https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/1668254343357767682?s=20
M
https://twitter.com/TVBOren/status/1668330260214185985?s=20
I lurk on the MVCFANS board. There is nothing about Valpo xfers or signings on it. Let's keep it that way, OK? 😉
We've got an almost complete roster. On paper, these 12 players look athletic and say all the right stuff. But, with the exception of Barrett and Palm, they've never suited up for a Valpo game together.
Now, the fun begins. Here's the roster sorted by position groups (speculatively based mainly on TVB stories):
Point Guard
DeAveiro (Jr) 6'0"
Weatherspoon (Fr) 6'4"
Williamson (Fr) 6'1"
Combo Guard/Forward
Barrett (Sr) 6'6"
Stafford (Jr) 6'2"
Bamba (Fr) 6'6"
Small Forward
Edwards (So) 6'6"
Sepp (Fr) 6'7"
Power Forward
Palm (Sr) 6'10"
Ajiboye (So) 6'8"
Schwieger (Fr) 6'9"
Center
Manyang (Fr) 6'11
Unknowns: Roger's system (except we know he wants to play fast with lock down D), the maturity of these young men (8 of the 12 are freshmen and sophomores), any injuries that are still healing, the actual athleticism of our guys in comparison to other MVC teams, and the actual shooting, rebounding and defensive skills of our players in comparison to other MVC teams.
The fun $64,000 question that usually consumes us forum members going into every new season: At this way too early date, anybody willing to speculate on what Roger's rotation might be on opening night?
I don't think he starts any true freshman so here are my five:
1.) De Dario.
2.) Stafford.
3.) Edwards.
4.) Ajiboye.
5.) Manyoung.
Stafford and Edwards will be the main two/leaders.
Quote from: tiny707 on June 14, 2023, 10:25:25 AM
I don't think he starts any true freshman so here are my five:
1.) De Dario.
2.) Stafford.
3.) Edwards.
4.) Ajiboye.
5.) Manyoung.
Stafford and Edwards will be the main two/leaders.
Palm is plenty big to play the 5 if you only want upper classmen. But I think one of the freshman may just be one of the few to start every game from the get-go, ala Alec Peters. My guess would be Schwieger or Weatherspoon.
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 14, 2023, 07:26:07 AManybody willing to speculate on what Roger's rotation might be on opening night?
:o Not a chance! I already jump at far too many of these opportunities to look stupid! I can't even put a face next to most of these names. Why don't you give it a go and we will we resurrect it as a quote on opening night? ::)
After reading all the excitement about these new additions, I want to say that the odds are strong that when Arch Madness arrives, the rotation will be almost all freshman and sophomores, with Stafford the "veteran" of the group and as many as three freshman starters.
But then I ask, is this being overly optimistic about a roster assembled largely after other schools settled on theirs? Are Coach Powell & Co. that good about finding the overlooked diamonds in the rough?
Also: What an opportunity for DeAveiro, Barrett, and Palm to show that they're not mere holdovers from the previous regime. Perhaps another year of maturity and the new coaching staff will bring out new, exciting aspects of their games. I'll offer a bet that at least one of these guys really surprises everyone in a good way.
Let the schedule speculation begin? its almost that time. Some return games are probably known if I recall some messages going back a few months.
Quote from: David81 on June 14, 2023, 11:09:49 AM
After reading all the excitement about these new additions, I want to say that the odds are strong that when Arch Madness arrives, the rotation will be almost all freshman and sophomores, with Stafford the "veteran" of the group and as many as three freshman starters.
But then I ask, is this being overly optimistic about a roster assembled largely after other schools settled on theirs? Are Coach Powell & Co. that good about finding the overlooked diamonds in the rough?
Also: What an opportunity for DeAveiro, Barrett, and Palm to show that they're not mere holdovers from the previous regime. Perhaps another year of maturity and the new coaching staff will bring out new, exciting aspects of their games. I'll offer a bet that at least one of these guys really surprises everyone in a good way.
Quote from: David81 on June 14, 2023, 11:09:49 AM
After reading all the excitement about these new additions, I want to say that the odds are strong that when Arch Madness arrives, the rotation will be almost all freshman and sophomores, with Stafford the "veteran" of the group and as many as three freshman starters.
But then I ask, is this being overly optimistic about a roster assembled largely after other schools settled on theirs? Are Coach Powell & Co. that good about finding the overlooked diamonds in the rough?
Also: What an opportunity for DeAveiro, Barrett, and Palm to show that they're not mere holdovers from the previous regime. Perhaps another year of maturity and the new coaching staff will bring out new, exciting aspects of their games. I'll offer a bet that at least one of these guys really surprises everyone in a good way.
I think there probably is some truth to the fact that a lot of D1 schools were hitting the transfer portal hard as opposed to recruiting Seniors and Post grad players. I would expect there to be a larger pool of high school talent not being signed due to the transfer portal, so I am optimistic.
Weatherspoon did have a visit to Texas AM and reportedly had interest from Maryland, as well as garnered offers from 2 other D1 mid majors, so there must be some talent there.
Some of these guys will definitely end up sucking. He had to build out a roster quickly with scraps, but I think Weatherspoon and Schweiger are two solid pieces to build around. They both seem like they fit Powells game plan, are talented enough to play in the MVC, and have a high enough basketball IQ to be studs. Justus McNair, coming in next year, also fits in this category for me. He was not really a diamond in the rough, people thought his recruitment was going to explode this year. I would expect to see more splash comittments like his in the future when Powell has more than 2 months to recruit.
I like stafford as a more senior addition. He'll definitely get solid minutes if not start. Experience and proven that he can play. Not a star, but a good role player.
Manyang will have to develop a bit, but if he does he could be really good. If he doesn't, he might never see the court.
Ajiboye was more of a "fit" piece in my mind. Athletic big that can run the court and play defense. Sounds like exactly what Powell wants, but don't know if he's actually any good.
Jaxon Edwards is a wild card. Lot of talent but didn't get any playing time last year (I understand the coaching situation, but if he was a stud they would've found time to play him). I think, like Ajiboye, he a a fit piece. Athletic, high potential on defense and can run a fast game. Remains to be seen if he's skilled enough with a high enough basketball IQ.
The last newcomer, Sepp, I have no idea on. On paper he looks great. Undertandable why he'd be overlooked coming out of Estonia. We also don't know the competition level that he has been facing though. He and Schweiger remind me a lot of each other honestly, but I think Schweiger has played more impressive competition.
All in all, I think Weatherspoon, Schweiger, McNair, and maybe Sepp/Manyang are the players we should be looking at to really take off. Obviously, not all of them will, but I think they have the highest potentials.
Quote from: vok22 on June 14, 2023, 12:37:25 PM
Quote from: David81 on June 14, 2023, 11:09:49 AM
After reading all the excitement about these new additions, I want to say that the odds are strong that when Arch Madness arrives, the rotation will be almost all freshman and sophomores, with Stafford the "veteran" of the group and as many as three freshman starters.
But then I ask, is this being overly optimistic about a roster assembled largely after other schools settled on theirs? Are Coach Powell & Co. that good about finding the overlooked diamonds in the rough?
Also: What an opportunity for DeAveiro, Barrett, and Palm to show that they're not mere holdovers from the previous regime. Perhaps another year of maturity and the new coaching staff will bring out new, exciting aspects of their games. I'll offer a bet that at least one of these guys really surprises everyone in a good way.
I think there probably is some truth to the fact that a lot of D1 schools were hitting the transfer portal hard as opposed to recruiting Seniors and Post grad players. I would expect there to be a larger pool of high school talent not being signed due to the transfer portal, so I am optimistic.
Weatherspoon did have a visit to Texas AM and reportedly had interest from Maryland, as well as garnered offers from 2 other D1 mid majors, so there must be some talent there.
Some of these guys will definitely end up sucking. He had to build out a roster quickly with scraps, but I think Weatherspoon and Schweiger are two solid pieces to build around. They both seem like they fit Powells game plan, are talented enough to play in the MVC, and have a high enough basketball IQ to be studs. Justus McNair, coming in next year, also fits in this category for me. He was not really a diamond in the rough, people thought his recruitment was going to explode this year. I would expect to see more splash comittments like his in the future when Powell has more than 2 months to recruit.
I like stafford as a more senior addition. He'll definitely get solid minutes if not start. Experience and proven that he can play. Not a star, but a good role player.
Manyang will have to develop a bit, but if he does he could be really good. If he doesn't, he might never see the court.
Ajiboye was more of a "fit" piece in my mind. Athletic big that can run the court and play defense. Sounds like exactly what Powell wants, but don't know if he's actually any good.
Jaxon Edwards is a wild card. Lot of talent but didn't get any playing time last year (I understand the coaching situation, but if he was a stud they would've found time to play him). I think, like Ajiboye, he a a fit piece. Athletic, high potential on defense and can run a fast game. Remains to be seen if he's skilled enough with a high enough basketball IQ.
The last newcomer, Sepp, I have no idea on. On paper he looks great. Undertandable why he'd be overlooked coming out of Estonia. We also don't know the competition level that he has been facing though. He and Schweiger remind me a lot of each other honestly, but I think Schweiger has played more impressive competition.
All in all, I think Weatherspoon, Schweiger, McNair, and maybe Sepp/Manyang are the players we should be looking at to really take off. Obviously, not all of them will, but I think they have the highest potentials.
Thanks for your rundown. I think this makes for a sense of fun anticipation about the first roster that the new coaching staff has built at a late juncture in the recruiting process.
So....without claiming any of the deep expertise of some you folks here, I'll toss out a speculation that the ceiling for 23-24 is a group that gels during the conference schedule and stages a surprise or two during Arch Madness.
I will be amazed if DeAvieiro gets much playing time. He was not able to get to the basket under pressure, couldn't shoot the 3 and could not stay with bigger offensive guys when playing defense. However I am always ready for surprises. In any event this year should be fun and interesting.
64, thanks for the correction. It's DeAveiro; not DeDario, I corrected my initial post, but can't change the embedded quotes. My apologies Darius.
Quote from: David81 on June 14, 2023, 01:39:18 PM
So....without claiming any of the deep expertise of some you folks here, I'll toss out a speculation that the ceiling for 23-24 is a group that gels during the conference schedule and stages a surprise or two during Arch Madness.
I agree that there is every reason to think that a team with 10 new players, only 3 returning returning players, none of whom played key roles last season, and no seasoned D-1 veterans will take a very long time to gel and peak. Hearing it, however, is like nails on a chalkboard.
I can't think of a season since we joined the MVC that Matt and Luke didn't say exactly that, regardless of how young or old the team was, whether we had injuries or didn't, how easy or hard the OOC schedule was, whether we had momentum going into the tournament or didn't. Add to that the same lame excuses after early season losses that we haven't had an opportunity to focus on defense yet, or we haven't opened up the playbook yet, or played zone in practice yet.
I know I'm rambling, so let me sum it up this way. While I agree about taking a long time to gel and I'm good with that, I would give anything to finally see a team that looks like it's prepared to perform as a collective unit from game-1, not game-21.
Yes. Agreed. B-b-b-but......
Murray proved something like that could be done last season after losing something like 10 transfers out. In an early season MTT they beat Texas A&M and Tulsa, losing to UMASS by only 3. They went 17-15 on the season and, more importantly, 11-9 in the MVC in year one. Sadly, they beat us twice in the regular season, both in OT, then killed us at Arch Madness. If Small had any reservations about pulling the plug going into Arch Madness, that performance sealed the change.
So it's possible. Man, I sure would settle for go nuts over a similar first season under Roger.
I don't think any comp to Murray St is etched in nearly any sense of reality. Murray State's best player last year was a preseason all MVC and a 4th year player after playing 3 years and scoring over 1000 pts for Stetson. Valpo should recall him quite vividly.
