now its an extremely tough stretch. I'm thinking part of it's mental at this point. I wasn't expecting huge production but expecting much more then what we've seen so far. I'm definitely willing to stay patient with Parker, Mileek and Marty. They'll get better with time and more experience. They are freshman.

Paul and Parker graded each player on Union Street Hoops. They did a really good job breaking down each player and it was a great listen. Highly encourage you guys check it out.

http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/audio/union-street-hoops/podcast-union-street-hoops-non-conference-grades/audio_eda70a16-e661-11e7-abce-efc5d42af52c.html

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/943872368723841024

We are on the eve of Valpo beginning Conference play. Where do you think Valpo finishes in the MVC this season? What are your expectations going into Conference play? We're getting Tevonn back for the Indiana State game.

This was the Preseason Poll: http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2941.50

Preseason Prediction Results:
1st (6.5%)
2nd (13%)
3rd (21.7%)
4th (37%)
5th (15.2%)
6th (4.3%)
7th (2.2%)
8th (0%)
9th (0%)
10th (0%)

In celebration of Festivus, I invite you to air your grievances about anything to do with Valpo Basketball. After your done airing your grievances you must say 1 thing about the program/athletics department you are grateful for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX55AzGku5Y

I was just listening to ESPN 1000 AM (Chicago Sports Radio Station) and just heard a Valpo Basketball radio ad. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard it. Nice to hear a little advertising for the team.

I thought I might as well create a new thread so we can keep track of Javon's senior year at Whitney Young High School.

Looks like we have a strong recruiting class coming into our first season in The Valley.

Recruits from: Nebraska, Virginia, Illinois, Wisconsin, & Indiana (Mt. Carmel)

https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/935175449663111168

[Valparaiso Law School to Close, Citing Plummeting Enrollment]

Really unfortunate news. Valparaiso Law School is shutting its doors. From my understanding this falls on the Law School's administration for relaxing the admission standards around the time of the Financial Crisis and that hurt the Law Schools reputation. The Law School was shortsighted and that was ultimately their downfall. This is a bit of a black-eye on the University and never should have happened.

https://twitter.com/sara_randazzo/status/931245594466664448

https://www.wsj.com/articles/valparaiso-law-school-to-close-citing-plummeting-enrollment-1510860102

Valparaiso Law School to Close, Citing Plummeting Enrollment
School, which enrolled only 29 full-time incoming students in 2017, is latest victim of declining interest in law school
By Sara Randazzo
Nov. 16, 2017 2:30 p.m. ET

The tough climate for legal education has claimed another victim.

Valparaiso University, a private university in Northwest Indiana, said Thursday its board of directors voted to stop enrolling new law school students, meaning the law school will likely be wound down over the next few years.

Enrollment has plummeted at Valparaiso University Law School, once a well-respected regional school. This year's incoming class had just 29 full-time students, down from 206 in 2013.

The news follows a similar move in April by the board of Whittier College in Southern California to stop admitting new students to Whittier Law School. Both are among some 200 nationally accredited law schools in the country, a number that many industry watchers say is unsustainable in the long term.

The legal profession suffered after the last economic downturn, resulting in fewer people seeking out a law degree and difficulty for those who did graduate to find well-paying law jobs. Law schools haven't recovered from the changing market forces, and many graduates are saddled with six-figure debt loads.

Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler said Thursday that for a time, the law school thought it was immune from the trouble other schools faced. "When it hit us, it came fast," he said.

The law school has been operating at a deficit for two to three years and ran through its reserve, Mr. Heckler said. As applications decreased, it faced increasing competition from the five other law schools in the broader Chicago region, he said.

University officials will look for a possible affiliation with another law school and other options for the law school faculty, and said they are committed to ensuring the 237 existing students complete their degrees.

The school, which costs more than $40,000 a year in tuition, tried to fix its issues, offering faculty buyouts in 2016 and revamping the curriculum. But it wasn't enough.

The law school's students and faculty were being told of the board's decision Thursday afternoon. The broader Valparaiso University isn't affected.

The American Bar Association's accrediting arm censured Valparaiso Law last fall for not having stringent-enough admissions standards. This year's incoming class had high enough average grades and test scores—including a median LSAT score of 151, up from 143 in 2013—for the ABA to announce this week it had removed the censure.

The move fixed the accreditation problems, but led to the dramatic shrinkage in class size. That, in turn, contributed to the law school's financial woes.

Its graduates also had trouble finding employment. Of the 160 in Valparaiso Law's 2016 graduating class, about 36% found full-time, long-term jobs requiring a law license by 10 months after graduation, according to ABA data. Another 14% found full-time, long-term jobs where a law degree was preferred, and 25% were unemployed.

