Ya know........
VU has had a lot of talented players go through the revolving door of the MBB program. I could name many as can most of us. Some took their talents elsewhere to either success or oblivion or somewhere in between. We've been fortunate recently to have held onto a few (remember a mate named Rowdy or a guy people call AP?).
Flying under the radar IMO for the past four years is Ben Krikke. In the chaos that has evolved over that time period, he has been a rock - sticking around, even keeled, consistently performing, never bitching, always giving his best, playing incredible minutes, leading by example, grabbing the role of team spokesman and handling it with integrity and polish, and scoring despite most teams trying to take him out of the game equation.
Well, Ben was voted MVC player of the week despite our team losing both games.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2022-23/21880/krikke-earns-mvc-player-of-the-week-nod/
Yeah sure, we on this board just assume Ben will be the key to anything Valpo accomplishes. Of course, he gets occasional props - almost like it was just expected. But lost in all the consternation of winning (not so much) and losing (too much) and coaching is the fact this kid is holding what there is of this program together. When Rowdy and Alec were our bell cows, the praise and recognition was clearly effusive and rightly so. But to me (at least) right now, it almost seems like Ben, despite all the challenges and pressure he is under, has been taken a bit for granted. He deserves better.
He's gonna probably pass Rowdy in scoring. His folks finally saw him play live and he treated them to a career show. Whether he returns for a 5th year or not, in my heart, this kid will wind up in the Valpo athletics HoF. Write it down.
In the remaining days of this season with all the constant tension over where Valpo is heading as a DI basketball program, let's be thankful that we have a kid like Ben representing our university at such a high level and celebrate his every dribble, shot, rebound and assist. He is more than deserving of that. Love the kid.
Great post and congratulations to Ben. I'm sure he could have gone somewhere else at any point in his career, but I'm told he loves Valpo and has ridden out the storm.
Thanks to Ben for his effort throughout the four years. Hopefully he will be named first team all-conference as well.
Great post VULB#62!
Among the many aspects of Ben Krikke worthy of praise is how he has worked relentlessly at his game -- and is still doing so.
The Krikke of last year was very good. The Krikke of this year is first-team MVC and a POY candidate.
Just incredible. He's a very good reason to keep watching the team this year despite the immense frustrations!
Great thread. It's been a pleasure to get to know Ben by spending the last four years around the team. Low maintenance, easy going, no ego, great student, great work ethic and loyal to Valpo on top of the everything you see on the court.
Brandon, does Ben like chicken tenders as much as you on the road?
I have not compared the stats, but who will go down as a more decorated Valpo player? Dan Opland or Ben Krikke? Both very productive 4 year careers on substandard teams mostly. Both played similar positions.
It has been a privilege to watch Ben play. I hope he stays for another year no matter who is coaching. He would be a terrific leader in addition to his playing ability and a great example for new additions to emulate. Thanks for all of your examples of hard work both on and off the court.
Quote from: AB on February 23, 2023, 05:03:32 PM
I have not compared the stats, but who will go down as a more decorated Valpo player? Dan Opland or Ben Krikke? Both very productive 4 year careers on substandard teams mostly. Both played similar positions.
Opland the better outside shot, Krikke the stronger inside game. Beyond that I wouldn't try to pick a winner.
Quote from: valpo64 on February 24, 2023, 12:14:30 PM
It has been a privilege to watch Ben play. I hope he stays for another year no matter who is coaching. He would be a terrific leader in addition to his playing ability and a great example for new additions to emulate. Thanks for all of your examples of hard work both on and off the court.
Ben strikes me as someone who hates to lose. I don't see him investing in Valpo anymore just to get the same old - same old.
Quote from: AB on February 23, 2023, 05:03:32 PM
I have not compared the stats, but who will go down as a more decorated Valpo player? Dan Opland or Ben Krikke? Both very productive 4 year careers on substandard teams mostly. Both played similar positions.
Or Urule Igbavboa?
Just kidding. That team won 9 games in the HL.
Quote from: justducky on February 24, 2023, 12:31:28 PM
Quote from: AB on February 23, 2023, 05:03:32 PM
I have not compared the stats, but who will go down as a more decorated Valpo player? Dan Opland or Ben Krikke? Both very productive 4 year careers on substandard teams mostly. Both played similar positions.
Opland the better outside shot, Krikke the stronger inside game. Beyond that I wouldn't try to pick a winner.
FYI, Dan Oppland.
