Nobody else feels the hot hand and I am ice cold in recent attempts so no way will I kick this thing off.
OK... I'll get back in the saddle. We're at home. We're 7-1 at the friendly confines. It's going to be a relatively warm Sunday afternoon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbF29c_FpV8
oh, we're playing a pretty good Loyola (15-4, 5-2) team... RPI 65.
Three of their 4 losses have been on the road (Boise State, Milwaukee and Missouri State)... lost at the Gentile to Indiana State
Some really good wins, like @Florida by 6, @ Illinois State by 7.
Valpo Versus Loyola
All-time series: Loyola leads 34-15
At Valpo: Loyola leads 17-6
At Loyola: Loyola leads 17-7
At unknown site: Valpo leads 2-0
Current streak: Valpo W1
Current streak at Valpo: Loyola W1
Current streak at Loyola: Valpo W4
Last 10 meetings: Valpo leads 7-3
12-13 season... they beat us in the ARC 63-54; then we beat them at the Gentile 85-76
11-12 season... we beat them 69-48 there, then we clinched the conference championship at the ARC with a 66-62 win.
10-11 season... we beat them 66-55 there, then they CLOBBERED us at home 68-48
They have Custer, Jackson, Ingram and Townes all averaging in double figures, and Krutwig at 9.5.
Date Opponent Score Attendance.
11/10/17 WRIGHT STATE W 84-80 2814
11/12/17 EUREKA W 96-69 1135
11/16/17 at UMKC W 66-56 1482
11/19/17 SAMFORD W 88-67 1289
11/21/17 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY W 63-50 1133
11/24/17 vs UNCW W 102-78 485
11/25/17 vs Kent State W 75-60 547
11/28/17 at Boise State L 53-87 3738
12/02/17 UIC W 85-61 3024
12/06/17 at Florida W 65-59 9012
12/09/17 NORFOLK STATE W 80-52 1904
12/16/17 at Milwaukee L 56-73 1705
* 12/22/17 at Missouri State L 59-64 4583
* 12/30/17 EVANSVILLE W 66-59 1914
* 01/03/18 INDIANA STATE L 57-61 1501
* 01/07/18 at UNI W 56-50 3765
* 01/10/18 at Illinois State W 68-61 4466
* 01/13/18 BRADLEY W 81-65 2814
* 01/17/18 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS W 79-65 2439
They are averaging 1,997 for the home games...
oh, they shoot free-throws, don't they. 72.2% (74.6 in conference play)
oh, they shoot 3-pointers, don't they. 40.8%, 6 players shooting over 35%
Krutwig, Townes and Ingram have started all 7 of their MVC games,
They were at home last night to the Salukis
==========================
In Short
Donte Ingram scored a season-high 25 points and Cameron Krutwig added 18 points to power Loyola University Chicago (15-4, 5-2 MVC) to a 79-65 victory over Southern Illinois (11-9, 3-4 MVC) tonight at Gentile Arena. The win gives the Ramblers their longest winning streak in conference play – four games – since the 2006-07 season, when it was a member of the Horizon League.
Porter Moser's Thoughts
"Southern Illinois is one of the most physical teams we have played all year. They don't quit. I'm proud of our guys to grind it out in a tough, physical game."
How It Happened
Loyola came out of the starting blocks on fire and raced out to a 19-6 lead, forcing six Southern Illinois turnovers during that stretch. The Salukis answered right back, ripping off 12 unanswered points to close within a single tally (19-18) before a Ben Richardson three-pointer slowed the SIU momentum and opened a stretch of seven straight Loyola points.
Richardson's trey was the first basket in a 16-5, half-closing Loyola spurt that was punctuated by a Clayton Custer layup just before the halftime buzzer that sent the Ramblers into the locker room on top, 35-23.
The Ramblers, who overcame 11 turnovers of their own in the first half alone, shot 51.9 percent (14-for-27) from the field and limited the Salukis to 30 percent (9-for-30), including just 1 of 9 from three-point territory in the opening 20 minutes.
Kavion Pippen's dunk with 13:46 remaining in the game brought Southern Illinois within 10 points (47-37), but Ingram drained a pair of threes as part of an 11-4 run that pushed Loyola's lead to 58-41, matching its largest of the evening, and at least temporarily gave the Ramblers some breathing room.
Southern Illinois wouldn't go away quietly and make a late charge, cutting Loyola's lead down to 10 points (65-55) one last time on Armon Fletcher's layup with a little over three and a half minutes remaining. Once again, the Ramblers had an answer, this time, it was Krutwig scoring to spark an 8-2 surge that culminated with a three-pointer and then a free throw from Ingram, for a comfortable 73-57 advantage.
A Look At The Numbers
Ingram's 25 points are his most since dropping 25 on UNI on January 4, 2017, and he also pitched in seven rebounds, three steals, an assist and a block, while hitting 5-of-8 attempts from three-point land.
Krutwig fell one rebound shy of recording his second straight double-double, finishing with nine boards, while Custer pitched in 12 points.
Sean Lloyd scored 21 points to lead Southern Illinois.
Hope we come to play. Every game Valpo plays on national tv seems to be disappointing but hopefully being at home will help us get the W
Fans better show up for this one...
Valpo 74
Loyola 67
It sounds like Loyola has a bus load coming down to the game on Sunday. Maybe 2.
https://twitter.com/RamblersMBB/status/954130069219364866
Someone on campus needs to get word out to our students we're being invaded.
Student section already reacted to the tweet so they have to be aware.
I'm bringing 8 with me to the game. This is a game I was excited about when moving to the MVC. Used to play them in HL. Local team. Sunday afternoon game. Great weather. I'm excited to see what the turnout will be (however NFL playoffs are at the same time)...lets do it
The ValparaiZone (VU CRU, ZOO Crew, whatever the heck they call themselves now) needs to get up for this one. Look right up to the Loyola students like.....
(https://media.giphy.com/media/HbkT5F5CiRD3O/giphy.gif)
I really hope the students show up big on Saturday Sunday because Loyola is going to have over 100 students there.
Dear Students,
Please don't embarrass this University on National TV. SHOW UP!
Quote from: elephtheria47 on January 19, 2018, 07:57:02 AM
Student section already reacted to the tweet so they have to be aware.
I'm bringing 8 with me to the game. This is a game I was excited about when moving to the MVC. Used to play them in HL. Local team. Sunday afternoon game. Great weather. I'm excited to see what the turnout will be (however NFL playoffs are at the same time)...lets do it
So the Colts, Bears, Lions, Packers and Browns are not in the playoffs. That should allow many students from the local states to be at the game. The 40 or so from Minnesota I will permit to miss the game. ;D
What has been interesting in the MVC has been the defensive intensity night in and night out. Valpo the past 4 games is starting to meet that 40 minutes of intensity. But, offensively we continue to encounter the years old 5 minute lull from about the 13 min TV timeout to the 8 min TV timeout and it's not limited to one half. Where we weather those issues, are team seems to play best the last 8 mins of 1st half. We dig holes and use up too much energy climbing back. SWMoSt (MSU) was a good example of this. Want to see better offense during those stretches. Also, the MVC is a lot like a hitter in baseball (this is for valpotx), teams are adjusting to us game to game like a batter and pitcher adjust at bat to at bat and game to game. The teams that adjust quicker are more successful. Teams have shut down Tevonn the past two games by focusing on him and making the rest of our team score. What adjustments will Matt make to thwart this? Matt and staff have done a nice job (notwithstanding the record) of making adjustments now that the roster is settled, but where overwhelming talent could win in the Horizon the past few years, the game to game adjustments will be critical (especially playing teams the 2d and 3d times. Paul might want to work on an article that starts to identify the major changes we've seen in the two conferences. This has been a much bigger step up in competition league wide than I had anticipated. Just a few that come quickly to mind.
