The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

Who's on your wish list? Mine are anyone in Portland, Baylor, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Marquette, St. Louis University and Stanford.

I am all for Marquette!

Why Portland?   

Can someone refresh the games where we are obligated already? 
Rumors or wishes are a different category.

Quote from: crusadermoe on March 13, 2019, 08:17:55 PM
Why Portland?   

Can someone refresh the games where we are obligated already? 
Rumors or wishes are a different category.

Golder's hometown. If we'd fly out there we'd need to get a buy game from one of the P5s out there to make it worth it.

Anyone with a <100 NET, please.

Only contracts I think are definite are GW at home and BSU on the road. Vandy is supposed to come here next year but like any P5 I'll believe that when I see the final schedule and not a moment before.

We're also in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands along with Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Fordham, Grand Canyon, Illinois State, Nevada and Western Kentucky.

Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on March 13, 2019, 08:27:58 PM
Only contracts I think are definite are GW at home and BSU on the road. Vandy is supposed to come here next year but like any P5 I'll believe that when I see the final schedule and not a moment before.

We're also in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands along with Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Fordham, Grand Canyon, Illinois State, Nevada and Western Kentucky.

Kampe built the model, IMO, by scheduling OOC body bag games early in the new conference (HL) transition. They lost a lot but they got the exposure - Amongst the P5s at their arenas. But just one upset could give them credibility. Worth the gamble?  To be honest, I'd rather loose to a P5 on the road than UIndy at home.

Quote from: VU2014 on March 13, 2019, 08:20:12 PM

Quote from: crusadermoe on March 13, 2019, 08:17:55 PM
Why Portland?   

Can someone refresh the games where we are obligated already? 
Rumors or wishes are a different category.

Golder's hometown. If we'd fly out there we'd need to get a buy game from one of the P5s out there to make it worth it.

From an inside source I've heard that Coach Lottich didn't like the amount of time the players spent out of class during their trips to Vegas, South Carolina, West Virginia, DC and Texas. I don't think you are going to see a lot of long trips in this next schedule. They may make a Portland trip as a reward to Markus and his family but I don't think you will see many other long trips.

Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on March 13, 2019, 08:27:58 PM
Only contracts I think are definite are GW at home and BSU on the road. Vandy is supposed to come here next year but like any P5 I'll believe that when I see the final schedule and not a moment before.

We're also in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands along with Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Fordham, Grand Canyon, Illinois State, Nevada and Western Kentucky.

Was the High Point game part of a home and home deal?

What's the over/under on non-DI teams on the schedule?

Quote from: bbtds on March 14, 2019, 08:56:26 AM

Quote from: VU2014 on March 13, 2019, 08:20:12 PM

Quote from: crusadermoe on March 13, 2019, 08:17:55 PM
Why Portland?   

Can someone refresh the games where we are obligated already? 
Rumors or wishes are a different category.

Golder's hometown. If we'd fly out there we'd need to get a buy game from one of the P5s out there to make it worth it.

From an inside source I've heard that Coach Lottich didn't like the amount of time the players spent out of class during their trips to Vegas, South Carolina, West Virginia, DC and Texas. I don't think you are going to see a lot of long trips in this next schedule. They may make a Portland trip as a reward to Markus and his family but I don't think you will see many other long trips.

That's good intel.  I hope Valpo looks to schedule more MAC teams.  Several decent teams and most are close by, limiting both travel time and costs.

Oral Roberts!

Not surprising to hear Matt wasn't a fan of the trips. He made that pretty clear early on with comments about the mileage they were putting in. Would be tough on the students with their classes, for sure. I do think, though, that you've gotta do it if you get a good check from these places. Win or lose, we need the $$$

Quote from: EddieCabot on March 14, 2019, 09:19:29 AM

Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on March 13, 2019, 08:27:58 PM
Only contracts I think are definite are GW at home and BSU on the road. Vandy is supposed to come here next year but like any P5 I'll believe that when I see the final schedule and not a moment before.

We're also in the Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands along with Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Fordham, Grand Canyon, Illinois State, Nevada and Western Kentucky.

Was the High Point game part of a home and home deal?

What's the over/under on non-DI teams on the schedule?

I thought PO said in an earlier pod casts that High Point was a Home and Home.  If so we would be away and I would definitely say pick up another game in the state of North Carolina.

Davidson 1hr.30 min from High Pt.
Charlotte  1hr.30 min from High Pt. (Team had down yr. but so did we)
Wake Forest 30 min from High Pt. (I'll take any ACC team)
UNC Greensboro 30 min from High Pt.
Good winnable games.

Coach Manuel is at UNC-Wilmington...may be a match for a second game there.

Think the deal still holds with Vandy if they fire Bryce?

Not sure if it would hold anyway if he was there. Could see them throwing money at us to make it go away.

Quote from: M on March 14, 2019, 12:19:58 PM
Coach Manuel is at UNC-Wilmington...may be a match for a second game there.

Also would be against Marty Linssen who was red-shirting this season.

One thing I came across in research UNC-Wilmington was a preseason interview with Linssen and one of the questions he was asked was what do remember about playing against UNCW in the Savannah Invitational last year and his was, "I remember sitting a lot on the bench." Thought it was pretty interesting. He clearly thought playing time was a issue and thought it would continue to be going forward and that's probably a main reason for the transfer. I remember talking to the people in the program and his transfer was completely unexpected and surprised the staff. Hopefully we don't have too many surprises this offseason...

I still think that kid has a great ceiling if he could stay out of foul trouble and get better on defense (similar to Mileek).

https://youtu.be/aOQF-VpxsCs

Quote from: crusader05 on March 14, 2019, 07:32:32 PM
Think the deal still holds with Vandy if they fire Bryce?

Not sure if it would hold anyway if he was there. Could see them throwing money at us to make it go away.

No need for concern. Bryce is a strong Christian who walks the talk. He will not renege on his commitment. Matt is cut from the same cloth. That's "the Valpo way," and 1 of many reasons why I love this program.

Ball State finished a losing season tonight and talk on the Twitter machine tonight is that they could be making a coaching change as well. So put that game into the "not finalized" category, too.

Not for us but a solid get for Illinois State

https://twitter.com/hoops_mvc/status/1106057611747700736

Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on March 14, 2019, 10:34:17 PMBall State finished a losing season tonight and talk on the Twitter machine tonight is that they could be making a coaching change as well. So put that game into the "not finalized" category, too.

I doubt that series is going anywhere. Easy travel in state game both teams from quality conferences Good for both parties.

I agree but who knows what will happen if there's a new coach in Muncie next year.

Ball State was really impressive non-con. 3 losses to Purdue/VT/Alabama and then the Evansville stinker. They looked real good here.

Absolutely stunned to see they finished 11th in the MAC. One of their moms at our game was obnoxious so schadenfreude for her.

Quote from: crusader05 on March 14, 2019, 07:32:32 PM
Think the deal still holds with Vandy if they fire Bryce?

Not sure if it would hold anyway if he was there. Could see them throwing money at us to make it go away.

Remember that Bryce got Vandy to get out of the Baylor/Vandy game so the two brothers wouldn't have to face each other in Bryce's first season. Although I think Scott was working just as hard on the Baylor end to get out of that game. It was probably a mutual consent tearing up of the contract.

Nevada
Buffalo
Wofford
VCU
UCF
Utah St
Murray St
Belmont
St Mary's
New Mexico St
Toledo
Furman
Lipscomb
Dayton
UNC Greensboro
Davidson
Butler
Xavier
Fresno St
Colorado
UC Irvine
Hofstra
ETSU
Liberty
Vermont
San Francisco
Yale
Northeastern
BYU
San Diego
Rutgers
Utah Valley
Northwestern
Old Dominion
DePaul
S Dakota St
GA Southern
Tulsa
GA State
N Kentucky
College of Charleston
S Florida
Penn
Bowling Green
San Diego St
Grand Canyon
Southern Miss
Texas St
Harvard
C Michigan
Wright St
Akron
Ball St
Marshall




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Perhaps we can get a home and home with 'Worried'

Quote from: vu84v2 on March 15, 2019, 05:11:41 PM
Perhaps we can get a home and home with 'Worried'

I'd be a little wofforded to play the Worried Terriers too. Look how mean their mascot appears!   ;)


(https://woffordterriers.com/images/2008/7/2/Blitz%20%20-%20Richmond%20game%20web.jpg)

Wagner College....
As a substitute for a Concordia Chicago/Non D1 game. 
Here is why.  Yes Wagner is in a lower conference and their NET is not great but I would want to play them any day over a non D1 school.  Wagner is the only Lutheran D1 basketball program out there now.  I hear to much about catholic institutions wanting to play other catholic universities.  Play Wagner the first game of the year at home instead of a non D1 and promote our Lutheran heritage through the game!

Wagner is a kind of funny situation. We had them scheduled in football but they backed out. We also had a young man transfer out of our program to Wagnerand that would have been an entre to a. Game or two, but that never happened. The natural affinity is there but something just does not allow it to click.  Being a former easterner, I would love to see how we would match up with more eastern schools like Wagner, UVM, Northeastern, Harvard, URI, UMass.  Forget about UConn, Providence or BC. They'd never give us the time of day.

Ideally, in my mind, I would like Valpo to have a geographic scheduling rotation:  one year in the Northeast, then South East, SW,  and NW. Through out we schedule similar schools in the heartland.

Easier said than done.

Oh, BTW, isn't being able to schedule based on long term relationships in coaching one of the pluses of having an experienced HC. ML, unfortunately, is not yet in a position to leverage that.

Butler
Depaul
St. Louis
Tulsa (selfish reasons)
Portland
Oregon St.

Marquette (selfish reasons, but a good and close opponent)
Butler
Dayton
Saint Louis
Murray State
Belmont
Buffalo
Bowling Green
Miami (Ohio)
Toledo
Northwestern

Here is my somewhat cynical guess on next year's non-conference schedule. The objective of not traveling so much will turn into a justification for a weaker non-conference schedule. We're more likely to see PFW, IUPUI and low D1 teams traveling to Valpo than good quality non-conference opponents. There will be a conscious effort to 'boost' the W-L record and not worry about SOS.

USC, Iowa State, Arkansas, SFA

Stanford, Baylor

Hopefully UMKC November 23rd or 24th or 25th 2019.

Quote from: tiny707 on April 03, 2019, 05:44:52 PM
Hopefully UMKC November 23rd or 24th or 25th 2019.

Hopefully NEVER UMKC. They are nearly as bad as Chicago State.

Just want UMKC in November for Homer Drew HOF induction.

Quote from: tiny707 on April 03, 2019, 05:44:52 PMHopefully UMKC November 23rd or 24th or 25th 2019.

It'll have to be a different date, because Valpo will be in The Virgin Islands during those days. The Paradise Jam.

https://twitter.com/andywittry/status/1123001346838421504?s=21

So, has anyone heard whether the Vandy game is still on?  My guess is that with Bryce gone, Vandy will just buy their way out and move on.

Assuming @Ball State, GW, @High Point and the Paradise Jam games are locked in, that leaves 6 non-conference games that we don't currently know about.  With only one home game (GW) locked in, I would hope that 3 or 4 of the remaining 6 non-con games are at home. 

Lastly, the Paradise Jam bracket was released in early May last year, so we might have more information soon.  I'll take a stab and say the brackets look like:

Left side              Right side
GCU                    Nevada
Ill St                    Valpo

Cincinnati             BGSU
Fordham               WKU

Quote from: EddieCabot on April 30, 2019, 01:09:03 PM
So, has anyone heard whether the Vandy game is still on?  My guess is that with Bryce gone, Vandy will just buy their way out and move on.

Assuming @Ball State, GW, @High Point and the Paradise Jam games are locked in, that leaves 6 non-conference games that we don't currently know about.  With only one home game (GW) locked in, I would hope that 3 or 4 of the remaining 6 non-con games are at home. 

