The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

Oren Tweeted a good question.

[tweet]719641449483083776[/tweet]

Will you be cheering for Bryce this year? Or do you secretly hope he fails? Or maybe somewhere in between...

I've created a pro and con list for Bryce succeeding to help you guys with your decision:


Bryce Succeeding Pros:
* Name recognition to the Valpo program - Valpo will be mentioned frequently if he makes the tournament - he hit that one shot while in a Valpo uniform...
* He's an alumn - we're voting for Ginger on Dancing With the Stars, we should be cheering for another fellow alumni, right?
* Coaching trees. Valpo hadn't really produced a decent coaching tree because everyone has stayed at Valpo for awhile. Growing the tree could make Valpo a nice breeding ground for decent coaches.

Bryce Failing Pros:
* Karma - Rude not to at least say 'Thank You For Your Support'. He was one foot out the door, left before finally delivering a win in the NCAA tournament, left before Peters senior season, left open scholarships, and took our top assistant with him. Careful what you wish for Bryce...
* It might make coaches want to stay in longer their low-pressure situation, knowing they're adored and have a job for life doing what they love and still making $400,000 a year, and perhaps the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
* That court is stupid.
* Bryce 2.0 after he gets fired?

Bryce Failing Cons:
* Bryce 2.0 after he gets fired?
* Might make Valpo look bad - we're tied to him in the long run. If Scott and Bryce are both out of jobs, what does that say about the program?
* I guess he's a nice guy.

Bryce Succeeding Cons:
* The gold tie dress code is stupid, so that'll continue.
* More tireless "The Shot" references all tournament long.
* More press conferences that feature the word "umm"
* Wasting timeouts may become a national trend.

I will cheer for Vandy, but I don't need every little bit of news about their program.  I'm also not sure I'd want Bryce back if things weren't to pan out in Nashville, I'm very open to having my mind changed on that though.

I'll cheer out of valpo loyalty than Drew Loyalty.

If he succeeds I would have no problem with a return to his alma mater after he's made a name for himself and wants to come home. Not really a fan of him coming back if he fails, that's not fair to the team or the school.

Yes, of course I want him to succeed. I won't follow close, but I hope he does well. He is a valpo grad and a product of Valpo basketball. Why would you not cheer for him? Do you not cheer for other alums? Chances of recruiting the same type of player is slim so theres really no reason not to cheer for him.

I hope that he does well, but I will not go out of my way to cheer for Vandy.  I would also be against a return of Bryce to our HC role, as he would just leave again after more success.  He had indicated his desire to be out of Valpo in looking for other jobs ever since his first year of being the HC.  We don't need someone that is looking for another job every single year...

I will cheer against him.  He's dead to me.  He betrayed his father and his families, and I do mean families, just for the almighty dollar.

Pathetic.

I wish him success like I would any alum. A lot of good publicity has come to Valpo through the Drew family. And if Vandi happens to be on tv and I happen to come across the game I will pull a little bit for them, just like I do for Baylor. But I won't follow them particularly. Time moves on and people do too. All things come to an end and it was time for the Drew era to be over.

As an old country song goes, "How can I miss you if you never leave?" 

I too wish him success as his success will always be tied to Valpo and his shot. We'll always get unnecessary publicity because of him. If he fails, he'll be 47-48 when his contract ends. Good luck, by that time, in the era of millenials who want it now, finding a better gig.

I want him to experience relative failure: a loss to Valpo in the NCAA Championship game.

Bryce who?

Quote from: a3uge on April 11, 2016, 05:50:25 PMRude not to at least say 'Thank You For Your Support'.

He's _still_ not said anything to Valpo fans, has he?

I mean, he's not on social media. But he could issue a statement, a press release. Or give an interview.

Huh.

How about a half page add in the Newpaper (do people still read those).

I guess I'm in the minority here. I will be cheering For Bryce at Vandy and watch whenever I can. I follow Baylor pretty closely and have them listed under my favorites on my ESPN account. Vandy will be added to the list. I don't know how anyone can have any animosity towards him, the man took a promotion. He's pursuing a dream. I will never knock anyone who does that and shame on any of you who seem to be doing just that.