Defensive and Rebounding Intensity
Forwards are bigger/stronger. Centers are shutting down are height advantage.
The POY candidates are excellent players and consistent NBA talent (even though last few Horizon POYs are in NBA/G-League or high Euro Leagues)
Horizon was a guard orientated league, MVC has balanced offensive teams.
Our guards were quicker/stronger the past few years and a big advantage in Horizon; that has been neutralized and we are about equal to the guards in MVC
No easy nights at home and especially on the road -- there's no YSU/CSU road trip this year. Bring your lunch pail every night!
Bringing my middle school team.
Valpo hasn't lost when I bring them to a game. Valpo wins 77-64!
We need to start a winning streak! No place better than home!
Valpo 74
Loyola 67
Quote from: VU2014 on January 19, 2018, 08:36:23 AM
I really hope the students show up big on Saturday because Loyola is going to have over 100 students there.
Dear Students,
Please don't embarrass this University on National TV. SHOW UP!
I hope the students show up on
Sunday.
If it is a big game, and if it were K-Ville, they'd show up on Saturday, staying in their tents and having pizza delivered by Coach Matt. V-Ville!!
Quote from: valpo84 on January 19, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
If it is a big game, and if it were K-Ville, they'd show up on Saturday, staying in their tents and having pizza delivered by Coach Matt. V-Ville!!
Wouldn't that be 'L-Ville'? How about Ick-Ville?
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 19, 2018, 01:21:34 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 19, 2018, 08:36:23 AM
I really hope the students show up big on Saturday because Loyola is going to have over 100 students there.
Dear Students,
Please don't embarrass this University on National TV. SHOW UP!
I hope the students show up on Sunday.
Hahaha, seconded!
There was a small announcement in the NWI Times today that we are Celebrating last year's team at 2:45pm (15-minutes before the game). I don't know who or how... but Don't Be Late !!
The Best SID around has better stats than I do...
Valpo Versus Loyola
All-time series: Loyola leads 34-15 (there are several iterations of 'Loyola' listed on the all-time charts)
At Valpo: Loyola leads 17-6
At Loyola: Loyola leads 17-7
At unknown site: Valpo leads 2-0
Current streak: Valpo W1
Current streak at Valpo: Loyola W1
Current streak at Loyola: Valpo W4
Last 10 meetings: Valpo leads 7-3
Among the Missouri Valley Conference Leaders
Individual Leaders (among top 5)
Tevonn Walker Steals 2nd 2.2
Max Joseph Steals 4th 1.5
Team Leaders (among top 3)
Steals 1st 8.1
Rebounding Offense 2nd 37.0
Rebounding Margin 2nd +3.5
Scoring Margin 3rd +4.8
From the TwitterLand...
Cheer on Valpo Men's Basketball against Loyola this Sunday, January 21 at 3 p.m. Help us #GoldOut the ARC! If you're in need of some Valpo gear, be one of the first 1,000 fans and receive a free #ValpoInTheValley t-shirt.
Quote from: talksalot on January 19, 2018, 04:38:45 PM
There was a small announcement in the NWI Times today that we are Celebrating last year's team at 2:45pm (15-minutes before the game). I don't know who or how... but Don't Be Late !!
Hmmm, Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee on Monday after playing in Denver on Friday.
Quote from: talksalot on January 19, 2018, 04:38:45 PM
There was a small announcement in the NWI Times today that we are Celebrating last year's team at 2:45pm (15-minutes before the game). I don't know who or how... but Don't Be Late !!
They need to get this out there on social media - didn't see anything on twitter yet.
Quote from: talksalot on January 19, 2018, 04:38:45 PM
There was a small announcement in the NWI Times today that we are Celebrating last year's team at 2:45pm (15-minutes before the game). I don't know who or how... but Don't Be Late !!
Men's tennis.
Krutwig has really stepped up for Loyola these past few games. He'll be a handful for our bigs. Custer's back and this team is firing on all cylinders. It'll take terrific play for a full 40 minutes to win this one. I think we can pull this one out but the crowd needs to be a factor.
Quote from: talksalot on January 19, 2018, 04:38:45 PM
There was a small announcement in the NWI Times today that we are Celebrating last year's team at 2:45pm (15-minutes before the game). I don't know who or how... but Don't Be Late !!
Off topic, but is there anything in the works for later in the season to commemorate the 20th anniversary of "The Shot"?
The Loyola student section throwing shade
https://twitter.com/ThePack_LUC/status/954375733622792193
And the Valpo student section throwing it back :thumbsup:
https://twitter.com/ThePack_LUC/status/954375733622792193
Quote from: VU2014 on January 19, 2018, 08:36:23 AM
I really hope the students show up big on Saturday Sunday because Loyola is going to have over 100 students there.
Dear Students,
Please don't embarrass this University on National TV. SHOW UP!
I miss the days when the students used to say "...and we're going to beat the hell out of you" which we ended up doing. Back when Bryce played, the students were very creative in getting into the heads of the opponents and their fans. Until it was stopped. :-X :crazy:
I personally think we pull this one off, but I don't think we should discount the chance of us losing by double digits on our home floor while visiting students drown out our crowd. Maybe that would be the eye opening moment we need to begin to properly market this program. The Region is, was, and always will be basketball crazy. No excuse for the continued 1/2 to 3/4 empty upper deck we've seen all season.
Finally a MVC game when the students are in session.
Quote from: valpo64 on January 20, 2018, 12:21:33 PM
Finally a MVC game when the students are in session.
Students were in session for the Drake game.
Sorry...you're right but wasn't that their 1st day back/classes and a mid-week game? might make a difference
I just hope we finally crack 3000 this year. I must admit the attendance figures have surprised and disappointed me. I figured we'd average around 3500-3800 or so and push\hit\surpass 4000 in conference with all the excitement surrounding the move. Hopefully next year this will be true.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 20, 2018, 03:28:34 PMI just hope we finally crack 3000 this year. I must admit the attendance figures have surprised and disappointed me. I figured we'd average around 3500-3800 or so and push\hit\surpass 4000 in conference with all the excitement surrounding the move. Hopefully next year this will be true.
I believe we will probably get over the 3000 mark. Weather is good it's not on a weekday, we're on national TV.
Oh! There are a lot of Loyola fans coming.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 20, 2018, 04:17:45 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 20, 2018, 03:28:34 PMI just hope we finally crack 3000 this year. I must admit the attendance figures have surprised and disappointed me. I figured we'd average around 3500-3800 or so and push\hit\surpass 4000 in conference with all the excitement surrounding the move. Hopefully next year this will be true.
I believe we will probably get over the 3000 mark. Weather is good it's not on a weekday, we're on national TV.
Oh! There are a lot of Loyola fans coming.
Hey, think on the bright side. There's no need to spend money upgrading a half-full venue.
Sincerely, Mark Heckler
Let's not focus too much on attendance right now. Those problems won't be fixed midseason. Let's focus on the game tomorrow and potentially our new arch-Rival, Loyola.
Tomorrow is going to be a Gold-out at the ARC.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/954862883556544512
https://twitter.com/_amleavitt/status/954863666213609475
Quote from: VU2014 on January 20, 2018, 06:34:03 PM
Let's not focus too much on attendance right now. Those problems won't be fixed midseason. Let's focus on the game tomorrow and potentially our new arch-Rival, Loyola.