Lastly, the Paradise Jam bracket was released in early May last year, so we might have more information soon.  I'll take a stab and say the brackets look like:

Left side              Right side
GCU                    Nevada
Ill St                    Valpo

Cincinnati             BGSU
Fordham               WKU

If folks thought we had transfer problem check out Nevada!  8 seniors graduated plus 6 in the transfer portal.  That leaves walk-ons.

Quote from: vu72 on April 30, 2019, 01:31:20 PM
If folks thought we had transfer problem check out Nevada!  8 seniors graduated plus 6 in the transfer portal.  That leaves walk-ons.

Musselman graduated 8 seniors and then bolted out of town.  Alford will have a major rebuild on his hands, but he's also got a nice 10 year contract.

Quote from: EddieCabot on April 30, 2019, 01:09:03 PMSo, has anyone heard whether the Vandy game is still on?  My guess is that with Bryce gone, Vandy will just buy their way out and move on.

If the first game had already been played at Vandy then that is what they would want to do. Because they were to come here first a little creative thinking might be used. Maybe they will look at our mass defections, chaos and inexperience and decide to come anyway because their chances for a loss have been greatly reduced. In exchange maybe they negotiate for a 2 games at Vandy outcome with the dollar amounts being the deciding factor? However it is decided it appears we hold the stronger poker hand. Did Todd help negotiate this contract?   ;)

I still think Vandy will just buy out of the contract now, but good to see I'm not the only one with the counterintuitive take that Bryce's departure makes that series more likely to happen, not less. It was no secret that Bryce would never want to play that game (there's a reason we haven't played Baylor since Scott took over there -- the Drew family hates playing against teams where they have family or close friends). Now, in our current weakened state and a new coach hungry for wins at Vandy and any likely awkwardness gone, Vandy may just decide to save the money and go through with it and get two easy W's.

Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on May 01, 2019, 10:29:10 AMI still think Vandy will just buy out of the contract now, but good to see I'm not the only one with the counterintuitive take that Bryce's departure makes that series more likely to happen, not less. It was no secret that Bryce would never want to play that game (there's a reason we haven't played Baylor since Scott took over there -- the Drew family hates playing against teams where they have family or close friends). Now, in our current weakened state and a new coach hungry for wins at Vandy and any likely awkwardness gone, Vandy may just decide to save the money and go through with it and get two easy W's.

Agree. Bryce gone means this is more likely to happen. I would be all in for converting this to a 2 for 1 situation as long as the 1 at home is guaranteed with no buy out clause. Valpo needs a marquee home game. Its been far too long. A buy out would need to be HUGE for the AD to consider. After the last few years of bad OOC home games, the program owes it to the fans.

It's obvious they fired Bryce just so they wouldn't have to play us. They're playing 4D chess down there in Nashville.

Could a Valpo vs Belmont series be in the works?

https://twitter.com/caseyalexander_/status/1123758156037881857?s=21

Quote from: VU2014 on May 01, 2019, 08:22:41 PM
Could a Valpo vs Belmont series be in the works?

https://twitter.com/caseyalexander_/status/1123758156037881857?s=21

Nice job, 2014!  Keep tweeting at coaches and we might have a decent schedule!

That should already be an annual series. AS CONFERENCE GAMES Man up Belmont! As it stands ML and MLB need to do this. Belmont is a really good program.

I just drove by Trinity International University in a pouring rain. They said they would be glad to play any team anywhere. And they'll start out playing at The ARC. How about that?

Valpo heading to Charlotte (don't call them UNC-Charlotte) on December 16

https://charlotte49ers.com/documents/2019/7/17//2019_20_Charlotte_49ers_mbb_schedule.pdf

Quote from: jtm on July 17, 2019, 09:44:27 AM
Valpo heading to Charlotte (don't call them UNC-Charlotte) on December 16

https://charlotte49ers.com/documents/2019/7/17//2019_20_Charlotte_49ers_mbb_schedule.pdf

Interesting!  :thumbsup:

We are 4-2 all time and have won all 3 at Charlotte. We last met in 2006 (Honolulu) and lost.

Quote from: jtm on July 17, 2019, 09:44:27 AM
Valpo heading to Charlotte (don't call them UNC-Charlotte) on December 16

https://charlotte49ers.com/documents/2019/7/17//2019_20_Charlotte_49ers_mbb_schedule.pdf (https://charlotte49ers.com/documents/2019/7/17//2019_20_Charlotte_49ers_mbb_schedule.pdf)

The home court advantage could be diminished a bit for Charlotte. That is a Monday after final exams end on the Friday before; therefore, Charlotte's students should be on Christmas break as well.

Will this be a home and home?

Quote from: vu72 on July 17, 2019, 11:38:58 AM
Will this be a home and home?

Happening Hoops twitter account has suggested it was a home and home arrangement.  He also speculated that the game at Charlotte would be on the same trip as the return game to High Point. 

Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2019, 12:32:03 PM

Quote from: vu72 on July 17, 2019, 11:38:58 AM
Will this be a home and home?

Happening Hoops twitter account has suggested it was a home and home arrangement.  He also speculated that the game at Charlotte would be on the same trip as the return game to High Point.

Makes sense since Charlotte is only about an hour bus drive down I-85.

Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2019, 12:32:03 PMHappening Hoops twitter account has suggested it was a home and home arrangement.  He also speculated that the game at Charlotte would be on the same trip as the return game to High Point.

Typically these contracts will return a week day game with a week day game or weekend for weekend. If so then Wed December 18'th would be my best guess for High Point.

So, here's what I think I know as of today.  Anything I'm missing?:

Home - GW, Vandy, Toledo
Road - High Point, Charlotte
Neutral - Paradise Jam (3 games) + 1 "non-bracketed" game (home or away)
Unknown - 4 unknown games remaining

Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
So, here's what I think I know as of today.  Anything I'm missing?:

Home - GW, Vandy, Toledo
Road - High Point, Charlotte
Neutral - Paradise Jam (3 games) + 1 "non-bracketed" game (home or away)
Unknown - 4 unknown games remaining

It's very iffy if that Vandy game happens (ever)...

Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
So, here's what I think I know as of today.  Anything I'm missing?:

Home - GW, Vandy, Toledo
Road - High Point, Charlotte
Neutral - Paradise Jam (3 games) + 1 "non-bracketed" game (home or away)
Unknown - 4 unknown games remaining

I was hoping to see Ball State on this list. Great instate match up.  4 more slots let's make this game happen! It would be disappointing to see non d-1 schools jump into our schedule over Ball State.

Quote from: VALPO LI on July 17, 2019, 09:38:10 PM

Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
So, here's what I think I know as of today.  Anything I'm missing?:

Home - GW, Vandy, Toledo
Road - High Point, Charlotte
Neutral - Paradise Jam (3 games) + 1 "non-bracketed" game (home or away)
Unknown - 4 unknown games remaining

I was hoping to see Ball State on this list. Great instate match up.  4 more slots let's make this game happen! It would be disappointing to see non d-1 schools jump into our schedule over Ball State.

Agreed, but Valpo was not on BSU's schedule as of late May, with only a few open spots left.  Maybe they'll still work something out, but it looks doubtful to me.

Quote from: justducky on July 17, 2019, 10:12:14 AM

Quote from: jtm on July 17, 2019, 09:44:27 AM
Valpo heading to Charlotte (don't call them UNC-Charlotte) on December 16

https://charlotte49ers.com/documents/2019/7/17//2019_20_Charlotte_49ers_mbb_schedule.pdf

Interesting!  :thumbsup:

We are 4-2 all time and have won all 3 at Charlotte. We last met in 2006 (Honolulu) and lost.

We also got E. Victor Nickerson from the Charlotte 49ers.

Quote from: bbtds on July 18, 2019, 10:19:17 AMWe also got E. Victor Nickerson from the Charlotte 49ers.

He should be invited to the game, issued a stripped shirt and allowed to throw up an honorary, photo op, game opening jump ball. We remember him mostly for his senior year mistakes but I don't think there is a stat for referee turn overs. They just blow the whistle for a do over.  :)

Love E. Victor.  He was force to play some of the point guard at times.  He was a slasher and had a great drive to the lane layup in the conference championship games at the ARC.  One of the most undervalued talents at Valpo.  Not to mention the surgeries he overcame.   

Wish we could have gotten Davidson or a P5 opponent but Charlotte shouldn't be too bad.

He actually responded  :rotfl:

https://twitter.com/jerrystackhouse/status/1154944530388541442?s=20

If true what a shame. I was looking forward to us playing even though Bryce was gone. Another bad part of this scenario is that to fill up the date do we stoop to going low mid major or non D1 because timing has given us few options?

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1154918524843749378

It is what it is about the buyout. Sucks but I'm not surprised. I'm wondering where this roughly $200,000 will get allocated. Heard that the last big buyout that Valpo received didn't get allocate towards the men's basketball program funding... (where it should have, imo)

Quote from: VU2014 on July 26, 2019, 10:33:31 PM
It is what it is about the buyout. Sucks but I'm not surprised. I'm wondering where this roughly $200,000 will get allocated. Heard that the last big buyout that Valpo received didn't get allocate towards the men's basketball program funding... (where it should have, imo)

I'd take the $200k over playing this current Vandy team as a plus.  We aren't vying for at-large so why not get paid and invest in facilities.

The money should immediately go toward the ARC, 200k doesn't fix everything but it's a good chunk toward the LED lighting so the court doesn't look awful on TV.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on July 27, 2019, 07:04:54 AM

Quote from: VU2014 on July 26, 2019, 10:33:31 PMIt is what it is about the buyout. Sucks but I'm not surprised. I'm wondering where this roughly $200,000 will get allocated. Heard that the last big buyout that Valpo received didn't get allocate towards the men's basketball program funding... (where it should have, imo)

I'd take the $200k over playing this current Vandy team as a plus.  We aren't vying for at-large so why not get paid and invest in facilities.

Too bad it's a bold assumption that the money will even be used to improve the athletic facilities since this administration doesn't give a rip about athletics (and really no Valpo administration ever has It's a wonder we've been as successful as we have been on the basketball court.)

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on July 27, 2019, 09:53:33 AMThe money should immediately go toward the ARC, 200k doesn't fix everything but it's a good chunk toward the LED lighting so the court doesn't look awful on TV.

I'd like it to go towards getting the ARC air conditioned.

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 27, 2019, 12:02:34 PM

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on July 27, 2019, 07:04:54 AM

Quote from: VU2014 on July 26, 2019, 10:33:31 PMIt is what it is about the buyout. Sucks but I'm not surprised. I'm wondering where this roughly $200,000 will get allocated. Heard that the last big buyout that Valpo received didn't get allocate towards the men's basketball program funding... (where it should have, imo)

I'd take the $200k over playing this current Vandy team as a plus.  We aren't vying for at-large so why not get paid and invest in facilities.

Too bad it's a bold assumption that the money will even be used to improve the athletic facilities since this administration doesn't give a rip about athletics (and really no Valpo administration ever has It's a wonder we've been as successful as we have been on the basketball court.)

Anyone know what % of the basketball budget comes from

A) Alumni donations/basketball revenue
B) Other University funds

In the made up scenario where 50% A and 50% B, I'd say it's fair to assign the revenue from a buyout accordingly.  But I've got no clue if the basketball team covers their own expenses or not.  I know an alumni donated to a recruiting fund for travel but that's all I've seen posted here.

I wish we had a better idea of what games were buy games and how much we received.   It seems we don't have very many of those when compared to other mid-majors. 

Quote from: oklahomamick on July 27, 2019, 03:08:26 PM
I wish we had a better idea of what games were buy games and how much we received.   It seems we don't have very many of those when compared to other mid-majors.

Texas A&M was a buy game last year, and Purdue and Northwestern were buy games the year before that.  In terms of how much was received, rarely does that become public, but probably north of $100k would be a safe assumption.