Valparaiso Law got its start in 1879 as Northern Indiana Law School, with the mission of creating an affordable, accessible legal education. Mr. Heckler said the school focused on giving a practical, more than theoretical, legal education and producing good writers.


Several other law schools have come under scrutiny by the ABA this year. For-profit Charlotte Law School closed in August after being put on probation by the accreditors for lax admissions standards and failing to come up with a workable improvement plan.

There are early indications that interest in law school may be rebounding. The number of people taking the LSAT in June was up nearly 20% compared with last year, while during the fall it was 10.7% higher, according to the Law School Admission Council.

Write to Sara Randazzo at sara.randazzo@wsj.com

With the news that Valpo was scheduled to be in the Great Alaska Shootout in 2018 I thought I'd start the 2018-19 schedule thread. Unfortunately the event has been cancelled. These Neutral Site Tournaments are planned out way before they are played. Hopefully Valpo can fill the potential void in the schedule with another tournament or a find some strong Home-&-Home Series opponents.

Next years team looks like its going to be a strong team with a great opportunity with the core of the roster being all Seniors: Joe Burton and Juniors: Sorolla, Fazekas, Golder, Bakari. Most of the team will have a whole year playing together under their belt. Let's hope we can put together a schedule that at least can get Valpo in the At-Large conversation come March if we can take care of business during the regular season.

2017-2018 Games:
-Southern Illinois-Edwardsville - Home
-MVC/MW Challenge - Away
-Ball State - Home
-UC Riverside - Home
*Potential Start to the Series with Vanderbilt (as part of Bryce's buyout)

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/928047477835665411
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/928047695931019264

I don't live in the Valparaiso Community anymore but I alway keep track of whats happening with Valparaiso and I follow Paul Oren on twitter who reports on a lot the prep sports in the region.

I know we have some VHS alums on this board. Apparently the Principal very suddenly resigned. I know VHS has really had a rough couple weeks with the turmoil of the very controversial firing of their very successful Football Coach. I have friends who were VHS Football alumni who were furious with the administration and a few of the players for threatening a "walk-out" because the head coach chewed out a kid in front of the team for breaking team rules.

I wonder if that was part of the reason for his resignation but a mid-school year resignation seems very odd and makes you wonder. I thought I'd pass it along.

https://twitter.com/nwi/status/927566586843680768

I thought we might want to create a new Topic specifically to discuss what's happening around the Valley.

[Bryce Drew (1994-98)Lubos Barton (1999-02) Ryan Broekhoff (2009-13)Alec Peters (2013-17)Raitis Grafs (1999-03) Sixth man: Dan Oppland (2002-06)]

Do you agree with their starting 5?

https://twitter.com/IndyStarSports/status/926157913755934723
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/2017/11/02/building-best-valparaiso-basketball-lineup-past-25-years/815653001/

Bryce Drew (1994-98)

Lubos Barton (1999-02)

Ryan Broekhoff (2009-13)

Alec Peters (2013-17)

Raitis Grafs (1999-03)

Sixth man: Dan Oppland (2002-06)

[Trinity Roster:]

It's a special game dedicated to shedding a light on foster care. If you donate a stuffed animal at the gates you will get FREE admission to the game.
https://twitter.com/TallTastes/status/925109334039760897

Normally I think these D2 "Tune-up Games" aren't too interesting but if you remember we played Trinity last year and they actually gave us a run for our $ in the first half. Trinity was up 45-36 at the half. Valpo's guys looked like they were totally uninterested in the game in the first half and then at halftime Coach Lottich lit a fire under the guys and Valpo outscored Trinity 53-30 in the 2nd half. It would be nice to see the guys take care of business early this time. I'm sure they will.

http://www.espn.com/ncb/recap/_/gameId/400924185
VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Alec Peters poured in 36 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Valparaiso came from behind in the second half to beat NAIA-Trinity Christian College, 89-75 for its second straight win to open the season Saturday night.

The Trolls used a fast start to take an early lead. Ben Brinks' layup midway through the first half gave Trinity a 28-12 lead and held a 10-point advantage at intermission, 45-35. But the Crusaders came on strong in the second half. Shane Hammink's layup three minutes into the half cut the lead to 45-41 and Max Joseph's 3-pointer with 15:12 to play gave Valparaiso the lead, 50-48. After Hammink's dunk made it 52-50, Valparaiso never trailed again.

Peters hit 14 of his 29 shots from the floor and knocked down 3 of 11 shots from beyond the arc. Juozas Balciunas had 19 points to lead Trinity.