Tomorrow is going to be Gold-out at the ARC.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/954862883556544512
https://twitter.com/_amleavitt/status/954863666213609475
Just PLEASE!! NOT the Gray ones!!! :o
They should wear more "alternative" uniforms throughout the season. I was a big fan of the cursive jerseys. I really like this years home jersey's but not a fan of the gold uniforms shorts. Just too short and has that odd wing design on them. Not my cup of tea.
WEAR GOLD TOMORROW!
Steinbrecher made us put an end to that chant during my time at Valpo...it was a classic, but made the older crowd cringe :)
For several seasons in the 80's and 90's, we only had gold uniforms that we wore both home and road (the old-gold with the burnt orange numbers for a couple seasons in the early 80s, then the current shade of gold in the late 80s and early 90s.) If an opponent wore gold on the road, we'd often see them wear their home whites as the visiting team.
If anyone has a photo of the burnt-orange road jerseys we wore for like three seasons back in the 80's, please share. That would be perfect for a "throwback night" promotion.
Quote from: valpotx on January 20, 2018, 08:09:41 PM
Steinbrecher made us put an end to that chant during my time at Valpo...it was a classic, but made the older crowd cringe :)
Didn't Steinbrecher threaten to end the VU CRU, if the chant continued?
Quote from: VU2014 on January 20, 2018, 07:56:05 PMbut not a fan of the gold uniforms shorts. Just too short
You're showing your age (or lack thereof). We're still a far cry from the length from the pre-hip hop, sagging pants (and shorts) days.
It seems that it's the players themselves that prefer the shorts above the knees as there have n\been players rolling over the waistband to shorten them.
Watching the Boise-Nevada game last night, they said that the wolf pack was wearing it's 8th different jersey... they broke out the "Tahoe Gray"; and beat the Williams Smurfs 74-68 (Lexus had 9pts in 30 minutes)
Quote from: valpotx on January 20, 2018, 08:09:41 PM
Steinbrecher made us put an end to that chant during my time at Valpo...it was a classic, but made the older crowd cringe :)
I'm old but it still made me LMAO. Bring back the edge and creativity.
I always sat in the Mezz, and I can still remember the looks that I received when I got to the word, 'hell.' :) It was like I had come from another planet.
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 21, 2018, 09:16:44 AM
Quote from: valpotx on January 20, 2018, 08:09:41 PM
Steinbrecher made us put an end to that chant during my time at Valpo...it was a classic, but made the older crowd cringe :)
I'm old but it still made me LMAO. Bring back the edge and creativity.
Nowadays there is far worse language in the lyrics of some songs played as musical fill during the sporting events.
Quote from: valpotx on January 21, 2018, 11:12:31 AM
I always sat in the Mezz, and I can still remember the looks that I received when I got to the word, 'hell.' :) It was like I had come from another planet.
I didn't bat an eye at the chant as a student. Felt appropriately energetic and combative, I suppose.
Coming back as a parent the V-A-L-P-A-R-A-I-S-O surprised me, but is admittedly easier to explain to my kids.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 20, 2018, 03:28:34 PMI just hope we finally crack 3000 this year. I must admit the attendance figures have surprised and disappointed me. I figured we'd average around 3500-3800 or so and push\hit\surpass 4000 in conference with all the excitement surrounding the move.
My guess-----3725 but a few hundred extra wouldn't shock me.
Quote from: valpopal on January 21, 2018, 11:57:52 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 21, 2018, 09:16:44 AM
Quote from: valpotx on January 20, 2018, 08:09:41 PM
Steinbrecher made us put an end to that chant during my time at Valpo...it was a classic, but made the older crowd cringe :)
I'm old but it still made me LMAO. Bring back the edge and creativity.
Nowadays there is far worse language in the lyrics of some songs played as musical fill during the sporting events.
Would anyone like to share what the cheer was? I'm definitely for more edgy & pushing the limits student section cheers.
Some good news
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/955167650832900097
Loyola 77 Valpo 66
Loyola 74
Valpo 67
The key will be to slow down Kutwig. The kid is a great passer for a big and has nice footwork under the hoop. Loyola likes to run in transition. Custer is a stud. Put Tevonn on him and slow him down.
We'll need a big night from Tevonn and the Bigs need to get going early, because when they have good starts it helps the whole teams on offense.
Pathetic student showing. < half full 3 min. before starting 5 announcement.
Yikes...
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/955180050764238850
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/955179949421465600
Todd said on the radio it's a good sized crowd but Paul's tweet says otherwise. Valpo Basketball going head-to-head with NFL Championship sunday.
Quote from: wh on January 21, 2018, 02:51:44 PM
Pathetic student showing. < half full 3 min. before starting 5 announcement.
I've been saying it for a while. This has to be one of the number 1 concerns for the Athletics Department. They need to get students more involved and indoctrinate the students and make it known it's an expectation the 1st week they are on campus. They also need to work with Greek Life to figure this out because we need those student groups to show up and not have their recruitment events on the same day. Would love to see them have a student marketing class work on this as a class project.
Be proactive.
Edit: it actually looks like a pretty solid crowd today. The crowd is loud and into the game! :thumbsup:
coming out SCARED...WHYYYYY...smits keeping us in it
If your at the game. Say hello!
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/955186875907629057
A good defensive game from both teams so far. Love the energy and effort today.
But once again. Water is wet and Valpo fouls a 3 point shooter :'(
Valpo will learn - in the MVC the way to win is to flop over after every jump shot.
I've never seen a team foul three point shooters so much. Max just did it and Kiser is lucky his wasn't called earlier.
Guy on Loyola traveled twice in the same possession. Lottich should have lost it and got a technical
A crazy stat
https://twitter.com/jorcubsdan/status/955194985514708992
There is a Valpo recruit from Toronto here. I didn't catch the name on the broadcast. An alumni name Marco Pundos ??? (I know i butchered the spelling) is at the game also. Todd mentioned it on the radio.
The radio broadcast is so much more enjoyable.
Offensively Inept, hard to watch. Welcome to the MVC guys, you all wanted this. Albeit, we'd be having difficulty in the HL too.
P.S. Tevonn is not a #1 scorer, period. I'd take 3 of him on the team, but we have no consistent shooting.
I'm a littler nervous for leadership on next years team...
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 21, 2018, 04:18:56 PM
Offensively Inept, hard to watch. Welcome to the MVC guys, you all wanted this. Albeit, we'd be having difficulty in the HL too.
P.S. Tevonn is not a #1 scorer, period. I'd take 3 of him on the team, but we have no consistent shooting.
I'm a littler nervous for leadership on next years team...
Can't worry about leadership. Leadership comes from unexpected places. But agreed Tevonn is not an ideal #1. He's a good #3 and very very good perimeter defender. He just isn't a good shooter. Streaky at best. Still a very good player.
Golder NEEDS to learn to not force those drives to the hoop!! The opposing teams know to take the charge. STOP doing that!
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 04:35:50 PM
Golder NEEDS to learn to not force those drives to the hoop!! The opposing teams know to take the charge. STOP doing that!
Baseline cuts in college basketball are usually a bad idea, because 99% of the time it'll be called a charge.
Smits interior defense has not been helpful at all. He's getting worked down low.
We need to be honest. There was a talent differential in this game. Loyola had more talent and was more experienced.
I hope the coaches are hitting the recruiting trail hard and is recruiting some shooters.
Ok, shake off the frustration and get better. On to Stranger Things season 2!
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 04:09:36 PM
There is a Valpo recruit from Toronto here. I didn't catch the name on the broadcast. An alumni name Marco Pundos ??? (I know i butchered the spelling) is at the game also. Todd mentioned it on the radio.
The radio broadcast is so much more enjoyable.