Quote from: WiscoCrusader on April 11, 2016, 07:47:47 PM
I will cheer against him.  He's dead to me.  He betrayed his father and his families, and I do mean families, just for the almighty dollar.

Pathetic.

Wow

Quote from: valpo4life on April 11, 2016, 09:30:42 PM
I guess I'm in the minority here. I will be cheering For Bryce at Vandy and watch whenever I can. I follow Baylor pretty closely and have them listed under my favorites on my ESPN account. Vandy will be added to the list. I don't know how anyone can have any animosity towards him, the man took a promotion. He's pursuing a dream. I will never knock anyone who does that and shame on any of you who seem to be doing just that.

This pretty much sums it up. The animosity is just silly.

I am guessing his father doesn't feel all that betrayed with his kid making $2.7million per year at the end of his contract, and even if he doesn't make it, will make more from Vandy than an 8 year career in the NBA including being the 16th pick in the 1998 NBA Draft.

The D-1 chasm between the haves and have nots is enormous and still growing. Has Scott Drew done or said anything to try to slow this spread?

I've always viewed Bryce as a  stronger individual so he will maintain my interest and support. Bryce can not change the world by himself but in a power grab society I do not expect him to feel totally comfortable in the gaited and guarded world of the Power Five.

Vanderbilt and Belmont have not played recently and I doubt if any of this is Rick Byrd's fault. Maybe Bryce should give him a call?

I will follow Bryce, and wish him well. In his time in a VU uniform, assistant coach and head coach, I believe he has given his everything. What more can I ask of anyone in those positions.

I don't think he left for $$, although that was a consideration. Vanderbilt, and the SEC, gives him the opportunity to recruit and coach a team that can have realistic aspirations for the sweet sixteen on a yearly basis, and final fours in very good years. How can I deny a fellow VU grad the chance at the ultimate in NCAA basketball coaching?


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I have watched and cheered for Bryce since he was in middle school. I attended all of his high school home games and most of the away games. I remember sitting near his parents and watching their concern when Bryce had to kneel at the sideline during action of a game to rest due to his heart condition. I was in Indianapolis to watch Bryce and Valpo play in the high school championship, and I still get upset when I think about the coaching decision that allowed a three-point shot that took the game into overtime and a loss. Nevertheless, I cheered when Bryce was awarded the Trester Award for mental attitude.


I was pleased when Bryce chose to play for Homer at VU, and I attended every home game while he was at VU. I remember his heroics in the triple overtime win for the Mid-Con championship, and I recall where I was as I watched "The Shot" in the NCAA tourney. I remember his fine speech to the crowd on his senior night. Afterwards, I followed him closely in the NBA, first at Houston and then after he came to the Bulls and was part of the dramatic United Center introductions when he was a starter.


I was delighted when Bryce returned as an assistant coach, and I was in the room when he was announced as Homer's successor. I remember the night Valpo lost the Horizon League championship to Detroit; Bryce saw me afterwards and walked over toward me to shake my hand and thank me for supporting the team all season. I was fortunate to be in the locker room for the players' celebration when Valpo won a Horizon League championship and Bryce invited me to join the team to say "The Lord's Prayer" in the locker room circle. I have witnessed him in a number of interactions with members of the community, including addressing Valparaiso community groups, always friendly and cordial, patiently answering the same questions over and over. I have listened to him talk with kids and other fans on the sidelines at other sports, such as women's basketball games and football games. Others who know Bryce better than I have always spoken of him glowingly.


I have seen him build Valpo into the Horizon League power it has become, and I believe he has left the program in as good a shape as he could—considering the limitations on funds and facilities inherent at a small mid-major university—for a new coach he brought in as an assistant and prepared to be a head coach, someone I look forward to cheering as he leads the team in the future.