Trinity Roster:
No   Name   Yr   Pos   Hgt   Hometown
3   Juozas Balciunas   SR   G   6-2   Downers Grove, IL
10   Terrance Lacey   FR   G   6-1   Chicago, IL
15   Nate Hurt          FR   G   5-9   Moline, IL
21   Christian Cantu   SR   G   5-9   Corpus Christi, TX
22   Caleb Jonkman   SR   G   6-4   Gary, IN
23   Josh Olson   SO   G   5-9   Kalamazoo, MI
24   Jalyn Clark   FR   F   6-3   South Holland, IL
30   Aaron Johnson   SR   G   6-1   Holland, MI
32   Ben Brinks   SR   C   6-8   Hudsonville, MI
34   Oleksandr Dolishniy   FR   G   6-4   Willow Springs, IL
35   Zack Austell   SR   F   6-7   Manteno, IL
40   Jared Jonkman   FR   F   6-3   Gary, IN
45   Josh Decker   FR   F   6-6   Palos Heights, IL
50   Nari Garrett   SR   C   6-8   Calumet City, IL
Head Coach: Brandon Nicol
Assistant Coaches: Jeff Jefferson, Christian Perry
                        

[IndyStar's 2017 All-Indiana College Basketball team]

The Indy Star did a All-Indiana College Basketball team and no Valpo players make the list. We are going to need some of our Indiana native players to make this list the next few years in order for Valpo to have continued success.

Valpo's current Indiana Native Players:
-Ryan Fazekas (Chesterton, IN) SF - Junior (RS) 3-Star
-Derrik Smits (Zionsville, IN) C - Sophomore (RS) 3-Star
-John Kiser (Noblesville, IN) SF - Sophomore 2-Star
-Steven Helm (Valparaiso, IN) PG - Sophomore (RS walk-on) 2-Star
-Mileek McMillan (Merrillville, IN) F - Freshman 2-Star
-Parker Hazen (Columbia City, IN) F - Freshman 3-Star

Does anyone know if there is a "one that got away" among these players for Valpo? Did Valpo target or recruit any of these kids?

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/2017/10/31/indystars-2017-all-indiana-college-basketball-team/714745001/

IndyStar's 2017 All-Indiana College Basketball team
Matthew Glenesk
Oct. 31, 2017

FIRST TEAM
-Trevon Bluiett, Xavier, Sr. (Park Tudor)
-Bryant McIntosh, Northwestern, Sr. (Greensburg)
-P.J. Thompson, Purdue, Sr. (Brebeuf Jesuit)
-Tayler Persons, Ball State, Jr. (Kokomo)
-Tyler Wideman, Butler, Sr. (Lake Central)

SECOND TEAM
-Brenton Scott, Indiana State, Sr. (Fort Wayne Northrop)
-Jaren Jackson, Michigan State, Fr. (Park Tudor)
-Desmond Bane, TCU, So. (Seton Catholic)
-Kyle Guy, Virginia, So. (Lawrence Central)
-Justin Mitchell, Wright State, Sr. (Fort Wayne Wayne)

THIRD TEAM
-Dylan Windler, Belmont, Jr. (Perry Meridian)
-Ryan Welage, San Jose State, Jr. (Greensburg)
-Zavier Turner, Manhattan, Sr. (Pike)
-Devin Cannady, Princeton, Jr. (Mishawaka Marian)
-Jaelan Sanford, Toledo, Jr. (Evansville Reitz)

Honorable mention:
Aaron Brennan, IUPUI, Sr. (Guerin Catholic)
Ryan Cline, Purdue, Jr. (Carmel)
Devin Davis, Houston, Sr. (Warren Central)
Ernie Duncan, Vermont, Jr. (Evansville Harrison)
Jordan Geist, Missouri, Jr. (Homestead)
Eugene German, Northern Illinois, So. (Gary 21st Century)
Collin Hartman, Indiana, Sr. (Cathedral)
Anthony Johnson, Northern Colorado, Sr. (Decatur Central)
Taishaun Johnson, Kent State, Jr. (Pike)
Reggie Jones, Western Michigan, So. (Marion)
Sam Logwood, New Mexico, Sr. (La Lumiere)
Ron Patterson, IUPUI, Sr. (Broad Ripple)
Bryson Scott, Fort Wayne, Sr. (Fort Wayne Northrop)
Sean Sellers, Ball State, Sr. (Greensburg)
Blake Simmons, Evansville, Sr. (Castle)
Zoran Talley, Iowa State, Jr. (Merrillville)
Tahjai Teague, Ball State, So. (Pike)
Jeremie Tyler, Ball State, Sr. (Tech)
C.J. Walker, Florida State, So. (Tech)
Jordan Walker, Morehead State, So. (Cathedral)
Kris Wilkes, UCLA, Fr. (North Central)

Valpo is showing interest ina  2020 Shooting Guard from Chicago named Josh Holmes.

https://twitter.com/teamyandr/status/923626847975477248
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hGkTRMJlSs

Can someone explain this to me? I'm seeing it in the sports media but nobody is talking about why he was fired. There is rumbling that he was "verbally abusive" to a kid who broke team rule and the players staged a "revolt" against him. I don't know what constitutes verbally abusive today but I remember back when I played high school foot less then 10 years ago coaches were still allowed to chew players out and I actually think it helped us because it came from a place love and wanting to push us to be the best that we could be.

