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Instead of holding the tournament I think it would be cool to go into the archives and the vault and show the greatest upsets\improbable runs and the greatest moments in the history of the sport one after the other for weeks on end until we run out of worthy candidates (including conference tournaments). This would remind the world (and maybe the selection committee for future tournaments) what the tournament is really about. UPSETS! Cinderella runs! pulse pounding action! Thrilling comebacks! Buzzer beaters! This would be an awesome love letter to the sport in this difficult time! It won't happen but it's a good idea and I can thank Father Harry the MVC Insider for the inspiration for this!

https://twitter.com/FatherHarry1/status/1238112819142426626

I'd rather watch movies like "Idiocracy" or "LOTR"!!!

Amazing that everyone forgets that Sigurd played in a professional league and was the leading scorer in many if not most games for his team. His stat line reads 20.0 PPG  3.7 RBPG  4.7 APG and he was not playing against midgets, these players were very similar in height to many college basketball teams and I would think potentially higher in talent than most 3A and 4A Indiana high school teams. I don't believe that we have seen him play enough healthy minutes to begin to make judgements as to his capabilities.

Fair point, I think many of us accept that we have not seen his best or his worst.  But it's also fair for us to point out concerns.  Otherwise what else do we have to talk about!!!!!?!!!!

[but]

Fieldgoodie You are dead on. If you are a smaller guard you have to have freakish athleticism to compensate for it.  Not just a set shooter from 3. Buggs had phenomenal speed, could pass and distribute and was a unbelievable on ball defender. He could get to the rim and finish. Daniel is the fastest player I have ever seen and can change a game when he is under control. Kay Felder same thing.  Royce Parran at Chicago State. I'd take him as a walk on, but not use up a scholarship.

I would like to see what Sigurd could do, honestly. Matt saw something in him and it doesn't necessarily have to be a star point guard.  If he brings specific attributes to the game that round out the team, he (or anyone) can help take the team to the next level, assuming they don't come at some grave expense. I couldn't disagree more that freakish athleticism is required to compensate for size. Intelligence, skill, and being part of a team plan are more than enough. Basketball courts are small, so acceleration can't consistently get you past a defender who anticipates your moves and positions himself well, especially if they don't respect your outside shooting; Sackey is slowly learning that. As for Fieldgoodie's comparison to Fazekas and his moments of difficulty getting off a shot, I'll say this. Preventing a great shooter from getting off his shot NEVER comes without a price.  I would wager that if he's not getting his shot, someone else is having an easier time offensively. Next year we've got no guaranteed sharpshooter.  We need one. If he's fundamentally sound on defense, he'll add another tool to the Swiss Army knife that will make us better.

Seth C. sounds like this guy. He wasn't all that bad.

I don't want to get caught up on height but I also cannot ignore this.  We are being generous by giving him 5'9" -vs- Seth Colclasure was 6'2".  I get the athleticism comment but Seth was not 5+ inches shorter than any and all that guarded him.  I emphasize it's not that he cannot excel, just that he is going to really struggle unless he has some well honed sense and high basketball IQ.

Note:  I think most of us on this board are between 5'9" and 6'2" . . . we all know the difference when someone 4 to 5" taller is guarding us.  We likely never had the intangibles but I can promise you we had a lot of our shots blocked.

https://twitter.com/ESPNLunardi/status/1237738064056922113/photo/1

I did a quick look and couldn't find UNI listed on any projected NCAA Tournament lists.  Am I missing something, do they even have a chance?

Fieldgoodie You are dead on. 


If you are a smaller guard you have to have freakish athleticism to compensate for it.  Not just a set shooter from 3. 


Buggs had phenomenal speed, could pass and distribute and was a unbelievable on ball defender. He could get to the rim and finish.   


Daniel is the fastest player I have ever seen and can change a game when he is under control.


Kay Felder same thing.  Royce Parran at Chicago State.

I'd take him as a walk on, but not use up a scholarship. 

