The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

here is a thread for us to try and ignore. 

So St. Louis is the most recent program to request the services of our Coach Drew.  From Coach Drew's mouth not more then a few weeks back when asked if he was leaving....he said along the lines that he is very happy here, has a very good relationship with his bosses, and it would take a very special situation/offer for him (as any of us) to even consider leaving.

I'm feeling confident that he is staying put for the time being.

In flipping through the Saint Louis message board, they seem to be a mix of optimists and pessimists in this regard. There are many people on that board who are convinced that Bryce has already agreed to be their next coach, while others are practically throwing themself off a cliff if they hire someone like Joe Dooley from FGCU or Rodney Terry from Fresno State.

I think he stays for Peters' senior year and may take a great job if it opens up after next season. If Carter gets another season of eligbility, then this team could be a force and make some noise in the NCAAs next season. If you're Bryce, would you rather be rebuilding at the bottom of a heavy A-10 or potentially watching Alec Peters become a household name in the NCAAs?

Bryce Drew and mid major dumpster fire St. Louis. A match made in heaven. lol

Someone is trolling.

Quote from: wh on March 23, 2016, 07:04:03 PM
Bryce Drew and mid major dumpster fire St. Louis. A match made in heaven. lol

Someone is trolling.

Agree, unless there are talks about the Big East expansion into St Louis again. 

Quote from: jloose128 on March 23, 2016, 03:11:20 PMIn flipping through the Saint Louis message board, they seem to be a mix of optimists and pessimists in this regard. There are many people on that board who are convinced that Bryce has already agreed to be their next coach, while others are practically throwing themself off a cliff if they hire someone like Joe Dooley from FGCU or Rodney Terry from Fresno State.

The Billiken posters on that board have been delusional longer than Valpo has had a message board.

Jimbo5, brianstl, cheeseman, TheA bomb, slufan13, etc, etc, etc. They are all diluted. Especially Jimbo5 and John D, who is also on the BirdsOntheBat message board.

Wow! 112 pages on Coaching candidates is insane.  They must have a lot of people that don't work posting on their board. One poster has 14,500 posts, somebody quick add up the man hours for that many posts....

Quote from: bbtds on March 23, 2016, 10:57:26 PMThey are all diluted.

With saline or H2O?

FWIW, Valpo Athletics just tweeted a video of Bryce thanking fans for the support this season. He ends with "Look forward to seeing you next year."

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 24, 2016, 12:16:50 PM
FWIW, Valpo Athletics just tweeted a video of Bryce thanking fans for the support this season. He ends with "Look forward to seeing you next year."

"...when I bring my Billikens/Cardinal/Panthers to the ARC next season."

I just saw that video too.  Does that mean he's staying at Valpo?

Quote from: VUOR63 on March 24, 2016, 01:28:28 PM
I just saw that video too.  Does that mean he's staying at Valpo?

At the time he said it, yes.  Tomorrow is another day...

Quote from: VUOR63 on March 24, 2016, 01:28:28 PM
I just saw that video too.  Does that mean he's staying at Valpo?

Nothing is for certain, obviously. But I'm sure he's well aware of the buzz around his future, and I doubt he'd say something like that if he was seriously considering outside offers at the moment.

To play devil's advocate, maybe other schools hear this and up their offers?

Quote from: Kyle321n on March 24, 2016, 12:42:11 PM

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 24, 2016, 12:16:50 PMFWIW, Valpo Athletics just tweeted a video of Bryce thanking fans for the support this season. He ends with "Look forward to seeing you next year."

"...when I bring my Billikens/Cardinal/Panthers to the ARC next season."

:lol: :lol:

Thinking the same thing.

I'm not worried about the St. Louis job, but the Stanford and Pitt openings have potential.  The Cornell and Dartmouth might intrigue him a bit, but I don't see the fit.

Nice set of tweets from @nwioren on Alec and Bryce and their future (at Valpo; rather surely for Alec it seems, and for Bryce unless something very special comes along.)

I hate this topic - every year this comes up and it is super annoying

Go Valpo!

Add another place to keep an eye out for or to ignore if you want: Would Bryce be willing to move from VU (HL) to VU (SEC)? Mixed messages out of Vanderbilt about whether Kevin Stallings will return as Vandy's head coach and whether he has been contacted about the St. Louis job. The fans at Vanderbilt are mentioning as a possible replacement for Stallings—who else?—Bryce.  ???

Stallings salary is $1.93 M.

$1.9 million would qualify as something special to me...

Quote from: a3uge on March 24, 2016, 07:51:04 PM
$1.9 million would qualify as something special to me...

@nwioren mentions IA State was rumored to be $2M.

No question, it's a lot of clams.

But, Valpo's a good gig if your name is Drew, and there's unfinished business.

His dove commercial, video thanks, and the almost quotes I posted at the beginning I don't think he is going anywhere...maybe ever.

It may be "something very special" as in "I can't currently imagine it, but never say never", who knows? Oren claims that everyone with real insight is named Drew.

Bryce's 2015 salary: $285,927

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/

I hadn't notice until today, but our _football_ coach is north of $200k! And with a staff of eight besides!

*sigh*

I can say being a Valpo fan and DAD (which is far prouder than anything!!!) and a former DePaul, Alum, season ticket holder and (still am there) fan, DePaul was willing to pay Bryce $750K per year according to some in the know on their sites. He inquired and from what I understand declined his "formal" interview that Sunday and they signed Leitao shortly there after. Partly because DePaul is a Catholic that acts as public instiution and the Catholicism part is by affiliation. Bryce is a man of strong convictions and wants a University to support his endeavor in that and DePaul was not willing, shame on them but they have the most inompetent AD in the history of ADs and they deserve what they get.

Second, Bryce made more by playing in the league than his brother (who went to a very Christian schoo)l , (7.8MM according to Wikipedia). Is he underpaid, yes. But Valpo can only go so far and they know he is a STAR and accommodate him to that end. Will he get that at other schools? Probably. Does Bryce appear to be a guy that is out it for the ends? I do not think so. He knows what he has here and there in lies an altruistic value. Valpo gives him free reign and uses that to run a clean and honorable program. To me, for Bryce to leave would mean it is in the best interests of his family and give him a challenge that he could not get anywhere else.

Lastly, he made "the shot" here, with his dad coaching and turned that it into a lucrative basketball career. He was raised here, has his number in the rafters. Has an administration, student body and fan base that LOVES him. He comes across as very cerebral and a man with convictions and loyalty. And even if Carter does leave (what a player), has Peters, Adeboya, Hammink, Scara and the unheralded Tevon Walker coming back for a season that may rival this one. St. Lousi cannot give him what he got. He's doing it here with the limitations he has and I can tell you this, with all of us behind him and willing to continue to give to this Program, facilities will be upgraded eventually. I used to give to DePaul annually but they showed me they don't care. I came to Valpo games to see good basketball locally. My daughter is a Dancer so I get "free" season tickets which I budgeted for and was willing to pay for and I didn't have to. I "pocketed" that money and am willing to donate to a Program and a University that exceeds any thing I could imagine. Speaking from a parent's perspective, this school is so underrated and the people within it so good. My daughter made a GREAT decision and I am a VALPO fan for life!!!!

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on March 24, 2016, 11:48:39 PM
I can say being a Valpo fan and DAD (which is far prouder than anything!!!) and a former DePaul, Alum, season ticket holder and (still am there) fan, DePaul was willing to pay Bryce $750K per year according to some in the know on their sites. He inquired and from what I understand declined his "formal" interview that Sunday and they signed Leitao shortly there after. Partly because DePaul is a Catholic that acts as public instiution and the Catholicism part is by affiliation. Bryce is a man of strong convictions and wants a University to support his endeavor in that and DePaul was not willing, shame on them but they have the most inompetent AD in the history of ADs and they deserve what they get.

Second, Bryce made more by playing in the league than his brother (who went to a very Christian schoo)l , (7.8MM according to Wikipedia). Is he underpaid, yes. But Valpo can only go so far and they know he is a STAR and accommodate him to that end. Will he get that at other schools? Probably. Does Bryce appear to be a guy that is out it for the ends? I do not think so. He knows what he has here and there in lies an altruistic value. Valpo gives him free reign and uses that to run a clean and honorable program. To me, for Bryce to leave would mean it is in the best interests of his family and give him a challenge that he could not get anywhere else.

Lastly, he made "the shot" here, with his dad coaching and turned that it into a lucrative basketball career. He was raised here, has his number in the rafters. Has an administration, student body and fan base that LOVES him. He comes across as very cerebral and a man with convictions and loyalty. And even if Carter does leave (what a player), has Peters, Adeboya, Hammink, Scara and the unheralded Trevon Martin coming back for a season that may rival this one. St. Lousi cannot give him what he got. He's doing it here with the limitations he has and I can tell you this, with all of us behind him and willing to continue to give to this Program, facilities will be upgraded eventually. I used to give to DePaul annually but they showed me they don't care. I came to Valpo games to see good basketball locally. My daughter is a Dancer so I get "free" season tickets which I budgeted for and was willing to pay for and I didn't have to. I "pocketed" that money and am willing to donate to a Program and a University that exceeds any thing I could imagine. Speaking from a parent's perspective, this school is so underrated and the people within it so good. My daughter made a GREAT decision and I am a VALPO fan for life!!!!

Trevon Martin? You're not confusing Tevonn Walker with Trayvon Martin, are you? Yikes.

Quote from: wh on March 24, 2016, 10:08:42 PM
Bryce's 2015 salary: $285,927

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/

"Plus incentives". Do we know what the the incentives are?  The base salary could be held down so it doesn't appear out of line with the other salaries around campus.  This is absolutely conjecture, but the incentives could be easily reached (e.g.$several K per win or per graduate or per prayer).  I just believe that there is a system to make it easier for him to stay at Valpo.

Quote from: Valpower on March 25, 2016, 01:44:34 AMTrevon Martin? You're not confusing Tevonn Walker with Trayvon Martin, are you? Yikes.
                     
My bad, it was late and I had watched a lot of basketball. Thanks for pointing out, I corrected.            
                  
                     
                     
                     
                        

Dad,

That was an outstanding post. My dad went to DePaul and we used to go to games even before the Mark Aguirre years and listening to the great Red Rush broadcasting and using the Gonnella Bread scoreboard. Those were wonderful years of basketball and the program had a Valparaiso feel to it. We watch entertaining basketball and teams at Alumni Hall - Marquette under Al McGuire, Dayton, Providence, Loyola and the El train rivalry, Notre Dame with Digger whining, etc.

I am surprised DePaul was going to give Drew only $750K considering Purnell was making $1.8M and I am sure their current coach is making more. Drew was very smart not to go to the DePaul cesspool. Their AD and "family" administration has made that program a joke - with the talent in Chicago, how can you not bring in players and built a team that can at least play respectedly?

After seeing this, I think Valpo is fortunate to have Mark LaBarbera as the AD.  He is very competent and very cordial.

Quote from: humbleopinion on March 25, 2016, 06:15:33 AM

Quote from: wh on March 24, 2016, 10:08:42 PM
Bryce's 2015 salary: $285,927

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/

"Plus incentives". Do we know what the the incentives are?  The base salary could be held down so it doesn't appear out of line with the other salaries around campus.  This is absolutely conjecture, but the incentives could be easily reached (e.g.$several K per win or per graduate or per prayer).  I just believe that there is a system to make it easier for him to stay at Valpo.

I have no idea.  I was told that Bryce was the highest paid in the Horizon and this confirms that.  As to "incentives", I suspect that Bryce, (like Homer before him) has significant "deferred comp" in his contract. Homer was the highest paid employee years after he retired from coaching (as I recall).

Quote from: humbleopinion on March 25, 2016, 06:15:33 AM

Quote from: wh on March 24, 2016, 10:08:42 PM
Bryce's 2015 salary: $285,927

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/

"Plus incentives". Do we know what the the incentives are?  The base salary could be held down so it doesn't appear out of line with the other salaries around campus.  This is absolutely conjecture, but the incentives could be easily reached (e.g.$several K per win or per graduate or per prayer).  I just believe that there is a system to make it easier for him to stay at Valpo.

This page from USA Today on the methodology used to gather their salary data will shed some light on these questions. http://sports.usatoday.com/2015/03/31/2015-mens-basketball-coaches-pay-methodology/ (http://sports.usatoday.com/2015/03/31/2015-mens-basketball-coaches-pay-methodology/)

"Pay information came from federal tax returns. Documents provide compensation data for the 2012 calendar year, based on all income paid by the school or related organization, including benefits, perks and performance bonuses."

Quote from: StlVUFan on March 24, 2016, 11:01:07 AM

Quote from: bbtds on March 23, 2016, 10:57:26 PMThey are all diluted.

With saline or H2O?

I think it's mostly Budweiser.

Quote from: vu72 on March 25, 2016, 07:34:59 AM

Quote from: humbleopinion on March 25, 2016, 06:15:33 AM

Quote from: wh on March 24, 2016, 10:08:42 PM
Bryce's 2015 salary: $285,927

http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/

"Plus incentives". Do we know what the the incentives are?  The base salary could be held down so it doesn't appear out of line with the other salaries around campus.  This is absolutely conjecture, but the incentives could be easily reached (e.g.$several K per win or per graduate or per prayer).  I just believe that there is a system to make it easier for him to stay at Valpo.

I have no idea.  I was told that Bryce was the highest paid in the Horizon and this confirms that.  As to "incentives", I suspect that Bryce, (like Homer before him) has significant "deferred comp" in his contract. Homer was the highest paid employee years after he retired from coaching (as I recall).

Just an fyi, but Jeter was making $456,000 per year.

Quote from: ml2 on March 25, 2016, 07:44:16 AM"Pay information came from federal tax returns. Documents provide compensation data for the 2012 calendar year, based on all income paid by the school or related organization, including benefits, perks and performance bonuses."

Maybe I'm daff, but how did they come up with 2015 salary data from his 2012 federal tax returns???

http://cdn2.thegrindstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/skyfalling.jpg

Go Valpo!

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on March 24, 2016, 11:48:39 PMMy daughter made a GREAT decision and I am a VALPO fan for life!!!!

Come on down! (from DePaul) You're the next parent on "Valpo is Right!"

Quote from: covufan on March 24, 2016, 03:03:10 PMbut the Stanford and Pitt openings have potential.  The Cornell and Dartmouth might intrigue him a bit, but I don't see the fit.

All 4 don't seem like places that would be that welcoming to Bryce's idea of coaching with a true christian emphasis.

Stanford just hired the UAB coach...

Georgia Tech just fired their Head Coach Brian Gregory. ACC and down south but not probably the "right" special job to fit Bryce? 

Not sure - GT is a private school, and rambling wrecks and helluva engineers. Bryce may be a decent fit there.

Georgia Tech is probably a threat, but they will probably want someone with local connections, since the previous Dayton coach didn't work out.

Mark Price

Georgia Tech is public. A very good school with plenty of money that they invest in academics and athletics.

Sorry, my bad. I have been very impressed with Georgia Tech's engineering college.

From the GaTech blog site:

http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/georgia-tech-basketball/2016/3/26/11308818/basketball-expectations-for-the-coaching-search-post-brian-Gregory

selection from that blogpost:

Several folks have gone about bringing up potential candidates, from the well-known Archie Miller of Dayton, Chris Mack of Xavier, and Georgia Tech alumnus Craig Neal, as well as many more lesser-known candidates from smaller schools around the country. I don't want to go through a comprehensive list of candidates here

...oh, their AD came from Xavier...

Quote from: bbtds on March 25, 2016, 12:30:24 PM

Quote from: covufan on March 24, 2016, 03:03:10 PMbut the Stanford and Pitt openings have potential.  The Cornell and Dartmouth might intrigue him a bit, but I don't see the fit.

All 4 don't seem like places that would be that welcoming to Bryce's idea of coaching with a true christian emphasis.

It would take about 5 minutes after Bryce's first public display of faith for some Athiest or Muslim group to become "offended" and the war would be on. I'm sure Bryce is too smart to subject himself to unending criticism from the perpetually offended and agreived snakepit of academia.

None of the jobs sound like they would tempt Bryce except for one:  Vanderbilt.   

Has good academics and in the "winnable" (after KY) SEC where he wouldn't coach against Scott).

Would have thought Stanford would also be a potential good fit, but agree that Vanderbilt could be a very good fit if they are interested.

Frankly I am very tired of the broad generalizations against all academia. I would suggest that, instead of focusing on a handful of reports from biased media outlets, spend some time on a university campus and get to know what the majority of faculty and students focus on.