If true what if we (take a portion) of the $$$ and buy a home game with a good midmajor like Vermont, Dayton, Davidson.  DePaul or Marquette would be great at home but may be to pricey.  I read UNI bought Stony Brook to come into Cedar Falls last December.

Breaking news- Vandy gets their replacement game...neutral site game against Loyola in Phoenix of all places!!!

200K is a drop in the bucket in MBB these days.
If we want decent home and home out of conference games, we need to clean up the ARC.

Quote from: VALPO LI on July 28, 2019, 08:32:04 AM
If true what if we (take a portion) of the $$$ and buy a home game with a good midmajor like Vermont, Dayton, Davidson.  DePaul or Marquette would be great at home but may be to pricey.  I read UNI bought Stony Brook to come into Cedar Falls last December.

Stony Brook isn't anywhere near the level of those schools you mentioned.  Vermont might do a home and home with Valpo, but I would be surprised if they would do a guarantee game considering how good they've been as a program.  If Valpo can consistently make the tourney, then Davidson for a H&H in the future (Vandy is doing a H&H with Davidson starting this season).  The others to even be an option in the future, a lot will have to change.

Agreed USC. Even though the atmosphere is great when the ARC is filled and rocking, it definitely needs to be brought up to current standards. That will help the "fan experience" overall and maybe help attract other programs who are used to playing in more modern venues (if that matters).  Probably not P6 schools but at least decent mid-majors. We need decent mids on the schedule more than ever with dwindling chances to play P6 schools outside of preseason tournaments. We need to get away from playing non D1 schools to fill in the schedule. Just my 2 cents.
I'm hoping the powers that be and decision makers heard the fans who responded back to the survey last spring. I'd love to hear what the results were...

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If our departed seniors had all returned healthy and with the right attitudes then this Vandy act of cowardice would be greatly resented. With all the uncertainty surrounding our rebuild I just find their decision to be baffling. In my mind Vandy could have come here early with a 65+% chance of leaving with a win and maybe a BIG win. But no -Coach Gutless will take no chances and wants out to make sure his ass is fully protected. Besides, Bryce was obviously a mistake and any memory of past mistakes must be eliminated!  :banghead: Him pissing on Bryce like that just adds insult to injury!

Bryce or any coach not winning a conference game will lead to a departure - except maybe at  Bryce Drew getting fired at Vanderbilt was not at all surprising or unjustified.

I don't think Coach Lottich needs to win the conference to keep his job this up coming season. Just be competitive and make his bosses believe that we're headed in the right direction. The team needs to show that there is potential to compete for a Conference title in the following season or two.

Many fans won't be believers in Lottich till he wins and proves it to them, which is fair to a degree. I'm just a little worn out from the #firelottich crowd, which some are almost to the point of rooting for his demise. We haven't seen this new squad play one minute, so it's way too early for that amount of negativity in my book.

AD is quoted saying an sEC team is coming...is he going to look silly? Is one still coming? Will anybody even really care?

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on July 27, 2019, 09:53:33 AM
The money should immediately go toward the ARC, 200k doesn't fix everything but it's a good chunk toward the LED lighting so the court doesn't look awful on TV.

FIX THE DARN PA SYSTEM FIRST.

PA system and lighting!!

I know that PA system has been a long time problem, it really doesn't bother me that much.  For the over arching production (both TV and in house), atmosphere and actual shooting accuracy the LED lighting would have to be higher on my list. We could resume doing the black out team introductions and other special lighting things I have seen at other arenas.

Valpo needs to either consider a total facility rework or quit being so damn cheap and provide proper lighting, PA and AC. It is ridiculous a $57K tuition plus room-and-board a year university cannot afford this. Be a player and lets move forward!

Quote from: VUBBFan on July 26, 2019, 10:00:34 PM
If true what a shame. I was looking forward to us playing even though Bryce was gone. Another bad part of this scenario is that to fill up the date do we stoop to going low mid major or non D1 because timing has given us few options?

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1154918524843749378

Can they use the money for ARC Air Conditioning? That would be a nice start towards getting the money needed to cool of that place.

Quote from: FWalum on July 29, 2019, 10:51:45 AM
I know that PA system has been a long time problem, it really doesn't bother me that much.  For the over arching production (both TV and in house), atmosphere and actual shooting accuracy the LED lighting would have to be higher on my list. We could resume doing the black out team introductions and other special lighting things I have seen at other arenas.

I agree FWAlum; lighting first.  The overhead court lights are so dim that either the lighted sideline signs have to be overexposed or the court has to be underexposed.  It looks bad.  Really dark-skinned players lack facial details everywhere on the court and everybody else is slightly silhouetted when the scorer's table is behind them.  If I'm not mistaken, it seems that when the broadcasting pros came in, they would have the sideline lighting dimmed so that the court could be properly exposed.  Was I imagining that?

Quote from: Valpower on July 29, 2019, 01:07:15 PM

Quote from: FWalum on July 29, 2019, 10:51:45 AM
I know that PA system has been a long time problem, it really doesn't bother me that much.  For the over arching production (both TV and in house), atmosphere and actual shooting accuracy the LED lighting would have to be higher on my list. We could resume doing the black out team introductions and other special lighting things I have seen at other arenas.

I agree FWAlum; lighting first.  The overhead court lights are so dim that either the lighted sideline signs have to be overexposed or the court has to be underexposed.  It looks bad.  Really dark-skinned players lack facial details everywhere on the court and everybody else is slightly silhouetted when the scorer's table is behind them.  If I'm not mistaken, it seems that when the broadcasting pros came in, they would have the sideline lighting dimmed so that the court could be properly exposed.  Was I imagining that?

Totally agree on the lighting (but wouldn't mind it being bundled with a new sound system).  I mentioned this once before, but I'll repeat myself. Installing LED fixtures is a  very smart investment, because they pay for themselves in a very short time. Lambeau Field replaced all their field lighting last summer. It will be paid for in 1.5 years from the savings they are realizing.

every thread leads back to facilities at one point or another.

Quote from: IrishDawg on July 28, 2019, 02:35:07 PM

Quote from: VALPO LI on July 28, 2019, 08:32:04 AM
If true what if we (take a portion) of the $$$ and buy a home game with a good midmajor like Vermont, Dayton, Davidson.  DePaul or Marquette would be great at home but may be to pricey.  I read UNI bought Stony Brook to come into Cedar Falls last December.

Stony Brook isn't anywhere near the level of those schools you mentioned.  Vermont might do a home and home with Valpo, but I would be surprised if they would do a guarantee game considering how good they've been as a program.  If Valpo can consistently make the tourney, then Davidson for a H&H in the future (Vandy is doing a H&H with Davidson starting this season).  The others to even be an option in the future, a lot will have to change.

Quote from: VU2014 on July 29, 2019, 07:47:43 PM
every thread leads back to facilities at one point or another.

Not promoting a game against Stony Brook (24-9) second in the American East behind Vermont,  with a Net ranking of 155, (which is 1 spot lower than Vanderbilt). ;)
But rather to just take the money and buy a good home game on a Saturday night when students are on campus. Yes we have been reading about the poor quality sound system, lack of good lighting, sub par facilities for a long, long, long time now.  That probably will not change by November.  Soon our schedule will be released and we as fans will be frustrated with the lack of good quality home games (although I feel we have 2 great ones already).  Take the money and buy a good home game!!!!! My  :twocents:

Quote from: VALPO LI on July 29, 2019, 08:58:31 PM

Not promoting a game against Stony Brook (24-9) second in the American East behind Vermont,  with a Net ranking of 155, (which is 1 spot lower than Vanderbilt). ;)
But rather to just take the money and buy a good home game on a Saturday night when students are on campus. Yes we have been reading about the poor quality sound system, lack of good lighting, sub par facilities for a long, long, long time now.  That probably will not change by November.  Soon our schedule will be released and we as fans will be frustrated with the lack of good quality home games (although I feel we have 2 great ones already).  Take the money and buy a good home game!!!!! My  :twocents:

Improving facilities is a much better investment of those funds than a buy game, IMO. Should be interesting to see who winds up on the schedule. Usually released in late August.

Improving facilities is a much better investment of those funds than a buy game, IMO. Should be interesting to see who winds up on the schedule. Usually released in late August.


[/quote]
Ok now it's time to promote Stony Brook :dance: :)
If we get a H and H I'll throw a big Valpo Tailgating party in the Seawolf parking lot and we can talk about facilities over many many beers :cheers:

Valpo should be able to accommodate improved lighting and a PA system. It is embarrassing.

Here's the problem we have with Lottich: he is in year 4 of a 5 year contract which means this is the year we have to decide on an extension (it is awkward to have a coach go into a lame duck year and is not good for recruiting either so a decision really has to be made this year, I actually do think he needs to win the conference or at least come within like 2 games of winning the conference and finish in the top 3 to keep his job. If we only improve to say 5th-7th place we can obviously say that progress is being shown but the problem is would that really be enough to justify an extension? This year is going to be a test of what the administration is willing to accept from this basketball program and the kind of program we want to be in the MVC. Will we strive for excellence and to become a top member or are we content with also-ran status for the foreseeable future? All eyes are on ML and MLB at this critical moment because this will likely impact the fanbase's attitude towards the team as well and future attendance.

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 01, 2019, 12:50:54 AM
Here's the problem we have with Lottich: he is in year 4 of a 5 year contract which means this is the year we have to decide on an extension (it is awkward to have a coach go into a lame duck year and is not good for recruiting either so a decision really has to be made this year, I actually do think he needs to win the conference or at least come within like 2 games of winning the conference and finish in the top 3 to keep his job. If we only improve to say 5th-7th place we can obviously say that progress is being shown but the problem is would that really be enough to justify an extension? This year is going to be a test of what the administration is willing to accept from this basketball program and the kind of program we want to be in the MVC. Will we strive for excellence and to become a top member or are we content with also-ran status for the foreseeable future? All eyes are on ML and MLB at this critical moment because this will likely impact the fanbase's attitude towards the team as well and future attendance.

What's our budget for a HC?  If it's under $400k then attracting a future coach has a lot of limitations.

Flat out, we don't have a track record of paying up for athletics so how is more turmoil by firing Lottich going to help our program?  Sometimes stability in a small program like ours is the best we can ask for.  Top 4 and he stays.  5-6 and he's on the hot seat.  7-10 and he's gone.

applying a demand to win the MVC or get fired is a little ridiculas. Lottich has issues, but there are worse coaches out there. Look at the DePaul situation.

At a high level, Valpo needs to act like a player in the MVC and quit pretending or assuming to be one.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on August 01, 2019, 05:33:48 AM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 01, 2019, 12:50:54 AM
Here's the problem we have with Lottich: he is in year 4 of a 5 year contract which means this is the year we have to decide on an extension (it is awkward to have a coach go into a lame duck year and is not good for recruiting either so a decision really has to be made this year, I actually do think he needs to win the conference or at least come within like 2 games of winning the conference and finish in the top 3 to keep his job. If we only improve to say 5th-7th place we can obviously say that progress is being shown but the problem is would that really be enough to justify an extension? This year is going to be a test of what the administration is willing to accept from this basketball program and the kind of program we want to be in the MVC. Will we strive for excellence and to become a top member or are we content with also-ran status for the foreseeable future? All eyes are on ML and MLB at this critical moment because this will likely impact the fanbase's attitude towards the team as well and future attendance.

What's our budget for a HC?  If it's under $400k then attracting a future coach has a lot of limitations.

Flat out, we don't have a track record of paying up for athletics so how is more turmoil by firing Lottich going to help our program?  Sometimes stability in a small program like ours is the best we can ask for.  Top 4 and he stays.  5-6 and he's on the hot seat.  7-10 and he's gone.

I should add that if we start poorly-mediocre but finish strong that's expected of a young team and in that case I'd be ok with 5th or 6th with a win in St Louis.  Either way your passion is contagious VUGrad1314, don't go so long without posting!  Seems like it's been awhile...