As I mentioned when I introduced to this message board the opening at Vanderbilt, I thought this would be an excellent situation for Bryce at a school with high athletics and academics in an interesting city that I didn't think he could allow to pass—as someone mentioned, Vanderbilt is Valparaiso on steroids—and I said I wouldn't blame him at all if he took it. I know this was the thinking of administration officials at the university as well. He had passed up other coaching positions that would have brought him a great deal of income, and I knew that wasn't Bryce's priority.


Bryce has been an outstanding athlete, student, coach, and citizen for Valparaiso. Will I follow Bryce at Vandy and cheer him? You bet I will!

Valpo pal, a very nice tribute to the person who is Bryce Drew.

Bryce may have failed to anknowledge Valpo at the Vandy press conference, however if Vandy does well, the media will mention the new coach who performed as a player and a coach at Valpo.  They will say, "this guy won 4 championships in his first 5 years in the HL and oh yeah he hit a shot."

As for Bryce comming back one day and or finishing his career at Valpo, I don't see it happening.  Win or lose at Vandy, the hometown hero has left and will not be coming back.

Best of luck to Bryce and I hope he does well. 

I'm with Pal, Dad89 and Okiehick on this. Well said folks. Coaches like anybody else in their career move on and up if they can.

I think about Bryce the same as I would an outstanding fellow employee leaving our company for a better opportunity. I feel nothing but happiness for him and his family and wish him great success and fulfillment in his new position.

Will I cheer for Bryce? No. Will I cheer against him? No. I cheer for Valpo, Bryce is no longer a part of the program; he did some great things while he was here. Now he's gone. I've never cared about Vandy basketball so there's no reason for me to start. Do I blame Bryce for leaving? Not at all. If somebody offered me a job where my raise is 2 million dollars I would take it in a heart beat. Who wouldn't? Am I disappointed that he left? As a fan, of course.

I follow Valpo basketball. I will not start following Vandy because of Bryce.

Connections and relationships are the main reason why I have become a fan or follow a number of programs. Evansville, Wake Forest and Purdue are some of the other places I follow and root for when they are not playing VU.  I have connections to those schools through my children, my good friends and the people I have met while serving some of those institutions.  I will always care about the success of Bryce because of the connection we have as Valparaiso University alumni and because of the relationship I have had with his father.  Their successes have helped this university greatly over the last 20 years and their continued success will do more of the same.

I will always support Bryce, although I am not going to support Vandy just because Bryce is coaching there.  Vandy is a beautiful and wealthy school with a distinguished pedigree.  However, many would say that Southern schools such as Emory and Rice (and certainly Virginia) are superior academically at this point in time.  That's arguable. 

Regardless, Bryce earned his shot at the program he apparently longed for during his days at Valpo.  All of us likely have the "perfect job" in mind, whatever that may be, and for which we would jump at the opportunity.  If Bryce elevates Vandy's program to a regular Final Four participant, that's great news, as it is yet another successful achievement for a Valpo alum. 

Keep in mind the following:  As successful as Bryce has been (and likely will be), he is not a giant in terms of career achievements at Valpo.  We have many alumni who have succeeded at the top of their respective professions or made fortunes as entrepreneurs.  Their names are obvious and perhaps not so obvious.  However, Bryce is not in that category.  If and when he donates literally millions of dollars to the university, as many of the above alumni have done, that will place him among Valpo's biggest supporters. 

I will cheer for Bryce at Vandy, but I will boo the annoying court set-up for its home games every time I see it.  :crazy:

Quote from: valpopal on April 12, 2016, 02:56:38 PMI will cheer for Bryce at Vandy, but I will boo the annoying court set-up for its home games every time I see it. 

Spoken like someone who's never sat in Section A, B, C, D, or E row 1 !

I would root for his new team if they weren't a power conference team, because that is how I roll.  I don't root for Baylor either.

I bear no ill will towards him.  I truly think he did all he could here.  He banged his head against the glass ceiling until he got tired of it.  Don't blame him a bit.

If I'm right about that, it really was time for someone else to be the coach.  Food for thought...