MSU's second best player played 82 games in Div II at Queens and was that teams best player.
Their third best player had played significant time at Belmont; The next guy was their one holdover who provided quality minutes.
Murray State used the portal to bring in seasoned players who could be counted on to play well. They also had(have) a very experienced head coach.
Valpo has brought in a bunch of guys who really have no collegiate experience and the players from their own program coming back don't appear to have a whole lot to offer. This is all with a first year coach.
Other than "you never know" I don't think there should be any expectation that Valpo is going to do anything near what Murray State did last year.
Quote from: JD24 on June 14, 2023, 09:50:12 PMI don't think there should be any expectation that Valpo is going to do anything near what Murray State did last year.
Probably true, but...consider what Roger is building here. In the previous several seasons we have relied to an large degree on one-and-dones brought in via the portal. That calls for instant bonding and although Matt was fond of telling us how close his team was last year, that closeness didn't carry over to the court.
Now let's take a look at our current makeup. We may be the only team in the country with five freshman and a team that will not have a single player out of eligibility at the end of the season. Does that guarantee us success down the line? Of course not, but if we look back at teams who have played together for a long time (think Rowdy and Alec or Bryce's teams) that worked out pretty well. Do we have a Rowdy or Alec or Bryce among our freshman? Only time will tell.
https://twitter.com/SchwiegerCooper/status/1669108643164291073?s=20
Quote from: vu72 on June 15, 2023, 08:08:55 AMQuote from: JD24 on June 14, 2023, 09:50:12 PMI don't think there should be any expectation that Valpo is going to do anything near what Murray State did last year.
Probably true, but...consider what Roger is building here. In the previous several seasons we have relied to an large degree on one-and-dones brought in via the portal. That calls for instant bonding and although Matt was fond of telling us how close his team was last year, that closeness didn't carry over to the court. Now let's take a look at our current makeup. We may be the only team in the country with five freshman and a team that will not have a single player out of eligibility at the end of the season. Does that guarantee us success down the line? Of course not, but if we look back at teams who have played together for a long time (think Rowdy and Alec or Bryce's teams) that worked out pretty well. Do we have a Rowdy or Alec or Bryce among our freshman? Only time will tell.
I don't disagree. My point was a comp to Murray States path to a good first MVC season is highly unlikely to be duplicated.
I think people need to prepare themselves for the fact that Valparaiso will absolutely be picked to finish last this year. I'd be shocked if a single voter picks them to finish higher than last.
Quote from: Pgmado on June 15, 2023, 01:59:40 PM
I think people need to prepare themselves for the fact that Valparaiso will absolutely be picked to finish last this year. I'd be shocked if a single voter picks them to finish higher than last.
Hate to say it, but Valpo fans are unfortunately used to be picked last. This last school year we were picked to finish last in softball, baseball, Women's golf and I'm sure last or second last in a few other sports like women's basketball.
It's hard for me to really have any expectations for this year with the amount of freshmen we have. I was hoping we'd round out the last 3 spots with some grad transfers, but 2 of those have been filled by freshmen. powell is thinking long term with this and if that means 5 or 6 freshman, that's what he's going to do. Probably will be better for us in the long term than the plug and chug of transfers that were used to. That being said, I would still be discouraged if we do finish last this year. Even if we are the youngest team in college basketball, somebody as good of a coach as Powell as advertised should be able to get this team out of last.
Quote from: Pgmado on June 15, 2023, 01:59:40 PM
I think people need to prepare themselves for the fact that Valparaiso will absolutely be picked to finish last this year. I'd be shocked if a single voter picks them to finish higher than last.
They said the same thing about the 1989 Cleveland Indians, but Jake Taylor, Rick Vaughn, Roger Dorn, Pedro Serrano and Willie Mays Hayes led them to the American League Championship Series.
Quote from: vu72 on June 15, 2023, 02:33:09 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on June 15, 2023, 01:59:40 PM
I think people need to prepare themselves for the fact that Valparaiso will absolutely be picked to finish last this year. I'd be shocked if a single voter picks them to finish higher than last.
Hate to say it, but Valpo fans are unfortunately used to be picked last. This last school year we were picked to finish last in softball, baseball, Women's golf and I'm sure last or second last in a few other sports like women's basketball.
I don't know about the other sports, but men's bb hasn't earned the right to expect any positive feelings from anyone. We've had exactly 1 feel good moment when we made it to the league championship game, which I'm sure no one remembers but us. Otherwise, we've been soaking up league tournament shares for 6 consecutive years and contributing nothing in return. Undoubtedly, the overwhelming majority of us would say we're happy with the move to the MVC despite our miserable showing, but to the rest of the programs adding Valpo has to be considered a major mistake.
All that to say, today is a new day and a new beginning for Valpo men's bb. It's an exciting time, and I'm enjoying every minute.
One important thing that I have not heard mentioned is that this is Roger Powell's first head coaching job. Granted, he has had great experience in assisting some quality head coaches but nevertheless this his first rodeo. There will be a learning curve for the new players AND the new Coach.
I don't believe we get Powell back if we were still in the HL. We may have stunk so far, but the MVC still carries serious cache. It took a minute but we finally invested in ourselves with the coaching change. Now hope it pays off in attendance and Ws.
Riverside, IL?
https://twitter.com/RogerPowellJr/status/1669728333679001600?s=20
https://twitter.com/RogerPowellJr/status/1669724459282882562?s=20
Answered my own question...
https://www.ballertv.com/events/riverside-brookfield-shootout-2023?utm_source=riverside-brookfield-shootout&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=riverside-brookfield-shootout-2023
Is Quintin just saying hello, or is there something cryptic here? lol
https://twitter.com/CoachQG/status/1669733384375943170?s=20
Does anybody know who is playing in this riverside competition?
80 teams that are all listed in the link WH posted.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fyx5wxkWcAARDM_?format=jpg&name=large
Holy whatever! This is really snowballing. :thumbsup:
I expect the coaching staff will be following 2024 verbal commit Justus McNair closely at Riverside. Plus, we still have four 2024 scholarships to fill. A great opportunity to scout Chicago Metro talent together in 1 place.
Quote from: wh on June 17, 2023, 09:41:14 AM
I expect the coaching staff will be following 2024 verbal commit Justus McNair closely at Riverside. Plus, we still have four 2024 scholarships to fill. A great opportunity to scout Chicago Metro talent together in 1 place.
Not sure that is correct. If everybody comes back I think we don't have any (with the one given to McNair)
Yeah, according to Paul's roster spread sheet, Barrett and Palm have a 5th year they can exercise. If they don't, and everyone else stays, that'll free up only two scollies.
Thanks for the correction, guys.
The roster dynamics the next two seasons will be interesting to follow (to say the least).
There will be a settling-in period this summer and fall as the positions and depth are sorted out going into November. Then there is the shake out over the course of the regular season as the rotation is stablized via actual game performance going into Arch Madness. After that, will some of the current 12 look for greener pastures either because they felt underused or that they realize they are in a bit over their heads? Probably. In the meantime, Roger has to find ways to continually improve the incoming talent level going into 24-25 while still working with the guys he has. That's gonna be crazy.
Man, the college BB world has so changed from the Drew era — and that was only a short 7 years ago.
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 17, 2023, 11:32:06 AM
The roster dynamics the next two seasons will be interesting to follow (to say the least).
There will be a settling-in period this summer and fall as the positions and depth are sorted out going into November. Then there is the shake out over the course of the regular season as the rotation is stablized via actual game performance going into Arch Madness. After that, will some of the current 12 look for greener pastures either because they felt underused or that they realize they are in a bit over their heads? Probably. In the meantime, Roger has to find ways to continually improve the incoming talent level going into 24-25 while still working with the guys he has. That's gonna be crazy.
Man, the college BB world has so changed from the Drew era — and that was only a short 7 years ago.
It's about transfer portal policies and dying expectations that a D1 "student-athlete" (snarky quotes) is at a school for the four-year full ride, even if it means riding the bench for a couple of seasons. The siren call of the NBA is a big part of the problem, too. These kids see only the handful of successes and forget the many 1st round picks who barely last their first contract (if that), the countless 2nd round picks who are lucky to get a cup of coffee (if at all), and the multitude of undrafted guys who are lucky to snag a D League spot.
The dynamic seems to be spreading beyond basketball and football. I talked to friends yesterday whose grandson is a very talented pitcher, and it sounds like getting playing time on a top D1 baseball program can be a mix of musical chairs and Hunger Games.
Wonder if my state's former governor (Charlie Baker) will address this. (I wouldn't hold my breath on that, but I hope to be pleasantly surprised.)
Imagine that, cheating at Poker. I'm glad it wasn't Paul or Todd. ;)
Pro poker player faces cheating allegations, subject of heated moment at tournament
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/pro-poker-player-faces-cheating-allegations-subject-heated-moment-tournament
Quote from: valpo64 on June 15, 2023, 05:20:36 PM
One important thing that I have not heard mentioned is that this is Roger Powell's first head coaching job. Granted, he has had great experience in assisting some quality head coaches but nevertheless this his first rodeo. There will be a learning curve for the new players AND the new Coach.
Good point. Anyone who becomes the "final authority" for their first time can certainly attest to this. Fortunately, Roger learned under excellent coaches for the past decade, so I wouldn't expect a lot of flat-out coaching mistakes as much as occasional in-the-moment errors in judgement. Specifically, I'm thinking recognition of when to use timeouts, substitution patterns, matchup adjustments, things like that.
Stressful? Yes, yet incredibly exhilarating at the same time. Mastering huge challenges can be an amazing high for certain people. I think Roger was made for this moment. He's going to love it, and we're going to love him. IMHO.
Alec is back. Man, Roger is pulling out all the stops.
https://twitter.com/TVBOren/status/1678553499418742784?s=20
Now that's pretty cool. If we can get a lot of our current/former pros to stop by, it can really amp up the team and program
Official release on Scroggins, 6'9", is out.
Jeez, another big, athletic kid who can run the court and leap and score within his wheelhouse. Can't help feeling that the ARC will be rocking for every game. Wins will be great. Even losses will be entertaining. Speed and effort will be the constant. What's not to love about that?
I was alway cautiously optimistic (but thought.... wait and see) at this point in the last 6 or so seasons post-Alec, but I can't help being more excited than before. Don't exactly know why. Perhaps it's the energy vibrating out of the basketball office. Or it could be something in the air.
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 13, 2023, 11:01:08 PM
Official release on Scroggins, 6'9", is out.
Jeez, another big, athletic kid who can run the court and leap and score within his wheelhouse. Can't help feeling that the ARC will be rocking for every game. Wins will be great. Even losses will be entertaining. Speed and effort will be the constant. What's not to love about that?
I was alway cautiously optimistic (but thought.... wait and see) at this point in the last 6 or so seasons post-Alec, but I can't help being more excited than before. Don't exactly know why. Perhaps it's the energy vibrating out of the basketball office. Or it could be something in the air.
I'm right there with you. By the time Roger got here and got his staff together, I assumed it was way too late in the recruiting cycle to sign any quality 2023 freshmen or JC players. Shocked is a pretty strong word, but let's just say I'm far more than a little surprised.
Do we have anyone who can shoot the 3? Or consistently break a press?
Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on July 14, 2023, 08:27:40 AM
Do we have anyone who can shoot the 3? Or consistently break a press?
Paul
There you go again, insisting on snapping us back into reality! :(
Quote from: 78crusader on July 14, 2023, 08:27:40 AM
Do we have anyone who can shoot the 3? Or consistently break a press?