Marko Punda was in school when I was, and is Toni Kukoc's cousin, who played for the Bulls. He was an end of the bench type of guy, but a quality guy overall. Did they mention why he was there?
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/marko-punda-1.html
Another bad effort by our guys. When Loyola went small, our lack of adjustment killed this one.
I've been hoping all year that the offense would eventually start to click, but I'm finally coming to grips with reality: none of these guys is a true scorer. This is a very athletic team, but we need to find some basketball players to put in the mix.
Loyola Coach Moser: "In this league you need to keep getting better"
And we are not. 3 point shooting? Terrible Free throw shooting? Terrible Turnovers? Terrible
We played about as good as we can and` lost by 15. We are not very good and just don't have the weapons this year.
Finally in this rant: ESPN must be going down the tubes. When you show the same ad 25 times in one game, your advertising revenue must really suck. I need a drink...
Our half court offense is so ineffective, Congress is suing us for trademark infringement.
Another nationally televised beat down.
But hey, didn't we get our butts kicked the first couple years in the Horizon League?
3 points from the bench. Smits got burned inside too many times. No movement on offense. Who is going to step it up? I hear it said we are athletic. Tell me how to draw that conclusion.
Quote from: wh on January 21, 2018, 02:51:44 PM
Pathetic student showing. < half full 3 min. before starting 5 announcement.
It didn't get much better by game time. I estimate the student section was 2/3 full. Those that were there were fairly loud, just not enough of the seats were filled. I don't understand how there can't be 200 fans out of 4000+ students. Pathetic.
Quote from: nkvu on January 21, 2018, 05:01:28 PM
Another nationally televised beat down.
But hey, didn't we get our butts kicked the first couple years in the Horizon League?
Again, nobody was watching this game on "national television"
Death taxes and Valpo getting worked on National TV. I always get up for these games thinking it'll be different this time, and it isn't. I was excited for all the TV games because I thought they would help recruiting but they won't if you're constantly getting whipped especially at home. Stupid fouls, silly turnovers, poor shot selection and MISSED FREE THROWS. It drives me absolutely CRAZY how bad this team is from the line. Loyola goes small we jack up threes get out of rhythm and Loyola goes on a run. Smits punishes them in the post a few times we go away from him start settling for jumpers and Smits doesn't touch the ball for several minutes. Why?! The way this team runs its offense is absolutely confusing and infuriating. Defensively our rotations were poor and we gave up way too many open 3's to a great outside shooting team. Additionally we had no answer for them as they drove to the hoop. Just another disappointing day in a disappointing season that started with so much promise and optimism. Hopefully these are all just growing pains and we'll be better next season. Go Valpo!
Quote from: a3uge on January 21, 2018, 05:44:32 PM
Quote from: nkvu on January 21, 2018, 05:01:28 PM
Another nationally televised beat down.
But hey, didn't we get our butts kicked the first couple years in the Horizon League?
Again, nobody was watching this game on "national television"
That may be the only good thing about this game.
Quote from: valpospartan on January 21, 2018, 05:38:09 PM
Quote from: wh on January 21, 2018, 02:51:44 PM
Pathetic student showing. < half full 3 min. before starting 5 announcement.
It didn't get much better by game time. I estimate the student section was 2/3 full. Those that were there were fairly loud, just not enough of the seats were filled. I don't understand how there can't be 200 fans out of 4000+ students. Pathetic.
You are being too generous. There were way more Loyola fans than Valpo students. The students were spread out in their seating, otherwise the section was only about 1/2 full of capacity. Either way, as you say, "pathetic," especially with a giveaway of free shirts on a Sunday afternoon that is warm for January and a nationally televised game.
Quote from: a3uge on January 21, 2018, 04:40:47 PMSmits interior defense has not been helpful at all. He's getting worked down low.
At least Derrik was trying to keep up and defend while Jay played flat footed. That is the explanation for the very few minutes Jay was given. Their small center play reminded me of what Adekoya could give us both under and away from the basket.
We had just 1 bad season while in the HL, which was our second season of 2008-2009. We were at or above .500 in league play during every other year. It wasn't due to an increase in competition, but rather several key players having left after the previous season. Similar to SIU, I believe that was the season we had to bring someone in from intramurals, and the dude played in around 10 games.
All I know is we'd better beat freaking Evansville at home this week.
Quote from: a3uge on January 21, 2018, 04:40:19 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 04:35:50 PM
Golder NEEDS to learn to not force those drives to the hoop!! The opposing teams know to take the charge. STOP doing that!
Baseline cuts in college basketball are usually a bad idea, because 99% of the time it'll be called a charge.
I'm guessing a lot of Golder's game is stuff that worked for him in JUCO. It hasn't quite gotten to his head that this NCAA D-I basketball isn't JUCO basketball. Can't get away with the high school stuff here.
Quote from: valporun on January 21, 2018, 06:20:50 PM
Quote from: a3uge on January 21, 2018, 04:40:19 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 04:35:50 PM
Golder NEEDS to learn to not force those drives to the hoop!! The opposing teams know to take the charge. STOP doing that!
Baseline cuts in college basketball are usually a bad idea, because 99% of the time it'll be called a charge.
I'm guessing a lot of Golder's game is stuff that worked for him in JUCO. It hasn't quite gotten to his head that this NCAA D-I basketball isn't JUCO basketball. Can't get away with the high school stuff here.
Sometimes pure athletes don't have a basketball IQ. They lean on their superior athleticism....now we get to see if Golder can progress between the ears. I'm still high on his future, he is gritty (and loud) but I like what he brings to the table.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 21, 2018, 06:24:55 PM
Quote from: valporun on January 21, 2018, 06:20:50 PM
Quote from: a3uge on January 21, 2018, 04:40:19 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 04:35:50 PM
Golder NEEDS to learn to not force those drives to the hoop!! The opposing teams know to take the charge. STOP doing that!
Baseline cuts in college basketball are usually a bad idea, because 99% of the time it'll be called a charge.
I'm guessing a lot of Golder's game is stuff that worked for him in JUCO. It hasn't quite gotten to his head that this NCAA D-I basketball isn't JUCO basketball. Can't get away with the high school stuff here.
Sometimes pure athletes don't have a basketball IQ. They lean on their superior athleticism....now we get to see if Golder can progress between the ears. I'm still high on his future, he is gritty (and loud) but I like what he brings to the table.
I'm high high on his future too but he needs be more disciplined then that. You could see what was going to happen from a mile away.
His game needs to evolve. He also needs to learn to finish with less dominant hand. It makes him so predictable when he only uses his right. It makes it easier on the defender. He can and should get better with time. He needs to get out of his comfort zone in practice and don't just rely on his freakish athleticism when learning to finish.
This is a completely unacceptable stat. Averaging 52 points is a joke. Losing Joe really hurt this team but it shouldn't hurt this bad. Get it together.
There is a level of expectations from the fan-base & this team isn't meeting it. I give this season as a bit of a pass but this team needs to get better. We also are going to need to start recruiting at a higher level. Javon Freeman looks like a great recruit but we to get guys that can shoot better from the outside. I'm basically just all around frustrated with this team. You can see the bigs starting to develop but this season is tough to watch sometimes.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/955210425339138053
January 21, 2018
Valparaiso, Ind. (ARC)
Attendance: 4040
Here's the box... pick away... and oh, by the way SOMEONE ELSE CAN START THE THREAD FOR THE ACES GAME ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/boxscore/2017-18/6614/loyola-vs-valpo-01-21-2018/
Saw Brandon and Javon at the game. At least two other recruits that I did not recognize. Wish this team would play faster and mix in the zone a few times throughout the game.
