Maybe not too early to start looking at Caleb Furst, a 6-foot-9 freshman, playing for 1A Blackhawk Christian. He would certainly seem to fit into our niche of players most interested in the atmosphere that Valpo basketball has to offer. Here is an article from the Fort Wayne News Sentinel and before anyone complains... no it was not written by Tom Davis. I know that they are 1A, but they played 12 3A and 4A teams in the regular season and were probably the 2nd best team in the Fort Wayne area.
Blackhawk Christian freshman Caleb Furst (http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/2018/03/15/after-he-fell-in-love-with-basketball-there-was-no-slowing-blackhawk-christian-freshman-caleb-furst/)
Watching our guy JFL in the ISHA semis and Evanston has this freshmen who just keeps nailing threes, including a great transition jumpshot. He's getting some eyeballs on him tonight.
Valpo was showing interest in Lance Jones who plays for Evanston.
https://twitter.com/WolvesILL/status/1010636648026198024
https://twitter.com/WolvesILL/status/1010617183800569856
Looks like there were a bunch of players at Valpo's Elite Camp.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DgZS1ZIW0AEHruf.jpg:large
Some 2021 Region names to keep an eye on. Maybe a future Valpo Basketball player in this group.
https://twitter.com/EvanWalls6/status/1011946644521308161
2021 appears to have the potential to be a strong recruiting class out of the State of Indiana.
https://twitter.com/patmhickey/status/1017452507839258624
Top 5 players from Evansville area in stacked 2021 basketball recruiting class
Pat Hickey
Evansville Courier & Press
July 12, 2018
https://www.courierpress.com/story/sports/college/evansville/2018/07/12/top-5-players-evansville-area-stacked-2021-basketball-class/771828002/
I was talking to someone who follows HS hoops pretty closely in NWI and he mentioned that Chris Mantis has the chance to develop into the real deal. The kid is already 6-6 and has some skills. His grandfather is a legendary basketball player and his older brother was a HS star. Nick Mantis is played for Don Bosco Prep for a year and will be competing in his first season of CBB this year at Cedarville. I'm surprised Nick get more D1 interest. I'm Chris is on the coaches radar. He attended the Valpo Elite Camp back in June.
https://twitter.com/bopat10/status/1017161994720423937
Chris Mantis | 6'5 SG | G3 Grind 2021 | Lowell HS (IN)
Mantis is a really solid shooter when set and doesn't have any fear to reel off shots quickly. He's pretty solid on defense due to his size. He could use a little more weight and muscle to his body at this stage. He likes to push the ball hard up the floor, a good asset for any young player to have. https://www.prephoops.com/2018/04/circle-city-shootout-2021-standouts-pt-1/
2021 Spring Preview: Top Breakout Prospects
By Eric Gardner
03/8/18
...
-Blake Sisley 6'7 PF Heritage Hills
-Douglas Koznieczny 6'5 SF South Bend St. Joseph
-Brett Bosley 6'4 SF Paoli
-Chris Mantis 6'1 SG Lowell
-Michael Eley 6'2 SG Fort Wayne Snider
...
Chris Mantis just had his older brother come through the state so the name is already out there but Chris looks like the better prospect right now. Really long and active and tends to impact a lot of areas of the game. If he can do even just a portion of that during AAU, you will really take notice of that. https://www.prephoops.com/2018/03/2021-spring-preview-top-breakout-prospects/
2021 Spring Preview: Northwest Indiana's Best
By Eric Gardner Share
Posted On: 03/6/18
Something new we are looking at this year is looking at different regions or quadrants in the state. There are many areas and hotbeds of talent in the state and we want to take a little bit more of a microscope to them to see what the nuances of the state will produce in each class. This is our look at Region 1 in Northwest Indiana.
1 Kyle Ross 6'6 PF Andrean
2 Rocco Muratori 6'10 C West Lafayette
3 Douglas Koznieczny Jr. 6'5 SF South Bend St. Joseph
4 Adam O'Dell 6'6 PF South Bend St. Joseph
5 Quimari Peterson 5'10 PG Gary West
6 Crishawn Christmas 6'3 SF Gary West
7 Chris Mantis 6'1 SG Lowell
8 Luka Balac 6'0 PG Munster
9 Max Grimes 6'1 PG Lafayette Jeff
10 Ashton Beaver 6'0 PG Lafayette Jeff
11 Max Jacobsen 6'1 PG Harrison (WL)
12 Joseph Phinsee 6'0 PG McCutcheon
13 Colton Jones 6'1 PG Valparaiso
14 Cooper Jones 6'5 C Valparaiso
Breakdown: When breaking down prospects into quadrants or regions, we look at those different areas with regards to distance, rivalries, and hotbeds of talent. In the first quadrant, it is the Region and surrounding areas. From as far south as Lafayette all the way east to South Bend.
This area of the state looks a little more built up than in years past. There are quite a few players from the Lafayette area and the Region has some legit top end talent to play around with. South Bend isn't particularly deep right now but the two South Bend St. Joseph's players are really solid.
This area should produce some DI talent and as many as four or five. Past that, there is tons of depth and there are many intriguing players to watch with guys like Max Grimes, Quimari Peterson, and Luka Balac. This is the deepest part of the state outside of the Indianapolis area and that isn't usually the case anymore.
https://www.prephoops.com/2018/03/2021-spring-preview-northwest-indianas-best/
I wonder if Douglas Koznieczny is the brother to VU women's basketball player Nicole Koznieczny since she also graduated from South Bend St. Joseph. Also are the Jones boys related to former VU and Valpo HS star Mike Jones?
https://twitter.com/TheJrKonieczny/status/1036757244048809985
https://twitter.com/INPrep/status/1036760769944268800
Douglas Konieczny
Height: 6'6
Position: G/F
School: South Bend St. Joseph
AAU: Hayward Hoops
https://gridirondigest.net/topic/10367-prep-hoops-freshman-showcase/
https://twitter.com/ZachFleer270/status/1021119023579361280
https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/1013591446673412096
https://twitter.com/Hayward_Hoops/status/1011960425091616768
https://twitter.com/TheJrKonieczny/status/976998283569696768
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3btEvAMJnY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_qiM-h3Xrk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W2fC_ORbj0
Quote from: VU2014 on September 03, 2018, 08:34:06 PM
https://twitter.com/TheJrKonieczny/status/1036757244048809985
https://twitter.com/INPrep/status/1036760769944268800
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10383128/5ab4597fd45ea20d50e5550b (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10383128/5ab4597fd45ea20d50e5550b)
Impressed with his quick release, especially considering his age. Reminds me alot of a young Alec Peters.
Quote from: wh on September 03, 2018, 10:45:02 PM
Impressed with his quick release, especially considering his age. Reminds me alot of a young Alec Peters.
On second thought I think likening him to a young Ryan Broekhoff is more accurate.
Quote from: RS on July 13, 2018, 09:03:00 AM
I wonder if Douglas Koznieczny is the brother to VU women's basketball player Nicole Koznieczny since she also graduated from South Bend St. Joseph. Also are the Jones boys related to former VU and Valpo HS star Mike Jones?
Nothing concrete to show that they are siblings but Nicole and JR (Doug) are both from LaPorte and went to SB St Joe, although Nicole went to LaPorte Kesling Middle School and was a Slicer, as many Crusaders were (Tonagel, etc.).
Quote from: bbtds on September 07, 2018, 09:31:33 AM
Quote from: RS on July 13, 2018, 09:03:00 AM
I wonder if Douglas Koznieczny is the brother to VU women's basketball player Nicole Koznieczny since she also graduated from South Bend St. Joseph. Also are the Jones boys related to former VU and Valpo HS star Mike Jones?
Nothing concrete to show that they are siblings but Nicole and JR (Doug) are both from LaPorte and went to SB St Joe, although Nicole went to LaPorte Kesling Middle School and was a Slicer, as many Crusaders were (Tonagel, etc.).
Her player bio says she has (2) brothers and one is named J.R.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/wbasketball/roster/2017-18/9159/nicole-konieczny/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/wbasketball/roster/2017-18/9159/nicole-konieczny/)
Probably scouting Brandon Weston.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brandon-weston
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4wCSRCMlbs
https://twitter.com/LFAHoops/status/1041068879022358528
Coach Gore was in South Bend yesterday. Probably out recruiting and building the relationship with Valpo offer JR Konieczny.
https://twitter.com/SJhoopsquad/status/1050543947204956160
A local kid to keep an eye on.
https://twitter.com/Igotthis32/status/1051947543410745348
This kid is going to be a stud. Hopefully the coaches build a strong relationship with him and we show him Valpo is a place where he can make some noise in the tourney. He'll probably be around campus at least a couple times per year with his sister playing on the women's team.
https://twitter.com/Hayward_Hoops/status/1054736615283834880
Chris Mantis' stock has been rising. It would be awesome to get another region kid to play for his local school. His brother is pretty good player and rehabbing a injury right now. Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember hearing Chris' grandfather was a legendary Indiana HS basketball player.
https://twitter.com/camantis23/status/1055278258227462144
https://twitter.com/bopat10/status/1054216618975354880
I know it's selected highlights but he doesn't look like a freshman in this tape. He has some polish to his game.
https://twitter.com/camantis23/status/974104615485628416
Watching Caleb Furst, 6'10" sophomore at Blackhawk Christian along with Butler assistant coach Omar Lowery and several Purdue assistants. Blackhawk coach Davidson has had most every Indiana D1 school (and a whole lot more schools from all over the country) at open gym or at their first 2 games. Would love to hear that VU was showing interest in this kid who is a devout Christian and has made a choice to go to a small Christian school.
Update: Haftime 1A Blackhawk Christian 59 4A Fort Wayne North Side 24.
Final: 1A Blackhawk Christian 98 4A Fort Wayne North Side 44
Love the size! What AAU team does he play for?
Quote from: M on November 29, 2018, 08:57:33 AM
Love the size! What AAU team does he play for?
Indy Heat - He's currently got offers from Purdue, Butler, IU, Iowa, Northwestern and Ohio State and he's currently the 31st ranked player nationally in his class. The likelihood that he winds up at Valpo (or Butler for that matter) is so small that I don't blame the coaches for not spending a ton of time recruiting him. That's not to say that they never have, but when they reached out, if they didn't get a sense that there was mutual interest, then they are doing the right thing.
Quote from: IrishDawg on November 29, 2018, 03:38:00 PM
Quote from: M on November 29, 2018, 08:57:33 AM
Love the size! What AAU team does he play for?
Indy Heat - He's currently got offers from Purdue, Butler, IU, Iowa, Northwestern and Ohio State and he's currently the 31st ranked player nationally in his class. The likelihood that he winds up at Valpo (or Butler for that matter) is so small that I don't blame the coaches for not spending a ton of time recruiting him. That's not to say that they never have, but when they reached out, if they didn't get a sense that there was mutual interest, then they are doing the right thing.
I have not asked his coach whether Valpo has ever contacted him or his parents, I can try to find that out. All I was getting at is that he and his parents have made some interesting decisions concerning his education and basketball competition. He was "invited" to attend school with his good friends and D1 prospects Luke Goode at Homestead High School and also his teammate Jalen Blackmon at Marion and decided to remain in the Blackhawk Christian schools.
Lowery certainly looked very chummy and actually somewhat intimate with his parents (hugs all around after the game) so I don't know that Butler is out of the running. This kid and family strikes me, and I could be completely wrong, as someone who could look to go to a school where he would be a game changer at a school that fits his and his family's values rather than just another high level recruit, other people who know the situation better than I have told me the same thing.
Quote from: FWalum on November 29, 2018, 06:31:13 PM
Quote from: IrishDawg on November 29, 2018, 03:38:00 PM
Quote from: M on November 29, 2018, 08:57:33 AM
Love the size! What AAU team does he play for?
Indy Heat - He's currently got offers from Purdue, Butler, IU, Iowa, Northwestern and Ohio State and he's currently the 31st ranked player nationally in his class. The likelihood that he winds up at Valpo (or Butler for that matter) is so small that I don't blame the coaches for not spending a ton of time recruiting him. That's not to say that they never have, but when they reached out, if they didn't get a sense that there was mutual interest, then they are doing the right thing.
I have not asked his coach whether Valpo has ever contacted him or his parents, I can try to find that out. All I was getting at is that he and his parents have made some interesting decisions concerning his education and basketball competition. He was "invited" to attend school with his good friends and D1 prospects Luke Goode at Homestead High School and also his teammate Jalen Blackmon at Marion and decided to remain in the Blackhawk Christian schools.
Lowery certainly looked very chummy and actually somewhat intimate with his parents (hugs all around after the game) so I don't know that Butler is out of the running. This kid and family strikes me, and I could be completely wrong, as someone who could look to go to a school where he would be a game changer at a school that fits his and his family's values rather than just another high level recruit, other people who know the situation better than I have told me the same thing.
FW, have you shared this with the BB program? I see a parallel with Derrik's recruitment. We got a seven footer because he and his family saw the advantage
to Derrik of a place like Valpo. That could work here. He might not play in front of 10,000 every night, but he might enjoy 1) being a big fish in a smaller but prestigious pond rather than a support player in a big pond, and 2) he knows that Valpo stars go on to play pro ball because their resumes contain great stats. Those stats might not be the same at Gigantic University because of being in more of a support role and fewer minutes. And then there is 3) the Valpo faith-based environment. Ya dont get that at Gigantic University.
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 29, 2018, 10:37:24 PM
Quote from: FWalum on November 29, 2018, 06:31:13 PM
Quote from: IrishDawg on November 29, 2018, 03:38:00 PM
Quote from: M on November 29, 2018, 08:57:33 AM
Love the size! What AAU team does he play for?
Indy Heat - He's currently got offers from Purdue, Butler, IU, Iowa, Northwestern and Ohio State and he's currently the 31st ranked player nationally in his class. The likelihood that he winds up at Valpo (or Butler for that matter) is so small that I don't blame the coaches for not spending a ton of time recruiting him. That's not to say that they never have, but when they reached out, if they didn't get a sense that there was mutual interest, then they are doing the right thing.
I have not asked his coach whether Valpo has ever contacted him or his parents, I can try to find that out. All I was getting at is that he and his parents have made some interesting decisions concerning his education and basketball competition. He was "invited" to attend school with his good friends and D1 prospects Luke Goode at Homestead High School and also his teammate Jalen Blackmon at Marion and decided to remain in the Blackhawk Christian schools.
Lowery certainly looked very chummy and actually somewhat intimate with his parents (hugs all around after the game) so I don't know that Butler is out of the running. This kid and family strikes me, and I could be completely wrong, as someone who could look to go to a school where he would be a game changer at a school that fits his and his family's values rather than just another high level recruit, other people who know the situation better than I have told me the same thing.
FW, have you shared this with the BB program? I see a parallel with Derrik's recruitment. We got a seven footer because he and his family saw the advantage to Derrik of a place like Valpo. That could work here. He might not play in front of 10,000 every night, but he might enjoy 1) being a big fish in a smaller but prestigious pond rather than a support player in a big pond, and 2) he knows that Valpo stars go on to play pro ball because their resumes contain great stats. Those stats might not be the same at Gigantic University vecajse of being in a support role. And then there is 3) the Valpo faith-based environment. Ya dont get that at Gigantic University.
Great point about family values, that's certainly a huge benefit to a small program with national games like we get (MVC and neutral site tournaments).
But to Irish's point....this kid appears Top 50 recruit in his class. Until recently Smits only flashed Top 500 abilities.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on November 30, 2018, 07:27:46 AM
Great point about family values, that's certainly a huge benefit to a small program with national games like we get (MVC and neutral site tournaments).
But to Irish's point....this kid appears Top 50 recruit in his class. Until recently Smits only flashed Top 500 abilities.
FWAlum and others will certainly know the family dynamic much better than I ever will, so he might like the atmosphere of a smaller school with great academics, but Furst is about 150 spots ahead of where Derrik was at any point in his high school career (his highest ranking was somewhere in the 170's the summer before his junior year). Being the son of Rik Smits and playing for Indiana Elite, it's not like he would be hidden away from scouts either.
Furst is the type of kid who's going to play right away at basically whatever program he winds up going to. There might be some growing pains, but it's very unlikely (IMO) that he'd be in a supporting role past his freshman season, which he'd have no matter in some shape or form pretty much no matter where he went to. If Sorolla hadn't been hurt, then Derrik might still be splitting time with him and not had as much of an opportunity to play as much as he has early on in the season, so other than perhaps their personalities off the court, on the court, I don't see much of a comparison.
Maybe this is one of those rare cases, but my opinion on where he winds up (or doesn't wind up) is based on that Butler has never gotten a top 50 kid out of high school, and even if everything that's being said about him is true (and I have no reason to doubt what's been said), with his talent (which is basically a 5 star player based on where he's currently ranked), he can be a big fish in a bigger pond than even Butler in the Big East with a coach who wears his Christian values on his sleeve can offer.
I would be interested to hear if Valpo is or has been involved with him.
Quote from: IrishDawg on November 30, 2018, 08:45:12 AM
Maybe this is one of those rare cases, but my opinion on where he winds up (or doesn't wind up) is based on that Butler has never gotten a top 50 kid out of high school, and even if everything that's being said about him is true (and I have no reason to doubt what's been said), with his talent (which is basically a 5 star player based on where he's currently ranked), he can be a big fish in a bigger pond than even Butler in the Big East with a coach who wears his Christian values on his sleeve can offer.
Um.... Bryce? Scott?
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2018, 09:10:34 AM
Quote from: IrishDawg on November 30, 2018, 08:45:12 AM
Maybe this is one of those rare cases, but my opinion on where he winds up (or doesn't wind up) is based on that Butler has never gotten a top 50 kid out of high school, and even if everything that's being said about him is true (and I have no reason to doubt what's been said), with his talent (which is basically a 5 star player based on where he's currently ranked), he can be a big fish in a bigger pond than even Butler in the Big East with a coach who wears his Christian values on his sleeve can offer.
Um.... Bryce? Scott?
Both coach in bigger ponds than Butler. As for Valpo never getting a top 50 player, think back to this kid:
Prep: A four-year letterwinner, played one year at Griffith after spending three years at Bishop Noll ... an Indiana All-Star ... rated as the top player in his class in Indiana by College Basketball News ...
ranked as the 34th best player in the nation by Hoop Scoop ... a three-time First Team All-Conference and All-Area honoree ... a First Team All-State performer as a senior.
Quote from: vu72 on November 30, 2018, 09:41:57 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 30, 2018, 09:10:34 AM
Quote from: IrishDawg on November 30, 2018, 08:45:12 AM
Maybe this is one of those rare cases, but my opinion on where he winds up (or doesn't wind up) is based on that Butler has never gotten a top 50 kid out of high school, and even if everything that's being said about him is true (and I have no reason to doubt what's been said), with his talent (which is basically a 5 star player based on where he's currently ranked), he can be a big fish in a bigger pond than even Butler in the Big East with a coach who wears his Christian values on his sleeve can offer.
Um.... Bryce? Scott?
Both coach in bigger ponds than Butler. As for Valpo never getting a top 50 player, think back to this kid:
Prep: A four-year letterwinner, played one year at Griffith after spending three years at Bishop Noll ... an Indiana All-Star ... rated as the top player in his class in Indiana by College Basketball News ... ranked as the 34th best player in the nation by Hoop Scoop ... a three-time First Team All-Conference and All-Area honoree ... a First Team All-State performer as a senior.
You mean baby Shaq!! Kenny Harris haha
Awesome guy, and yes, he was going to be a stud by his JR and SR years. Loved it when he ran with us in very early morning workouts with Bob Brooks.
Quote from: valpotx on November 30, 2018, 12:50:01 PM
Awesome guy, and yes, he was going to be a stud by his JR and SR years. Loved it when he ran with us in very early morning workouts with Bob Brooks.
If memory serves he had a heart condition that ended his college career after 2-years? My memory could be off but someone here knows.
After one year., as I recall.
Yes, I believe he suffered some sort of episode that incapacitated him and then the discovery of an underlying condition, I thought it was a mini-stroke but could be remembering wrong.
ESPN needs to d a 30 by 30 story on Baby Shaq.
AL HAMNIK: There's no quit in hard-luck Kenny Harris
By Al Hamnik - Times Columnist
May 30, 2010
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/al-hamnik/al-hamnik-there-s-no-quit-in-hard-luck-kenny/article_d747bf02-73e5-5465-9bba-68a0a0055b4b.amp.html
I believe that it was during a weightlifting session, as well. During one of the TV games that year, Brad Daugherty was in love with Kenny and his soft left-handed touch.
I never saw him play in a Crusader uniform but reading that article makes think "what could have been?". Hope he's doing well these days.
Also a 420 pound basketball player??? Wow.
He didn't look like what you would expect of a 420 lb. guy, since he was 6'10". He got pretty streamlined by his SO year.
I watched Kenny play in high school, and his size allowed him to dominate. I remember a year later when Huggins brought his Cincinnati Bearcats to the arc. Kenny just couldn't compete with their quickness, and I was sorely disappointed. I wonder how he would have developed if he had four years.
JRK put up 29 last night in a loss vs Marquette. For Marquette, Collin Kenney (Furman recruit) went for 42.
Quote from: M on December 02, 2018, 09:17:43 AM
JRK put up 29 last night in a loss vs Marquette. For Marquette, Collin Kenney (Furman recruit) went for 42.
I assume you are talking about JR Konieczny? I had to look up Marquette's schedule to see who they played before I could decipher your post.
Quote from: FWalum on December 02, 2018, 10:39:46 AM
Quote from: M on December 02, 2018, 09:17:43 AM
JRK put up 29 last night in a loss vs Marquette. For Marquette, Collin Kenney (Furman recruit) went for 42.
I assume you are talking about JR Konieczny? I had to look up Marquette's schedule to see who they played before I could decipher your post.
JR is going to be special. I'm glad our Coaches identified him early and have built a relationship with the young man.
That's quite the detective work. Well done.
https://twitter.com/WisconsinSwing/status/1078853002176487434
Christopher Mantis is going to be special. He's only a sophomore and he's leading that Lowell team with his play.
https://twitter.com/PostTribSports/status/1088816260610166790
https://twitter.com/TheRSN/status/1071232518484099072
https://twitter.com/TheRSN/status/1071233764452376581
Big time local recruit in the building tonight! I've heard he has Top 100 potential. He may not come here but it's at least nice to get a visit and have him in for a packed game.
https://twitter.com/kylerossdoe/status/1094756760957734913
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1094759672949760000
He's only a sophomore but he's a big time recruit and has a really high ceiling.
https://twitter.com/IndianaElite/status/1094798221187137536
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvSfEXqxLoM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeR5V_Ew44k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj9DMMPIBbM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlVG7nmoObU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkYx_SFbdAs&t=0s
Another high level Region kid who will stop taking our texts when the Big 10 comes calling.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 11, 2019, 08:52:20 AM
Another high level Region kid who will stop taking our texts when the Big 10 comes calling.
I understand the pessimism but you'll miss every shot you don't take. I don't mind taking moon-shots when it's kids in our own backyard. It never hurts to build a strong rapport with local kids and their families, coaches, etc. even if you don't land a kid it will payoff to build connections. Also you never know. Maybe he develops a strong relationship with coaching staff. He's actually already start to get Big 10 interest.
