The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

Our first 2017 recruit:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/kobe-king (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/kobe-king)

This is before any offers (on verbalcommits or anywhere else) for the 2016 recruiting class.

Great name.

We have a second 2017 recruit!

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/axel-okongo (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/axel-okongo)

https://twitter.com/Theth_Academy/status/642554521290321920 (https://twitter.com/Theth_Academy/status/642554521290321920)

You sure that's us? I think that might be for Valporaiso, not Valparaiso

Quote from: Kyle321n on September 16, 2015, 09:51:28 AM
You sure that's us? I think that might be for Valporaiso, not Valparaiso

Saw that as well, eh!

Quote from: covufan on September 16, 2015, 09:55:52 AM

Quote from: Kyle321n on September 16, 2015, 09:51:28 AM
You sure that's us? I think that might be for Valporaiso, not Valparaiso

Saw that as well, eh!

Since we like to shorten the name to Valpo I can see where some people could make that mistake.  Valporaiso

Yeah but they also shorten it to Mizzou and it's not Mizzouri

Quote from: Kyle321n on September 17, 2015, 12:47:59 PM
Yeah but they also shorten it to Mizzou and it's not Mizzouri

Are you sure about that?    ;)


(http://www.aqr.org.uk/dir/logos/mizzouri.jpg)

Quote from: bbtds on September 17, 2015, 12:44:30 PM

Quote from: covufan on September 16, 2015, 09:55:52 AM

Quote from: Kyle321n on September 16, 2015, 09:51:28 AMYou sure that's us? I think that might be for Valporaiso, not Valparaiso

Saw that as well, eh!

Since we like to shorten the name to Valpo I can see where some people could make that mistake.  Valporaiso

The problem is the spelling.  It should be "Valp'o" as it was intended to be a contraction.  If we had been going for simple shortening, it would have been "Valpa" and I would be know as Valpawer.

Just wondering if Valpo has recruited this 2017 player from Crown Point. Sasha Stefanovic may have blown up beyond us at this point based on schools mentioned. Wonder if anyone on the board local to the region has  seen him play?

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/04/11/recruiting-notes-another-crown-point-product-gaining-interest/82903586/

They've been there to watch him at least once. Don't know about any offer.

Watched Sasha played this weekend down in Indy. Was not really blown away, but he is a very good all around player. Had no issues playing on the court with players much more athletic than he was. He'll get some high major looks because of his ability to knock down shots consistently combined with being a seemingly smart player.

Spiece Tournament is April 29th through May 1st. All the top AAU teams in the country are there. Here's hoping our staff makes the short drive and capitalizes on a great post season run. Not saying we are going to get the big boys but there's plenty of 3* talent that we can make inroads with. We are a winner, we got some good publicity, we've got a great returning team. We have a lot to sell some of these lesser known kids on good programs.....just saying.

I would say any of those schools are above us in term of basketball schools. In terms of academics yeah....  Columbia and Brown are big time if he wants to get a degree from there, but something to keep in mind is that ivy league schools don't give athletic scholarships and those schools are +$50K a year for tuition. Ball State, Indiana State and Evansville aren't exactly destination basketball schools in my mind. Now if Michigan, Northwestern or Xavier offer game over if you think you'll get playing time eventually.

VU2014, you are correct, the Ivies don't offer athletic scholasrships but they also have BIG MONEY donors. While sports aren't a priority at these schools, for the "right" kid they find a way to make that tuition very palatable.

Quote from: VU2014 on April 11, 2016, 11:21:16 PM
I would say any of those schools are above us in term of basketball schools. In terms of academics yeah....  Columbia and Brown are big time if he wants to get a degree from there, but something to keep in mind is that ivy league schools don't give athletic scholarships and those schools are +$50K a year for tuition. Ball State, Indiana State and Evansville aren't exactly destination basketball schools in my mind. Now if Michigan, Northwestern or Xavier offer game over if you think you'll get playing time eventually.

Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 11, 2016, 11:46:12 PM
VU2014, you are correct, the Ivies don't offer athletic scholasrships but they also have BIG MONEY donors. While sports aren't a priority at these schools, for the "right" kid they find a way to make that tuition very palatable.

And more kids are aware of the fact that the Harvard's and Yale's (and to some point the other Ivy's) have scholarships for everyone whose parents make less than $xxx,000.  Look at the three and four star basketball players Harvard has signed recently.

http://verbalcommits.com/schools/harvard

Quote from: covufan on April 12, 2016, 11:23:47 AM

And more kids are aware of the fact that the Harvard's and Yale's (and to some point the other Ivy's) have scholarships for everyone whose parents make less than $xxx,000.  Look at the three and four star basketball players Harvard has signed recently.

http://verbalcommits.com/schools/harvard

7 member class:
  4*  6-0 PG
  2*  6-2 PG
  4*  6-9 SF
  3.3*  6-8 SF
  2.7*  6-5 SF
  3.7*  6-8 PF
  2.7*  6-10 C

Wow, I had no clue that they attracted such talent.  I get the selling point of a fantastic degree, but never would have thought 3 and 4 star players!

Tommy Amaker does a great job both on the floor and in recruiting.  His pedigree as a UM B1G HC set him up well in Cambridge.  He's turned down a lot of jobs since then. 

They play in a gym that has a capacity of 2,195 and was builtin 1926. So much for facilities being the key to attracting great basketball talent.

http://www.gocrimson.com/sports/mbkb/facilities/lavieties

Here's a YouTube where you can see how high school their gym really is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwwwLD_sfC8

Hence why we should sell ourselves as being the Harvard of the Hertland if you will. It's somewhat of a misnomer that they don't offer scholarships. They find money to get the right kid on campus. Yale saw what Amaker did and are trying to emulate that. Penn used to be that school. Get good basketball players with brains, which we have and look out!!!

I argue with guys on the DePaul board all the time. DePaul basketball sucks, in fact it's a suck fest. Many feel that DePaul needs 4/5* kids to compete. They could, if they did, but they ain't getting them. I say get good 3/2* kids that know the game, coach them up and you'll win.....eventually. And if you win in the Big East, those higher ranked kids will find you. DePaul's basketball IQ is so low and they have 4* guys. DePaul plays in the Big East I can guarantee you that if we played them in 10 game 5/5 series, we'd win 7-8 games. To their credit they did beat Seton Hall and George Washington, so they had some talent.

Valpo HC Matt Lottich & Buffalo AC Jim Whitesell will be in to see 6'6 2017 WF Nana Akenten tomorrow per @brookhoops.