StlVUfan, I share your sentiments but as a P5 goes, I appreciate the way Vandy goes about things. They are the Northwestern of the South. I hated them for a year or two because their only representative in major sports, was Jay Cutler. And Jay is an ass in public but in private isn't. I do business with a guy who played WR there and knows Jay well. He's a good dude. I heard some personal things that encountered him and he's really a good person that doesn't get seen publicly nor does he care if it does. Kudos to him. Kudos to Bryce for getting a gig that he felt fit him, hopefully will enhance his marriage and challenge him to where he feels he can go to.

As far as him coming back, I hope he doesn't. Why? Because it means the others failed before him and I don't see failure being an option for Lottich. Is Valpo a stepping stone? Maybe but maybe we get the guy that sees the big picture, sees what he has here (tons of support) and says to himself, is it worth it?

David Price is a pretty big Vandy alum. 

I would think he donates to Atheltics. More specifically to Baseball so long as he had a good experience there. Vandy baseball is a powerhouse, big time. They had 2 kids drafted in the Top 10 I believe. And thee SEC had 4 teams in the CWS. They are the ACC of baseball.

As an aside my nephew pitches for Navarre HS in Florida, near Pensacola. He always wanted to pitch in the SEC and got a full ride offer from Arkansas as a Sophmore. Unless he's drafted in the first 2 rounds he's going to Arkansas. I talk to him every so often and he told me Uncle Mark, it's the best baseball in college, hands down. I don't like to name drop or blow smoke but his name is Matthew Cronin out of Navarre. Look him up for the nonbeliever.  For the baseball fans on the board take a look. An 18 year old lefty that throws low '90's with a devestating curve ball. My daughter who goes to Valpo and is close to him plus myself tried to talk him into giving Valpo a try but his mind was made up. We did try. He would dominate the Horizon League from Day 1.

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 12, 2016, 07:26:36 PMtried to talk him into giving Valpo a try but his mind was made up.

Baseball in the north is difficult...Weren't there several snow delays this past week?  The top 25 in baseball in full of teams in the south. 

Mick, big time. Just from a youth satandpoint my buddy ran an "elite" team in the Chicagloland". His kid is the same age as my nephew. We went down to hang with my inlaws which included my nephew then 12, team playing in a tournament in Orange a Beach, AL. The baseball played at that equal level, compared to here was night and day, these kids were doing things and making plays that kids up here could only think of. Not saying Chicago doesn't produce some talent but look at ML rosters sans Latin players. Most are from the South or California.

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 12, 2016, 07:26:36 PM
I would think he donates to Atheltics. More specifically to Baseball so long as he had a good experience there. Vandy baseball is a powerhouse, big time. They had 2 kids drafted in the Top 10 I believe. And thee SEC had 4 teams in the CWS. They are the ACC of baseball.

As an aside my nephew pitches for Navarre HS in Florida, near Pensacola. He always wanted to pitch in the SEC and got a full ride offer from Arkansas as a Sophmore. Unless he's drafted in the first 2 rounds he's going to Arkansas. I talk to him every so often and he told me Uncle Mark, it's the best baseball in college, hands down. I don't like to name drop or blow smoke but his name is Matthew Cronin out of Navarre. Look him up for the nonbeliever.  For the baseball fans on the board take a look. An 18 year old lefty that throws low '90's with a devestating curve ball. My daughter who goes to Valpo and is close to him plus myself tried to talk him into giving Valpo a try but his mind was made up. We did try. He would dominate the Horizon League from Day 1.