Gotta do it when they are in your backyard. Might not land um out of high school, but you might get the transfer back home. It'd have been silly not to reach out and we would've blasted them for it.
I agree, the other piece that comes is that coaches and parents think of Valpo when they have a kid who maybe isn't gonna get the Big Time looks but who is a valuable player. They will be more likely to push Valpo in that case or recommend them or even reach out to our coaches to give them a heads up about a player.
Quote from: M on February 11, 2019, 09:23:55 AM
Gotta do it when they are in your backyard. Might not land um out of high school, but you might get the transfer back home. It'd have been silly not to reach out and we would've blasted them for it.
Quote from: crusader05 on February 11, 2019, 09:28:13 AM
I agree, the other piece that comes is that coaches and parents think of Valpo when they have a kid who maybe isn't gonna get the Big Time looks but who is a valuable player. They will be more likely to push Valpo in that case or recommend them or even reach out to our coaches to give them a heads up about a player.
You guys are right. It's not always about that first kid. It could be a teammate that's flying under the radar who we get despite losing the primary target. It could be a kid two seasons removed. Ya nevah know.
Valpo has been all over this kid for a while now. Skogman's younger teammate. Not a kid flying under the radar.
https://twitter.com/WisBBYearbook/status/1120730422609088516
I'm all for shooting your shot, but this seems like a waste of resources when the big boys are already in on this kid.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 23, 2019, 08:29:25 PM
I'm all for shooting your shot, but this seems like a waste of resources when the big boys are already in on this kid.
They've been recruiting Wisconsin pretty hard the last year or so. Maybe it is a long shot but they've been recruiting him since before he blew up. You never know when kids stock rises or falls. Coach Bowen and Coach Townsend are very familiar with Wisconsin and Minnesota recruiting grounds.
Heard we were showing interest in Conor Enright. These are his highlights from his freshman season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGbk5d_OOEs
Looks like he's 12....or I'm just getting old....or maybe it's both
I don't think Conor Enright is towering over anybody is he?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mundelein,+IL/@42.2663615,-88.001544,79a,35y,211.16h,45.03t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x880f977abfc96039:0x54b86999b33b553!8m2!3d42.263079!4d-88.0039653
https://twitter.com/Evan_Flood/status/1129402197597466626
Quote from: VU2014 on October 23, 2018, 04:26:26 PMThis kid is going to be a stud. Hopefully the coaches build a strong relationship with him and we show him Valpo is a place where he can make some noise in the tourney. He'll probably be around campus at least a couple times per year with his sister playing on the women's team. https://twitter.com/Hayward_Hoops/status/1054736615283834880
He is starting to get a lot of attention from other schools. Hopefully his sister will help recruit.
https://twitter.com/JacobPolacheck/status/1140658691928133633
Valpo recruiting continues.
https://twitter.com/Cameron_Palesse/status/1140726601916792833
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1140741580241940481
Quote from: VUBBFan on June 17, 2019, 04:47:15 PM
Valpo recruiting continues.
https://twitter.com/Cameron_Palesse/status/1140726601916792833
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1140741580241940481
Valpo has been all over Cameron for a while now. A very nice player. Not a diamond in the rough type, because he is one of the best Wisconsin prospects in his class. Also teammates with Skogman.
Having a PG with that kind of size and skill would be really nice.
Very busy today on recruitment trail
https://twitter.com/chilandprephoop/status/1140728708593901569
https://twitter.com/joehoopsreport/status/1140745000621420544
Most activity we've seen for a single in quite sometime.
https://twitter.com/RyanJamesMN/status/1140455439529914369
Quote from: VUBBFan on June 17, 2019, 08:18:43 PM
Most activity we've seen for a single in quite sometime.
https://twitter.com/RyanJamesMN/status/1140455439529914369
Today was the first day coaches could call/text 2021 prospects, so it was a busy day for every school.
https://twitter.com/OPRFHuskieHoops/status/1140751141296312320
footage from 2 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugCQ1UcgzfE
Prospect Spotlight: Isaiah Barnes (2021)
By Scott Burgess
Posted On: 01/1/18 3:00 PM
A prospect that is emerging in the 2021 class is Romeoville freshman shooting guard Isaiah Barnes. The 6'3" wing saw only limited minutes early in the season with a heavily stacked senior laden squad. We saw his breakout game at the Ramey Midwest Shootout. The shooting guard has good size and projectability. He really shoots the basketball well from beyond the arc. Let's it fly from deep with confidence. Handles the ball well and is a solid passer for a wing. One that we will continue to track.
What does he bring to the table on a veteran team?
"My role is to play hard, play defense, and working hard. The points will come."
Barnes spoke with us about what he does best as a player.
"My strengths are feel for the game, jump shot, getting into the lane slashing, and passing."
He will be joining a new travel team this upcoming spring.
"I will be playing with the Illinois Wolves. It is something new. I have been playing with teams from the city for a while so it will be something new playing with the Illinois Wolves."
What is going on with recruiting?
"I have an offer from Chicago State. Interest from Loyola."
Chicago State was his first offer.
"I like their program and how they play a lot of good teams. I like their coach too. I like coach Dildy."
Loyola is another program he is hearing from and has visited them for a game this season.
"I went on a visit to Loyola. They are pretty good. They beat Loyola this year."
Good games going on right now at Chesterton High School. 1A state champs Blackhawk Christian with Caleb Furst versus 2A state champs Andrean with Kyle Ross. Both of them are 2021 prospects.
Quote from: VU2014 on June 18, 2019, 06:17:21 PM
https://twitter.com/OPRFHuskieHoops/status/1140751141296312320
footage from 2 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugCQ1UcgzfE
Prospect Spotlight: Isaiah Barnes (2021)
By Scott Burgess
Posted On: 01/1/18 3:00 PM
A prospect that is emerging in the 2021 class is Romeoville freshman shooting guard Isaiah Barnes. The 6'3" wing saw only limited minutes early in the season with a heavily stacked senior laden squad. We saw his breakout game at the Ramey Midwest Shootout. The shooting guard has good size and projectability. He really shoots the basketball well from beyond the arc. Let's it fly from deep with confidence. Handles the ball well and is a solid passer for a wing. One that we will continue to track.
What does he bring to the table on a veteran team?
"My role is to play hard, play defense, and working hard. The points will come."
Barnes spoke with us about what he does best as a player.
"My strengths are feel for the game, jump shot, getting into the lane slashing, and passing."
He will be joining a new travel team this upcoming spring.
"I will be playing with the Illinois Wolves. It is something new. I have been playing with teams from the city for a while so it will be something new playing with the Illinois Wolves."
What is going on with recruiting?
"I have an offer from Chicago State. Interest from Loyola."
Chicago State was his first offer.
"I like their program and how they play a lot of good teams. I like their coach too. I like coach Dildy."
Loyola is another program he is hearing from and has visited them for a game this season.
"I went on a visit to Loyola. They are pretty good. They beat Loyola this year."
Thank you for sharing the YouTube video and info. This isn't directed at you at all....but is that really a highlight reel???
I think that was when he was in middle school or summer going into HS footage. Couldn't find any current videos
Valpo was very interested in his older brother. He's playing for Meanstreets
https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/1150100854864658432
Valpo has been recruiting Cam for a while. Some serious skill and potential here. He's not flying under the radar, but honestly who knows where a kids recruitment will be at in 2 years, but Cam obviously has a lot of potential.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=148&v=OopI83vVTvI
New offer. Valpo just offered a project very high end PG project.
https://twitter.com/chuckyhepburn/status/1157786833058705410?s=21
They really like Keon Thompson from merrillville. He was camp yesterday. Kid can really play!
JR committed to ND. His recruitment really took off since we initially offered
https://twitter.com/TheJrKonieczny/status/1163205999119011842?s=20
Quote from: VU2014 on August 18, 2019, 05:32:51 PM
JR committed to ND. His recruitment really took off since we initially offered
https://twitter.com/TheJrKonieczny/status/1163205999119011842?s=20
Well done JR, if it doesn't work out our door is always open. (See myriad of transfers, currently I think Fazekas, Zion and Robinson). Still waiting for Sasha!!! Though I think he got solid minutes for a first year at Purdue (redshirt as frosh).
Sasha has carved out a solid role at Purdue and VHS grad Brandon Newman is coming in this fall as well. Also you forgot Eron Gordon (from Seton Hall) in your transfer list
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 18, 2019, 07:08:18 PM
Sasha has carved out a solid role at Purdue and VHS grad Brandon Newman is coming in this fall as well. Also you forgot Eron Gordon (from Seton Hall) in your transfer list
Did we recruit Gordon out of high school? I left him off because I was unsure.
Oh THAT's why he was left off... Yeah I don't know if we did. Maybe we did early but there's no way we were in on him late with the offers he received.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 18, 2019, 08:13:37 PM
Oh THAT's why he was left off... Yeah I don't know if we did. Maybe we did early but there's no way we were in on him late with the offers he received.
Yeah, my bad. I was saying how great it was that the aforementioned transfers were all recruited by VU to my knowledge. One of those times where my brain was ahead of my typing on this tiny iPhone screen.
Coach Holloway visited a 4-star 2021 recruit today
https://twitter.com/ChuckyHepburn/status/1171780019741515776?s=20
Quote from: VU2014 on September 11, 2019, 08:18:52 PM
Coach Holloway visited a 4-star 2021 recruit today
https://twitter.com/ChuckyHepburn/status/1171780019741515776?s=20
Has offers from Wisconsin, Nebraska, Creighton and Minnesota.
Laying the groundwork for a future impact transfer I see.
Merriville's Keon Thompson received an offer today! The upside is pretty big with him, imo. A very nice player
https://twitter.com/key_6x/status/1172260669422473237?s=21
Kid can play and has only scratched the surface. I'd say he's the number 3 guard in the area behind a couple seniors, but probably has the highest ceiling.
I recently stopped in the town of Merrillville, Indiana on my way back to Indy. I wish I had stopped in Valparaiso also but I didn't have the time.
Quote from: VU2014 on September 11, 2019, 08:18:52 PM
Coach Holloway visited a 4-star 2021 recruit today
https://twitter.com/ChuckyHepburn/status/1171780019741515776?s=20
https://247sports.com/Player/Chucky-Hepburn-46056383/
Hoping to see Valpo get in the mix
https://twitter.com/rdpboyshoops/status/1174144926499725314?s=21
Quote from: VU2014 on September 17, 2019, 09:31:17 PM
Hoping to see Valpo get in the mix
https://twitter.com/rdpboyshoops/status/1174144926499725314?s=21
What can you share about this athlete?
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on September 18, 2019, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on September 17, 2019, 09:31:17 PM
Hoping to see Valpo get in the mix
https://twitter.com/rdpboyshoops/status/1174144926499725314?s=21
What can you share about this athlete?
Oh, is that Chris Mantis? There was no name mentioned on social media so I'm reading between the lines.
One of the Coaches were in Florida
https://twitter.com/gulliverhoops/status/1174407332777865217?s=21
https://twitter.com/gulliverhoops/status/1174464818016862208?s=21
AJ Braun
Height: 6-9
Weight: 215
Position: F/C
Class: 2021
Offer: Ohio
Interest: Furman, Lehigh, Boston University, Youngstown State, Wright State, Loyola (Chicago), Toledo, Valpo
https://twitter.com/bishophoops/status/1177953824297951233?s=21
https://youtu.be/kllowVJMjpg
Hepburn commits to Wisconsin per his twitter feed.
https://twitter.com/ChuckyHepburn/status/1178448985775902720?s=19
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
Keon has been offered by New Orleans...lots more offers coming. Hope we can hang on to this region product.
Quote from: M on October 03, 2019, 08:39:11 PM
Keon has been offered by New Orleans...lots more offers coming. Hope we can hang on to this region product.
New Orleans seems to be recruiting a lot of the same guys the last few years
Looks like we have been recruiting Wisconsin pretty heavy. Three offers for 2021 and one verbal commit for 2020
https://twitter.com/endless_motor/status/1188200069100646400
https://twitter.com/WisconsinPGC/status/1188181922209587205
Very big potential recruiting get for Drake. The Valpo coaches were very in on Enright's recruitment for a 2021 recruit.
https://twitter.com/midwesthoopssl/status/1190244962262228992?s=21
I hope Valpo lands these two Region guys. They are very talented and in our Backyard.
Valpo hasn't offer Chris yet but they have offered Thompson.
https://twitter.com/rdpboyshoops/status/1211346998256906240?s=21
https://twitter.com/bopat10/status/1211073097631174657?s=21
https://twitter.com/bopat10/status/1211074724001992704?s=21
New offer to a 6'7" SF from Niles, IL
https://twitter.com/troydamico24/status/1216155243781726209
Still using that NIT picture from when we were in a different conference. We really need a good year to create new memories and a new go to image.
https://twitter.com/PrepHoops_WI/status/1220048774783021057
Have we offered C Pallesse?
Quote from: valpo64 on January 22, 2020, 01:42:04 PM
Have we offered C Pallesse?
It looks like we have, along with several other respectable mids:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/cameron-palesse
Keon Thompson put up 52/18/6 in last nights game.
Quote from: M on January 24, 2020, 10:17:39 PM
Keon Thompson put up 52/18/6 in last nights game.
Javon and Donovan were IL 1st team all-state players who decided Valpo was the right fit for them. That would have never happened had they grown up in Lake County IN. Thomas will never select Valpo unless he bombs somewhere else first. That's just the way it is in NWI. I didn't even bother reading the article in the paper.
We are all well aware of your opinion on the region athletes.
Keon Thompson is a killer and hopefully Valpo can keep him home.
Quote from: M on January 25, 2020, 06:55:13 PM
We are all well aware of your opinion on the region athletes.
Keon Thompson is a killer and hopefully Valpo can keep him home.
FYI earlier this week his coach told a relative of mine (IU grad/Valpo fan) that he expects him to receive several offers from major programs. In other words, saying without saying don't hold your breath. BTW I love Region athletes. It's the star-struck parents, and insecure AAU and high school coaches that are looking to bask in the glory of their players' achievements.
As well he should. Just like Sasha and just like Brandon he will probably play his way to bigger things.
FYI I also have a very close connection to his hs coach. Regardless, he's a Valpo recruit and I'll keep posting his successes or struggles to this recruit page until he commits elsewhere.
A huge OFFER for Valpo Basketball! Chris is going to be a stud!
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1231426317691826178?s=21
https://twitter.com/annettehuseman/status/1231431324805795840?s=21
He pinned his Ball State offer from over a year ago. If I had to guess he's going there.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2020, 05:52:29 AM
He pinned his Ball State offer from over a year ago. If I had to guess he's going there.
It's nearly impossible to guess what a kid and his family will decide. Ball State does seem like they are recruiting him heavily. Valpo has been recruiting him for a while and staff loves him. He would be a great fit from a positional need and team culture. I really hope he chooses to play his college ball at Valpo.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2020, 10:20:07 AMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2020, 05:52:29 AMHe pinned his Ball State offer from over a year ago. If I had to guess he's going there.
It's nearly impossible to guess what a kid and his family will decide. Ball State does seem like they are recruiting him heavily. Valpo has been recruiting him for a while and staff loves him. He would be a great fit from a positional need and team culture. I really hope he chooses to play his college ball at Valpo.
Should we consider giving an opportunity to his brother? Do you think that would help us land him?
Offer his brother? Or as we call it: The Oppland Maneuver
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2020, 02:23:30 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2020, 10:20:07 AMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2020, 05:52:29 AMHe pinned his Ball State offer from over a year ago. If I had to guess he's going there.
It's nearly impossible to guess what a kid and his family will decide. Ball State does seem like they are recruiting him heavily. Valpo has been recruiting him for a while and staff loves him. He would be a great fit from a positional need and team culture. I really hope he chooses to play his college ball at Valpo.
Should we consider giving an opportunity to his brother? Do you think that would help us land him?
No way. His brother isn't that good.
Chris Mantis is a player. Really hope he lands at Valpo.
My 2021 recruiting class wish list have two Region guys: Chris Mantis and Keon Thompson
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981918980562945?s=20
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981993635000321?s=20
Quote from: VU2014 on February 29, 2020, 11:15:25 PM
Chris Mantis is a player. Really hope he lands at Valpo.
My 2021 recruiting class wish list have two Region guys: Chris Mantis and Keon Thompson
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981918980562945?s=20
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981993635000321?s=20
Can he shoot from deep? We need shooters and now!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 29, 2020, 11:45:03 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 29, 2020, 11:15:25 PM
Chris Mantis is a player. Really hope he lands at Valpo.
My 2021 recruiting class wish list have two Region guys: Chris Mantis and Keon Thompson
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981918980562945?s=20
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981993635000321?s=20
Can he shoot from deep? We need shooters and now!
over 40% from 3 this season
Keon was offered by Ball State recently.
Quote from: M on April 08, 2020, 11:18:30 AM
Keon was offered by Ball State recently.
According to verbal commits, he only has 4 mid major offers - Ball State, New Orleans, Miami (Ohio) and Valpo. He's also listed as a 2-star. Probably 3 months ago my nephew mentioned that someone in Mville's bb program told him that Thompson's recruiting would move well past where Valpo could compete. Yet, he has no Major offers and only a sprinkling of Mid offers, including only 3 in the entire Midwest (2 from the MAC and only us from the MVC). I've heard and read good things about him, but that's a pretty vanilla recruiting resume for someone who just completed their junior season.
Edit: Apparently, he has received a 2nd offer this afternoon - Cleveland State. That's a big jump in 1 day from 3 to 5. Could be the beginning of more to come - who knows?
Quote from: wh on April 08, 2020, 03:19:44 PMProbably 3 months ago my nephew mentioned that someone in Mville's bb program told him that Thompson's recruiting would move well past where Valpo could compete.
Getting tired of hearing that about prospects around the area and state. MVC will be a top 10 conference next year and VU should be in the top 100 NET. This might have been true in the Mid Con, Horizon days, but there are very few players in the state that should be above Valpo's reach and it is about time prospects and coaches saw the light. If we can get All State First Team players from Illinois we certainly should be able to get them from Indiana. Too many of these kids also listen to all of these AAU basketball "gurus" feeding them a line of bull. It will be interesting to see what happens this summer with what should be a drastically reduced AAU schedule.
Quote from: FWalum on April 08, 2020, 07:46:56 PM
Quote from: wh on April 08, 2020, 03:19:44 PMProbably 3 months ago my nephew mentioned that someone in Mville's bb program told him that Thompson's recruiting would move well past where Valpo could compete.
Getting tired of hearing that about prospects around the area and state.
Me too, but maybe the nephew meant Maravilla's bb program? ;)
Drake trying to poach another region standout...offered Keon. Stay away! We saw him first!
The MVC only took us as a mission of mercy to help Drake's program so that they could gain access into the hoops hotbed that is NWI. ;D
[tweet]1258165109823807494[/tweet]
Posted On: 05/5/20 6:39 PM
Although we're still in the extended period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recruitment of Brookfield Central 2021 wing/forward David Joplin
is starting to heat up. Holding seven scholarship offers, Joplin currently has three sticking out.
"I would say for a top three, Valparaiso, Georgetown, and Butler," Joplin told Prep Hoops Wisconsin.
Butler was the most recent to pull the trigger on Joplin. The Bulldogs, who hosted the 6-foot-7 forward on Feb. 1, came in with an offer earlier this week.
"I was excited for that offer. I've been expecting it for a while now," Joplin said. "They're a really good team. I'm definitely considering them. They have a winning culture and I like the way they develop players. Especially at my position, they've had guys that have gone to the NBA and they've always had a good team."
Joplin personally spoke with Butler head coach LaVall Jordan.
"He likes my versatility," Joplin explained. "They're looking for a guy who can do multiple things. They think I'm the perfect guy for that."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf9cypa6zwA
Georgetown and head coach Patrick Ewing offered Joplin in February.
"The history of the program is exciting," he said. "You get a chance to play
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Butler's a recent offer, but they've been on him for awhile. From what we know, it's going to be awhile before he commits, so his top 3 right now could change a lot by the time he commits.
Introducing versatile forward David Joplin
https://www.rivals.com/news/introducing-versatile-forward-david-joplin
21PPG, 50% FG, 38% 3PTFG
I like what I see. Could be the beginning of another big recruiting year.
I don't see us getting him. He's got some big offers already and his recruiting is just beginning to pick up. Would be great though.
Valpo is not just a small name on a large list, it's one of his top 3 choices to date. He could very easily decide to go the Javon route. Go where you have a good chance to play and possibly staR early on. Then decide whether to move up, especially if going forward players no longer have to sit out. After all, he's a 3-star, not a 4 or 5. He could well land at a big program And scratch for playing time in the early years.
Based on his comments it seems Valpo has been on him probably longer than anyone. Maybe the first? Who knows.
I really like that we have successfully "marked our territory," first in Canada and more recently in Wisconsin. Matt and staff repeatedly are demonstrating great recruiting versatility and creativity.
Snippets from an interview with Joplin:
https://twitter.com/ScoutingHS101/status/1259262298620911624
https://twitter.com/ScoutingHS101/status/1259262640121155589
https://twitter.com/ScoutingHS101/status/1259262809860431874
https://twitter.com/ScoutingHS101/status/1259263005294034946
One more offer for 2021.
https://twitter.com/iamty_2/status/1262502292772831232
https://twitter.com/iamty_2/status/1250570158625742851
Quote from: VUBBFan on May 18, 2020, 07:14:10 PM
One more offer for 2021.
https://twitter.com/iamty_2/status/1262502292772831232
https://twitter.com/iamty_2/status/1250570158625742851
Pretty nit picky, but assuming Valpo is like most other schools in that they send these pics to players to use in their social media announcements, seems odd to focus on a guy (JFL) who just transferred out. Slightly less strange to use a pic from the game against St. Mary's when Valpo was still in the Horizon League too.
The St Mary's pic makes sense. It's the last time our gym was full.
This can only be good for Canadian Recruiting.
https://twitter.com/BasketballAB/status/1258808918517493760
If AAU gets cancelled this summer due to the pandemic, do you think some recruits won't get as scouted as they should be? In affect causing kids to get under-recruited?
Example: Keon Thompson (Merrillville) was suppose to play with Meanstreets this summer. Will that dampen his recruitment from P5s?
I remember the staff was in on Admiral Schofield (former Tennessee star) then he plays in AAU one summer and he blows up. There are countless examples of gem recruits like this.
Could AAU being cancelled be a good thing for Mid-Majors from a recruiting standpoint? Major P5s rely heavily on these AAU tourneys for player evaluations.
Quote from: VU2014 on May 25, 2020, 11:20:58 AM
If AAU gets cancelled this summer due to the pandemic, do you think some recruits won't get as scouted as they should be? In affect causing kids to get under-recruited?
Example: Keon Thompson (Merrillville) was suppose to play with Meanstreets this summer. Will that dampen his recruitment from P5s?
I remember the staff was in on Admiral Schofield (former Tennessee star) then he plays in AAU one summer and he blows up. There are countless examples of gem recruits like this.
Could AAU being cancelled be a good thing for Mid-Majors from a recruiting standpoint? Major P5s rely heavily on these AAU tourneys for player evaluations.
It'll be good from the standpoint that late bloomers won't get picked up on as they may have in previous years. But there's always the issue of keeping the kids that do turn into stars, especially once the transfer waiver is eventually passed.