Lottich was paid $257k in the 16-17 season (latest info available), so my guess is it's nowhere near $400k. Bryce was paid just over $500k in his final season, so my guess is that's about where the ceiling would be as things stand now.

Quote from: M on July 28, 2019, 09:57:56 PM
AD is quoted saying an sEC team is coming...is he going to look silly? Is one still coming? Will anybody even really care?

Where was it stated that an SEC team was coming to the ARC?  I've looked on the Valpo website and can't find anything like this.  I'm sure if what the AD said was no longer true that he would have corrected his earlier statement.

One of the beat reporters had it and tweeted it out.  I would be surprised if it's been long since deleted.

With recent series against UIC Loyola and Bradley it is clear that St Joseph's really enjoys coming to the midwest for games. We should really consider getting them on our schedule for a home and home. I think it would be a really good series.

On the MBB 2019-2020 thread, there was discussion on the impact to the schedule as a result of the GW and Vandy pullout.  I'm simply responding here, in order to move that conversation to this thread.

Just a few thoughts:

1. I hope the buyouts (liquidated damages) were very large.  The damages caused by the pullouts are fairly large.
2. Scheduling just got that much harder.  I really hope that the MVC is working on another challenge series with another conference.  Frankly, I think that we need at least two.  That would put at least two games on the schedule.  Or maybe put two games (a game each with two different opposing conference teams) on a single challenge such that each team in each conference gets one home and one away game.
3. Like others, I hope the pullouts don't mean a home slate loaded with D-II's.  I would suspect that, IF (huge 'if') VU makes the national tournament, then at best it's looking at a 15 seed.  So, Net score is not going to matter.  If it doesn't matter, then who cares who VU plays.  In other words, I'd prefer to see games against lowly D-1 schools that drag down Net, than see games against D-II's that don't have any effect.  VU's bad seeding will likely be this year and next year, so having home-and-homes with those lowly D-I's won't matter.
4.  Maybe VU can use the buyout money that it receives to buy a couple of games against some lower D-I's. 
5.  See No. 1.

$250k is still a lot of money .... especially for someone who hadn't ever been an HC before. But I get it ... it's
The name of the game. Supply and demand. With that said, I certainly hope something tangible comes of these buyouts. Let's say we get $250k - $300k total, that's gotta be enough to make some sort of upgrades ... like, oh idk ... lights! Covering up the tinfoil over the air ducts ... painting the walls .... new PA system? Something ....

Curious to see as fans who would you rather see come to the ARC on a Tuesday night early in December.
California Berkley
Or
Utah Valley
?

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 08, 2019, 07:53:58 AM
Curious to see as fans who would you rather see come to the ARC on a Tuesday night early in December.
California Berkley
Or
Utah Valley
?

I would assume that most fans would prefer to see Cal Berkeley since it is a Pac XII team.

Another question would be: who would you rather see come to the ARC: Utah Valley or Concordia?  I'd rather see the Div. I come.

Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on August 07, 2019, 09:04:17 PM$250k is still a lot of money .... especially for someone who hadn't ever been an HC before. But I get it ... it's The name of the game. Supply and demand. With that said, I certainly hope something tangible comes of these buyouts. Let's say we get $250k - $300k total, that's gotta be enough to make some sort of upgrades ... like, oh idk ... lights! Covering up the tinfoil over the air ducts ... painting the walls .... new PA system? Something ....

It may sound radical but might it make sense to go full cost cutting for just this season, pool those savings along the buyout money and put that chunk of money toward the PA system and lighting? Not saying starve the players but maybe bus instead of fly or not take international trips? It's kind of embarrassing to even propose that in a public forum but whatever is in place obviously isn't working. These facility issues have existed for over a decade.

To the comments about the buyout money being able to be put to good use, I suggest that people should not assume that the athletic department operates independently from the university. It is reasonable to suspect that the university does not let any entity in the university take money independently and use it at their own discretion. This is the norm and how things work in most universities. Some large athletic departments operate as independent entities (example: Kansas) and a few colleges operate independently from their affiliated university (example: Harvard Business School) - but Valpo does not operate this way. An example at Valparaiso would be the business school creating a new executive education program with several companies and generating $250K of 'margin'. That 'margin' likely does not go to the business school automatically, but instead likely goes to the centralized university finance, strategy and planning groups. Note: donations are different because the donor can set terms on how the money is used.

In other words, such decisions and the prioritization versus all other university needs are made centrally. So do not assume that the buyout money creates some other good for the basketball program or athletic departments. Alternatively, it is quite possible that the university would let the athletic department add something like $50K to their budget and then use the money elsewhere in the university.

Quote from: Vinny on August 08, 2019, 08:38:01 AM

Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on August 07, 2019, 09:04:17 PM$250k is still a lot of money .... especially for someone who hadn't ever been an HC before. But I get it ... it's The name of the game. Supply and demand. With that said, I certainly hope something tangible comes of these buyouts. Let's say we get $250k - $300k total, that's gotta be enough to make some sort of upgrades ... like, oh idk ... lights! Covering up the tinfoil over the air ducts ... painting the walls .... new PA system? Something ....

It may sound radical but might it make sense to go full cost cutting for just this season, pool those savings along the buyout money and put that chunk of money toward the PA system and lighting? Not saying starve the players but maybe bus instead of fly or not take international trips? It's kind of embarrassing to even propose that in a public forum but whatever is in place obviously isn't working. These facility issues have existed for over a decade.

Beyond my other note regarding how budgeting and spending really works within universities, what would you tell the current players? "We're glad that you came here and your efforts to live with a cost cutting program will hopefully yield great benefits for other players in the future?"

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 08, 2019, 08:41:33 AM
To the comments about the buyout money being able to be put to good use, I suggest that people should not assume that the athletic department operates independently from the university. It is reasonable to suspect that the university does not let any entity in the university take money independently and use it at their own discretion. This is the norm and how things work in most universities. Some large athletic departments operate as independent entities (example: Kansas) and a few colleges operate independently from their affiliated university (example: Harvard Business School) - but Valpo does not operate this way. An example at Valparaiso would be the business school creating a new executive education program with several companies and generating $250K of 'margin'. That 'margin' likely does not go to the business school automatically, but instead likely goes to the centralized university finance, strategy and planning groups. Note: donations are different because the donor can set terms on how the money is used.

In other words, such decisions and the prioritization versus all other university needs are made centrally. So do not assume that the buyout money creates some other good for the basketball program or athletic departments. Alternatively, it is quite possible that the university would let the athletic department add something like $50K to their budget and then use the money elsewhere in the university.

I agree wholeheartedly here.  I don't think any department within Valpo is treated as its own profit center and they all share the revenue generated based on "need" across the University.  I still vote for AC in all dorms before all else!!!!!!!  I was in Alumni and Brandt and boy they were hot boxes in 2001/02 (and not just weed)!

Quote from: 4throwfan on August 08, 2019, 08:17:22 AM

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 08, 2019, 07:53:58 AM
Curious to see as fans who would you rather see come to the ARC on a Tuesday night early in December.
California Berkley
Or
Utah Valley
?

I would assume that most fans would prefer to see Cal Berkeley since it is a Pac XII team.

Another question would be: who would you rather see come to the ARC: Utah Valley or Concordia?  I'd rather see the Div. I come.

Exactly!  Cal is a well branded team from a well known conference that finished the year at 8-23 (with 3 conference wins) with a NET of 225!  I'll bet that we would be close to a sell out crowd on a Tuesday night if Cal came to the ARC.
Utah Valley is from the WAC finished the season 25-10 with 12 conference wins and a NET rating of 100!!!!! Yet I would be surprised if we had over 3,500 people in the stands.

My point is that I thought the loss of the George Washington game was a major blow to the program but that tune has changed. I was focused on the brand name of GW.  Little to no conversation has been made about the potential game against the other A-10 school that we may play in the Virgin Islands Fordham, a school that finished with a better record of 12-20 and better net of 245 over GW. (Granted that is no prise but they are somewhat better on paper than GW).
I am over Vandy and GW!!! -now let us regroup and get some home games if possible against mid major schools and focus on our boys who will start the season in Canada!!!!

Great point above on the buyout. As I've said many times before here: If an upgraded ARC was a priority for Heckler / board it would have already happened.

The potential game against Fordham is not at Valpo. The topic here is the home non-conference schedule. I have generally liked the neutral site tournaments and the road schedules (though I am against playing road games at lower D1 schools).

I agree, I just added the Fordham game in as a comparison of another potential A-10 game on our schedule that has a better Net rating but less appeal by name to George Washington.  I personally am hoping to see Valpo play Nevada for our second match up.

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 08, 2019, 12:06:57 PM
The potential game against Fordham is not at Valpo. The topic here is the home non-conference schedule. I have generally liked the neutral site tournaments and the road schedules (though I am against playing road games at lower D1 schools).

Just seeking clarification: are you against home-and-home against low D1's?  I'm not sure that we should oppose that, simply because it will make it difficult to fill the home slate.  Maybe agree that VU should not have H&H's against far away D1's, but I don't agree about those within, say 400 miles.

So does this we'regoing to pay someone to play at the arc without a return game? Maybe it's just me but I feel like resources could be spent elsewhere rather than bringing in a low major to come play us unless it's a dirt cheap buy game, for a fraction of the buyouts we received from both Vandy and GW.

https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1159471973153554433?s=21

Quote from: 4throwfan on August 08, 2019, 12:48:44 PM

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 08, 2019, 12:06:57 PM
The potential game against Fordham is not at Valpo. The topic here is the home non-conference schedule. I have generally liked the neutral site tournaments and the road schedules (though I am against playing road games at lower D1 schools).

Just seeking clarification: are you against home-and-home against low D1's?  I'm not sure that we should oppose that, simply because it will make it difficult to fill the home slate.  Maybe agree that VU should not have H&H's against far away D1's, but I don't agree about those within, say 400 miles.

I guess it depends on who the team is and how you frame 'low D1'.

Chicago State? Never! (I would not even play them at home).
SIUE? No
UWGB, PFW? Yeah, I am probably OK with that.
Detroit, Western Illinois and IUPUI? Probably OK with that too.
MAC teams? Yes (I do not consider them low D1s)

Who else is within 400 miles?

MoSt. Non conference schedule is out and on it are all D1 teams!  They did pay 80k to play a game in Springfield against Cleveland St. 10-21 NET 284. (Who fired their head coach and staff this summer)
This would not be considered"beefing up" a schedule for Valpo but does it justify not playing a non D1 school?

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 08, 2019, 02:18:30 PM

Quote from: 4throwfan on August 08, 2019, 12:48:44 PM

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 08, 2019, 12:06:57 PM
The potential game against Fordham is not at Valpo. The topic here is the home non-conference schedule. I have generally liked the neutral site tournaments and the road schedules (though I am against playing road games at lower D1 schools).

Just seeking clarification: are you against home-and-home against low D1's?  I'm not sure that we should oppose that, simply because it will make it difficult to fill the home slate.  Maybe agree that VU should not have H&H's against far away D1's, but I don't agree about those within, say 400 miles.

I guess it depends on who the team is and how you frame 'low D1'.

Chicago State? Never! (I would not even play them at home).
SIUE? No
UWGB, PFW? Yeah, I am probably OK with that.
Detroit, Western Illinois and IUPUI? Probably OK with that too.
MAC teams? Yes (I do not consider them low D1s)

Who else is within 400 miles?

The reason for my question was simply in response to your statement that you don't want VU playing road games against low D1's.  My point was that theoretically, road games at low D1's would be as part of a home and home, so VU may need to play road games against low D1's.

I think we should be open to home-and-home's against just about any D1.  I take your point with regard to Chicago State.  However, if it comes down between Chicago State and a D2, I'm leaning toward home-and-home with Chicago State.  I agree that such a series is close to unpalatable. 