You would be surprised at the quality of our baseball team/league, though I am sure that he would be a top pitcher in the HL.  Several former HL pitchers/hitters are/have been on MLB rosters (Curtis Granderson, Phil Klein, Joe Smith, Carlos Pena, Brad Hennessey, etc), though there are obviously many more out of the Big 12/Pac 12/ACC/SEC.  I went to our games against DBU last month, and we were competitive in each game (went 1-3), and DBU is a top 25 team.  Having played at Valpo 12 years ago, I can say that the Valpo baseball team has improved by leaps and bounds.  This is why we routinely beat top 25 teams each season now :).  The gap in talent within college baseball North vs. South is not as wide as it was when I was playing.  Indiana, Kent State, Stony Brook, and a few other non-Southern schools have made deep CWS runs in the last few years.  This is coming from an extremely cocky Texan who used to tout the difference between Southern baseball and Northern baseball on a routine basis, while in school lol.  I see guys throwing in the high 80's/low 90's in my adult baseball league, fresh off a professional or college career.  He will need to master his location and offspeed pitches in college, as it seems like everyone throws 90 now (not as many lefties though).

Back on topic, I wish Bryce well, but won't go out of my way to root for Vandy. 

I just want to remind everyone that Bryce had opportunities to leave on numerous occasions but stayed at Valpo. He finally came to a situation that in his mind was in the best interest of his family and his assistant coaches. Has anyone ever spoken to anyone that has an unkind word to say about Bryce? I doubt it. This decision was very emotional for him, and that's because of his love for the community and the university. I'll root like heck for Vandy and not because my friend is the coach, but because of everything he did for the school I love.

I was maybe among the first 3 YESs in the poll. Since then I've watched the explanations with interest.  I am in the camp that will cheer for Bryce (which was the question that was asked) because of what Pal so eloquently described. He paid his dues and gave us much to remember.  The question that was not asked was would we cheer for Vandy.  My answer to that unasked question is a that in order to cheer for Bryce, I have to hope that Vandy does well.  And if Vandy does well, it will be a great reflection on where Bryce came from.  That legacy will not go away, and I think Valpo will use that legacy to continue to excel.  Will I seek out Vandy games on ESPN?  Not proactively, but when the crawler goes across  the bottom of the screen, I will note Vandy results.  Valpo remains my #1 focus.

Wish this poll was a little more then Yes, No, and Completely Indifferent.

Quote from: FWalum on April 13, 2016, 09:33:16 AM
Wish this poll was a little more then Yes, No, and Completely Indifferent.

I stand by my polling tactics. It forces people to make a hard decision.

Here's the thing we should consider most when evaluating "The Bryce Dre era" did he leave Valpo worse off or better than we got here? My answer, based on what I saw and what they did under him was for the better. His dad left him in a decent position and he took it and excelled with it leaving Lottich in a very good position for the future. It's up to Matt now to carry that torch further.

I cherish the memories that Bryce created here. I am thankful that he left the program in a better state than when he took over. I love the guy and wish him and his family the best of health and success. Does that count as cheering for Bryce?

If the question is Will I cheer for Vanderbilt... my answer then will be: He!! NO!  Why would I?

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 12, 2016, 08:33:50 PMsatandpoint

I think the devil made you misspell that. Look at the first 5 letters.

We are moving to Nashville. We've had it with Valpo BB.

Quote from: Just Sayin on April 14, 2016, 09:14:46 AM
We are moving to Nashville. We've had it with Valpo BB.

Good luck in Nashville!

http://wkrn.com/2016/02/05/2-year-heroin-investigation-peaks-with-arrest-of-4/

http://www.newschannel5.com/news/vandy-students-arrested-in-drug-bust

http://www.wsmv.com/category/211088/davidson-county-news

Very nice tribute -- loved the music.

[tweet]725482842499743745[/tweet]

I will not cheer for Vandy.

I will cheer for Bryce Drew (After watching him play and coach since he was in high school, I see no reason not to.)

Quote from: bbtds on April 14, 2016, 11:56:15 AM

Quote from: Just Sayin on April 14, 2016, 09:14:46 AM
We are moving to Nashville. We've had it with Valpo BB.

Good luck in Nashville!

http://wkrn.com/2016/02/05/2-year-heroin-investigation-peaks-with-arrest-of-4/

http://www.newschannel5.com/news/vandy-students-arrested-in-drug-bust

http://www.wsmv.com/category/211088/davidson-county-news

I think you missed that I was having a sargasm when I wrote that.