I talked to a few friends who are VHS football alums and they are outrage at this players. He's apparently a tough love type a guy and that didn't sit well with these kids. I'm just curious if anyone knows anything or if anyone know more to this story? I don't know the whole story but I know a lot of people are upset.

The interim head coach is a Valparaiso (University) Football alumni named Bill Marshall.
https://twitter.com/angdicarlowndu/status/923296323796852736
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/923289915684728832

https://twitter.com/ChicagoStateMBB/status/923312150277492736

MVC Media Day is tomorrow (10/24). I'm guessing we'll get a flood of news tomorrow so I thought I'd create a new thread. The official MVC Polls are also being released tomorrow.

Media Day will be broadcast live tomorrow on ESPN3.
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/921437972381265920
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/921447660174872578

If you have any questions you want asked at Media Day, tweet at Paul or let me know and I'll tweet out the question for you.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/922540547608403976

[For Fun:]

If you are a former athlete, coach, administrator or support personnel you can nominate athletes and those nominations are due tonight. I know we have some former athletes on here.
http://cdn.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/7BA832CC-877C-454E-81DA-2557C30ADF93/HallOfFameNominationForm.pdf
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/920352690529587202
http://www.valpoathletics.com/news/articles/2017-18/17686/nominations-being-accepted-for-valparaiso-athletics-hall-of-fame/#.We5EpWJSyAw


For Fun: who would you nominate or consider for the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame?

The requirement is the former student-athletes last season of competition must have been no later then the 2011-2012 year.

The obvious candidate for next year (2012-2013) would be Ryan Broekhoff.

["Moving to 20 league games is going to change the entire model," one Big Ten athletic director told FanRag Sports last week. "They want to wipe out the non-Power 5 schools from getting at-large bids completely. Moving to 20 games makes that more of a realistic possibility."]

ValpoPal brought this up in another thread but I thought its important enough that it warrants it's own thread because it is a very serious issue facing ALL Mid-Major Conferences.

I think there is something more important, more immediate, and more sinister than expansion in this news and other news stories that report Big Ten coaches have voted to expand their conference schedule to 20 games and the ACC is moving to 20 conference games. When the Big East, Big Ten, and ACC move to larger conference schedules, the result will be to decrease opportunities for non Power 5 conferences, especially mid-major teams, to enhance their strength of schedule or incomes with games against upper tier teams. The (un)intended consequence is to add more at-large invitations from the Power 5 conferences and shut out at-large bids to non Power 5 conferences.

"Moving to 20 league games is going to change the entire model," one Big Ten athletic director told FanRag Sports last week. "They want to wipe out the non-Power 5 schools from getting at-large bids completely. Moving to 20 games makes that more of a realistic possibility."

https://www.fanragsports.com/rothstein-big-ten-head-coaches-vote-in-favor-of-schedule-change-2/

https://www.fanragsports.com/trickle-down-impact-20-game-power-5-league-schedules/

Jon Rothstein reported the Big East could expand to 20 conference games, but only if it adds 11th team.

"The Big East could be expanding to a 20-game conference schedule sometime in the near future. However, such a change is only likely if the heralded conference if able to add an 11th team into the fold, a source has informed FanRag Sports."

"The double round-robin format is ideal," one source told FanRag Sports. "That needs to be kept in place."

"FanRag Sports also reported last winter that the Big East and the UConn Huskies had initial talks regarding a potential partnership, but needed to find a solution and a new home for the Huskies' football program."
https://www.fanragsports.com/rothstein-big-east-could-play-20-conference-games-if-it-adds-11th-team/

https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/920295338111578113

If the Big East expands it could potentially have more realignment ramifications. I absolutely love that we are in the Missouri Valley Conference but a "Utopia" I'd love to see Valpo in the Big East. But I'm realistic and know that its not happening. Even if Valpo went on a Butler 2010-2011 type run we'd never get an invite because Butler would block us from getting a invite.