It won't make that much of a difference. If they're good enough or meant to be at a P5\BE program, they will find their way there. It may take a year or two longer because of this, but they will find their way to that level if the recruit and a school at that level want it to be so.
I'm happy that Region kids are getting opportunities to play D1 ball but I'd be lying if I wasn't annoyed they were are seemingly all playing for Drake.
It's a recruiting advantage for home turf. They are in on guys like Keon Thompson and wouldn't shock me if they'll be recruiting Chris Mantis.
https://twitter.com/thetankhemp6k/status/1265713580286107654?s=21
For kids that want to get out of the area, which most college kids want to do, Drake is a great alternative to Valpo. Very similar academic profiles, further away from home, but still in the MVC.
Hemphill played one season at GB and played 1 game for 11 minutes prior to that he was at Juco. I think this was a good pass all around for us not to worried that he's playing for Drake.
Interesting that the best thing that might have happened to Drake MBB was Valpo joining the MVC. It hasn't mattered who the coach is Drake has struck a gold vein of MBB talent in NWI since Valpo was added to the MVC.
It's probably for the same reasons valpotx stated. I think his point is very astute.
Special kid right our backyard. Fingers crossed 🤞 he stays in the Region to play his college ball.
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1270166455636627461?s=21
Have we already offered?
Quote from: VU2014 on June 08, 2020, 08:37:23 PM
Special kid right our backyard. Fingers crossed 🤞 he stays in the Region to play his college ball.
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1270166455636627461?s=21
I'll be interested in seeing how Yaklich ends up doing at UIC, if only because he's got 2 former Butler Bulldogs (Willie Veasley and Khyle Marshall) on his staff.
In terms of Mantis, I'd guess he won't be too far from home given his best offers right now are Valpo, Ball State and Toledo.
https://twitter.com/94ftexposure/status/1272672667502546948?s=21
https://twitter.com/nick_baumgart/status/1270526237656723457?s=21
https://twitter.com/grandblanchoops/status/1272631866135281667?s=21
We made a few new offers the last few days.
https://twitter.com/KobeJohnson930/status/1270881913083957248?s=20
https://twitter.com/CadeHaskins/status/1271843983392673795?s=20
https://twitter.com/Pupsbasketball/status/1270888903340437508?s=20
https://twitter.com/94ftexposure/status/1272673030171439108?s=21
His recruiting is starting to increase. Without seeing live games AAU, how are coaches evaluating players? Looking at old online footage? Personal workouts? Talking to coaches? It's not like Road Island is near NWI
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1275475248595468288?s=21
Quote from: VU2014 on June 23, 2020, 01:43:23 PMHis recruiting is starting to increase. Without seeing live games AAU, how are coaches evaluating players? Looking at old online footage? Personal workouts? Talking to coaches? It's not like Rhode Island is near NWI
My thinking is that they usually don't leave any tool on the table when evaluating talent normally so the recruiters are using all the tools at their disposal when making their evaluations and chosing their recruits. I'm sure it's not ideal but the best they can do.
Quote from: bbtds on June 23, 2020, 01:58:41 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on June 23, 2020, 01:43:23 PMHis recruiting is starting to increase. Without seeing live games AAU, how are coaches evaluating players? Looking at old online footage? Personal workouts? Talking to coaches? It's not like Rhode Island is near NWI
My thinking is that they usually don't leave any tool on the table when evaluating talent normally so the recruiters are using all the tools at their disposal when making their evaluations and chosing their recruits. I'm sure it's not ideal but the best they can do.
I think there will be some diamonds in the rough (across CBB) in this next recruiting class because Coaches won't be able to go out to scout tournaments/HS games like they had before. There will also be some "duds" by some coaches across CBB trying to project a kids talent
Quote from: VU2014 on June 23, 2020, 02:12:13 PM
Quote from: bbtds on June 23, 2020, 01:58:41 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on June 23, 2020, 01:43:23 PMHis recruiting is starting to increase. Without seeing live games AAU, how are coaches evaluating players? Looking at old online footage? Personal workouts? Talking to coaches? It's not like Rhode Island is near NWI
My thinking is that they usually don't leave any tool on the table when evaluating talent normally so the recruiters are using all the tools at their disposal when making their evaluations and chosing their recruits. I'm sure it's not ideal but the best they can do.
I think there will be some diamonds in the rough (across CBB) in this next recruiting class because Coaches won't be able to go out to scout tournaments/HS games like they had before. There will also be some "duds" by some coaches across CBB trying to project a kids talent
Yes, but that is not unusual---cough---(Haz)---cough---(en) for any recruiting team. Pre or post pandemic.
https://twitter.com/nwisports/status/1276708904970399746?s=21
Washington is a 5 star monster of a player. Pretty sure he sat out all last season with an injury.
New offer for an Indiana native PF
https://twitter.com/paytonsparks6/status/1278453737984589824?s=21
https://twitter.com/paytonsparks6/status/1245368411330433024?s=21
Called it. Chris Mantis' recruitment is blowing up. If Drake landed Chris it would really hurt.
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1278742224659009536?s=21
Payton Sparks is the area's most sought-after basketball recruit
Scott Procter
Richmond Palladium-Item
https://www.thestarpress.com/story/sports/2020/06/24/payton-sparks-areas-most-sought-after-basketball-recruit/3249191001/
One of Valpo's 2021 recruits committed to SIU.
https://twitter.com/ballislife/status/1282468382613348354?s=21
https://twitter.com/joehoopsreport/status/1282466208806326281?s=21
Great get for them. Mullins is doing tremendous work down in Carbondale.
We're starting to see more seniors starting to commit across the country for the 2021 class. I don't know anything but I know the Staff has targeted Cameron Palesse and Chris Mantis for a very long time. They seem to be high on the list of guys they'd like to sign.
They just offered another very high upside kid who is getting high major interest.
I'm not sure how this 2021 class will shake up but hoping we get an early commitment or two. Recruiting is in a strange place for every school with the pandemic.
https://twitter.com/_saintthomas23/status/1282773844604981248?s=21
Great news! Lottich and staff continue to show they can recruit at an elite level. :cheers:
[tweet]1284160382123282433[/tweet]
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful! Like his size for a PG 6'4. Have we ever had a PG that tall?
Great news!! Big time recruit the coaches made a priority. Valpo has been recruiting him for awhile. Good to see more recruiting success. Another Wisconsin young man. Cam Palesse had lots of other interest as I recall. [emoji459][emoji91]
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
Lots of mid major interest. Most prominently (other than Valpo) Missouri State SIU Green Bay Milwaukee and Siena
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PM
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful!
Coach Bowen and Coach Townsend opened doors to Wisconsin and the staff has made Wisconsin more of recruiting priority. We're also recruiting Minnesota as well
Sophomore highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npqfa32-ePg
Ranked No. 10 in the state by these guys;
https://future150.com/hs/basketball-news/wisconsins-class-2021-top-10
I don't know if everyone remembers but we recruited Cameron's teammate David Skogman (PF/C) who committed to Buffalo and redshirt last year pretty hard a few years ago.
Cameron and Cade Meyer (another one of our class of 2021 offers) are AAU teammates. I hope they choose to stick together in college...I think they would be a very exciting guard/forward duo.
Quote from: VU2014 on July 17, 2020, 01:53:58 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PM
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful!
Coach Bowen and Coach Townsend opened doors to Wisconsin and the staff has made Wisconsin more of recruiting priority. We're also recruiting Minnesota as well
Coach Bowen was the head coach at Minnesota Duluth. Valpo has had a "pipeline" to Minnesota going back to Harry Bell, Jared Nuness, Dwayne Totley and even Arden Skogland and now Goodnews!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PM
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful! Like his size for a PG 6'4. Have we ever had a PG that tall?
Yes, Ali Berdiel is 6'6", and Oumar Sylla is 6'7".
Quote from: valpotx on July 17, 2020, 04:23:37 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PM
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful! Like his size for a PG 6'4. Have we ever had a PG that tall?
Yes, Ali Berdiel is 6'6", and Oumar Sylla is 6'7".
Hammink 6'7"----EVN---- 6'8"
This is exciting... I hope it's true!
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/cam-palesse-to-join-aau-teammate-is-valparaisos-first-2021-commitment/article_172c51ad-8dd7-518d-af6f-c4554dc64061.html
Quote from: vu72 on July 17, 2020, 04:06:06 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on July 17, 2020, 01:53:58 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PM
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful!
Coach Bowen and Coach Townsend opened doors to Wisconsin and the staff has made Wisconsin more of recruiting priority. We're also recruiting Minnesota as well
Coach Bowen was the head coach at Minnesota Duluth. Valpo has had a "pipeline" to Minnesota going back to Harry Bell, Jared Nuness, Dwayne Totley and even Arden Skogland and now Goodnews!
You forgot Urule and Chris Halvorsen.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PMOh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful! Like his size for a PG 6'4. Have we ever had a PG that tall?
The best news is that he's grown an inch since you posted this based on the Valpo release of the commitment ;D
Quote from: EddieCabot on July 17, 2020, 10:21:24 PM
Quote from: vu72 on July 17, 2020, 04:06:06 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on July 17, 2020, 01:53:58 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on July 17, 2020, 01:38:33 PM
Oh yeah! Great news! Great get! I'm not sure how we do so well in Wisconsin but I love that we do! It's wonderful!
Coach Bowen and Coach Townsend opened doors to Wisconsin and the staff has made Wisconsin more of recruiting priority. We're also recruiting Minnesota as well
Coach Bowen was the head coach at Minnesota Duluth. Valpo has had a "pipeline" to Minnesota going back to Harry Bell, Jared Nuness, Dwayne Totley and even Arden Skogland and now Goodnews!
You forgot Urule and Chris Halvorsen.
So 5 out 7 is a pretty solid percentage!
Quote from: VU2014 on July 01, 2020, 08:06:09 PM
New offer for an Indiana native PF
https://twitter.com/paytonsparks6/status/1278453737984589824?s=21
https://twitter.com/paytonsparks6/status/1245368411330433024?s=21
Committed to Ball State
Chris Mantis (Region native) could be making his decision soon 👀
Would be a very big recruit for Valpo
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1285369532840841217?s=21
I hope we get him... Please commit to Valpo...
Just thinking out loud but I think something in the realm of possibility recruiting class (not wishful thinking):
-Cameron Palesse
-Chris Mantis (definitely not a sure thing but the fit is there and the Staff really loves the Kid. His recruitment is wide open but we're in the mix)
-Cade Myer
-mystery unknown recruit or high upside redshirt recruit
Would love to land Keon Thompson but with Cameron as pg recruit in the same class and it just feels like he'd land Drake. (Side Note: Valpo NEEDS to hire Bo Patton MVille HC! He'd be an amazing addition to the status every player & high school coach in the Region respects him and he's a bright young coach.)
A bunch of 2021 Recruits that Valpo offered committed elsewhere:
Ty Johnson - Loyola
Kobe Johnson - West Virginia
Payton Sparks - Ball State
3 remaining scholarships for 2021 as of right now.
7 remaining outstanding offers (some feel like lotto ticket offer imo David Joplin & Saint Thomas).
Quote from: VU2014 on July 23, 2020, 07:00:29 PM
A bunch of 2021 Recruits that Valpo offered committed elsewhere:
Ty Johnson - Loyola
Kobe Johnson - West Virginia
Payton Sparks - Ball State
3 remaining scholarships for 2021 as of right now.
7 remaining outstanding offers (some feel like lotto ticket offer imo David Joplin & Saint Thomas).
No LeBron Johnson?
Chris' recruitment is heating up.
Just something I've notice from many of these Non-Indiana basketball "insider". When they talk with Chris they never seem to mention Valpo. I'm wondering how much we're in the recruiting picture.
https://twitter.com/everetthoops/status/1287817300419256321?s=21
Isn't it obvious? Florida International University is such a hot spot for basketball, that they must be mentioned over VU!
FIU is located in a hot spot for something right now but it darn sure isn't basketball...
Unfortunately so is our state... :'(
Interesting.
Thoughts? What would be the upside of graduating early and secure a slot of a team? Maybe making sure you have college scholarship?
https://twitter.com/nick_baumgart/status/1288895583693021187?s=21
Found this on Cam. Pretty impressive to be listed as the #172 player in the Nation! David Joplin is #144 and Cade Meyer #153. Cam is the #6 player in Wisconsin.
https://www.prephoops.com/2021-rankings/
Quote from: vu72 on August 03, 2020, 06:50:33 PM
Found this on Cam. Pretty impressive to be listed as the #172 player in the Nation! David Joplin is #144 and Cade Meyer #153. Cam is the #6 player in Wisconsin.
https://www.prephoops.com/2021-rankings/
[emoji106][emoji459][emoji91]
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
That has to be one of the highest ranked recruits we've ever gotten. Wow! Great get by Matt! Can't wait to see him play in 21-22! (Don't crush me too hard for this if it's wrong I only recently started paying a lot of attention to recruiting rankings.)
What's impressive to me about Cam's recruitment is that the Staff has been recruiting him for years, well before he was more of a known name in the Midwest.
Something also to acknowledge is he had mono last high school season so maybe there is even more upside than other coaching staffs saw on tape.
If we could land Cam, Cade, Chris Mantis and one other mystery recruit, I'd be a happy camper.
Let's also not forget Luke's presence on the recruiting trial as well. Luke is the ultimate 'living room' coach. With how he lives, acts, and carries himself, when he sits in your living room and tells you he'll take care of your son, you believe him.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 03, 2020, 09:16:30 PM
That has to be one of the highest ranked recruits we've ever gotten. Wow! Great get by Matt! Can't wait to see him play in 21-22! (Don't crush me too hard for this if it's wrong I only recently started paying a lot of attention to recruiting rankings.)
Lest we forget, Parker Hazen was fairly highly rated also. Not as high as Cam but still rankings can be many times inaccurate.
Quote from: bbtds on August 06, 2020, 05:34:25 AM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 03, 2020, 09:16:30 PM
That has to be one of the highest ranked recruits we've ever gotten. Wow! Great get by Matt! Can't wait to see him play in 21-22! (Don't crush me too hard for this if it's wrong I only recently started paying a lot of attention to recruiting rankings.)
Lest we forget, Parker Hazen was fairly highly rated also. Not as high as Cam but still rankings can be many times inaccurate.
Parker had the work ethic, positive attitude and athleticism but the skills were lacking. Nice kid but mistakes like that can't happen. I know the staff really loves his older brother and maybe that had something to recruitment of Parker but wow was that a strikeout. All staffs/coaches have this misses. Example: Jay Harris. Highly ranked kid but played a very selfish game that work well in high school but wouldn't work against higher competition in college (also not the best work ethic from what I've heard...).
Parker wasn't a complete bust. He wasn't ready for D1. Ultimately he ended up at Lipscomb, played about 20 mpg and averaged 4.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg. A nice bench player.
Quote from: vu72 on August 06, 2020, 04:38:44 PM
Parker wasn't a complete bust. He wasn't ready for D1. Ultimately he ended up at Lipscomb, played about 20 mpg and averaged 4.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg. A nice bench player.
The 3 most recent recruiting classes are stacked with quality recruits. That takes a lot of pressure off everyone involved that any one recruit has to perform right out of the gate. That wasn't the situation when Parker was recruited. We needed him to play veteran minutes right out of the gate. When that didn't happen we didn't have another option, so Parker became an instant bust in fans' minds. That's pretty unfair.
Still hoping we land him at Valpo.
https://twitter.com/HoopsNY2LA/status/1294097567245099008
https://twitter.com/HoopsNY2LA/status/1294100695361167360
David Joplin committed to Texas. Felt like more of a lotto ticket offer but it narrows down the current list of offers.
Guys I'm really watching are Chris Mantis and Cade Meyer. I'm sure the staff are recruiting some other guys really hard as well.
More and more kids are committing every day now. There is a great deal of uncertainty in these HS seniors basketball season. It wouldn't shock me if more guys committed earlier, especially if there is a modest chance of no high school season being played.
https://twitter.com/evan_flood/status/1291176040312852482?s=21
https://twitter.com/_collinparker/status/1292488942227533827?s=21
https://twitter.com/midwesthoopssl/status/1282078455555854337?s=21
https://twitter.com/bassettb44/status/1292591114692640768?s=21
https://twitter.com/courtsidefilms/status/1279915140293496834?s=21
Was really hoping he would commit to Valpo. Can't win them all.
https://twitter.com/PrepHoops_WI/status/1296117279747444738
Green Bay? Maybe he isn't as good as advertised. The Horizon League is a dumpster fire. They had 40 kids transfer while the Valley had 26. Several programs with at least five transfers. Maybe a girlfriend goes there.
Quote from: vu72 on August 19, 2020, 12:57:10 PM
Green Bay? Maybe he isn't as good as advertised. The Horizon League is a dumpster fire. They had 40 kids transfer while the Valley had 26. Several programs with at least five transfers. Maybe a girlfriend goes there.
I think he's going to be a really good player. It have been an issue of wanting to stay close to home. Disappointing we couldn't beat our Green Bay.
It could be multiple reasons. Idk. Disappointing though.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 19, 2020, 02:48:57 PM
Quote from: vu72 on August 19, 2020, 12:57:10 PM
Green Bay? Maybe he isn't as good as advertised. The Horizon League is a dumpster fire. They had 40 kids transfer while the Valley had 26. Several programs with at least five transfers. Maybe a girlfriend goes there.
I think he's going to be a really good player. It have been an issue of wanting to stay close to home. Disappointing we couldn't beat our Green Bay.
It could be multiple reasons. Idk. Disappointing though.
Could it be that he knows Jacob and recognizes that he would be playing behind him for several years? Seems to me that they are similar size and skill set, may be wrong but it could boil down to playing time, who knows.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 19, 2020, 02:48:57 PMDisappointing we couldn't beat out Green Bay.
Bears fans have been saying that for a long time now.
It has to be a playing time or closer to home thing. Green Bay?
Lest we forget Green Bay isn't exactly a bad program. I was hoping we'd get him too but as mentioned before with the presence of Ognacevic minutes may be hard to come by at his position. That and playing close to home are big pulls just look at Javon with his decision to transfer.
I don't think it was a matter of distance between Valpo and Green Bay in Cade's decision. Being from Monroe it is about 180 - 185 miles distance to Valpo or Green Bay. I'm going with the playing time, staying in his home town State or a dozen other factors. He had several other offers he declined too. Now being in the Valley I just think we have a hard time thinking anyone would turn us down and go to the Horizon.
I was really pulling for him to come to Valpo and thought we had a good chance to get him with his close connection with Palesse. Still hoping to get Mantis on board.
Here's another offer for 2021.
https://twitter.com/treywoodyard3/status/1296221285089980423
https://twitter.com/nick_baumgart/status/1298028793592938496?s=21
https://twitter.com/quimarip/status/1298474355496755200?s=21
https://twitter.com/gwsboysbball/status/1296571025216409600?s=21
https://twitter.com/quimarip/status/1293364316020912129?s=21
https://twitter.com/gwsboysbball/status/1285750618381066240?s=21
https://twitter.com/midwesthoopssl/status/1284880436540452864?s=21
https://twitter.com/gwsboysbball/status/1283285565044121600?s=21
https://twitter.com/nick_baumgart/status/1270922829534461953?s=21
Really glad to see VU putting more effort into recruiting athletes from the region. I hope it pays off. NO MORE QUASI HOME GAMES FOR DRAKE!
Another 2021 offer. Link from Twitter.
This young man has offers from Toledo, George Mason, Miami (oH) I presume. Have no ther details to share.
Beyond blessed to have received an offer to play at Valparaiso University! #GoValpo https://t.co/P0zMORLUZ3
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beyond blessed to have received an offer to play at Valparaiso University! #GoValpo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoValpo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pic.twitter.com/P0zMORLUZ3 (https://t.co/P0zMORLUZ3)</p>— Sam Vinson (@sam_vinson3) August 26, 2020 (https://twitter.com/sam_vinson3/status/1298434010641825793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
We really need a scene of us being an awesome team as a member of the Valley... The NIT memories are nice but they are a bit dated for recruiting purposes. Hope it's coming soon! Go Valpo!
Here are my favorite scenes.
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1298690455354449920
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1298689963391946753
Sam Vinson may be a point guard from Highland High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. It appears he is one of the leading scorers in the state.
Quote from: VUBBFan on August 26, 2020, 01:36:22 PMHere are my favorite scenes. https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1298690455354449920 https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1298689963391946753
Ah the Loyola upset... My favorite MVC memory...
The half court shot (which is what I think is the second one) is really close behind. I was at that game. It was awesome. I bet the people who left when ISUr was up 10 with like 1:44 left really regret having done so.
Sam Vinson highlights:
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9579687/Sam-Vinson
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 26, 2020, 06:48:20 PM
Quote from: VUBBFan on August 26, 2020, 01:36:22 PMHere are my favorite scenes. https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1298690455354449920 https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1298689963391946753
Ah the Loyola upset... My favorite MVC memory...
The half court shot (which is what I think is the second one) is really close behind. I was at that game. It was awesome. I bet the people who left when ISUr was up 10 with like 1:44 left really regret having done so.
I would counter that they are GLAD that they missed it. Can you imagine watching that unfold, when you are a fan of the side that blew it?
I was referring to the second picture in that second part which was if I'm not mistaken Markus Golder's Half Court winner against ISUr in the 2018-2019 MVC Opener (or home opener I forget if we played a road game first that year or not). Of course we were glad Loyola missed their half court attempt at Arch Madness.
For Rowdy's shot against Green Bay in the last seconds of the Horizon League tournament I was supposed to be on the road back to Indy but just couldn't leave. I watched Rowdy hit the shot from just inside the doors that enter on to the track and opposite the entrance to Hilltop. After the shot went in I scampered through the door down the stairs and out the outside doors ran to my car and got out to US 30 west to I-65 and on my way to Indy as quickly as possible.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 27, 2020, 10:48:42 PM
I was referring to the second picture in that second part which was if I'm not mistaken Markus Golder's Half Court winner against ISUr in the 2018-2019 MVC Opener (or home opener I forget if we played a road game first that year or not). Of course we were glad Loyola missed their half court attempt at Arch Madness.
Correct, you said that you bet that the ISUr fans were probably mad that they did not stick around. I was countering that if I was an ISUr fan, I wouldn't want to watch a 10 point/2 minute collapse. I would rather have left early, feeling happy, and being disappointed while at home, versus watching that 15-20 minutes of real-time pain ;)
Impressive junior year video Highlights for 2021 recruiting target Sam Vinson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi0cBFy2Ek4
https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1300104152169607168?s=21
https://twitter.com/zt17hoops/status/1299454031270744064?s=21
Think we'll still be on it by then?
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 30, 2020, 04:40:07 PM
Think we'll still be on it by then?
I think we have a good shot to be in the Top 6. If I had to guess his Top 6 will be: Valpo, Ball State, Drake, Toledo, UIC and Rhode Island.
Just a complete guess on my part. Maybe swap Toledo with another school like App State.
I think Valpo is a great fit from positional need, style of play and culture fit. I think there is serious competition and Ball State and Drake feels like they are deep in his recruitment. Chris would be a big time recruit for us.