Middle school kids don't get beat backdoor 5 times in a game.
Quote from: M on January 21, 2018, 07:17:43 PM
Middle school kids don't get beat backdoor 5 times in a game.
Was Javon and Brandon sitting together? I know we had a Canadian recruit at the game. Was it Quincy Guerrier? He's 2019 offer.
(http://www.basketball.ca/files/2016-06/quincy_g.jpeg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0OXez7_u2s
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 06:33:21 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 21, 2018, 06:24:55 PM
Quote from: valporun on January 21, 2018, 06:20:50 PM
Quote from: a3uge on January 21, 2018, 04:40:19 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 04:35:50 PM
Golder NEEDS to learn to not force those drives to the hoop!! The opposing teams know to take the charge. STOP doing that!
Baseline cuts in college basketball are usually a bad idea, because 99% of the time it'll be called a charge.
I'm guessing a lot of Golder's game is stuff that worked for him in JUCO. It hasn't quite gotten to his head that this NCAA D-I basketball isn't JUCO basketball. Can't get away with the high school stuff here.
Sometimes pure athletes don't have a basketball IQ. They lean on their superior athleticism....now we get to see if Golder can progress between the ears. I'm still high on his future, he is gritty (and loud) but I like what he brings to the table.
I'm high high on his future too but he needs be more disciplined then that. You could see what was going to happen from a mile away.
His game needs to evolve. He also needs to learn to finish with less dominant hand. It makes him so predictable when he only uses his right. It makes it easier on the defender. He can and should get better with time. He needs to get out of his comfort zone in practice and don't just rely on his freakish athleticism when learning to finish.
I'll take Golder being overly aggressive and getting called for a charge over this garbage kill the clock, pass it around the perimeter for 20 seconds, force a late shot offense.
Not sure...one guy was shorter but looked pretty built, a max Joseph type build. Other guy I saw was 6'7ish and like 150 pounds (never saw a coach by him so maybe he wasn't a recruit).
I'm going to blame this loss on wearing road uniforms at home.
They suck on the road, and they sucked today at home wearing road uniforms.
If anyone is interested in reading Loyola fans thoughts on this game, checkout their thread for this game. I always find it interesting to get the other fan-bases thoughts on the game.
http://www.ramblermania.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2172
For as frustrating as today was for Valpo fans. Loyola played well and their a good team.
The FT shooting is inexcusable and singlehandedly kept us from making a late run today. FIX THAT. FT shooting is *not* difficult, no matter what anyone tells you. 100 percent mechanics, repetition and muscle memory.
On a more generous note, I will say how much I enjoyed watching Loyola's team today, despite being on the receiving end of it. Tough, smart, defend like crazy, and came in with a clear game plan and executed it. Reminded me of a smaller version of those successful Bo Ryan teams at Wisconsin (by "smaller" I simply mean they don't have guards who are 6-9).
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/955271501044953089
Valparaiso has lost 10 of last 13 games
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Jan 21, 2018 Updated 47 min ago
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/valparaiso-has-lost-of-last-games/article_3636a5e8-2324-5eff-a665-f994ed5b05a9.html
Second thoughts: Bakari Evelyn stars, but Valparaiso fades late in loss to Loyola
Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune
Jan 21, 2018
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-loyola-valparaiso-st-0122-20180121-story.html
I wonder if a team like Loyola Missouri State or Drake really puts a stranglehold on first place in the conference they can get some at-large consideration.
Joseph, McMillan, Bradford, Sorolla, Golder, and Kiser played a combined 96 minutes, but they scored only 3 baskets: 1 basket every 32 minutes. You could give intramural players 96 minutes and it is hard to imagine they would not do better. :(
I think what concerns me most is that our most athletic team in years (ever?) looked slow. Real slow.
Quote from: valpopal on January 21, 2018, 10:28:21 PM
Joseph, McMillan, Bradford, Sorolla, Golder, and Kiser played a combined 96 minutes, but they scored only 3 baskets: 1 basket every 32 minutes. You could give intramural players 96 minutes and it is hard to imagine they would not do better. :(
But... but... the strength of this team is our depth...
That narrative went away quickly when we made it to conference play. (https://i.giphy.com/media/HhTXt43pk1I1W/200.gif)
This has been bugging me a lot lately? What's wrong with Sorolla this year? Is he hurt? Is it a mental issue? Or is he just not very good ?
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 21, 2018, 10:46:29 PM
This has been bugging me a lot lately? What's wrong with Sorolla this year? Is he hurt? Is it a mental issue? Or is he just not very good ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvtK17hlnfY
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 11:03:31 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on January 21, 2018, 10:46:29 PMThis has been bugging me a lot lately? What's wrong with Sorolla this year? Is he hurt? Is it a mental issue? Or is he just not very good ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvtK17hlnfY
;D :lol: :thumbsup:
Sorolla is very much like Raitis Grafs, except Raitis was loads more talented. Both seem to care and push themselves on occasion, but Jay can't get by on natural talent like Raitis could, whenever he felt like going 50%.
Quote from: valpotx on January 21, 2018, 11:41:19 PM
Sorolla is very much like Raitis Grafs, except Raitis was loads more talented. Both seem to care and push themselves on occasion, but Jay can't get by on natural talent like Raitis could, whenever he felt like going 50%.
I'm thinking it may just be personality more then effort. Jay doesn't seem to have a lot "inner-drive" at times. He just like a pretty mellow kid who doesn't have any aggression in him. Honestly I hope the opposing team talks so much trash it gets him angry or something to get him going. Maybe it is effort, idk.
Maybe needs a good heckler to get him angry. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9S7ScQfjSk
Every game is a battle and there are no off nights. Hopefully this opens our eyes to what needs to happen in the future. mvc is stocked with talent and coaches. we have a ways to go. Disappointing to watch this game and it was another bad showing on national tv. Props to loyola - -- they brought it
After a couple of good games offensively, Bradford seems like he is back at his "old" game....not playing with confidence, long rainbow threes, turnovers and often times no defense...our guys still seem they are not confident in their shooting, even looking like it at the free throw line...Kiser passed up a number of open shorter range shots that he appeared to be afraid to take....Smits seems to be having more good minutes while Sorolla is tentative when he is in...I guess we have to remember this team's youth when it comes to their inconsistent play...but FREE THROW SHOOTING!!!!!!!!!!!! Our post screens appear to be setting up higher and higher and once set up no one seems to know what to do next. Micah did for a game or 2 but it sure was missing yesterday. Offense, offense, offense and free throws , free throws, free throws...the lack of it drives me nuts! But, let's give credit to Loyola because that is a very good team.
I have had the same thoughts on Sorolla. It seems like he has taken a big step back offensively. He had a very effective baby hook last year.
Loyola really impressed me on ESPN2. I think Missouri State is equally talented and they have the Alize Johnson x factor. But boy, I would bet on Loyola's poise and defense if they meet in the MVC finals. Great coaching by Moser and he obviously has drafted a lot of instinctive kids who play hard.
We just couldn't punch through on anything except Bakari's unique ability to drive with his left hand and get the ball on the rim. That's not enough. If Smits could play with even minimal consistency or defensive and rebounding intensity he could be a monster. There were instances where he just backpedaled against a driving Loyola player. At other times, he was just way too slow pursuing a rebound.