I think the 2 obvious contenders for an invite are Dayton & SLU, because both are from the Midwest, Catholic, Private Universities & have basketball tradition. Of the two I'd think Dayton has the edge because of recent basketball success and a new arena is on the way.

Contenders:
-UCONN (I don't see it happening because UCONN won't give up on FBS Football)
-Dayton (Rumor is Xavier would try and block Dayton from getting a invite)
-SLU
-VCU (less likely because they are a public university but they have the arena, $ to make that leap, & recent basketball success)
-Cincinnati (Public University & I don't see them giving up on FBS Football)

If Dayton was selected, I wonder if SLU would consider coming back to the MVC. SLU would lose its closest conference rival, the A10 would be weakened and maybe the high travel expenses aren't worth it to SLU anymore. The MVC is still considering expanding to 12 and SLU is a natural fit. Apparently SLU's administration/fans think they're "above" the MVC. It would be a fit for all parties involved.

https://twitter.com/adrian_guz4/status/919264620317233152
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/919266425180753920

The college basketball season has officially begun with our first practice starting last night.

This is obviously too early too tell but I wanted to gauge everyones preseason expectations for this team. I want to take this poll in the preseason & redo the poll again right before Conference play starts in December & compare expectations. The Conference is pretty wide open next season with Missouri State being the favorite.

Over on the MVC Fan Forum they have already started discussing & ranking teams: http://www.mvcfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4778&start=0

My too early predictions:
1. Missouri State - A talented & veteran roster. MSU's back story is their HC can really recruit but isn't a great coach

2. Loyola - Their HC reputation is similar to MSU's. Great recruiter/not so great coach. I may be too high on them but they have a heavy senior roster but their bigs are young.

3. Illinois State - ISU suffered from transfers but they still have a talented roster & they're the defending League Champs. Muller is well respected.

4. UNI - I could see UNI falling as low as 5 or 6 on this list but I'm ranking them here based on respect for their coach

5. Bradley - I keep on going back & forth between Valpo & Bradley for the 5th spot. I gave them the edge because they return a lot & don't lose any starters but Valpo has a ton turnover with our roster. Bradley's team is really athletic. I've seen some media folks pick them as their sleeper team.

6. Valpo - I could see us finishing anywhere from 4-7

7. SIU - Barry Hinson is the best interview in the league but I'm not as high on their team next season as other are. Potentially another wildcard. They could potentially finish in the Top 5.

8. Indiana State - They have some nice pieces but I don't think next year is their year.

9. Drake - I'm not very high on Drake next season. They hired a new coach this offseason. He's well respect & I know he's recruited better then his predecessors.

10. Evansville - An ugly roster... I'm kind of surprised Marty has last as long as he has at Evansville. Evansville has potential as a program but it may be time to make a coaching change after next season.

It honestly pains me to rank a Valpo team at 6th in the Conference but I think its fair given the amount of turnover with the roster & graduating last years senior class. We're a talented group but we're really young & have 7 new guys on the team & we're joining a newconference. I don't really know what to expect but I'm excited for next season.

Conference Schedule:
Thursday 12/28 at Indiana State 6pm
Sunday 12/31 Missouri State ARC 3pm
Wednesday 1/3 at Bradley 7pm
Saturday 1/6 Southern Illinois ARC 3pm
Wednesday 1/10 Drake ARC 7pm
Saturday 1/13 at Northern Iowa 7pm
Wednesday 1/17 at Missouri State 7pm
Sunday 1/21 Loyola ARC 3pm
Wednesday 1/24 Evansville ARC 7pm
Saturday 1/27 at Illinois State 9pm
Wednesday 1/31 Indiana State ARC 7pm
Saturday 2/3 at Southern Illinois 7pm
Wednesday 2/7 at Evansville 7pm
Sunday 2/11 Illinois State ARC 3pm
Wednesday 2/14 at Loyola TBA
Saturday 2/17 Bradley ARC 7pm
Tuesday 2/20 Northern Iowa ARC 8pm
Saturday 2/24 at Drake TBA

NCAA. FBI. Corruption from Power conference coaches/teams... Not surprised.

https://twitter.com/DanWetzel/status/912673817797021697
https://twitter.com/Tom_Winter/status/912667918944567297
https://twitter.com/Tom_Winter/status/912669007890796546
https://twitter.com/Tom_Winter/status/912671126559617024
https://twitter.com/Tom_Winter/status/912671661379420160
https://twitter.com/Tom_Winter/status/912672323089633280
https://twitter.com/Tom_Winter/status/912677190780768257
https://twitter.com/brauf33/status/912678041792516097
https://twitter.com/JasonRileyWDRB/status/912677625084116994
https://twitter.com/CollegeHoopNews/status/912680231932235776
https://twitter.com/DanWolken/status/912677378740162566