Per Roy Schmidt at Illinois Prep Bullseye earlier today.
"I am betting 6'6 2017 PG Nojel Eastern gets offered today by both Wisconsin & Valparaiso. Both are visiting him as is Michigan St."

neat to be mentioned with those two B1G boys

M, even if we don't have a chance to get an Eastern, when people see Valpo equated with higher ranked players, it helps our perception among the uncommitted who may be lesser rated but who we are pursuing as well. Again, it's always about perception and sometimes perception becomes a kid's reality and BAM, we get him.

I've seen Sasha play on multiple occasions, including once when Roger Powell was in attendance. He was clearly the best player on that Crown Point team that had IU signee and Indiana All-Star Grant Gelon.

He's a do-everything player who does everything well. Smart and tough. And clutch. Xavier has offered and Michigan is expected to.

He plays on the same AAU team (Eric Gordon) as Romeo Langford who just got offered by Duke and Kansas, so he will have the opportunity to showcase himself in front of all the top programs.

Still only 6-4, though, so he better grow.

There's the offer to Sasha. He's going to get some bigger looks next season, hopefully he will want to stay close!

Quote from: M on April 30, 2016, 05:46:53 PM
There's the offer to Sasha. He's going to get some bigger looks next season, hopefully he will want to stay close!

Pretty smart kid as well; he's received offers from Yale, Penn, and Columbia along with good basketball schools like Northern Iowa and Xavier. Hopefully he'll want to stay close to home.

Per Joe Henricksen @joehoopsreport.......
Class of 2017 guards on visits: North Lawndale's Carlos Hines visiting Valpo today, while West Chicago's Tai Bibbs visiting Ball State.

Does someone have a report on Carlos Hines?

Hope this video helps a bit. Also read on verbal commits Carlos Hines was MVP of recent DePaul team camp.
https://youtu.be/jQJS_QXyBYA

Henricksen: Watch these five ultra-sleepers rise

Joe Henricksen
For Sun-Times Media | @joehoopsreport
June 6 12:42 p.m.

The names Cameron Bowles, Justin Brown, Courtese Cooper, Carlos Hines and Kawanise Wilkins may not resonate with the high school basketball fan.

Those five names don't inspire the same amount of interest among talent evaluators and the media as the likes of a Jordan Goodwin, the state's top player from Belleville Althoff, or Stevenson's Justin Smith and Evanston's Nojel Eastern.

They aren't on the tip of the tongue of Big Ten coaches or even very many college coaches, period.

When it comes to their respective recruitments, forget the infancy stage. These prospects have played out their junior year, as well as the string of events on the AAU circuit this past spring, yet we're still in the prenatal stage.

There are sleepers. And then there are ultra-sleepers. Here are five who have climbed and sit plenty high on the City/Suburban Hoops Report player rankings in the Class of 2017 but certainly fit into the latter category:

■ Cameron Bowles, Homewood-Flossmoor

With a strong finish to his junior season –– the versatile and skilled 6-6 wing averaged nearly 10 points and 8 rebounds over his final 10 games –– Bowles has the look of a late blooming prospect. He has the type of fluid tools and size you look for in a prototype wing prospect. Now it's a matter of doing it on a consistent basis.

"He came back with a chip on his shoulder and expects more of himself," says Homewood-Flossmoor coach Marc Condotti. "He's figuring out how good he can be."

■ Justin Brown, Marist

This unknown 6-8 post player is long, agile and full of potential. Brown was off to a strong start this past season before an ankle injury sidelined him for six weeks in the middle of the season.

With some advanced footwork and improving feel with his back to the basket, Brown is now one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects in the Class of 2017.

"He's come so far and improved so much over the past year," says Marist coach Gene Nolan.

■ Courtese Cooper, Elgin

A player few are aware of outside the Upstate Eight Conference. But the 6-8 Cooper was a menace defensively this past year with his nearly 7-foot wingspan, blocking 154 shots, while averaging 8.9 points and 10.5 rebounds a game.

With an ability to knock down 12-16 foot face-up jumpers and range that extends to the three-point line to go with his size and length, Cooper is poised for a breakout senior season.

■ Carlos Hines, North Lawndale

Likely the most recognizable name in the group as a result of his scoring numbers this past season and being the most highly regarded at an early age. Hines, though, looks like a prime breakout candidate.

This is a 6-2 guard who plays with a motor and is blessed with range on his jumper and natural scoring ability. After providing some offensive punch off the ball as a junior (14.4 ppg), Hines makes the move to point guard this year and into a starring role for coach Lewis Thorpe.

In addition, Hines is rock solid in the classroom and a National Honor Society member. He is currently ranked among the top 10 in his class academically.

■ Kawanise Wilkins, Farragut

Wilkins is arguably the best kept secret in the Public League. He has size on the perimeter at 6-4 and is a talented offensive player. As a junior he put up 17 points a game while playing in relative obscurity.

"We are looking for him to be assertive, to get more aggressive, " says Farragut coach Wolf Nelson. "That's the next step. He's going to have that green light. He has to be the guy people need to worry about when playing us."

http://suntimeshighschoolsports.com/2016/06/06/henricksen-watch-five-ultra-sleepers-rise/

FWIW: Word is that Valpo has offered Parker Hazen, a four-star forward.

Ball St and IUPUI are his only listed offers so far on Verbal Commits...I'd think Valpo is above both of those.

Quote from: valpopal on June 27, 2016, 08:52:58 PM
FWIW: Word is that Valpo has offered Parker Hazen, a four-star forward.

Verbal Commits has been updated. I'm sure Arkansas will get in the mix at some point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's fun to watch the recruiting videos listed on Verbal Commits specific to our current players.  You can easily see the maturation of Alec Peters in looking at his highlights in HS, versus what he is able to do now.

Per a tweet today from Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bullseye...

"Per @teamyandr 6'7 2017 WF Charles Payton of Stanford-Olympia HS will take an unofficial visit to Valparaiso tomorrow."

Verbal Commits shows Payton has offers from UIC and Southern Illinois. Rated in top 10 players in 2017 from Illinois.

I have to think that we are in a good position to find another kid like Alec, who wants to play right away and is being told by larger schools that he will need to develop over 1-2 seasons before earning significant playing time.  It worked when Alec was told that he would replace Rowdy, now let's get another top player to replace Alec!