How in the world can you resent Bryce for lack of loyalty?   

Think about it.   As a young high school recruitk, he essentially chose Valpo over several Power 5 schools who offered him and stayed out of loyalty to his dad.   Without Bryce joining Homer NONE of this happens!   

All the mid-90s success onward.....NONE OF IT!     There are no Jenkins twins without Bryce!   

Come on man!

Bill and Bob committed well before Bryce, however your other points are extremely well said.

Quote from: crusadermoe on April 28, 2016, 11:37:40 AM
How in the world can you resent Bryce for lack of loyalty?   

Think about it.   As a young high school recruitk, he essentially chose Valpo over several Power 5 schools who offered him and stayed out of loyalty to his dad.   Without Bryce joining Homer NONE of this happens!   

All the mid-90s success onward.....NONE OF IT!     There are no Jenkins twins without Bryce!   

Come on man!

To whom were you responding?

Quote from: Just Sayin on April 28, 2016, 09:48:08 AM

Quote from: bbtds on April 14, 2016, 11:56:15 AM

Quote from: Just Sayin on April 14, 2016, 09:14:46 AM
We are moving to Nashville. We've had it with Valpo BB.

Good luck in Nashville!

http://wkrn.com/2016/02/05/2-year-heroin-investigation-peaks-with-arrest-of-4/

http://www.newschannel5.com/news/vandy-students-arrested-in-drug-bust

http://www.wsmv.com/category/211088/davidson-county-news

I think you missed that I was having a sargasm when I wrote that.

ok, well I was having a shuckle about the city of Nashville.

The Drews did an immense service to Valpo but Valpo did reciprocate the best they could. Bryce was good as gone a few years ago and stayed and made the Program stronger now it is Matt's turn to take it and run with it. I am thinking he will.

Eventually he will probably go somewhere else. Valpo, like 350 other D1 schools are stepping stones in these guy's careers. The only jobs that aren't are UCLA, North Carolina, Duke, Syracuse and Kansas. Those are pillars and iconic gigs. I can't even say Indiana anymore considering the changes since Knight left and the fans wanting Crean's head. But as has been said, if your previous coach leaves you better off for the next coach, than you just have to trust the administration to make the right hire. I think Valpo has a good administration that will try and continue the legacy provided by the Drews.

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 30, 2016, 11:56:28 PMThe Drews did an immense service to Valpo but Valpo did reciprocate the best they could.

I don't believe that Valpo did reciprocate the best they could. I don't think Valpo, as a school as a whole, did nearly as much as the Drews were expecting. I think the Drews finally gave up and found a better fit for their needs and left abruptly.

Reciprocate in what way? President Heckler praised him in a statement and said he's happy we can cheer for another VU. We named the court after Homer. I know the Drews the last few years were really pushing for a new ARC or at least major improvement to the facilities, which in all honesty they should be and have every right to push for that just as fans have. I really don't know what to believe in Mike Hutton's poorly written hit piece that Bryce is "steamed" and the Skara situation. Maybe things didn't end rosy but I'm over it and excited for the future.

Quote from: historyman on May 24, 2016, 10:51:23 PM

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 30, 2016, 11:56:28 PMThe Drews did an immense service to Valpo but Valpo did reciprocate the best they could.

I don't believe that Valpo did reciprocate the best they could. I don't think Valpo, as a school as a whole, did nearly as much as the Drews were expecting. I think the Drews finally gave up and found a better fit for their needs and left abruptly.

Bryce did not leave abruptly. He was applying for a new position the moment he became head coach.

Quote from: historyman on May 24, 2016, 10:51:23 PM

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 30, 2016, 11:56:28 PMThe Drews did an immense service to Valpo but Valpo did reciprocate the best they could.

I don't believe that Valpo did reciprocate the best they could. I don't think Valpo, as a school as a whole, did nearly as much as the Drews were expecting. I think the Drews finally gave up and found a better fit for their needs and left abruptly.