I would say that ANY other school that is easy to travel to (as a H&H) is preferable to a couple of years of multiple D2 games on the home slate.  Obviously, opinions will differ on that.

The sad thing is that I believe that this discussion is not misplaced, and it's unfortunate that we're having it.

I'm just a little skeptical on the buy games. If it's a low major, I don't see the point in a year we don't expect to compete for a conference title. I'm not a season ticket holder right now but I could definitely see how opinions would differ for season ticket holders. I'd rather see those funds go towards "minor" facility improvements.

Idk. I need to be talked into it

https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1161989302697566213

saw this tweet from Happening Hoops but no other confirmation anywhere yet

Good. Get that money for the long overdue facility upgrades. Keep stacking that cash and let's get serious about building our future!

Here's a thought. Is it possible we let Vanderbilt out of its home and home contract only to allow them to buy us back to come to Nashville for even more money? If so, and if that money is used properly, that's not a terrible strategy even though losing that home game really stings for us fans. I am willing to take short term pain for long term gain but I must see a strategy come forth out of this.

Quote from: crusader05 on August 15, 2019, 04:18:43 PM
https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1161989302697566213

saw this tweet from Happening Hoops but no other confirmation anywhere yet

I am reading it on Saint Louis University message board that this is a confirmed game between Christmas and New Years...but I can not find it anywhere else. 
If true this is extremely exciting to hear!!!!!
SLU (NET 107) finished strong last year in the A-10 with a record of 23-13 winning the A-10 championship earning them a ticket to the big dance. 

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 15, 2019, 06:01:48 PM

Quote from: crusader05 on August 15, 2019, 04:18:43 PMhttps://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1161989302697566213 saw this tweet from Happening Hoops but no other confirmation anywhere yet

I am reading it on Saint Louis University message board that this is a confirmed game between Christmas and New Years...but I can not find it anywhere else. If true this is extremely exciting to hear!!!!! SLU (NET 107) finished strong last year in the A-10 with a record of 23-13 winning the A-10 championship earning them a ticket to the big dance.

A great away game, but I'd really like to get some quality home games. Was happy at the beginning of the summer because it looked like we were going to have it this year, until we got the rug pulled out from under us by those two $#&** schools. Now it doesn't look too favorable since a lot of the D1 schools already have their schedules done.

Will we see SLU at the ARC?

No it is a buy game

Quote from: oklahomamick on August 15, 2019, 10:05:35 PM
Will we see SLU at the ARC?

Doubt it. Would be nice series though.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

USH seems to indicate that we should get ready for a mix of buy games and REALLY crappy home games for the most part. This is thanks to the NET.

https://twitter.com/studurando/status/1161675741882388482?s=21


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: covufan on August 16, 2019, 01:11:44 PMhttps://twitter.com/studurando/status/1161675741882388482?s=21 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

what does ?s=21 mean?

Quote from: Just Sayin on August 16, 2019, 01:47:17 PM

what does ?s=21 mean?

It's probably the Tapatalk iPhone app not doing a good job of cleanly embedding a tweet that doesn't have any follow up text. Shared tweets have code at the end of the URL that helps track the source. It's not the poster putting it there purposefully, so it means nothing.

Personally, I find embedded tweets to be a scourge. They ruin the ability to go to the last-read message when you click the "new" button on a thread.

Excited to hear the buyout money is going back into the program and not dispersed throughout the university.

Anxiously awaiting the schedule release. Seems to take longer every year (it might not actually be longer but it feels that way!).

Great to hear that a game at SLU is likely if not LOCKED DOWN!!    :thumbsup: :thumbsup:   

This only humors my delusional quest to add them to the MVC some day soon.    ;)

I've listed all of the many advantages to SLU ad nausem.

Early test for the Crusaders.
https://twitter.com/FatherHarry1/status/1163644470627356672

Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2019, 03:59:59 PM
So, here's what I think I know as of today.  Anything I'm missing?:

Home - GW, Vandy, Toledo
Road - High Point, Charlotte
Neutral - Paradise Jam (3 games) + 1 "non-bracketed" game (home or away)
Unknown - 4 unknown games remaining

A month later, we have additional information, but more questions.

Home - Toledo
Road - High Point, Charlotte, SLU
Neutral - Paradise Jam (3 games)
Unknown - 6 unknown games, including the "non-bracketed" game from the Paradise Jam

Per South Dakota State's twitter, they'll be travelling to Indiana for a non-conference game, so they remain a possible opponent.

That is a good get if true. SDSU is a very solid program.

If you look at SDSU's cryptic scheduling tease. They will be playing either Evansville or us at home.
https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1163829830368014336

Looks like we have the High Point date confirmed now.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1163920095049072648

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 20, 2019, 02:35:22 PM
That is a good get if true. SDSU is a very solid program.

I have to agree that would be a good entertaining home game.  Jackrabbits went 24-9 last year and got invited to the NIT. 

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 20, 2019, 05:47:12 PM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 20, 2019, 02:35:22 PM
That is a good get if true. SDSU is a very solid program.

I have to agree that would be a good entertaining home game.  Jackrabbits went 24-9 last year and got invited to the NIT.

Agree, but SDSU loses Daum and 2 other seniors.  I doubt they'll be as good next season, but I do think Oztelberger is a good coach, so who knows.

Quote from: EddieCabot on August 20, 2019, 09:17:56 PM

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 20, 2019, 05:47:12 PM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 20, 2019, 02:35:22 PM
That is a good get if true. SDSU is a very solid program.

I have to agree that would be a good entertaining home game.  Jackrabbits went 24-9 last year and got invited to the NIT.

Agree, but SDSU loses Daum and 2 other seniors.  I doubt they'll be as good next season, but I do think Oztelberger is a good coach, so who knows.

Oztelberger coaches UNLV now, so SDSU might really drop off, but we'll see.

several years ago we had a home and away contract with Saint Louis.  I believe they were ranked when they visited us

when SLU played us at Valpo, I think the game went to 4 or 5 overtimes and SLU won with a tip in of a missed shot at the buzzer.  I believe we lost at St. Louis by around 15 points or so.

I think the loss at Valpo was very close but lost by a couple points in regulation time.   

But yes the outcome of the game in St. Louis sounds about right.

Quote from: crusadermoe on August 21, 2019, 03:07:28 PMI think the loss at Valpo was very close but lost by a couple points in regulation time.   

Lexus didn't box his man out!    :'(  :'(  :deadhorse:   :'(.   Thus the buzzer tip in!

Man, I'm nervous about how bad this home schedule is gonna be now. Less than 3 months out and not a peep..

Quote from: justducky on August 21, 2019, 03:33:18 PM

Quote from: crusadermoe on August 21, 2019, 03:07:28 PMI think the loss at Valpo was very close but lost by a couple points in regulation time.

Lexus didn't box his man out!    :'(  :'(  :deadhorse:   :'(.   Thus the buzzer tip in!

Todd said it all:
"Basket's good and the Billikens win".  :'(

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 20, 2019, 05:47:12 PM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 20, 2019, 02:35:22 PM
That is a good get if true. SDSU is a very solid program.

I have to agree that would be a good entertaining home game.  Jackrabbits went 24-9 last year and got invited to the NIT.

No Valpo on SDSU's schedule.

It may have been mentioned already, but I just saw that the Paradise Jam games will be streamed on FloHoops.com . 

Quote from: EddieCabot on August 23, 2019, 01:07:04 PM

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 20, 2019, 05:47:12 PM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 20, 2019, 02:35:22 PMThat is a good get if true. SDSU is a very solid program.

I have to agree that would be a good entertaining home game.  Jackrabbits went 24-9 last year and got invited to the NIT.

No Valpo on SDSU's schedule.

Disappointing we didn't get a game, after they teased their schedule they were going to play a MVC team in Indiana. Ended up not scheduling any MVC team.

Quote from: elephtheria47 on August 21, 2019, 08:40:24 PM
Man, I'm nervous about how bad this home schedule is gonna be now. Less than 3 months out and not a peep..

With this new premise recently promulgated by Mark LaBarbara that playing lousy low majors is better for your NET, I've mentally prepared myself for yet another crap home schedule. I'm not familiar enough yet with the inner workings of the NET, but I seriously doubt it really works that way. Im going to need more evidence to become a believer than one mid major, one year that apparently benefited from a crap home schedule. That said, if it's proven to be true, we will probably have less work to do to dumb down our OOC home schedule than any other mid major program in the country.

Quote from: wh on August 23, 2019, 05:03:09 PM

Quote from: elephtheria47 on August 21, 2019, 08:40:24 PM
Man, I'm nervous about how bad this home schedule is gonna be now. Less than 3 months out and not a peep..

With this new premise recently promulgated by Mark LaBarbara that playing lousy low majors is better for your NET, I've mentally prepared myself for yet another crap home schedule. I'm not familiar enough yet with the inner workings of the NET, but I seriously doubt it really works that way. Im going to need more evidence to become a believer than one mid major, one year that apparently benefited from a crap home schedule. That said, if it's proven to be true, we will probably have less work to do to dumb down our OOC home schedule than any other mid major program in the country.

While margin of victory is capped at 10 points, so it doesn't pay completely to tank the strength of schedule, your margin of efficiency rating (which doesn't factor in strength of schedule) isn't capped, so you can schedule junk teams to artificially inflate that portion of the NET rating. So, if you can't bump up your SOS, that's the best way to boost your rating.

However it's calculated I'm sure it benefits the major conference schools. Otherwise it would never have been put into place.

FYI     SDSU will play at Indiana U this year.

mIGHT be a dumb question

Does the MVC wait for ALL teams to set their non-con basketball schedules to finalize before they set and release the MVC dates?

Quote from: IrishDawg on August 23, 2019, 09:28:10 PM

Quote from: wh on August 23, 2019, 05:03:09 PM

Quote from: elephtheria47 on August 21, 2019, 08:40:24 PM
Man, I'm nervous about how bad this home schedule is gonna be now. Less than 3 months out and not a peep..

With this new premise recently promulgated by Mark LaBarbara that playing lousy low majors is better for your NET, I've mentally prepared myself for yet another crap home schedule. I'm not familiar enough yet with the inner workings of the NET, but I seriously doubt it really works that way. Im going to need more evidence to become a believer than one mid major, one year that apparently benefited from a crap home schedule. That said, if it's proven to be true, we will probably have less work to do to dumb down our OOC home schedule than any other mid major program in the country.

While margin of victory is capped at 10 points, so it doesn't pay completely to tank the strength of schedule, your margin of efficiency rating (which doesn't factor in strength of schedule) isn't capped, so you can schedule junk teams to artificially inflate that portion of the NET rating. So, if you can't bump up your SOS, that's the best way to boost your rating.

Without getting into the details of NET, any comment that states that playing lower D1 teams helps your NET is bogus. My understanding is that NET rewards beating Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 teams (out of four Quadrants) and includes a boost when your games are on the road. Playing weaker (i.e. low mid major teams at home) does nothing to help you in NET rankings.

My guess for why they have not yet released the non-conference schedule is that they are hoping that a minor miracle happens and a decent opponent needs to fill a hole at the last minute. While this is probably the right thing to do if the current schedule is really awful, it has little chance of creating improvement since more and more teams are releasing their non-conference schedule. My guess is that the non-conference home schedule will be Toledo, some truly abysmal program like Chicago State or UMKC, and two or three non-D1 games...and if that is the case it is clearly a failure on the part of the basketball program.

Quote from: elephtheria47 on August 21, 2019, 08:40:24 PMMan, I'm nervous about how bad this home schedule is gonna be now. Less than 3 months out and not a peep..

I'm getting anxious for the schedule too. I have a feeling they will be publishing it this coming week.


Looking at the timeline from last year: VU announced non-conference schedule on Aug 22 (so it is not that much later than right now). The MVC released the conference schedule the first week of September. VU sent out season ticket registrations Sept 6th. So the time is close to finding out what we got this year.