Paul
I'm going to take a wild guess, totally unsupported by anything other than a brand new coaching staff and a brand new roster, and say we are going to finish better than last season (in-conference) in the following categories:
Points allowed 11th
Scoring margin 11th
Rebounding margin 9th
3-pt FG% 12th
Asst/TO ratio 11th
Offensive rebounds 9th
Attendance 12th
TO's 3rd (highest)
Conf record 10th
Game lows among MVC teams:
FT's attempted 0 vs. SDakota St.
FT's made 0 vs. S. Dakota St.
Blocked shots 0 vs. Evansville
Steals 1 vs. IN state
Moral of the story: It's not going to get worse before it gets better.
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 13, 2023, 11:01:08 PM
Official release on Scroggins, 6'9", is out.
Jeez, another big, athletic kid who can run the court and leap and score within his wheelhouse. Can't help feeling that the ARC will be rocking for every game. Wins will be great. Even losses will be entertaining. Speed and effort will be the constant. What's not to love about that?
I was alway cautiously optimistic (but thought.... wait and see) at this point in the last 6 or so seasons post-Alec, but I can't help being more excited than before. Don't exactly know why. Perhaps it's the energy vibrating out of the basketball office. Or it could be something in the air.
I am not expecting the ARC to be packed every game, but I am expecting a notable increase in attendance. Even if the team gets only marginally better, the marketing and community engagement since Powell was hired has been the more engaging than I ever remember, at least since the Drew days. The new hire of a highly touted coach will already bring back most of the season ticket holders that we lost in recent years, but the community engagement events they have been hosting (such as at zoo island) as combined with an increase in press coverage should bring more region families out for a game or two throughout the season. If we surprise and win some games to go along with that, it'll only compound the engagement efforts.
As for the on court product, I have no idea. I am oddly confident by that the time Powell has a couple of years to recruit, we will be watching some of the best basketball Valpo has ever played. I truly believe we will have the best recruiting classes we've ever had, and that Powell and his assistants will show that they know how to manage games and win big ones. The ARC will be busy again. This year though? We might be the youngest team in the country, and on top of that no experience together. I think Powell will be able to pull them together, and the team will buy into what he's saying. That being said, plenty of mistakes will be made on the court due to the inexperience, and freshman are usually just smaller and less physically dominant than upperclassmen. I think we'll be outmatched in experience and physical strength at first, and I am not so sure that we have a go to scorer (one might emerge by the end of the year, but it will take some time to grow into those roles). But I don't think we'll ever be out hustled or outsmarted by the opposing coaching staff. In fact, I think our coaching will singlehandedly win us a few extra games. I think a .500 year would be a great success.
Quote from: wh on July 14, 2023, 10:37:09 AMQuote from: 78crusader on July 14, 2023, 08:27:40 AMDo we have anyone who can shoot the 3? Or consistently break a press? Paul
I'm going to take a wild guess, totally unsupported by anything other than a brand new coaching staff and a brand new roster, and say we are going to finish better than last season (in-conference) in the following categories: Points allowed 11th Scoring margin 11th Rebounding margin 9th 3-pt FG% 12th Asst/TO ratio 11th Offensive rebounds 9th Attendance 12th TO's 3rd (highest) Conf record 10th Game lows among MVC teams: FT's attempted 0 vs. SDakota St. FT's made 0 vs. S. Dakota St. Blocked shots 0 vs. Evansville Steals 1 vs. IN state Moral of the story: It's not going to get worse before it gets better.
With only highlights available to see virtually all of these guys except the returners who we may not want to see much of anyway, it really is a "who knows" situation. If a couple of guys can shoot the 3 maybe it makes a guy like DeAveiro a better player.
Overall though, it's a young team and seems a bit filled with players who require development rather than jumping into the fire guys....and it will likely end up with guys who may not be ready playing and possibly a lot. I don't know the makeup of the rest of the conference's rosters but it is possible that there's a step back prior to moving forward.
Granted it is very early in the post-recruitment/signing segment of this team's development, but I wonder if PO has attended any of the summer workouts and can comment on stuff like:
Any differences in coaching approach/style from the previous staff — i.e., the "whats" that are being worked on.
Any differences in coaching approach/style from the previous staff — i.e., the "hows" that the staff uses in teaching the "whats."
Any stand-out players so far who might be capable of breaking the press or hitting 3s like 78 was asking.
Quote from: vok22 on July 14, 2023, 11:08:47 AM
As for the on court product, I have no idea. I am oddly confident by that the time Powell has a couple of years to recruit, we will be watching some of the best basketball Valpo has ever played. I truly believe we will have the best recruiting classes we've ever had, and that Powell and his assistants will show that they know how to manage games and win big ones. The ARC will be busy again. This year though? We might be the youngest team in the country, and on top of that no experience together. I think Powell will be able to pull them together, and the team will buy into what he's saying. That being said, plenty of mistakes will be made on the court due to the inexperience, and freshman are usually just smaller and less physically dominant than upperclassmen. I think we'll be outmatched in experience and physical strength at first, and I am not so sure that we have a go to scorer (one might emerge by the end of the year, but it will take some time to grow into those roles). But I don't think we'll ever be out hustled or outsmarted by the opposing coaching staff. In fact, I think our coaching will singlehandedly win us a few extra games. I think a .500 year would be a great success.
I think 22's assessment is accurate. For that reason, I was hoping (and it is still possible) that the last scholarship spot will go to a fifth-year senior or grad transfer who can bring experience and leadership, maybe even be a go-to scorer— a Krikke-type individual. Otherwise, with all the youth and inexperience, I would not be surprised to see Valpo picked 12th in preseason polls.
Quote from: vok22 on July 14, 2023, 11:08:47 AMbut the community engagement events they have been hosting (such as at zoo island) as combined with an increase in press coverage should bring more region families out for a game or two throughout the season.
I agree with your statement.
When did Valpo get a Zoo? :-)
https://zaoisland.net/ (https://zaoisland.net/)
For what it is worth, Valpo has been picked to finish last in the MVC for the coming year in some early polls. I believe we will surprise alot of people.
Patience is required with the new staff, but not overly patient which has been a bad characteristic of Valpo athletics. It looks like they are moving in the right direction which is great to see!
Sounds like a lot of excitement in NWI. Nice to see Peters coming by. When was he drafted by Phoenix? 2nd round? Can't recall.
Quote from: valpo64 on July 15, 2023, 08:20:31 AM
For what it is worth, Valpo has been picked to finish last in the MVC for the coming year in some early polls. I believe we will surprise alot of people.
Here's to being underrated!
I believe in the ability of this coaching staff to recruit the right kind of players and to grow the ones who come to VU. I would not be surprised to see the starting five and the overall rotation change a lot from Day 1 to Arch Madness. Wouldn't it be great to see this team peak during the conference tourney?!
Does this upcoming season mark the end of 5th year eligibility? I hope so. As someone else mentioned, 5th year players are 23-24 year old men with 120 games under their belt. Career scoring records have been bastardized. 5th year players are being recognized for career achievements they never would have earned under normal circumstances and bumping 4-year players off of career scoring lists. They're taking up roster spots and hogging scholarships that otherwise would be going to younger players. Even Ben, yeah it's great he's getting an opportunity to play for a power-5 program, but it's not going to change his prospects for the future, just delay the inevitable. Thanks NCAA for a panicked, knee-jerk response made in advance of something that never materialized - the cancellation of a season.
I believe there is one more year. That is why Connor Barrett and Jerome Palm may stick around next year. As a result, unless they forego their 5th year, we have no scholarships available. Of course, someone is likely to transfer.
Quote from: tjjvalpo on July 16, 2023, 01:14:59 PM
I believe there is one more year. That is why Connor Barrett and Jerome Palm may stick around next year. As a result, unless they forego their 5th year, we have no scholarships available. Of course, someone is likely to transfer.
I did some follow-up reading. Connor and Jerome are in the last group eligible for the extra COVID year. Also, there is no automatic scholarship renewal guarantee, so they could be forced to hit the portal.
I'm surprised in a way that Jerome decided to return. Matt should have given a lot more court time, especially after it became obvious we were destined for another bottom rung finish.
I don't see Roger "running off " either of them. In fact, believing in Roger's integrity, he will feel obligated particularly to those two and give them the decision to stay/xfer/just move on in life.
Regarding Jerome, I never saw him play, but it is my understanding that he had the body and raw tools to compete. But for some reason Matt (perhaps it was his "system" whatever that was) didn't feel he fit in. Now's a new system. He could be a killer. Who knows?
Another example of finding a good player in Jerome, but not getting him to fit in his system, or the wrong fit for his system. Dude gave good effort/energy. Flashed potential at times, but didn't see the court enough. Let's see if the new system allows him to blossom.
That's a good point. Would Roger have recruited Jerome had he not already been at Valpo? Who knows, but it seems Roger likes what he sees.
Truth be told, I liked Jerome from day one and wondered why a player like him couldn't be coached/worked into last year's lineup for more minutes. We'll see.
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 16, 2023, 07:57:51 PMI don't see Roger "running off " either of them. In fact, believing in Roger's integrity, he will feel obligated particularly to those two and give them the decision to stay/xfer/just move on in life.
If either or both of these guys don't show more than they have so far, I don't see Powell would or should keep them around if there are going to be better options available. This would also show other players that they need to produce and not just ride the gravy train so to speak.
I have been told that Jerome's problems included both attitude and work ethics. Let's hope that situation will improve with "Rev" at the helm.
Quote from: valpo64 on July 17, 2023, 09:01:04 AM
I have been told that Jerome's problems included both attitude and work ethics. Let's hope that situation will improve with "Rev" at the helm.
Just wanted to chime in that I haven't heard or seen any of that. Fact of the matter is the team shifted away from using a traditional big midway through the season last year. Palm has a voice of experience to the younger guys this offseason.
My source was a person involved in accessing the program last year. Enough of that, it is in the past...let's move on.
Quote from: Pgmado on July 17, 2023, 09:59:52 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on July 17, 2023, 09:01:04 AM
I have been told that Jerome's problems included both attitude and work ethics. Let's hope that situation will improve with "Rev" at the helm.
Just wanted to chime in that I haven't heard or seen any of that. Fact of the matter is the team shifted away from using a traditional big midway through the season last year. Palm has a voice of experience to the younger guys this offseason.
I want to chime in here as well, this was Ibra Bayu, though, that was a bit overblown, with Palm there was a minor injury that nagged him. When he did come back, for some reason, Lottich didn't use him...earlier in the year, he was drawing 20 to 25 min and he seemed to consistently have 6 to 9 rebounds every game...what a pity. Anyway, he should be great for us!!!
Quote from: cornonthe on July 17, 2023, 04:18:55 PMwith Palm there was a minor injury that nagged him. When he did come back, for some reason, Lottich didn't use him...earlier in the year, he was drawing 20 to 25 min and he seemed to consistently have 6 to 9 rebounds every game...what a pity. Anyway, he should be great for us!!!
I saw some potential but wasn't anticipating anything approaching great potential. Was he playing with the nagging injury when he was drawing the 20 to 25 minutes per game?
Quote from: justducky on July 17, 2023, 05:35:53 PM
Quote from: cornonthe on July 17, 2023, 04:18:55 PMwith Palm there was a minor injury that nagged him. When he did come back, for some reason, Lottich didn't use him...earlier in the year, he was drawing 20 to 25 min and he seemed to consistently have 6 to 9 rebounds every game...what a pity. Anyway, he should be great for us!!!
I saw some potential but wasn't anticipating anything approaching great potential. Was he playing with the nagging injury when he was drawing the 20 to 25 minutes per game?
I don't believe so...remember, I didn't say star potential, just potential!!!
Very helpful player-by-player roster sum-up by Paul Oren in The Victory Bell.