Quote from: valpopal on March 24, 2016, 06:48:31 PM
Add another place to keep an eye out for or to ignore if you want: Would Bryce be willing to move from VU (HL) to VU (SEC)? Mixed messages out of Vanderbilt about whether Kevin Stallings will return as Vandy's head coach and whether he has been contacted about the St. Louis job. The fans at Vanderbilt are mentioning as a possible replacement for Stallings—who else?—Bryce.  ???

Stallings has moved to Pitt. Two leading candidates for Vanderbilt job are Will Wade and Bryce. First-choice Wade has only been at VCU one year, and I'm not sure he'd want to leave, though since childhood, he is a lifelong Vanderbilt guy. Vandy is a private university in an interesting city not too far from Valpo and family members, with high academics and an endowment of over $4 billion. I don't think there are any seniors among the basketball team's starters, the coach's salary is about $2 million per year, plus Vandy is in the SEC, where they finished just 2 games behind Kentucky. Finally, it is another "VU"! I hope I'm wrong, but assuming Bryce is seriously considering offers, hard to see Bryce saying no if this comes his way. Good luck, Will Wade!

I don't see Bryce leaving Valpo for Vandy.  The school doesn't fit Bryce  Vandy is a fine institution, with wealth oozing from its pores, but it is not a destination basketball program. I see no chance of a move to Vandy unless it is a financial decision.  Financial gain is great, but Valpo has never been a freespending institution, and that fact has not driven Bryce away (yet,at least). 

Would Bryce someday leave to take a position at Indiana University?  Sure. But that sort of position is not easy on family life. 

Hey, the local McDonald's is hiring fry cooks.    I hope Bryce does apply ....

Go Valpo!

Does anyone know if Vandy would be fine with Bryce's openly Christian ways of operating as a basketball coach?  If so, they would be a large threat.  They would also be a large threat to take Alec Peters with them, because they will most likely be in the NCAA tourney, and are a solid academic school.  I truly hope that Peters means it when he keeps mentioning the pride he feels when wearing a Valpo jersey.  He could make or break us next season, more so than if Bryce left alone.  We will still do very well next season with a new coach and the roster returning. 

I agree with the notion that Bryce would be intrigued by Vanderbilt. With TCU gone, it is the only job that I think would test (from a private and basketball perspective) him. Like said, they play in a Power 5, had a great season after starting poorly, have returnees to soften the blow and even if Vandy is a more "progressive" private, being in the stretch of the "Bible Belt" may soften Drew's stances.

According the CBSSPORTS crew, if Wade passes, he is their top candidate. The wild card is Bryce. What does Bryce want? I know he wants fairness for his team. I know he wants to able to share his CHRISTIAN (I only highlight this because there are some that think this a bad thing, so far from crazy I cannot respond but it is the world we live in) values within his program but other than that, what is his motivation? A National Title? To be best the Drew lineage coach ever? Make us much money as possible? He doesn't strike me as being someone of any of the three. I will be wrong here but Bryce made a living we can only hope in the NBA, he is paid in the Top 3% earners and continues that for the next 20-30 years as this University LOVES him. He is electric and will get kids to come here and embarrass other conferences when we have a conference upgrade as he will outrecruit anyone on a level playing field. Meet the guy, how no one or their parents, would not put their trust in this kid and university is beyond me.

The only other "negative" is Bryce is loyal. Bryce and Powell and Lottich are tight, you can see that. He may see him moving opens up the job for Roger and Matt and I would say Roger gets at this point but he will want one of them at his side wherever he goes. But he can do this as he is financially secure and will be more so at his next contract so giving a hand up to one of "his" guys cannot be unheard. How many Horizon Assistants are thought of for a HC job somewhere else? This may be the seal as the others above will tempt but this may break him to open up jobs. Lottich and Powell played a bit professionally but never played 7 years in the NBA like Bryce.

In the end, what do anyone of us know not named Drew. If the administration can promise immediate or near term upgrades to the practice facilities, a mid-term upgrade to the ARC and they will always continue to support him, I think he stays because he knows when he goes the Program was left in so far a greater a shape then when he started. Considering what he has done, he deserves that. I guess some of that is on us too. We like the feeling of having a GREAT hoops team, then we need to throw some bucks behind it. If I give $100 and you give and you give and you give...it snowballs.

Terrific points, ValpoDad.

I do not see Vandy as an attractive option, but who knows?  I think we have Bryce at least through next year.  Beyond that, it is iffy.  I am comforted by the fact that Roger would be a great head coach at Valpo.

Brad Stevens was at Butler for 12 years (6 as head coach), and I suspect he would have been at Butler longer had not the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of Boston arisen.  I don't think an NBA team will be calling Bryce anytime in the foreseeable future, but I am sure Bryce has a functional equivalent in mind.

Quote from: Smj on March 27, 2016, 12:55:13 PM
Hey, the local McDonald's is hiring fry cooks.    I hope Bryce does apply ....

Go Valpo!

I thought we already discussed the St. Louis opening.  ;)

Quote from: wh on March 27, 2016, 08:56:39 PM

Quote from: Smj on March 27, 2016, 12:55:13 PM
Hey, the local McDonald's is hiring fry cooks.    I hope Bryce does apply ....

Go Valpo!

I thought we already discussed the St. Louis opening.  ;)

As some on here have pointed out SLU likes it name spelled as "Saint Louis" to distinguish them from the pro sports in the city by the Gateway Arch (not the three point line :-) )

St. Louis compared to Vandy is what we have to deal with per the "rumors". So here we are as to what is more appealing? Take the Stevens reference aside, which is totally relevant. Bryce takes a Power conference job,  succeeds, his sky is the limit. What we as a fanbase have no clue is what are his motivations??? Vandy is a much greater job than either Iowa St. or DePaul and he turned those down without batting an eye.

On the other side front, DePaul sits in a hoops fertile ground and has a state of the art arena being built. Close to his home but no where near Vandy from a competitive standpoint. What does he do and I don't want be Devil's advocate on a day when OUR SAVIOR rose from the dead but one can see the appeal.

Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2016, 12:55:43 PMDoes anyone know if Vandy would be fine with Bryce's openly Christian ways of operating as a basketball coach?  If so, they would be a large threat.

My best guess is that Tennessee in general and Vanderbilt specifically would be more welcoming of Bryce's emphasis on "true christianity" first then the 4 other programs with openings mentioned previously. That does not preclude that the AD and administration at Vanderbilt would hire Bryce without something spoken about possibly "tamping" down this side of Bryce's coaching. A lot depends on how Bryce would feel about this opinion and whether Bryce could express in words why this is so important to him to the AD and administration at Vanderbilt. I have a feeling many programs are not ready for the coaching style of a Bryce Drew.

Vanderbilt makes too much sense.
I'm worried.
Then again, I don't know what Bryce's motivations are per his coaching career.
I mean, he has money. Does he want more?
A new challenge? Perhaps.
I don't think he's a prestige guy, so I can't imagine him taking a job just because it's a name school.
What does he want and what's his end game? How far into coaching does he want to go? Power-5? NBA?
Or, is he happy being in the Valpo bubble? Scott didn't have the same loyalty to VU, so I wasn't surprised to see him leave.

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/about/mission/


Vanderbilt University is a center for scholarly research, informed and creative teaching, and service to the community and society at large.

Vanderbilt will uphold the highest standards and be a leader in the quest for new knowledge through scholarship, dissemination of knowledge through teaching and outreach, creative experimentation of ideas and concepts.

In pursuit of these goals, Vanderbilt values most highly intellectual freedom that supports open inquiry, equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.

There is no mention of anything christian in their statement although it is known as a bible belt institution which MAY make it a bit more tolerant of this missionary by example of actions philosophy that Bryce uses.

I hate to say this - I am not sure Vanderbilt is looking at Bryce Drew, but if they were interested in Bryce, he should strongly consider it. Honestly, Vanderbilt is an outstanding university with tremendous academic standards, lots an lots of old southern cash, and a pretty decent basketball tradition. He may be a good fit there.

The biggest threat to Bryce leaving was last year when the Iowa State job opened up. It's rare when  a projected top-10 program has a head-coach vacancy. I don't foresee him leaving for Vandy but you never know.

Does anyone think that MLB will come up with a "kicker or 2" for BD once this season ends?  I think that could happen.

MLB and the Prez need a good plan when it comes to the ARC. I think this goes a long way to keeping Bryce here another 5+ years. We are not going to get nor do we need a new arena. But some good enhancements to the arena itself (bowl lower level seating, concessions/restroom improvements, new lighting, etc) or expand the BBall offices a little bit is something that can be done without breaking the bank.

If Bryce leaves because he wants to see how far his talent can take him, there's nothing we can do but wish him well. But if he leaves because any of the powers that be take it for granted that a Drew will stay at Valpo,  that would be a big blow.

Quote from: bbtds on March 27, 2016, 10:39:56 PM

Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2016, 12:55:43 PMDoes anyone know if Vandy would be fine with Bryce's openly Christian ways of operating as a basketball coach?  If so, they would be a large threat.

My best guess is that Tennessee in general and Vanderbilt specifically would be more welcoming of Bryce's emphasis on "true christianity" first then the 4 other programs with openings mentioned previously. That does not preclude that the AD and administration at Vanderbilt would hire Bryce without something spoken about possibly "tamping" down this side of Bryce's coaching. A lot depends on how Bryce would feel about this opinion and whether Bryce could express in words why this is so important to him to the AD and administration at Vanderbilt. I have a feeling many programs are not ready for the coaching style of a Bryce Drew.

Could someone enlighten me on what they feel Bryce's specific Christian requirements would be of another institution?  I am not in any way an insider of the program and keep hearing about his Christian ways of coaching, but, honestly, besides knowing that he engages the team in prayer (including the post-game prayer circle), I'm not sure what that entails--especially that would be troublesome to other institutions.  Would he need to be able to impose religious requirements on the players, either as a condition to be recruited, play, or remain on scholarship?

Quote from: Valpower on March 28, 2016, 03:55:58 PM

Quote from: bbtds on March 27, 2016, 10:39:56 PM

Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2016, 12:55:43 PMDoes anyone know if Vandy would be fine with Bryce's openly Christian ways of operating as a basketball coach?  If so, they would be a large threat.

My best guess is that Tennessee in general and Vanderbilt specifically would be more welcoming of Bryce's emphasis on "true christianity" first then the 4 other programs with openings mentioned previously. That does not preclude that the AD and administration at Vanderbilt would hire Bryce without something spoken about possibly "tamping" down this side of Bryce's coaching. A lot depends on how Bryce would feel about this opinion and whether Bryce could express in words why this is so important to him to the AD and administration at Vanderbilt. I have a feeling many programs are not ready for the coaching style of a Bryce Drew.

Could someone enlighten me on what they feel Bryce's specific Christian requirements would be of another institution?  I am not in any way an insider of the program and keep hearing about his Christian ways of coaching, but, honestly, besides knowing that he engages the team in prayer (including the post-game prayer circle), I'm not sure what that entails--especially that would be troublesome to other institutions.  Would he need to be able to impose religious requirements on the players, either as a condition to be recruited, play, or remain on scholarship?

Not sure there would be any, rather just a comfort level with being openly Christian.  I don't know if any of the current players aren't Christian but certainly in years past their have been Muslim players.  At certain public and private institutions his Christian positions (openly praying, thanking God at press conferences, Bible study with players) would be possibly viewed as illegal or possibly "old fashioned/backward".  In either case I would think those prospects would rule those opportunities out for Coach Drew.  Certainly some public schools like Texas A & M would welcome his approach.  It doesn't have to be a private Christian based college.

Obviously this is just conjecture on my part as I have never had this discussion with any member of the Drew clan.  Unless or until someone does have that conversation, conjecture will be all it can be.

Oh no....   I hope Bryce doesn't see this

http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?from=appsharedroid&jk=37f76265a8df8886

Go Valpo!

Quote from: Smj on March 29, 2016, 03:27:32 PM
Oh no....   I hope Bryce doesn't see this

http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?from=appsharedroid&jk=37f76265a8df8886

Go Valpo!

Well if we are worried about this job then maybe we ought to be concerned that the Concordia Lutheran job in Fort Wayne is open.  Bryce would fit right in because the out going Principal and new Executive Director Mychal Thom is a former Oakland player and Mid-Con Scholar Athlete of the year in 2000. 

Salary is pretty good too: $37K. It does have some physical requirements among which are: bending, lifting negotiating stairs....

The Georgia Tech job is also open.....

Not that I was super concerned, but the Saint Louis job is no longer open; they are going with Travis Ford. It'll be fun to watch their message board melt down over this hiring.

Quote from: jloose128 on March 29, 2016, 09:17:32 PMNot that I was super concerned, but the Saint Louis job is no longer open; they are going with Travis Ford. It'll be fun to watch their message board melt down over this hiring.

I just can't get over the fact that one of their board's more frequent users has a profile pic of Bryce Drew.

Besides the fact that I love seeing us win, I am loving the fact that our continued season has prevented several schools from speaking with Bryce.

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 29, 2016, 09:54:53 PM

Quote from: jloose128 on March 29, 2016, 09:17:32 PMNot that I was super concerned, but the Saint Louis job is no longer open; they are going with Travis Ford. It'll be fun to watch their message board melt down over this hiring.

I just can't get over the fact that one of their board's more frequent users has a profile pic of Bryce Drew.

Budweiser delution syndrome.  :-)

Quote from: valpotx on March 29, 2016, 11:14:31 PMBesides the fact that I love seeing us win, I am loving the fact that our continued season has prevented several schools from speaking with Bryce.

The irony is that we almost assuredly would be done by now if it weren't for Keith Carter, our SLU transfer.

SLU board's massive coaching candidate thread had a solid two pages following the Valpo-BYU game, with more commentary than our own GDT. They were cheering for BYU and were disappointed.

Now it appears SLU released a statement claiming the Ford hire is just rumor. No official hires have been made. What a cluster.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbenjamin/2016/03/29/for-bryce-drew-people-matter-more-than-results/#6fea0a9f7648

That's all I need to know about the man that is Bryce Drew to be a forever fan. Jose, good point about our deep run as many attractive jobs have been filled except one, Vandy and Wade, who was thier frontrunner accepted an extension at VCU, which leads me to believe Bryce is their current target. I think that's our only worry as of now. But this NIT run may make he think he can stay here and do some damage next season which he can. He doesn't seem to be the type to leave his players when they have an opportunity to do something more special than winning the NIT but who knows?

Quote from: bbtds on March 29, 2016, 11:16:01 PM

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 29, 2016, 09:54:53 PM

Quote from: jloose128 on March 29, 2016, 09:17:32 PMNot that I was super concerned, but the Saint Louis job is no longer open; they are going with Travis Ford. It'll be fun to watch their message board melt down over this hiring.

I just can't get over the fact that one of their board's more frequent users has a profile pic of Bryce Drew.

Budweiser delution syndrome.  :-)

I'm going to help you out, bbtds. It's "delusion". To use it in a sentence: Budweiser drinkers are suffering from the delusion that a dilution of water and urine is beer.

They have a very delusional fan base, if they truly believe that Bryce had a verbal agreement with SLU to become their next coach.  I can't believe that he has had any discussions with other schools at this point, when he is still coaching his team...if he has done such a thing, shame on him for not waiting, but I don't see him doing such a thing.

FWIW:
Jeff BorzelloVerified account
‏@jeffborzello
So Saint Louis just sent out a release: "Saint Louis University has not hired a men's basketball coach. The process is ongoing."

Guess we all concur that Vandy is the only possible lure.   But my gut like so many other posters my gut says he stays for the nucleus of Peters, Hammink, Walker, and I personally think Skara is in the core too.     

My gut also says Powell stays for 2016-2017.  But after good -bye to Peters, all bets are off.    The cupboard at VU won't be totally bare, but it's the logical time to let another coach take the next wave.  Powell departure more likley than Bryce.    He seems like a fantasitic fit at countless programs who want a mentor type coach to guide talent and recruiting anywhere....even a jump to a power-5 HC.

So thrilled we are in NIT finals.    And like I've said earlier, I honestly think we will be better next year and certainly so if Keith can return.

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on March 29, 2016, 11:34:16 PM
http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbenjamin/2016/03/29/for-bryce-drew-people-matter-more-than-results/#6fea0a9f7648

That's all I need to know about the man that is Bryce Drew to be a forever fan. Jose, good point about our deep run as many attractive jobs have been filled except one, Vandy and Wade, who was thier frontrunner accepted an extension at VCU, which leads me to believe Bryce is their current target. I think that's our only worry as of now. But this NIT run may make he think he can stay here and do some damage next season which he can. He doesn't seem to be the type to leave his players when they have an opportunity to do something more special than winning the NIT but who knows?