Quote from: valpo64 on January 22, 2018, 10:16:20 AM
After a couple of good games offensively, Bradford seems like he is back at his "old" game....not playing with confidence, long rainbow threes, turnovers and often times no defense...our guys still seem they are not confident in their shooting, even looking like it at the free throw line...Kiser passed up a number of open shorter range shots that he appeared to be afraid to take....Smits seems to be having more good minutes while Sorolla is tentative when he is in...I guess we have to remember this team's youth when it comes to their inconsistent play...but FREE THROW SHOOTING!!!!!!!!!!!! Our post screens appear to be setting up higher and higher and once set up no one seems to know what to do next. Micah did for a game or 2 but it sure was missing yesterday. Offense, offense, offense and free throws , free throws, free throws...the lack of it drives me nuts! But, let's give credit to Loyola because that is a very good team.
Oh come on! You are being way to hard on Micah. Heck, he made a free throw and is up to almost 45%!
Quote from: vu72 on January 22, 2018, 11:54:33 AM
Oh come on! You are being way to hard on Micah. Heck, he made a free throw and is up to almost 45%!
That Free Throw % is so pathetic all I can do is laugh. I kid you not I am a better free throw shooter then a D1 basketball player and that doesn't say much for my abilities.
This season has been a train wreck for Micah Bradford. He honestly needs to visit a sports psychologist. These issues have to be do to confidence issues. He was making an impact as a distributor for a few games but yesterday was a joke. He had one nice drive to the hoop and that's all I saw. Loyola picked his pocket a couple times and made him look like a rec league player. There is confidence issues there.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 10:43:56 PM
Quote from: valpopal on January 21, 2018, 10:28:21 PM
Joseph, McMillan, Bradford, Sorolla, Golder, and Kiser played a combined 96 minutes, but they scored only 3 baskets: 1 basket every 32 minutes. You could give intramural players 96 minutes and it is hard to imagine they would not do better. :(
But... but... the strength of this team is our depth...
That narrative went away quickly when we made it to conference play. (https://i.giphy.com/media/HhTXt43pk1I1W/200.gif)
Well, there was Tevonn's mono. And Kiser's ankle. And Burton.
Quote from: valpotx on January 21, 2018, 06:10:17 PM
We had just 1 bad season while in the HL, which was our second season of 2008-2009. We were at or above .500 in league play during every other year. It wasn't due to an increase in competition, but rather several key players having left after the previous season. Similar to SIU, I believe that was the season we had to bring someone in from intramurals, and the dude played in around 10 games.
I don't have immediate, clear memories of either season. But, wasn't the walk-on Nathan Stegelmann? The web suggests he played 2011-12.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2018, 01:27:32 PM
Quote from: valpopal on January 21, 2018, 11:57:52 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 21, 2018, 09:16:44 AM
Quote from: valpotx on January 20, 2018, 08:09:41 PM
Steinbrecher made us put an end to that chant during my time at Valpo...it was a classic, but made the older crowd cringe :)
I'm old but it still made me LMAO. Bring back the edge and creativity.
Nowadays there is far worse language in the lyrics of some songs played as musical fill during the sporting events.
Would anyone like to share what the cheer was? I'm definitely for more edgy & pushing the limits student section cheers.
It was just a canonical, for years, section of the "Hey" cheer. After you get done with the "Hey" section, the students used to chant "We're going to beat the hell out of you. Let's go Valpo, let's go valpo." Where they now chant "V-A-L P-A-R A-I-S O".
The Happening Hoops crew is having a love-fest with Porter Moser and also takes a subtle shot at Coach Lottich.
https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/955225408890396672
https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/955227225909026819
https://twitter.com/PorterMoser/status/955462867008016384
https://twitter.com/jnordbrock23/status/955536290497392640
But I do think Coach Lottich could learn a thing or two from Porter Moser on how he interacts with his Student Section... Bryce Drew was never the most outgoing guy but you could tell he made a conscious effort to interact with students at the cafeteria and student union. I'm not a student anymore so I don't know if Coach Lottich is doing those things but I get the sense he isn't. But to be honest I'm not sure the students deserve praise for their turnout the last 2 seasons. I also think it's weird that someone would expect praise.
I think Coach Gore has been strong at interacting with the students. It'd be a nice to see a little more of that from Coach Lottich and open up a little bit. We need to boost the Student Attendance and I think all hands should be on deck to fix this problem. We need some outside the box thinking.
QuoteLoyola really impressed me on ESPN2. I think Missouri State is equally talented and they have the Alize Johnson x factor. But boy, I would bet on Loyola's poise and defense if they meet in the MVC finals.
This. The level of overall talent in the MVC is a significant step up than the HL and there are a number of good teams, but Loyola is the first Valley team we've played where I was saying to myself: "man, the Ramblers are
legit and will do some damage if they get an opportunity in the postseason."
Loyola has more students at the game then Valpo did. Kudos to those that show up, the rest of the students to the pit of misery. Dilly dilly!
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 22, 2018, 03:43:34 PM
QuoteLoyola really impressed me on ESPN2. I think Missouri State is equally talented and they have the Alize Johnson x factor. But boy, I would bet on Loyola's poise and defense if they meet in the MVC finals.
This. The level of overall talent in the MVC is a significant step up than the HL and there are a number of good teams, but Loyola is the first Valley team we've played where I was saying to myself: "man, the Ramblers are legit and will do some damage if they get an opportunity in the postseason."
I also think that the talent gap was glaring. But their guys were a well oil machine which has a lot to do with experience. They have a lot of upperclassmen on that team and they have a freshman big man who was a instant contributor. Their center Krutwig is incredibly polished and Lucas Williamson (Javon Freeman's HS teammate) isn't a liability out there. Loyola is building something. It took them 4 years to get the program headed in the right direction there. It was a serious uphill climb for that program in Valley. This season is the fruits of that labor for them.
There was a talent gap. That needs to be acknowledged. It was pretty clear that they were deeper. We have talent on our team but a lot of it is young and not fully developed yet. The gap will be closed over the next few years but we need to keep recruiting at high level to be contender in this league consistently. We landed a guy we hope to be a stud in Javon Freeman but we need to keep stacking recruiting classes. We also need these guys to have time to play together.
The last three games we are shooting an abysmal 24 percent from three point range and a pathetic 60 percent from the foul line.
Maybe it's because I broadcasted 2 HS games on local cable this weekend where the 2 "home" teams we cover are struggling similarly to Valpo that I am becoming more empathetic to the team's plights this year. When you take out a top 3 projected scorer, you take out 80% of last year's offense, you step up in conference level of play, and you fill it with younger players and players who had not played in the program yet, there are going to be growing pains. Positives, we continue to play with intensity and the D has generally been good, although concur with the comments about Smits' D yesterday, not sure what that is, but please, please, please play like you're 7 ft. At a minimum, don't reach out on a shooter, reach up, make them adjust the shot. Smits' FT shooting and touch all day were more relaxed and showed the glimpses that we had hoped for. Keep working. Bradford should not shoot anything except within 5 feet. It is not only that he is not making any 3s (literally), he's shooting them at poor times in the possessions. To his defense yesterday, he picked up 2 early, twilight zone fouls and was rendered ineffective the rest of the game. The other positive is that we were only down to a 16-4 team by 4 at the half, and had we had any other offense should have had a chance yesterday. Loyola is good people. They beat Florida...ON THE ROAD. But for the little stretch with Custer (?) down, they could have an even better record. They should be an at large consideration if they don't win the Valley. I also concur with another poster that it is time to start playing with next year in mind. Development of Smits, Golden, Bakari, McMillen, Sorolla needs to be the thought process. Play some big guys together. Bring back Marty with one of the Centers. Bring back Hazen. It can't be worse than watching 24% from 3. We have been effective offensively when we pound it inside with the drive/dish or letting Smits get the ball early enough in the shot clock to be one on one or kick out of the double to a wing. Teams will key on Tevonn the rest of the year. The Young need to step it up offensively. (Your Stuart Smalley thoughts for the day....)