Wow, talk about a makeover. I hope they're a good bunch of young men who play hard, learn from their mistakes, support each other, and never quit.
We finally have a 23-24 roster posted on the men's basketball web page but without official height and weight listings yet. :thumbsup: Includes the 12 scholarship players and Joe Vick as the only walk on!
Quote from: justducky on July 20, 2023, 08:57:36 AMWe finally have a 23-24 roster posted on the men's basketball web page but without official height and weight listings yet. :thumbsup: Includes the 12 scholarship players and Joe Vick as the only walk on!
I guess walk ons could show up once the semester begins?
This is going to take some time to get used to.
Interviews with MVC coaches today, including an inspiring/informative Q&A with our own Coach Roger Powell.
https://mvc-sports.com/news/2023/7/25/mvc-mens-basketball-coaches-teleconference-july-25-2023.aspx
The craziest environment in college sports. So loud at times it registers on the area seismograph. I'll gladly settle for the rock'in ARC equivalent once again. ;) '23-24?
https://twitter.com/LSUfootball/status/1686136382274609152?s=20
Let's hope.
Is it possible that Roger sees a little bit of untapped Vashil Fernandez in Jerome Palm? Maybe we get a massive rebounder/shot blocker in Palm in 23-24?
No more dingy yellow glow in the ARC takes some getting used to.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1687931300609429504?s=20
It definitely looks much cleaner and less neglected than the old color.
Quote from: wh on August 08, 2023, 07:06:10 PM
No more dingy yellow glow in the ARC takes some getting used to.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1687931300609429504?s=20
The mini scoreboard above Connor's head is new, correct? (Have to click to enlarge pic to see what I'm referring to.)
Yes they got new scoreboards, a new center video board and new shot clocks plus the painting of the walls, and new lights.
I'm interested to see how Connor does with a new coach and a new system. Connor has always been the one who gave that extra effort and tried to make the hustle plays. He has that "gritty" style of play coach Powell talks about wanting. If heathy, he could really have a great year. I'm rooting for him.
Agreed, much respect to Connor and Darius for staying and seeing what happens. Same to Palm, though not sure he had as much of a transfer choice. I hope that he becomes the dominant defensive presence he has shown in spurts, and add 4-6 ppg.
https://twitter.com/CoachQG/status/1704152037867266433/photo/1
According to MVCFans, it appears that every poll on earth is picking Valpo to be w...a...y last in the MVC in 23-24. Some posters are wishing that they could play VU three times.
I think there may be a few surprises for these "experts."
Size-wise we match up with anyone. Talent? That's to be determined, but there is another factor: intangibles. I have faith that Roger can optimize this factor to a very high degree. Under him, our players will play to the wall and through. I also have confidence that in-game coaching decisions will help rather than hinder our performance.
https://twitter.com/TVBOren/status/1705243276263989319
None of these polls mean anything, certainly preseason. All speculation and no real insight on how any team will do. It's silly to even read them.
What I do know, and do not need to speculate, is we have a really good coach. With a great background and a really really great staff. One that we have not had in some time. On top of that an AD that is strong. Good things are going to happen and the program is moving in the right direction. No poll needed.
Is the conference as a whole, as good as last year?
We basically have a whole Lot of unknowns until we see them on the court together. Sure it's fun to fantasize, speculate, but we probably deserve to be picked near the bottom or last, with no returning impactful players returning. We would all like to surprise some people this season! Middle of the pack would be good to me, with so many young unproven players
Quote from: Chairback on September 22, 2023, 04:48:28 PM
None of these polls mean anything, certainly preseason. All speculation and no real insight on how any team will do. It's silly to even read them.
The preseason polls are usually fairly good predictors indicating which teams will be more difficult opponents. More than "speculation" with "no real insight," and rather than "silly," they are often reliable and cut through fans' preseason wishfulness with a dose of reality. Last year, the MVC Preseason Poll predicted the following order: 1) Drake, 2)Bradley, 3)SIU, 4) MoSt, 5) N Iowa, 6) Belmont, 7) InSU, 8) Murray St, 9)Valpo, 10) IlSU, 11) UIC, 12) Evansville. The final season results: 1) Bradley, 2) Drake, 3) SIU, 4) Belmont, 5) InSU, 6) MoSt, 7) Murray St, 8) N Iowa, 9) IlSt, 10)Valpo, 11) UIC, 12) Evansville.
The poll was pretty accurate between predicted position and finish. Drake even beat Bradley in the tournament final. Most importantly, the poll predicted seven of the eight Thursday teams! Of course, everyone hopes that Valpo will surprise us and climb higher than predicted, especially if they are forecast to be in the basement at dead last as some suggest.
We know next to nothing about how this team will perform when the season starts. We don't even know if Powell's enthusiastic personality will produce results on the court - we don't know if he'll be a good coach. I'd bet that he will but we don't know that. The roster is full of nearly complete unknowns and the knowns don't exactly produce positive thoughts other than "I hope he gets better in a different environment". There doesn't appear to be an alpha dog who'll take over the team out of the new guys. Hopefully one or two step up. But again, it's all hope at this point.
There's actually no reason Valpo shouldn't be picked last or next to.
Quote from: JD24 on September 22, 2023, 11:17:55 PM
We know next to nothing about how this team will perform when the season starts. We don't even know if Powell's enthusiastic personality will produce results on the court - we don't know if he'll be a good coach. I'd bet that he will but we don't know that. The roster is full of nearly complete unknowns and the knowns don't exactly produce positive thoughts other than "I hope he gets better in a different environment". There doesn't appear to be an alpha dog who'll take over the team out of the new guys. Hopefully one or two step up. But again, it's all hope at this point.
There's actually no reason Valpo shouldn't be picked last or next to.
All valid points, 24. At very best, we should just enter the OOC portion of our schedule totally open minded, without expectations, reserve any judgment, and, hopefully, enjoy some basketball. Once those games are under our belt, at that point we'll have only a bit of a handle on where this team fits within the MVC. I hope our fans stay positive and give Roger and the players plenty of room to gel.
I would not lose sleep over this preseason ranking. With the transfer protocol and other circumstances, who knows what Valpo will do this season.
We are going to be patient and think holistically/big picture regarding progress, but not overly patient which is typical for Valpo leadership.
I'd be happy with a 9th place finish. Improvement over last year and higher than anyone is picking us. A victory over the Fighting Illini would help too...
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 23, 2023, 08:09:45 AMwe should just enter the OOC portion of our schedule totally open minded, without expectations, reserve any judgment, and, hopefully, enjoy some basketball. Once those games are under our belt, at that point we'll have only a bit of a handle on where this team fits within the MVC.
I am fully prepared to relax and enjoy some ugly OOC basketball. Projects always require the investment of time and we are just now getting started. Coach Powell holding that open scholarship might give us something positive to talk about while we are taking some early season lumps.
Quote from: tiny707 on September 23, 2023, 09:55:53 AM
I'd be happy with a 9th place finish. Improvement over last year and higher than anyone is picking us. A victory over the Fighting Illini would help too...
No way we beat Illinois with a bunch of new players that won't have jelled together as a team yet. I think the 9th place finish in the MVC is realistic but I truly hope for the program's sake that MBB finishes a lot higher.
Quote from: tiny707 on September 23, 2023, 09:55:53 AM
I'd be happy with a 9th place finish....
Chalk this up as one of the things I never thought I'd hear said about the VU basketball program. :(
We finished in 10th place last year, everyone picking us for 12th place. 9th place is realistic with this young roster and unfortunately would be higher than last years place and higher than the critics predictions. Crawl, walk, run..
Quote from: tiny707 on September 24, 2023, 10:41:31 AM
We finished in 10th place last year, everyone picking us for 12th place. 9th place is realistic with this young roster and unfortunately would be higher than last years place and higher than the critics predictions. Crawl, walk, run..
True, and "unfortunately" in this statement is better than "happy" as a modifier in the previous one. ;)
Yeah, "happy" not best choice of word for a 9th place finish. I guess I would be ok with 9th in first year as long as we keep moving up from there.
Quote from: valpopal on September 24, 2023, 08:46:10 AM
Quote from: tiny707 on September 23, 2023, 09:55:53 AM
I'd be happy with a 9th place finish....
Chalk this up as one of the things I never thought I'd hear said about the VU basketball program. :(
9 out 12 is better, right?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: covufan on September 24, 2023, 05:07:04 PM
Quote from: valpopal on September 24, 2023, 08:46:10 AM
Quote from: tiny707 on September 23, 2023, 09:55:53 AM
I'd be happy with a 9th place finish....
Chalk this up as one of the things I never thought I'd hear said about the VU basketball program. :(
9 out 12 is better, right?
Still not a reason to be "happy"!
Just for record in this discussion, all of the basketball publications cited by posters on MVCFans have Valpo at 12th. There is absolutely zero discussion that includes anything about the Beacons. So...... we are in a great position to sneak up up on the consensus 11th, 10th and 9th teams and wrap up that coveted 9th place.
Seriously, I believe what I just wrote, and I even think it could be a notch or maybe two better with a little luck.
Quote from: valpopal on September 24, 2023, 08:28:03 PM
Quote from: covufan on September 24, 2023, 05:07:04 PM
Quote from: valpopal on September 24, 2023, 08:46:10 AM
Quote from: tiny707 on September 23, 2023, 09:55:53 AM
I'd be happy with a 9th place finish....
Chalk this up as one of the things I never thought I'd hear said about the VU basketball program. :(
9 out 12 is better, right?
Still not a reason to be "happy"!
Anything but a top half of MVC and chance at dancing is a let down. We've been let down for a few seasons
Happy is dancing in March.
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I think what we all really want is a Happy Ending in St. Louis. We came close once but were too exhausted to finish the job on Sunday.
Quote from: tiny707 on September 24, 2023, 11:37:53 PM
I think what we all really want is a Happy Ending in St. Louis. We came close once but were too exhausted to finish the job on Sunday.
Happy endings are always preferred (https://media1.giphy.com/media/B9KKBuOIp4zqI7Cll0/giphy.gif)
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Has anyone paid for their season tickets yet? I got the renewal questionnaire, but nothing else nor on payment yet. First game is Nov 1.
I paid my Purdue season tickets months ago.
Quote from: Chairback on September 25, 2023, 12:22:06 PM
Has anyone paid for their season tickets yet? I got the renewal questionnaire, but nothing else nor on payment yet. First game is Nov 1.
I paid my Purdue season tickets months ago.
I'm in the same situation (other than buying Purdue tix).
Quote from: Chairback on September 22, 2023, 04:48:28 PM
None of these polls mean anything, certainly preseason. All speculation and no real insight on how any team will do. It's silly to even read them.
What I do know, and do not need to speculate, is we have a really good coach. With a great background and a really really great staff. One that we have not had in some time. On top of that an AD that is strong. Good things are going to happen and the program is moving in the right direction. No poll needed.
Given all of the turnover of coaches and players, getting picked last makes perfect sense.
I also agree with Chairback about the good coach, staff and AD. At this point, rather than the polls, it would be interesting to me to find out how good the coaching staff thinks the team will be. These are guys that have some experience evaluating basketball talent.
Excellent PO Victory Bell interview with Coach Powell. Roger discussed his early impressions about every player on the roster, his hopes for the season, etc. Highly inspiring.
I get all of the projections. This is an expansion team-like roster. My personal hope -- without any evidence to based it on -- is that somehow VU manages a .500 record and snags a win in Arch Madness. But I'll take a team that plays hard and smart to each buzzer and gives everyone reason to be excited about the future.
They will be better than the Chicago Bears, have a better culture and play hard.