[Valpo Softball To Hold Inaugural Hit-a-Thon October 9]

https://twitter.com/CoachLottich/status/909148059707330560
https://twitter.com/ValpoSoftball/status/909128783256571907

http://www.valpoathletics.com/softball/news/2017-18/17582/valpo-softball-to-hold-inaugural-hit-a-thon-october-9/#.Wb2PC0qGOAx

Valpo Softball To Hold Inaugural Hit-a-Thon October 9
Friday, September 15, 2017

The Valparaiso University softball program will be holding its inaugural Hit-a-Thon to raise money for the program, where fans can pledge money on any of the Crusader players or any of the special guests, on Monday, October 9. Kicking the inaugural event off and headlining it will be Valpo men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich.

Each pledger will pledge at least 20 cents per foot to their chosen player or other hitter - each person will get 10 swings, with their farthest recorded batted ball being the registered distance. The event will be open to the public, with pledgers encouraged to join in the fun at the Valpo Softball Complex. Fans who can't attend can tune into the softball program's social media for live coverage.

For more information about the Hit-a-Thon, or to pledge on Coach Lottich or any of the Crusaders, fans are encouraged to contact associate head coach Monica Wright at 219-464-5047 or Monica.Wright@valpo.edu.

[Sources: Major Potential Shift In NCAA Transfer Rules]

This would really hurt Mid-Majors!!!

The Poaching that happens in College Basketball is already rampant in College Basketball!! This would be terrible for Mid-Majors. Power 5 Programs would just poach the good Mid-Major Players just like they do with the grad-transfer rule.

College Basketball just had over 800(!) transfers this offseason and that number would skyrocket even more if this happened. This is disgusting and terrible for the sport it happened.

https://twitter.com/ASlater247/status/905184638779445248
https://twitter.com/CBB_Central/status/905206274706591750

http://247sports.com/Article/Sources-Major-Potential-Shift-In-NCAA-Transfer-Rules-107001121

Sources: Major Potential Shift In NCAA Transfer Rules
In a potentially paradigm-shifting proposal, the NCAA members may vote to allow all Division-I transfers to be eligible to play immediately.
By: Andrew Slater

In a potentially paradigm-shifting proposal, the NCAA members may vote to allow all Division-I transfers to be eligible to play immediately. The only potential restrictions are that student-athletes would be asked to meet a minimum GPA, in order to transfer immediately, and that any additional transfer would require the student-athletes to sit out a full year. The proposal, which is being solicited among members for feedback, is gaining increased traction in recent weeks, a source confirms.

In April, a 19-person task force comprised of commissioners, athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes initially assembled under the name of Division I Transfer Working Group. Their mission was to bring a fresh approach to the often publicly maligned transfer process. Although earlier groups had been formed in prior years under similar missions, the Transfer Working Group was given more data, while also tasked with the goal of trying to create uniformity within the transfer process.

........

Within recent weeks, it has become more clear that the latter option of immediate eligibility for transfers who achieve a minimum GPA is the one gaining traction amongst members. The proposal must be completed by Nov. 1. The members of the Transfer Working Group will continue to seek feedback from fellow coaches, directors, commissioners and student-athletes in the days ahead, but it is becoming more likely that the proposal will be voted upon next April with the possibility of this going into effect as early as the 2018-19 calendar. The uniformity of applying the same rules across all sports would potentially streamline the transfer process.

Proponents of student-athletes being permitted to change schools as freely as coaches will undoubtedly laud this potential new development. The concern from some detractors may be the further encouragement of raiding smaller programs as well as the likelihood that the number of annual transfers will grow exponentially. The challenge of tracking potential tampering in pending transfers may also be a potential hazard of the new development.

Give this a watch:
https://www.pscp.tv/w/1zqKVRLZyoDKB
https://twitter.com/CBB_Central/status/905234107864580096

https://twitter.com/JasonBelzer/status/900754878548586496

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbelzer/2017/08/24/horizon-league-sues-valapariso-university-and-missouri-valley-conference-over-realignment/#198c407a277a

"The lawsuit, filed on June 27 in Evansville, IN, claims that Valparaiso University breached its contract with the Horizon League when it failed to provide one-year notice of its intent to leave the conference, and thus that the university has incurred $500,000 in agreed upon liquidated damages. It further claims that the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), Valpo's new home, induced (and tortuously interfered with) the school to breach that contract and move conferences."

..........

[MISSOURI VALLEYArch Madness Staying in St. Louis]

Thought I might as well start a new thread for Arch Madness. I can't wait to make the trip down to St. Louis next year!