I would like to see what Sigurd could do, honestly. Matt saw something in him and it doesn't necessarily have to be a star point guard.  If he brings specific attributes to the game that round out the team, he (or anyone) can help take the team to the next level, assuming they don't come at some grave expense.

I couldn't disagree more that freakish athleticism is required to compensate for size. Intelligence, skill, and being part of a team plan are more than enough. Basketball courts are small, so acceleration can't consistently get you past a defender who anticipates your moves and positions himself well, especially if they don't respect your outside shooting; Sackey is slowly learning that. As for Fieldgoodie's comparison to Fazekas and his moments of difficulty getting off a shot, I'll say this. Preventing a great shooter from getting off his shot NEVER comes without a price.  I would wager that if he's not getting his shot, someone else is having an easier time offensively.

Next year we've got no guaranteed sharpshooter.  We need one. If he's fundamentally sound on defense, he'll add another tool to the Swiss Army knife that will make us better.

I also carry that hope, but my gut is telling me he has more hurdles to clear in order to even get playing time.  And frankly, no playing time = no deep ball threat.

Been thinking about this since mid-season.  Who would you have rather had this season:

A heathy senior Smits or a freshman Krikke?

My pick would be Krikke.

Krikke times a million.  I didn't care for Smits' game, he appeared to be a bit spoiled?

Here's the thing: we don't know a lot of things yet. This season just ended. We don't know how our new recruits will perform. We don't know if or to what degree some of the players who struggled from outside will improve their shot. The improvement in team shooting could come from everybody on the roster improving incrementally as much as any one addition. We don't even know what kind of player Lorange is yet. I think Paul said he played exactly 60 minutes. Can\should a player be judged by his performance over a game and a half? Now compound that issue by knowing that he was usually getting bit minutes (8-10 at most.) Do you really think we know what we have in him yet? It seemed like Lottich really wanted to play him more especially as Sackey struggled earlier this year but couldn't mostly because Lorange was hurt most of the year. We've seen what back injuries can do (After all, Robinson was not the same player with his back problems). Let's let Siggy get some run when he's healthy for a few games and assess what we have then if we get the opportunity. And if he was playing through his injury whatever you saw and judged his defense to be should be filtered through that lens and judged accordingly as injuries would understandably hamper a player's defensive abilities.

We are getting a 5'8" skilled shooter that may or may not get his shot off.  I am going to be that guy, the only way he gets his shot off is by us running plays with 2 and 3 screens upon screens.  Not even Fazekas was able to get that type of open and he was commonly taller than those defending him.  I just don't know, he has a lot to overcome because of his height.

[IMO we need starters minutes from a player that shoots 42%+ from deep.]

Paul Oren laid out a really nice case on the last episode of Union Street Hoops to suggest that Siggy could fill needs 1 and 3 himself. I also think Barrett and Edwards are being recruited because they can shoot and Ognacevic looks like he may have the makings of a great stretch 4.

I'd agree that Siggy potentially fills #1 and #3, hoping anyways.  But can we play him strong minutes if he is a defensive liability?  Fazekas ended up being a better defender than I expected and he shot lights out, that is why he got minutes.  I don't think Siggy can get strong minutes because we probably cannot play him and Sackey at the same time.  Not to mention coach liked Javon at PG at times.

IMO we need starters minutes from a player that shoots 42%+ from deep.  Our current roster doesn't have that besides Gordon @ 42%.  If we lean on Gordon for starters mpg, how do we think his defense is?  He is the 6'2" G that isn't giving up a ton of size or athleticism . . . does he take those minutes and shoot 42%+ with 2x more attempts?  Gordon only took 69 attempts and Freeman (178), Donovan (112) and Mileek (110).

Freeman 29%
Donovan 29%
McMllan 36%
Krikke 34%
Sackey 31%
Robinson 27%
Siggy 60%

[Here is my list in order of need:]

Did not start this tread in hopes of seeing any of our guys leave. I'd love to see everyone return. Odds are not everyone will though.