Great article, thank you for posting. This article says as much about great leadership and management as it does about the best ways to coach a sports team. Glad that Forbes published it and, again, glad to see Bryce represent the university and the program so well.

Quote from: Valpower on March 29, 2016, 11:37:56 PM

Quote from: bbtds on March 29, 2016, 11:16:01 PM

Quote from: hailcrusaders on March 29, 2016, 09:54:53 PM

Quote from: jloose128 on March 29, 2016, 09:17:32 PMNot that I was super concerned, but the Saint Louis job is no longer open; they are going with Travis Ford. It'll be fun to watch their message board melt down over this hiring.

I just can't get over the fact that one of their board's more frequent users has a profile pic of Bryce Drew.

Budweiser delution syndrome.  :-)

I'm going to help you out, bbtds. It's "delusion". To use it in a sentence: Budweiser drinkers are suffering from the delusion that a dilution of water and urine is beer.

Yes, I was aware of the spelling error in a previous post. I was poking a little fun at myself for that mistake. 

The SLU hiring of Ford is official, with an introductory press conference tomorrow:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/15100718/travis-ford-hired-new-saint-louis-billikens-head-coach

http://www.slubillikens.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27200&ATCLID=210849117

In light of this year's successes, I particularly liked this statement by the SLU President.  I hope President Heckler articulates  the same message to our alumni. our community and to our athletes.

"Our University strategic plan recognizes that our athletic programs increase SLU's national visibility and institutional pride," said SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. "I am convinced that Coach Ford will bring the energy, experience, recruitment skills and coaching acumen needed to position our men's basketball program among the best in the country. He is also a person who will engage our community, advance our mission and build our brand."

In recognizing what great exposure our MBB team is bringing to "tiny" Valparaiso University, I also hope that, win or lose tonight at MSG, it serves as an impetus to strengthen the athletic budget, improve facilities immediately, and leverage every possible avenue toward further development.  To be honest, I have received very little in the way of VU email blasts (one exception, the pregame NYC events email) or letters so far that take advantage of this once in every 20 years series of events to solidify alumni support and giving.  I hope that the 'Proud to Be Valpo' campaign this April really pushes what these young men and the coaches have achieved.

Don't you think it's time for the administration to lay out a public plan for improvement of athletics that recognizes it is, by far, the most prominent meaning of exposing VU to the world?  In today's world, passive does not cut it. 

I've been to a couple alumni functions with Heckler and my general impression is that he's a guy who gets it. Didn't have any chance to talk with him one on one and didn't hear him specifically mention basketball, but he seems to me to be someone who understands the value of a vision and the steps needed to get there. I would be curious if anyone has heard him speak specifically of MBB in any capacity that they can share.

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 31, 2016, 09:03:26 AM
In light of this year's successes, I particularly liked this statement by the SLU President.  I hope President Heckler articulates  the same message to our alumni. our community and to our athletes.

"Our University strategic plan recognizes that our athletic programs increase SLU's national visibility and institutional pride," said SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. "I am convinced that Coach Ford will bring the energy, experience, recruitment skills and coaching acumen needed to position our men's basketball program among the best in the country. He is also a person who will engage our community, advance our mission and build our brand."

In recognizing what great exposure our MBB team is bringing to "tiny" Valparaiso University, I also hope that, win or lose tonight at MSG, it serves as an impetus to strengthen the athletic budget, improve facilities immediately, and leverage every possible avenue toward further development.  To be honest, I have received very little in the way of VU email blasts (one exception, the pregame NYC events email) or letters so far that take advantage of this once in every 20 years series of events to solidify alumni support and giving.  I hope that the 'Proud to Be Valpo' campaign this April really pushes what these young men and the coaches have achieved.

Don't you think it's time for the administration to lay out a public plan for improvement of athletics that recognizes it is, by far, the most prominent meaning of exposing VU to the world?  In today's world, passive does not cut it.

Valpo has been all over this NIT run on social media. I've been critical in the past over the various Valpo social media accounts, but whomever is running it now is doing a much better job. There could be a little bit more fan interaction on Twitter - but it's great the official University account interacts with fans.

That's great for the "younger" alums who are social media conscious, but some oldsters might not be that attuned to social media, and, by and large, oldsters with empty nests have more discretionary income to donate at a higher level than young people with growing families.  Just saying that all avenues of communication need to be leveraged heavily.  And start asking for donations.

Goes back to a pet peeve of mine regarding how the university seeks donations. They quietly go after "lead donors" for projects (like the improvements to the BB locker room and the improvements to the Hilltop practice gym), but they don't publicize planned projects and set up specific campaigns. Though there may be one, I don't get the feeling that a real plan is in place -- it appears that we are just moving ahead on an ad hoc basis.  I'd love to see a targeted campaign for ARC Improvements with a laid out plan and objectives (e.g., improved chair back seating for the both sides of the lower arena, installing LED lighting, installing a full set of bleachers on the east end to make it a bowl, moving the concessions, etc) -- any sign of tangible thinking about the future.  It's so much easier to donate when the target is clear.  A publicized, targeted campaign will not only pull in more casual donors but might attract a few big single donations that otherwise might not have happened.

Valpo knows how to do it..it is just a matter of priorities.  Lead gifts are always the way to go, ask the professionals.

Quote from: valpo64 on March 31, 2016, 12:38:30 PM
Valpo knows how to do it..it is just a matter of priorities.  Lead gifts are always the way to go, ask the professionals.

Yeah, I question that too.

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 31, 2016, 09:03:26 AM
In light of this year's successes, I particularly liked this statement by the SLU President.  I hope President Heckler articulates  the same message to our alumni. our community and to our athletes.

"Our University strategic plan recognizes that our athletic programs increase SLU's national visibility and institutional pride," said SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. "I am convinced that Coach Ford will bring the energy, experience, recruitment skills and coaching acumen needed to position our men's basketball program among the best in the country. He is also a person who will engage our community, advance our mission and build our brand."

Does anyone know if a similar statement is in Valpo's strategic plan?  I doubt it. If there were such a statement, the plan would include a specific strategic initiative for elevating the profile of Valpo athletics in support of the university's master plan. If such an initiative exists, I'm not aware of it.

FWIW: Nothing official yet, but some sources are indicating Bryce will be named the new head coach at Georgia Tech this weekend.

Here's another of the unofficial speculations...

http://www.fromtherumbleseat.com/georgia-tech-basketball/2016/4/1/11350458/basketball-coaching-search-update-targeting-valparaiso-bryce-drew-jeff-capel-mark-price

and another one...

http://georgiatech.blog.ajc.com/2016/03/30/could-georgia-techs-next-coach-be-in-the-nit-final/

Just starting to bubble up on Twitter Bryce to GT is a done deal.  Not from any of the sources id consider solid yet. But.....

Someone on twitter reported Vandy

I have to assume we will know by end of day today.  It would be great PR with the final four going on for the school he goes to.

I'm ok with Bryce leaving.  I think it's time for him to move on to something else.  With the current state of the HL and us not moving to a better conf. it makes sense for him.  I'm kind of curious what our team would look like without a Drew at helm.  Would we finally beat a T25 team?  Could we finally make a run in the NCAA without a miracle of a shot like 18 years ago. 

We might be surprised.

Georgia Tech would be an interesting choice.  Not exactly the school I would envision him at, but a job in the ACC is a job in the ACC.   

Perhaps it is time for Bryce to leave.  We have a fabulous assistant coach in Powell who is ready to be a head coach.   Perhaps Bryce sees that this is the best time to move up and leave the program in good hands with a good coach. 

http://www.sidelinehoops.com/carousel-blog/breaking-bryce-drew-to-ga-tech

Looking at GaTech roster...   Moussa's Brother??? I don't know...

Abdoulaye Gueye
Class:  Sophomore
Hometown:  Dakar, Senegal
High School:  Central Park Christian (Birmingham, Ala.)
Height / Weight:  6-9 / 218
Position:  Forward
Birthdate:  11/24/1994

There is nothing to this...sideline hoops has 120 followers. Don't believe it. Absolutely nothing to it.

Quote from: chef on April 02, 2016, 01:06:11 PM
There is nothing to this...sideline hoops has 120 followers. Don't believe it. Absolutely nothing to it.

Neither Todd Ickow^ nor Paul Oren are buying it. Yet. I'm still in the denial stage.

[tweet]716326400354033664[/tweet]
[tweet]716316084022951937[/tweet]
[tweet]716314282670034944[/tweet]

Why would anyone think Valpo would be successful without Bryce?  Short of dressing up Hilltop and doing a little office/ locker room remodeling, the administration has invested nothing into mens basketball during the entire Drew era. Instead, it rode the coat tails of Homer's charisma, the utter windfall of landing the coach's Mr. Basketball son as a recruit, coach and high major son taking the program to the Sweet 16, another son having the vision to beat the competition to the punch in landing foreign recruits, and just when it seemed like it was all over high major son returns and returns the program to king of the mountain status - in a higher profile conference no less.

Here's my prediction if Bryce leaves. He will take most, if not all, of the coaching staff with him. AP and KC (if eligible) will follow him and have a huge positive impact on a successful first year for Bryce at his new home. Someone will be left to pick up the pieces at Valpo and essentially start over. We will be middle of the pack and go down hill from there. Good players like Derrik will start planning their exit strategy. Within 2 years the new coach will be pleading for a major upgrade in facilities in order to get on a level playing field. After another 2 or 3 years, during which we fall to the basement of the HL, the administration will begrudgingly announce a new fundraising initiative. About 8 years from now we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony and the 3rd head coach since Bryce left will be praising the administration for stepping up to the plate. Look for a new marketing campaign to follow - "Return to Glory."  Average attendance the first year after will top 1000 for the first time in 5 years. Average number of posters on the mesage will suddenly rise to 4, surpassing CSU and UIC.

Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

wow, negative nancy.  Roger Powell would not follow Bryce if Mark and administration offer him the head job here.  Powell would have a choice to continue to sit behind the head coach far away from home, or he could have his own program near his upbringing and recruiting grounds. 

Step back off the ledge WH.  It's just basketball, and it doesn't love you back.

Kudos to Bryce if he moves up the coaching ladder.  Can you imagine how good he can be if he was able to recruit 4 to 5 star players every year. 

If we needed a new coach, I think RP would do great.  He's got the playing experience at all the highest levels, recruits, faith based, and has done his time as an assistant.  I think he'd be one of the best coaches in the league instantly.  I'd like to see him be a head coach soon. I'd come out to the games and support him.

Peters doesn't need to follow Bryce or play for him to be good.  Smits has a place where he can develop for 4 years and start.  KC (if eligible) is not a starting point guard at a P5 school.

From a fan on one of the GT's fan boards:

"Word is Drew's already working on his new Staff and they will announce the signing with us any time. Always a chance for a last minute snag, but that's where things stand now."

https://gtswarm.com/threads/whose-it-gonna-be.9427/

Let's say I call that same person and say let's make a 10k wager on if Bryce Drew is the next coach at GT. I bet they don't take the bet. You know why, because that person who posted it knows nothing. As you can tell, I'm getting pretty tired of people posting things on the internet without any true knowledge of the situation.

Quote from: oklahomamick on April 02, 2016, 02:32:04 PM
wow, negative nancy.  Roger Powell would not follow Bryce if Mark and administration offer him the head job here. Powell would have a choice to continue to sit behind the head coach far away from home, or he could have his own program near his upbringing and recruiting grounds. 

Our friend wh has always had a sore spot when it comes to facilities.  I would beg to differ however.  Sure, we need upgrades but they don't win games, players and coaches do.

Let's take a quick look at a similar mid-major who invested over $26 million in new facilities during 2011.  It is akin to us building a new rec center and then redoing/modernizing the ARC.  Their results?  Over the last 5 years they have had onewinning season which resulted in a second round loss in the CBI. They are a much larger school with a much larger alumni base.

One other small point. wh missed the improvements added in 2011.  A new four sided scoreboard, new shot clocks, LED lights around the backboards and, a brand new floor.  And there is a major effort by the fund raising folks to find a lead donor for the rec center.  Progress is underway.

Quote from: Chairback on April 02, 2016, 03:50:31 PM
Step back off the ledge WH.  It's just basketball, and it doesn't love you back.

Kudos to Bryce if he moves up the coaching ladder.  Can you imagine how good he can be if he was able to recruit 4 to 5 star players every year. 

If we needed a new coach, I think RP would do great.  He's got the playing experience at all the highest levels, recruits, faith based, and has done his time as an assistant.  I think he'd be one of the best coaches in the league instantly.  I'd like to see him be a head coach soon. I'd come out to the games and support him.

Peters doesn't need to follow Bryce or play for him to be good.  Smits has a place where he can develop for 4 years and start.  KC (if eligible) is not a starting point guard at a P5 school.

[/b]

Well said Chairback.  I do have to disagree about KC.  I think he would start at many P5 schools.

He would have been a significant upgrade for Baylor at the point and they were in the top 25 most of the year.

Quote from: chef on April 02, 2016, 03:56:34 PM
Let's say I call that same person and say let's make a 10k wager on if Bryce Drew is the next coach at GT. I bet they don't take the bet. You know why, because that person who posted it knows nothing. As you can tell, I'm getting pretty tired of people posting things on the internet without any true knowledge of the situation.

You are probably right, but that's the scuttlebutt from GT fans. Some of the posters on this forum have inside information about VU but sometimes don't spill the beans even if they know. It's the same thing elsewhere. That guy is probably just making stuff up; on the other hand, he may be an insider. All in all, it's speculation until it's confirmed one way or the other. Sometimes speculation is fun.

I know he's making it up.

Quote from: chef on April 02, 2016, 04:08:57 PM
I know he's making it up.

I don't doubt you one bit for obvious reasons.

I choose to believe Todd.  Georgia Tech doesn't seem like a school that Bryce would leave for.  He would have to abandon his entire coaching philosophy of bringing his belief system with him every day.  The guy talks up the spiritual side every time he speaks, and I can't see him ever leaving for a public school.  Georgia Tech is a fantastic school, but I don't see nor believe that he would go there.  Vandy is more of a threat, but I still believe that he would rather be the Mark Few of Valpo, than to try and be one of the Power 5 teams that refuses to play against him.  Both Bryce and Peters seem to have a large school chip on their shoulder.

D-man44 said: ↑
I hope he is right! #1 on my list of realistic Candidates
Eh, I'll support him but he'd better rope in some recruiting demons on his staff.

D-man44 said: ↑
He should be able to recruit in my opinion -- former 1st round draft pick so can relate and hit one of the most famous shots ever

Hope so, brutha. I'm beyond ready to see some bigtime GT bball again.

kg01, Today at 8:50 AM #16


Some scrapes from the GT board.  Somehow, after meeting him and talking with him, I don't see Bryce fitting into this kind of meatgrinder regardless of the $$$ involved.  These kinds of programs usually require a cum laude graduate of UCSU ( Used Car Salesman University) and a post graduate degree from Trump University with a specialization in BMSTO (bad mouth and screw the opposition). That's not Bryce, and he would not have his assistants be like that either.  If he did take a job that requires that kind of personality, he would constantly be beaten in recruiting no matter what he does as a courtside coach.

heard detroit mercy or what ever they are calling themselves these days is really pushing for Bryce. Even offered a spot teaching theology as well.

 :rotfl:

Quote from: Chairback on April 02, 2016, 03:50:31 PMKC (if eligible) is not a starting point guard at a P5 school.

Quote from: vu72 on April 02, 2016, 04:01:25 PMI think he would start at many P5 schools.

All the run and gun programs would pass, but ball control coaches would be taking a hard look.

It is me, or is the Drew search and rumors an annual rinse and repeat activity?

Quote from: Chairback on April 02, 2016, 03:50:31 PM
Step back off the ledge WH.  It's just basketball, and it doesn't love you back.

Kudos to Bryce if he moves up the coaching ladder.  Can you imagine how good he can be if he was able to recruit 4 to 5 star players every year. 

If we needed a new coach, I think RP would do great.  He's got the playing experience at all the highest levels, recruits, faith based, and has done his time as an assistant.  I think he'd be one of the best coaches in the league instantly.  I'd like to see him be a head coach soon. I'd come out to the games and support him.

Peters doesn't need to follow Bryce or play for him to be good.  Smits has a place where he can develop for 4 years and start.  KC (if eligible) is not a starting point guard at a P5 school.