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 24, 2019, 02:16:53 PM

Quote from: IrishDawg on August 23, 2019, 09:28:10 PM

Quote from: wh on August 23, 2019, 05:03:09 PM

Quote from: elephtheria47 on August 21, 2019, 08:40:24 PM
Man, I'm nervous about how bad this home schedule is gonna be now. Less than 3 months out and not a peep..

With this new premise recently promulgated by Mark LaBarbara that playing lousy low majors is better for your NET, I've mentally prepared myself for yet another crap home schedule. I'm not familiar enough yet with the inner workings of the NET, but I seriously doubt it really works that way. Im going to need more evidence to become a believer than one mid major, one year that apparently benefited from a crap home schedule. That said, if it's proven to be true, we will probably have less work to do to dumb down our OOC home schedule than any other mid major program in the country.

While margin of victory is capped at 10 points, so it doesn't pay completely to tank the strength of schedule, your margin of efficiency rating (which doesn't factor in strength of schedule) isn't capped, so you can schedule junk teams to artificially inflate that portion of the NET rating. So, if you can't bump up your SOS, that's the best way to boost your rating.

Without getting into the details of NET, any comment that states that playing lower D1 teams helps your NET is bogus. My understanding is that NET rewards beating Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 teams (out of four Quadrants) and includes a boost when your games are on the road. Playing weaker (i.e. low mid major teams at home) does nothing to help you in NET rankings.

My guess for why they have not yet released the non-conference schedule is that they are hoping that a minor miracle happens and a decent opponent needs to fill a hole at the last minute. While this is probably the right thing to do if the current schedule is really awful, it has little chance of creating improvement since more and more teams are releasing their non-conference schedule. My guess is that the non-conference home schedule will be Toledo, some truly abysmal program like Chicago State or UMKC, and two or three non-D1 games...and if that is the case it is clearly a failure on the part of the basketball program.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2019/01/23/ncaa-net-rankings-rpi-ncaa-tournament-march-madness

Quote from: oklahomamick on August 21, 2019, 10:25:42 AM
several years ago we had a home and away contract with Saint Louis.  I believe they were ranked when they visited us

oklahoma gets brownie points for spelling out Saint Louis University's name correctly. SAINT Louis U.

BTW, Saint Louis (the city) was just awarded an MLS expansion team and is building a soccer specific stadium on the west side of the Union Station former mall/shopping center. I'm not quite sure what is going to be done with Union Station itself.  So Chaifetz Arena (SLU), MLS Stadium, Enterprise Center (Blues) and Busch Stadium (Cardinals) will all be within a radius of 5 miles of each other.

Union Station itself is being renovated into an aquarium.

First exhibition game is against Cedarville Ohio October 19th

Quote from: VUBBFan on August 26, 2019, 11:12:22 AM
First exhibition game is against Cedarville Ohio October 19th

It sounds ridiculous but they also have an exhibition game with Ohio State.

They also have a kid from Valpo on their roster:  Conner TenHove

Like feeding Christians to the lions but I guess those games will fund their basketball program.  Shame on  Ohio State as their game with Cedarville is ridiculous.

Cedarville was the 2019 NCCA II champs and seem to be power in Div II. Still we should dominate them. I'd be worried if we don't.

Oct 19th is a very early date. I'd speculate this game was a desperation reach to fill in a home game after our recent scheduling debacle. May be completely off base but oh well. Still waiting anxiously for the rest of the schedule.

Not sure we should be looking down on DII teams after the UIndy debacle.

Oct. 19 is an exhibition game, which Valparaiso always plays one, as well as typically a closed-door "secret scrimmage." The Cedarville game is some smart scheduling by Valpo. Decent team. Provides a "home" game for former Valparaiso High product Conner TenHove as well as Lowell's Nick Mantis. Mantis' brother is a junior prospect right now and a Valparaiso recruiting target. Bring Cedarville to the ARC, bring the Mantis family to the ARC. 

Quote from: Pgmado on August 26, 2019, 01:47:04 PM
Oct. 19 is an exhibition game, which Valparaiso always plays one, as well as typically a closed-door "secret scrimmage." The Cedarville game is some smart scheduling by Valpo. Decent team. Provides a "home" game for former Valparaiso High product Conner TenHove as well as Lowell's Nick Mantis. Mantis' brother is a junior prospect right now and a Valparaiso recruiting target. Bring Cedarville to the ARC, bring the Mantis family to the ARC.

Very smart.  The Valpo game wasn't on Cedarville's website yesterday, but appeared today!   :thumbsup:

It is almost 11pm CT and I have exhausted myself hitting the refresh button on the Valpo basketball homepage eagerly waiting for this seasons schedule.  So who is left for us to play? 134 teams have not released their non conference schedule yet.  Teams like Villanova, NC State, DePaul, VCU, Davidson and yes Baylor are keeping fans still in the dark....come on Scott it has been 16 years - I apologize side tracked for a moment. 
Home games who is really left? Regional schools from the MAC (8 total), PFW along with 5 other Summit schools plus 4 Horizon league schools (Detroit, IUPUI, NKU, and UIC) could all be in the mix to play at Valpo.
We all wish and some pray for good schools to play at the ARC but what about the bottom of the list.  More realistic teams that would come here. Teams with a 300+ NET rating. There are 28 teams from 8 conferences that could potentially be playing at the ARC this season.  For me some of these games could be fun to watch Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Denver, Manhattan and St. Peter's (MAAC) - east coast thing! Others maybe not, we have recently played UC Riverside and SIUE and then there is 1 from the Windy City with a NET of 353 I should not mention.  Also 13 teams combind from the MEAC and SWAC are potential candidates to run on the hardwood at the ARC.
Frankly I would be entertained if we played a few of these schools @ Home over Non D1 teams.  Throw in a couple of regional teams at home, @ a potential buy game from a respected institution plus Toledo, High Point, Charlotte, Saint Louis, GCU and Nevada/Fordham and this could be an entertaining non conference schedule.

Wouldn't mind seeing some of our old HL rivals if we're looking for home games. MAC teams would be awesome too. I hope we take a few buy games to get some more cash as well especially if it's a P5 program we could conceivably beat.

I believe the replacement games will be MAC and Summit teams. Should find out soon though.

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 28, 2019, 03:35:59 AM
Wouldn't mind seeing some of our old HL rivals if we're looking for home games. MAC teams would be awesome too. I hope we take a few buy games to get some more cash as well especially if it's a P5 program we could conceivably beat.

Here are the P5 schools left that did not release their schedule yet.
ACC:
NC State
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Big 10:
Minnesota
Big 12:
Baylor
SEC:
Arkansas
Pac 12:
Colorado
Oregon St.
AAC:
Memphis
SMU
South Florida
Big East:
DePaul
Villanova

There is virtually no way that any of these major non-conference teams are coming to Valpo. It would be reasonable if there were home opponents from the MAC (beyond Toledo) or other mid-tier conferences. My guess is that will not happen.

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 28, 2019, 08:54:39 AM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 28, 2019, 03:35:59 AM
Wouldn't mind seeing some of our old HL rivals if we're looking for home games. MAC teams would be awesome too. I hope we take a few buy games to get some more cash as well especially if it's a P5 program we could conceivably beat.

Here are the P5 schools left that did not release their schedule yet.
ACC:
NC State
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Big 10:
Minnesota
Big 12:
Baylor
SEC:
Arkansas
Pac 12:
Colorado
Oregon St.
AAC:
Memphis
SMU
South Florida
Big East:
DePaul
Villanova

I'll feed the completely off base, rumor mongering fire, but Mr. Happenin Hoops aluded to another high major buy-out game (road obviously) for Valpo when the SLU game was released.  A few days later, two of our beat reporters started following Arkansas hoops on twitter.  Coincidence?  :lol:

Quote from: govalpogo on August 28, 2019, 10:28:01 AM

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 28, 2019, 08:54:39 AM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 28, 2019, 03:35:59 AM
Wouldn't mind seeing some of our old HL rivals if we're looking for home games. MAC teams would be awesome too. I hope we take a few buy games to get some more cash as well especially if it's a P5 program we could conceivably beat.

Here are the P5 schools left that did not release their schedule yet.
ACC:
NC State
Clemson
Georgia Tech
Big 10:
Minnesota
Big 12:
Baylor
SEC:
Arkansas
Pac 12:
Colorado
Oregon St.
AAC:
Memphis
SMU
South Florida
Big East:
DePaul
Villanova

I'll feed the completely off base, rumor mongering fire, but Mr. Happenin Hoops aluded to another high major buy-out game (road obviously) for Valpo when the SLU game was released.  A few days later, two of our beat reporters started following Arkansas hoops on twitter.  Coincidence?  :lol:

No.

Quote from: Pgmado on August 28, 2019, 11:57:47 AMNo.

Vander Washington?

George Bilt?

North Maryland?

South Virginia State?

Quote from: Pgmado on August 28, 2019, 11:57:47 AM

Quote from: govalpogo on August 28, 2019, 10:28:01 AMA few days later, two of our beat reporters started following Arkansas hoops on twitter.  Coincidence?  :lol:

No.

Not a coincidence = game with Arkansas.  The Razorbacks travel to IU on December 29, but I assume the Valpo game will be at Arkansas.

 A good quality away game. Now we need some good home games

Alright here is the schedule for VU

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1166832139297599488
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/1166831142617669633

Three non con D1 home games. Unbelievable.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on August 28, 2019, 05:07:44 PMThree non con D1 home games. Unbelievable.

That's what happens when two Quality name D I schools pull out at the last minute and there are no Quality D I school willing or able to replace them. Otherwise it would have been a fairly good home stand. Unfortunately we had to settle for less for the replacements. I don't fault our athletic department,
they seemed to have had a good home schedule in place before GW & Vandy bailed.

Season ticket prices should be cheaper this year. 3 non-con D1 home games + 9 MVC home games. Plus the non-D1. 12 total D1 home games. Would of been nice to get 1 non-con D1 Sat night game. Not possible I guess at last minute. Oh well. Best enjoy the 3 non-con D1's we got in Nov/Dec. [emoji17]

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Looking it over a little more this is not a BAD Schedule. I'm disappointed in not having GW and Vandy at home but don't know what it would have been with them. Central Michigan seems like the direct replacement for GW since they take the date that they were slotted for. I was thinking that Trinity was replacing Vandy but that may not be the case. Would be interesting to know who replaced them and if it was a home or away game that was replaced.
At least we only play two non DI teams with one being an exhibition game which is pretty much given for DI schools to do to start out the year. So we're only picking up one non DI game that counts.
Altogether I'm ready and excited for the season to begin

First of all, swoosh on the Arkansas game prediction  ;D.

Seems to me that our schedulers listened to y'all complain about the multiple non D-1 games and opted to play more away games instead of loading up on Purdue NW and IU Kokomo, etc.   I assume that Central Michigan and North Dakota are the teams Valpo is paying to host.  There's enough history with Trinity that I wouldn't think they would need to be paid.  Toledo has been on the books for awhile. Did a game with South Dakota State fall through as alluded to by SDSU's cryptic and phantom MVC opponent listed on Twitter? 

The away games with EMU and SIUe are a little confusing to me.  Did Valpo offer to pay them to come in, but saved their money in exchange for home and homes?

Overall, I don't really care about the home schedule as much as others, I live in New Jersey and really only get to see Valpo when they make the NIT final 4  ;).  I see a schedule that's not too bad for a rebuilding team.  A few challenges with a lot of winnable games to work out the kinks.     

Part of the athletic department's job is to get me excited about the home games and get me to buy tickets/spend money. They have failed to do this. I'd be upset if I had season tickets.

Every year there are stories about mid majors getting bought out for a home game. There needs to be a contingency plan in case that happens. Hopefully the lessons learned this offseason helps prepare them for the future but yet another offseason the fanbase is left wanting more.