The Top 6 is revealed.
https://twitter.com/_chrismantis/status/1300221959301726215?s=21
Oddly Valparaiso is the only one without a quote describing the appeal to the School.
https://www.zagsblog.com/2020/08/30/2021-christopher-mantis-is-down-to-six/
Christopher Mantis, who is a 2021 prospect is down to six programs.
Valparaiso, Ball State, Drake, Appalachian State, Illinois-Chicago, and Purdue Fort-Wayne. all made his list.
Mantis, the 6'7 player who attends Lowell (IN) broke down his top six with ZAGSBLOG.
Drake: "I like them because I've been around them for so long and they deal with pros and have produced many pros. They also have a great play style as well."
Ball State: "I like Ball State because they have a play style the fits with what I do best. They would allow me to score at all 3 levels. They also produce pros."
Drake: "I like Drake because many guys from this region have come out of there and have had great careers during college. They didn't disappoint the region."
Appalachian State: "I like them because of the way they approach things. They play hard and they play well. Their relationship between each other is unmatched."
Illinois-Chicago: "They have a unique style. They score off of their defense. Their defense leads to their offense, which makes them special."
Purdue Fort-Wayne: "I like Purdue Fort-Wayne because they're allowing me to be position less. I can play 1-4 there and they run great sets and play team defense. Also, they produce pros."
The teams that didn't make Mantis's list were Rhode Island, UC San Diego, Milwaukee, Florida International, and Toledo.
Is it a bad sign that he didn't list why he would consider us? That feels like a bad sign.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 30, 2020, 07:17:08 PM
Oddly Valparaiso is the only one without a quote describing the appeal to the School.
https://www.zagsblog.com/2020/08/30/2021-christopher-mantis-is-down-to-six/
Christopher Mantis, who is a 2021 prospect is down to six programs.
Valparaiso, Ball State, Drake, Appalachian State, Illinois-Chicago, and Purdue Fort-Wayne. all made his list.
Mantis, the 6'7 player who attends Lowell (IN) broke down his top six with ZAGSBLOG.
Valparaiso: "I like them because I've been around them for so long and they deal with pros and have produced many pros. They also have a great play style as well."
Ball State: "I like Ball State because they have a play style the fits with what I do best. They would allow me to score at all 3 levels. They also produce pros."
Drake: "I like Drake because many guys from this region have come out of there and have had great careers during college. They didn't disappoint the region."
Appalachian State: "I like them because of the way they approach things. They play hard and they play well. Their relationship between each other is unmatched."
Illinois-Chicago: "They have a unique style. They score off of their defense. Their defense leads to their offense, which makes them special."
Purdue Fort-Wayne: "I like Purdue Fort-Wayne because they're allowing me to be position less. I can play 1-4 there and they run great sets and play team defense. Also, they produce pros."
The teams that didn't make Mantis's list were Rhode Island, UC San Diego, Milwaukee, Florida International, and Toledo.
Valpo is the first team mentioned. Fixed it for you.
Wish he had said more about the ethos of the coaching staff and school but I think what he provided was a pretty good endorsement. I hope we get him!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on August 30, 2020, 09:11:52 PM
Wish he had said more about the ethos of the coaching staff and school but I think what he provided was a pretty good endorsement. I hope we get him!
These appear to be snippets extracted from a larger conversation. It's anyone's guess as to what he may have said in totality.
I am perfectly fine with folks that want to come to Valpo because we produce international pros. It shows that he is aiming high in his athletic career, and knows that we can develop him to that level. You want that reputation...
Quote from: valpotx on September 01, 2020, 12:25:52 AMI am perfectly fine with folks that want to come to Valpo because we produce international pros. It shows that he is aiming high in his athletic career, and knows that we can develop him to that level. You want that reputation...
Heck yeah we do! And I'm darn proud of it! He seemed to say a lot more about Valpo's ability to produce pros too. That could be a very good sign. I hope we get to the level where we produce even more and also a few more domestic pros if you know what I'm saying. :) I'd love for us to have a Ja Morant type figure one day.
https://twitter.com/nwi/status/1300970974532317186?s=21
If we could land Chris he could be a focal point of this team for 4 years. He can really play.
https://twitter.com/dejuanmarrero/status/1305504580504031232?s=21
https://twitter.com/gamehoops/status/1305505487794909185?s=21
Valpo 2021 recruit will be playing at prep school his senior year. I think this shows he's looking to expand his offers and try to get high major attention.
He's one of the best seniors in the State of Indiana.
https://twitter.com/romeovillekid/status/1306699509678911488?s=21
Looks like Valpo didn't make the cut for this recruit. Not in his top 7.
https://twitter.com/J2dinJohnson/status/1307055619720048641
Quote from: valpo84 on August 26, 2020, 12:18:41 PM
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Beyond blessed to have received an offer to play at Valparaiso University! #GoValpo (https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoValpo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pic.twitter.com/P0zMORLUZ3 (https://t.co/P0zMORLUZ3)</p>— Sam Vinson (@sam_vinson3) August 26, 2020 (https://twitter.com/sam_vinson3/status/1298434010641825793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Per information on twitter and texts I received, Sam is going to NKU
https://twitter.com/dea1veiro/status/1308193118861303808
Our ties to Canada continue. Looking at some of his highlights, this guy can pass the ball!
Quote from: IndyEIT777 on September 21, 2020, 07:50:50 PM
https://twitter.com/dea1veiro/status/1308193118861303808
Our ties to Canada continue. Looking at some of his highlights, this guy can pass the ball!
The Canadian pipeline continues! Welcome Darius!
Brief interview with Darius:
https://undraftedfreeagent.com/2020/09/22/valpo-lands-commitment-from-canadian-darius-deaveiro/
So 2 commits and 4 spots? Is that where we are at?
2 down 2 to go. Come on down C. Mantis and take one of these open spots.
Darius' 6-9 teammate headed to Southern Illinois. Other teammates to Oklahoma State and Seton Hall. Numerous other signees off his team including to Fort Wayne, Youngstown and Northeastern.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GmM17-F9Lw
Has Valpo become Canada South?
Although it seems we aren't the only ones recruiting Canadians. It seems more and more Canadians are coming to the States to play NCAA basketball and Valpo was one of the first schools to benefit from this trend.
I hope that we keep the Canadian and Scandinavian pipelines going long-term, in addition to the Midwest. The more kids that are used to cold weather, the better for our program lol.
Quote from: sliman on September 22, 2020, 11:38:55 AMDarius' 6-9 teammate headed to Southern Illinois. Other teammates to Oklahoma State and Seton Hall. Numerous other signees off his team including to Fort Wayne, Youngstown and Northeastern.
That's impressive. Those aren't nothing schools from nothing leagues. I know we crapped on Youngstown State a lot when we were in the HL but they have gotten a lot better the past year or two. I'm also very interested to see how Fort Wayne will do in a more geographically friendly league with less travel expenditure.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 30, 2020, 07:17:08 PMOddly Valparaiso is the only one without a quote describing the appeal to the School.
https://www.zagsblog.com/2020/08/30/2021-christopher-mantis-is-down-to-six/
Christopher Mantis, who is a 2021 prospect is down to six programs.
Valparaiso, Ball State, Drake, Appalachian State, Illinois-Chicago, and Purdue Fort-Wayne. all made his list.
Mantis, the 6'7 player who attends Lowell (IN) broke down his top six with ZAGSBLOG.
Drake: "I like them because I've been around them for so long and they deal with pros and have produced many pros. They also have a great play style as well."
Ball State: "I like Ball State because they have a play style the fits with what I do best. They would allow me to score at all 3 levels. They also produce pros."
Drake: "I like Drake because many guys from this region have come out of there and have had great careers during college. They didn't disappoint the region."
Appalachian State: "I like them because of the way they approach things. They play hard and they play well. Their relationship between each other is unmatched."
My thought after re-reading this is that there was a typo. Drake is listed twice in the quote section. Also each quote is listed in the order that the schools are listed except for Valpo. The first quote "I like them because I've been around them for so long" is not something a kid from Lowell, IN would say about Drake normally. I'm pretty sure the first quote is about Valpo and not Drake. The second quote about Drake seems to fit much better. "I like Drake because many guys from this region have come out of there"
Quote from: bbtds on September 24, 2020, 08:53:19 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on August 30, 2020, 07:17:08 PMOddly Valparaiso is the only one without a quote describing the appeal to the School.
https://www.zagsblog.com/2020/08/30/2021-christopher-mantis-is-down-to-six/
Christopher Mantis, who is a 2021 prospect is down to six programs.
Valparaiso, Ball State, Drake, Appalachian State, Illinois-Chicago, and Purdue Fort-Wayne. all made his list.
Mantis, the 6'7 player who attends Lowell (IN) broke down his top six with ZAGSBLOG.
Drake: "I like them because I've been around them for so long and they deal with pros and have produced many pros. They also have a great play style as well."
Ball State: "I like Ball State because they have a play style the fits with what I do best. They would allow me to score at all 3 levels. They also produce pros."
Drake: "I like Drake because many guys from this region have come out of there and have had great careers during college. They didn't disappoint the region."
Appalachian State: "I like them because of the way they approach things. They play hard and they play well. Their relationship between each other is unmatched."
My thought after re-reading this is that there was a typo. Drake is listed twice in the quote section. Also each quote is listed in the order that the schools are listed except for Valpo. The first quote "I like them because I've been around them for so long" is not something a kid from Lowell, IN would say about Drake normally. I'm pretty sure the first quote is about Valpo and not Drake. The second quote about Drake seems to fit much better. "I like Drake because many guys from this region have come out of there"
No need to guess. The article clearly says "Valparaiso.
Quote from: VUBBFan on August 22, 2020, 12:52:27 PM
Here's another offer for 2021.
https://twitter.com/treywoodyard3/status/1296221285089980423
Trey Woodyard commits to Valpo:
[tweet]1311372765904228352[/tweet]
Quote from: valpopal on September 30, 2020, 01:44:35 PM
Quote from: VUBBFan on August 22, 2020, 12:52:27 PM
Here's another offer for 2021.
https://twitter.com/treywoodyard3/status/1296221285089980423
Trey Woodyard commits to Valpo:
[tweet]1311372765904228352[/tweet]
247 Sports has him as the No. 9 prospect from Ohio and 59th ranks Small Forward in the Nation. Another 6'6" shooter. Does this mean we have given up or passed by Mantis? I would think they want to add a big 6'8" on up with the last spot.
Trey is also a 4.0 student.
Nice interview with Trey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv7dOzJz1iU
Quote from: vu72 on September 30, 2020, 03:42:01 PM
Quote from: valpopal on September 30, 2020, 01:44:35 PM
Quote from: VUBBFan on August 22, 2020, 12:52:27 PM
Here's another offer for 2021.
https://twitter.com/treywoodyard3/status/1296221285089980423
Trey Woodyard commits to Valpo:
[tweet]1311372765904228352[/tweet]
247 Sports has him as the No. 9 prospect from Ohio and 59th ranks Small Forward in the Nation. Another 6'6" shooter. Does this mean we have given up or passed by Mantis? I would think they want to add a big 6'8" on up with the last spot.
Trey is also a 4.0 student.
VU72, I was wondering the same thing about Chris Mantis. I hope not, because I think these two could play together. Chris could play many positions and in multiple different roles.
But I'm curious how this will effect his recruitment. Hopefully we're still in on his recruitment. He's a good good kid and great player from our backyard.
Small ball is the way of the future! After watching Trey's highlights, I was really impressed by his ability to get down and physical in the paint. Can't teach that.
Trey Woodyard becomes third Valparaiso commit
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/trey-woodyard-becomes-third-valparaiso-commit/article_8f91e7db-805c-5e3e-8468-f2b7f97c31a3.html
Feels like a good class taking shape for Valpo. I wonder who the final commit of the class will be.
I don't think we will have to wait to long to find out.
I think UIC has a real shot at landing Chris Mantis. But I think his recruitment is still open but I'm really curious how things will shake out with us just landing a SF commit. Not doubt Chris is certainly versatile enough to get minutes and can play with multiple different roster combos but I'm wondering if it hurt our chances.
Quote from: VU2014 on October 01, 2020, 10:01:31 PM
I think UIC has a real shot at landing Chris Mantis. But I think his recruitment is still open but I'm really curious how things will shake out with us just landing a SF commit. Not doubt Chris is certainly versatile enough to get minutes and can play with multiple different roster combos but I'm wondering if it hurt our chances.
Or if it was indicative of our chances and we smartly pivoted to nab a capable player at his position while we still had the opportunity.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on October 02, 2020, 12:31:08 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on October 01, 2020, 10:01:31 PM
I think UIC has a real shot at landing Chris Mantis. But I think his recruitment is still open but I'm really curious how things will shake out with us just landing a SF commit. Not doubt Chris is certainly versatile enough to get minutes and can play with multiple different roster combos but I'm wondering if it hurt our chances.
Or if it was indicative of our chances and we smartly pivoted to nab a capable player at his position while we still had the opportunity.
[/b]
Or, perhaps, we really wanted Trey and if we couldn't get him then would go harder for Mantis. Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder and basketball talent/fit is in the eye of the coach. Having said that, both guys are about the same size and play the same position. 247 Sports has Mantis as the #23 ranked player in Indiana and #72 ranked Small forward in the nation. On the other hand, 247 has Trey as the #9 ranked player in Ohio and #59 ranked Small forward in the nation. Would love to have a local kid so hopefully we get Mantis as well.
Quote from: vu72 on October 02, 2020, 08:21:52 AM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on October 02, 2020, 12:31:08 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on October 01, 2020, 10:01:31 PM
I think UIC has a real shot at landing Chris Mantis. But I think his recruitment is still open but I'm really curious how things will shake out with us just landing a SF commit. Not doubt Chris is certainly versatile enough to get minutes and can play with multiple different roster combos but I'm wondering if it hurt our chances.
Or if it was indicative of our chances and we smartly pivoted to nab a capable player at his position while we still had the opportunity.
[/b]
Or, perhaps, we really wanted Trey and if we couldn't get him then would go harder for Mantis. Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder and basketball talent/fit is in the eye of the coach. Having said that, both guys are about the same size and play the same position. 247 Sports has Mantis as the #23 ranked player in Indiana and #72 ranked Small forward in the nation. On the other hand, 247 has Trey as the #9 ranked player in Ohio and #59 ranked Small forward in the nation. Would love to have a local kid so hopefully we get Mantis as well.
FWIW Trey also scores higher on 247's scoring system - 86 vs. 80. I'm loving this pick.
Me too, What I am about to say is in no way meant to be a slight toward Mantis who I think is a really good player but I think we hold a great deal of bias toward him because he is a local player and we so badly want to see more local kids on the roster especially with Drake recruiting NWI so well lately. It really seems like if it's an either or situation we got the better player but I'd love to see both because Mantis is a great shooter. I'd also like to see a big though.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on September 24, 2020, 01:50:04 AMI'm also very interested to see how Fort Wayne will do in a more geographically friendly league with less travel expenditure.
It's to bad this didn't happen 2 or 3 years ago, before John Konchar graduated. Fort Wayne would have had a good chance to win the Horizon and get an NCAA berth during the years with Bryson Scott and Konchar on the roster.
Unless something drastically changes on our end which could happen, Mantis will not be the 4th commit.
Hearing that Valpo LOVES Woodyard. I don't believe that Valpo is an option for Mantis any longer.
Quote from: Pgmado on October 02, 2020, 01:05:20 PM
Hearing that Valpo LOVES Woodyard. I don't believe that Valpo is an option for Mantis any longer.
Woodyard for president! (not as the Valpo President of course, just being enthusiastic!)
Quote from: wh on September 30, 2020, 10:00:46 PM
Trey Woodyard becomes third Valparaiso commit
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/trey-woodyard-becomes-third-valparaiso-commit/article_8f91e7db-805c-5e3e-8468-f2b7f97c31a3.html
Woodyard seems to be a winner. Already has that "take the final shot for the win" mentallity.
who is left out there with offers if we think Mantis is off the table?
Quote from: crusader05 on October 02, 2020, 02:52:01 PM
who is left out there with offers if we think Mantis is off the table?
The only other official offers we have outstanding are: Keon Thompson (PG - Merrillville) and Quimari Peterson (PG - Gary, IN).
I can't imagine either will take that last scholarship. Keon made it clear he wants more high major interest going to play his last year at a prep school. We already have two PG commits.
If I had to guess maybe red shirt or big man. Could potentially go a mystery recruit we don't know about.
I mean we have two PG commits so it's still possible to get two SF commits especially as versatile as Mantis appears to be. I'm very interested to see what route we go on the last one. I reiterate I would like a big man if I had my pick of who we would get.
Bring on a surprise Swedish 7'0" Center :)
Has C. Mantis given any indication on when he will make his college choice? Sure would love to see him in Brown & Gold.
With Paul's comments I don't feel too confident. But you never know. He could be a big part of this program, imo.
https://twitter.com/appstatemania/status/1313856478772592645?s=21
Mantis will visit all of his finalists' campuses before he makes the final choice, even as NCAA COVID-19 restrictions prevent him from being officially hosted by any program through the remainder of 2020.
"As of now, once I get to see all of the schools, then I'll start making the decision. In 3-4 weeks, I'll have seen all of the schools, and I'll probably make a decision within a couple of weeks after. When I feel it, I'll be ready to commit."
There are key factors for Mantis to consider before he'll "feel it."
"Relationships with the coaches and players, and playing time being available right away. Of course, I have to earn that playing time," Mantis said.
Quote from: VU2014 on October 10, 2020, 12:32:10 PM
With Paul's comments I don't feel too confident. But you never know. He could be a big part of this program, imo.
https://twitter.com/appstatemania/status/1313856478772592645?s=21
Mantis will visit all of his finalists' campuses before he makes the final choice, even as NCAA COVID-19 restrictions prevent him from being officially hosted by any program through the remainder of 2020.
"As of now, once I get to see all of the schools, then I'll start making the decision. In 3-4 weeks, I'll have seen all of the schools, and I'll probably make a decision within a couple of weeks after. When I feel it, I'll be ready to commit."
There are key factors for Mantis to consider before he'll "feel it."
"Relationships with the coaches and players, and playing time being available right away. Of course, I have to earn that playing time," Mantis said.
Playing time as freshman will be a big influence on his decision. I think he could play as freshman at Valpo but it would depend how quickly he picks up the offense and could play defense to get big minutes as a freshman. But you really never know. Krikke and played huge minutes as freshman and you never would have thought that would be the case right away.
Quote from: VU2014 on October 10, 2020, 12:53:20 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on October 10, 2020, 12:32:10 PM
With Paul's comments I don't feel too confident. But you never know. He could be a big part of this program, imo.
https://twitter.com/appstatemania/status/1313856478772592645?s=21
Mantis will visit all of his finalists' campuses before he makes the final choice, even as NCAA COVID-19 restrictions prevent him from being officially hosted by any program through the remainder of 2020.
"As of now, once I get to see all of the schools, then I'll start making the decision. In 3-4 weeks, I'll have seen all of the schools, and I'll probably make a decision within a couple of weeks after. When I feel it, I'll be ready to commit."
There are key factors for Mantis to consider before he'll "feel it."
"Relationships with the coaches and players, and playing time being available right away. Of course, I have to earn that playing time," Mantis said.
Playing time as freshman will be a big influence on his decision. I think he could play as freshman at Valpo but it would depend how quickly he picks up the offense and could play defense to get big minutes as a freshman. But you really never know. Krikke and played huge minutes as freshman and you never would have thought that would be the case right away.
Valpo's last 3 recruiting classes are all talented. Next year's Class should be another good one. Trying to be as objective as I can, I don't foresee any obvious holes that a freshman could walk in here and fill. If immediate gratification is his goal, he might be better off going somewhere else.
I feel like our talent is getting to the MVC level. I just can't wait until we start competing for titles. I hope it's soon.
Quote from: wh on October 10, 2020, 04:54:09 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on October 10, 2020, 12:53:20 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on October 10, 2020, 12:32:10 PM
With Paul's comments I don't feel too confident. But you never know. He could be a big part of this program, imo.
https://twitter.com/appstatemania/status/1313856478772592645?s=21
Mantis will visit all of his finalists' campuses before he makes the final choice, even as NCAA COVID-19 restrictions prevent him from being officially hosted by any program through the remainder of 2020.
"As of now, once I get to see all of the schools, then I'll start making the decision. In 3-4 weeks, I'll have seen all of the schools, and I'll probably make a decision within a couple of weeks after. When I feel it, I'll be ready to commit."
There are key factors for Mantis to consider before he'll "feel it."
"Relationships with the coaches and players, and playing time being available right away. Of course, I have to earn that playing time," Mantis said.
Playing time as freshman will be a big influence on his decision. I think he could play as freshman at Valpo but it would depend how quickly he picks up the offense and could play defense to get big minutes as a freshman. But you really never know. Krikke and played huge minutes as freshman and you never would have thought that would be the case right away.
Valpo's last 3 recruiting classes are all talented. Next year's Class should be another good one. Trying to be as objective as I can, I don't foresee any obvious holes that a freshman could walk in here and fill. If immediate gratification is his goal, he might be better off going somewhere else.
I noticed that both Trey Woodyard and Nick Mantis were offered by Valpo and Appalachian State. ASU only has 1 unfilled vacancy. Had Trey chosen APS over Valpo, Nick would have been locked out.
Newest offer. A 6'8" SG from OK
https://twitter.com/94ftexposure/status/1319137017675075584
https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1320533126586732546
Oh man, either VU changed its name or maybe this recruit isn't too interested in our program...
Either way, Keyondre looks like a player with very high potential, probably will be getting some high major interest soon.
Should show you where things are with Mantis. If Mantis was going to commit to VU imminently I doubt they would be making any offers to recruits.
https://twitter.com/coachhatchett/status/1320560005444259840?s=21
There isn't enough info or tape to say if he's good or not, imo but I trust the coaching staff. From the 15 or so jump shots from videos I can see on the internet it looked like a nice jump shot with good length in his frame. Sounds like he had a good showing recently at game in front of Coaches.
You have to like that size at the two guard position too. He could create some matchup problems as either a big guard or a small ball 4 or even 5. I also love the shoutout from the coach calling Valpo a big time program. That makes me feel good that we have that kind of cachet with coaches on the recruiting circuit. Also although the results (outside of Arch Madness this past year) haven't really been there on the court I think this coaching staff has earned our trust from a recruiting standpoint and if they like a prospect then that's good enough for me and I like him too.
This whole recruiting thing is going to get really weird with players getting another year of eligibility. What if McMillan or Robinson want to stay around another year? My guess is that anyone with pro potential will not want to stay but if we had a guy like Kiser, he might want to stay and pursue a masters. It will get very interesting as we move along.
Quote from: vu72 on October 27, 2020, 08:14:54 AM
This whole recruiting thing is going to get really weird with players getting another year of eligibility. What if McMillan or Robinson want to stay around another year? My guess is that anyone with pro potential will not want to stay but if we had a guy like Kiser, he might want to stay and pursue a masters. It will get very interesting as we move along.
Assuming we play essentially a full season this year, why would 4th year players get an extra year? Wasn't the NCAA considering that only if the season was cancelled?
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 09:39:53 AM
Quote from: vu72 on October 27, 2020, 08:14:54 AM
This whole recruiting thing is going to get really weird with players getting another year of eligibility. What if McMillan or Robinson want to stay around another year? My guess is that anyone with pro potential will not want to stay but if we had a guy like Kiser, he might want to stay and pursue a masters. It will get very interesting as we move along.