I know I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum from where you are, but I don't think complementing impending disaster for the men's bb program is unrealistic at all. What grabbed my attention was your comment about looking forward with seeming anticipation to the post Drew era. The last time I heard something similar was in 1998 when Jerry Krause stated after MJ announced that he was done that he was excited about the challenge of building another championship team, (as if he built the first one).Of course, that was after he had disrespected MJ on numerous occasions with comments like players don't win championships, organizations do. As we all know, he could not have been more wrong - starting with the disastrous Tim Floyd hire and continuing to this very day.

Now, substitute Drew Family for Michael Jordan and Valparaiso University for Chicago Bulls, and then come join me on the ledge. Otherwise, give me the names of some organization insiders that drove the Drew era success, or explain how the name Valparaiso University located in a little town in NWI made recruiting a breeze. Give me anything that will convince me that Valparaiso University the institution played any part or deserves any credit in building Valpo into a mid major power.  Then maybe I'll step back off the ledge.

Quote from: wh on April 02, 2016, 10:33:56 PM

Quote from: Chairback on April 02, 2016, 03:50:31 PM
Step back off the ledge WH.  It's just basketball, and it doesn't love you back.

Kudos to Bryce if he moves up the coaching ladder.  Can you imagine how good he can be if he was able to recruit 4 to 5 star players every year. 

If we needed a new coach, I think RP would do great.  He's got the playing experience at all the highest levels, recruits, faith based, and has done his time as an assistant.  I think he'd be one of the best coaches in the league instantly.  I'd like to see him be a head coach soon. I'd come out to the games and support him.

Peters doesn't need to follow Bryce or play for him to be good.  Smits has a place where he can develop for 4 years and start.  KC (if eligible) is not a starting point guard at a P5 school.

I know it's on the opposite end of the spectrum from where you are, but I don't think complementing impending disaster for the men's bb program is unrealistic at all. What Really got my attention was your comment about looking forward with seeming anticipation to the post Drew era. The last time I heard something similar was in 1998 when Jerry Krause stated after MJ announced that he was done that he was excited about the challenge of building another championship team, as if he built the first one. Of course, that was after he had disrespected MJ on numerous occasions with comments like players don't win championships, organizations do. As we all know, he could not have been more wrong - starting with the disastrous Tim Floyd hire and continuing to this very day. Now, substitute Drew Family for Michael Jordan and Valparaiso University for Chicago Bulls, and then comes join me on the ledge. Otherwise, give me the names of some organization insiders that drove the Drew era success, or explain how the name Valparaiso University located in a little town in NWI makes recruiting a breeze. Give me anything that will convince me that Valparaiso University the institution Had any positive impact or deserves any credit in building Valpo into a mid major power.  Then maybe I'll step back off the ledge.

Except Bryce Drew isn't in the top 3 NCAA coaches of all time and Valpo isn't coming off of 6 national championships...

Quote from: a3uge on April 02, 2016, 10:58:03 PM

Quote from: wh on April 02, 2016, 10:33:56 PM

Quote from: Chairback on April 02, 2016, 03:50:31 PM
Step back off the ledge WH.  It's just basketball, and it doesn't love you back.

Kudos to Bryce if he moves up the coaching ladder.  Can you imagine how good he can be if he was able to recruit 4 to 5 star players every year. 

If we needed a new coach, I think RP would do great.  He's got the playing experience at all the highest levels, recruits, faith based, and has done his time as an assistant.  I think he'd be one of the best coaches in the league instantly.  I'd like to see him be a head coach soon. I'd come out to the games and support him.

Peters doesn't need to follow Bryce or play for him to be good.  Smits has a place where he can develop for 4 years and start.  KC (if eligible) is not a starting point guard at a P5 school.

I know it's on the opposite end of the spectrum from where you are, but I don't think complementing impending disaster for the men's bb program is unrealistic at all. What Really got my attention was your comment about looking forward with seeming anticipation to the post Drew era. The last time I heard something similar was in 1998 when Jerry Krause stated after MJ announced that he was done that he was excited about the challenge of building another championship team, as if he built the first one. Of course, that was after he had disrespected MJ on numerous occasions with comments like players don't win championships, organizations do. As we all know, he could not have been more wrong - starting with the disastrous Tim Floyd hire and continuing to this very day. Now, substitute Drew Family for Michael Jordan and Valparaiso University for Chicago Bulls, and then comes join me on the ledge. Otherwise, give me the names of some organization insiders that drove the Drew era success, or explain how the name Valparaiso University located in a little town in NWI makes recruiting a breeze. Give me anything that will convince me that Valparaiso University the institution Had any positive impact or deserves any credit in building Valpo into a mid major power.  Then maybe I'll step back off the ledge.

Except Bryce Drew isn't in the top 3 NCAA coaches of all time and Valpo isn't coming off of 6 national championships...

Why are things always so difficult???  The Bulls were terrible before MJ arrived, good to great when he was there, and terrible again when he left. Valpo mens basketball was terrible before the Drew family arrived, good to great when they were there, and terrible when they left. And why?  As I have stated many times in the past, I know for a fact that Homer made repeated pleas to upgrade the ARC. This started before Scott took the reigns and continued after we joined the HL in our early difficult years when Homer recognized that the ARC had become a recruiting disadvantage as compared to 8 of the other 9 HL schools. His pleas fell on deaf ears. We very likely would have fallen on hard times then, if not for Bryce returning as his dad's assistant. If it helps make anyone feel better I'll give Valparaiso University the institution this much credit - someone had the good sense to hire Homer and stay with him during the lean beginning years, and they stayed out of the way when he wanted to hire his 2 sons.

All I can tell you about my Valpo days is that Bryce Drew recommended an apartment complex that I was considering moving into.

The one thing about the place that he mentioned that he liked: It had a garbage disposal. 100% true. I thought it was an odd selling point.

Is VU providing enough garbage disposal systems for Coach Drew? This tiny thing could be the tipping point for Bryce to jump jobs.

Shout out to the Mayfield Apartments!

haha, I lived in Mayfield apartments for a year. 

Always interesting to read what people know for "a fact" and what they believe has and has not been done for or invested in men's basketball.

That's true. But tangible is tangible. The new floor and scoreboard are nice. But our basketball facility is still woefully inadequate. The large recruiting gift was awesome but that is largely due to the Drew family and not the admin. I don't think it's fair to point fingers at our AD or Pres, who, for all we know, are maybe working on something right now. But I would love to see a plan for the long term improvements to the ARC. The season ticket holder event before the season would be a perfect time to unveil it with a nice large rendering on an easel at the end of the food line and information on how to make a nice tax deductible donation to help make it happen.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 03, 2016, 01:19:45 PM
That's true. But tangible is tangible. The new floor and scoreboard are nice. But our basketball facility is still woefully inadequate. The large recruiting gift was awesome but that is largely due to the Drew family and not the admin. I don't think it's fair to point fingers at our AD or Pres, who, for all we know, are maybe working on something right now. But I would love to see a plan for the long term improvements to the ARC. The season ticket holder event before the season would be a perfect time to unveil it with a nice large rendering on an easel at the end of the food line and information on how to make a nice tax deductible donation to help make it happen.

This is REALLY pretty funny.  Did you realize that the comment to which you were referring was posted by the AD himself??  I'm sure he is agreeing with your plan not to blame the AD!!!    :rotfl:

If that's true (not saying it isn't, this is my first season here) shouldn't he have a confirmed or admin account? That's a pretty snarky and crappy comment for an AD to be making on a fan board. Of course he would know more than any of us on here. But let's say that it is... ML, assuming your advocating behind the scenes for ARC improvements, you're doing a great job with the MBB program. But new contract for Dorow? Really?   

The story I've heard is that the donations are there for the Arc renovations, but nothing can go forward until the fieldhouse is done.  Until then the Arc is the only facility available for student rec use.

Quote from: VU75 on April 03, 2016, 02:47:44 PM
The story I've heard is that the donations are there for the Arc renovations, but nothing can go forward until the fieldhouse is done.  Until then the Arc is the only facility available for student rec use.

We could understand this better if we knew what was planned for renovations, but no one seems to know this outside of the university leadership and nothing has been released to the general public that I am aware of.  Could some renovations go in immediately without disturbing other activities (i.e, Close off the concessions room wall on the gym side and install full bleachers at the east end to match the west end, create a new access to concessions, replace south bleachers with chair backs like the north side)? Could some other renovations go in over the summer -- that's pretty much May 15 - August 15 (3 months)?  Does it have to be all at once? 

Quote from: vu72 on April 02, 2016, 03:57:32 PM

Quote from: oklahomamick on April 02, 2016, 02:32:04 PM
wow, negative nancy.  Roger Powell would not follow Bryce if Mark and administration offer him the head job here. Powell would have a choice to continue to sit behind the head coach far away from home, or he could have his own program near his upbringing and recruiting grounds. 

Our friend wh has always had a sore spot when it comes to facilities.  I would beg to differ however.  Sure, we need upgrades but they don't win games, players and coaches do.

Let's take a quick look at a similar mid-major who invested over $26 million in new facilities during 2011.  It is akin to us building a new rec center and then redoing/modernizing the ARC.  Their results?  Over the last 5 years they have had onewinning season which resulted in a second round loss in the CBI. They are a much larger school with a much larger alumni base.

One other small point. wh missed the improvements added in 2011.  A new four sided scoreboard, new shot clocks, LED lights around the backboards and, a brand new floor.  And there is a major effort by the fund raising folks to find a lead donor for the rec center.  Progress is underway.

You are always pretty positive when it comes to Valpo, and that is admirable, but wh isn't necessarily wrong.  From the looks of your post, it looks like you are referencing Loyola, who committed $20 or so million in 2011--and if you are, the criticism is unfair IMO. Loyola actually revamped their gym twice over a 15 year period I believe--and they won the CBI.  They have put Valpo to shame from a facility enhancement standpoint.

The ARC had original scoreboards since the Reagan administration before they were attended to.  And the floor?  It was noted here by a poster or two that it was dead in spots and a potential health hazard if I remember correctly.  Replacing the floor was almost akin to re-sodding a potholed and torn up football field in my mind.  It wasn't necessarily an improvement per se, but standard necessary maintenance to keep the participants who use it safe.

You want to use these examples as improvements and as some firm commitment to the program, be my guest. And for the record, I'm glad that something was at least done to help make the facility better.  I'm not going to knock them or the effort in getting those projects done.  But to be fair, the ARC has been neglected for so long that anything would almost be considered as an improvement, whether or not it borders or teeters on standard maintenance. So on these points, you say tah-may-tow and I say tah-mah-tow.

My $0.02.

Quote from: crusaderjoe on April 03, 2016, 03:37:41 PM

Quote from: vu72 on April 02, 2016, 03:57:32 PM

Quote from: oklahomamick on April 02, 2016, 02:32:04 PM
wow, negative nancy.  Roger Powell would not follow Bryce if Mark and administration offer him the head job here. Powell would have a choice to continue to sit behind the head coach far away from home, or he could have his own program near his upbringing and recruiting grounds. 

Our friend wh has always had a sore spot when it comes to facilities.  I would beg to differ however.  Sure, we need upgrades but they don't win games, players and coaches do.

Let's take a quick look at a similar mid-major who invested over $26 million in new facilities during 2011.  It is akin to us building a new rec center and then redoing/modernizing the ARC.  Their results?  Over the last 5 years they have had onewinning season which resulted in a second round loss in the CBI. They are a much larger school with a much larger alumni base.

One other small point. wh missed the improvements added in 2011.  A new four sided scoreboard, new shot clocks, LED lights around the backboards and, a brand new floor.  And there is a major effort by the fund raising folks to find a lead donor for the rec center.  Progress is underway.

You are always pretty positive when it comes to Valpo, and that is admirable, but wh isn't necessarily wrong.  From the looks of your post, it looks like you are referencing Loyola, who committed $20 or so million in 2011--and if you are, the criticism is unfair IMO. Loyola actually revamped their gym twice over a 15 year period I believe--and they won the CBI.  They have put Valpo to shame from a facility enhancement standpoint.

The ARC had original scoreboards since the Reagan administration before they were attended to.  And the floor?  It was noted here by a poster or two that it was dead in spots and a potential health hazard if I remember correctly.  Replacing the floor was almost akin to re-sodding a potholed and torn up football field in my mind.  It wasn't necessarily an improvement per se, but standard necessary maintenance to keep the participants who use it safe.

You want to use these examples as improvements and as some firm commitment to the program, be my guest. And for the record, I'm glad that something was at least done to help make the facility better.  I'm not going to knock them or the effort in getting those projects done.  But to be fair, the ARC has been neglected for so long that anything would almost be considered as an improvement, whether or not it borders or teeters on standard maintenance. So on these points, you say tah-may-tow and I say tah-mah-tow.

My $0.02.

tah-may-tow here.  Yes it is Loyola and you are correct that they won the CBI in the one year in the past five where they had a winning record.  I misread their record for that year.  I agree wholeheartedly that Loyola has done much more, to enhance their facilities, than Valpo--as it concerns men's basketball.  My point was specifically addressing wh's concern that we haven't made improvements and as  result we will fall on our collective faces if Bryce leaves.  My point is simply that spending  money doesn't in any way guarantee results.  Loyola did it, Loyola has a MUCH larger endowment, Loyola has a much bigger student and alumni base and they still stink. 

It is a tough problem for the AD as basketball is hardly the only sport where improvements are warranted.  Loyola doesn't even have a track.  We have a brand new one because??  Because we found a wealthy donor who wanted it built.  Mark has added several people to the fund raising effort and people with proven track records.  It will happen, I doubt anyone could put pen to paper relative to a specific time frame however.

Uh oh,Bryce is the frontrunner for Vandy...hopefully that means that tomorrow he will sign a 10 year contract extension with Valpo.

Chatter is really heating up on Bryce heading to either Vandy or GT.

It is hard to believe that some people think that VU's MBB program will go to hell in a hand basket if Bryce leaves.   We all know that , most likely, at some time or another he will be gone.  On the other hand Bryce may be of the same makeup as Mark Few at Gonzaga.  Let's also give credit to ML for whats has developed to this point.  I have the impression that once the field house thing gets rolling that the ARC renovations will be right behind.  In case one wonders, there are many good young coaches in the country that I believe would jump at the chance to coach at VU.  That being said, let's hope that Bryce stays with a "new" deal.  He sure has earned it.   While MBB is our headline product,  there are many other facets to our total athletic program that have been and still need to be addressed.  Then there are University priorities which are  first and foremost.  Let's stay cool everybody.

Quote from: vu72 on April 03, 2016, 03:59:19 PM

Quote from: crusaderjoe on April 03, 2016, 03:37:41 PM

Quote from: vu72 on April 02, 2016, 03:57:32 PM

Quote from: oklahomamick on April 02, 2016, 02:32:04 PM
wow, negative nancy.  Roger Powell would not follow Bryce if Mark and administration offer him the head job here. Powell would have a choice to continue to sit behind the head coach far away from home, or he could have his own program near his upbringing and recruiting grounds. 

Our friend wh has always had a sore spot when it comes to facilities.  I would beg to differ however.  Sure, we need upgrades but they don't win games, players and coaches do.

Let's take a quick look at a similar mid-major who invested over $26 million in new facilities during 2011.  It is akin to us building a new rec center and then redoing/modernizing the ARC.  Their results?  Over the last 5 years they have had onewinning season which resulted in a second round loss in the CBI. They are a much larger school with a much larger alumni base.

One other small point. wh missed the improvements added in 2011.  A new four sided scoreboard, new shot clocks, LED lights around the backboards and, a brand new floor.  And there is a major effort by the fund raising folks to find a lead donor for the rec center.  Progress is underway.

You are always pretty positive when it comes to Valpo, and that is admirable, but wh isn't necessarily wrong.  From the looks of your post, it looks like you are referencing Loyola, who committed $20 or so million in 2011--and if you are, the criticism is unfair IMO. Loyola actually revamped their gym twice over a 15 year period I believe--and they won the CBI.  They have put Valpo to shame from a facility enhancement standpoint.

The ARC had original scoreboards since the Reagan administration before they were attended to.  And the floor?  It was noted here by a poster or two that it was dead in spots and a potential health hazard if I remember correctly.  Replacing the floor was almost akin to re-sodding a potholed and torn up football field in my mind.  It wasn't necessarily an improvement per se, but standard necessary maintenance to keep the participants who use it safe.