Interesting comments on Jay. I think Jay's offensive issues has nothing to do with him, but the offense we run and our inability to get him the ball. We have failed to put him into the position to score. I believe he has more ability than Smits but is a victim of a crappy offense. When he does get the ball it's thrown at his feet from someone driving the lane or gets an impossible 1 foot pass. How many times have we seen it passed over his head and out of bounds when he has good positon.
Our offense is basically a handoff at the top of the key and someone eventually drives to the basket. Teams have started to crowd the top of the key and just wait for us to turn it over or force a long bad shot.
Our biggest issue is our offense gameplan plain and simple. The team looks lost in it and it has no fluidity or motion to it.
Quote from: Chairback on January 22, 2018, 06:41:01 PM
Interesting comments on Jay. I think Jay's offensive issues has nothing to do with him, but the offense we run and our inability to get him the ball. We have failed to put him into the position to score. I believe he has more ability than Smits but is a victim of a crappy offense. When he does get the ball it's thrown at his feet from someone driving the lane or gets an impossible 1 foot pass. How many times have we seen it passed over his head and out of bounds when he has good positon.
Our offense is basically a handoff at the top of the key and someone eventually drives to the basket. Teams have started to crowd the top of the key and just wait for us to turn it over or force a long bad shot.
Our biggest issue is our offense gameplan plain and simple. The team looks lost in it and it has no fluidity or motion to it.
Well said, I believe that Sorolla has a better overall game than Derrik. I think coach put it best during an interview with Todd Ickow, there's something about European centers with the pass first mentality!!!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 22, 2018, 06:51:30 PM
Quote from: Chairback on January 22, 2018, 06:41:01 PM
Interesting comments on Jay. I think Jay's offensive issues has nothing to do with him, but the offense we run and our inability to get him the ball. We have failed to put him into the position to score. I believe he has more ability than Smits but is a victim of a crappy offense. When he does get the ball it's thrown at his feet from someone driving the lane or gets an impossible 1 foot pass. How many times have we seen it passed over his head and out of bounds when he has good positon.
Our offense is basically a handoff at the top of the key and someone eventually drives to the basket. Teams have started to crowd the top of the key and just wait for us to turn it over or force a long bad shot.
Our biggest issue is our offense gameplan plain and simple. The team looks lost in it and it has no fluidity or motion to it.
Well said, I believe that Sorolla has a better overall game than Derrik. I think coach put it best during an interview with Todd Ickow, there's something about European centers with the pass first mentality!!!
I believe Derrik is getting minutes because coach knows SOMEONE has to take high % shots, and Sorolla is playing pass first / defend ball.
I'll say it again. The Chicago State of the MVC.
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 22, 2018, 08:00:49 PM
I'll say it again. The Chicago State of the MVC.
I'm sorry but that is just an utterly stupid comment.
(https://i.giphy.com/media/ZaxXYBZJAhPP2/giphy.webp)
Quote from: Chairback on January 22, 2018, 06:41:01 PM
Interesting comments on Jay. I think Jay's offensive issues has nothing to do with him, but the offense we run and our inability to get him the ball. We have failed to put him into the position to score. I believe he has more ability than Smits but is a victim of a crappy offense. When he does get the ball it's thrown at his feet from someone driving the lane or gets an impossible 1 foot pass. How many times have we seen it passed over his head and out of bounds when he has good positon.
Our offense is basically a handoff at the top of the key and someone eventually drives to the basket. Teams have started to crowd the top of the key and just wait for us to turn it over or force a long bad shot.
Our biggest issue is our offense gameplan plain and simple. The team looks lost in it and it has no fluidity or motion to it.
Spot-on observations.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 22, 2018, 08:29:20 PM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 22, 2018, 08:00:49 PM
I'll say it again. The Chicago State of the MVC.
I'm sorry but that is just an utterly stupid comment.
(https://i.giphy.com/media/ZaxXYBZJAhPP2/giphy.webp)
More accurate to say an utterly accurate comment. Facts are stubborn things. Who is in last place ( or tied for last place) in the conference?
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 22, 2018, 08:00:49 PM
I'll say it again. The Chicago State of the MVC.
I remember when Butler fans labeled Valpo as "the new YSU" in our very bad 2nd year in the HL. I subsequently remember kicking Butler's butt 4 consecutive times on their way out the door and winning the league 5 of our last 6 years. Valpo is an outstanding mid-major program that happens to be going through a rebuilding season, made more challenging by the departure of Joe Burton. Next year will be dramatically different.
Yep. Get your shots in now, haters. The opportunities will be in short supply in the future.
Quote from: Chairback on January 22, 2018, 06:41:01 PMI think Jay's offensive issues has nothing to do with him, but the offense we run and our inability to get him the ball. We have failed to put him into the position to score.
His problem is that he is hesitant to take the open jumper and very reluctant to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hole. By my thinking he has to learn to attack the basket when the opportunity arises. He seems to think that unless he receives the ball in great low post position he shouldn't even try. Maybe if Jay had a Rik Smits body he could consistently obtain perfect post position and consistently receive and execute from that location, but he doesn't.
Based only on my recent observations I'm guessing that his future European pro career could be short, unspectacular, and not very lucrative. Face it, his offense is limited and his defense away from the basket is terrible.
BUT -he is smart and maybe he will figure this out soon. Derrik has and we are just now starting to see the positive results.
Be patient. Both of these guys are projects. BIG PROJECTS!
Quote from: VU2014 on January 22, 2018, 08:29:20 PM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 22, 2018, 08:00:49 PM
I'll say it again. The Chicago State of the MVC.
I'm sorry but that is just an utterly stupid comment.
(https://i.giphy.com/media/ZaxXYBZJAhPP2/giphy.webp)
A team doesn't become CSU over night, he's just trying to get us annoyed. Next...
This is the worst team in well over 25 years that Valpo has put on the court. And there have always been rebuilding years. None as bad as this team.
If the students put as much effort in recruiting their peers to games as they do clapping back at those on twitter who criticize them, they'd have a full section every game.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 22, 2018, 10:05:29 PM
Yep. Get your shots in now, haters. The opportunities will be in short supply in the future.
Valpo will be more familiar with the MVC next year and the roster will go from very young to very experienced in a hurry. Next year's roster will have 7 juniors, and 4 of those juniors will be in their 4th year of college. At the same time, experienced teams like MSU, Drake, SIU and Loyola will be scrambling to replace all the seniors they have graduating. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 23, 2018, 06:07:13 AM
This is the worst team in well over 25 years that Valpo has put on the court. And there have always been rebuilding years. None as bad as this team.
Sure and a team that beat the snot out of first place Drake. Let's see, 25 years...that takes us back to 92-93 when we finished 12-16 or perhaps you forgot about the 08-09 team that went 9-22. We are struggling, that is for sure but we still have a winning record for Pete's sake.
Quote from: vu72 on January 23, 2018, 09:10:00 AMor perhaps you forgot about the 08-09 team that went 9-22.
I wish I could forget about that 08-09 team. I still have nightmares!
Quote from: justducky on January 23, 2018, 09:21:25 AM
Quote from: vu72 on January 23, 2018, 09:10:00 AMor perhaps you forgot about the 08-09 team that went 9-22.
I wish I could forget about that 08-09 team. I still have nightmares!
Coming off that rough 2008-09 season the staff recruited a pretty good recruiting class: Ryan Broekhoff (program changer), Tommy Kurth (injuries robbed him of his career), Chris Halvorsen (3-star guy who transferred to Minnesota & couldn't get off the bench), Matt Kenney (great glue guy), Hrvoje Vucic (a 7 foot bambi they took a shot on and transferred to a non-D1).