Assuming we play essentially a full season this year, why would 4th year players get an extra year? Wasn't the NCAA considering that only if the season was cancelled?
Every athlete in a winter sport is getting another year of eligibility, regardless of whether the season is played.
https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/30116895/ncaa-grants-extra-year-eligibility-all-winter-sport-athletes
Quote from: vu84v2 on October 27, 2020, 09:43:37 AM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 09:39:53 AM
Quote from: vu72 on October 27, 2020, 08:14:54 AM
This whole recruiting thing is going to get really weird with players getting another year of eligibility. What if McMillan or Robinson want to stay around another year? My guess is that anyone with pro potential will not want to stay but if we had a guy like Kiser, he might want to stay and pursue a masters. It will get very interesting as we move along.
Assuming we play essentially a full season this year, why would 4th year players get an extra year? Wasn't the NCAA considering that only if the season was cancelled?
Every athlete in a winter sport is getting another year of eligibility, regardless of whether the season is played.
https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/30116895/ncaa-grants-extra-year-eligibility-all-winter-sport-athletes
From the article:
UConn women's coach Geno Auriemma said he thought a lot of his fellow coaches would object to the adjusted eligibility rule.
"I don't have to worry about -- I don't have any seniors," Auriemma said. "But I think you're going to have a lot of coaches that are going to go, 'You're putting me in a tough spot here.' Because now you're going to have some seniors go, 'Hey, I want to stay.' And then you've got a coach going, like, 'I wasn't planning on you staying.' Now what are you going to do -- turn the kid out?
"I don't like it. If you lose your season, I can see that. If you say, 'Hey, look, the fall sports guys, you lost your season. We'll give that back to you.' I can see that. That makes sense. But how are you going to let somebody play a whole season and then give them another year?"Duh!
So, if Zion Morgan, Eron Gordon, Mileek McMillan and Nick Robinson decide to stay and play next year, we're going to have 17 scholarship players on one roster? What a cluster-f that will be, not to mention the extraordinary financial toll on the athletic budget. And for what? Myopic thinking on steroids.
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 09:39:53 AMAssuming we play essentially a full season this year, why would 4th year players get an extra year? Wasn't the NCAA considering that only if the season was cancelled?
There's zero chance that Valparaiso (or anyone for that matter) plays "essentially a full season this year."
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 10:20:07 AMAnd for what? Myopic thinking on steroids.
Look at the Wisconsin quarterback situation. Graham Mertz played in one game and then tested positive for COVID. He's out for the next 21 days. In basketball, if one player tests positive, the entire program is shelved for 14 days. Imagine if a VU player tests positive during the season. Now two weeks are gone. Imagine if an opponent tests positive. Now you've lost another competitive opportunity. This season is going to be a full scale scheduling disaster. The NCAA absolutely did the right thing by giving every player an additional year of eligibility. One coach not affiliated with the VU program said the other day that this season is being viewed as a "freebie."
Quote from: Pgmado on October 27, 2020, 11:43:50 AM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 10:20:07 AMAnd for what? Myopic thinking on steroids.
Look at the Wisconsin quarterback situation. Graham Mertz played in one game and then tested positive for COVID. He's out for the next 21 days. In basketball, if one player tests positive, the entire program is shelved for 14 days. Imagine if a VU player tests positive during the season. Now two weeks are gone. Imagine if an opponent tests positive. Now you've lost another competitive opportunity. This season is going to be a full scale scheduling disaster. The NCAA absolutely did the right thing by giving every player an additional year of eligibility. One coach not affiliated with the VU program said the other day that this season is being viewed as a "freebie."
Quote from: Pgmado on October 27, 2020, 11:43:50 AM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 10:20:07 AMAnd for what? Myopic thinking on steroids.
Look at the Wisconsin quarterback situation. Graham Mertz played in one game and then tested positive for COVID. He's out for the next 21 days. In basketball, if one player tests positive, the entire program is shelved for 14 days. Imagine if a VU player tests positive during the season. Now two weeks are gone. Imagine if an opponent tests positive. Now you've lost another competitive opportunity. This season is going to be a full scale scheduling disaster. The NCAA absolutely did the right thing by giving every player an additional year of eligibility. One coach not affiliated with the VU program said the other day that this season is being viewed as a "freebie."
So, is this how responsible adults decide things now? You either play the whole season or you get a do-over? Sounds like the people who decided this have the problem solving skills of a 10-year-old. So, what if we play all but 3 games? Do-over? How about all but 5? Do-over? Or all but 9? Do-over? Think about this. Under current NCAA rules, in order to get a medical redshirt a player has to miss 70% or more of scheduled games. Thus, if an injured player plays in only 8 games of a 25-game schedule, he doesn't get a do-over the next year. How do these 2 circumstances equate? Now, let's think 1 level below the surface (unintended consequences). If, in my Valpo example, our 4 seniors come back next year, whatever minutes they play will be taken 1:1 from other players on the team. Players who would have been in next year's rotation won't be. Do they get do-overs, too? Why not? Why should you make up lost playing time to this year's players, but not next year's? They didn't sign up for the effects of COVID on their playing time anymore than this year's players did. Now let's go one more level below the surface, if we dare. A 17-man roster is totally untenable. With a typical 8 or 9 man rotation, that means 8 or 9 players will be relegated to the end of bench for the whole season. Tony Robbins couldn't keep that group motivated.
I can't believe we're having this conversation.
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 01:25:11 PMSo, is this how responsible adults decide things now? You either play the whole season or you get a do-over? Sounds like the people who decided this have the problem solving skills of a 10-year-old. So, what if we play all but 3 games? Do-over? How about all but 5? Do-over? Or all but 9? Do-over? Think about this. Under current NCAA rules, in order to get a medical redshirt a player has to miss 70% or more of scheduled games. Thus, if an injured player plays in only 8 games of a 25-game schedule, he doesn't get a do-over the next year. How do these 2 circumstances equate? Now, let's think 1 level below the surface (unintended consequences). If, in my Valpo example, our 4 seniors come back next year, whatever minutes they play will be taken 1:1 from other players on the team. Players who would have been in next year's rotation won't be. Do they get do-overs, too? Why not? Why should you make up lost playing time to this year's players, but not next year's? They didn't sign up for the effects of COVID on their playing time anymore than this year's players did. Now let's go one more level below the surface, if we dare. A 17-man roster is totally untenable. With a typical 8 or 9 man rotation, that means 8 or 9 players will be relegated to the end of bench for the whole season. Tony Robbins couldn't keep that group motivated.
I can't believe we're having this conversation.
Every single player is getting an additional year, not just seniors. So players that would've been in next season's rotation would have the same amount of time they'd normally have the following season. As for your 17-man roster, that's exactly the amount of players have right now. From what I understand, the NCAA is going to expand scholarship limits for one year next season and then it will be back to normal the following year. The group that will be most impacted by this will be high school juniors. There's also a big IF. Do these players even want to come back for an extra year. Zion, Eron and Nick would be in their sixth year of college. Mileek has a pro future. Most of these guys can make at least some money playing overseas. Perhaps they want to start that clock as soon as possible.
Quote from: Pgmado on October 27, 2020, 03:22:16 PM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 01:25:11 PMSo, is this how responsible adults decide things now? You either play the whole season or you get a do-over? Sounds like the people who decided this have the problem solving skills of a 10-year-old. So, what if we play all but 3 games? Do-over? How about all but 5? Do-over? Or all but 9? Do-over? Think about this. Under current NCAA rules, in order to get a medical redshirt a player has to miss 70% or more of scheduled games. Thus, if an injured player plays in only 8 games of a 25-game schedule, he doesn't get a do-over the next year. How do these 2 circumstances equate? Now, let's think 1 level below the surface (unintended consequences). If, in my Valpo example, our 4 seniors come back next year, whatever minutes they play will be taken 1:1 from other players on the team. Players who would have been in next year's rotation won't be. Do they get do-overs, too? Why not? Why should you make up lost playing time to this year's players, but not next year's? They didn't sign up for the effects of COVID on their playing time anymore than this year's players did. Now let's go one more level below the surface, if we dare. A 17-man roster is totally untenable. With a typical 8 or 9 man rotation, that means 8 or 9 players will be relegated to the end of bench for the whole season. Tony Robbins couldn't keep that group motivated.
I can't believe we're having this conversation.
Every single player is getting an additional year, not just seniors. So players that would've been in next season's rotation would have the same amount of time they'd normally have the following season. As for your 17-man roster, that's exactly the amount of players have right now. From what I understand, the NCAA is going to expand scholarship limits for one year next season and then it will be back to normal the following year. The group that will be most impacted by this will be high school juniors. There's also a big IF. Do these players even want to come back for an extra year. Zion, Eron and Nick would be in their sixth year of college. Mileek has a pro future. Most of these guys can make at least some money playing overseas. Perhaps they want to start that clock as soon as possible.
Apples and oranges. The 17-man roster you're referring to this year includes 4 non-scholarship players who don't expect to get playing time. What I called "untenable" is 17 players on full scholarships fighting for playing time. To your point, if our 4 non-scholarship players also choose to return next year, we will have a 21-man roster. Talk about herding cats. To your point that every player on the roster will be given an extra year, that only compounds the problem. Teams will be dealing with inflated rosters and the added burden on athletic department budgets for 4 years instead of 1. And again, back to the most egregious error, a promise has been made to give players an extra year of eligibility before even knowing to what extent this season will be affected. Anyway you try to spin it, that's just plain dumb with a capital D. This sounds eerily similar in the level of irresponsibility to Congress passing legislation that gave most every adult in the country a free $1200 and $500 for their kids, whether they suffered a job or hours loss, or didn't. I can personally attest to a boatload of friends and relatives who received checks who hadn't lost a penny due to COVID. What a country.
I am not looking to take one side or the other in this argument (you both have some good points), but I will suggest that we have some data on what might happen. Athletes who did not get to play in the Spring were granted an extra year. From my perspective (albeit at a single university), it seems that about one-third of the student-athletes decided to stay for another year. The majority just wanted to get on with the next steps in their lives.
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 04:41:08 PMThis sounds eerily similar in the level of irresponsibility to Congress passing legislation that gave most every adult in the country a free $1200 and $500 for their kids, whether they suffered a job or hours loss, or didn't. I can personally attest to a boatload of friends and relatives who received checks who hadn't lost a penny due to COVID. What a country.
I don't disagree with you there. I took the money I was given and bought this very laptop that I'm typing this on. The leftover money I donated to the Biden campaign. It felt like the right thing to do!
A program out there will land a diamond in the rough. There are always late bloomers who get noticed late in HS season and up their stock. Not sure who it is but always seem to be a couple from the State of Illinois.
The strange thing is the state government had no issue allowing AAU basketball with no masks or testing this Summer but they won't allow the HS sports to be played. Maybe it's a liability issue but it was surprised they allowed AAU games to be played.
https://twitter.com/michaelsobrien/status/1321201735852040193?s=21
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 01:25:11 PM
I can't believe we're having this conversation.
People take liberties when you express yourself in such an open-minded way, wh. Damned people and their conversations!
Quote from: Pgmado on October 27, 2020, 05:12:55 PM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 04:41:08 PMThis sounds eerily similar in the level of irresponsibility to Congress passing legislation that gave most every adult in the country a free $1200 and $500 for their kids, whether they suffered a job or hours loss, or didn't. I can personally attest to a boatload of friends and relatives who received checks who hadn't lost a penny due to COVID. What a country.
I don't disagree with you there. I took the money I was given and bought this very laptop that I'm typing this on. The leftover money I donated to the Biden campaign. It felt like the right thing to do!
The Biden quip is clever. Let me be more direct. College athletic departments across the country are in severe financial distress, and with all the COVID restrictions on game attendance it's going to get worse IMO - much worse. Here we are almost in Nov. and the Athletic Dept. has yet to collect a dime for season tickets. With COVID getting worse, conceivably, the entire season's gate could be lost. As we know, normal NCAA tournament revenue sharing has taken a huge hit, a situation that will continue to affect revenue sharing for several years. Pay-to-play games are dead. Certain other scholarship sports have been eliminated. The university itself is in severe financial distress.
Just when you think things can't get worse, the NCAA strolls in and makes a shortsighted decision to further add to the university's financial dilemma by forcing the provision of more scholarships over the next 4 years, whether they're needed or not. So, who's going to pay for these? Certainly not the NCAA. The athletic dept. doesn't have it. The university doesn't have it. How are donors like me supposed to respond when the next appeal comes asking if I can help out? Hopefully, you can appreciate on some level my frustration when organization governance decides to recklessly spend someone else's money that they don't have and at a time where they're trying to hang on for dear life. How easy it is to play Santa Claus and sow good will when you're charging on someone else's credit card.
Quote from: Valpower on October 28, 2020, 09:08:32 AM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 01:25:11 PM
I can't believe we're having this conversation.
People take liberties when you express yourself in such an open-minded way, wh. Damned people and their conversations!
Touche! :lol:
Quote from: wh on October 28, 2020, 10:37:41 AM
Just when you think things can't get worse, the NCAA strolls in and makes a shortsighted decision to further add to the university's financial dilemma by forcing the provision of more scholarships over the next 4 years, whether they're needed or not. So, who's going to pay for these? Certainly not the NCAA. The athletic dept. doesn't have it. The university doesn't have it. How are donors like me supposed to respond when the next appeal comes asking if I can help out? Hopefully, you can appreciate on some level my frustration when organization governance decides to recklessly spend someone else's money that they don't have and at a time where they're trying to hang on for dear life. How easy it is to play Santa Claus and sow good will when you're charging on someone else's credit card.
I appreciate the frustration, yet there is a key point missing from this discussion thread. There is a difference between the value of a scholarship and the cost of a scholarship. Briefly, there is a value of the scholarship to the student athlete, who can obtain an education, a degree, or maybe even an advanced degree by virtue of being on an athletic team. Otherwise, that same individual would have had to pay out of pocket for the same education/degree. However, look at it from the perspective of the university: The actual cost of running the university does not change all that much whether or not that student is on the team or not. Imagine it this way: A player is a senior majoring in Management, one of 30 students majoring in management (29 of which are not student athletes). If instead of playing his senior year, that student transferred to a different university, there would be 29 students majoring in Management. Does that mean the University saves $25,000 in costs by not providing that scholarship? Could you cut the pay of the professors? No. Are there some variable costs saved? Yes, such as one less meal to provide on a road trip, or travel to pay for, etc. Depending on room&board and other factors, there could be some real savings, yet it is not directly related to the fixed costs of running the university.
Bottom line is that what the NCAA has done is given student athletes the opportunity to stay around for another year. Some will do so, others will move on, yet it is not a dramatic change in the actual costs of the university as has been suggested.
BTW, I used $25,000 because this is a pretty good approximation for the average cost of attendance even though the sticker price for tuition is twice that amount.
If I am not mistaken, universities are not required to use every scholarship up to the NCAA maximum. While a university cannot withdraw a scholarship without cause, they could just only manage the program to the number of scholarships that it was managed to before the pandemic.
Quote from: wh on October 28, 2020, 10:37:41 AM
Quote from: Pgmado on October 27, 2020, 05:12:55 PM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 04:41:08 PMThis sounds eerily similar in the level of irresponsibility to Congress passing legislation that gave most every adult in the country a free $1200 and $500 for their kids, whether they suffered a job or hours loss, or didn't. I can personally attest to a boatload of friends and relatives who received checks who hadn't lost a penny due to COVID. What a country.
I don't disagree with you there. I took the money I was given and bought this very laptop that I'm typing this on. The leftover money I donated to the Biden campaign. It felt like the right thing to do!
The Biden quip is clever. Let me be more direct. College athletic departments across the country are in severe financial distress, and with all the COVID restrictions on game attendance it's going to get worse IMO - much worse. Here we are almost in Nov. and the Athletic Dept. has yet to collect a dime for season tickets. With COVID getting worse, conceivably, the entire season's gate could be lost. As we know, normal NCAA tournament revenue sharing has taken a huge hit, a situation that will continue to affect revenue sharing for several years. Pay-to-play games are dead. Certain other scholarship sports have been eliminated. The university itself is in severe financial distress.
Just when you think things can't get worse, the NCAA strolls in and makes a shortsighted decision to further add to the university's financial dilemma by forcing the provision of more scholarships over the next 4 years, whether they're needed or not. So, who's going to pay for these? Certainly not the NCAA. The athletic dept. doesn't have it. The university doesn't have it. How are donors like me supposed to respond when the next appeal comes asking if I can help out? Hopefully, you can appreciate on some level my frustration when organization governance decides to recklessly spend someone else's money that they don't have and at a time where they're trying to hang on for dear life. How easy it is to play Santa Claus and sow good will when you're charging on someone else's credit card.
To clarify, the extra scholarships will be allowed for only the '21-'22 season and only for current seniors who choose to return to their current school. For the '22-'23 season, coaches must manage the roster back to 13 scholarship players. This may be a challenge since many players may want to stay around a year longer than originally expected.
All this managing of rosters may become easier if the NCAA allows each player one-time transfer with no sit out requirement, which is expected to be passed next summer.
And as with other, minor sports, scholarships are split so one may get 1/2 scholarship while another may get 1/4 of a scholarship (I think that is how it works). Only Men's and Women's basketball and Volleyball have a full compliment of scholarships--full rides for all.
I'm also curious how many players will move up career statistical lists because they will play the equivalent of 5 seasons?
Quote from: VU2014 on October 28, 2020, 12:34:55 AM
A program out there will land a diamond in the rough. There are always late bloomers who get noticed late in HS season and up their stock. Not sure who it is but always seem to be a couple from the State of Illinois.
The strange thing is the state government had no issue allowing AAU basketball with no masks or testing this Summer but they won't allow the HS sports to be played. Maybe it's a liability issue but I was surprised they allowed AAU games to be played.
https://twitter.com/michaelsobrien/status/1321201735852040193?s=21
Wow. The IHSA is going to defy the Governor of Illinois and play a season now
https://twitter.com/michaelsobrien/status/1321538505034637318?s=21
Quote from: Pgmado on October 27, 2020, 05:12:55 PM
Quote from: wh on October 27, 2020, 04:41:08 PMThis sounds eerily similar in the level of irresponsibility to Congress passing legislation that gave most every adult in the country a free $1200 and $500 for their kids, whether they suffered a job or hours loss, or didn't. I can personally attest to a boatload of friends and relatives who received checks who hadn't lost a penny due to COVID. What a country.
I don't disagree with you there. I took the money I was given and bought this very laptop that I'm typing this on. The leftover money I donated to the Biden campaign. It felt like the right thing to do!
A thousand "likes" for this one. Don't forget to vote!
First signee for 2021. Our other 2 verbals should be following soon. Just need to fill our final spot.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1326550821832552448
And here is another addition as the final 2021 scholarship goes to Keyondre Young, a 6'8" shooting guard:
[tweet]1327688421985357829[/tweet]
Quote from: valpopal on November 14, 2020, 01:23:33 PMAnd here is another addition as the final 2021 scholarship goes to Keyondre Young, a 6'8" shooting guard:
Just throwing it out there. I heard that with the added one year of eligibility offered this year to current players, that the rosters will be expanded next year. Does that mean we could possibly have additional scholarships available for next year and recruiting is not done for 2021?
From what I understand the expanded scholarships will be for any members currently on the team but would not apply if they choose to transfer and are only for those players. It's basically like everyone gets an extra year of eligibility but only if they stay on the team they're on. If they transfer I believe they lose that extra year
Young is #5 in Oklahoma. Can't wait to see him suit up for the "University of Valparaiso".
All 4 scholarships are now full. Keyondre seems like a super interesting recruit. Great shooting stroke And great length but really needs to hit the weight room and add muscle to the frame. I have no gauge for ball handling, passing or defense. But definitely has a good base to work from.
I guess that Nick M is out?
Quote from: valpo64 on November 16, 2020, 10:18:51 AM
I guess that Nick M is out?
Sounds like it. Paul hinted a while back we were out. I think it was right after Woodyard signed is when he mentioned we were out. He's a really good player but the guys we signed seem to have great potential as well. Only time will tell.
Quote from: VU2014 on November 16, 2020, 04:41:58 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on November 16, 2020, 10:18:51 AM
I guess that Nick M is out?
Sounds like it. Paul hinted a while back we were out. I think it was right after Woodyard signed is when he mentioned we were out. He's a really good player but the guys we signed seem to have great potential as well. Only time will tell.
Agree on potential. We are signing guys ranked in the top 5 in an entire state. One ranked nationally. If our coaches are as good as advertised we will be in the hunt for MVC titles until, if it happens, Matt moves to greener pastures. Ask Bryce how that worked out! Seriously, can't wait for the "season" to get underway!
It would appear all of our recruits from 2020 and 2021 are going to start their career at Valpo playing better basketball that McMillan started his freshman year. All are way ahead of where he was when he came into the program. If Lottich and staff can progress just 60% of these recruits the way they progressed McMillan we are going to be really good a few years down the road.
I think we are missing a center. It's a hole in our lineup. Many will say it's not needed and we can run different looks
defensively but to me is a big missing piece.
Maybe but not as big as you might think. I think a lot of teams are running without centers these days unless they can find a specific type of center that they can run an offense through and who is a willing passer See: Austin Phyfe and Cameron Krutwig for examples in our conference.
Quote from: Chairback on November 17, 2020, 05:52:39 PM
I think we are missing a center. It's a hole in our lineup. Many will say it's not needed and we can run different looks
defensively but to me is a big missing piece.
Its a different game today. The days of a lumbering 7 footer are gone. With McMillan at 6'8" and then Krikke or Jacob at about the same size, we will be fine. All can shoot the three and thus take the bigger, slower guys out of their game.
Keyondre Young to Join Valpo Basketball Program
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2020-21/19979/keyondre-young-to-join-valpo-basketball-program/
When I read through a recruiting article like this, there's always something in it that reinforces why I care so deeply about this program. More than winning and losing or even how good the recruit is, it's the way the coaching staff embraces their players from the minute they start recruiting them, and it never stops. There's a reason that nearly every recruit talks about the family atmosphere, the genuine warmth of the coaching staff, etc. It seems to cross racial lines, regional differences, even different nationalities. It was that way under Homer, then Bryce, and now Matt. Look at these comments. This is just great stuff.
"Valpo is a winning program and a great school," Young said. "The team seems like a family and they have great coaches. I really connected with the coaching staff and they made me feel like they really wanted me through the recruiting process. It was a no-brainer to choose Valpo."
"It was great to learn about the coaches and their families," Young said. "We spent time talking about practices, workouts and games, but they also got to know me on a personal level. We talked about movies and TV shows. We definitely built a connection that felt bigger than basketball, very much like a family. I'm confident that I'll feel at home when I arrive at Valpo."
Our scholarships for 2021 are full and Paul mentioned in the past that we are out. But I'll be certainly following his college career.
He may land at Drake, Ball State, App State or UIC. There is a chance Valpo may play his future team in the next 4 years.
https://twitter.com/nique_coach/status/1334342307219386368?s=21
https://twitter.com/okccbssports105/status/1338257323920400384?s=21
I am already intrigued by Keyondre. He's listed as a 6-8 SG, 1st team all-state. Even in this short video, you see he can score in a variety of ways - step-back 3, standing 3, turnaround jumper in the lane, stop-and-pop jumper. He also looks comfortable handling and advancing the ball. If that's not enough, he looks like he has the wingspan of Vashil Fernandez.