The Conference picked up the option to host the Tournament at the Scottrade Center for 2 additional years: 2019 & 2020.

http://www.valleyhoopsinsider.com/arch-madness-staying-in-st-louis/

MISSOURI VALLEYArch Madness Staying in St. Louis
By: Harry Schroeder
Date: August 18, 2017
.........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1daACacX2m4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do6JxUMI-P0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts7FrqT_Hh8
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/898243962200354823
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/898244303981621249
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/898246115081961474
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPt82UyftMI

A very interesting in depth radio interview (30min) with Associate Commish Jack Watkins talking about the extension and how crucial it was to get the Scottrade Center renovations done to convince the MVC to stay in St. Louis. Also talks possible expansion to 12 members.

http://www.ktrs.com/the-big-sports-show/

https://twitter.com/keegan_bates/status/892831849042587653

https://twitter.com/CBPenasHuesca/status/891613371707121664
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/891752919669895174

I read the LEB Oro League is the 2nd highest division in the Spanish Basketball League. I wonder if Shane and Jubril will ever run into each other over there in Spain.

Lavonte Dority has signed with the Den Helder Suns in the Dutch Basketball League!

http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/holland/241290/lavonte-dority-signs-with-den-helder-suns.html
"Lavonte Dority signs with Den Helder Suns. After college(in Valparaiso) he played for Kirchheim Knights (Germany Pro A). Last season he played for Francavilla Fontan (Italy C-silver)."

https://twitter.com/Doritykid/status/886303807252172801
https://twitter.com/Sportando/status/886200336502927360
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/886312349333934081
https://twitter.com/EurobasketNews/status/886220990555881473
https://twitter.com/EurobasketNews/status/886220955407732738

[Emanuel Dildy Joins Valpo Men's Basketball Coaching Staff]

https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/882689983999553536
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/882690080204349440

Emanuel Dildy Joins Valpo Men's Basketball Coaching Staff
Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that Emanuel Dildy has joined the Crusader coaching staff as an assistant coach. A Chicago native, Dildy brings power conference and Missouri Valley Conference coaching experience to the Valpo bench as the Crusaders prepare for their inaugural season of MVC play.

"We are extremely excited and blessed with Coach Dildy's addition to our staff," said Lottich. "Coach Dildy brings a tremendous amount of experience to our program as we join the Missouri Valley Conference. He helped Loyola make the transition from the Horizon League to the MVC, and he was instrumental in putting together a roster which has improved that program greatly."

Dildy spent last season coaching in the Southeastern Conference, as he was a member of the Missouri staff as an assistant coach. Prior to arriving at Mizzou, Dildy worked for three seasons (2013-16) as an assistant coach at Loyola, where he helped coach the 2014 MVC Freshman and Newcomer of the Year in Milton Doyle.

Dildy also spent one season (2012-13) as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Eastern Illinois, as he broke into the Division I coaching ranks. Dildy's coaching career started at Kennedy-King College in Chicago, where he served as an assistant coach for two seasons (2008-10) before spending two seasons as head coach (2010-12).

"Coach Dildy has proven to be a great recruiter with deep Chicago ties," said Lottich. "He will also help greatly with our player development on and off the court. I know he is excited to be at Valpo and to help continue to build on our championship tradition."

Dildy played for two seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Eastern Illinois, where he was an All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a senior. After graduating from EIU in 2005, Dildy played professionally in Germany for two years and stateside for one season in the International Basketball League before embarking on his coaching career.

[Shane Hammink begins career with Bilbao Basket]

https://www.court-side.com/news/shane-hammink-landed-bilbao-basket/

Shane Hammink begins career with Bilbao Basket

By Erik on June 30, 2017

It is not too often that you see a Spanish ACB club put their trust in a rookie straight out of college, but RetaBet Bilbao Basket (Spain-Liga Endesa and EuroCup) has seen the potential in Shane Hammink (201 cm, Valparaiso'17). He comes from a legendary Dutch basketball pedigree, being the son of retired Dutch professional basketball player, Geert Hammink. Geert was drafted by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft.

Shane is tall, strong, and athletic for his position (guard). He has seen action at point guard in the past but is able to play any position from 1 through 4. He is most comfortable being used as a combo guard. His versatility will give Bilbao Basket an advantage as far as exploiting mismatches are concerned and it will be interesting to observe how much of a splash Hammink will be able to make in his rookie season as a pro this 2017-18.