Quote from: vu72 on January 23, 2018, 09:10:00 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 23, 2018, 06:07:13 AM
This is the worst team in well over 25 years that Valpo has put on the court. And there have always been rebuilding years. None as bad as this team.
Sure and a team that beat the snot out of first place Drake. Let's see, 25 years...that takes us back to 92-93 when we finished 12-16 or perhaps you forgot about the 08-09 team that went 9-22. We are struggling, that is for sure but we still have a winning record for Pete's sake.
I may have missed the 08-09 season but it remains to be seen whether we will have a winning record. I doubt it. Lost what? 10 out of last 13 games? Must be just a slump.
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 23, 2018, 09:45:50 AM
Quote from: vu72 on January 23, 2018, 09:10:00 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 23, 2018, 06:07:13 AM
This is the worst team in well over 25 years that Valpo has put on the court. And there have always been rebuilding years. None as bad as this team.
Sure and a team that beat the snot out of first place Drake. Let's see, 25 years...that takes us back to 92-93 when we finished 12-16 or perhaps you forgot about the 08-09 team that went 9-22. We are struggling, that is for sure but we still have a winning record for Pete's sake.
I may have missed the 08-09 season but it remains to be seen whether we will have a winning record. I doubt it. Lost what? 10 out of last 13 games? Must be just a slump.
Well we can't all recruit on the same level as Kentucky... Wait what's that? They're struggling too? Weird it's as if young teams in good conferences need time to grow together and learn how to succeed or something... What a concept!
Quote from: VU2014 on January 22, 2018, 02:39:53 PMThe Happening Hoops crew is having a love-fest with Porter Moser and also takes a subtle shot at Coach Lottich.
I did not realize Batcow was one of them. Big day for the superfans, what with V-Rex also competing at the basketball bounce (and coming _this_ close!).
Quote from: VU2014 on January 22, 2018, 02:39:53 PMThe Happening Hoops crew is having a love-fest with Porter Moser and also takes a subtle shot at Coach Lottich. https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/955225408890396672 https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/955227225909026819 https://twitter.com/PorterMoser/status/955462867008016384 https://twitter.com/jnordbrock23/status/955536290497392640 But I do think Coach Lottich could learn a thing or two from Porter Moser on how he interacts with his Student Section... Bryce Drew was never the most outgoing guy but you could tell he made a conscious effort to interact with students at the cafeteria and student union. I'm not a student anymore so I don't know if Coach Lottich is doing those things but I get the sense he isn't. But to be honest I'm not sure the students deserve praise for their turnout the last 2 seasons. I also think it's weird that someone would expect praise. I think Coach Gore has been strong at interacting with the students. It'd be a nice to see a little more of that from Coach Lottich and open up a little bit. We need to boost the Student Attendance and I think all hands should be on deck to fix this problem. We need some outside the box thinking.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I respect their passion for the game as well as their ambition and what they are trying to build for themselves but I think they take their opinions a little too seriously. Wright State is doing well in the Horizon League but with the state of the league and their best victories being against an unimpressive Georgia Tech team, NKU and underachieving Oakland I can see why they're left out of a mid major poll that includes the A10 and MWC as mid majors (My biggest pet peeves about the CollegeInsider poll is that it excludes these two conferences while including the MVC which is substantially on the same level) Add in Wright State's 2 sub 200 losses and the case against them grows even stronger yet he constantly believes that you should be rewarded for beating bad teams and that's just not how it works. Look what happened to us once our schedule got tougher after he opened his mouth about our 8-0 start where we hadn't really beaten anybody of note? How foolish would the poll look and how much credibility would it have lost if the folks at Mid Major Madness had followed his advice? Loading up on easy non conference wins only works if you're in the P5. If you aren't it gets you nowhere as it should
Yeah I hope the yahoos running that section are seniors. Need some new blood in there. The Happening Hoops guy whining about how they can't go to the dorms and drag people to games was a little melodramatic for me.
And they assume it's Lottich's job to reach out to them?
They're Sophomores I think.
One of them also shamelessly stumps for GCU in everything they do. It's embarrassing. Probably the same one who believes you should be handed a top ranking simply by beating on the dregs of Division I since that's exactly what the Lopes have done this year. I bet he thinks Patrick Ewing is doing a fantastic job at Georgetown. I mean look at that shiny record, right?
The group who ran the (then) VU CRU a few years after my graduation actually made them a recognized student group and got access to some University funds for outreach, T-Shirts, etc. I know they haven't done shirts in years but is this still a thing?
It's nice to see some students try and step up and be so passionate in the student section but I agree with NativeCheesehead that it's not hard to bang on doors or tell RAs to tell their floors to get people down to the game. I think they've done a solid job with the social media but it's not hard to send tweets from your phone. That's minimal effort, imo.
It's nice to see some effort but so much more can be done.
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 23, 2018, 09:45:50 AM
Quote from: vu72 on January 23, 2018, 09:10:00 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 23, 2018, 06:07:13 AM
This is the worst team in well over 25 years that Valpo has put on the court. And there have always been rebuilding years. None as bad as this team.
Sure and a team that beat the snot out of first place Drake. Let's see, 25 years...that takes us back to 92-93 when we finished 12-16 or perhaps you forgot about the 08-09 team that went 9-22. We are struggling, that is for sure but we still have a winning record for Pete's sake.
I may have missed the 08-09 season but it remains to be seen whether we will have a winning record. I doubt it. Lost what? 10 out of last 13 games? Must be just a slump.
Even if you ignore the 2008-09 season, this year's numbers don't seem that different from our other down/rebuilding years since the start of our run of generally very good seasons in 1993-94.
2013-14
KenPom Rank: 163
Overall Record: 18-16
Conf Record (HL): 9-7
2009-10
KenPom Rank: 183
Overall Record: 15-17
Conf Record (HL): 10-6
2006-07
KenPom Rank: 148
Overall Record: 16-15
Conf Record (Mid-Con): 9-5
2005-06
KenPom Rank: 175
Overall Record: 17-12
Conf Record (Mid-Con): 8-8
2004-05
KenPom Rank: 196
Overall Record: 15-16
Conf Record (Mid-Con): 10-6
2017-18 (in Progress)
KenPom Rank: 160
Overall Record: 11-10
Conf Record (MVC): 2-6
This has been a difficult year but they are still competing every night, just missing offense. It is a developing team. 08-09 had some issues. For historical context, 1992-93 may have been one of my favorite teams. That 12-16 record may have been the best record of Homer's career at Valpo to that point. It was the first year you felt that we could turn the corner and be a respectable mid-major. That team could flat out shoot the 3. They played some tough games and a whole bunch of OT games. Gipson (46%), Redmon (37%), Schmidt (48%!) and Barker (44%) were incredible from 3. Adding in Rob Cavanuagh (43%) that 5-some shot about 7/16 per game from 3. Add in a young 7 footer -- Ensminger and you saw the makings of a team that would change the conversation about Valpo basketball. Just a couple years later (94-95), you had a Mid-Con Championship (but the inability to go to the Dance because of the Mid-Con split the year before). (That Western Ill/Valpo final at the ARC is still one of the best games I've been to at the ARC). So, let's just relax a little about this season. Our expectation level after the 8-0 start was overexuberant. What do we really think we'd be at this point 4-5, 5-4 at best, especially after Burton and Tevonn mono? Moreover, what's interesting, if we play better the rest of the season and finish in 6th, we will meet the pre-season prognosticators expectations.