BTW the game highlighted was part of an early season invitational. He scored 27 points in their other game and was named to the all-tournament team.
Awesome. Hope it translates. Maybe he might be a small ball four or five. Could make for some interesting offensive options if he pans out.
I think Chris Mantis is going to Drake. His announcement is coming today.
So Chris Mantis made his decision.
https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1342538654032355330
Looks like App State. Good get for them. He's probably going to get early playing time there. I'll be following his career
Seems we have some good players coming next year. This kid may be legit. He keeps come up with high lite reels
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1340154895400374274
Nick is a local kid (was one of the best local high school players in the area a few years ago) and Chris Mantis' older brother. I wonder if the coaches might think about offering him a preferred walk on role. Nick is the guy I'd target with a Kisser preferred walk on role. If Chris would ever decide to transfer from App State, it might be a nice recruiting tool to play with your older brother on the same team.
The only issue is that I imagine Nick wants to play (and get a scholarship) and that preferred walk on role, he'd need to battle for minutes. But with us being down a scholarship player with Nick, maybe he'd get a crack at playing if he could get instant eligibility which isn't likely. Just spit balling ideas. You need to look at the macro view and not just the stats on this one.
https://twitter.com/nmantis30/status/1355209792445362179?s=21
Nice lineage with their grandfather:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Mantis
Quote from: VU2014 on January 29, 2021, 02:23:54 PM
Nick is a local kid (was one of the best local high school players in the area a few years ago) and Chris Mantis' older brother. I wonder if the coaches might think about offering him a preferred walk on role. Nick is the guy I'd target with a Kisser preferred walk on role. If Chris would ever decide to transfer from App State, it might be a nice recruiting tool to play with your older brother on the same team.
The only issue is that I imagine Nick wants to play (and get a scholarship) and that preferred walk on role, he'd need to battle for minutes. But with us being down a scholarship player with Nick, maybe he'd get a crack at playing if he could get instant eligibility which isn't likely. Just spit balling ideas. You need to look at the macro view and not just the stats on this one.
https://twitter.com/nmantis30/status/1355209792445362179?s=21
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the worst time ever to transfer? Next year teams are already going to be overcapacity with some percentage of 5th year players returning. Also, I've never heard/read that scholarship players who decide not to return for a 5th season are replaceable. That's just one less scholarship in excess to have to fill and pay for with funds that don't exist.
5 3-pointers in a recent game for our soon-to-be 6-8 2-guard Keyondre Young. Notice the distance!
https://www.maxpreps.com/m/athlete/keyondre-young/Od692fexEeeT-Oz0u-e-FA/videos.htm?videoid=9b402aeb-475b-4a8a-ba46-4ec76b6e8bb6
Seems like a lot of good recruiting news for us lately.
Cameron Palesse, averaging 36 ppg and over 50% from three, hit a game winning shot minutes ago per Paul Orens twitter.
Keyondre Young showing off the range, especially impressive for his size.
I also just realized that Trey Woodyard is now a 3 star recruit by 247 sports, ranked #10 in Ohio, and #65 at his position in the country.
Where had Nick Mantis been attending school? What year is he? Size? Position?
What am I missing here about Mantis? i thought he was still in high school. Is he saying he made a mistake signing with Appalachian State? if so couldn't he just change his mind about the signing he made? This sounds a little odd to me
Quote from: RS on January 30, 2021, 08:37:11 AMWhat am I missing here about Mantis? i thought he was still in high school. Is he saying he made a mistake signing with Appalachian State? if so couldn't he just change his mind about the signing he made? This sounds a little odd to me
We're talking about his brother Nick not Chris
Quote from: RS on January 30, 2021, 08:37:11 AMWhat am I missing here about Mantis? i thought he was still in high school. Is he saying he made a mistake signing with Appalachian State? if so couldn't he just change his mind about the signing he made? This sounds a little odd to me
Nick Mantis is the player in the transfer portal. He's at Cedarville U. Chris Mantis is still in HS and committed to App St.
Quote from: valpo64 on January 30, 2021, 08:13:55 AM
Where had Nick Mantis been attending school? What year is he? Size? Position?
Looks like Nick was a sophomore at Cedarville University (D2). 6'3", 205lbs guard. He was averaging 2.2 ppg, 1 rpg and 13mpg in six games this season. He did start for Cedarville's exhibition game against VU last year.
Looking forward to the Darias DeAveiro show coming to town. He should be a lot of fun to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xAM39frdMA
If Darias can shoot the three at better than 8% he is our guy! ;)
29 points, 6 rebounds, and a block for Keyondre in last night's 79-56 win. He also hit 4 3's, 2 of which came from downtown Del City:
http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ezrim
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1355523326408613888?s=20
I've done enough research and watched enough video that I'm beginning to believe that this may be Valpo's best ever recruiting class on paper. All 4 are top 10 players. Keyondre and Cameron are in competition for Mr. Basketball in their respective states. They all excel against big school competition. The competition for playing time next year is going to be fierce, and IMO this group will get its share.
Quote from: wh on January 31, 2021, 10:47:17 AM
I've done enough research and watched enough video that I'm beginning to believe that this may be Valpo's best ever recruiting class on paper. All 4 are top 10 players. Keyondre and Cameron are in competition for Mr. Basketball in their respective states. They all excel against big school competition. The competition for playing time next year is going to be fierce, and IMO this group will get its share.
Agreed. Woodyard skipped his local high school and is playing for an elite (like top 20) prep school team. That's the same path Conner, Goodnews and Sheldon all took. Jacob, on the other hand didn't and as a result, though obviously talented, just isn't quit ready for regular minutes at the D1 level.
Quote from: vu72 on January 31, 2021, 11:38:41 AM
Quote from: wh on January 31, 2021, 10:47:17 AM
I've done enough research and watched enough video that I'm beginning to believe that this may be Valpo's best ever recruiting class on paper. All 4 are top 10 players. Keyondre and Cameron are in competition for Mr. Basketball in their respective states. They all excel against big school competition. The competition for playing time next year is going to be fierce, and IMO this group will get its share.
Agreed. Woodyard skipped his local high school and is playing for an elite (like top 20) prep school team. That's the same path Conner, Goodnews and Sheldon all took. Jacob, on the other hand didn't and as a result, though obviously talented, just isn't quit ready for regular minutes at the D1 level.
Interesting point. Playing against higher competition probably did help them to a degree.
With JO it's interesting. Definitely has shown glimpses but when it comes to defense and rebounding he's still adjusting. He was always the biggest guy on the court in high school and that's no longer the case.
I'm not down on JO but he needs to get stronger (really hit the weight room in the offseason) and work with Coach Gore. He's not a traditional big guy but he needs to focus on fundamentals. He will be the strongest, fastest or most athletic but I needs to improve on the fundamentals to sure up his rebounding and defense
Quote from: wh on January 31, 2021, 10:47:17 AM
I've done enough research and watched enough video that I'm beginning to believe that this may be Valpo's best ever recruiting class on paper. All 4 are top 10 players. Keyondre and Cameron are in competition for Mr. Basketball in their respective states. They all excel against big school competition. The competition for playing time next year is going to be fierce, and IMO this group will get its share.
Doubtful on the best ever recruiting class. Unless it becomes a top 25 ranked class, they aren't surpassing one of the classes while I was in school. As you said, on paper.
Yeah it's pretty tough to beat Alec Peters class or Rowdy's class. Those classes were deep and had at least one guy who played in NBA. Love the optimism but is there a generational talent in next years class? To be determined.
The class that I am referencing included Kenny Harris, Jimmy Miles, and a few other folks. It was ranked as a top 25 recruiting class, which is our only top 25 ranking to date.
Quote from: valpotx on February 02, 2021, 01:43:08 AMThe class that I am referencing included Kenny Harris, Jimmy Miles, and a few other folks. It was ranked as a top 25 recruiting class, which is our only top 25 ranking to date.
Wasn't that class something of a bust? I remember a number of four stars or high end 3 stars that have come in and not performed super well. Rankings are encouraging but they aren't everything unless they're the AP\Coaches Poll or NET or KenPom. We've scored pretty well in KenPom in quite a few years as well. I hope we'll be able to get back to that level again.
It ended up not playing out as expected, especially with Kenny Harris having a heart attack while lifting, ending his career. That dude was going to be special by his JR and SR years. Even Brad Daugherty was commenting on Kenny's touch and positioning, during a game that he broadcast.
Regardless, the comment was made that this recruiting class is shaping up to be the best in Valpo's history on paper, which is incorrect. Unless we get another top 25 recruiting class, that can never be said.
I'll admit, I often wonder what this program could have become with 4-6 years under Scott Drew.
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1360965639880474624?s=20
42 points in his career record setting game.
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1363593785696006148
48 points to finish his high school career. Any chance this kid could start day 1 at the point next season???
If he can defend then absolutely
Quote from: IndyEIT777 on February 22, 2021, 01:33:17 PM
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1363593785696006148
48 points to finish his high school career. Any chance this kid could start day 1 at the point next season???
So, he finished with 48 and 42 in his final 2 games. That's amazing for anyone, especially a guard. I don't know anything about WI high basketball classes, but I thought I recall someone on the board saying he played pretty tough competition. I also wonder if PO or one of our WI posters would happen to know his stats. I can't seem to find them.
https://www.twitter.com/DylanBuckingham/status/1363670842526302209
Watching the IU Purdue game. It looks like our Canadian pipeline missed delivering Zach Edey to Valpo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2-guard for the next 4 years
31PPG
57% FG
45% 3FG
No others need apply
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1367483680541794305?s=20
Let's try to temper the college expectations for a bit. While some turn out to be an Alec Peters with this strong of production, others turn out to be Parker Hazen.
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1365418332535611396?s=20
The kid is going to be a stud.
Player to watch: 6-4 guard Kamari Slaughter of Portage. Sophomore now, but he's a bit old for his class.
Strong build, good outside shooter, handles the ball well. Scored 25 against Valpo High on Saturday night in the sectional title game.
Quote from: valpotx on March 06, 2021, 06:12:33 PM
Let's try to temper the college expectations for a bit. While some turn out to be an Alec Peters with this strong of production, others turn out to be Parker Hazen.
Some 2020-21 Parker numbers-----------27 games, 21.6 minuter per game, 7 points per gm, and 5.2 rebounds. A glance over the entire list hint that his development and contributions at Belmont were steady but unspectacular. No he wasn't a home run but a good kid. :thumbsup:
Game winning final play Friday night. Keyondre is No.5
https://twitter.com/ColtFleetwood/status/1368301777104171009?s=20
Coaches are always recruiting just in case we lose some in transfer which is a high probability these days. They've been recruiting guards from what I've noticed. Could they be expecting backcourt transfer?
I think the least like guys to transfer is Sackey. He's one of the leaders and should be poised for a senior year where he's leaned on heavy. I don't see freshman PGs playing huge roles early in their careers often. Siggy maybe?
https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1366436160549965825?s=21
https://twitter.com/coachchrisdiaz/status/1368794078284898308?s=21
https://twitter.com/coachjcovell/status/1368807431845732356?s=21
https://twitter.com/jakelieberman2/status/1357874040946393090?s=21
https://twitter.com/mrmckee/status/1326580360747094016?s=21
Dubinsky at 6'1" 205 lb plays off guard alongside PG Darius Deveiro (already signed) at Orangeville Prep. That would be kind of like Max and Tevonn crossing the border together.
The awards are starting to roll in. Cam named Wisconsin's top Senior Wing!
https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1151212
Keyondre Young and Del City are playing in the Oklahoma 6A state finals this week. 8-teams, single-elimination. Del City's quarterfinal game is tomorrow night at 8 CT. Championship game Sat. at the Mabee Center. Good luck, Keyondre!
https://twitter.com/CoachHatchett/status/1368682210186919939?s=20
https://twitter.com/ColtFleetwood/status/1368009390066987009?s=20
Del City defeated Edmond Santa Fe last night 52-36 in the state tournament quarterfinals. Keyondre led with 10 points. Looks like he didn't play much in the last quarter. The article I read said they played smothering defense. Also learned that 3 of their starting 5 are 6-9, 6-8 (Keyondre), and 6-6.
They play Putnam North tonight at 8:30 central. Winner will advance to the Oklahoma 6A state championship game tomorrow night.
Del City defeated Putnam City North 55-44 in tonight's 6A semi-final game. Keyondre Young scored 24 of his team's 55 points. State championship game tomorrow night at the Mabee Center.
Keyondre Young's No. 2 ranked Del City Eagles just defeated top ranked Edmond Memorial 47-44 to win the Oklahoma 6A state championship. Keyondre dominated the action with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He also out performed Edmond Memorial star PG and Virginia Tech recruit Sean Pedulla.
Quote from: wh on March 13, 2021, 09:43:23 PMKeyondre Young's No. 2 ranked Del City Eagles just defeated top ranked Edmond Memorial 47-44 to win the Oklahoma 6A state championship. Keyondre dominated the action with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He also out performed Edmond Memorial star PG and Virginia Tech recruit Sean Pedulla.
Hmmm... That's very encouraging...He could be a good one... Seems to elevate in big moments which is what we need... Too many times in our history we have had good players that tended to shrink in big moments unfortunately and drop games at inopportune times. That's something I hope Matt can fix.
https://twitter.com/MattReynolds___/status/1370944373798678535?s=20
https://twitter.com/MattReynolds___/status/1370942114901729285?s=20
I hope we can actually keep a class together. This one looks good but that only matters if we can actually retain our players.
I believe that is our first ever win at ORU! Half credit?
It starts to make sense as to why guys are transferring. With the talent coming in some just see the handwriting on the wall as in "zero to little playing time"
Quote from: vu72 on March 14, 2021, 08:23:14 AMIt starts to make sense as to why guys are transferring. With the talent coming in some just see the handwriting on the wall as in "zero to little playing time"
I still think losing Clay hurts. For all of his shooting woes this past season it's a lot to ask of a freshman (even a talented one) to be as good as he has been. If both Gordon and Zion come back it's very possible we'll be okay at PG while the freshmen learn the ropes there. I'd like to see some size so we can maybe equalize the rebounding totals just a little bit but we'll see. Maybe things aren't as bad as I worry they might be. It just sucks to see players you view as potential building blocks and key contributors leave the program and you have to admit that the loss of six players (even if most of them aren't key contributors) seems a bit alarming at first blush especially with some of the things being tweeted like what Mileek's friend said about finding "a better situation. Watch him end up at Drake. That seems to be where all the players from NWI go. ;D
Just saw Cam Palesse retweeted a post that a Valpo fan tagged both Cade Meyer who Valpo heavily recruited before committing to Green Bay in November and Cam in with an article linking the 9 or so transfers that Green Bay has had.
I believe Cam and Cade were AAU teammates. If Valpo could land Cade if decommitted that would be absolutely huge. Cade was selected as the top post player award in Wisconsin. Cam was selected for the Back court. Not sure if there is anything here but Cam liked and retweeted the post. He may be trying to recruit him. Green Bay is a bit of an absolute mess right now with the transfer of key players.
https://twitter.com/bill_c_valpo/status/1371222778796507137?s=21
https://twitter.com/wisbbyearbook/status/1369375312996360194?s=21
https://twitter.com/monroeschoolswi/status/1369407648551034880?s=21
https://twitter.com/DCSportsMed1/status/1371108355503230979?s=20
From the championship game:
https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1371259554785325058?s=20
I havn't followed all that closely, but from what I can tell, Young seems legit. And Palesse sounds solid as well.
Anyone's thoughts on the other two? Ranking of the four coming in?
I don't know much about Darius, but I know Trey Woodyard is rated a 3 star recruit by 247 sports who chose us over Toledo, Ohio, and Miami(OH). I can't find many recent highlights of his though, most recently from his junior year. Palesse is the one I am most excited about. Averaged 35 a game I believe and shot something like 45% I think from three. Looks like he scores at all three levels and dishes it out. Also saw quite a few steals on his highlight reels, so we'll see if that translates to the next level. Young looks like a copy and paste of Clay, except with a better shot. His shot just looks more natural and quicker, but I don't know his overall percentage. Looks like he hits a lot of jump shots though.
Quote from: vuny98 on March 15, 2021, 11:16:50 AM
I havn't followed all that closely, but from what I can tell, Young seems legit. And Palesse sounds solid as well.
Anyone's thoughts on the other two? Ranking of the four coming in?
Here's some stuff on Trey Woodyard. He reminds me of Conner Barrett and not because they are both 6'5" white kids! known as a deadly shooter.
https://www.hudl.com/profile/10605673/Trey-Woodyard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdFjYvdV14o
One service I found had him rated as the No. 2 small forward in Ohio.
https://tripledoubleprospects.com/2021-player-rankings/
Darius is more of an unknown. He is listed at 5'11" so no doubt he is fast and a good defender. This is a tape I found from last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_ZRlVIj6V0
Watching the DeAveiro Highlights I would have to say that I am not really sold on the perimeter shot. We really need to have a PG who can at least be a threat from the perimeter. I don't need someone that shoots 40% from 3, 34% actually equates to better than 50% 2 point shooting. Daniel, Zion and Goodnews all put us in situations where we many times ended up playing 4 on 5 on the offensive end because they where not a threat to hit even a 17' jumper. Todd hit the nail on the head after the Missouri State game when he suggested that Goodnews didn't play in the second half because we needed to be more offensive minded down 18. Almost all of our players, with exception of maybe Barrett and Ognacevic, have significant issues with their shooting technique. I have not been to a practice in the last 3 years, does anyone know if Valpo has invested in the Noah Shooting System (https://www.noahbasketball.com). I really got tired this season watching players shoot (especially Gordon and Edwards) with an arc that practiacally precluded that the ball had about a 15% chance of going into the basket. Ugh...
Oklahoma high school basketball: The Oklahoman's 2021 Class 6A and 5A All-Tournament teams
TULSA — Here's a look at The Oklahoman's selections for the 2021 Classes 6A and 5A All-Tournament teams from the state tournaments over the weekend:
Class 6A boys
MVP: Keyondre Young, Sr., Del City
Young played his best on the biggest stage. He scored 26 points in Saturday's championship game and was stellar on the defensive end, helping Del City win its first title since 1980.
Young seems every bit as athletic as Clay, but with a much softer shot, and less that could go wrong with a jump shot, tied to his overall form. Hate to lose a solid overall player like Clay, but I don't think we are stepping back too much with this kid, even as a FR.
Quote from: valpotx on March 16, 2021, 01:33:13 AM
Young seems every bit as athletic as Clay, but with a much softer shot, and less that could go wrong with a jump shot, tied to his overall form. Hate to lose a solid overall player like Clay, but I don't think we are stepping back too much with this kid, even as a FR.
I think Clay and Young are just different types of players. Young will likely be more of a perimeter wing as opposed to Clay whose bread and butter was his versatility on defense. Young has a better jump shot from what I've seen, but I'm willing to bet his defense won't be nearly as good as Clays. Young really needs to put on muscle and get thickets because he's going to get pushed around in the paint. I'm excited for his future but I'm not sure he's a replacement for Clay's best skill set.
Donovan was at his absolute best when driving lanes opened up for him with JFL attracting attention from defenders. Honestly he really needs to commit to working on his jumper. He had open looks this year but they just weren't falling. It would open things up for him.
I was extremely thrilled with Krikke this year but he can work on this offseason as well. He was fairly timid on shooting beyond the 3 point line. Maybe he just doesn't trust himself from that range. He also needs to get more comfortable in the post with his right hand on post moves. Krikke probably will never be an elite rebounder but if he gets more aware of rebound positioning and boxing out, he'll become more efficient. All things can be worked on in the offseason (hopefully in a post covid world this Summer).
Wow! Really great posts...learned and lot and easy to get enthusiastic.
This is going to be good
https://twitter.com/nwioren/status/1372361911317245953?s=21
I believe that the pre-college connections between AP, Lexus, Jubril, and Nick Davidson, also assisted with our success and their longevity with our program. Hopefully these guys are communicating before their time on campus, and are wanting to be the next wave of stellar recruits to have an impact on our basketball program.
Anyone on here have any insights on Lake Central's Kyle Ross? I saw he is the only player in the top 12 of the 2021 Indiana class unsigned.... Has anyone seen him play?
Quote from: mp91 on March 18, 2021, 01:54:31 PM
Anyone on here have any insights on Lake Central's Kyle Ross? I saw he is the only player in the top 12 of the 2021 Indiana class unsigned.... Has anyone seen him play?
I've heard a lot of great things about his game. 3 star recruit in our backyard and guess what...drake offered him and we didn't
He didn't make it over at Andrean...think there was a locker room incident or something I can't remember. Maybe he's matured since then (if I'm remembering correctly, he was the problem).
Quote from: M on March 18, 2021, 02:33:56 PM
He didn't make it over at Andrean...think there was a locker room incident or something I can't remember. Maybe he's matured since then (if I'm remembering correctly, he was the problem).
I've heard there were maturity issues as well. He's been to a Valpo game on an unofficial visit a few years ago. The Coaches are definitely aware of him. Seems to be a nice player. I don't know much else.
I'm wondering if the coaches are showing any recruits around campus today.
https://twitter.com/valpoadmission/status/1373264315105607683?s=21
Wisconsin AP boys' basketball All-State team
March 22, 2021
4:31 pm
Associated Press
Cam made 2nd team All-State. 7th player listed.
https://wkow.com/2021/03/22/wisconsin-ap-boys-basketball-all-state-team/
Quote from: wh on March 24, 2021, 04:04:56 AM
Wisconsin AP boys' basketball All-State team
March 22, 2021
4:31 pm
Associated Press
Cam made 2nd team All-State. 7th player listed.
https://wkow.com/2021/03/22/wisconsin-ap-boys-basketball-all-state-team/
A little weird when the best senior wing in the state makes second team and the best post player in the state makes third team.
I won't be surprised to see Keyondre make 1st team all-state. When these guys get here, they need to be part of the rotation from the get-go. I think it was a big mistake to sit JO for half the season in favor of Mileek and Robinson who were out of shape, half in half out, and in the end added nothing of value. Even at the end of the season, Mileek was still starting and contributing little to nothing. At least, JO should have been starting then. If you're going to enact a youth movement strategy, then do it, and stop awarding prime minutes to your mercenaries. You can't have it both ways.
Right now this is what I have as the roster/rotation right now. Obviously, changes will be made when we find out who is transferring in (god forbid) anybody else transferring out. Still have a lot of good pieces and we don't know what was said during end of season meetings. Just trying to be positive. We really won't know until next year.
Quote from: vok22 on March 24, 2021, 03:15:28 PM
Right now this is what I have as the roster/rotation right now. Obviously, changes will be made when we find out who is transferring in (god forbid) anybody else transferring out. Still have a lot of good pieces and we don't know what was said during end of season meetings. Just trying to be positive. We really won't know until next year.
It looks like Zion will be back also. I would expect some size as in a 4 or 5 coming in as well.
The transfer portal will continue to blow up for the next week or two as the tournament moves on and then the signings will start. Be interested to see how the flip side of all of this works and how many seniors choose to just graduate or others take their name out.