Abruptly? Really?  29 years later?  Valpo did PLENTY for the Drew's and they did plenty for Valpo. First, Homer would have been fired by most schools after the dismal start. Tom Smith had won 12 games each for his final two seasons as coach.  Homer takes over and wins 10, followed by seasons with 4,5 and 5 wins before finally getting back to where Tom left off, with a 12 win season.

Next the AD lets Homer bring in his son Scott as an assistant, who, to my knowledge had no previous coaching experience and didn't even play basketball in high school or college.  Next thing you know Scott is moved up and takes over as the Head Coach.  Tell me again where else that might have happened.  Scott is so grateful that ONE year later he bolts for MUCH greener (as in much more Green Backs) pastures.  Homer steps back in and is paid more then the University President.  Next thing Bryce is anointed and the rest is history, off to much greener pastures.  Bryce was paid very well.  Homer, Scott and Bryce are all millionaires and Valpo has gained national recognition.  I think it was a fair deal for the Drews and for the University.

Quote from: vu72 on May 25, 2016, 09:38:56 AM

Quote from: historyman on May 24, 2016, 10:51:23 PM

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 30, 2016, 11:56:28 PMThe Drews did an immense service to Valpo but Valpo did reciprocate the best they could.

I don't believe that Valpo did reciprocate the best they could. I don't think Valpo, as a school as a whole, did nearly as much as the Drews were expecting. I think the Drews finally gave up and found a better fit for their needs and left abruptly.

Really?  29 years later?  Valpo did PLENTY for the Drew's and they did plenty for Valpo. First, Homer would have been fired by most schools after the dismal start. Tom Smith had won 12 games each for his final two seasons as coach.  Homer takes over and wins 10, followed by seasons with 4,5 and 5 wins before finally getting back to where Tom left off, with a 12 win season.

Next the AD let's Homer bring in his son Scott as an assistant, who, to my knowledge had no previous coaching experience and didn't even play basketball in high school or college.  Next thing you know Scott is moved up and takes over as the Head Coach.  Tell me again where else that might have happened.  Scott is so grateful that ONE year later he bolts for MUCH greener (as in much more Green Backs) pastures.  Homer steps back in and is paid more then the University President.  Next thing Bryce is anointed and the rest is history, off to much greener pastures.  Bryce was paid very well.  Homer, Scott and Bryce are all millionaires and Valpo has gained national recognition.  I think it was a fair deal for the Drews and for the University.

And I would submit that the Drews knew full well over the course of 29 years what kind of school Valpo was/is all along with respect to discretionary funds for athletics and the unwillingness of the university leadership to borrow large sums to underwrite the athletic program.  They also understood that Valpo alumni are not a rabid fan base that throws money at athletics.  In many respects, despite these hurdles, the university did pretty well by the basketball program. I think many of us would choose to allocate more $$$ to the facilities and program support, but by nature, we are dedicated sports junkies.  The B of T and other leaders are not quite as committed to sports as we are.

Quote from: VULB#62 on May 25, 2016, 09:50:48 AMThe B of T and other leaders are not quite as committed to sports as we are.

This is not a given. It's a choice by the Valpo board. Do you think if Butler had hired Homer Drew and he had been as successful at Butler as Homer was as Valpo that they would be in the same position that Valpo is in? No, the Butler board realizes the importance of their athletic department in the promotion of their school to be in the position they are in as a school. To me Valpo would be more successful in academics if they used the success of the basketball program to draw the increase in enrollment that Valpo so dearly desires. Why has Butler been more successful in increasing attendance and why is Vandy willing to pay a basketball coach so much? Because they know the athletic department's success leads to more success and increased enrollment for the academic side of the school. When/if Valpo's board ever realizes this the school as a whole will be more successful. It's no coincidence that schools like Butler and Vandy are more successful academically than Valpo.

Quote from: historyman on May 25, 2016, 05:41:59 PM

Quote from: VULB#62 on May 25, 2016, 09:50:48 AMThe B of T and other leaders are not quite as committed to sports as we are.