Like to hear this kind of update...I really like the Hazen kid

Quote from: vufan75 on June 28, 2016, 10:14:34 PMte (selected) Verbal Commits shows Payton has offers from UIC and Southern Illinois. Rated in top 10 players in 2017 from Illinois. Report to moderat

I'm sure UIC will get him.  Whatever car they are offering is probably better than ours.

https://twitter.com/michaelsobrien/status/747068619364917248

https://twitter.com/WolvesILL/status/747068013422252033

https://twitter.com/AndrewForce8/status/747544616505868288

https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/747100759595048960

https://twitter.com/DSchneiderDC/status/713902251190800384

https://twitter.com/CoachDiForti/status/711208546701078528

It has been a big spring for Joliet West 2017 small forward Trevian Bell.  He has made noise during the two spring live periods with his play with the Illinois Wolves.  Bell is among the top wing prospects in the state of Illinois.  We sat down with him to discuss the latest with his recruitment and much more.
http://www.prephoops.com/2016/05/trevian-bell-video/

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/02/27/trevian-bell-teyvion-kirk-propel-joliet-west-boys-basketball-team-past-joliet-central/aq7edh1/

So far offers from: Furman, IUPUI, UIC, Illinois State, Green Bay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cr1TwlHdIo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQSlua6R0zc

The Bell kid is impressive...could he be our next A P?

Not sure. Seems to be athletic, but that literally all I can tell from his youtube highlights. He took a few jumpshots and I wasn't a fan of the look of his jumpshot.

I think the real prize of the recent visits is Charles Payton. That kid looks like he could develop into a really good college player. I trust the coaching staff to identify the talent. Hopefully they can give the sales pitch that next years class will be able to step right in and get heavy playing time and become an impact on the floor.

Quote from: VU2014 on June 30, 2016, 03:12:31 PM
Not sure. Seems to be athletic, but that literally all I can tell from his youtube highlights. He took a few jumpshots and I wasn't a fan of the look of his jumpshot.

I think the real prize of the recent visits is Charles Payton. That kid looks like he could develop into a really good college player. I trust the coaching staff to identify the talent. Hopefully they can give the sales pitch that next years class will be able to step right in and get heavy playing time and become an impact on the floor.

You may be right, but Parker Hazen, who is a four star, would be my pick for "real prize"!!

Quote from: vufan75 on April 19, 2016, 07:23:03 PM
Valpo HC Matt Lottich & Buffalo AC Jim Whitesell will be in to see 6'6 2017 WF Nana Akenten tomorrow per @brookhoops.

Nana Akenten is originally from Gary, moved to Merrillville as a youngster, then moved to Valparaiso, where he attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary (where I attended as Nana was in the grade below me) in kindergarten before moving to Bolingbrook. Nana is an athletic 6'6 wing who has several offers already, including Nebraska. Would love to see this kid come back to the 219.

https://twitter.com/joehoopsreport/status/751500289824337924

2017 (HS SR)
Position: SF
Height: 6-6
Weight: 195lbs
Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL
High School: Bolingbrook High School
Vertical: 38.3"

"Bolingbrook 2017 small forward Nana Akenten is a high ceiling 6'6" athletic wing. He is the man on his team for the Illinois Celtics/Hoopers on the grassroots circuit. He has displayed that go to scoring ability in a variety of ways."
http://www.prephoops.com/2016/04/recruiting-report-nana-akenten-2017/

Current Offers: Valpo, Nebraska, Buffalo, Toledo, Chicago State, Western Michigan, Northern Colorado, Lewis, UIC, Illinois State, Green Bay, NIU.
http://247sports.com/player/nana-akenten-94112

Nana Akenten, Bolingbrook boys basketball plan to stay at high level
Published: Saturday, July 2, 2016 10:57 p.m. CDT
By TIM TIERNEY - Shaw Media correspondent

MORRIS – Confidence within the Bolingbrook basketball program doesn't waver in the summertime.

"We have shown over the last four or five years that our program is going to be one of the top ones, not only in the area, but in the state,'' Bolingbrook coach Rob Brost said. "I would expect that to continue to be the case.''

Bolingbrook showed some proof of that Wednesday and Thursday at the 31st annual Morris Boys Shootout. The Raiders won their first five games before a 55-48 loss to Loyola in the semifinals of the 32-team event.

"We're getting better, and that's the important thing,'' Brost said. "Coming to tournaments like this helps us get better.

"You never know who has full strength and who doesn't. We don't put a lot of stock in the wins and losses. We just want to get better.''

Brost didn't gloat about the victory over Minooka in the Raiders' second game at Morris. Minooka ended Bolingbrook's season last March in the Indians' Class 4A regional championship game.

"No, it's a summer game,'' Brost said.

Shootout tournaments at Plainfield East and Oswego also were part of the summer preparation the Raiders hope to benefit from when the 2016-17 season begins.

"Learn to play together and learn to be coached by our coaches,'' Bolingbrook standout Nana Akenten said of the summer games. "Just grow as a team before the actual season starts, so when that comes, we won't have to do as much adjusting to each other.''

Akenten, a 6-foot-6 senior, averaged 15 points a game last season. He has several scholarship offers, including one from Nebraska."It's nice to have a Big Ten offer, but I'm not going to be caught up in the big names,'' Akenten said. "It'll be where the best fit is for me.

"I'm still very open. I've got a big month ahead of me.''

For Akenten, the past month was a time for personal growth within the team.

"This summer, I focused more on becoming a better teammate, more of a leader, more on my communication skills,'' he said. "Make sure my teammates are always in the game. I try to get everybody involved, just lift their spirits up. I'm trying to be somebody you like to play with.''

Brost is thrilled Akenten plays for Bolingbrook.

"It all starts with Nana,'' the Raiders' coach said. "He's one of the top players in the state for a reason. His leadership has gotten so much better than it was last year.
"He's an elite player. He's got a Big Ten offer, 15 or so scholarship offers. Any time you have an elite player, a player of that caliber, that's where it all begins.''

Injury would seem to be a concern in the often hectic pace of summer games, but not to Akenten.

"Not at all,'' he said. "It's basketball. Whether I'm playing here or playing in the season, anything can happen.''

Bolingbrook was 16-9 last season even after graduation depleted the 2014-15 squad that rolled to a 25-7 record and finished third in the Class 4A State Tournament. It was the basketball team's first trip downstate.

Brost, who's entering his 10th season as head coach, will be counting on Akenten and 6-7 senior Brandon Lawani to be the new leaders.

"Our seniors this year, Nana and Brandon especially, they played on that team that got third,'' Brost said. "They were contributors to that team, so they know what it takes, what we're going to need to do to get back to that level. We're looking forward to competing at the highest level.''