I'd love to know who is on the staff's radar right now. I agree with vu7s you need probably at least one more person with size and at least one person to bring in scoring but do you prioritize grad transfers or try to bring in under recruited HS seniors so you don't mess up your scholarship cap?
3/26/21 Extensive interview with Keyondre Young
Among many things, he talks about the state championship game, the recruiting process with Valpo, and why he thinks he may not be done growing (hoping for 6-10).
Starts at the 4:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/xaaOW60LYIg
Quote from: wh on March 29, 2021, 03:13:04 AM
3/26/21 Extensive interview with Keyondre Young
Among many things, he talks about the state championship game, the recruiting process with Valpo, and why he thinks he may not be done growing (hoping for 6-10).
Starts at the 4:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/xaaOW60LYIg
Great find. Thanks wh. Really looking forward to this group of freshman. Could be as good as the AP group. Lets hope so.
Exciting times ahead. Stars will be born. The future is now. Great time to be Valpo.
If he ends up as the 6'8" to 6'10" he projects, the MVC will need to watch out!
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2021, 09:16:51 AM
Quote from: wh on March 29, 2021, 03:13:04 AM
3/26/21 Extensive interview with Keyondre Young
Among many things, he talks about the state championship game, the recruiting process with Valpo, and why he thinks he may not be done growing (hoping for 6-10).
Starts at the 4:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/xaaOW60LYIg
Great find. Thanks wh. Really looking forward to this group of freshman. Could be as good as the AP group. Lets hope so.
Not to be a downer but we need to temper expectations. Unless there is an NBA draft pick amongst them it won't be. Those are lofty hopes. I have the group is just as good as well. It's tough to know what to expect from the group when they are just freshman or if they'll be instant contributors.
We also have to keep them here which has been an issue of late. I just want to see competitiveness and stability. If I can get that I would consider reversing my position on Lottich, and I think that's a pretty low and reasonable bar.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 29, 2021, 02:54:19 PM
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2021, 09:16:51 AM
Quote from: wh on March 29, 2021, 03:13:04 AM
3/26/21 Extensive interview with Keyondre Young
Among many things, he talks about the state championship game, the recruiting process with Valpo, and why he thinks he may not be done growing (hoping for 6-10).
Starts at the 4:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/xaaOW60LYIg
Great find. Thanks wh. Really looking forward to this group of freshman. Could be as good as the AP group. Lets hope so.
Not to be a downer but we need to temper expectations. Unless there is an NBA draft pick amongst them it won't be. Those are lofty hopes. I group the group too. It's tough to know what to expect from the group their freshman year.
So lets think about this just a little. That class included Alex, Nick Davidson, Lexus Williams, Jubril and Clay Yeo. Yeo got home sick, Nick was a role player at best, Lexus left and Jubril, well, he ended on a bad note. In their senior year, Nick averaged 1.5 ppg, Lexus 5.2 ppg and Jubril 8.6 when he was playing. So then there's this Peters kid, who was drafted and was probably the greatest player ever to wear the brown and gold. Compare that (I agree its way too early) to a class that might include a couple of all conference guys and another three year starter. Which class is better? It might be one super star versus three really great players. Time will tell. Most likely, unfortunately, we won't be able to compare four year numbers. :(
https://twitter.com/WorstFollow/status/1376651256643526658
Not sure why he thinks he might be heading to Valpo
I just found this high light video on Keyondre Young. Get excited, get really excited. This kid is a matchup nightmare and with his wingspan looks to be a great defender, Will be very hard to keep off the floor.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10635721/5e71b8aee985870d2cbd1ed3
Quote from: vu72 on April 06, 2021, 08:41:07 AMI just found this high light video on Keyondre Young. Get excited, get really excited. This kid is a matchup nightmare and with his wingspan looks to be a great defender, Will be very hard to keep off the floor.
I am very excited about this 2021 class, but just remember they call them highlights for a reason, everyone looks good in highlights. I also want to say that those videos are not shot very well. In most cases they are zoomed out WAY too much. This drives me crazy when the video camera person is just plain lazy. Hard to even see what Keyondre's shooting form looks like.
Quote from: FWalum on April 06, 2021, 10:51:10 PMQuote from: vu72 on April 06, 2021, 08:41:07 AMI just found this high light video on Keyondre Young. Get excited, get really excited. This kid is a matchup nightmare and with his wingspan looks to be a great defender, Will be very hard to keep off the floor.
I am very excited about this 2021 class, but just remember they call them highlights for a reason, everyone looks good in highlights. I also want to say that those videos are not shot very well. In most cases they are zoomed out WAY too much. This drives me crazy when the video camera person is just plain lazy. Hard to even see what Keyondre's shooting form looks like.
One benefit of it being zoomed so far out is being able to see all the high school gyms that are nicer than the ARC.
Quote from: vuny98 on April 07, 2021, 12:55:46 PM
Quote from: FWalum on April 06, 2021, 10:51:10 PMQuote from: vu72 on April 06, 2021, 08:41:07 AMI just found this high light video on Keyondre Young. Get excited, get really excited. This kid is a matchup nightmare and with his wingspan looks to be a great defender, Will be very hard to keep off the floor.
I am very excited about this 2021 class, but just remember they call them highlights for a reason, everyone looks good in highlights. I also want to say that those videos are not shot very well. In most cases they are zoomed out WAY too much. This drives me crazy when the video camera person is just plain lazy. Hard to even see what Keyondre's shooting form looks like.
One benefit of it being zoomed so far out is being able to see all the high school gyms that are nicer than the ARC.
Sad, but true.
Quote from: JBC1824 on April 07, 2021, 04:14:46 PM
Quote from: vuny98 on April 07, 2021, 12:55:46 PM
Quote from: FWalum on April 06, 2021, 10:51:10 PMQuote from: vu72 on April 06, 2021, 08:41:07 AMI just found this high light video on Keyondre Young. Get excited, get really excited. This kid is a matchup nightmare and with his wingspan looks to be a great defender, Will be very hard to keep off the floor.
I am very excited about this 2021 class, but just remember they call them highlights for a reason, everyone looks good in highlights. I also want to say that those videos are not shot very well. In most cases they are zoomed out WAY too much. This drives me crazy when the video camera person is just plain lazy. Hard to even see what Keyondre's shooting form looks like.
One benefit of it being zoomed so far out is being able to see all the high school gyms that are nicer than the ARC.
Sad, but true.
One thing we can all probably agree on is that an ARC upgrade isn't going to happen anytime soon. We just need to get back to championship level basketball and make the ARC rock again. That excites recruits more than a big barn 3/4 empty.
that is true. Our conference mates complaining about our facilities comes off differently when they've been overwhelmed by the noise and stomping of the crowd as their team slinks off our court
Oklahoma high school boys basketball: Meet the 2021 All-Suburban Conference selections
Player of the Year
Keyondre Young, Del City
https://amp.oklahoman.com/amp/6981408002?__twitter_impression=true
CLASSIC 8 BOYS BASKETBALL
ALL-CONFERENCE
2020-21
Cam Palesse
Waukesha West SR.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Seems to be able to hit the 3 pointer
https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1278045623334375424
I don't know, only 9 of 11... ;D
This sequence will allow fwalum to get a good look at his mechanics.
It will be interesting to see how that translates to the college game. When we'd be running in the gym, guys like Lubos Barton, Roberto Nieves, etc, never missed 3s in practice. I would expect most D-1 players to be able to make this many shots without a defense.
Quote from: vu72 on April 11, 2021, 12:56:01 PM
I don't know, only 9 of 11... ;D
This sequence will allow fwalum to get a good look at his mechanics.
What, no kill-joy replies yet to help us temper our expectations? Comments like:
•How do we know they didn't cherry pick that footage? He might have shot 1 for 187 the rest of the session. I'm not saying he did, just saying he could have.
•That was on his home court. He probably/maybe/possibly wouldn't do as well on a court he wasn't familiar with. I'm not saying he wouldn't, just probably/maybe/possibly wouldn't.
•9-11 unguarded doesn't mean he would hit 9-11 guarded.
•We've seen videos similar to this from past recruits and they didn't shoot that well when they got here. I'm not saying that will be the case with Keyondre, just cautioning everyone that college is different than high school.
Edit: I spoke too soon. Thanks, Tex. You saved the day! ;)
It's a fact, I don't know what else to say. If you've ever watched a D-1 practice, the vast majority of their undefended shots go in. I watched parts of 100s of practices during my time at Valpo, as our running sessions were often at the same time that they held portions of their practices. Even Jason Hawkins, and my friend Josiah Martino, who were walk-ons.
Through the legs - vertical, hang time, athleticism
https://www.twitter.com/HeavenlyGifted/status/1382500287261384707
Quote from: wh on April 15, 2021, 12:21:42 PMThrough the legs - vertical, hang time, athleticism https://www.twitter.com/HeavenlyGifted/status/1382500287261384707
That appears to be Mr. Young's home gym which would indicate he's taking a step back in facilities.
Quote from: JD24 on April 15, 2021, 02:05:14 PM
Quote from: wh on April 15, 2021, 12:21:42 PMThrough the legs - vertical, hang time, athleticism https://www.twitter.com/HeavenlyGifted/status/1382500287261384707
That appears to be Mr. Young's home gym which would indicate he's taking a step back in facilities.
True if he was sitting on one of those seats but fortunately for us he will be on the court. Basket is still 10 feet.
I know it has been said a thousand times, but: I will not be too discouraged if we don't decide to give out any more scholarships, but if we do I would love a center that can rebound and defend. Thinking about what that would do to our lineup is exciting. It would mean we most likely have a 6th year point guard starting (Gordon or Anderson), Krikke can play the 4, and we'd have somebody in the paint that can play defense and rebound. Round out the starting lineup with possibly Kevion Taylor and Edwards, we would still have a TON of talent coming off the bench. Taylor, Anderson, Gordon, Barrett, Palesse, and Woodyard all seem like/are certified 3 point threats, while I could see Edwards and Young becoming proficient from deep as well. We were near last place in the country shooting the three last year. It seems like we have already addressed possibly our biggest weakness in a huge way this offseason.
Last season we shot 29.7% from three. 317/340 in the country.
Let's take a look at some of next years rosters 3 point shooting percentages for their career:
Anderson: 39.2%
Taylor: 40.9%
Barrett: 39.7%
Gordon: 35.3%
Edwards: 30% , 32.6% in conference, improved a lot as the season went on and he started taking less bad shots
Woodyard: Freshman, touted for ability to shoot the three.
Palesse: Freshman, shot 54% in high school from deep
Young: Don't know for sure. He looks like he will be a better shooter than Clay, but I won't go as far as to say he's going to be a really good shooter.
With no Donovan Clay to tank our shooting, a healthy Barrett, two transfers who have proved they can shoot lights out in a college setting, two new freshmen who are known for their shooting, and an Edwards who improved so much throughout the season, could our most notable weakness become one of our biggest strengths. We saw how difficult it was to space the floor this year and it really hampered our offense. Let's see if Lottich's offense starts to look like it makes any sense this year with some shooters on the team.
Quote from: vok22 on April 15, 2021, 04:22:36 PMI know it has been said a thousand times, but: I will not be too discouraged if we don't decide to give out any more scholarships, but if we do I would love a center that can rebound and defend. Thinking about what that would do to our lineup is exciting. It would mean we most likely have a 6th year point guard starting (Gordon or Anderson), Krikke can play the 4, and we'd have somebody in the paint that can play defense and rebound. Round out the starting lineup with possibly Kevion Taylor and Edwards, we would still have a TON of talent coming off the bench. Taylor, Anderson, Gordon, Barrett, Palesse, and Woodyard all seem like/are certified 3 point threats, while I could see Edwards and Young becoming proficient from deep as well. We were near last place in the country shooting the three last year. It seems like we have already addressed possibly our biggest weakness in a huge way this offseason. Last season we shot 29.7% from three. 317/340 in the country. Let's take a look at some of next years rosters 3 point shooting percentages for their career: Anderson: 39.2% Taylor: 40.9% Barrett: 39.7% Gordon: 35.3% Edwards: 30% , 32.6% in conference, improved a lot as the season went on and he started taking less bad shots Woodyard: Freshman, touted for ability to shoot the three. Palesse: Freshman, shot 54% in high school from deep Young: Don't know for sure. He looks like he will be a better shooter than Clay, but I won't go as far as to say he's going to be a really good shooter. With no Donovan Clay to tank our shooting, a healthy Barrett, two transfers who have proved they can shoot lights out in a college setting, two new freshmen who are known for their shooting, and an Edwards who improved so much throughout the season, could our most notable weakness become one of our biggest strengths. We saw how difficult it was to space the floor this year and it really hampered our offense. Let's see if Lottich's offense starts to look like it makes any sense this year with some shooters on the team.
I know this is crying over spilled milk but Ognacevic would have really helped with this as well. But yes if we improve from outside and our guard play improves we're going to be a lot better. If we had a Vashil type presence on this team to round it all out I would be pretty excited.
Could be a big couple days coming up.
big or "big"
Quote from: vok22 on April 15, 2021, 04:22:36 PM
I know it has been said a thousand times, but: I will not be too discouraged if we don't decide to give out any more scholarships, but if we do I would love a center that can rebound and defend. Thinking about what that would do to our lineup is exciting. It would mean we most likely have a 6th year point guard starting (Gordon or Anderson), Krikke can play the 4, and we'd have somebody in the paint that can play defense and rebound. Round out the starting lineup with possibly Kevion Taylor and Edwards, we would still have a TON of talent coming off the bench. Taylor, Anderson, Gordon, Barrett, Palesse, and Woodyard all seem like/are certified 3 point threats, while I could see Edwards and Young becoming proficient from deep as well. We were near last place in the country shooting the three last year. It seems like we have already addressed possibly our biggest weakness in a huge way this offseason.
Last season we shot 29.7% from three. 317/340 in the country.
Let's take a look at some of next years rosters 3 point shooting percentages for their career:
Anderson: 39.2%
Taylor: 40.9%
Barrett: 39.7%
Gordon: 35.3%
Edwards: 30% , 32.6% in conference, improved a lot as the season went on and he started taking less bad shots
Woodyard: Freshman, touted for ability to shoot the three.
Palesse: Freshman, shot 54% in high school from deep
Young: Don't know for sure. He looks like he will be a better shooter than Clay, but I won't go as far as to say he's going to be a really good shooter.
With no Donovan Clay to tank our shooting, a healthy Barrett, two transfers who have proved they can shoot lights out in a college setting, two new freshmen who are known for their shooting, and an Edwards who improved so much throughout the season, could our most notable weakness become one of our biggest strengths. We saw how difficult it was to space the floor this year and it really hampered our offense. Let's see if Lottich's offense starts to look like it makes any sense this year with some shooters on the team.
Great research and analysis. BTW, don't hold me to this, but I believe Keyondre shot 41% from 3. That could have been in the state tournament, but I think it was for the season.
Just a thought I had thinking about the roster and the upcoming season: Maybe it's not so bad or as dire as I originally thought it to be. The shock of seeing Clay and Ognacevic transfer is wearing off and I feel like I can see things a bit more clearly and hopefully. Even if everyone comes back for Loyola Drake Missouri State etc. I see no reason why this team can't finish 5th in the MVC again as long as the freshmen are as good as advertised and we add some more depth especially up front. I think we can be better than Illinois State Indiana State Bradley SIU and Evansville. I think Loyola UNI Drake and Missouri State will be better assuming everyone comes back and UNI is able to fill the hole created by Noah Carter's pretty shocking (to me) transfer and Drake recovers from losing Yesufu (I think they're still better right now regardless but if they can find a suitable replacement for Yesufu that will be clear-cut). Remember they have a 4 star recruit coming in this upcoming season in Coach DeVries's son. Nevertheless, any inconsistency among these top teams (which is possible) could open the door to the top 3 for us. Maybe things aren't so bad right now. If Matt's recruiting chops are good (and they have shown to be) we can be very solid and finally show that we have our feet under us a little bit in this conference! I hope this is the case! I think seeing us be reasonably successful at this level in other sports so that we don't look like an utter abject failure as a whole department is also a key factor in helping to bring me back. Thank you to some extent to the men's basketball team which (to be fair despite the less than stellar overall records HAS improved its overall conference position each year in the MVC) but also to the Volleyball Women's Soccer and Women's Basketball teams especially for helping me to see that maybe better days and becoming consistently competitive might be coming sooner than I thought possible. I hope we see some more stability in the men's basketball program and less frequent departures of impact players but if that's really just going to be the new normal then hopefully I'll get used to it so that I don't have this freak out period where I think we're failing the conference and going to suck forever before evening out and seeing things more realistically as the offseason wears on. It's not good for me mentally to do that and feel that way and it's not good for you all to have to read it but when I have a thought I feel a need to share it even without fully considering everything prior to posting. I'm not beholden to narratives. It's not what I push. What you get from me is exactly what I'm thinking at a given moment. It's rarely ever 100% right or even 100% clearheaded but it's authentic and honest. I will try not to allow my emotions to get to me so much in the future but much like Valpo's adjustment to the MVC it will be (and has been) a process for me.
Quote from: Pgmado on April 15, 2021, 06:11:14 PM
Could be a big couple days coming up.
This along with what others have hinted at tells me we are getting a big and maybe, just maybe not a skinny 6'9" kid but a muscular big like, say Joey Brunk?? (no idea just a wish)!
Theo Johns from Marquette would look pretty good too. But the big boys are recruiting him. 6`9 shot blocker that would probably give 8 to 10 points a game.
Have we been linked to reaching out to any bigs?
For those who care about Valpo's inability or unwillingness (personally I think it has more to do with the latter than the former though I think both factors play a role) to recruit players from the region, here's another region kid who has decided to play for an MVC school other than Valpo (not sure if we even offered him). If nothing else this just means there will be better attendance when we play them which is a plus the downside is that there will also be more ISU supporters there when we play them for the duration of his stay in Terre Haute.
https://twitter.com/IndStMBB/status/1382881779250556930/photo/1
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on April 15, 2021, 07:47:18 PMJust a thought I had thinking about the roster and the upcoming season: Maybe it's not so bad or as dire as I originally thought it to be. The shock of seeing Clay and Ognacevic transfer is wearing off and I feel like I can see things a bit more clearly and hopefully. Even if everyone comes back for Loyola Drake Missouri State etc. I see no reason why this team can't finish 5th in the MVC again as long as the freshmen are as good as advertised and we add some more depth especially up front. I think we can be better than Illinois State Indiana State Bradley SIU and Evansville. I think Loyola UNI Drake and Missouri State will be better assuming everyone comes back and UNI is able to fill the hole created by Noah Carter's pretty shocking (to me) transfer and Drake recovers from losing Yesufu (I think they're still better right now regardless but if they can find a suitable replacement for Yesufu that will be clear-cut). Remember they have a 4 star recruit coming in this upcoming season in Coach DeVries's son. Nevertheless, any inconsistency among these top teams (which is possible) could open the door to the top 3 for us. Maybe things aren't so bad right now. If Matt's recruiting chops are good (and they have shown to be) we can be very solid and finally show that we have our feet under us a little bit in this conference! I hope this is the case! I think seeing us be reasonably successful at this level in other sports so that we don't look like an utter abject failure as a whole department is also a key factor in helping to bring me back. Thank you to some extent to the men's basketball team which (to be fair despite the less than stellar overall records HAS improved its overall conference position each year in the MVC) but also to the Volleyball Women's Soccer and Women's Basketball teams especially for helping me to see that maybe better days and becoming consistently competitive might be coming sooner than I thought possible. I hope we see some more stability in the men's basketball program and less frequent departures of impact players but if that's really just going to be the new normal then hopefully I'll get used to it so that I don't have this freak out period where I think we're failing the conference and going to suck forever before evening out and seeing things more realistically as the offseason wears on. It's not good for me mentally to do that and feel that way and it's not good for you all to have to read it but when I have a thought I feel a need to share it even without fully considering everything prior to posting. I'm not beholden to narratives. It's not what I push. What you get from me is exactly what I'm thinking at a given moment. It's rarely ever 100% right or even 100% clearheaded but it's authentic and honest. I will try not to allow my emotions to get to me so much in the future but much like Valpo's adjustment to the MVC it will be (and has been) a process for me.
I need to correct one small part of this post: It sounds Noah Carter actually returned to UNI along with everyone else.
Quote from: Pgmado on April 15, 2021, 06:11:14 PM
Could be a big couple days coming up.
Vashil is getting a 7th year??
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on April 16, 2021, 01:13:40 AMFor those who care about Valpo's inability or unwillingness (personally I think it has more to do with the latter than the former though I think both factors play a role) to recruit players from the region, here's another region kid who has decided to play for an MVC school other than Valpo (not sure if we even offered him). If nothing else this just means there will be better attendance when we play them which is a plus the downside is that there will also be more ISU supporters there when we play them for the duration of his stay in Terre Haute.
A couple of thoughts on this. First, these region kids may a) want to get away to college b) want a big school versus a very small one or c) can't cut it academically or don't have the grades to get into Valpo.
There are just a lot of factors that go into a college decision.
Two things. Might have jumped the gun on the big post as two key transfer recruits went elsewhere this morning. Hard to beat out Vegas and the Big Ten.
Secondly, Valpo recruited Peterson. Offered Peterson. Offered two other point guards as well, and from what I understand, told all three they were only taking one. This is normal practice. Peterson wanted to wait longer to see if he got high major offers. DeAveiro fell in love with the coaching staff and he committed.
I spit my drink out when I read that Peterson chose Indiana State over Valpo.
Quote from: Pgmado on April 16, 2021, 09:30:55 AM
Two things. Might have jumped the gun on the big post as two key transfer recruits went elsewhere this morning. Hard to beat out Vegas and the Big Ten.
Secondly, Valpo recruited Peterson. Offered Peterson. Offered two other point guards as well, and from what I understand, told all three they were only taking one. This is normal practice. Peterson wanted to wait longer to see if he got high major offers. DeAveiro fell in love with the coaching staff and he committed.
I spit my drink out when I read that Peterson chose Indiana State over Valpo.
Based on this quote, I have to imagine one of the possibilities was David Muoka. That wouldve been amazing. Southland DPOY, averaged 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in league play.
Paul Jinxed us
Quote from: Pgmado on April 16, 2021, 09:30:55 AMTwo things. Might have jumped the gun on the big post as two key transfer recruits went elsewhere this morning. Hard to beat out Vegas and the Big Ten. Secondly, Valpo recruited Peterson. Offered Peterson. Offered two other point guards as well, and from what I understand, told all three they were only taking one. This is normal practice. Peterson wanted to wait longer to see if he got high major offers. DeAveiro fell in love with the coaching staff and he committed. I spit my drink out when I read that Peterson chose Indiana State over Valpo.
Well it makes sense in light of the information you've shared here that he would pick Indiana State over Valpo. There will probably be more playing time for him available there with the Sycamores but that's just a guess on my part. Can't fault him for making what he believes is the best decision for himself and I wish him luck. If he's waiting on high major offers then it sounds like Peterson might be something of a transfer risk in the future. It is comforting to know that we are still trying to be active in region recruiting. I hope that will pay off well for us at some point but as we've all said we want players who want to be here no matter where they're from. That sounds like DeAveiro given what you've shared. I hope he does well! It's disappointing to hear that we didn't land any of our transfer targets today but hopefully we can get back on the horse and land some solid contributors. This is a total shot in the dark but is there any chance that Ognacevic pulls a Noah Carter and decides to return even after entering the portal?