I listened intently to Roger's interview. First point: he went for youth and a long term approach. Second: he has created a belief that, over time, our kids will stay the course. Third, if I was on the roster, I would definitely believe, and would stick around and do whatever to help build the program.
Quote from: wh on September 25, 2023, 04:29:19 PM
Excellent PO Victory Bell interview with Coach Powell. Roger discussed his early impressions about every player on the roster, his hopes for the season, etc. Highly inspiring.
Totally agree wh, it was a good one. I hope PO's next interview will be about the teams non conference/conference schedule, potential future rivalries, and takes on bringing the band and students back to the ARC again. The past interviews with Luke Gore were always fun to listen to. Excited to hear how this new chapter in Valpo Basketball will be revealed.
I agree with VALPO LI in that every effort should be made to have the Band back for all home games. It appears that we are trying to create a new and exciting atmosphere for the games and if they are serious about it the Band should be a part of it. If it means that some compensation should be in order to get the musicians there, so be it. It is great to hear a student band to add to the excitment of the game.
Quote from: valpo64 on September 26, 2023, 08:18:45 AM
I agree with VALPO LI in that every effort should be made to have the Band back for all home games. It appears that we are trying to create a new and exciting atmosphere for the games and if they are serious about it the Band should be a part of it. If it means that some compensation should be in order to get the musicians there, so be it. It is great to hear a student band to add to the excitment of the game.
The band will be nice but winning is the key to attendance, or at least an exciting product. Witness the volleyball team. Over 800 at the game Friday night. The women's basketball team didn't get anywhere near 800 for any game.
I see that we caught a decent break in the conference chedule. Nearly all of our road games are Wednesdays during the peak weeks for student turnout.
Our bunch of Saturday mid-season home games will be an advantage IF.....AND only If.....the students turn out and bring energy.
We will take every break we can get.
I spoke to ticket office today and an email should going out season ticket renewals tomorrow or Thursday. They had to wait for the conference schedule to be announced and then of course they were dealing with homecoming weekend.
Quote from: tjjvalpo on September 26, 2023, 08:49:17 PM
I spoke to ticket office today and an email should going out season ticket renewals tomorrow or Thursday. They had to wait for the conference schedule to be announced and then of course they were dealing with homecoming weekend.
Everything operates slower in the south. Valpo's athletic department would fit right in down there.
If the team is winning, band participation will tick up a bit, but the real numbers in the band are a result of not having an associate director of bands full time to run the pep band, bring back the marching band, recruit incoming Freshman. Both ensembles bring back revenue to the university. Game tickets and concession purchased by attending parents of band members etc. Offered as a class, rehearse 3 days a week get 1 credit, some stipend amount per game etc.. The university has it's priorities and things to budget for. Full stop
Quote from: AB on September 28, 2023, 11:49:40 PM
If the team is winning, band participation will tick up a bit, but the real numbers in the band are a result of not having an associate director of bands full time to run the pep band, bring back the marching band, recruit incoming Freshman. Both ensembles bring back revenue to the university. Game tickets and concession purchased by attending parents of band members etc. Offered as a class, rehearse 3 days a week get 1 credit, some stipend amount per game etc.. The university has it's priorities and things to budget for. Full stop
VU has not had even a
part-time faculty director of bands in place since 1990-91. There have been some paid student directors.
It is a bit ironic (?) incongruous (?) that a university associated with the Lutheran church and its historic traditions, a denomination that places a high value on music as a component of worship, has allowed music as a component of education to wither on the vine. I would have thought that a robust music program would be another attractive element in student recruitment, let alone adding to the variety of campus life.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 29, 2023, 10:33:09 AM
It is a bit ironic (?) incongruous (?) that a university associated with the Lutheran church and its historic traditions, a denomination that places a high value on music as a component of worship, has allowed music as a component of education to wither on the vine. I would have thought that a robust music program would be another attractive element in student recruitment, let alone adding to the variety of campus life.
As an alumni of Valpo's music department, I can assure you that there is a robust music department at the university, including an exceptional degree track in Church Music. What there is not, is an active and robust connection between that department and the athletic department. Whether the fault for this lies with the Music Department or the Athletic Department, I have heard different stories over the years and don't know what's true.
In the reality of this day and age, if there is a desire to fund a decent student pep band, it will likely only be accomplished through offering it as a credited course (which I imagine would require Music Department involvement and oversight) or through paying the student musicians.
That's reassuring, 2010. My comment was based on what I'm hearing here and what I haven't seen on my admittedly sporadic visits to the campus.
But you pushed me to check the VU website under Music Department. I found the Pep Band listed under "Extracurricular Ensembles" sponsored jointly by the Athletic and Music departments. The other listed ensembles were Bell Choir, Matins Choir and Sweet Wine. I was hoping to see more instrumental ensembles, like Wind and String Ensembles, maybe a university jazz band, perhaps a university orchestra, but was disappointed that there were none.
VULB,
That's just the extra curriculars which are usually student run/non-credit. They do have a jazz and orchestra if you look under Ensembles
https://www.valpo.edu/music/ensembles/
Quote from: crusader05 on September 29, 2023, 04:37:59 PM
VULB,
That's just the extra curriculars which are usually student run/non-credit. They do have a jazz and orchestra if you look under Ensembles
https://www.valpo.edu/music/ensembles/
And a world class Chorale. https://www.valpo.edu/chorale/
Ok. Got it.
Please disregard all my music-related thoughts as being miserably uninformed — I guarantee that was not attempting to forward a conspiracy theory 😀
I just hope we have a pep band at Arch Madness. That was embarrassing having the UNI band sub for us.
Things are going to get better, we gotta conquer the overall apathy and show why the basketball team has meeting and has importance to the university.
Quote from: tiny707 on September 29, 2023, 07:53:13 PM
I just hope we have a pep band at Arch Madness. That was embarrassing having the UNI band sub for us.
The ARC game day experience has laziness written all over it. No band at Arch Madness is just the cherry on top. The athletic department staff is lazy. Music department leadership is lazy. Rest assured - no one over there goes home tired.
I would like to think that President Padilla and Dr. Small would be taking notes on this situation also and then do something about it, one way or another.
I hope you're right, but both allowed it to go on last year from beginning to end.
But it was their first Valpo rodeo. At the close of his first BB season as AD, Smart let ML go (no doubt with JP's agreement). Since, the ARC got a new paint job, lighting, video boards (and maybe new auxiliary scoreboards?). The new lighting makes it possible, I believe, to darken the place for spotlighted player intros. Maybe there is a new intro video in the making. Who knows, but we are in a much better place opening this season than where we were when last season ended.
Just like the need for patience about Roger and all our new players, we need to be patient with the game night experience evolution as well, don'tcha think?
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 30, 2023, 10:55:19 AM
But it was their first Valpo rodeo. At the close of his first BB season as AD, Smart let ML go (no doubt with JP's agreement). Since, the ARC got a new paint job, lighting, video boards (and maybe new auxiliary scoreboards?). The new lighting makes it possible, I believe, to darken the place for spotlighted player intros. Maybe there is a new intro video in the making. Who knows, but we are in a much better place opening this season than where we were when last season ended.
Just like the need for patience about Roger and all our new players, we need to be patient with the game night experience evolution as well, don'tcha think?
I agree, I think last year was more of an evaluation year. Regardless of the team's record this season, this offseason has shown more university commitment to mens basketball than I can remember in at least the last 7 years. They went out and got one of the best coaching candidates on the market (a national name at that), announced plans for a new stadium, made upgrades to the ARC in the meantime, and have noticeably boosted their community involvement and fundraising around athletics. All these things happened after the conclusion of last season, there's no reason to think we wont see other upgrades to game day experience, like the band, when we get to the start of the season.
Not having watched any games live, has a Pep Band materialized for home FB games? And might that offer a clue about what the atmosphere in the ARC might be in November? Or maybe not. I'll check it out on ESPN+ today for my first streamed game of the season.
EDIT: I didn't hear the sounds of a live pep band during the game, but I might just not have caught it right. USC, you were at the game. Was there a live pep band?
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 30, 2023, 11:23:36 AM
Not having watched any games live, has a Pep Band materialized for home FB games? And might that offer a clue about what the atmosphere in the ARC might be in November? Or maybe not. I'll check it out on ESPN+ today for my first streamed game of the season.
EDIT: I didn't hear the sounds of a live pep band during the game, but I might just not have caught it right. USC, you were at the game. Was there a live pep band?
I'm not sure there has been any band at Valpo football, either pep or marching, since the '80's. Just a guess on my part
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No marching band in a long time. But actually during the Carlson and Cecchini years there was a pep band at home FB games, as I managed to make pilgrimages down from WI for several games during each coach's tenure. I haven't had the opportunity to see a Fox team in person yet, so have no first hand knowledge.
https://haslametrics.com
I always like looking at the analytics when they come out, even though the preseason baselines end up being shed eventually. Haslametrics released their preseason baselines this morning and, as expected, we are very low. 321/361. Considering there is almost no D1 experience on this team, it had to have been pretty difficult to even put together numbers for us. Despite our youth and uncertainty, I expect we end up finishing higher than 321, but don't blame him for putting us down there for now.
I get that Valpo is a trendy pick for last place because of the question marks surrounding this team.
But two things to keep in mind. 1) we've seen freshmen have success in the MVC. It's not guaranteed but it's also not impossible. 2) Coach Powell has put together a terrific staff that has a record of success, including in the MVC. The idea that he would suddenly whiff on every recruit seems unlikely. Plus even if their skill level is lacking, I would expect the coaching would allow them to play above their skill.
I'm optimistic about this season. Betting against Coach Powell and the new staff seems foolish. But we shall see.
Quote from: vok22 on October 02, 2023, 11:02:45 AM
https://haslametrics.com
I always like looking at the analytics when they come out, even though the preseason baselines end up being shed eventually. Haslametrics released their preseason baselines this morning and, as expected, we are very low. 321/361. Considering there is almost no D1 experience on this team, it had to have been pretty difficult to even put together numbers for us. Despite our youth and uncertainty, I expect we end up finishing higher than 321, but don't blame him for putting us down there for now.
Here is another. Has us at 346 (ouch!)
https://barttorvik.com/team.php?team=Valparaiso
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If we win three conference games we would triple the March to Arch podcast prediction...
Eek. We are a home "dog" against Chicago State on December 16. I have pretty high confidence Roger won't let that happen.
Preface: my prediction means nothing, but neither do the experts' so I'm gonna say it anyway.
We will not be a great team by any stretch of the means. That being said, my belief in the experience, knowledge, ability, and focus of this coaching staff has me believing we will win a handful of games solely because of the coaching staff. If those are our only wins, I still think they'll drag us close to our win total from last year. This is a multi year process but, (on paper) our coaching staff for a mid major school is elite.
Quote from: crusadermoe on October 02, 2023, 03:55:35 PM
Eek. We are a home "dog" against Chicago State on December 16. I have pretty high confidence Roger won't let that happen.
By December 16, Valpo will be entering its 12th game, even having already played two very tough conference matchups, and I am hoping the team will be more developed at that time. Therefore, though I am wary about the season record as a whole, I am a bit optimistic for this home date. However, I remind myself that Roger Powell has been associate head coach on a staff that went to the NCAA finals with a 31-0 record as well as on a staff at Vanderbilt that went 0-18 in the SEC. Those extremes are evidence that anything is possible. Powell likes to say "Beacon up!": I say buckle up!
I'm looking for the following immediate differences:
• players in game shape from game 1, not game 10.
• a team that plays with an edge and wears its opponents down, such that it closes out close games instead of runs out of gas
• coaches who know how to assess talent - no more favoring slow walk-on point guards from WI that can't shoot, can't create their own shot, can't defend. Mind blowing to think about.