To reach that level, Bolingbrook also will need strong play from Joseph Yesufu, Tyler Cochran and Kaleb Thornton, a transfer from East Suburban Catholic Conference member Nazareth and the Roadrunners' No. 2 scorer.

"We're still kind of young, but I think we'll be pretty good, especially the new offense that coach has put in,'' Akenten said. "We're playing a lot faster. That will make it harder for the defenders to keep up with us.''
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/07/01/nana-akenten-bolingbrook-boys-basketball-plan-to-stay-at-high-level/ae8vwbs/?page=1

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6500304/nana-akenten

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j1l6-XLW0g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z9gAOOiBTM

We got Hazen

Love the Hazen news but has it been confirmed?

Not official, but Hazen has tweeted so and a blog is reporting it (along with Nana Akenton commit).

http://www.todaysu.com/u-news/class-2017-four-star-sf-parker-hazen-commits-valparaiso/

Great news, as it looks like M L is getting a very good start in his recruiting efforts. Hazen will hopefully be a great influence in keeping the top Indiana prospects, especially Northern Indiana, to consider Valpo.  Perhaps another A P type? Let's hope so and keep him in the fold.

Great news for Valpo and Parker Hazen. I would guess he is the first 4 star Valpo recruit in a long time. Hope he can step in and fill AP's shoes given the opportunity. Great get for the staff and Coach Lottich. Could it be the new Valpo AC and former NKU assistant with strong connections in Indiana helped get the deal done?

Also, wonder if the Nana Akenten commit is accurate. Verbal Commits says we offered him but that is it. And per social media on Verbal Commits Nebraska is still all over him as of a day ago. Hope he chooses or has chosen Valpo. His stock is definitely rising...

http://wane.com/2016/07/10/columbia-citys-hazen-verbals-to-valpo/

Now being reported by WANE in Ft Wayne.

Class of 2017 four-star forward Parker Hazen has committed to Valparaiso University, according to a tweet from Jeff Goodman of ESPN.

As Goodman mentions, Hazen's brother, Brachen, has committed to play at Arkansas this upcoming season. (There's also a town called Hazen, Arkansas, which is fantastically confusing, I'm sure.)

Parker Hazen though had three scholarship offers, from Ball State, IUPUI, and Valparaiso, before deciding on the Crusaders ahead of senior year of basketball at Columbia City High School in Columbia City, Indiana.

Valpo already has a commit for 2017 in two-star forward Nana Akenten, from Bolingbrook, Illinois. Coming in as a four-star recruit (as ranked by ESPN), keeping a player with the skill set and size (6-7) of Hazen within the state and away from the traditional powerhouses seems like a coup for Valpo.

Former head coach Bryce Drew was legend in Valparaiso, Indiana, having nailed the buzzer-beater in the NCAA Tournament that put the school on the map for all intents and purposes. But having left to take over the head coaching job at Vanderbilt, former assistant coach Matt Lottich inherits the program. The program is yet to win a championship of any kind for a coach not with the surname of Drew. (Bryce's dad, Homer, was the first member of the family to start the Valpo dominance.)

Coming off a loss in the 2016 NIT Championship Game, the Crusaders have won the Horizon League in both 2013 and 2015, establishing themselves as a dangerous Cinderella team that no higher-seeded club wants to see on their opening weekend in the NCAA Tournament. Despite their status as a small school, Valpo has sent five players to the NBA, a lineage Hazen is hoping to follow.

http://www.todaysu.com/u-news/class-2017-four-star-sf-parker-hazen-commits-valparaiso/

Watch this schedule as Columbia City fills out their upcoming season and maybe the Columbia City Eagles and Parker Hazen will be coming to a high school near you.  In truth I guess it's not real far from Valpo.

http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/boyslogs54.htm

Chris Benedict left Columbia City after last season moving on to Bluffton after not getting the AD job at CCHS. The new coach is Brett Eberly. Eberly has one year head coaching experience at Caston HS in 2006-07 when Caston went 4-17.

(from a story when Eberly was hired by Caston in 2006) Although young, Eberly, who graduated from Huntington University in 2000 where he studied physical education and health, brings six years of coaching experience to Caston. After working four years as the freshman and JV head coach at Columbia City High School, Eberly was promoted to assistant coach of the varsity Eagles — a role he has filled the past two seasons. In 2003, Columbia City tallied a 16-7 record and last season it posted an impressive 25-4 record en route to a semistate championship behind Lawrence North.

Since then Eberly has been an assistant under Benedict and other coaches at Columbia City

http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/high-school-basketball/Columbia-City-turns-to-longtime-assistant-to-lead-boys-hoops-program

Quote from: bbtds on July 10, 2016, 10:12:54 PM
Watch this schedule as Columbia City fills out their upcoming season and maybe the Columbia City Eagles and Parker Hazen will be coming to a high school near you.  In truth I guess it's not real far from Valpo.

http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/boyslogs54.htm

Chris Benedict left Columbia City after last season moving on to Bluffton after not getting the AD job at CCHS. The new coach is Brett Eberly. Eberly has one year coaching experience at Caston HS in 2006-07 when Caston went 4-17.

(from a story when Eberly was hired by Caston in 2006) Although young, Eberly, who graduated from Huntington University in 2000 where he studied physical education and health, brings six years of coaching experience to Caston. After working four years as the freshman and JV head coach at Columbia City High School, Eberly was promoted to assistant coach of the varsity Eagles — a role he has filled the past two seasons. In 2003, Columbia City tallied a 16-7 record and last season it posted an impressive 25-4 record en route to a semistate championship behind Lawrence North.

Since then Eberly has been an assistant under Benedict and other coaches at Columbia City

http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/high-school-basketball/Columbia-City-turns-to-longtime-assistant-to-lead-boys-hoops-program

Chris Benedict coached at Valpo High for a year or two last decade. He took over for Punter I believe. He didn't last very long as I think he wanted to go back to Columbia City.

This is great as far as it goes. But verbals have a way of disappearing when the big boys come calling and if he is truely a 4 star they will. Anybody remember John Diebler?  I'll start celebrating when the letter of intent is signed next spring.

Quote from: nkvu on July 11, 2016, 12:05:34 AMI'll start celebrating when the letter of intent is signed next spring.

I thought there was a signing period in the fall...

Quote from: humbleopinion on July 11, 2016, 05:30:40 AM

Quote from: nkvu on July 11, 2016, 12:05:34 AMI'll start celebrating when the letter of intent is signed next spring.