This is not a given. It's a choice by the Valpo board. Do you think if Butler had hired Homer Drew and he had been as successful at Butler as Homer was as Valpo that they would be in the same position that Valpo is in? No, the Butler board realizes the importance of their athletic department in the promotion of their school to be in the position they are in as a school. To me Valpo would be more successful in academics if they used the success of the basketball program to draw the increase in enrollment that Valpo so dearly desires. Why has Butler been more successful in increasing attendance and why is Vandy willing to pay a basketball coach so much? Because they know the athletic department's success leads to more success and increased enrollment for the academic side of the school. When/if Valpo's board ever realizes this the school as a whole will be more successful. It's no coincidence that schools like Butler and Vandy are more successful academically than Valpo.

H-Man, it seems you are contradicting your first sentence. But I agree with everything you state from sentence 3 onward.  Just like a athletic team takes it lead, spirit and personality from it's Head Coach, a university's attitude and culture are dictated by the B of T and President.  I think Mark Heckler is a departure from previous presidents in a good way.  But much more of an awakening needs to take place in the other levels of leadership before the truths you mention are embraced.  Some schools get it quickly, some don't ever get it, and some just take longer than others.

I will say that Valpo is more of a national name now than ever before and certainly more than when I was enrolled.

Quote from: a3uge on May 25, 2016, 09:23:52 AM

Quote from: historyman on May 24, 2016, 10:51:23 PM

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 30, 2016, 11:56:28 PMThe Drews did an immense service to Valpo but Valpo did reciprocate the best they could.

I don't believe that Valpo did reciprocate the best they could. I don't think Valpo, as a school as a whole, did nearly as much as the Drews were expecting. I think the Drews finally gave up and found a better fit for their needs and left abruptly.

Bryce did not leave abruptly. He was applying for a new position the moment he became head coach.

How long before Bryce accepted the job at Vandy did you know that Bryce would no longer be the coach at Valpo? Did you know for sure he would be gone after the season was over? It was abrupt.

That Vandy job wasn't open long. I think as soon as it opened most people knew it was over.

Quote from: historyman on May 26, 2016, 01:24:36 AMHow long before Bryce accepted the job at Vandy did you know that Bryce would no longer be the coach at Valpo? Did you know for sure he would be gone after the season was over? It was abrupt.

I think everyone and their mother knew Drew was not long for Valpo considering he looked at other higher conference gigs each of the last 2 seasons. Given the season the Crusaders had and deep run in the NIT, I don't think he could've been a hotter coaching commodity going into the Final Four. While many didn't want to admit it, myself included, I think we all knew he was gone after this season. I think I would've been more shocked had he stayed. So I don't think abruptly would be an accurate statement relative to his departure.

It was so abrupt that we had his replacement hired a week later. Someone must've had an inkling that he might leave and already had a Plan B up their sleeve to make a hire that quick.

I took abrupt to mean: once things got going, Bang, Bang, it was over and done. What, one week, 10 days at the most from rumor to Nashville presser? The other abrupt component was the "no goodbyes" element. Once it was a done deal, he just disappeared from all radar screens in the state of Indiana.  Yes, we all knew he was looking, but the way it came down was incredibly quick.

Interesting Q and A with Bryce from Sports Illustrated.  Q and A with New Vanderbilt Coach Bryce Drew (http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2016/06/03/bryce-drew-vanderbilt-valpo-commodores)

Interesting article. He said the word "Valpo."

We exist :)

Do we? Or are we all a figure of Greg Kampe's imagination?

In Kampe's imagination, we are simply Mayberry.

Isn't it time to drop this topic from this forum?

Quote from: Valpo89 on June 07, 2016, 01:09:00 PM
In Kampe's imagination, we are simply Mayberry.

In STL's imagination, all he can think about is Kampe :)

Quote from: valpotx on June 07, 2016, 10:36:16 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on June 07, 2016, 01:09:00 PM
In Kampe's imagination, we are simply Mayberry.

In STL's imagination, all he can think about is Kampe :)

And Valpo beating him every damn time, I tell you.