I'd add, to me, one very important thing: Greatly improved in-game tactical decisions in the flow of play.
ML seemed to frequently be out coached — especially as the clock wound down. I hope Roger's previous experience working under good head coaches has taught him to do a much better job of managing the flow of the game to Valpo's advantage.
Quote from: covufan on September 30, 2023, 10:59:41 PMyou were at the game. Was there a live pep band?
I was at the game and there wasn't any pep-band nor has there been one for several years. It was LaBarbera who told me that it was hard on the instruments or some sort of lame excuse and that was several ( as in 10 years or so) years ago.
:o :snore:
Just received my season ticket holder email regarding open practice next Sat.
Looking forward to a new look all around.
Still early October. Knowns: we have Roger Powell, three returning players, nine new scholarship players. Unknowns: how this team will gel with new coaching staff, nine new players, season expectations.
Massey has us at 236 and expected record of 13-18 (7-13 MVC); T-Rank has us at 346 and 8-23 (3-17); TeamRankings has us at 273 and 11-20 (5-15).
I hope that we play up tempo, are defensively challenging to our opponents, improve throughout the year, and are competitive in last 10 minutes of home games. I'd like to see a 15% improvement of attendance over last year. I'd really like to surprise MVC people with at least 8 wins and more than one game at Arch Madness. I can see us flirting with being a top 200 team by Arch Madness. Sign an impact HS recruit for 2025.
Quote from: covufan on October 06, 2023, 02:21:46 PM
Still early October. Knowns: we have Roger Powell, three returning players, nine new scholarship players. Unknowns: how this team will gel with new coaching staff, nine new players, season expectations.
Massey has us at 236 and expected record of 13-18 (7-13 MVC); T-Rank has us at 346 and 8-23 (3-17); TeamRankings has us at 273 and 11-20 (5-15).
I hope that we play up tempo, are defensively challenging to our opponents, improve throughout the year, and are competitive in last 10 minutes of home games. I'd like to see a 15% improvement of attendance over last year. I'd really like to surprise MVC people with at least 8 wins and more than one game at Arch Madness. I can see us flirting with being a top 200 team by Arch Madness. Sign an impact HS recruit for 2025.
OR the Beacons might have very close to the same record as last season and still be able to call it a victory if this young team starts to play jell at the end of the conference season and surprise 1 or 2 of the top conference teams.
The biggest issue for recent Valpo teams for me, particularly last year, was too many games in which there was a non-competitive early part of the game and to teams this should not have happened against. I may be mis-remembering some of the details but it definitely fell into the "not ready to play" description.
This year's squad may be outmanned but I suspect they will be ready to go when the ref tosses up the ball for the opening tip.
The KenPom rankings are out and Valpo comes in at #324.
Ya know, there is so, so, so much we still don't know about our new team and coach. That got me thinking about a basic need to draw some sort of comparison to past teams/players for context to our expectations. I do not have the personal experience of watching a decade of Valpo teams and players in person, but members of this forum have.
So......here's a challenge to those who have lived intimately with our program over the last decade. To the best of your ability, would you try to draw some comparisons to past players and our current team composition. Granted, there currently is no obvious AP or Rowdie in the mix (yet) but I'll bet that there are some parallels that could be drawn.
If nothing more, this could be a fun exercise ;D
Evansville coming in at 332 on Ken Pom.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 15, 2023, 06:37:03 PM
Ya know, there is so, so, so much we still don't know about our new team and coach. That got me thinking about a basic need to draw some sort of comparison to past teams/players for context to our expectations. I do not have the personal experience of watching a decade of Valpo teams and players in person, but members of this forum have.
So......here's a challenge to those who have lived intimately with our program over the last decade. To the best of your ability, would you try to draw some comparisons to past players and our current team composition. Granted, there currently is no obvious AP or Rowdie in the mix (yet) but I'll bet that there are some parallels that could be drawn.
If nothing more, this could be a fun exercise ;D
Really I can't envision any parallels. These guys are the most unique group ever brought to Valpo. :-)
You're welcome.
I can't possibly compare these guys to other players until I've seen them play some games. What I do expect is that scoring will increase dramatically. Over the last five years we have averaged scoring as low as 65.0 and as high as 72.3. At the same time our 3 point shooting has been as low as 29.6%. I think this run and gun offense will hopefully free up guys for better shots and a lot more scoring. Whether or not we will be able to also keep our opponents to lower scoring--than us--remains to be seen.
I would also expect more shot blocking with some of the size and athleticism brought in.
I am not at all surprised by the rankings. Poor performance last year, new coach, few returning players, new players are not highly ranked as recruits. Any analysis just stops there.
In terms of unknown, the one parallel I can think of is the 1998-1999 team. A different era in terms of advanced knowledge on players recruited, etc. Team had lost Drew, Sykes, two Jenkins, and Vilcinskas. Went to see them in their first two games at the Hoosier Dome and knew absolutely nothing about Barton, Stovall, Tonagel and Vujic. What a pleasant surprise those two games were!
However, such a pleasant surprise is clearly not likely or realistic this season. What do I expect and what would I like to see? (I do not think these are dramatically different) First and foremost, I believe Coach Powell will demand a clear set of on-court values - play hard, pressure defensively - or you don't play. Offense is much harder to develop quickly...what is the system and how fast can you develop multiple options on each possession? how do you adapt to an opponent's defense as a team? who do you go to on possessions that stall? Thus, I expect the offense to lag the defense. I expect that the team will be "high variance" - some games competing strongly against top conference and non-conference opponents, other games they will not look good. This is not bad, this is part of development - which is what Valpo needs. The key things to look at will not be wins and losses as much as "is there a repeatable system being developed?", "are players developing?", and "are the players bonding - looked for the greater good as a team rather than individual accomplishment?". Some interesting additional metrics would be: number of deflections per game, number of field goals preceded by two or more passes.
Please don't misread my comments...I am very optimistic about Coach Powell. Great leader with high expectations. It is just going to take some time to instill his system with the right players.
I would agree that 98/99 team is the best comparison. We had a lot of unknowns going into that season.
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 16, 2023, 10:33:15 AM.I am very optimistic about Coach Powell. Great leader with high expectations. It is just going to take some time to instill his system with the right players.
Which could or maybe will include scrapping many of the guys on the current roster out for better fits once the fit is identified.
Quote from: JD24 on October 16, 2023, 12:22:32 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 16, 2023, 10:33:15 AM.I am very optimistic about Coach Powell. Great leader with high expectations. It is just going to take some time to instill his system with the right players.
Which could or maybe will include scrapping many of the guys on the current roster out for better fits once the fit is identified.
But each one of those players on the current roster also has the opportunity to be one of those guys who excels and fits Coach Powell's system.
I'll let Audioslave speak on my behalf:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=lBFdX37Qpnk&si=aeabz0V_0CrGfJgj
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 16, 2023, 10:33:15 AM
In terms of unknown, the one parallel I can think of is the 1998-1999 team. A different era in terms of advanced knowledge on players recruited, etc. Team had lost Drew, Sykes, two Jenkins, and Vilcinskas. Went to see them in their first two games at the Hoosier Dome and knew absolutely nothing about Barton, Stovall, Tonagel and Vujic. What a pleasant surprise those two games were!
I remember this as well! That '98 team was competitive and we lost a great chunk of that team. Wasn't sure about the recruiting, and we were playing two good teams in Indy. That team played well those games, and continued the Mid-Continent Conference dominance and went dancing!
I feel similarly about this team.
I look forward to up tempo play. I don't consider a good up tempo play with run and gun, especially Loyola MaryMount of early 90's. If we are 9-11 deep, push that tempo until they puke
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Quote from: covufan on October 16, 2023, 09:00:09 PMI look forward to up tempo play. I don't consider a good up tempo play with run and gun, especially Loyola MaryMount of early 90's. If we are 9-11 deep, push that tempo until they puke.
I assume the "they" refers to our opponents 😜
Actually, why should we take the foot off the pedal just because they up-chucked*?
* Question: should Valpo provide a Home Depot-sponsored empty 5 gallon bucket by the visitor bench?
Quote from: covufan on October 16, 2023, 09:00:09 PMQuote from: vu84v2 on October 16, 2023, 10:33:15 AMIn terms of unknown, the one parallel I can think of is the 1998-1999 team. A different era in terms of advanced knowledge on players recruited, etc. Team had lost Drew, Sykes, two Jenkins, and Vilcinskas. Went to see them in their first two games at the Hoosier Dome and knew absolutely nothing about Barton, Stovall, Tonagel and Vujic. What a pleasant surprise those two games were!
I remember this as well! That '98 team was competitive and we lost a great chunk of that team. Wasn't sure about the recruiting, and we were playing two good teams in Indy. That team played well those games, and continued the Mid-Continent Conference dominance and went dancing! I feel similarly about this team. I look forward to up tempo play. I don't consider a good up tempo play with run and gun, especially Loyola MaryMount of early 90's. If we are 9-11 deep, push that tempo until they puke Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
LMU didn't play any defense and basically acknowledge that they weren't playing any defense. I don't think this will be the case with Valpo at all. Likely anyone on the court not harassing is going to be off the court quickly. I'm hoping for much closer to Nolan Richardson than Paul Westhead.
Based on a quick count, 1079 season tickets have been purchased to date (693 chairbacks + 386 bleachers). I don't know if that's good, bad, or otherwise. Just information in case someone's interested.
Quote from: JD24 on October 17, 2023, 12:50:41 PM
Quote from: covufan on October 16, 2023, 09:00:09 PMQuote from: vu84v2 on October 16, 2023, 10:33:15 AMIn terms of unknown, the one parallel I can think of is the 1998-1999 team. A different era in terms of advanced knowledge on players recruited, etc. Team had lost Drew, Sykes, two Jenkins, and Vilcinskas. Went to see them in their first two games at the Hoosier Dome and knew absolutely nothing about Barton, Stovall, Tonagel and Vujic. What a pleasant surprise those two games were!
I remember this as well! That '98 team was competitive and we lost a great chunk of that team. Wasn't sure about the recruiting, and we were playing two good teams in Indy. That team played well those games, and continued the Mid-Continent Conference dominance and went dancing! I feel similarly about this team. I look forward to up tempo play. I don't consider a good up tempo play with run and gun, especially Loyola MaryMount of early 90's. If we are 9-11 deep, push that tempo until they puke Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
LMU didn't play any defense and basically acknowledge that they weren't playing any defense. I don't think this will be the case with Valpo at all. Likely anyone on the court not harassing is going to be off the court quickly. I'm hoping for much closer to Nolan Richardson than Paul Westhead.
This isn't exactly true...what Paul Westhead admitted to was that once the opposition made it past half court, they weren't playing defense anymore...but they did play defense in a half court scheme, just not the way most do it. In other words, they were trying to get a turnover on every possession...
Great Victory Bell recap of Roger's powerful comments at MVC Media Day. I don't know if there's anyone left on the board that hasn't subscribed, but if so, just a gentle reminder that Paul is not only an excellent sports writer who pours himself into his work, he is our only news connection to Valpo athletics.
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 16, 2023, 10:20:36 PM
Quote from: covufan on October 16, 2023, 09:00:09 PMI look forward to up tempo play. I don't consider a good up tempo play with run and gun, especially Loyola MaryMount of early 90's. If we are 9-11 deep, push that tempo until they puke.
I assume the "they" refers to our opponents 😜
Actually, why should we take the foot off the pedal just because they up-chucked*?
* Question: should Valpo provide a Home Depot-sponsored empty 5 gallon bucket by the visitor bench?
If we are not in shape, then both!