For conversation sake, let's say that (2) transfers occur which is still below national average.  We cannot control who they "might" be, but we can discuss areas of need after watching this team play . . .

Here is my list in order of need:
1) 42%+ three point shooter with quick release
2) Rebounder from the 3 or 4 position
3) Backup PG to Sackey that can play starters minutes when he tries too hard (Zion?)

This turned out to be a difficult exercise because the team (as it stands today) looks pretty complete and ready to grow in experience together.  I came into this season thinking we needed big help at the PG and C position and I feel "better" today than at that time.  If we can get Zion more minutes as a lock-down defender and strong dribble/driver and develop Freese-Vilein into a 10 mpg player that is not out of his element, we should have a fun 2020/21 season.

[Top 10 count down of Horizon League arenas]

I am thankful that we have a fellow alumni that has taken the time to build and keep up this fan forum.  If there is anything that us fans can do to contribute here and there (monetarily) please do not hesitate to ask.  I know you added advertising to subsidize but never sure if that complete covers the cost.  Either way, thank you for what you are doing for us fans.

In other news, I know that we have a good number of members that are retired and looking for projects!  Each time I log onto the forum there is an outstanding and detailed home page (replete with pictures) that does a Top 10 count down of Horizon League arenas. 

I think with this years success in the post-season and a strong season ahead of us that we ought to invest some of our "retired" hours  into updating this to reflect our MVC arenas.  Either way, I know this is not my authority to ask but I know that some fans might volunteer their time for a worthy project like this.  Could be fans that have attended games at these arenas (I have not myself yet).  Just a thought.  I am still eternally grateful to have a forum to post my thoughts and opinions and have fellow alumni share theirs.  Thanks for all that you do!

Dear Siggy,

If you are reading this thread, please be aware of the following two points:
1 - The opinions of people who write on this forum have absolutely NO impact on your future with Valpo basketball. The only opinion that counts when it comes to evaluating your talent is that of coach Lottich. And he recruited you, so he obviously wants you here! 
2 - The vast majority of us Valpo fans love and support you and anyone else who puts on a Valpo jersey and give a 100% effort.

So to conclude, good luck with your rehab. I can't wait to see you back on the court.

Sincerely,
Valpofan!

Well said, I also think that we need more depth at the PG.  If we lose a player like Siggy to transfer that puts us further behind the curve.  He needs time (a full season) to adapt as a healthy contributor before I can comment one way or the other.  Despite coach talking about Javon handling PG duties as a (new age PG) we still need to beat the trap and Javon is good but not great at handling these duties.  Not to mention, New Age or not . . . the PG exerts a ton of energy on the offense and defense ends of the court.  If he were to carry PG duties through a whole season he'd have nothing left in his legs.

We need players like Siggy for next year undoubtedly.  As long as he progresses like Mileek and other players have in the last 4-years then I don't see why him bolstering the PG position is a bad thing.  I would argue that the middle 50% of this season was missing a PG as much as a seasoned F/C, if not more.  Because our offense looked quite stagnate when Daniel was working through things.

We won the four Game tourney !! 

No we didn't... What makes you think we won?

Think he's suggesting there was a (4-game) and separate (3-game) tournament.  We advanced furthest on the (4-game).  Sorta like Toilet Bowl Champs in Gus Macker!!!

Was at the game last night rooting for you guys. Will he rooting for you today as well.

Thank for the support!

Did Siggy make the trip?

I should clarify, if he's not in attendance does that mean he's no longer with the program?  If he's no longer with the program then there is an open scholarship for next year...

Did Siggy make the trip?

Does anyone know why Morgan has not played much?  With Javon obviously not 100%, seems that Morgan would be getting at least a couple of minutes here and there.

It seems that Kiser, Clay, Javon, and Sackey will start to be a little gassed tonight.  Also seems that Morgan, Gordon, Mileek, and Krikke shouldn't have fatigue issues, and could be really important.

Yeah I was texting a fellow fan that exact question this morning.  I'm perplexed as well.  I like his game more than most, he is versatile and plays good defense that I can see.