Got to be honest: the non-con home schedule is pure crap. Only three D-1 team games, one is on a Sunday afternoon during NFL season, another is after classes end and the day before final exams. Another game is Thanksgiving eve when students are away. No Friday or Saturday games except the 5 p.m. exhibition against a D-2 team in October. If you wanted to assure apathy from the student body, this is the schedule you'd create.  >:(

On a side note, Paradise (as in Paradise Jam) is not paradise today. Hurricane Dorian paid us a visit this afternoon. Fortunately, it was a Cat 1, but gusts reached 111 MPH with sustained winds of 88. Power out on the whole island, and curfew in place til 8a.

The schedule overall is decent. Some chances for a few good wins. But I agree the home portion is garbage.

I'm still excited about this program going forward, but man, I just feel like we're in an environment of excuses.

Excuses of why the ARC is garbage. Excuses of why players transfer. Excuses of why we have zero wins in the tournament in over 20 years. And now excuses as to why our home schedule is crap. 

This may be the Bourbon talking, (Angel's Envy) but im just sick and flippin tired of hearing excuses about this program.

Quote from: VUBBFan on August 28, 2019, 05:20:32 PM

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on August 28, 2019, 05:07:44 PMThree non con D1 home games. Unbelievable.

That's what happens when two Quality name D I schools pull out at the last minute and there are no Quality D I school willing or able to replace them. Otherwise it would have been a fairly good home stand. Unfortunately we had to settle for less for the replacements. I don't fault our athletic department,
they seemed to have had a good home schedule in place before GW & Vandy bailed.

There's no contending they did a fine job scheduling until the bottom fell out (and we were compensated).

I'm not really that excited about the home schedule but I can't blame Valpo coaches/admin for it. If Vandy & GW didn't drop out this would have been a very good schedule.

Valpo made a good schedule and made it very expensive for these two a$$hole schools to backout (thinking that would make them uphold the contract) but they did anyways. The fault is not with Valpo but with the other schools. Not an excuse - just a fact.

Ok, George Washington and Vandy buying out contracts is a good excuse for this year. 

But what about all the other years? 

The Toledo and Central Michigan games will be good games. We need to win those games. Hope we can continue home and home series with these and other MAC teams


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This is not a great non-conference schedule, but it is probably better than I expected. North Dakota and Central Michigan are decent home games (though I agree that having both on Sunday afternoon seems to make little sense). Only one non-D1 game (would have preferred none). My other gripe is, Why on earth is Valpo playing a low-D1 program like SIU-E? If it is due to the advancement people wanting an event in St. Louis, don't they already get that with the Saint Louis game?

Quote from: valpopal on August 28, 2019, 07:24:04 PM
Got to be honest: the non-con home schedule is pure crap. Only three D-1 team games, one is on a Sunday afternoon during NFL season, another is after classes end and the day before final exams. Another game is Thanksgiving eve when students are away. No Friday or Saturday games except the 5 p.m. exhibition against a D-2 team in October. If you wanted to assure apathy from the student body, this is the schedule you'd create.  >:(

Not to mention that the last 2 home games of the year are Nov. 27 & Dec 8.  3 weeks without a home game.

Quote from: valpospartan on August 28, 2019, 10:17:30 PM

Quote from: valpopal on August 28, 2019, 07:24:04 PM
Got to be honest: the non-con home schedule is pure crap. Only three D-1 team games, one is on a Sunday afternoon during NFL season, another is after classes end and the day before final exams. Another game is Thanksgiving eve when students are away. No Friday or Saturday games except the 5 p.m. exhibition against a D-2 team in October. If you wanted to assure apathy from the student body, this is the schedule you'd create.  >:(

Not to mention that the last 2 home games of the year are Nov. 27 & Dec 8.  3 weeks without a home game.

The only logical reason is that the University is taking all the $$$ from the buyouts and investing in upgrading the ARC just before conference play!  3 week reno. ;)

Even with vandy and GW it was only going to be 3 D1 home games (though much better names). Have to believe that North Dakota and Central michigan replaced those two. Not enough home games to make my a$$ groove in my upper deck bleacher seat before conference games start.

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 28, 2019, 10:12:29 PM
This is not a great non-conference schedule, but it is probably better than I expected. North Dakota and Central Michigan are decent home games (though I agree that having both on Sunday afternoon seems to make little sense). Only one non-D1 game (would have preferred none). My other gripe is, Why on earth is Valpo playing a low-D1 program like SIU-E? If it is due to the advancement people wanting an event in St. Louis, don't they already get that with the Saint Louis game?

The timing of the SLU game news made me think THAT was one of the Vandy / GW game replacements.

Also, it would be interesting to see what fellow MVC teams home schedules look like.  Some of you guys just love a reason to complain.  If it's not the ARC remodel it's this...geesh.

GW was an awful team last year. Not sure why losing them deflates the home schedule when CMU was a much better team last year and still likely will be this year. Losing Vandy I get, but once Bryce was fired, I would have been shocked if the game at Valpo happened.

It's not much of a change from previous home non-conference schedules, to be honest. Not something for casual fans to be excited for, but Toledo and CMU should test them, and the game against Arkansas is at a perfect time if you want to steal one on the road.

While we think $200k is a high buy out, it's pocket change for a place like Vanderbilt. (Not sure about the GW buyout). Vanderbilt's arena sits over 14k, but let's just say they fill our game with a home game and hit their 2018 avg attendance of 9,158 at $20 a ticket. That's $180k right there just in ticket sales. Fill it with a quality opponent and it's very reasonable that they can make money by buying Valpo out at 200k. Shame on anyone who thought $200k would keep them coming to Valpo, that wasnt enough to make them even think twice about it.

They got legitimately screwed over this year so I won't complain too much but this home schedule isn't very good. Also hate that we still have a non-D1 on the schedule and I REALLY hope we're not doing another Home and Home with SIUE. At least we're playing more MAC teams, though probably not teams that will be near the top of the conference. That said for what the MVC is now post scheduling mandate it's an MVC level schedule. I think Evansville's (which just came out) is better though. They got SMU (an AAC team) to come to the Ford Center.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on August 28, 2019, 08:05:11 PMThis may be the Bourbon talking, (Angel's Envy)

Nice!  ;)

Quote from: IrishDawg on August 29, 2019, 06:52:48 AM
It's not much of a change from previous home non-conference schedules, to be honest.

If true, that is a damning statement about VU's pattern of home non-conference scheduling overall. Also, it negates the excuse that this season was different because of the buyouts. However, I see this non-con as worse than others in the past, not just because of the competition and low number of home games but as much due to the scheduling—no non-exhibition games on a Friday or Saturday (the exhibition at 5 p.m. on a Saturday in mid-October). Games played when students are off campus or on the eve of final exams after classes end. Plus, one of the D-1s scheduled on Sunday afternoon during NFL games. This schedule builds in all the excuses students use for not attending games. On the bright side, we won't have to debate much on the board this fall about a necessity for facility upgrades since fewer people will be attending games to notice the need!

Quote from: vufan75 on August 28, 2019, 06:22:10 PM
Season ticket prices should be cheaper this year. 3 non-con D1 home games + 9 MVC home games. Plus the non-D1. 12 total D1 home games. Would of been nice to get 1 non-con D1 Sat night game. Not possible I guess at last minute. Oh well. Best enjoy the 3 non-con D1's we got in Nov/Dec. [emoji17]

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I haven't received my season ticket brochure yet, but Valpo has traditionally adjusted prices based on the number of home games scheduled.  Here's my SWAG on the prices for this year:

Courtside - $475
Chairback - $350
Bleacher - $150

Sure... The home schedule sucks...  But the overall strength of the schedule is very solid, especially for a team with lots of new parts. 

As for Clay, his friends and family will get 2 regular season short drive trips to see him play and then the MVC tourney! :o  Too bad we couldn't have done the same for Alec Peters! If I remember correctly there are a couple of mid majors just a bit up and down the road from his home town!  ::)

Great Podcast with Coach Gore on Union Street Hoops!  Thanks for bringing us great topics and great guests Paul.

Solid insights on what goes into scheduling by the man responsible for scheduling.  Even gives us a look at 10 games for next years non-conference schedule.  Must listen.

Let's celebrate the fact that we finally have a schedule. Now let's get real. Valpo has a lot of makeup work to do in the next few years to gain the respect in NCAA Mens Basketball which it had not to many years ago. Once that happens perhaps the home schedule will look better. What do you expect when you don't deserve top notch Div 1 teams. :twocents:

Quote from: Valpo Joe on August 29, 2019, 08:18:02 PM
Let's celebrate the fact that we finally have a schedule. Now let's get real. Valpo has a lot of makeup work to do in the next few years to gain the respect in NCAA Mens Basketball which it had not to many years ago. Once that happens perhaps the home schedule will look better. What do you expect when you don't deserve top notch Div 1 teams. :twocents:

Can't disagree here.  Though I welcome the journey ahead.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on August 29, 2019, 07:40:05 PM
Great Podcast with Coach Gore on Union Street Hoops!  Thanks for bringing us great topics and great guests Paul.

Solid insights on what goes into scheduling by the man responsible for scheduling.  Even gives us a look at 10 games for next years non-conference schedule.  Must listen.

Totally agree.  Between this pod and PO's discussion with the AD, I feel like I have a much better understanding of the scheduling process and the challenges that go with it.  I'm also optimistic about next year's schedule based on what Coach Gore shared.

I've enjoyed this one too. I still have a few more minutes to go...but would like to hear Paul ask about getting games with former Horizon League foes.

Quote from: M on August 30, 2019, 11:46:23 AM
I've enjoyed this one too. I still have a few more minutes to go...but would like to hear Paul ask about getting games with former Horizon League foes.

Agreed. One would think a home and home with say Oakland and Wright State (one on the road and one home each year) would be in the best interest of all of the schools. These would be competitive games that would help teams get ready for the conference season, and be of interest to all fans.

Quote from: M on August 30, 2019, 11:46:23 AM
I've enjoyed this one too. I still have a few more minutes to go...but would like to hear Paul ask about getting games with former Horizon League foes.

The best things come to those who wait.

Quote from: M on August 30, 2019, 11:46:23 AM
I've enjoyed this one too. I still have a few more minutes to go...but would like to hear Paul ask about getting games with former Horizon League foes.

Quote from: valpo95 on August 30, 2019, 02:50:07 PM

Quote from: M on August 30, 2019, 11:46:23 AM
I've enjoyed this one too. I still have a few more minutes to go...but would like to hear Paul ask about getting games with former Horizon League foes.

Agreed. One would think a home and home with say Oakland and Wright State (one on the road and one home each year) would be in the best interest of all of the schools. These would be competitive games that would help teams get ready for the conference season, and be of interest to all fans.

In the interview, Does Gore not say without hesitation "We're going to play some horizon teams," then lists off UIC and Oakland immediately as teams on his list (and then most other HL teams as possibilities as well)?   

Glad to hear that we're able to put the nastiness of our departure from the HL behind us and do what is most beneficial to the flagship sport of both parties and play each other. For all of the badmouthing we do and however fortunate we are to be where we are now the HL still has teams we would benefit from playing and who would be a draw for fans due to the recency of the rivalry. I honestly think they're a better bet to draw fans than our old mid-con rivals like Western Illinois UMKC and Oral Roberts. Even if the numbers don't always bear it out, the HL has far more name cache and prestige with midwestern fans than does the SL and I believe that is because it has become such a  plains region league, no disrespect to the programs in the SL(especially NDSU and SDSU). For those who may object because of how bad some of the HL teams have been recently, wouldn't you rather--if we're going to play a bad team anyway--it be a team we have some history with rather than teams like SIUE or UC-Riverside?

Does anyone know how the pre-season tournament work with Valpo and Illinois State?