I thought there was a signing period in the fall...

Then hopefully I can start celebrating a lot sooner.  :thumbsup:

Now perhaps the hard part begins... keeping him engaged with the program and committed!

This would be a fantastic get, and it might be that Parker sees the importance of playing time during his FR year, similar to what AP got.  We sold AP on being Rowdy's immediate replacement, and I have to think that is how Lottich sold Parker, on being AP's replacement. 

You might remember that Alec P signed in the Fall early signing period

According to his Twitter, Akenten has not committed to any school, while he just received an offer from Bradley.

This new coaching staff is getting it done!!!! Parker Hazen!!! This is a game changer recruit!!!! Amazing!!!

Quote from: nkvu on July 11, 2016, 12:05:34 AM
This is great as far as it goes. But verbals have a way of disappearing when the big boys come calling and if he is truely a 4 star they will. Anybody remember John Diebler?  I'll start celebrating when the letter of intent is signed next spring.

Parker Hazen highlights:

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721de119a91677e74b1946a

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721de0ab019261f80e22d2b

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721dd8719a53e2a18805f27

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721dbf7e984d413d425fc8d

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721dca54df6124b702b72e0 (against Duneland Conference member Lake Central)

#23

Love the kids quickness and toughness.  Don't expect him to be playing much 5 in college!  He certainly can post-up however.  Indy Star has him ranked #15 in his class which must be really loaded.

Great Valpo quotes.
Check out @MichaelOsipoff's Tweet: https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/752623238145081345?s=09

@MichaelOsipoff reported this for those not on twitter. Sounds pretty solid as commitment. Now as FWALUM said earlier fend off the wolves and sign NLI in November (hoping)....

#Valparaiso commit Parker Hazen expected to commit before hs season, but not this soon. "I fell in love with Valpo. No need to wait."

Hey, what's not to love. :thumbsup:

Quote from: vu72 on July 11, 2016, 08:17:04 PMLove the kids quickness and toughness.  Don't expect him to be playing much 5 in college!  He certainly can post-up however.

Looks like a good talent and a good kid. However in all those highlights I didn't see any jump shots. Does he have one and if so then what is his range? Will his outside shooting be a project?

Quote from: justducky on July 11, 2016, 11:31:22 PM

Quote from: vu72 on July 11, 2016, 08:17:04 PMLove the kids quickness and toughness.  Don't expect him to be playing much 5 in college!  He certainly can post-up however.

Looks like a good talent and a good kid. However in all those highlights I didn't see any jump shots. Does he have one and if so then what is his range? Will his outside shooting be a project?

[/b]

Apparently Parker agrees and will be working on it.  This, from the Osipoff article:

Hazen currently views himself as more of a stretch-four forward with a desire to become a more traditional three.

After playing with his Spiece Indy Heat travel team this week in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Fort Wayne next week, he plans to work with a trainer to focus on his skill development, including ball-handling, perimeter shooting and a pull-up jumper.

Valparaiso has four seniors in Peters, Jubril Adekoya, Shane Hammink and Nick Davidson. The Crusaders also have a scholarship available for as soon as this season, with Keith Carter's final appeal to the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility having been denied late last week.

Hazen can sign his national letter of intent Nov. 9, the first day of the early period.

Good NWI Times story:

Columbia City standout Hazen commits to Valparaiso
Times Staff Updated 12 hrs ago 

Whether Parker Hazen is a three-star or four-star recruit, the Columbia City product is certainly one of the highest profile recruits to commit to Valparaiso in recent memory.

The 6-foot-7 senior forward gave his verbal commitment to Valparaiso coach Matt Lottich over the weekend at the Peach Jam AAU tournament in South Carolina.

Hazen is rated as a four-star recruit according to VerbalCommits.com, while ESPN has him listed as three-star recruit and one of the top 50 small forwards in the country.


"Honestly I've never paid any attention to any of those rankings," Hazen said. "I know it's cliche, but look at Steph Curry and Davidson. Those rankings don't matter. It's the work that you put in that's going to count. I'm ready to put in work and go to Valparaiso and win championships."

Hazen and his family have been long familiar with Valparaiso. Former head coach Bryce Drew recruited Hazen's brother Brachen heavily before he ultimately settled on Arkansas. Hazen has had a longtime connection with Valparaiso assistant coach Luke Gore and spoke highly of Valparaiso's coaching staff when it came time to make his decision. Hazen also has had his eye on Valparaiso's roster and knows of a certain player that will be graduating after this season.



"The opportunity will be there to come in and make a difference right away," Hazen said. "Alec Peters is graduating and there isn't anyone there at my position. I know that I can come in right away and make an impact."


His words almost echo those that were spoken by Peters nearly four years ago when the now senior forward committed to Valparaiso as Ryan Broekhoff was finishing his career. While Hazen's goal of replacing Peters may seem lofty, he certainly understands the work that will go into making that dream a reality.

"Valpo is going to get a guy that from Day 1 is going to outwork every single player in the gym," Hazen said. "There are things to work on. My shooting and my ball-handling are the two things that I really want to improve on before I get to Valpo and I'll be working on that until I get there."

Hazen averaged 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds for Columbia City this past season on a team that had 11 seniors. The Eagled went 20-7 last season and were coached by former Valparaiso High School coach Chris Benedict.

Hazen is expected to fill one of Valparaiso's four open scholarships following the 2016-17 season. Valparaiso currently has one open scholarship following the news from the NCAA that Keith Carter's final appeal was denied for a fifth season of eligibility. Carter's career comes to an end after 83 games. Lottich could choose to use the scholarship before the season begins or he could hold onto the scholarship with the possibility of picking up a midseason transfer.

Got to like the name of the new 3.5-star recruit Valpo has offered: Goanar Mar

Anybody else notice that as soon as Parker Hazen verbally committed to Valpo, ESPN dropped his rating from 4-stars to 3-stars according to his page at Verbal Commits? Curious to know what else has changed in the last 24 hours.

I saw that rating change on verbal as well. Odd to say the least.

Quote from: valpopal on July 12, 2016, 03:35:53 PM
Anybody else notice that as soon as Parker Hazen verbally committed to Valpo, ESPN dropped his rating from 4-stars to 3-stars according to his page at Verbal Commits? Curious to know what else has changed in the last 24 hours.

Hazen did not play well at the Peach Jam. He's on a loaded AAU team so playing time is tough to come by. My guess is he was reevaluated based on that performance, nothing to do with Valpo commit.

Who is Goarnar Mar...first time I have heard this name I think.