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHLzSytYuBWk8i2Z0uW0wyRHln6GKz7CU83A0zJu_FwOE5H6kl)
Urule was Dan Oppland Light, but pretty good. Dan and Ben are very similar. I wouldn't be so quick to say that Ben's inside game is better. Oppland would pound it in down low.
Quote from: valpotx on February 25, 2023, 06:13:19 PMDan and Ben are very similar. I wouldn't be so quick to say that Ben's inside game is better. Oppland would pound it in down low.
Yes after 17 years we almost need his highlight reel to refresh our memories. Dan was good but I didn't dig up his yearly stats for a closer analysis. Both had some good teammates and some that just filled the gaps. One additional point may be that the 3 point line was moved back (how far?) between their careers?
Totally agree with Ben's contribution and really appreciate his loyalty. Dan Oppland was a stud on some sub-par teams. He walked around and played with more confidence than almost any Valpo player in decades.
"Krikke should be 1'st team even though Valpo is hot garbage. He's had a great year."
The above is a quote from the MVCFANS message board (Tyler Durden) which pretty well sums things up.
Quote from: valpo tundra on February 27, 2023, 12:36:33 AM
Totally agree with Ben's contribution and really appreciate his loyalty. Dan Oppland was a stud on some sub-par teams. He walked around and played with more confidence than almost any Valpo player in decades.
"What is he saying?"
(https://germanhoops.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/picture-perfect-4002-dan-oppland.jpg)
Add this to Ben's resume:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2022-23/21904/krikke-garners-mvc-scholar-athlete-first-team-accolades-for-third-straight-season/
His grades are definitely good enough to get into Notre Dame.
Since when does ND worry about grades when talent is valued. Ben could have a 2.0 GPA and if they could use him they'd offer. 😀
Omg... USC and ND are about the same academically, and I know USC would take a subpar student.
I wonder if Krikke has made a decision.
Has anyone posted that Ben has entered the transfer portal?
Yep. See Lottich Fired.
Seemingly, 2 of Valpo's all time greats have a strong bookend connection to Matt Lottich's tenure at Valpo. Seven years ago Alec Peters reportedly said he was transferring unless Matt Lottich was named head coach. Presently, Ben Krikke announces he is transferring as Matt is relieved of his duties as head coach.
Doesn't mean he actually will, but..........................................
Does the timing of Ben's entry into the transfer portal suggest that he didn't want to abandon his head coach? If so, it means that throughout the challenges of this season, he respected the man who coached him.
I assume that VU has to plan as if he's leaving. But, he can withdraw his name from the portal and stay if, say, he's excited about the new coach, yes?
Regardless of head coach, Ben needed to either go pro or try a P5. He did his time at Valpo, and it is much appreciated. No hard feelings at all.
Quote from: wh on March 24, 2023, 09:38:10 AMSeemingly, 2 of Valpo's all time greats have a strong bookend connection to Matt Lottich's tenure at Valpo. Seven years ago Alec Peters reportedly said he was transferring unless Matt Lottich was named head coach. Presently, Ben Krikke announces he is transferring as Matt is relieved of his duties as head coach.
Well....let's hope these two fine basketball players don't ultimately ended up in a spot where they are choosing a head basketball coach.
Quote from: JD24 on March 24, 2023, 01:00:19 PM
Quote from: wh on March 24, 2023, 09:38:10 AMSeemingly, 2 of Valpo's all time greats have a strong bookend connection to Matt Lottich's tenure at Valpo. Seven years ago Alec Peters reportedly said he was transferring unless Matt Lottich was named head coach. Presently, Ben Krikke announces he is transferring as Matt is relieved of his duties as head coach.
Well....let's hope these two fine basketball players don't ultimately ended up in a spot where they are choosing a head basketball coach.
I wasn't suggesting that players be consulted in deciding who their coach should be, any more than I would suggest that a faction of faculty members be included in the decision to sell arts pieces to generate cash for a university possibly teetering on the edge of disaster. Neither group is qualified, nor would they be held accountable for the outcome.
If Ben does decide to transfer, I hope he goes to a team that has a legit shot at going to the NCAA tournament. As pretty much the only bright light on some pretty crappy Valpo teams, he deserves to have the experience.
Quote from: nkvu on March 24, 2023, 05:38:59 PM
If Ben does decide to transfer, I hope he goes to a team that has a legit shot at going to the NCAA tournament. As pretty much the only bright light on some pretty crappy Valpo teams, he deserves to have the experience.
If Ben was not on this past years team, one can only imagine...then vomit
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I hope Ben finds a school that he can excel at. In watching FAU today, how good could Ben be on team that actually shoot the 3? Much more room to dominate down low without constant double or triple team.