You want to use these examples as improvements and as some firm commitment to the program, be my guest. And for the record, I'm glad that something was at least done to help make the facility better.  I'm not going to knock them or the effort in getting those projects done.  But to be fair, the ARC has been neglected for so long that anything would almost be considered as an improvement, whether or not it borders or teeters on standard maintenance. So on these points, you say tah-may-tow and I say tah-mah-tow.

My $0.02.

tah-may-tow here.  Yes it is Loyola and you are correct that they won the CBI in the one year in the past five where they had a winning record.  I misread their record for that year.  I agree wholeheartedly that Loyola has done much more, to enhance their facilities, than Valpo--as it concerns men's basketball.  My point was specifically addressing wh's concern that we haven't made improvements and as  result we will fall on our collective faces if Bryce leaves.  My point is simply that spending  money doesn't in any way guarantee results.  Loyola did it, Loyola has a MUCH larger endowment, Loyola has a much bigger student and alumni base and they still stink. 

It is a tough problem for the AD as basketball is hardly the only sport where improvements are warranted.  Loyola doesn't even have a track.  We have a brand new one because??  Because we found a wealthy donor who wanted it built.  Mark has added several people to the fund raising effort and people with proven track records.  It will happen, I doubt anyone could put pen to paper relative to a specific time frame however.

Right.  I'm not suggesting that Valpo will collapse if and when Bryce leaves, and I don't believe that to be the case. I don't really share wh's sentiment in that regard.  That said, my comments are more focused on the perceived frustration expressed by wh with respect to the lack of substantial investment and upgrades in the ARC over the last 25 or so years, or during the Drew era as a whole.  In that regard, I still think that he isn't necessarily wrong to express that frustration.  We've had three major capital campaigns, and as far as substantial ARC upgrades are concerned, we are 0-3 generally.  Meanwhile, a sister peer school like Loyola has revamped their venue facility twice in the last 20 years.

Yes, I agree with you--it is a tough problem for the AD across all sports.  With respect to the flagship sport however, my fear is that VU will justify not spending on ARC upgrades in the near future because of our NIT run, the thought being that we do not need to upgrade because we're well enough competitive already status quo.  I really hope that is not the case, but again, IMO, it's hard to question the justification for not thinking so when the ARC has been so neglected over the last campaigns--not to mention that we did nothing immediately after 1998, either.

I'd make Vandy change their floor if I took the job.  A courtside seat is 1/2 mile from the out of bounds line.  If I remember correctly the team sits on the baseline by the basket.  You can't see crap if you are a coach.  I find it annoying as hell to watch a game with that court.

Need someone up in the booth with a second set of eyes helping like football. 

Students need to be in great shape to storm the court.  "I'm not running that far."

Quote from: oklahomamick on April 02, 2016, 10:52:01 AM
Someone on twitter reported Vandy

Wasn't the new rumor that Bryce was going to UAB?

What is the ETA on this proposed field house? Have blueprints been developed/released for it? Wasn't it in the 30 year phase of the University's strategic plan? It seems like there are a lot of questions, but no answers. If the field house is in fact in the 30 year phase, and the ARC renovations are due AFTER that, Bryce would be approaching 70 years old by the time he gets his improved digs! Can any of us honestly blame him if he goes to greener grass?

Valparaiso University has a commitment to the institution as a whole, but I always thought it was in very good financial shape.  :( :( :(

Is Valpo strapped for cash?

I am getting so tired of reading their ESPN reports talking about how Bryce is taking either the GT or Vandy job, and that they are done deals.  From what 'people in the know' have said before, Bryce does not talk to anyone but his family about his intentions.  Are they just assuming that since he will be offered by both, that he will naturally accept?  This same crap was said about both Tulsa and Mississippi State, from what I remember (by ESPN people).

New facilities doesn't buy us NCAA appearances but it certainly is a HUGE selling point for recruits. I love the ARC but it is not a very good facility and doesn't help with the recruit pitch. We really do need a new building or at least sweeping renovations. I'm not optimistic we'll get the renovations or a new arena anytime soon. They really should be sinking more $ into the Men's Basketball program and investing for the long term health of the program, which equals into higher school morales which, equals more donations to the school. But first and foremost it starts with a great coach and we have one now, but if Bryce leaves I think Powell would be a solid replacement but no guarantee. Praying we can hold onto Bryce for at least 1 more year and by some miracle another 2 years.

How large is Gonzaga's stadium?  It is just 6,000 in capacity, though obviously looks a bit nicer.  Bryce Drew can make Valpo a national player.  Not necessarily to Gonzaga's level, but pretty close.  He has shown that he can recruit top talent (or his assistants can), and he can develop project players.  I hope that he stays to take on that challenge, instead of just joining one of the big programs that refuses to schedule Valpo because they are afraid of what might happen...

One interesting thing is if Bryce went to Georgia Tech the two Div I basketball coaches in Atlanta would be Bryce Drew and Ron Hunter at Georgia State. It would be Ron Hunter begging Bryce to schedule his school every year. Georgia Tech hasn't played Georgia State since 2008 which is after Ron Hunter took over the GS program. I wonder what that first phone call from Hunter to Bryce would be like.


"Well, hey there Bryce, long way from our days in the Mid-Con together."

If Bryce truly does leave this time, I really hope that he makes his decision ASAP.  If he ends up taking Powell with him, we want to have time to get a quality candidate.  The longer this goes on, the more quality candidates we lose out on. 

Was thinking about the same exact thing. Every time I hear another school hired a new coach I kinda sucks because maybe they could have been a bryce replacement option. Apparently Detroit landed a Very good up and coming assistant from Michigan

With more reputable sources like Sports Illustrated now claiming Bryce will sign with Vanderbilt, I think it makes sense, as I mentioned in listing reasons when I first brought up the possibility. Nevertheless, I'm still waiting for an official announcement.

Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2016, 12:35:30 PMVanderbilt is a private university in an interesting city not too far from Valpo and family members, with high academics and an endowment of over $4 billion. I don't think there are any seniors among the basketball team's starters, the coach's salary is about $2 million per year, plus Vandy is in the SEC, where they finished just 2 games behind Kentucky. Finally, it is another "VU"! I hope I'm wrong, but assuming Bryce is seriously considering offers, hard to see Bryce saying no if this comes his way.

I'm happy for Bryce but I'm starting to get pretty bummed we're losing our Alumni coach who has been huge for our program... :(. https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/717011261314052096

Only drawback for Bryce: Vanderbilt is scheduled to host Scott's Baylor next season. That ought to be fun to watch!  ;)

Quote from: valpopal on April 04, 2016, 10:41:11 AM
With more reputable sources like Sports Illustrated now claiming Bryce will sign with Vanderbilt, I think it makes sense, as I mentioned in listing reasons when I first brought up the possibility. Nevertheless, I'm still waiting for an official announcement.

Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2016, 12:35:30 PMVanderbilt is a private university in an interesting city not too far from Valpo and family members, with high academics and an endowment of over $4 billion. I don't think there are any seniors among the basketball team's starters, the coach's salary is about $2 million per year, plus Vandy is in the SEC, where they finished just 2 games behind Kentucky. Finally, it is another "VU"! I hope I'm wrong, but assuming Bryce is seriously considering offers, hard to see Bryce saying no if this comes his way.

It's amazing that he even gets lumped into positions that aren't even available:

http://www.thesportsbank.net/illinois-illini/bryce-drew-illini-basketball-lovie-smith-equivalent/

I have a ton of friends who are Illini alum who been screaming for Bryce Drew. Groce has been unlucky with injuries to his team the last 2-3 years but that program is out of control. 4 arrests of players in the last 5 months or something. Groce is one of those guys whose system works better in a mid-major conferences than in the Big10.

I actually really like John Groce as a recruiter. I think he'd high risk high reward bryce drew replacement candidate if he'd get fired right away because he's had success at Ohio before leaving for Illinois. He's been recruiting Chicagoland that he has connections to all the high school coaches which is huge. He sort of has the excuse that his players have injured. Only thing is that arrests pretty much rule him out from a chance with a gig at Valpo. I don't think AD Mark LaBarbera would want to bring that baggage in, even though I think it wasn't all Groce's fault. But in the end its all on the HC. I think Groce is going to be a very good career rebound coach for whichever mid major hires him or maybe he goes back to Ohio State as assistant where he was the lead recruiter of mike conley and greg oden back in the day. But this is all hypothetical and not going to happen anyways.

Valparaiso's Bryce Drew agrees to become next coach at Vanderbilt
April 4, 2016 12:16 pm ET

Valparaiso's Bryce Drew has agreed in principle to become the next men's basketball coach at Vanderbilt, a source confirmed to CBS Sports on Monday.

SI.com reported a deal should be finalized in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Read more: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25541530/valparaisos-bryce-drew-agrees-to-become-next-coach-at-vanderbilt

From the link and to answer the Alec speculation.....

Valparaiso's Bryce Drew has agreed in principle to become the next men's basketball coach at Vanderbilt, a source confirmed to CBS Sports on Monday.

SI.com reported a deal should be finalized in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Drew, 41, has been Valpo's coach for each of the past five years. He's won four Horizon League regular-season titles and four Horizon Tournament championships. And though he had turned down big offers before, sources told CBS Sports last week that Vanderbilt intrigued Drew for a variety of reasons, among them because it's a private school with a niche in a Power 5 league. It should be noted that Drew's older brother, Scott Drew, has flourished at private school with a niche in a Power 5 league. He's been the coach at Baylor since 2003. He's made six of the past nine NCAA Tournaments and two Elite Eights.

Georgia Tech also targeted Bryce Drew, sources told CBS Sports. But Drew always preferred Vanderbilt, according to sources. So he essentially picked Vandy over Georgia Tech. Another thing worth noting: Valpo junior Alec Peters has a chance to graduate early and become a graduate transfer, sources told CBS Sports. So he could, in theory, follow Drew to Vanderbilt (or explore other options) and be eligible immediately. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds this season.

If Peters leaves I will become a very bitter person. I see why he'd do it and I wouldn't be mad but wow it would be a serious kick to the gut. I really hope he stays.

I would actually lose a little respect for Bryce if he actively tried to recruit Peters away to Vanderbilt.  It is one thing if Alec openly tells him that he wants to go with him, but if Alec doesn't bring it up, Bryce shouldn't either.  Bryce could really set a fire in a house he helped build, that could be hard for the next coach to recover from. 

And speculation over Smits is moot I think.  He's already used up a redshirt season.  He would have to sit out another year if he xfers.  That would be two years out of competitive BB for him.  He'll stay.

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 04, 2016, 12:18:53 PM
And speculation over Smits is moot I think.  He's already used up a redshirt season.  He would have to sit out another year if he xfers.  That would be two years out of competitive BB for him.  He'll stay.

Agreed.  Jubril will be a senior and probably has limited pro potential.  Sitting out a year would delay his other employment possibilities.  Alec could transfer if he graduates early but is close to home at Valpo and is clearly the team leader.

Another thing to consider is if any of Valpo's guys would get playing time at Vanderbilt.  Luke Kornet, a 7'1 forward, was all defense SEC.  They have a young team with lots of size.

http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/vand-m-baskbl-mtt.html

It looks fairly certain now that Bryce will be leaving. I think Roger Powell and Luke Gore should be considered. Maybe even Greg Tonagel. As for experience at the D1 level it should be pointed out that Bryce when hired had no previous head coaching experience. Now when Bryce became head coach his cupboard wasn't bare plus he had a coaching relationship with all the players and was involved with their recruiting. So perhaps keeping it within the "VU family" would be best for the program to keep moving on smoothly. I wonder if Homer will have any input in the hiring. Its early. Not official yet. It will definitely a very very interesting next 30 to 45 days concerning every aspect of VU basketball

I can't blame Bryce for moving on.  I, along with many many others I know, wanted to get out of Valpo after being there for school.  The sky is the limit for Bryce at a large school where the admin actually isn't inept and will provide him the resources he needs.  I'll continue to follow him and wish him well.   

I hope Alec stays, but if I were in his shoes, I'd be gone. 

Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 12:14:52 PM
I would actually lose a little respect for Bryce if he actively tried to recruit Peters away to Vanderbilt.  It is one thing if Alec openly tells him that he wants to go with him, but if Alec doesn't bring it up, Bryce shouldn't either.  Bryce could really set a fire in a house he helped build, that could be hard for the next coach to recover from.

Unfortunately, regardless of whether Alec stays or goes, Bryce leaving is absolutely devastating to the program.  I completely understand his decision.  For selfish and personal reasons, I really hate that this inevitable day has become reality, but I don't blame anyone for advancing his/her career and I wish him all the best.

With all of that said, as I said, this is devastating for the program.  The general public, and I don't count those on this board in that group, don't realize the miracles that Bryce, and Homer before him, were able to pull off in spite of the enormous limitations of the program (budget, facilities, etc.)  The major factor of overcoming those limitations was the Drew family reputation, loyalty and the Drew's national name/brand recognition.  It was a huge asset that helped immensely in recruiting and now in it's absence, I'm afraid it's going to be long road. 

I'm trying not to be negative, but I'm afraid I'm also a realist.  I really hope that I'm wrong, but I've been around and invested in VU basketball for 25 years, so I remember the lean years of the 80's and early 90's and we can very easily find ourselves back there.  To quote Norm Dale, "In my experience, no one is irreplaceable..."  Let's hope he's right.

Powell seems to really enjoy working at a religious institution.  That last home game in the NIT was kind of chilling, to see how much he gets revved up for that type of situation.  I truly hope that he has a desire to be a head coach, and that he is a good X's and O's guy as well (does anyone know about this?).  He can clearly recruit, and is the key to keeping our team together.  Lottich seems like a solid guy, but you can see him going to Vandy with Bryce, and getting more experience under his belt.  I think that Gore should go with Bryce as well, as it will increase his profile. 

Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 12:51:24 PM
Powell seems to really enjoy working at a religious institution.  That last home game in the NIT was kind of chilling, to see how much he gets revved up for that type of situation.  I truly hope that he has a desire to be a head coach, and that he is a good X's and O's guy as well (does anyone know about this?).  He can clearly recruit, and is the key to keeping our team together. Lottich seems like a solid guy, but you can see him going to Vandy with Bryce, and getting more experience under his belt.  I think that Gore should go with Bryce as well, as it will increase his profile. 

[/b]

We need to remember that whomever the new coach is will want his own folks on the bench with him.  Roger might want to keep a couple of guys with him but an outsider will want/bring his own folks in.

In Vandy's case, it helps us that the top 8 scorers on this year's team, would all be coming back (if they choose to stay).  Would Bryce really want to upset his new team by bringing in a new top 2-3 scorer?  I am sure that Wade Baldwin (14.1) and Damian Jones (13.9) don't want to lose touches to someone that also wants to average double digit ppg.  Same thing for Matthew Fisher-Davis (9.7), Jeff Roberson (9.3), and Luke Kornet (8.9).  This makes me feel a lot better, but then again, that only takes away Vandy as an option, not the rest of the Power 5 that are going to be all over Peters' HS and AAU coaches...

Quote from: valpo04 on April 04, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
Valparaiso's Bryce Drew agrees to become next coach at Vanderbilt
April 4, 2016 12:16 pm ET

Valparaiso's Bryce Drew has agreed in principle to become the next men's basketball coach at Vanderbilt, a source confirmed to CBS Sports on Monday.

SI.com reported a deal should be finalized in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Read more: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25541530/valparaisos-bryce-drew-agrees-to-become-next-coach-at-vanderbilt

This is the article I've seen that writes about it with the most certainty.

But, is there a chance it's based mostly on the ESPN tweet this morning, and is making it seem more certain, without warrant?

[tweet]717010716830490624[/tweet]

Paul Oren's being _slightly_ more cautious, maybe.

[tweet]717019539763032064[/tweet]

SI's version would suggest there's still a window before things are finalized...

valpolaw:
Just curious as to what your specific beef with the administration is? Athletic Department administration? VU Law Administration (assuming you are/were Law Grad)?


I am an alum myself and there were something that were completely maddening about the administration. I'm a huge fan of President Heckler's upbeat message and positivity and I think he's a great face of the school, but I think some of the initiatives, spending and some other things aren't managed well, but overall I really enjoyed my college experience. Being that this a VU Sports thread, I will say that VU has completely underfunded and underinvested in their Basketball program and it is a miracle the success the Drew family has brought to the program. I kid you not that a many high school programs in the state of illinois and indiana that have nicer athletic facilities then VU. The Administration NEEDS to start investing more in the facilities.

This thread is a trainwreck.

I sent Bryce an email. Not usually my style, but, if I'm ever going to reach out to a coach in that fashion, what better day than today?