Quote from: valpo64 on July 12, 2016, 06:31:18 PM
Who is Goarnar Mar...first time I have heard this name I think.

A 6'7 wing out of Minneapolis. A 3 star:

http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1509030-2017-intro-goanar-mar

Quote from: vu72 on July 12, 2016, 08:29:16 PM

Quote from: valpo64 on July 12, 2016, 06:31:18 PM
Who is Goarnar Mar...first time I have heard this name I think.

A 6'7 wing out of Minneapolis. A 3 star:

http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1509030-2017-intro-goanar-mar

We certainly have competitors as we recruit Goanar.

What are our chances, or do we have a legitimate shot with any of the remaining prospects that we have already offered?  We still have 2 scollys available?

With Keith losing his appeal I believe we only have 1 scholarship available for 2016/17.  With (2) transfers taking scholarships but unable to participate this year.  So we are really down to 10 scholarship participants yet we are using 12/13 slots.

A little more personal interview with Hazen http://news-sentinel.com/sports/Parker-Hazen-warms-to-Valpo-quickly-in-recruitment (http://news-sentinel.com/sports/Parker-Hazen-warms-to-Valpo-quickly-in-recruitment)

Quote from: FWalum on July 14, 2016, 01:10:13 PM
A little more personal interview with Hazen http://news-sentinel.com/sports/Parker-Hazen-warms-to-Valpo-quickly-in-recruitment (http://news-sentinel.com/sports/Parker-Hazen-warms-to-Valpo-quickly-in-recruitment)

I think we may have our answer to the question we were asking at tournament time: 'Which has a bigger positive impact on the program - going to the championship game of the NIT, or winning a game in the NCAA?

It also doesn't hurt that the Crusaders have become a strong program the past few years. Last season, Valparaiso set a school record for wins with 30 and was runner-up in the NIT. This recent success played a factor in Hazen's decision.

"I mean, five years (ago) if you said Valpo, I'm not going to lie, I probably was not going to know who they were," Hazen said, "but last year they went to the NIT and got second and finished ranked 31st in the country and that's awesome. It really did go into my decision."

I wonder if Coach Lottich is planning to play a different style from Coach Drew.  Parker said this: 

"Valpo likes to play a little small," Hazen said, "but also they play faster-paced and they want me on the wing where I can do a little bit of everything based on the match-up. I can post-up if a guard is on me or if a bigger post is on me I can take him outside to the wing and shoot or drive by him. They like versatile guys and saw that in me which I jumped on board."

Not sure where he got the "little small" thing.  Last year we played 6'11, 6'9 and 6'8 up front with guys like Hammink and E coming off the bench.

Next year we may even be bigger with Derrik and Sorolla.

A personal interview with Parker Hazen choosing Valpo in the F W News-Sentinel???????????    Tom Davis must be on vacation!  Hopefully this recruit will help us recruit in-state (Indiana) in the future.

Quote from: valpo64 on July 14, 2016, 02:21:11 PMA personal interview with Parker Hazen choosing Valpo in the F W News-Sentinel??    Tom Davis must be on vacation!  Hopefully this recruit will help us recruit in-state (Indiana) in the future.

At about 20 miles distance Columbia City probably has many Sentinel subscribers. The level of future Valpo coverage by the paper should depend on the size of that subscription base and his and the teams future success.

Since we all love his work  :o, lets hope Tom Davis is quoted here on a regular basis.   :thumbsup:

Looks like we've offered Marcus Carr, another Canadian:

http://verbalcommits.com/players/marcus-carr

He has other offers, including Vanderbilt.

Quote from: FWalum on July 14, 2016, 01:10:13 PM
A little more personal interview with Hazen http://news-sentinel.com/sports/Parker-Hazen-warms-to-Valpo-quickly-in-recruitment (http://news-sentinel.com/sports/Parker-Hazen-warms-to-Valpo-quickly-in-recruitment)

Quote from: justducky on July 14, 2016, 04:24:10 PMSince we all love his work  , lets hope Tom Davis is quoted here on a regular basis.   

When I read the article on-line, I noticed they used a Tom Davis file picture.  Chef's twitter buddy may become more quotable in the near future.

To those of you who are more familiar with the remaining outstanding prospects for next year, who do you believe is the one, or ones, we are most interested in  signing?

Quote from: covufan on July 14, 2016, 06:48:17 PM
Looks like we've offered Marcus Carr, another Canadian:

http://verbalcommits.com/players/marcus-carr

He has other offers, including Vanderbilt.

Oh I would LOVE it if Lottich out-recruited Bryce.

It looks like the Vandy offer was 7/26/2015 (previous regime).  Don't know if that means anything with respect to BD -- could be going in a different direction (or not).

Quote from: valpo64 on July 14, 2016, 02:21:11 PM
A personal interview with Parker Hazen choosing Valpo in the F W News-Sentinel???????????    Tom Davis must be on vacation!  Hopefully this recruit will help us recruit in-state (Indiana) in the future.

More stories from this guy,  Jonathan Batuello, and less from the Butler-centric, Davis, would go a long way for this news group in Ft Wayne.

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2016/07/20/recruiting-notes-update-logansports-adaway/87347956/

Regarding recruit Axel Okongo from Thetford Academy in Canada, found the following short bit of recruiting info on his social media file at Verbal Commits. Wonder if he chose Valpo how we would utilize 3 7' players. Nice problem to have I suppose

https://twitter.com/NERRHoops/status/753351974800744450

WHAT A GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE...if you have balance throughout the rest of the roster.

Triple towers offense!

Another similar article from the Chicago Tribune/Post Tribune about Parker Hazen's verbal to VU http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-parker-hazen-st-0712-20160711-story.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-parker-hazen-st-0712-20160711-story.html)

Quote from: FWalum on July 21, 2016, 04:13:56 PM
Another similar article from the Chicago Tribune/Post Tribune about Parker Hazen's verbal to VU http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-parker-hazen-st-0712-20160711-story.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-parker-hazen-st-0712-20160711-story.html)

I'd missed Luke's promotion - very nice! Associate Head Coach has a nice ring to it.

Quote from: oklahomamick on June 29, 2016, 10:27:22 PM

Quote from: vufan75 on June 28, 2016, 10:14:34 PMte (selected) Verbal Commits shows Payton has offers from UIC and Southern Illinois. Rated in top 10 players in 2017 from Illinois. Report to moderat

I'm sure UIC will get him.  Whatever car they are offering is probably better than ours.