I know people already suggested Notre Dame, but I could really see that being a good fit for him. I watched a lot of the Shrewsberry offense as a Penn State fan. It was Jalen Pickett bully ball in the paint, and they couldn't double team him because they had 3-4 lethal shooters on the outside. While it might not be Ben Krikke bullyball, it could be Ben Krikke finesse-ball with his footwork and ability to score in the paint. Nobody there to double him if Shrews gets some good deadly shooters in the transfer portal, much like he built PSU. No need to worry about his rebounding struggles either, Penn State was nearly dead last in some rebounding metrics this year and fared just fine.
Where does he end up? Iowa? Nebraska?
My bet is on Iowa.
FWIW, MVCFans has Ben going to Iowa along with two other MVC guys in the portal. One poster pointed out that those rumors now place a bunch of guys in a 3 or 4 position bucket that will probably see more than one of them riding the pine.
Who would want to risk that? Wouldn't you want to xfer to a place where you are recruited to be #1 at your position on day one? I hope he doesn't jump on impulse. If I were Ben, I'd at least wait to make a final decision until I personally talked face-to-face with Roger.
PO confirms Ben to Iowa. >:(
https://twitter.com/TVBOren/status/1645463076840554496?cxt=HHwWgIDSoen87dUtAAAA
Good luck, Ben.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 10, 2023, 11:50:57 AM
PO confirms Ben to Iowa. >:(
https://twitter.com/TVBOren/status/1645463076840554496?cxt=HHwWgIDSoen87dUtAAAA
Good luck, Ben.
At least Paul used a bit of humor to break the news. ;D
Good for Ben. He won't be the #1 guy there but he gave valpo his all for 4 years. He deserves a great opportunity. It will be fun to watch how well he does when all 5 defenders on the court are not 100% focusing on him. It was 1 vs 5 for most of the season.
I had heard he really liked Iowa. So regardless of where he is in the pecking order, he is at a school he felt the best about. It will be very different from his four years at Valpo. Wishing him nothing but the best.
Ben will thoroughly enjoy watching his coach stare at the refs, and he might even get to hold him back from the refs to keep him from getting kicked out. This is common practice for the Iowa players.
(https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/qctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/08/d0810fdf-2bb1-50a1-b69d-50c933712399/6434410a675f3.image.jpg?resize=745%2C728)
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=572326291587495
Quote from: Just Sayin on April 10, 2023, 04:54:57 PMBen will thoroughly enjoy watching his coach stare at the refs,
Well, they are Hawkeyes, you know.
(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/staring-redtail-hawk-7066737.jpg)
Way to go, Ben!!! I will be rooting for this young man. I love the thought of Ben's game in the B10 Ten. It will benefit him to learn from a veteran coach in Fran McCaffery.
Smart Choice, Ben! Murray going to the NBA and Rebraca graduating. I hope he does well.
Quote from: Dr. T on April 10, 2023, 11:19:02 PM
Way to go, Ben!!! I will be rooting for this young man. I love the thought of Ben's game in the B10 Ten. It will benefit him to learn from a veteran coach in Fran McCaffery.
Even though he is a Grade A No. 1 :censored:?
As he moves on with our thanks, appreciation, and best wishes for a great year at Iowa, I just think this guy is a testament to what a mid-major school offers a very promising, still raw, ferociously hardworking player, and vice versa. In four years, he went from a rotation player, to a solid starter, to a very strong starter, and to a conference Player of the Year contender. He did it at a challenging time for the program and in the midst of COVID.
That may be an increasingly rare story with the current transfer portal, but if Coach Powell can find more of these guys and persuade them to stay...plus some lucky lightning strikes from transfers coming in...well, fingers crossed. 🤞 😊👍
Quote from: tjjvalpo on April 11, 2023, 06:47:30 AMSmart Choice, Ben! Murray going to the NBA and Rebraca graduating. I hope he does well.
Ogundele is in the transfer portal as well.
Great interview with Ben by Paul on Victory Bell Podcast. He had 70 schools contact him after he entered the transfer portal. What a crazy time for him. I think he chose well. Iowa is doing European trip this summer so he gets 10 extra practices this summer with his new school and then games in Europe.
It's a safe bet he'll do well at Iowa.
QuoteKrikke shared his thoughts on joining the Hawkeyes, too.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to become a Hawkeye. I am excited to get to campus. I can tell the school is rich in tradition and history and is serious about success both academically and athletically. I'm excited to be supported by such a vibrant fan base and get to be a part of such a great community. I want to do everything I can to help the team win games and contribute to the school's legacy.