Quote from: MarchArchPod on August 30, 2019, 10:01:49 PM
Does anyone know how the pre-season tournament work with Valpo and Illinois State?

https://gobearcats.com/documents/2019/5/13//2019_paradise_jam_mens_brackets.pdf (https://gobearcats.com/documents/2019/5/13//2019_paradise_jam_mens_brackets.pdf)

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 30, 2019, 04:33:25 PM
Glad to hear that we're able to put the nastiness of our departure from the HL behind us and do what is most beneficial to the flagship sport of both parties and play each other. For all of the badmouthing we do and however fortunate we are to be where we are now the HL still has teams we would benefit from playing and who would be a draw for fans due to the recency of the rivalry. I honestly think they're a better bet to draw fans than our old mid-con rivals like Western Illinois UMKC and Oral Roberts. Even if the numbers don't always bear it out, the HL has far more name cache and prestige with midwestern fans than does the SL and I believe that is because it has become such a  plains region league, no disrespect to the programs in the SL(especially NDSU and SDSU). For those who may object because of how bad some of the HL teams have been recently, wouldn't you rather--if we're going to play a bad team anyway--it be a team we have some history with rather than teams like SIUE or UC-Riverside?

While the Horizon was memorable and it would be fun to start a series with Oakland, I'm not sure filling our schedule with Horizon league games is beneficial.  I am ready to move on just like I moved on from the Mid Con.  I'll take games against a #9 ranked conference over a #22 ranked conference anyday.  The past is behind us, on to playing a conference with a ranked team like "Buffalo".  Btw...on our schedule are the top 3 teams from the MAC West.  And when it comes time to play rivals..... how about 10 games in the last 13 seasons with a 5/5 split "Ball State".  While the Horizon games had history and were fun to watch, I like the direction our program is going by writing a new chapter in our books with the MAC.

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 30, 2019, 11:41:43 PM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 30, 2019, 04:33:25 PMGlad to hear that we're able to put the nastiness of our departure from the HL behind us and do what is most beneficial to the flagship sport of both parties and play each other. For all of the badmouthing we do and however fortunate we are to be where we are now the HL still has teams we would benefit from playing and who would be a draw for fans due to the recency of the rivalry. I honestly think they're a better bet to draw fans than our old mid-con rivals like Western Illinois UMKC and Oral Roberts. Even if the numbers don't always bear it out, the HL has far more name cache and prestige with midwestern fans than does the SL and I believe that is because it has become such a  plains region league, no disrespect to the programs in the SL(especially NDSU and SDSU). For those who may object because of how bad some of the HL teams have been recently, wouldn't you rather--if we're going to play a bad team anyway--it be a team we have some history with rather than teams like SIUE or UC-Riverside?

While the Horizon was memorable and it would be fun to start a series with Oakland, I'm not sure filling our schedule with Horizon league games is beneficial.  I am ready to move on just like I moved on from the Mid Con.  I'll take games against a #9 ranked conference over a #22 ranked conference anyday.  The past is behind us, on to playing a conference with a ranked team like "Buffalo".  Btw...on our schedule are the top 3 teams from the MAC West.  And when it comes time to play rivals..... how about 10 games in the last 13 seasons with a 5/5 split "Ball State".  While the Horizon games had history and were fun to watch, I like the direction our program is going by writing a new chapter in our books with the MAC.

I don't mind that we're playing more MAC teams. I wanted to see more MAC teams on the schedule and I've said that repeatedly. I'm saying maybe play some HL teams instead of the non D1s or the North Dakotas or UC-Riversides or SIUE's of the world. They're equivalent or better games and more interesting to the fanbase. It would be a total win for the schedule and for attendance.

For personal reasons I would love to see more games scheduled in Southwest Ohio/Northern KY. You have Dayton, Wright State, Xavier, Cincinnati, and Northern Ky all in an easy travel area. Yes I know X and UC will never play at Valpo. So arrange a buy game where we get payed to play X, UC or Dayton at their place and a home/home with Wright State and NKU. So one year we play Wright and X on the road. The next we play Wright at home and UC and NKU on the road.  Then the next we play NKU at home and X or Dayton and Wright St. on the road.  The program will make money on the buy games and we'll have decent D 1 opponents at home. Of course since this makes sense (at least to me ) it will never happen.

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on September 01, 2019, 12:26:28 AM

Quote from: VALPO LI on August 30, 2019, 11:41:43 PM

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 30, 2019, 04:33:25 PMGlad to hear that we're able to put the nastiness of our departure from the HL behind us and do what is most beneficial to the flagship sport of both parties and play each other. For all of the badmouthing we do and however fortunate we are to be where we are now the HL still has teams we would benefit from playing and who would be a draw for fans due to the recency of the rivalry. I honestly think they're a better bet to draw fans than our old mid-con rivals like Western Illinois UMKC and Oral Roberts. Even if the numbers don't always bear it out, the HL has far more name cache and prestige with midwestern fans than does the SL and I believe that is because it has become such a  plains region league, no disrespect to the programs in the SL(especially NDSU and SDSU). For those who may object because of how bad some of the HL teams have been recently, wouldn't you rather--if we're going to play a bad team anyway--it be a team we have some history with rather than teams like SIUE or UC-Riverside?

While the Horizon was memorable and it would be fun to start a series with Oakland, I'm not sure filling our schedule with Horizon league games is beneficial.  I am ready to move on just like I moved on from the Mid Con.  I'll take games against a #9 ranked conference over a #22 ranked conference anyday.  The past is behind us, on to playing a conference with a ranked team like "Buffalo".  Btw...on our schedule are the top 3 teams from the MAC West.  And when it comes time to play rivals..... how about 10 games in the last 13 seasons with a 5/5 split "Ball State".  While the Horizon games had history and were fun to watch, I like the direction our program is going by writing a new chapter in our books with the MAC.

I don't mind that we're playing more MAC teams. I wanted to see more MAC teams on the schedule and I've said that repeatedly. I'm saying maybe play some HL teams instead of the non D1s or the North Dakotas or UC-Riversides or SIUE's of the world. They're equivalent or better games and more interesting to the fanbase. It would be a total win for the schedule and for attendance.

100% agree I would look forward to Wright State, Oakland or NKU on the schedule next year and forward.  That being said, I see that many of us are still complaining about non Division 1 competition.  Maybe I am missing something but the last Podcast did an excellent job filling in the blanks on how things work.

1) We will forever play a non Division 1 in exhibition, if you complain about this then I don't know what to tell you (Cedarville this year)
2) Valpo has always been a University that kept strong ties with its own, Coach Gore said it repeatedly that Jason Hawkins is the HC at Trinity Christian and I applaud him playing him.  Trinity exists on this schedule as a non D1 because it's one of our own.  This is more than just basketball guys, this is community for Valpo and that is a huge part on why players stay connected with the program.  We are a mid-major with zero chance to become Gonzaga.  I applaud Valpo for doing this with guys like Jason Hawkins . . . keep it up.

We all have opinions, and this is just mine, but it's clear that Coach Gore is not going into each year saying "how can I schedule 3 non D1s per season.  As you heard in the podcast, there are a myriad of reasons that games are taken.  It's clear that the dates are purposefully picked to coincide with STUDENT athletes first and foremost, and it should be.  Even more so now that the academic success is monetized by the NCAA.  Also, you heard coach mention that we play more games AFTER FINALS for this same reason.  By necessity we normally have to get a non D1 in this time slot because of the scarcity of D1 opponents Dec 18 - 31st.  This also truly doesn't effect attendance because I've never seen the Arc packed (consistently) for a home game over the break.  I just think that we are overthinking this guys, there are clear and obvious hurdles to some of your desires to have Purdue and Xavier type teams come to the Arc with consistency.  One thing is for certain, MVC play is the real gem here for season ticket holders.  Even if we continue to have difficulty with scheduling high majors at the Arc, consider that you get 9 high quality games that was only 1-3 during the HL and Summit league days.

Last years final NET Rankings
Valpo (net #198) . . . we aren't that attractive to schedule.

Closed Scrimmage:  opponent unknown
Exhibition: Cedarville
Toledo (net #67)
@ Saint Louis (net #107)
@ SIUE (net #329) Note, should this NOT benefit our NET in 2019/20?
North Dakota (net #224)
Grand Canyon (net #104)
Tournament:  opponent unknown
Tournament:  opponent unknown
Tournament:  opponent unknown
@ EMU (net #162)
CMU (net #122)
@ Charlotte (net #266)
@ High Point (net #231)
@ Arkansas neutral site (net #60)

Where is the 3rd non D1 that I've seen mentioned . . . I only see two?

https://twitter.com/MrMattCraig/status/1168262707692261377?s=20

Powerful arguments.

My conclusion:  Mid Majors are merely required to exist in order to fatten P5/6 justifications for dance inclusion. The Mid Major designation is a code word for cannon fodder. 

pgmado,

I finally got to listen to the podcast with Coach Gore, and had a couple of questions, and hopefully you already know the answer without having to go back to the staff.

By the way, I really do enjoy the podcasts.

1.  Coach Gore mentioned a couple of times something about posting for games.  I assume that non-conference scheduling is a combination of MTE's, conference match-ups (e.g., ACC BG10 challenge), networking, and some sort of board posting.  My question is on the last item.  Is there some sort of community board that the coaches interact on?  If so, what does that look like?  Seems like this is a no-brainer that there would be such a thing.

2.  When two teams agree on a home-and-home, are both dates set when the contract is signed?  Seems like it would be more of a range.  Seems like they would use a standard form contract of some sort where the teams simply fill in the blanks for dates and buyout amount - is that right?

Thanks,

I have heard about the existence of such a scheduling board but I'm not sure if those rumors are actually true. I've seen it mentioned by Happening Hoops on Twitter a few times.

Quote from: VUGrad1314 on September 06, 2019, 08:54:14 AM
I have heard about the existence of such a scheduling board but I'm not sure if those rumors are actually true. I've seen it mentioned by Happening Hoops on Twitter a few times.

Believe this is what you might be looking for: http://www.btischeduling.com/?e_type=1

That's the foreign tour scheduling, but I know there's something similar for regular season scheduling that coaches post on to set up games.

Quote from: EddieCabot on August 29, 2019, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: vufan75 on August 28, 2019, 06:22:10 PM
Season ticket prices should be cheaper this year. 3 non-con D1 home games + 9 MVC home games. Plus the non-D1. 12 total D1 home games. Would of been nice to get 1 non-con D1 Sat night game. Not possible I guess at last minute. Oh well. Best enjoy the 3 non-con D1's we got in Nov/Dec. [emoji17]

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

I haven't received my season ticket brochure yet, but Valpo has traditionally adjusted prices based on the number of home games scheduled.  Here's my SWAG on the prices for this year:

Courtside - $475
Chairback - $350
Bleacher - $150

Courtside - $484
Chairback - $354
Bleacher - $159

Not too far off.  I forgot to factor in changes to the Consumer Price Index.

Quote from: EddieCabot on September 09, 2019, 07:39:06 PM

Quote from: EddieCabot on August 29, 2019, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: vufan75 on August 28, 2019, 06:22:10 PM
Season ticket prices should be cheaper this year. 3 non-con D1 home games + 9 MVC home games. Plus the non-D1. 12 total D1 home games. Would of been nice to get 1 non-con D1 Sat night game. Not possible I guess at last minute. Oh well. Best enjoy the 3 non-con D1's we got in Nov/Dec. [emoji17]

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

I haven't received my season ticket brochure yet, but Valpo has traditionally adjusted prices based on the number of home games scheduled.  Here's my SWAG on the prices for this year:

Courtside - $475
Chairback - $350
Bleacher - $150

Courtside - $484
Chairback - $354
Bleacher - $159

Not too far off.  I forgot to factor in changes to the Consumer Price Index.

Mid-Major Basketball is one of the best entertainment values in the USA (especially during the cold winter months in the midwest)