So Hazen turned down UIC's car? Must have showed him Freedom Auto Depot on Western instead of Loeber Motors on Touhy.  ;)

Per verbal commits: Valpo has offered F Evan Cole

Quote from: M on July 23, 2016, 07:51:43 PM
Per verbal commits: Valpo has offered F Evan Cole

An impressive, up-and-coming 2-star with 20 mid major offers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkLzp4Buow0

Check out his impressive coast-to-coast starting at the 5:20 mark.

THE GRIND: South Forsyth's Cole getting colleges' attention during whirlwind summer

http://www.forsythnews.com/m/section/108/article/30571/

Cole is very impressive!  I don't think he missed a shot during the entire video!   ;)

Quote from: vu72 on July 24, 2016, 07:34:18 AM
Cole is very impressive!  I don't think he missed a shot during the entire video!   ;)

Speaking of video editing, back in the day it would have taken a video editor a week to find enough "highlights" from my junior season, and I would have had to pay double time just to compensate for the boredom. Therein lies the difference between Evan Cole and a guy who went on to become a fairly good college intramural player.😊

Looks like Valpo might be checking out another Canadian guard.

https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/757225556370919424

https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/744308163420241920

https://twitter.com/Elias_NPH/status/744310853672001536

https://twitter.com/MdpProd/status/743448401493245952

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yEwE0IaA8g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaW_uJgF28E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fPgit9bzqY

Shakwon Barrett (G – 2017 | Grassroots)
"Shakwon had a solid weekend as this smart, high IQ guard led his Grassroots team. He can easily pick apart any defence, and has the ability to go to the rim and finish with either hand. He always is making the right basketball play! Moving forward, with added aggression and improvement on his jumper, Barrett will elevate his game to the next level."

http://northpolehoops.com/2015/07/15/top-performers-breakout-players-who-stood-out-at-cnit/

Luke Gore is on a recruiting trip to Australia right now.

Quote from: wh on July 24, 2016, 11:19:01 AM

Quote from: vu72 on July 24, 2016, 07:34:18 AM
Cole is very impressive!  I don't think he missed a shot during the entire video!   ;)

Speaking of video editing, back in the day it would have taken a video editor a week to find enough "highlights" from my junior season, and I would have had to pay double time just to compensate for the boredom. Therein lies the difference between Evan Cole and a guy who went on to become a fairly good college intramural player.😊

Jimmy Chitwood never missed a shot during the outside shooting scene, until Coach Dale hit the punchline. Ironically, I heard somewhere that he actually did hit all those shots on the first take.

Quote from: vu72 on July 25, 2016, 07:45:40 AM
Luke Gore is on a recruiting trip to Australia right now.

He may be after Deng Mayot.

http://www.ethiosun.com/2016/07/15/sudanese-australian-basketballers-the-next-big-things-abc-online/

But, does he speak Australian?

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on July 25, 2016, 01:26:58 PM

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on July 25, 2016, 01:26:58 PM
But, does he speak Australian?

[/b]

You tryin to be some sort of Knocker?  The bloke has good cobbers over there and he's no dill.  He'll be yabbering about Valpo and the bastard will be duxing those young lads. Probably having brekkie about now.

Quote from: valpopal on July 12, 2016, 03:28:57 PM
Got to like the name of the new 3.5-star recruit Valpo has offered: Goanar Mar

Unfortunately, Goanar is a goner. He has committed to George Mason.

Any truth to the rumor that this player will only choose a school with blue in their colors:


http://verbalcommits.com/players/walter-whyte

We need to make a push to getting Nana Akenten. If we don't, he will be out of our reaches pretty soon.

Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Quote from: M on August 05, 2016, 10:35:46 PM
Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Holy crap!  This kid is a four star and was ranked 59th in his class by ESPN coming out of high school.  I guess Matt can do some recruiting!!!!

What position does he play at VU? Does this sour Hazen?  Can we move him to SG with his 3-Pt prowess and athleticism?

The college game is increasingly moving towards having a point, 2 wings, a stretch and a big (with sometimes a third wing replacing one of the big players, if the defensive end of the floor works out).

It remains to be seen what style and sister Matt will run. But many don't really require positions anymore, just five dudes who can play.

There will be plenty of room for guys if they earn it.

Joe Burton is described as a swingman (plays both 2 and 3).  Think Kobe Bryant or Manu Ginobili-type players.  Hazen is more of a stretch 4 (both 3 and 4).  The 2 should complement each other beautifully.  I have a feeling we're going to be in love with Joe Burton in about 16 months. ;)

Is it accurate/fair to say, in the xfer game, that Valpo came out way on top in swapping David for Joe?   :thumbsup:

Can't say that without the guy even playing a single minute for our team.

Quote from: vu72 on August 06, 2016, 05:39:38 AM

Quote from: M on August 05, 2016, 10:35:46 PM
Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Holy crap!  This kid is a four star and was ranked 59th in his class by ESPN coming out of high school.  I guess Matt can do some recruiting!!!!

This is good and this is bad. Yes he should help our future but we will now face the upcoming season with only 10 eligible scholarship players. Ouch!

Looks like a great opportunity for Max, Lexus and Nick to add big time minutes. Chandler and John Kiser (the Noblesville walk-on) should also get their chances.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/osusportsextra/blog/osu-sports-sophomore-forward-joe-burton-to-transfer/article_d299887b-b8ad-5ca1-8f1f-88e8870fbd08.html

Burton averaged 4.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game this past season, playing in 30 of OSU's 32 games.

Quote from: vu72 on August 06, 2016, 05:39:38 AM

Quote from: M on August 05, 2016, 10:35:46 PM
Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Holy crap!  This kid is a four star and was ranked 59th in his class by ESPN coming out of high school.  I guess Matt can do some recruiting!!!!

This is downright scary...

http://amp.twimg.com/v/456dcbce-a75d-4b84-a0f1-059e0bcf73b8

Don't think that's Burton? Am I missing something?

Quote from: wh on August 06, 2016, 12:44:07 PM

Quote from: vu72 on August 06, 2016, 05:39:38 AM

Quote from: M on August 05, 2016, 10:35:46 PM
Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Holy crap!  This kid is a four star and was ranked 59th in his class by ESPN coming out of high school.  I guess Matt can do some recruiting!!!!