Not begging - but expressing appreciation, and OK, some hope ;)

Well, if we were all being honest with ourselves, we really knew that this day would come. I am really sad about it, but we will get through it...and maybe, just maybe, be better for it. Perhaps we will look back on this day and wonder why we were so distraught. Maybe this is just the beginning of really huge things that we never even considered...I wish Coach Drew much luck and hope that he brings a National Championship to his new "VU"...maybe there will be a National Championship between the two important VUs...and add to that, a Final Four including Baylor!!! :) GOOOOOOOO VU!!!

The news/rumor was spreading around the VU cafeteria. Heard at several different tables. The archetypal response was, "What?!"

One student brought up a thought that hadn't even crossed my mind. If all the assistants were somehow to leave, is there a situation where Homer takes over -again-? Probably not... I wonder if we'll come to regret Wright State grabbing the SD State coach. But, frankly, I'd prefer not to go down this rabbit hole until the rumors are confirmed (or, much better, refuted!). Looks there's already two pages of a tread on the topic, perhaps already discussing these ideas.

I don't see a situation where Homer becomes the Head Coach again. He and his wife battled cancer recently and for health among other reason I don't see it. I could see him still remaining part of the VU program, mentoring the next coach and helping with the coaching search, and serving in an advisory role but thats about it. I think Homer will remain in retirement but continue to be a fixture at games.

Plausible scenario.

But, I can also imagine a world where Homer moves to Nashville. :(

The big question here is whether the Athletic Department has a succession plan. That is one of hallmarks of a good organization. None of us really can assess whether Powell would be a good game coach, but they should be able to. Also, while keeping Peters and others is certainly critical I am not sure you want to make hiring decisions based on what the players will and will not do. You should, of course, make hiring decisions based one someone's history of developing and maintaining relationships with players, as well as their ability to help players improve.

If they believe Powell is ready to be a game coach, then I feel that Powell is the best hire for the short and long term. If they do not, then they probably need to interview Gore and Tonagel. Going outside of the program is going to be too much of a reset for what has been a very strong program.

My reaction to the thought of Homer moving to Nashville...

but it's definitely possible...

Just out of curiosity, has anyone seen Indiana Wesleyan play? Greg Tonagel has had a ton of success there. Just curious as to what a Greg Tonagel offense and defense system and style looks like. I confess I've never watched them play but I've heard he's a pretty good coach. My friend went there IWU and he said Tonagel would be a great hire for VU and that its sort of VU situation with Bryce Drew. They've know for the last 3 years that he's going to start getting D1 offers and that its only a matter of time before someone snatches him away from the program.

Thanks to Bryce for all he has done.  He stayed longer than brother Scott, but we knew it was going to happen sooner or later.  Well, Homer never left and he had opportunities.  Maybe one day he will be back...Can't help but to wonder if we would have been in the NCAAT if that would have bought Bryce a couple more years at Valpo.  Personally, I think it wouldn't have mattered Bryce would leave no matter the success or non succes but only at the right opportunity such as Vandy.

Quote from: VU2014 on April 04, 2016, 02:30:07 PM
Just out of curiosity, has anyone seen Indiana Wesleyan play? Greg Tonagel has had a ton of success there. Just curious as to what a Greg Tonagel offense and defense system and style looks like. I confess I've never watched them play but I've heard he's a pretty good coach. My friend went there IWU and he said Tonagel would be a great hire for VU and that its sort of VU situation with Bryce Drew. They've know for the last 3 years that he's going to start getting D1 offers and that its only a matter of time before someone snatches him away from the program.

From my scraped text on the other string:

     Known for defense, the Wildcats led the nation in scoring defense at 59 points per game at the completion of the 2006-07 regular season. They also ranked in the top ten in the nation in six defensive categories in the 2009-2010 season. Although it all starts on the defensive end for the Wildcats, an up-tempo, aggressive offensive style that utilizes skilled and creative play has rejuvenated Luckey Arena into a fantastic place to experience a basketball game. Tonagel and his staff have introduced an innovative offensive style that players want to be a part of and fans desire to see.
     Perhaps the biggest influence that Tonagel and the staff have had on the program is the work ethic that they have instilled on and off the court. Tonagel's teams have passion and toughness. Whether it is writing a paper, helping a neighbor or working out in the gym, Tonagel demands commitment and 100-percent effort from each student-athlete.
     Many consider his weight and conditioning programs to be as hard as any around. Players learn to bond together, which is the only way to survive these grueling workouts.

Haha maybe down the road. If Powell or one of his assistant's gets the job I could see Bryce being a friend and scheduling Valpo to a 2 @home-1 away deal with Vandy sometime in the next 5 years. He'll probably wait till Peters graduates.

It sounds like all scholarships would be used up, if these two guys decide to come back:

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/04/04/reports-vanderbilt-hire-bryce-drew/82611898/

Curious as to what the buyout was. Since Bryce was signed for 7 more years, I'm assuming they had to pay Valpo north of $1.5 million... does it work like that? I'm guessing Bryce is getting a similar figure per year at Vanderbilt.

Using the buyout money, Valpo may be able to afford a higher profile coach, or be able to invest more in recruiting with a cheaper hc salary.

This is a sad day in VU athletics history and a frustrating one I might add. From The Shot on March 13th, 1998 until April 4th, 2016, the university had a chance to make VU a national player. But it didn't matter enough. So now the program faces the threat of its best days being behind it.

Best of luck to Bryce. It will be fun to consistently watch him in the NCAA Tourney. If he takes Alec with him, this team's best chance to get back to it may not come come until the 2020's. What could've been...  :( :(

Cant' blame a guy for trying to better his lot in life, albeit a high-salaried lot.  I guess Bryce's definition of the term "special" opportunity differs substantially from mine.  Vandy is not even remotely akin to the Boston Celtics calling for Brad Stevens (Not that Bryce's level of coaching is even remotely comparable to Stevens' at this time).  I am also surprised that Bryce did not see his star recruiting class at Valpo through to the end; I am sure many Vandy-like jobs will be open in 2017. 

I don't see Bryce staying at Vandy more than a couple of years.  He will be shooting for a higher-profile job.  For an up-and-coming star coach, Vandy is not a destination school -- It's a stopping-off point, just as Valpo would only be a brief whistle stop along the way for most up-and-coming coaches.  We were fortunate that Bryce made us more than a whistle stop. 

Roger will make a terrific head coach, and I hope he will be offered the job and stay....at least for a couple of years until a better/bigger opportunity comes calling.  Otherwise, Valpo could be back to the old revolving carousel of "first-time" fresh-on-the job D1 head coaches.  Valpo has historically been a frugal institution (to its credit and detriment, respectively), so I don't see us splurging on a "name" replacement. 

Quote from: a3uge on April 04, 2016, 04:20:43 PM
Curious as to what the buyout was. Since Bryce was signed for 7 more years, I'm assuming they had to pay Valpo north of $1.5 million... does it work like that? I'm guessing Bryce is getting a similar figure per year at Vanderbilt.

Using the buyout money, Valpo may be able to afford a higher profile coach, or be able to invest more in recruiting with a cheaper hc salary.

Really hard to say as Bryce is the one breaking the contract.  Buyouts usually work when a school wants to get rid of a coach.  The release may include some sort of "buyout" or require Vandy to do a home and home with Valpo.

Put this in the wishful thinking category.  Bryce and Homer always said that Bryce and Scott would not play against each other except in the NCAA tournament.  Baylor has a game scheduled at Vandy next season.  Perhaps Bryce will check the schedule and decide to stay at "home."   ;D

Three Horizon coaches next year that were around in 13-14:

Greg Kampe
Gary Waters

...and Jerry Slocum.

Quote from: sliman on April 04, 2016, 06:17:47 PMPut this in the wishful thinking category.  Bryce and Homer always said that Bryce and Scott would not play against each other except in the NCAA tournament.  Baylor has a game scheduled at Vandy next season.  Perhaps Bryce will check the schedule and decide to stay at "home."   ;D

If no one backs out, I'll go out of my way to watch that one.

vu72, guaranteed money protects the coach, buyouts protect the school. He signed a 10 year deal 2 years ago. The reason they gave him a 10 year contract with a "buyout" clause was so the University could get compensated in the event he decided to leave. Buyout means he can leave but he or the University he's going to in every case buys out the contract from the current school. The more years left on the contract usually increases to buyout amount. Very common in college athletics these days. I don't blame Bryce one bit but shrewd and common sense really on Valpo's part. Helps pay a new coach, the search for a new coach and bank any money left over. Bryce did the university, which I'm sure was his motivation (not hurt Valpo)  a favor in the event the left.

How about the athletic department stock that buy out $ away and start saving for a new arena... long-term investment

Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 12:51:24 PMGore should go with Bryce as well

Luke is from Tennessee, also.

Quote from: VU2014 on April 04, 2016, 02:30:07 PMhas anyone seen Indiana Wesleyan play? Greg Tonagel has had a ton of success there. Just curious as to what a Greg Tonagel offense and defense system and style looks like. I confess I've never watched them play but I've heard he's a pretty good coach.

There were some Indiana Wesleyan games on ESPN 3 this season. I believe there were some comments on some of the games in the Greg Tonagel thread

Tonagel is an interesting idea. Perhaps similar to Bo Ryan's journey.

Powell or Tonagel.  Both bring great upsides, but both have downsides in terms of experience (either as a HC or in D-I).  As they say in Wisconsin:  "It's a horse a piece."  Glad I am not Mark right now  :coffeetime:

Wonder who Bryce will take with him from the current staff    :-\  Vandy will be a pay upgrade for all involved. Assistant pay would probably be >$100K

If Roger stays as the HBBC, he'll have some replacing to do with a smaller budget than Vandy for sure.  If MLB goes with Tonagel, I doubt Roger will stay on.

I have great confidence in ML...he knows what is important in both the short and long term.  He is acutely aware of the facilities situation, staffing including the assistant coaches.    I believe he is also aware of the dollars out there for future plans and the concerns of those having those dollars.  I am anxious to see how this whole dilemma things works out.  In any event, let's look forward to next season and another good year.  I, for one, am optimistic.  GO VALPO!

Our beat writer is increasingly on the "national stage" as well; first with an interview by a Utah ESPN affiliate, now by the Nashville newspaper:

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/04/05/getting-know-coach-bryce-drew/82649156/

Quote from: VU2014 on April 04, 2016, 02:30:07 PM
Just out of curiosity, has anyone seen Indiana Wesleyan play? Greg Tonagel has had a ton of success there. Just curious as to what a Greg Tonagel offense and defense system and style looks like. I confess I've never watched them play but I've heard he's a pretty good coach. My friend went there IWU and he said Tonagel would be a great hire for VU and that its sort of VU situation with Bryce Drew. They've know for the last 3 years that he's going to start getting D1 offers and that its only a matter of time before someone snatches him away from the program.

IWU had a lot of games this past season on ESPN3.  There still may be some games archived for you to watch.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/04/04/bryce-drews-salary-compared-kevin-stallings/82639510/

Bryce Drew was paid $377,464 by Valparaiso the same year Vanderbilt basketball coachKevin Stallings earned $2.1 million, according to tax records.

Drew is expected to be Vanderbilt's next coach, replacing Stallings after a 17-year tenure, according to numerous reports. But the only holdup to Drew's hiring was finalizing a contract, a source told USA Today on Monday.

Drew can expect a hefty raise if he is paid anywhere near Stallings' salary at Vanderbilt.


Valparaiso and Vanderbilt are private institutions, and therefore do not have to disclose public records, like coaches' salaries, upon request. However, a Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, or 990 Form, must be filed for tax purposes, though about 16 months after the reported calendar year.

In the 2013 calendar year, Drew was credited with $377,464 in pay — including $340,958 in base salary, $19,125 deferred and $17,381 non-taxable benefits — according to a 990 Form, obtained by USA Today. He received a new 10-year contract from Valparaiso in December 2013, but terms were not made public.



Drew made more in 2013 than anyone at Valparaiso except the president, who was credited with $420,669 that year.

Also in the 2013 calendar year, Stallings was credited with $2.1 million in pay, including base salary, bonuses and taxable value of various perks and benefits. He signed a six-year deal with Pittsburgh last week, but additional terms were not disclosed.

Hate to have been right on this one.   Vanderbilt made too much sense.   

I don't want to ruin a day for anyone, but I would bet you Homer will move to Nashville.    Grandkids are quite a tug and he may feel like he would be lurking in the stands as a shadow over a new coach. 

We should wish this amazing family well and just look forward to the next chapter.  I would be really happy with either Powell or Tonagel.   

I think I found my top candidate for who I would want replace Bryce. Tennessee-Chattanooga HC Matt McCall. He's only been HC for one year but is young, refreshing, up and comer who was assistant under coach under Billy Donovan at Florida. Good recruiter. Apparently a pretty good Xs/Os guy. He could move to a better conference and maybe get a bit bigger pay raise. What you guys think? Long shot I guess but I think he'd be a great hire

Jon Scheyer is an interesting candidate, but Valpo is too conservative to take that risk.

I guarantee that Vandy's PR person will have a hard time getting Bryce to kick his 'you know' speech habit.  I have to think that they will want a little more polish from his press conferences.

Aaaah, ummmmm,,aah, ummmm a  , umm

Quote from: valpotx on April 05, 2016, 07:17:39 PM
I guarantee that Vandy's PR person will have a hard time getting Bryce to kick his 'you know' speech habit.  I have to think that they will want a little more polish from his press conferences.

You know, I'd be astounded if they're really worried about it. These are minor details.

Bryce's press conference at Vanderbilt expected to take place tomorrow (Wednesday), and I hope Valpo acts very quickly to name a successor (preferably Powell). It is important to our current players and to possible recruits that continuity be evident. As everyone has indicated, speculation about Bryce moving elsewhere has existed for a few years; therefore, plans should already have been in place for such a situation.

He owes Valpo a statement first.

Quote from: crusadermoe on April 05, 2016, 05:36:25 PM
Hate to have been right on this one.   Vanderbilt made too much sense.   

I don't want to ruin a day for anyone, but I would bet you Homer will move to Nashville.    Grandkids are quite a tug and he may feel like he would be lurking in the stands as a shadow over a new coach. 

We should wish this amazing family well and just look forward to the next chapter.  I would be really happy with either Powell or Tonagel.

I'm guessing little rock, ark. About halfway between Nashville and Waco

He doesn't really owe Valpo anything lol.  He put the school on the map on a more national level, and has us positioned well for the next coach.  As long as ML can convince Powell to be our coach, we should be a really strong team next season, and going forward.  If Felder is gone to the NBA, even if Peters caves in to Power 5 pressure, we would still be a top 2 team.

Do you think that ML is soliciting feedback from our players, similar to what Wright State did?

I understand that Coach Bryce doesn't owe Valpo anything. However, one could make the case that he actually owes Valpo 7 and a half years more of coaching.  His contract didn't need to be so long just to have the poacher pay us for the remaining years.  It could have been for fewer years with a clause dictating that the future poacher needs to pay x amount to release him from the remainder.  He does owe his Valpo players an explanation in private.  That being said, Coach Bryce is a great guy and has been fantastic for the university community. I wish him the best.  I don't see Alec going to a Power 5.  It would be more likely that Gonzaga would sell him on being the missing piece to their Final Four ambitions. And why not bring back Jake Diebler as the main assistant coach?

Quote from: valpotx on April 05, 2016, 09:25:57 PM
He doesn't really owe Valpo anything lol.  He put the school on the map on a more national level, and has us positioned well for the next coach.  As long as ML can convince Powell to be our coach, we should be a really strong team next season, and going forward.  If Felder is gone to the NBA, even if Peters caves in to Power 5 pressure, we would still be a top 2 team.

Whatever. The whole "people matter, not results" article a week ago... No, $2.7 million matters. Yeah, I would have done the same thing - any of us would have, but when you can't make it completely through your first recruiting class because $2.7 is a lot more money and you might be able to get much better results, just don't go and pretend it's all about the people, because it's not.

He might not owe Valpo anything, but without Valpo, Homer doesn't exist. "The Shot" doesn't exist. Bryce is just a fringe NBA player if he even gets drafted, and isn't handed a D1 job in his 30's. Half the people here are predicting doom and gloom now; I see this as an opportunity to finally move past the legacy of one shot that has given Valpo 0 NCAA tournament wins since that year.

Edit: sorry, maybe a bit harsh - I trust ML though.

Bryce made it through his first recruiting class seven years ago.