I do not see Roger Powell running Paul Westhead's "system", but do see him emphasizing pressure defense (like Nolan Richardson or Shaka Smart). But if you want more information on Westhead's "system", check out "The Guru of Go" in ESPN's 30 for 30 package or search Youtube for LMU's games in the late 80s. Suffice it to say, one record that is unlikely to ever be broken is LMU's 149 points in a regulation NCAA tournament game against Michigan.
Preseason doubters create 'a great opportunity' for Valparaiso
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/valparaiso-beacons-mens-basketball-roger-powell-jr-mvc-missouri-valley-conference-darius-deaveiro/article_2a252f7c-6d20-11ee-b6fb-53d0cfc7aa8e.html#tracking-source=mp-sports
Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers.
Quote from: usc4valpo on October 18, 2023, 12:37:02 PM
Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers.
Jeff Fryer still holds the record for three-pointers in an NCAA tournament game (11)
This article about Gonzaga takes a lot of guesswork out of what Valpo's playing style will be.
• Play at a frenetic pace offensively.
• Maximize your number of offensive possessions.
• Wear your opponent down physically.
• Run them in the ground.
Here's the strategic shift that made Gonzaga upset-proof
https://sports.yahoo.com/gonzaga-basketball-transition-offense-tempo-march-madness-191427696.html
I've used the term expansion team to describe the 23-24 roster, and I'll stick to it.
My realistic fantasy scenario is that the regular season W-L record is so-so at best, but that the team starts to gel during the 2nd half of the MVC schedule and then stages a surprise or two at Arch Madness, thus creating a lot of momentum going into 24-25.
All of this is based on a belief that Coach Powell had a sharp eye for the kinds of players he wanted to start rebuilding this program, not on any amateur talent assessment on my part.
very interesting article for sure!
Did anyone who was at the public practice notice the Zag's approach to uptempo pace and shooting inside of 14 seconds that the article talked about? If so, could you elaborate?
The takeaway when I was watching them was they had a lot more half court sets than I expected. However, they were still moving quickly and looking to shoot earlier in the clock. Darius was actually taking shots if he was open. Now, there were still plenty of possessions that they shot the ball with 10 seconds, so they were moving at a great pace. You also have to understand that they are being asked to hustle on offense and defense, so all 10 players are getting up and down the court quickly to not allow the quick shot. Coach Powell did warn that we likely since more turnovers early in the season with this pace. But, all in all, it is going to be fun brand of basketball. Also, with this brand of basketball, they will likely be going 9 to 10 deep. From talent standpoint, there didn't seem to be any significant kind of drop off.
Quote from: tjjvalpo on October 20, 2023, 05:27:58 AM
The takeaway when I was watching them was they had a lot more half court sets than I expected. However, they were still moving quickly and looking to shoot earlier in the clock. Darius was actually taking shots if he was open. Now, there were still plenty of possessions that they shot the ball with 10 seconds, so they were moving at a great pace. You also have to understand that they are being asked to hustle on offense and defense, so all 10 players are getting up and down the court quickly to not allow the quick shot. Coach Powell did warn that we likely since more turnovers early in the season with this pace. But, all in all, it is going to be fun brand of basketball. Also, with this brand of basketball, they will likely be going 9 to 10 deep. From talent standpoint, there didn't seem to be any significant kind of drop off.
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/mgqefqwSbToPe/giphy.gif)
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https://x.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1716500280966107514?s=20
Interesting. I know other schools do this where they have some sort of orientation for the student section before the season starts. I think, if students show up, this could lead to a more cohesive student section with everyone actually standing and having synchronized chants (something we used to have).
The link doesn't open for me.
Try this one.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1716500280966107514
It looks like they've renamed the student section The Light. Trying too hard to draw too many lame parallels to Beacons. Just stick with The Valparaizone.
Quote from: vok22 on October 23, 2023, 12:27:55 PM
https://x.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1716500280966107514?s=20
Interesting. I know other schools do this where they have some sort of orientation for the student section before the season starts. I think, if students show up, this could lead to a more cohesive student section with everyone actually standing and having synchronized chants (something we used to have).
Quote from: vok22 on October 23, 2023, 12:27:55 PM
https://x.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1716500280966107514?s=20
Interesting. I know other schools do this where they have some sort of orientation for the student section before the season starts. I think, if students show up, this could lead to a more cohesive student section with everyone actually standing and having synchronized chants (something we used to have).
Notice from the flier that Roger continues to fully embrace Valpo's new "Beacons" name, and the Christ-centered concept articulated by President Padilla when the new name was announced. The new student section name - "The Light." "Light up the ARC." The myriad beams of light accenting the theme. Instead of despising (as I have done) our resident band of virtue-signaling, cultural Marxist perpetrators hell bent on destroying Valparaiso University's foundational connection to Christianity and our Savior Jesus Christ, they have followed the Apostle Paul's instruction to the Church, "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21).
Valpo has spent several decades ashamedly and increasingly "... hiding its light under a bushel" (Matthew 5:15), running from its identity as a Christian university for fear of offending a secular world that can never be appeased. President Padilla, Coach Roger Powell, and obviously AD Small are once again unashamedly proclaiming Valparaiso University as a "beacon of hope" in a lost and dying world as its founders intended. The late great President O.P. Kretzmann has to be smiling from above. It's a shame it took 2 Catholics and an evangelical Christian to stem the tide, but apparently Christ had His fill of milquetoast, go-along-to-get-along "leaders." "I tell you," He replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40) Thank God for 3 powerful stones!
John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."
Beacon Up!! Light the light!!
I'm sorry but I just can't say "Beacon Up!" Every time I hear it I think of the following:
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 23, 2023, 01:56:09 PM
It looks like they've renamed the student section The Light. Trying too hard to draw too many lame parallels to Beacons. Just stick with The Valparaizone.
OK. I think calling the student
section The Light is a stretch because the student section is basically a reserved "place" for a certain population - student fans. The students in that section can be The Light(s?), but that light/those lights need to emanate from a physical source.
Given past dialogue, I know that this is gonna make some of you queasy, but, if you're gonna rename a section, wouldn't the following be more in keeping with a basic place concept:
🗼THE LIGHTHOUSE🗼And I can see it now....... at the player intros, a beacon light pierces the darkened ARC and spins above the Lighthouse section as "the Lights" and Beacon and Blaze go crazy. Then, at the end of a winning game, it goes off again to add to the celebration as the Lights and Beacon and Blaze go crazy once more and then race through the snow to ring the Victory Bell.
Although I am having a little fun with this, I am actually kinda serious.
Definitely mixed feelings about the university athletic department 'organizing' the student section to this (apparent) degree. Yes, Valpo's student section in recent years has been abysmal - but a lot of that is due to having (first and most importantly) a poor team and (second) a poor non-conference schedule that says "come see us in January". I believe the first of these problems is being addressed, but will take a few years, and the second problem can be solved to some degree as the team improves. The bigger potential problem that I see is that successful student sections are, for the most part, organic. They are not created by university or athletic department organizing it, they are created by students who decide to lead it...and (for the most part) feel that they dictate the environment, name, etc (and do so in a creative and chaotic manner - there is a good book on the genesis of the Gonzaga student section that illustrates this well). From what I see, this (the name, etc.) looks like it was created by the university (probably with some cursory student involvement). Thus, I am doubtful that this effort will work.
But I will also note that any effort will need to be complemented by success on the court. Gonzaga's chaotic story of creating a great student section was complemented by teams with John Stockton.
Here's The Rev recruiting the whole dang Valpo student body to become part of the game intro video. Cool!
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1716606049292042293
I think it is smart to jump start the game culture for VU's students. My sense is that the current culture of the school just doesn't have a lot of comraderie minded kids.
If you pull them off the smart phones and tablets long enough to experience an energetic environment, they might discover that they like it. And for those types of personalities it also takes critical mass. I will take a contrived student section over a pathetic one any day of the week.
Roger was here when Vashil led the team into the student section many times and laughed, high-fived and had a party. That type of student-to-player relationship, which attracts kids to games, disappeared over time. It's time to bring it back.
Quote from: crusadermoe on October 24, 2023, 04:09:06 PM
I think it is smart to jump start the game culture for VU's students. My sense is that the current culture of the school just doesn't have a lot of comraderie minded kids.
If you pull them off the smart phones and tablets long enough to experience an energetic environment, they might discover that they like it. And for those types of personalities it also takes critical mass. I will take a contrived student section over a pathetic one any day of the week.
The problem with a contrived student section is that the students can always choose not to attend/participate. They are far more likely to identify with something that they and their peers created.
Agree fully about how great Vashil was (overall and with the student section).
Just saw the short video. Coach Powell is bringing it.
Of course, time will tell, blah blah blah, but we couldn't have asked for a more high-energy, connected, on point head coach for VU men's hoops. He's trying to do more than simply revive the program; he's trying to create a new energy around it.
Thumbs up to the man. :thumbsup:
Quote from: David81 on October 24, 2023, 10:49:26 PM
Just saw the short video. Coach Powell is bringing it.
Of course, time will tell, blah blah blah, but we couldn't have asked for a more high-energy, connected, on point head coach for VU men's hoops. He's trying to do more than simply revive the program; he's trying to create a new energy around it.
Thumbs up to the man. :thumbsup:
My concerns were on the athletic department trying to create something that has almost always been created organically by the students. I agree that Coach Powell is doing a great job of bringing energy to the program in many ways.
From what I have heard. There are students who are organizing the student section themselves and finding different ideas and structure to make it more fun and engaging. I believe they are part of some fraternities on campus and were a part of planning this event.
Quote from: crusader05 on October 25, 2023, 12:52:59 PM
From what I have heard. There are students who are organizing the student section themselves and finding different ideas and structure to make it more fun and engaging. I believe they are part of some fraternities on campus and were a part of planning this event.
That sounds great and the right direction. Hopefully, the university is providing support - but not direction.
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 24, 2023, 11:52:35 PM
Quote from: David81 on October 24, 2023, 10:49:26 PM
Just saw the short video. Coach Powell is bringing it.
Of course, time will tell, blah blah blah, but we couldn't have asked for a more high-energy, connected, on point head coach for VU men's hoops. He's trying to do more than simply revive the program; he's trying to create a new energy around it.
Thumbs up to the man. :thumbsup:
My concerns were on the athletic department trying to create something that has almost always been created organically by the students. I agree that Coach Powell is doing a great job of bringing energy to the program in many ways.
Maybe that organic process needs a jump start. Coach Powell is trying to say,
hey, I care about the whole program, and that includes making, you, the students, a big part of it. Of course, the team needs to be competitive to sustain renewed student enthusiasm. Does Coach have a sense of these players that gives him confidence to rally the students before the team has taken the court?
Maybe I'm drinking the koolaid, but what I do know is Coach Powell has a lot of confidence in what he is teaching. He has been involved with one of the best programs in the country for the past 4 years. He knew exactly what type of player he wanted and he went and found them. Palm spoke at the open practice and he said that practices were "different!" The energy that I saw them practice with was over the top. His goal is to run the other opponent into the ground. Only time will tell, but I am encouraged in what this team might be.
I received this email from the Athletic Department yesterday. I have never seen a game promotion like this. Amazing!
Dear Valpo Alumni and Friends,
We are thrilled to invite you to "Powell, Party of 5,000" on November 6th at 7:00 PM as we celebrate the return of our very own Roger Powell to Valparaiso University! We want you to be a part of this exciting evening as we celebrate a new era of Valpo basketball.
Men's Basketball Game:
• Date: November 6, 2023
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Valparaiso University ARC
• Roger Powell fatheads available for the first 1000 fans
• Free glow sticks for everyone
• First 100 fans to purchase a beer at concessions will receive a free Valpo koozie
• Halftime contest - 5 fans will receive free concessions for the season
But that's not all! Before the game, we have something special in store for alumni and friends - the "Valpo FanZone." Join us at Peddler's Sidebar for a pre-game gathering that's sure to get you in the Valpo spirit.