"I enjoyed getting to know the coaching staff over my recruitment process and respect them both on and off the court. They want to win and so do I. They are genuine people that are dedicated to seeing their players succeed. I also enjoyed getting to meet the players when I visited. I can tell they are serious about success both on and off the court and many of us approach the game with a similar mindset. We all want to work and push each other to get better," Krikke said.
His answering of the questions are similar to his game on the court, deliberate, plotting, methodical. He had a very good detailed story of how things played out when hearing about the coaching change. Good questioning and enjoyable answers on several topics. Wish him well. Very deserving guy to explore his options. Offensively he's going to have some good nights in that Iowa system. Got work to do on D. This guy did everything the right way on and off the court, as he represented the University in fine fashion.
Even Brauns from Belmont is joining him at Iowa.
I got the sense, just from Ben's measured answers, how much Lottich was in over his head. No consistency. Always changing. Just a complete mess.
Here's a though exercise. What type of player would have Ben become with Homer or Bryce as coach? Would he have reached an Alec Peters level? Or is he the product of being a very good player on very bad teams?
It will be exciting to watch him at Iowa. I'm glad Valpo can count him as an alumni.
I watched the Iowa exhibition game against Quincy, and Krikke seems to fit well as a Hawkeye on a team that is restocking a bit after losing a first-round NBA draft pick. Ben had 14 pts. and 7 rebs. in just 24 minutes of play. He also was excellent in the postgame press conference, exhibiting maturity, poise, and leadership. It will be fun to follow him throughout the season.
Krikke looked unstoppable at times at Creighton tonight. 24 points 11-18 shooting. Lead team in scoring. Announcers were raving about his mid range. Krikke likely will not get drafted, but he has in my opinion a legitimate shot at a 2 way contract next year. He seems perfect for that two man pick and pop game in the NBA.
Quote from: AB on November 14, 2023, 11:30:39 PM
Krikke looked unstoppable at times at Creighton tonight. 24 points 11-18 shooting. Lead team in scoring. Announcers were raving about his mid range. Krikke likely will not get drafted, but he has in my opinion a legitimate shot at a 2 way contract next year. He seems perfect for that two man pick and pop game in the NBA.
And that's against a ranked team! I checked the boxscore, he took all 2-point shots. If he could somehow develop some 3-point range -- something he tried to do at VU but didn't quite get there -- then suddenly his potential NBA value soars.
Seems like a lock for a lucrative European contract. What's the chances of a Team Canada shot?
Krikke doing very well at Iowa , team leader in pts/gm at 18.3 along with 5 boards and 50% from 3!
Quote from: VUSWIM08-12 on November 28, 2023, 03:13:02 PM
Krikke doing very well at Iowa , team leader in pts/gm at 18.3 along with 5 boards and 50% from 3!
Wow. Every good thing for that kid :thumbsup:
Hahaha , I just found the rest of the stats , had to dig a little ! He's 1 of 2 🤣. Still playing very well!!
He's off to a great start and seems to be a perfect fit for Coach Fran McCaffery's offensive system. I really think a two way contract is not out of the question, but yes could definitely have a nice European career. It's too bad VU folded down the stretch last year, because for my money he was the best or second best offensive player the last 10-12 games of the conference season. 18 and 7, book it. Doing the same thing this year @ Iowa. Is he worthy of a discussion for top 8 all time player at VU? If nothing else....He improved every single season.
Top 8 is a tall ask for Krikke, but I would say top 12-15.
Wow, he's playing consistently very well! Take a look at his game-by-game stats so far:
https://hawkeyesports.com/roster/ben-krikke/ (https://hawkeyesports.com/roster/ben-krikke/)
Honestly, I thought he might be a very solid 12 ppg scorer at that level. But it appears that Iowa is relying on him to score, and so far he's justifying that reliance. Just awesome.
And in a roundabout way, this is positive for Valpo. Every game, some P6 radio or TV color commentator is talking about the superb career that Ben Krikke put together at VU. Also, while it would've been great to see him back at VU for a final season, his departure essentially opened the door for Cooper Schwieger to step in and grow into a quality player as a freshman, thus jonesing our optimism about this program's future.
Wonder how much NIL money he is getting? Good for him.
Quote from: tiny707 on November 29, 2023, 11:33:18 AM
Wonder how much NIL money he is getting? Good for him.
A business prof at Valpo told me $140,000.
Yeah, sounded like a decent chunk of money on his interview with PO. Said it would be nice to put some money away. He got into investments during Covid when he had alot of time with all his isolation.