On the surface a contract is between two parties where both intend to fulfill the terms.  However today contracts between schools and coaches are apparently much more complicated. They protect coaches if they are unsuccessful and the school wants to replace them. They protect schools if the coaches are successful and want to move to bigger schools who can pay more. Seldom do they really represent a true commitment that a coach intends to stay till the end of the contract or that a school wants to keep a coach for the full term if they are total failures. Coaches are not truely committed nor are schools.  A mid major cannot keep a coach who wants to move to a power five. The power five school can always pay whatever is necessary to buy out the coach's contract. The best the mid-major's school can hope for is enough compensation to advance the program a bit. Sucks but that is the world we live in.

So, does anyone know what Vandy will pay Valpo as the buyout clause of Bryce's 10-year contract extension?

I would be surprised if a number is announced.  I would think it would be at least the value of his remaining contract, but I have no idea.

My uninformed guess would be a percentage of the full value of the remaining years. For Valpo's sake I would hope that would be north of 50%. That alone should be sufficient to fully fund a new 4 year contract with the next HBBC.

I completely agree with Greeny on this topic:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=15145613

It is an absolute joke that kids have so many transfer restrictions put in place, but a coach can leave at any point and make tons of money elsewhere.  Basically, a coach can leave behind a 'screw you' note to his players that got him the massive pay raise, but kids have to sit a year and can't transfer to certain schools (not saying this is related to Bryce, but rather just in general). 

I don't really want to get into the whole, "Should schools pay players and consider them employees?" discussion. If they start considering the student athletes to be employees then they should strip away the student part all together. It would be an a really bad thing for non-Power5 conference schools like Valpo because we wouldn't have the resources to pay the kids. Plus at that point why would young athletes even be connected to schools? Why wouldn't the NBA just form a minor league at that point and they could sign kids right out of high school rather then with a collegiate school?

It's a very tricky topic and clearly student athletes get taken advantage of all the time but its a free education for playing a kids game and platform for an athlete to get noticed by the pros. Although I am for students getting a very small stipends for food, travel expenses, misc expense, etc. But no matter what there will still be corruption, back door deals, and under the table $ always with boosters at many of these big schools.

I wasn't saying anything regarding paying players.  I was more speaking about how schools can restrict a kid from transferring to specific schools, while coaches can go wherever they want and make more $$.

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 06, 2016, 08:47:20 AM
My uninformed guess would be a percentage of the full value of the remaining years. For Valpo's sake I would hope that would be north of 50%. That alone should be sufficient to fully fund a new 4 year contract with the next HBBC.

The buyout is negotiated, so can range quite a bit from contract to contract.  Here are two examples I could find easily:

Tony Bennett - 7 years at $2 million per for total contract of $14; his buyout (amount he owes to leave) started at $1.4 and dropped by $0.2 each year.  Basically 10% of amount remaining on contract.

Shaka Smart at VCU - 10 years at $1.5 for total contract of $15 million; buyout was "only" $600k in year 1 and dropped by $100k each year.  Texas paid VCU $500k when they hired him last year.

My take is that coaches like Smart (who have plenty of options to move up) can negotiate much lesser buyouts in exchange for staying at their current school.  My guess is that when Bryce signed his new deal a few years ago, he probably had the upper hand in dictating the buyout provision.  Just my  :twocents:.

What in the world is taking this so long to be officially announced  >:(

Lets get it over with so Valpo can start answering some of their own quesitons.

Quote from: HC on April 06, 2016, 10:07:36 AM
What in the world is taking this so long to be officially announced  >:(

Lets get it over with so Valpo can start answering some of their own quesitons.

:-X   Lawyers.

...

Coaches are professional adults who are being paid to do the job. Students, on the other hand are "Amateurs" with their only benefit supposedly being a free education. That is why coaches can be recruited while students should not be. I don't expect Greeny to understand that difference because at his level of thinking, everyone is a professional.  :crazy:

Not sure where to post this, but Bryce now has at least one scholarship available at Vanderbilt:  http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040516aaa.html

Quote from: HC on April 06, 2016, 10:07:36 AM
What in the world is taking this so long to be officially announced  >:(

Lets get it over with so Valpo can start answering some of their own quesitons.

I've been told Bryce is scheduled to be officially introduced this afternoon and to give media interviews later in the day.

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 06, 2016, 10:10:52 AM

Quote from: HC on April 06, 2016, 10:07:36 AM
What in the world is taking this so long to be officially announced  >:(

Lets get it over with so Valpo can start answering some of their own quesitons.

:-X   Lawyers.

You forgot an adjective before "Lawyers"!

It's there in emoji form  ;)

Quote from: valpopal on April 06, 2016, 10:40:25 AM

Quote from: HC on April 06, 2016, 10:07:36 AM
What in the world is taking this so long to be officially announced  >:(

Lets get it over with so Valpo can start answering some of their own quesitons.

I've been told Bryce is scheduled to be officially introduced this afternoon and to give media interviews later in the day.

Apparently, Roger Powell is also going with Bryce to Vandy.

now I'm worried.

Officially official:

http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040616aab.html

And Bryce is off of the VU BBall webpage...

https://twitter.com/VandyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

It makes you want to vomit hearing him say, 'go Commodores'  ;)

Quote from: bmlvu97 on April 06, 2016, 11:56:52 AM
And Bryce is off of the VU BBall webpage...

Roger is still there so far ???

Oren has multiple sources putting Roger on a plane to Nashville (maybe even the same plane as Bryce?).

Suggesting, perhaps, that Matt and Luke are _not_ on the plane?

Press conference at Vanderbilt is apparently 3:30 PM (central).

What's our best hope at this point? Lottich, or even Gore, and hope to keep most of the team intact? Or Donagel and try to keep some sort of longer-term Valpo continuity and bring in a winning HC? Or somebody from outside who might pleasantly surprise us, even if that might take a year or three?

It'll be interesting to see how long Powell stays on the Valpo basketball web site. And how long Valpo goes without making a statement...

Bryce might avoid mentioning Valpo in the press conference, but I suppose he'll characterize what kind of opportunity he sees at Vanderbilt, so we'll learn something by contrast. I'm sure it would be uncomfortable to watch - not sure if they'll stream it. Conveniently, perhaps, I'll be in a meeting.

Statement is up.
https://t.co/AhBQAt36yB

Vague, as expected. No quotes from Bryce.

The press conference will apparently stream on YouTube.

Link will probably be available at
http://vanderbilt.edu/coachdrew/

3:30 PM central.

If anyone's brave enough to watch, let us know how it goes.

Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 11:59:24 AM
https://twitter.com/VandyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

It makes you want to vomit hearing him say, 'go Commodores'  ;)

It looks like Homer was on the private jet that took Bryce and family to Nashville.

Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on April 06, 2016, 12:21:31 PM
Statement is up.
https://t.co/AhBQAt36yB

Vague, as expected. No quotes from Bryce.

On valpo.edu/news as well as the Athletics page.

I found this quote a bit interesting:

Quote
"We send Bryce to Nashville with our good wishes and fervent prayers for God's richest blessing as he aims for a higher level of success," Heckler said. "I am pleased Bryce has moved to another school focused on academic excellence coupled with athletic accomplishment, and I look forward to rooting for another V.U."

"As he aims for a higher level of success."

I don't know if I'll manage to go so far as rooting for Vanderbilt. Maybe in the post-season. But, it won't surprise me if I turn on a game or two. Might be hard _not_ to turn on Baylor @ Vanderbilt.

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 06, 2016, 12:27:00 PM

Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 11:59:24 AM
https://twitter.com/VandyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

It makes you want to vomit hearing him say, 'go Commodores'  ;)

It looks like Homer was on the private jet that took Bryce and family to Nashville.

Apparently only seats ten, more often six or eight. 

Not enough for the whole team, not that it was really a consideration.

Reports, maybe already discussed, are that there was a team meeting yesterday. Probably with Bryce? Apparently Roger wasn't there.

Vashil has been quoted in the press as being "a little surprised".

I will casually pay attention to Vanderbilt, as I do with Baylor.  I won't go out of my way to root for him at Vanderbilt.  Even though I am happy for him, as a competitor, I also view it as being afraid to tackle the challenge of a mid-major long-term.  The fact that he left for a school that was wrongly included in the NCAA tourney over Valpo, only makes it feel worse.  I don't know how much money someone truly needs to be happy, but I would have been ecstatic tackling the challenge of keeping Valpo at the top of the mid-major spectrum, while making what he was putting into the bank.

Quote from: agibson on April 06, 2016, 12:36:56 PM

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 06, 2016, 12:27:00 PM

Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 11:59:24 AM
https://twitter.com/VandyMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

It makes you want to vomit hearing him say, 'go Commodores'  ;)

It looks like Homer was on the private jet that took Bryce and family to Nashville.

Apparently only seats ten, more often six or eight. 

Not enough for the whole team, not that it was really a consideration.

Reports, maybe already discussed, are that there was a team meeting yesterday. Probably with Bryce? Apparently Roger wasn't there.

Vashil has been quoted in the press as being "a little surprised".

I don't get why Powell wouldn't be there?  If he was interviewing for the Valpo job?  He was afraid to face the guys he recruited to a 4 year commitment?

"Higher level of success?"

Seriously, that quote kind of pisses me off. I know we don't have the resources of Vanderbilt, nor will we ever, and i'm sure nothing was meant by that. But you might as well say: "Yeah, we get it, they're better than us." True or not, you don't say it. Suddenly feeling less confident in the succession plan.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 06, 2016, 12:42:45 PM
"Higher level of success?"

Seriously, that quote kind of pisses me off. I know we don't have the resources of Vanderbilt, nor will we ever, and i'm sure nothing was meant by that. But you might as well say: "Yeah, we get it, they're better than us." True or not, you don't say it. Suddenly feeling less confident in the succession plan.

Yeah, that was the interesting bit. Don't know how much of that phrase is from Heckler, how much from Bryce. But, it's frustrating.

It all does seem to cement the ideas of "haves" and "have nots".

But, maybe that's just calling a spade a spade.

Frustrating, to be sure.

President Heckler is saying the right thing. Remember that Bryce will eventually be one of our richer (if not the richest) alumni. You never know, someday, we may be playing in the Bryce Drew Arena  ;)

Nice Plane...arrived in Nashville at 11:30am

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EJA689

Cessna Citation Excel
http://flightaware.com/photos/aircrafttype/C56X

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 03, 2016, 02:25:48 PM
If that's true (not saying it isn't, this is my first season here) shouldn't he have a confirmed or admin account? That's a pretty snarky and crappy comment for an AD to be making on a fan board. Of course he would know more than any of us on here. But let's say that it is... ML, assuming your advocating behind the scenes for ARC improvements, you're doing a great job with the MBB program. But new contract for Dorow? Really?   

ml is Mark LaBarbera for sure.

Key statement so far:

"I believe that you should leave a program in a better state than what you inherited.' 

He mentioned this in speaking about the success of each coach at Vanderbilt.  However, this very much applies to what he ends up taking with him to Vanderbilt.  Our name is solid right now, but he might be leaving us with a mess...

Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 12:39:12 PMI will casually pay attention to Vanderbilt, as I do with Baylor.  I won't go out of my way to root for him at Vanderbilt.  Even though I am happy for him, as a competitor, I also view it as being afraid to tackle the challenge of a mid-major long-term.  The fact that he left for a school that was wrongly included in the NCAA tourney over Valpo, only makes it feel worse.  I don't know how much money someone truly needs to be happy, but I would have been ecstatic tackling the challenge of keeping Valpo at the top of the mid-major spectrum, while making what he was putting into the bank.

You know, that's easy to say when you and the lives of those around you have been untouched by a major illness or catastrophe (not saying that's the case, but I certainly hope so).  But if you are unfortunate enough to see the devastating financial effects they can have on one's life savings in a country such as ours, you may never feel you have enough.  Often, it's not about happiness, but peace of mind.

Well, as a smallish Midwestern university with a middling budget and endowment, perhaps we vastly overachieved in men's BB these past few years, and now it is time to return to Earth (i.e., mediocrity). 

Quote from: bbtds on April 06, 2016, 02:47:09 PM

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 03, 2016, 02:25:48 PM
If that's true (not saying it isn't, this is my first season here) shouldn't he have a confirmed or admin account? That's a pretty snarky and crappy comment for an AD to be making on a fan board. Of course he would know more than any of us on here. But let's say that it is... ML, assuming your advocating behind the scenes for ARC improvements, you're doing a great job with the MBB program. But new contract for Dorow? Really?   

ml is Mark LaBarbera for sure.

No truer fact has ever been stated on this board.  I have faith that Mark will give us the best options available for a new head coach.

Ok, so ml is our AD. Seriously? I thought you guys were kidding.

So you're telling me...in the (at the time) potential days of needing to hire a new coach for your flagship program, our AD took time out of his day to log on to a FAN site and tell the fans how amusing it is when they pretend to know things? Am I the only one bothered by this?

I'm realistic of my fandom. My season tickets and parking and donations don't buy me or anyone the right to inside info or to be a jerk. But my emotional involvement gives me the right to express my opinion in the right way in the right forum. If I read the top of the site correctly, i'm in the right place. I'm sure every AD in the country would log to their fan's board and laugh at all the misinformation and speculation. That's fine. But seriously?

"Always interesting to read what people know for "a fact" and what they believe has and has not been done for or invested in men's basketball." 

You're right, we don't know. So tell us! Or at least give us the peace to express our (admittedly out of touch) opinions about the school and department that employs you without backhanded ridicule.

I am sure we did the best we could to keep Bryce as long as possible.  Valpo has so many needs, and there is not an unlimited pool around to address such needs. Good business decisions are often heartbreaking, and that applies to decisions made by Bryce and by the university. 

There has been some grousing on this Board about President Heckler's approach.  I, for one, am happy that President Heckler has been addressing Valpo's various needs with passion.  President Heckler has to play catch-up. I would suggest that during President Harre's two-decade tenure, our facilities fell behind many of our comparators' facilities.  This necessitated President Heckler's efforts to modernize the campus.  In my opinion, President Heckler has rightfully injected substantial life into the campus as a whole. 

Further, higher education has changed at warp speed during the past half-decade, and merely "getting by" with outdated facilities is no longer an acceptable strategy.  It's a different generation of students, and if Valpo wants them to pay its tuition, the facilities had better be top-notch.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 06, 2016, 04:32:37 PM
Ok, so ml is our AD. Seriously? I thought you guys were kidding.

So you're telling me...in the (at the time) potential days of needing to hire a new coach for your flagship program, our AD took time out of his day to log on to a FAN site and tell the fans how amusing it is when they pretend to know things? Am I the only one bothered by this?

I'm realistic of my fandom. My season tickets and parking and donations don't buy me or anyone the right to inside info or to be a jerk. But my emotional involvement gives me the right to express my opinion in the right way in the right forum. If I read the top of the site correctly, i'm in the right place. I'm sure every AD in the country would log to their fan's board and laugh at all the misinformation and speculation. That's fine. But seriously?

"Always interesting to read what people know for "a fact" and what they believe has and has not been done for or invested in men's basketball." 

You're right, we don't know. So tell us! Or at least give us the peace to express our (admittedly out of touch) opinions about the school and department that employs you without backhanded ridicule.

Cant speak for anyone else, but he did not use the word 'amusing.'  He said 'interesting.'  There's a big difference.  He was saying, in a nice way, that certain comments that preceded his post were Bulls**t and baseless.  He was setting the record straight.  He could have easily said no one on this fan forum knows what the hell they are talking about regarding the inner workings of the department, so eff off, but he didn't. He took the higher road IMO.  That's one of the good points of having ML as our AD.  He does watch and he listens to what fans have to say. I think you are being a bit too sensitive.

Would you rather have an athletic director that's actually a fan of the program, or one that's only in it to tickle their own ego and use it as a stepping stone (UWM)? It's great that the administration is reading fan input and in a lot of cases taking action - from "Homer Drew Court Court", to the stand placement in the HL Championship Game, to the social media interaction...

One of the developments that took place with us as the top program in the HL was the move to a neutral site tournament in a city close to that of its most ascendant program, Oakland.  This is a shift away from a format implemented, according to some, to accelerate the success of the Butler program--the dominant one at the time.  I'm no expert on the timeline nor do I don't know what was involved in getting that tournament format pushed forward, but it's clear that it helped launch Butler into the stratosphere.  So what happened to us?  How could we not have protected that advantage?  Was this evidence of administrative and strategic weakness on our part?  Was this in any way responsible for the timing of our head coach's decision to leave? Is this going to effect our hiring and recruiting abilities?