I read it as, He had a shot at Valpo, wanted to wait it out, another point guard committed and so Indiana State was what he had to choose and not that he chose them "over" valpo as Valpo was already out of his recruiting at that point.
When Paul Said big, he meant Big
So is the Big still on the table?
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on April 16, 2021, 01:13:40 AM
For those who care about Valpo's inability or unwillingness (personally I think it has more to do with the latter than the former though I think both factors play a role) to recruit players from the region, here's another region kid who has decided to play for an MVC school other than Valpo (not sure if we even offered him). If nothing else this just means there will be better attendance when we play them which is a plus the downside is that there will also be more ISU supporters there when we play them for the duration of his stay in Terre Haute.
https://twitter.com/IndStMBB/status/1382881779250556930/photo/1
In all due respect, you might want to do some basic research before you parrot the "we have a recruiting problem in NWI" narrative. But, since you didn't, I'll fill in the blanks so your false impression doesn't mislead the masses:
• Valpo did offer him
• We had 4 '21 openings. He could have had one had he wanted, but he chose not to.
• He had only 3 other offers - IUPUI, New Orleans and Indiana State. As PO mentioned, he was waiting for other offers that never came.
• Presumably, the only reason the Indiana State was still on the table at this late stage is due to their recent wholesale defections. Other than Valpo early and Indiana State late, he had a grand total of 2 low major offers.
• while it's true we haven't recruited many "region" players, we have successfully recruited 4 NWI Times POY's over the past 25 years:
1996 Bryce Drew
2003 Kenny Harris
2013 Nick Davidson
2015 Ryan Fazekas
Quote from: NotBryceDrew on April 16, 2021, 10:05:30 AMWhen Paul Said big, he meant Big
Quote from: crusader05 on April 16, 2021, 10:11:23 AMSo is the Big still on the table?
I have no sources but I think I know who it might be based on that post and if that's the case then I am SUPER EXCITED if we land him! I don't want to float a name because I wouldn't want to jinx it but if it's who I think it is then it will be HUGE for us!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on April 16, 2021, 10:23:49 AM
Quote from: NotBryceDrew on April 16, 2021, 10:05:30 AMWhen Paul Said big, he meant Big
Quote from: crusader05 on April 16, 2021, 10:11:23 AMSo is the Big still on the table?
I have no sources but I think I know who it might be based on that post and if that's the case then I am SUPER EXCITED if we land him! I don't want to float a name because I wouldn't want to jinx it but if it's who I think it is then it will be HUGE for us!
I don't know who you're talking about, so if you're reading something into my post, I don't know what it is.
Quote from: vu72 on April 15, 2021, 02:11:36 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 15, 2021, 02:05:14 PMQuote from: wh on April 15, 2021, 12:21:42 PMThrough the legs - vertical, hang time, athleticism https://www.twitter.com/HeavenlyGifted/status/1382500287261384707
That appears to be Mr. Young's home gym which would indicate he's taking a step back in facilities.
True if he was sitting on one of those seats but fortunately for us he will be on the court. Basket is still 10 feet.
....and we can have the litany of posts crying about transfers out in about 12 months that gets repeated every year by the same posters. Especially if this guy is any good.
I heard that David Muoka learned about pgmado's affiliation for the crappy Packers, and didn't want to stomach his Green Bay references in any press conference situation ;)
Quote from: valpotx on April 16, 2021, 03:50:21 PM
I heard that David Muoka learned about pgmado's affiliation for the crappy Packers, and didn't want to stomach his Green Bay references in any press conference situation ;)
Wisconsin is a beautiful state. I took my family on many summer fishing trips up there back in the day in places like Hayward, Birchwood, Mercer, etc. Best smoked cheese anywhere. That said, as a life long Bears fan I have little positive to say about a WI city called Green Bay. ;)
Quote from: JD24 on April 16, 2021, 11:34:29 AMQuote from: vu72 on April 15, 2021, 02:11:36 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 15, 2021, 02:05:14 PMQuote from: wh on April 15, 2021, 12:21:42 PMThrough the legs - vertical, hang time, athleticism https://www.twitter.com/HeavenlyGifted/status/1382500287261384707
That appears to be Mr. Young's home gym which would indicate he's taking a step back in facilities.
True if he was sitting on one of those seats but fortunately for us he will be on the court. Basket is still 10 feet.
....and we can have the litany of posts crying about transfers out in about 12 months that gets repeated every year by the same posters. Especially if this guy is any good.
I understand your distaste but it's hard to sit and watch impact players leave the program you love regularly. Even if we accept that it's part of the culture now and there is a lot of evidence to support that it just sucks to have to seemingly pick up the pieces to one degree or another every year. On the whole, Matt and staff did a pretty decent job picking up the pieces after JFL transferred and we finally avoided Thursday which is great even though we'd all like to have seen a better record than 7-11 but let's be honest very few teams laid a glove on the top 3 teams in the Valley for a reason: They were REALLY GOOD. This was probably the best deepest most challenging conference slates we've had to work through since our first few years in the HL and this one was probably better even.
For those of us who post a lot crying over the spilled milk that is players transferring let me say that it's just disheartening to watch a player who can make the impact of Clay especially on the defensive end and then a kid we all had high hopes for in JO decide to pack up and go elsewhere after dealing with the gut punch that was JFL the year before. Even if transfers of good players can and should be expected at our level, I think it's reasonable to have some debate on the degree and extent the program itself contributes to these transfers and what can and should be done to stem the tide to the greatest degree possible. This is after all a message board and fans with opinions of all sorts can and should be welcomed to post here and share and debate ideas for how to navigate these uncharted and choppy waters. Where it crosses the line (and I have been as guilty of this as anyone and have been rightly called out by you and others for it) is when the criticisms get personal and even vitriolic.
Without knowing much specific about the situation to post something--as I have in the past--like "I wonder what Lottich did to screw this up " or something along those lines in response to JO's transfer is an unnecessary cheap shot that crosses the lines of civil discussion. I readily own that. I do however think that it is right to have concerns about whether Young will enjoy playing his home games in the ARC when his high school's gym is arguably better. It's fair to ask questions about whether facilities play a role or whether the program culture is off or whether it simply is a different time. [/size][/size]One piece that helped me see that side of the argument more readily is when I saw the names of programs like East Tennessee State on the list of schools with a comparable number of transfers. That is a good mid major program for which I have a lot of respect in a strong basketball conference for which I have a lot of respect so if they're struggling with it too then it's easier to understand why we are struggling ourselves. ETSU wasn't the only name that stood out to me on that list but it's the one that came most readily to my mind. What can be done about that as a small private school in the midst of a pandemic and all of the endemic challenges thereof that is currently (rightly) focusing most of its attention on growing its endowment and on student amenities with a donor base that isn't exactly full of athletics-crazy billionaires (and what non-P5 school does have that luxury? That list has to be really small) is another matter entirely. There's a Chinese saying that reads 力不从心（Li bu cong xin) which translates to "My power or ability does not match with accord with or follow the intention of my heart and mind." It's maddening to see the same issues in facilities and the seemingly glacially slow pace it has taken to improve them. It's maddening to hear the financial realities explained to us when we have built these castles in the sky in our own minds that are what we would like to do for our beloved university if we were in charge. But to suggest (as I have many times) that the school is turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to it suggests that the people who are in those positions don't have the same intentions. That is unfair and the people in those positions deserve better than to read over and over again that they don't care when every (normal) year there have been a few smaller scale than we'd all like but nonetheless needed improvements to our athletic facilities. It may not be the changes we want to see and that in itself can rile us but they are nonetheless needed and there are other sports than basketball that deserve and rightfully demand their due attention and who often have it worse than the basketball program does due to those ever present realities.
Complaining too much about these aforementioned realities (and again I deserve to be called out here because I am one of this board's worst offenders) doesn't solve anything and may be cathartic for us individually but has no real impact. These things will be fixed in time because we do have an AD who wants to do it as he has shown in the past but this process is going to require patience and time that we have to measure in decades not years unless one of us becomes sustainably a billionaire and has the heart to give a sizable portion of that wealth to the university for athletics-focused projects. We can lament the fiscal conservatism of some past (pre-Heckler) administrations for missing prime periods to take on debt to build things to keep up with the times when times were better, we can be concerned about the current financial situation of the university, but the reality is it's very unlikely much meaningful work will get done on facilities until those issues get sorted out. Anything we can do for our facilities in this time is something of an unexpected blessing and a bonus rather than the expectation many (including me) have been framing it as).
Good lord. ::)
Nobody reading all that 😂
Keyondre high jumped 6'8" in an invitational yesterday. This is the first time he has ever competed in high jump! How good is 6-8? In Indiana, 6-8 is the 2nd best jump in the state this year!
Edit: 6-8 is the best high jump in Oklahoma high school track this season to date.
https://twitter.com/SuaveFrancisco_/status/1383540856544579593?s=20
VU just received a commitment from a 6'2 PG from Oshkosh WI. Preston Ruedinger was offered as a preferred walk-on. Was selected !st team all state by the AP. !2th all time time leading scorer in Wisconsin at 2349 points. Made 407 3 pointers in career at 45% and averaged 26 Pts per game and 7 rebounds per game as his team Lourdes Academy won state championship in class 4. VU recruited him for his 3 point shooting ability.
If I were a betting man I'd say he is redshirting this season with the expectation he will be given a scholarship next offseason once we flush out some of the extra scholarships we are carrying cause of the covid rules.
Per Paul's Twitter that does seem to be the expectation that he will redshirt this year and use this year to work to earn the scholarship.
Question is does this mean they're not filling the last one to have some more room to work next year? Right now there are only two on the team that have one year left of eligibility.
Good to see VU recruiting Wisconsin after some negative feedback from JO in newspaper. Seems like another Matt Bowen connection with VU stressing to him his 3 point shooting ability
Looks like Preston Ruedinger can play wide receiver if needed as well:
https://twitter.com/nwisports/status/1384319183832367104?s=21
Interesting that Preston was 1st Team All-State; Cam was 2nd Team.
https://fox11online.com/amp/sports/high-school-gametime/ruedinger-paveletzke-dorn-receive-all-state-honors?__twitter_impression=true
Interview with Preston:
https://www.postcrescent.com/videos/sports/high-school/2021/01/22/prep-boys-basketball-parker-ruedinger-lourdes-academy/6678357002/
Quote from: wh on April 19, 2021, 11:04:50 PMInteresting that Preston was 1st Team All-State; Cam was 2nd Team. https://fox11online.com/amp/sports/high-school-gametime/ruedinger-paveletzke-dorn-receive-all-state-honors?__twitter_impression=true Interview with Preston: https://www.postcrescent.com/videos/sports/high-school/2021/01/22/prep-boys-basketball-parker-ruedinger-lourdes-academy/6678357002/
That's really interesting. Not sure why a first team all stater in any state would accept a PWO role but we'll gladly take it! That seems to indicate that he can play a bit! I find myself starting to get excited again. Sounds like the competition for minutes at the guard positions is going to be fierce. I'd love to see VU add another big or a 3\4 type player. Something to fill out the front court just a bit more. But if Matt has finally figured out his formula and what works in the MVC and these kids deliver we could have a very good team in very short order!
Quote from: VUBBFan on April 11, 2021, 10:58:46 AM
Seems to be able to hit the 3 pointer
https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1278045623334375424
Quote from: vu72 on April 11, 2021, 12:56:01 PM
I don't know, only 9 of 11... ;D
This sequence will allow fwalum to get a good look at his mechanics.
Ok, I guess I will take the bait. I am not going to critique this too much other than to say a few things. I like that he pushes the ball toward the basket with an arc that appears to be close to 45 degrees, the best angle, rather than using the elbow to flick the ball toward the basket. He has a tendency to line the ball up offset to the right and typically the ball enters the basket a little off to the right. In college his is probably going to have to shoot the ball with a quicker release, he is bringing the ball down too far when initiating the shooting motion delaying the release. Despite some minor issues and some inconsistences, he seems to have good hand eye coordination and that is half the battle.
What I am going to talk about is how lackadaisically this shooting drill is being run and performed. This is not Keyondre's fault but rather the coach or whoever is running this drill with him. There is no intensity of purpose and every shot has significant differences. This is just poor training and the coach ought to be ashamed to run such a loose drill. You wonder why kids have trouble adjusting to the college pace of game... well you are looking at it. He will rarely shoot a shot in a college game like he is doing in this video so what good is it to train like this. The drill doesn't have to be fast, but it should be crisp with an emphasis on exacting movements like proper hand and foot positions and repeatable actions. Watching this just bugs the living daylights out of me! >:(
I can see at least one freshman starting next year
Quote from: FWalum on April 20, 2021, 02:03:39 PMQuote from: VUBBFan on April 11, 2021, 10:58:46 AMSeems to be able to hit the 3 pointer https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1278045623334375424
Quote from: vu72 on April 11, 2021, 12:56:01 PMI don't know, only 9 of 11... ;D This sequence will allow fwalum to get a good look at his mechanics.
Ok, I guess I will take the bait. I am not going to critique this too much other than to say a few things. I like that he pushes the toward the basket with an arc that appears to be close to 45 degrees, the best angle, rather than using the elbow to flick the ball toward the basket. He has a tendency to line the ball up offset to the right and typically the ball enters the basket a little off to the right. In college his is probably going to have to shoot the ball with a quicker release, he is bringing the ball down too far when initiating the shooting motion delaying the release. Despite some minor issues and some inconsistences, he seems to have good hand eye coordination and that is half the battle. What I am going to talk about is how lackadaisically this shooting drill is being run and performed. This is not Keyondre's fault but rather the coach or whoever is running this drill with him. There is no intensity of purpose and every shot has significant differences. This is just poor training and the coach ought to be ashamed to run such a loose drill. You wonder why kids have trouble adjusting to the college pace of game... well you are looking at it. He will rarely shoot a shot in a college game like he is doing in this video so what good is it to train like this. The drill doesn't have to be fast, but it should be crisp with an emphasis on exacting movements like proper hand and foot positions and repeatable actions. Watching this just bugs the living daylights out of me! >:(
I agree that the drill appears to be run in slow motion but the question is is the video merely to show him shooting or the actual running of a drill.
Quote from: JD24 on April 25, 2021, 11:23:53 PM
Quote from: FWalum on April 20, 2021, 02:03:39 PMQuote from: VUBBFan on April 11, 2021, 10:58:46 AMSeems to be able to hit the 3 pointer https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1278045623334375424
Quote from: vu72 on April 11, 2021, 12:56:01 PMI don't know, only 9 of 11... ;D This sequence will allow fwalum to get a good look at his mechanics.
Ok, I guess I will take the bait. I am not going to critique this too much other than to say a few things. I like that he pushes the toward the basket with an arc that appears to be close to 45 degrees, the best angle, rather than using the elbow to flick the ball toward the basket. He has a tendency to line the ball up offset to the right and typically the ball enters the basket a little off to the right. In college his is probably going to have to shoot the ball with a quicker release, he is bringing the ball down too far when initiating the shooting motion delaying the release. Despite some minor issues and some inconsistences, he seems to have good hand eye coordination and that is half the battle. What I am going to talk about is how lackadaisically this shooting drill is being run and performed. This is not Keyondre's fault but rather the coach or whoever is running this drill with him. There is no intensity of purpose and every shot has significant differences. This is just poor training and the coach ought to be ashamed to run such a loose drill. You wonder why kids have trouble adjusting to the college pace of game... well you are looking at it. He will rarely shoot a shot in a college game like he is doing in this video so what good is it to train like this. The drill doesn't have to be fast, but it should be crisp with an emphasis on exacting movements like proper hand and foot positions and repeatable actions. Watching this just bugs the living daylights out of me! >:(
I agree that the drill appears to be run in slow motion but the question is is the video merely to show him shooting or the actual running of a drill.
Now that I look at it again, you are probably right. I must have been having a bad day. :rant:
Quote from: 96 on April 25, 2021, 03:12:59 PM
I can see at least one freshman starting next year
Being a HUGE fan of this recruiting class, I hope you're right. Welcome to the board!
Keyondre Young named Oklahoma 5A Player of the Year!
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2021/04/28/del-city-oklahoma-keyondre-young-led-team-back-top/7387556002/
Quote from: vu72 on April 29, 2021, 04:16:46 PM
Keyondre Young named Oklahoma 5A Player of the Year!
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2021/04/28/del-city-oklahoma-keyondre-young-led-team-back-top/7387556002/
Correction: Keyondre is the Super 5 POY. The Super 5 are the top 5 players in the entire state, regardless of the division.
In other words Keyondre Young is Oklahoma's equivalent to Indiana's Mr. Basketball!Congratulations, Keyondre!
Amazing spread in the newspaper. First class! Big time!
https://twitter.com/jeffpattOKC/status/1387450028831219712?s=20
The no. 2 Super 5 player is a 4-star 6-5 PG ranked 55th in ESPN's Top 100. The other 3 are all 3-stars. 3 of the 4 will be playing for P-5 programs. The other is from Tulsa, committed to Tulsa.
Quote from: wh on April 29, 2021, 07:07:35 PMAmazing spread in the newspaper. First class! Big time! https://twitter.com/jeffpattOKC/status/1387450028831219712?s=20
The more I see the more I like... We suddenly have a pretty mature team but will Young be good enough to start day 1? I originally thought by the end of the year Young would be in the starting lineup but maybe that was too conservative. He could be a day 1 starter if it plays out.
And that's not even to mention that the other three freshmen are all promising as well.
In case anyone is under the impression that we have 4 2-star freshman recruits because they're listed that way on Verbal Commits, you are being misled.
VC does not rate players. They pull ratings from 3 services - Rivals, ESPN, and 247 Sports (formerly Scout) - and average them. If only 2 of the 3 ranked the player they average those 2. If only 1 service rated the player, they use that rating.
IF NONE OF THE 3 HAVE RATED THE PLAYER, VC AUTOMATICALLY DEFAULTS TO 2 STARS. That is the case with all 4 of our recruits. Thus, they are not 2's, they are unranked. Even then, VC erred with Trey Woodyard. He is ranked 3-stars by 247 Sports, and VC missed it.
The bottom line is we have 1 3-star player and 3 who are unrated. I read that rating services have had to significantly scale back since COVID - cancelled games, cancelled seasons, quarantines, no fans or observers in person, less video, limited AAU games, camps, etc. Last, but not least, some coaches (and parents) are highly focused on getting their players ranked, others aren't.
In Keyondre's case, he dominated in match-ups against 3's and 4's on his way to a 6-A state championship and OK POY. To think he would be ranked 2-stars would be absurd. As to Cameron, it's hard to imagine someone who averaged 30PPG and 45% from 3 wouldn't be a 3. And Darius, who knows? They didn't even have a season.
Quote from: wh on May 04, 2021, 08:39:26 PM
In case anyone is under the impression that we have 4 2-star freshman recruits because they're listed that way on Verbal Commits, you are being misled.
VC does not rate players. They pull ratings from 3 services - Rivals, ESPN, and 247 Sports (formerly Scout) - and average them. If only 2 of the 3 ranked the player they average those 2. If only 1 service rated the player, they use that rating.
IF NONE OF THE 3 HAVE RATED THE PLAYER, VC AUTOMATICALLY DEFAULTS TO 2 STARS. That is the case with all 4 of our recruits. Thus, they are not 2's, they are unranked. Even then, VC erred with Trey Woodyard. He is ranked 3-stars by 247 Sports, and VC missed it.
The bottom line is we have 1 3-star player and 3 who are unrated. I read that rating services have had to significantly scale back since COVID - cancelled games, cancelled seasons, quarantines, no fans or observers in person, less video, limited AAU games, camps, etc. Last, but not least, some coaches (and parents) are highly focused on getting their players ranked, others aren't.
In Keyondre's case, he dominated in match-ups against 3's and 4's on his way to a 6-A state championship and OK POY. To think he would be ranked 2-stars would be absurd. As to Cameron, it's hard to imagine someone who averaged 30PPG and 45% from 3 wouldn't be a 3. And Darius, who knows? They didn't even have a season.
247 had Thomas Kithier ranked a 3 star and #31 PF in the country coming out of high school. They had Joe Hedstrom rated a 3 star and the #62 ranked center and Trevor Anderson ranked a 3 star and the #92 point guard in the country. 247 also has Trey Woodyard ranked as a 3 star and the #64 small forward in the country.
Trey Alexander is ranked number 55 in the ESPN top 100 players in the class of 2021. Keyondre Young beat him out for the super five player of the year in Oklahoma. If young is not a three or four star player then he had no business being voted ahead of Trey Alexander for POY.
All of these rankings are so subjective they virtually mean nothing in the big picture.
Valpo might of found a diamond in the rough, with keyondre Young
Quote from: 96 on May 06, 2021, 10:07:15 AM
Valpo might of found a diamond in the rough, with keyondre Young
The problem isn't finding them, it's keeping them and developing them for 4 seasons. Fingers crossed he is as good as hoped and sticks around (unless he is going pro early).
Quote from: FWalum on May 05, 2021, 02:20:09 PM
Trey Alexander is ranked number 55 in the ESPN top 100 players in the class of 2021. Keyondre Young beat him out for the super five player of the year in Oklahoma. If young is not a three or four star player then he had no business being voted ahead of Trey Alexander for POY.
All of these rankings are so subjective they virtually mean nothing in the big picture.
Amen!
https://twitter.com/Som_Slight/status/1391406843315036160?s=20
https://twitter.com/DCTrackAndField/status/1391067438637326337?s=20
https://twitter.com/pjziebell/status/1392505071821279232?s=20
https://twitter.com/DCTrackAndField/status/1393602800156872709?s=20
Quote from: wh on May 16, 2021, 04:21:40 AM
https://twitter.com/DCTrackAndField/status/1393602800156872709?s=20
His 6'8" jump would have tied for third at the Valley outdoor championships and put him in a tie for third all time at Valpo!
https://www.valpoathletics.com/mtrack/news/2020-21/20510/maidment-earns-all-mvc-honors-to-highlight-day-2-of-track--field-championships/
Really seems to take his craft seriously. I like seeing someone constantly trying to get better.
https://twitter.com/Fox_Ball_/status/1409299841562382339
Wonder how Keyondre Young will do at De Paul? They did well in the transfer portal this year...
Who cares. keyondre moved on, so should you.
De Paul fan so I will be watching..
Quote from: tiny707 on May 09, 2023, 07:02:07 PMWonder how Keyondre Young will do at De Paul? They did well in the transfer portal this year...
Didn't exactly light it up at Triton. Looks like he would have fit right into Valpo's squad.
Get your popcorn ready, DePaul baby
Quote from: 96 on May 29, 2023, 10:44:18 AM
Get your popcorn ready, DePaul baby
IMO Keyondre was totally jacked around as a freshman, so I wasn't surprised when he transferred. He went from being redshirted to playing some but not much to a mysterious "season ending" thumb injury in an obvious attempt to salvage the mess created by Matt's "coaching by indecision" methodology.
Whether he made the right decision by following someone's advice to go JC for a year of seasoning, only time will tell. Yes, he's in the Big East, but DePaul is in the Big East like Evansville is in the MVC. Maybe he will be part of a big turnaround there. I wish him nothing but the best.