Valpo FanZone Details:
• Location: Peddler's Sidebar
• Address: 5 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383
• Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Price: $10 per person
• Includes pizza and one drink ticket
• Limited to 100 guests
This is an excellent opportunity to mingle with fellow Valpo supporters, catch up with old friends, and make new connections. Let's build some pre-game excitement and show our support for the Valparaiso University Beacons!
Secure your spot now! Please use the following links to purchase your tickets for both events: Valpo FanZone and men's basketball tickets. All tickets will be digital for this event
We hope to see you there as we celebrate Roger Powell's return to Valpo and cheer on our men's basketball team to victory. Your presence will make this event even more memorable, so don't miss out!
If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact our Alumni Office at alumni@valpo.edu or call 219-464-5005.
Valpo Athletics
1009 Union Street
Valparaiso , IN 46383
USA
This does look like impressive promotion. Though I have no way of knowing this for sure, I speculate that Valpo had a vision of renewed and expanded promotion that involved the new coach when they interviewed and chose to hire Coach Powell (meaning that it is part of the job expectations and contract with Coach Powell). If this is true, it is clearly a good direction by the athletic department and university.
New ideas never hurt, being more involved with the community is a great way to bring awareness. Winning games will solve the attendance issues. Those mid week games in frigid January/February. Need more than winning to get the fans in for those nights.
Glad they are trying new ideas.
& Sadly, looks like the Hoosier Helmet stays in Indy one more year. Not basketball related but a quick Football tangent... Landon Fox is clearly good with the X's and O's. He's closed the gap, but will take more than X's and O's. Disappointing year, but at least the program is lot more competitive than in years past. They are in, every game. If the football team could figure out how to be a perennial power in the PFL and make play off appearances, that would be tremendous for the recruiting side and exposure to the University as well. I think the community would embrace that.
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 28, 2023, 08:05:38 AM
This does look like impressive promotion. Though I have no way of knowing this for sure, I speculate that Valpo had a vision of renewed and expanded promotion that involved the new coach when they interviewed and chose to hire Coach Powell (meaning that it is part of the job expectations and contract with Coach Powell). If this is true, it is clearly a good direction by the athletic department and university.
All things considered, Roger Powell may have been the only viable head coaching candidate around whom all of this hoopla could be built. He's willing to take this program on his shoulders, not only on the court, but into the University and the community.
I think many of us had a sense that Valpo's next head coach was an inflection point hire: Either the program tries to go big and return to relevance, or sputters into being a more or less permanently forgettable mid-major (assuming the University stayed at D1).
Regardless of how this guy does (and my hopes are high), he was the absolute right choice and no amount of hindsight should be allowed to question that. Valpo is taking its best shot at returning to the top tier of mid-majors.
Good looking promotion. My question is why waste it on a Monday night game against Trinity?
Would it not be better for a few days later against IUPUI on a Friday night? Maybe they have something else planned then?
Betcha they have something in the wings for IUPUI (and beyond?) and will tweak it based on the initial response to the first shindig.
I don't follow recruiting as much as I used to but this seems odd. Two Top 10 recruits signed to play for Chicago State? I know the CSU coach was their AAU coach but this is all fishy as hell.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38809045/chicago-state-brothers-sue-ncaa-denied-eligibility
That said, I hope they get their injunction because, A. Eff the NCAA and it's random a$$ rules enforcement, and B. Would love to see these guys play in person at the ARC.
https://www.thevictorybell.com/p/column-retention-more-important-than
I appreciate all the local community outreach the team has been doing. I think such an effort is a commendable priority for Coach Powell. As you can see, this morning some of the players visited Immanuel Lutheran to interact with the students. On an additional note, check out the sharp knight logo for the school, whose teams are called "Valiants." How much easier would it have been, and beneficial as well, to keep many VU constituents happy by compromising and retaining the old Crusader mascot but also simply changing the university team name to Valparaiso Valiants?
[tweet]1724825836144959621[/tweet]
I was a Valient. I thought of proposing that name and then thought you shouldn't steal from young kids. ;)
I don't think we had that "knight" helmet symbol 20, 30, 40, 50? years ago.
OMG, has it been that long?
I missed many a shot in that gym. :-)
Going to be a long season.....Indiana State absolutely mauled IUPUI last night. The frustrations last year of not closing games, not having good guard play in the closing five minutes. All the close losses, wasted performances from Krikke. Remaining optimistic that our energy, effort and defensive intensity is more consistent this year! Let's hope we see steady development as the season goes on.
With student enrollment down 35% in the past decade, it's probably unrealistic to think that the student section will ever be filled to overflowing, like it was was in our glory years.
"Enrollment Trends at VU
The student population at Valparaiso University is 2,958 (2,349 undergraduate and 609 graduate students) . The number of students has decreased by 1,584 over the past decade."
With Evansville appearing much improved and our team improving incrementally, there will be some tough MVC road trips in February
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So far, we've got three wins over D1 teams, a remarkable first half against Illinois, and a roster of mostly young players who are developing before our eyes. The MVC schedule may be a reality check, but unless these guys completely fall apart (and with this coach I highly doubt it), this is shaping into a fun season.
I'm going to trust Coach Powell and the staff on going with essentially an 8-man rotation early in the season. However, an injury or two will quickly reveal how thin the bench looks right now, and fatigue could set in with players so unaccustomed to playing starters' minutes. I hope the 9-10 guys start seeing more minutes sooner than later. But maybe the staff has decided to go for wins now, simply to change the dynamic of the program.
Also, the core guards are looking like a bunch of streak shooters, and right now their shooting percentages are pretty awful. However, they're showing an ability to catch fire as well. If VU can just manage to keep them, and that's where this coach comes in.
I have to admit that I am still getting used to the different kind of anxiety that our new offense is giving me. I am too used to winding down most of the shot clock, and ending up with some desperate heaves on occasion, versus what we are doing now. Every time that I see a shot in the first 10-15 seconds, it is almost natural for me to think 'what the heck are you doing,' but that is our new MO :)
In the "good for us" category, Southern, whom Valpo beat 71-59 last weekend, upset #21 Mississippi State today by 60-59! Miss. St. was on its home court and had been favored by 26 points.
Quote from: valpopal on December 03, 2023, 05:26:17 PM
In the "good for us" category, Southern, whom Valpo beat 71-59 last weekend, upset #21 Mississippi State today by 60-59! Miss. St. was on its home court and had been favored by 26 points.
That is surprising. I saw Southern on Tuesday get beat badly by Marquette.
Mississippi State Men's Basketball Collapses Against Southern, 60-59 - Sports Illustrated Mississippi State Football, Basketball, Recruiting, and More (https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/basketball/mississippi-state-mens-basketball-collapses-against-southern-60-59)
The Mississippi State Bulldogs lose their second consecutive game, despite starting the season undefeated.
HUNTER DE SIVER (https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/author/hunter-de-siver)
In this story:
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
The Mississippi State men's basketball team collapsed in a 60-59 defensive battle against Southern on Sunday.
The No. 21 Bulldogs and Jaguars entered this game with opposite records, but it didn't seem that way.
Mississippi State's excellent start to the 2023-24 season has mainly stemmed from its production on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs' 60.3 points allowed per game is the 11th-best in all of Division I.[/size][/color][/size]
The Bulldogs' defense helped them out yet again on Sunday, as they collected a total of 12 steals, and held Southern to 21-of-49 shooting from the field, including 6-of-21 from downtown.
Nevertheless, Mississippi State couldn't capitalize on its 17 takeaways as they turned the ball 17 times themselves. Additionally, the Bulldogs shot 21-of-52 from the field, including 7-of-26 from downtown.
Mississippi State has been efficient throughout the season when it comes to spreading the ball around, as the leading scorer typically doesn't tally many more points than the lowest scorer. The Bulldogs finished with a solid 17 assists, but the even turnover ratio discredits the achievement.
Mississippi State looked like it would survive in the latter portion of the second half, but the team would completely collapse on both ends. The Jaguars took advantage of the Bulldogs by going on an astonishing 12-0 run over the final four minutes.
Southern guard Brandon Davis converted the go-ahead layup with 23 seconds remaining. Davis finished the game with 12 points, but Mississippi State was able to limit him throughout the game.
That said, the Bulldogs couldn't stop Jaguars guard Tai-Reon Joseph, who scored a stellar 27 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field. Joseph also recorded six rebounds and three steals.
Sunday was the Bulldogs' second loss of the season, but it's also their second consecutive one.
BY HUNTER DE SIVER (https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/author/hunter-de-siver)[/size][/color][/size]
Chris Jans is an excellent defensive coach. Did nice things at New Mexico State. Was a free-throw away from defeating Auburn, the year they went to the final four. He inherited a roster that was a hot mess in Starkville and got them in the tourney last year. Let's see what they learn from this. Southern scored the last 12 points of the game today. You can over look teams and still win. This was a terrible loss to a bad team. Inexcusable. They've been demolished by everyone and it shows that Valpo closed door on Southern in the final 5 minutes where as State didn't.
Interesting exchange. Love that Coach Powell, is defending himself and the Team.
https://x.com/rogerpowelljr/status/1745988287041360060?s=46&t=cNk7taMAYtxNl1Q0_O79Gw
He should use such things as ammo for future seasons. He gets a complete pass from me on this year and at least half of next season, as he is likely needing to replace almost the entire roster, to get his guys. He will have a full year of recruitment under his belt, and will scour the transfer portal, so even if Cooper or any of our young guys leave, I am confident in the folks that he will bring in with that much time to get his true fit for his playing style. I do hope that Jahari, Cooper, and Kasper stay, but if they don't, I trust that Powell will have some dawgs ready to replace them.
The only reason these guys will leave is if they get NIL. That Valpo can't provide.
I believe we had a European recruit big locked and loaded last summer that bailed on us for NIL. Took NIL vs his strong program connection. And is getting very little playing time with the team he went to.
Quote from: Chairback on January 14, 2024, 05:44:03 PM
The only reason these guys will leave is if they get NIL. That Valpo can't provide.
I believe we had a European recruit big locked and loaded last summer that bailed on us for NIL. Took NIL vs his strong program connection. And is getting very little playing time with the team he went to.
Did he go P6 or was it a mid major?
Sciarroni gets a scholarship today, pretty awesome stuff:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2LdrirLYA0/?igsh=OWoxN2Z0MDZ1cWN3
Quote from: SPEEDYPITCHER37 on January 16, 2024, 06:15:37 PM
Sciarroni gets a scholarship today, pretty awesome stuff:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2LdrirLYA0/?igsh=OWoxN2Z0MDZ1cWN3
Congrats to him!
Quote from: SPEEDYPITCHER37 on January 16, 2024, 06:15:37 PMSciarroni gets a scholarship today, pretty awesome stuff: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2LdrirLYA0/?igsh=OWoxN2Z0MDZ1cWN3
OUTstanding.
Congrats to the young man.
Great PO article about this. How it was announced. His excitement and gratitude. What a dynamic leader and motivator Roger is.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
NOTES: Valparaiso freshman Cooper Schwieger is finding his stride in MVC play
Alexander.Burr 12 hrs ago
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/basketball/men/cooper-schwieger-valparaiso-basketball-mens-missouri-valley-conference/article_dfa5e2e8-b95a-11ee-8d12-7bbda013c4d1.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
Surprised The Times found the space for a Vu article sandwiched between "Mug Shots Of Everyone Ever" & "Jerry Davich: Here's What's Pissing Me Off Today!"