Quote from: Valpower on April 06, 2016, 05:45:47 PM
One of the developments that took place with us as the top program in the HL was the move to a neutral site tournament in a city close to that of its most ascendant program, Oakland.  This is a shift away from a format implemented, according to some, to accelerate the success of the Butler program--the dominant one at the time.  I'm no expert on the timeline nor do I don't know what was involved in getting that tournament format pushed forward, but it's clear that it helped launch Butler into the stratosphere.  So what happened to us?  How could we not have protected that advantage?  Was this evidence of administrative and strategic weakness on our part?  Was this in any way responsible for the timing of our head coach's decision to leave? Is this going to effect our hiring and recruiting abilities?

I don't have any insider perspective on what our administration did to try to fight the change behind the scenes, but as mentioned in other threads, Valpo voted against the move when the vote was taken (one of only 2 schools to do so). IMO it was a bag job from the beginning and I stated that previously.  The process was closed door and because we were the ones that would be most affected, we were left in the dark until it was a fait accompli.

Quote from: Valpower on April 06, 2016, 05:45:47 PM
One of the developments that took place with us as the top program in the HL was the move to a neutral site tournament in a city close to that of its most ascendant program, Oakland.  This is a shift away from a format implemented, according to some, to accelerate the success of the Butler program--the dominant one at the time.  I'm no expert on the timeline nor do I don't know what was involved in getting that tournament format pushed forward, but it's clear that it helped launch Butler into the stratosphere.  So what happened to us?  How could we not have protected that advantage?  Was this evidence of administrative and strategic weakness on our part?  Was this in any way responsible for the timing of our head coach's decision to leave? Is this going to effect our hiring and recruiting abilities?

8 of the 10 Horizon League ADs voted for it - we weren't one of them. Not sure what more we could have done.

Plus the move was made during the Pearl era, really before Butler's rise to prominence.

Quote from: a3uge on April 06, 2016, 05:58:45 PM
8 of the 10 Horizon League ADs voted for it - we weren't one of them. Not sure what more we could have done.

Plus the move was made during the Pearl era, really before Butler's rise to prominence.

I'm not on this board a ton, so I have to ask, is your avatar a clever joke or a typo?

Quote from: IrishDawg on April 06, 2016, 06:08:47 PMI'm not on this board a ton, so I have to ask, is your avatar a clever joke or a typo?

Reportedly, one of the reporters at Bryce's press conference called him Bruce ;)

I had hoped for a statement from Bryce talking about his Valpo experience.  It is unfortunate that was not included in the announcement on our website.  I can understand it not being discussed on Vandy's release or press conference, but I had figured to get some type of statement from him about being proud and appreciative of Valpo giving him his big break...and being a large part of his now lucrative contract.  I am sure that he mentioned something to his team, but why not include a few sentences for the fan base of the program that is synonymous with your name?

As a matter of fact, this interview also sounds off, in regards to the opportunity he was given to say something good about Valpo.  He probably sounds fantastic to Vandy fans because he is saying all the right things to them, but he sounds like someone that is viewing us as long in the past.  He even points to the fact that he has been looking elsewhere for several years.  It doesn't sound like someone that is proud of his alma mater, but is instead proud of what his family did for Valpo.  I think that I am going to get over him as our coach pretty quickly, if he keeps treating our school like we were just a bump in the road to his coaching greatness.

http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040616aat.html

Some of you need to step away from the keyboard for 48 hours.

Quote from: ARCInsider on April 06, 2016, 07:18:28 PM
Some of you need to step away from the keyboard for 48 hours.

Not really.  I am perfectly fine right now.  I don't feel jilted, pissed, irritated, or anything else.  I am just putting myself in his position, and if I was, I would be overly complimentary of the previous job I had, that earned me this opportunity.  I do this when I speak about my previous jobs, that got me to my current position.  I would still be very positive about the new job, but I would do justice to the place that made me who I am in my profession.  Just talking about how it is bittersweet because your dad built the program, and how your family has coached there for many years, does not indicate any type of appreciation whatsoever.  I am sure that he is VERY appreciative, but you could say it publically when those reporters gave him ample opportunity to do so.

You do not start on you new job by telling your new followers how great your former job was and how good you were while on that job...com'on people.

I wish Bryce the best - leaving is never a smooth procedure.

I still like the idea of Jon Scheyer as HC. Duke Pedigree, knows Chicago - why not?

Most coaches would say something to the effect of, 'I will always have a lot of fond memories of Valpo, that I will cherish forever.  I am looking forward to this new challenge, as I feel that we can compete for a national championship in what to me, is a destination job.'  I am not saying that it needed to be overly effusive in praise for Valpo, but he was given a great opportunity to make this simple statement that conveys such a simple message of appreciation.  I don't even think that he said the name of our school, instead referring to Valpo as 'they' and 'that program.'

Actually no. I do not want a fan of the program hiring the next coach.  I'm a fan. And I have too much emotion and connection to make the type of decision I would expect a professional to make. I want someone who is less concerned about making a popular hire than about someone who will take his program to the next level.  As I've said before, ML has made enough good decisions to get my benefit of the doubt to whomever he hires.  But again I question the decision making of someone who feels the need to defend himself to us.  I highly doubt the gentleman involved in hiring away our former coach wastes time on their fan boards. 

Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 07:43:54 PM
Most coaches would say something to the effect of, 'I will always have a lot of fond memories of Valpo, that I will cherish forever.  I am looking forward to this new challenge, as I feel that we can compete for a national championship in what to me, is a destination job.'  I am not saying that it needed to be overly effusive in praise for Valpo, but he was given a great opportunity to make this simple statement that conveys such a simple message of appreciation.  I don't even think that he said the name of our school, instead referring to Valpo as 'they' and 'that program.'

It's going to be okay, bud.

(http://www.nbcsports.com/sites/nbcsports.com/files/2013/06/11/crying_TommyLaSorda.jpg)

Will this affect attendance... I think it might.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

Nobody crying over here.  Just someone that believes in proclaiming appreciation to those that get you to where you are.  I guess that it comes from my career, where I don't trust people who don't say anything positive about a previous employer.  I only hire people to my company that have at least something positive to say about a previous stop.

Bryce and his family made this program over 30 years.  The Drew name is synonymous with Valpo basketball.  He doesn't need to say anything for everyone to understand his commitment/love for Valpo.  He made the presser about Vandy, appropriately so.  I'm sure he has been and will be effusive about VU in some of his additional interviews and probably will release a statement of some kind praising Valpo.

Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 06:39:39 PM
As a matter of fact, this interview also sounds off, in regards to the opportunity he was given to say something good about Valpo.  He probably sounds fantastic to Vandy fans because he is saying all the right things to them, but he sounds like someone that is viewing us as long in the past.  He even points to the fact that he has been looking elsewhere for several years.  It doesn't sound like someone that is proud of his alma mater, but is instead proud of what his family did for Valpo.  I think that I am going to get over him as our coach pretty quickly, if he keeps treating our school like we were just a bump in the road to his coaching greatness.

http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040616aat.html

I guess we all know Bryce's motives for interviewing with DePaul, Tulsa, Iowa State, etc. I feel kind of dumb for buying into the whole "people matter" thing, that Bryce was just happy elevating his alma mater and didn't care about the money (was happy making $377,000+). Like I said, I don't blame Bryce and would have done the same thing, but I was naïve to think he was different than any other guy out there that use mid majors as a stepping stone.

I thought Bryce would have stayed until we got our first NCAA tournament win since the 90s or at least until his first recruiting class as a HC graduated... Nah. Instead he left, outbid Valpo for their top assistant, left their best player as eligible to transfer, and left a couple more scholarship slots open because he was one foot out the door already.

Some of you guys are acting like Bryce got Valpo to the Final Four as a coach. He didn't win a tournament game. He got the Vanderbilt job because of his family coaching pedigree, which was fostered by Valpo. I can't recall a coach without an NCAA tournament win get $2.7 million before. So yeah, I can't get behind this whole woe is us attitude, we owe Bryce our whole program thing, and find it a little absurd he couldn't find it in him to thank the fans that blindly gobbled up all the "people matter" stuff he sprouted out while elevating him to god-like status.

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/college/the-simple-reason-bryce-drew-took-the-vanderbilt-j/nqzyk/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

I followed the trail from PO's twitter post to see the Vandy hire from a Georgia Tech perspective.  Its pretty clear from comments by Bryce, his wife and mother in this article that Vanderbilt has always been a long-time goal for Bryce and that he was biding his time until he could make a run at the job. 

IMO Bryce found in Vanderbilt a "Valpo on Steroids." Big private university. Bigger city where VUBB is a major sports attraction.  Though having FB, BB is the flagship.  Bigger arena (of course).  High academic standards.  But athletic "family atmosphere" and small college appeal once inside the Vandy gates.  Actually, reminds me of when Gene Bartow left after several years of success at Valpo and eventually wound up at UCLA.

The other factor which may have played a role is Drew's wife who is from MS. Maybe she eventually wanted to get closer to her home since she's been in Valpo since marrying Bryce in '04 or '05. The article implies Bryce was eyeing Vandy for a while and maybe that was a compromise that he would only accept a job with similar attributes as Valpo but with better opportunity and also get somewhere closer to her "home" and Vanderbilt fit that profile. Of course $2.7MM does not hurt the cause.

Quote from: truth219 on April 06, 2016, 09:13:19 PM
Will this affect attendance... I think it might.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

Yes, if they start winning more games, there will be more people in attendance.

There is no way Valpo's football coach makes over $200K. For that pathetic football program? Seriously?

Keep in mind the football program is non scholarship, so that's a hundred kids paying tuition. A former member of the athletic admin once told me the football program could go ten years without a win and it would still be a huge moneymaker for the university at large.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 07, 2016, 01:14:43 PM
Keep in mind the football program is non scholarship, so that's a hundred kids paying tuition. A former member of the athletic admin once told me the football program could go ten years without a win and it would still be a huge moneymaker for the university at large.

Yeah, and since the team has no roster size limits, his job is to get people in the door to the university. The football team can account for 3 or $4 million in tuition alone per year, considering most of the team may not have gone to Valpo had it not offered a team.

seriously, $200K + a year for Div. 3 football?

Where did that number suddenly come from?

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2016, 01:30:16 PM
Where did that number suddenly come from?

Yeah, did someone delete a post?

You can see the highest paid folks, academic, admin, and athletic, about midway through Valpo's last 990: http://207.153.189.83/EINS/350868125/350868125_2013_0b8e913e.PDF

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/04/07/fogler-bryce-drew-courted-vanderbilt-first/82750960/

So this is cool - Bryce was actively seeking out Vanderbilt during our NIT run.

Doesn't bother me on a professional/practical level but on an emotional level I feel for the players if they read that. I'm sure many feel a bit blind-sided by this and this may not help. Although it might make the break for them with a new coach a bit easier

While I totally agree w/ you Crusader05, I must say this article tarnishes Bryce's rep just a smidgeon and makes his remarks at the end of the season a little more disingenuous. I will still root for him as in the end it's college basketball and it's big business and I think is far more repuatable than most in the grand scheme of things.

I'm over Bryce, especially in reading that he did this while his team was playing their hearts out for him to earn a lot of money.  Next :).

So, Bryce was reaching out about another job opportunity while still in his current job?  None of us would ever do that.  Shame on him.

Bryce is not God. People are allowed to find some of his actions disappointing and have opinions that disagree with him. No one's burning him in effigy. It's okay for people who care about the program and the players, who rallied and supported the team through the NIT, to feel slightly chaffed to learn he was not only willing to leave, but actively seeking it while our season was still going on.

Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 03:19:05 PM
So, Bryce was reaching out about another job opportunity while still in his current job?  None of us would ever do that.  Shame on him.

It's completely different when you have a long offseason just a few days away, and they were clearly waiting to talk to him anyways.

Context is everything and the media is terrible with context. This whole article seems a little out of sorts.  I am not saying it couldn't have happened, I just doubt it happened exactly this way.  It seems out of character for Bryce and I prefer to put the best construction on his advancement. My wife was in a position where she was regularly quoted in the paper and we would read what they wrote and wonder how in the H E double hockey sticks they came up with the article based on what she actually said.

I can hear the conversation now.

Dana: "Hey Bryce, did you hear that Stallings left Vanderbilt?"
Bryce: "That is a job I might really be interested in, gets Tara closer to Atlanta... so forth and so on"
Dana the agent to Fogler the consultant:  "I talked to my brother about the opening at Vanderbilt and he wants you to know that he would be interested in interviewing...."

What the Headlines read: Fogler: Bryce Drew courted Vanderbilt first
What Fogler actually said: "a third party contacted him on Drew's behalf to show interest in the job after Kevin Stallings left to become Pittsburgh's coach" and before Valparaiso finished its NIT run. The underlined portion was probably added by the reporter because it just doesn't sound like something a seasoned sports consultant would say because he should know better than to say it that way.

I don't have any problem with Dana contacting Vanderbilt if she knew that Bryce was or would be interested in the job. I doubt if it took away from the focus of our staff or team.

Quote from: a3uge on April 07, 2016, 02:15:09 PM
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/04/07/fogler-bryce-drew-courted-vanderbilt-first/82750960/

So this is cool - Bryce was actively seeking out Vanderbilt during our NIT run.

If he really had been looking at Vandy over the years, as I've been surprised to see TN reporting suggest (citing Drew family members), this wouldn't have to have been that big of a deal.

Bryce, his sister/agent, or anyone in his circle happens to notice Stallings leaving. Knowing that they won't approach Bryce during the NIT, Bryce's camp asks Vanderbilt to put a bookmark in for him. It's going to be on his mind, sure. But it's not like he flew from NY between games to interview.

(That is to say, "Yeah, what FW said.")

It does make you wonder, if he showed them such strong interest, what would his compensation package look like if they were twisting his arm?

Quote from: valpotx on April 07, 2016, 03:24:02 PM

Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 03:19:05 PM
So, Bryce was reaching out about another job opportunity while still in his current job?  None of us would ever do that.  Shame on him.

It's completely different when you have a long offseason just a few days away, and they were clearly waiting to talk to him anyways.

I dunno - some schools moved quickly, jobs were already coming off the table. If he'd already identified the job as "very special", can't blame him for putting in a bookmark.

Quote from: agibson on April 08, 2016, 08:38:10 PM

Quote from: valpotx on April 07, 2016, 03:24:02 PM

Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 03:19:05 PM
So, Bryce was reaching out about another job opportunity while still in his current job?  None of us would ever do that.  Shame on him.

It's completely different when you have a long offseason just a few days away, and they were clearly waiting to talk to him anyways.

agibson nailed it.

We should be proud that we have a program that is of such quality that the Big 12 and SEC wants our coaches.  I'm a bit sad to see Bryce go and this era end, but frankly I think Lottich is going to take us to new heights.

I dunno - some schools moved quickly, jobs were already coming off the table. If he'd already identified the job as "very special", can't blame him for putting in a bookmark.

I would imagine his sister/agent knew how interested an opening at Vanderbilt would be to him and probably contacted them on his behalf. 

That Georgia Tech handling seemed like a cluster you know what. Think Bryce used the leverage of the interview with them to improve his positioning with Vandy. If he wa left with Valpo or GT, I think we have Bruce, I mean Bryce for one more year. In the end they went with Josh Pastner who took it because he was one step of the Memphis AD from firing him this time next year.

Looks like he snatched up Diebler.

Looks like you're right:

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Diebler-to-Vanderbilt-44715099

Yep, both Diebler and Powell confirmed to Vandy.  It looks like those flights were Bryce's private jet.  I wonder how often he gets to use that plane?  The only cool thing about this for Valpo is that it continues to grow the Valpo connections coaching tree.

Bet Diebler got a nice pay raise. I doubt if he will be the "video coordinator" like he was at Ohio State.

QuoteDiebler has spent the last threeyears with the OSU program, after coming on as video coordinator in 2013.

Prior to his time at Ohio State, he spent four years at Valporaiso on their coaching staff, following his career at the school as a player.

Quote from: FWalum on April 09, 2016, 09:03:41 AM
Bet Diebler got a nice pay raise. I doubt if he will be the "video coordinator" like he was at Ohio State.

QuoteDiebler has spent the last threeyears with the OSU program, after coming on as video coordinator in 2013.

Prior to his time at Ohio State, he spent four years at Valporaiso on their coaching staff, following his career at the school as a player.

Do you suppose that Jon Diebler has promised to follow?

humbleopinion, Jon may have orally promised to follow, but word is his recruiting/job search is still open and he may visit OSU for an official visit during football season... ;)