The toughness of Krikke to get up off the floor, hit two free throws, and stay in the game, when he got hit in the face and his eye was swelling up seemed a symbolic turning point in the game. He reminded me of Kevin Van Wijk at that point!

Strong point!

So if we lose is Lottich gone?

They have played us close this year and could beat us.   I can see it happening.  Evansville has a lot to prove and the pressure is on us.  A bad shooting night of chugging 25+ 3's and waiting for JFL to save us could happen.

I don't see how he could survive a loss tonight.

I don't see 1-game changing his likely trajectory today or in the next year.  It might add to the fodder but he'd have to do something terribly ignorant to get fired in my estimation.

if This professor was so popular and important, then why would the professor be so low on the music department totem pole to get removed?

Jeffery C. Brown is an adjunct assistant professor of music, which means that he is not tenured. He has long been a well-respected leader of the VU jazz band and instructor of percussion. In addition, he has coordinated the well-regarded VU Jazz Fest, where local and national jazz musicians perform, and which many community members and future students get exposed to VU - some high school jazz bands typically perform at the Jazz Fest so many students have had that as an entry point to considering the university. In addition, it is important to remember that most VU students who participate in the ensembles are NOT majoring in music, yet the ability to do so may be one reason they chose VU over other universities.

So why consider cutting this position? I'm guessing that all departments across the university are looking at budget cuts, which is why men's soccer and tennis were cut. The music department probably had to consider cuts as well, and it is far more difficult to cut tenured faculty members.

I'd appreciate some input from teachers or professors or those with experience on the subject of tenure.  Is it a healthy environment in a democracy?  Does it drive creativity and learning?  What are the main PRO's and CON's for what tenure brings to the table?

On the surface it seems like a really effective way to ensure mediocre long term results and protect people from changing with the times.  Sad to say this but every person gets bored with their job over time and their initiative and adaption of new thoughts/ideas/technology is impeded by the resultant malaise.  Is tenure an example of academic practices that will be axed with the higher education financial changes forthcoming?

We haven't had a technically sound C in many years and if his high school scoring prowess is partly due to basketball footwork / IQ I think he will be just fine.  I'd like to see another Kevin Van Wijk in a Valpo uniform.

Will we try to fashion him as a true center? I have him pictured as more an Adekoya, McMillan, Krikke composite.

I think the coaches see him as a 3/4, probably the later.  He has a high percentage from the 3.  With McMillan at the 4, Jacob or Ben could play the 4.

That's fine if we want to see his skill set is more of a power forward but I think the fact remains that he will have to defend against centers in many instances. We can line them up however you want offensively but on the defensive end our opponents are going to have guys his size or bigger and he's going to need to defend them and play that position.

Yes, because MUSIC is where the future is at for a corn-cob growing fly over University.

Careful! The corn cobs grown in Northwest Indiana are extremely sensitive to both criticism and music.    You city boys just never learned how to properly interact with nature.    Fortunately the seed will not start leaving the bag for another 4 weeks and they are much more forgiving than the average VU basketball fan. Wait! Are you actually suggesting than by cultivating our BB program and providing for its every need then bumper harvests might follow?

What a novel idea! What ag school did you attend?

Yeah, I let my emotions take over my brain there for second.

My issue is with the people who throw up all these micro examples of changes happening at our university and proclaim the sky is falling. These type of actions were probably needed at the University for many years before now.  And for all we know these changes have been happening before the advent of social media without fan fair.  Just because all changes are published or on social media now doesn't make it any less well thought out and necessary for the university to flourish.

I'm not an apologist for the University because I frankly have no interest in lobbying one way or the other, they have jobs to do and they are in the midst of doing their job.