In his senior year at Valparaiso, Shane logged 32 games and was able to drop averages of 15.2 ppg and 3.9 rpg. He was efficient, hitting an average of 59.9% of his shot attempts from two-point range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSOc1eg_lmM

The MVC is a great baseball Conference and I think Valpo can hold our own but how long will it take us realistically to be challenging for a MVC Title? There are some really good programs in the MVC like Missouri State.

What will needs to happen and what would be the time table for this?

https://twitter.com/Mike_Rooney/status/875125966452002820

https://twitter.com/ValpoU/status/874342201630830592
https://twitter.com/thesummitleague/status/874340960787943426
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/874343218237853697

[Do you think Valpo could ever take that next level?]

Interesting comments in an article suggesting what 5 teams might be the next Mid-Major Power:

1: Rhode Island
2: MTSU
3: Saint Mary's
4: ISUr
5: Vermont

http://bustingbrackets.com/2017/04/17/ncaa-basketball-five-teams-that-can-emerge-as-mid-major-powers/

Both the Mountain West and Missouri Valley have been struggling, and the annual challenge between the two conferences may need a shake up with the Shockers departing. Former perennial tournament teams like New Mexico, UNLV, and Northern Iowa have declined. This will open up the door for a new program to take over the top spot.

ISU has had plenty of transfer success and younger players will have chances to develop under coach Dan Muller. The departure of three seniors will hurt, but the Redbirds have proved they have a great player development staff. While the team hasn't made the NCAA Tournament in since 1998, the MVC is wide open and Illinois State should be at the top of the conference.

I pulled this from the MVCfans board. I've thought about this a few times, wondering which school is going to become the next Gonzaga (Zags have taken success to a completely new level)/Butler/Creighton/Wichita State/VCU/Dayton etc. and have consistent success year in and year out?

I'm not sure I necessarily agree with his Top 5. Rhode Island and St. Mary's yes but the other 3 are pretty debatable, imo. All 5 are good programs for sure. 

Do you think Valpo could ever take that next level?

I believe we have the "brand" and pedigree to take the next level, but I'm not sure President Heckler or the Board are currently in the mindset of making that push to become a elite mid-major right now. To attempt to make a push into the ranks of a Butler means you need the folks at the very top be all in like Butler and Wichita States administrations has been. (its not just about having significant donors but definitely does help)

I think we are making a promising step forward as a program by receiving the opportunity to join a better Conference.

I've sort of been thinking about this ever since we got the invite to the MVC. So what happens to the Horizon and the Summit?

LeCrone (thank God he's not our problem anymore) wants to expand to 12 or 14(!)....

Seems like these are the schools on LeCrone's wish-list:

-Belmont (already tried and failed to land them). Would be a great future addition to MVC.

-Omaha. No secret that LeCrone covets them and fits his "model" of big market, but gets absolutely no attention from the media/community. Attendance less then 1,900 people.

-Denver. WAY out of the footprint but big market. It's hockey school/not a Basketball school. They have a +3M budget (mostly going towards travel expenses). Not likely, imo.

-Robert Morris. Seems like they is public interest in them. They only have 3 mens sports sponsored by the HL. No baseball, which the HL badly needs. They are out of the footprint but relatively close to YSU. Seems like there may be mutual interest because they apparently aren't happy in the NEC, but would be more travel for them.

-IPFW... They are in the geographic region & would "replace" Valpo as an Indiana school. I think it would be a bad move for the HL, because there has been rumors that they may go D2. Low Budget and not great athletics. They'd jump at the opportunity to join the HL. I would avoid them, but they have Baseball which the HL needs.

-IUPUI... In the footprint and in Indy where the HL offices located, low budget, not great athletics, no baseball. I think there is almost no way the HL picks them up but you never know what LeCrone is thinking.

-Murray State... I could see why they want them but people I've talk to there is almost no chance Murray State would leave for the HL and wouldn't be interested in joining the HL.

-Dakota Schools (NDSU/SDSU)... they are a package deal. You would at least need to take 2 of the 4. Seems unlikely they'd leave the Summit because they are starting to run that league because of the heavy influence they are starting gain there. The Conf Tourney is in their area so it may be a tough sell, but if the Summit started to get poached then maybe they jump ship. Only problem is they are up in Dakotas and out of everyones geographic footprint, which means heavy travel costs for every other school. I doubt the MVC would ever add 2 of the Dakotas because of they really like the low travel. Maybe the HL would take that risk. NDSU/SDSU are seen as 'up & coming' programs.


The MVC is going to explore going to 12 the next 9 months and the HL will at least need 1 probably will add 3 maybe 5 in the future. We could be "competing" for the same group of schools.

Seems like MVC would add 2 more for the right 2 (Belmont/Murray State). 11 is completely out the question in the MVC.

https://twitter.com/MVCsports/status/861958944612155393