I'm probably over thinking this but this clip makes me question the ceiling on Jacob. Life in CBB won't be this easy. If he takes this same move to the hoop against a capable defensive team it gets contested. The athleticism is concerning. Maybe I'm looking for reasons to get off the hype train with Jacob...

https://twitter.com/leicaman99/status/1235032782759481350?s=21

I also have questions about Jacoobs athleticism, but they have been assuaged somewhat by some of the many clips on MaxPreps this past year. I am most concerned with his quickness and foot speed. We will just have to wait and see, he seems to have a very good work ethic from what his coaches and peers have said. If you search for him on Twitter there is a fair amount of stuff on him, not just high school stuff.

https://twitter.com/search?q=Jacob%20Ognacevic&src=typed_query

Hard to argue against your points, I personally just want someone that can shoot with a good % inside and out at this position.  His defense, IMO, will be mostly in question if he doesn't have good anticipation or foot speed.  We haven't had a technically sound C in many years and if his high school scoring prowess is partly due to basketball footwork / IQ I think he will be just fine.  I'd like to see another Kevin Van Wijk in a Valpo uniform.  He was never athletically overwhelming but he sure was effective.

The University that's forcing out one of their more popular music professors because of budget issues is not paying for our team to go on the road. Probably worth a separate thread but that article in the Times today does not paint a good picture for our alma mater right now.

Holy crap... Maybe we should just be happy with what we have while we have it... Sounds like we're F'd...

Yes, because MUSIC is where the future is at for a corn-cob growing fly over University.  Come on guys!  CLICK BAIT

I agree with Crusader05, I think Javon was honest and Lottich probably didn't want to announce but then had to (as per usual, don't give away game plan etc).  Though consider that this is the conference tournament, may be different set of expectations for marketing reasons.  Having a Top 3 MVP be a game-time decision could hurt attendance?  Doubtful, but marketing is nothing if not over analytical.

I agree with Crusader05, I think Javon was honest and Lottich probably didn't want to announce but then had to (as per usual, don't give away game plan etc).  Though consider that this is the conference tournament, may be different set of expectations for marketing reasons.  Having a Top 3 MVP be a game-time decision could hurt attendance?  Doubtful, but marketing is nothing if not over analytical.

We normally don't make players who have been out with an injury (or in this case, illness) available to the media until after they return, but in this case Matt and I wanted to allow Javon to get as much well-deserved media attention as possible for the all-conference honors he received this week, so we didn't want to decline those requests. It also didn't seem fair to the fans or media members to not allow them to hear from the first-team All-MVC honoree, a big achievement for him and the program. It wasn't a case of Javon saying something he wasn't supposed to or a miscommunication; we weren't going to ask Javon not to be truthful about his status, so both Matt and myself knew he may let reporters know he was playing if that was asked. In this instance, we knew Evansville was going to be prepared for the possibility of playing against Javon regardless of whether or not it was announced/confirmed that he would play.


On a different note, so great to see Javon, Mileek, Kiser and Donovan get well-deserved league honors this week. Very positive vibe around the team and program right now heading into the tournament.

Thanks for taking time to inform the fans.  It's greatly appreciated and a nice personal touch that many programs might not have taken the time to do.  Please keep us engaged as much as you can! 

In a day where "distance" and "privacy" are overly acted on it's refreshing having yourself, Todd Ickow, Paul Oren and other athletics department contributors being active on this forum where the alumni/fans live during the week.

Its admirable and intelligent to keep us enthused about the program and feeling "ownership level" excitement by having interactions.  Sometimes I think that corporations (Universities) lose touch and expect the worse every time they engage fans in this manner.

P.S.  During rebuilding years its importance is ratcheted up.  Keep us sidetracked, fat and happy with updates and interactions!!!

I'm confused why we are announcing who is available and who is not 48 hours in advance at tourney time. Dont give the other teams any extra time to prepare for who is actually going to be playing for us.

I agree with Crusader05, I think Javon was honest and Lottich probably didn't want to announce but then had to (as per usual, don't give away game plan etc).  Though consider that this is the conference tournament, may be different set of expectations for marketing reasons.  Having a Top 3 MVP be a game-time decision could hurt attendance?  Doubtful, but marketing is nothing if not over analytical.