This is downright scary...

http://amp.twimg.com/v/456dcbce-a75d-4b84-a0f1-059e0bcf73b8

WOW!!  Just WOW!!   :o

Quote from: bbtds on August 06, 2016, 12:06:36 PMhttp://amp.twimg.com/v/456dcbce-a75d-4b84-a0f1-059e0bcf73b8

Here are his highlights from his sophomore season:

2015-16 (Sophomore season)
• Shot 39.7 percent (25-of-63) from 3-point, which is the fifth-best mark by a sophomore in school history.
• Posted a career-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting against West Virginia at GIA.
• Had four double-digit scoring games as a sophomore, including a 13-point outing against K-State in the Big 12 Championship.
• Hit the game-tying 3-pointer with 16.2 seconds left in regulation against George Mason to send the game into overtime. He finished with a then-career-high 15 points against the Patriots.
• Made one of the Cowboys' season-high 11 3-pointers in an upset win over No. 3 Kansas.
• Topped previous career high of 15 points after dropping 16 at home against West Virginia.
• Saw action in 30 games off the bench, and averaged 4.7 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.

I believe that was a retweet from Burton.  That's not him from what pictures I've seen.  Also, Burton is right handed.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on August 06, 2016, 02:16:27 PM
I believe that was a retweet from Burton.  That's not him from what pictures I've seen.  Also, Burton is right handed.

The player in that video is also right handed

Now as long as these "verbals" stay on board, this should be a great off-season for recruiting.  Matt is on a roll in his first try!

Quote from: valpo4life on August 06, 2016, 02:29:34 PM

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on August 06, 2016, 02:16:27 PM
I believe that was a retweet from Burton.  That's not him from what pictures I've seen.  Also, Burton is right handed.

The player in that video is also right handed

John Wall

Quote from: justducky on August 06, 2016, 10:18:23 AM

Quote from: vu72 on August 06, 2016, 05:39:38 AM

Quote from: M on August 05, 2016, 10:35:46 PM
Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Holy crap!  This kid is a four star and was ranked 59th in his class by ESPN coming out of high school.  I guess Matt can do some recruiting!!!!

This is good and this is bad. Yes he should help our future but we will now face the upcoming season with only 10 eligible scholarship players. Ouch!

Looks like a great opportunity for Max, Lexus and Nick to add big time minutes. Chandler and John Kiser (the Noblesville walk-on) should also get their chances.

Yes, this is why I originally mentioned when the addition of Kiser happened that he could be viewed as "a gift." It is nice to have a 2-star walk-on who could be a scholarship player at some other programs, and who averaged 21 points & 7 rebounds his high-school senior year, sitting at the end of the bench.

I've been kind of tuned out the last couple weeks, but wow! 4-star recruit!! What I love about Burton's game is that he's not just a 4-star athlete. He brings more then athleticism to the game, he was nearly a 40% 3-point shooter last season. Love the guys shooting ability. As for how will Parker Hazen fit into the equation? I think Parker will still fit in perfectly as stretch 4. He can bounce around between the 3-4 and give other teams match-up fits. Maybe if the teams in a pinch he could play little 2 or 5 if other guys are in foul trouble. If Parker has aspiration to play pro it'll invaluable experience and versatility, because that is the future of the game.

This is a recent post saying that Joe can play in the post as well.  He is a Jubril type player who is more athletic and and play outside as well.  Can't wait to see him as a Crusader!!

Head coach Matt Lottich and Valparaiso University have landed Oklahoma State transfer Joe Burton.

Burton, a 6'7 post, averaged 4.7 points in 12.6 minutes per game for Oklahoma State in 2015-16.

Burton is a big-bodied post who should make for a solid addition to Valparaiso's roster in the Horizon League. Burton likes to float out and get up shots behind the three-point arc.

Quote from: vufan75 on April 11, 2016, 08:13:52 PM
Just wondering if Valpo has recruited this 2017 player from Crown Point. Sasha Stefanovic may have blown up beyond us at this point based on schools mentioned. Wonder if anyone on the board local to the region has  seen him play?

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/04/11/recruiting-notes-another-crown-point-product-gaining-interest/82903586/

According to a Paul Oren re-tweet, Sasha Stefanovic has narrowed his choices down to 5 - SJU, Loyola, Evansville, Northern Iowa and Valpo.  According to Verbal Commits he has 22 D-1 offers:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/sasha-stefanovic

https://twitter.com/Phenom_Hoops/status/765296210206924800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViKNj2lpDcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dl8Mc0p5kE

He was offered a while back, it's in this thread somewhere. I think he'd be a pretty good get for any of these schools. He will probably get some big school interest this year if he were to wait.

Quote from: wh on August 15, 2016, 05:34:42 PM

Quote from: vufan75 on April 11, 2016, 08:13:52 PM
Just wondering if Valpo has recruited this 2017 player from Crown Point. Sasha Stefanovic may have blown up beyond us at this point based on schools mentioned. Wonder if anyone on the board local to the region has  seen him play?

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/04/11/recruiting-notes-another-crown-point-product-gaining-interest/82903586/

According to a Paul Oren re-tweet, Sasha Stefanovic has narrowed his choices down to 5 - SJU, Loyola, Evansville, Northern Iowa and Valpo.  According to Verbal Commits he has 22 D-1 offers:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/sasha-stefanovic

https://twitter.com/Phenom_Hoops/status/765296210206924800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViKNj2lpDcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dl8Mc0p5kE

Interesting that he obviously is a gifted student as witnessed by multiple Ivy offers.  Of the remaining five Valpo is at or near the top of the heap and hopefully will weigh into his decision, depending on what he wants to study.

Ivy League doesn't offer athletic scholarships so that is something important to factor in. Many of those schools are $50-$60k a year in tuition.

Sasha has one of the quickest releases I've seen in a while for a kid that age. It's not only quick release but its also a smooth shot. With that height, release and shot his game sort of reminds me of somewhere in between Rowdy and Alec. Looks like he moves well like Rowdy did and that release reminds me of Alec, but Alec is one of the best shooters in the country so I hate comp'ing players to his game.

Quote from: VU2014 on August 16, 2016, 10:06:06 AMIvy League doesn't offer athletic scholarships so that is something important to factor in. Many of those schools are $50-$60k a year in tuition.

Yes, but many of the Ivy's offer scholarships to those whose parents make less than $XX.  If you are accepted, it is basically a free ride.  With Sasha's Ivy's on his list, it was surprising to see him cut those teams.  Take a look at Harvard's frosh:

http://verbalcommits.com/schools/harvard

Two 4* recruits, a 3.7*, a 3.3* and two 2.7*.  Not too shabby.  Recruits realize the quality of the Harvard education. 

The Ivy's are also not limited in scholarships, since they don't offer them.  They have 20 NLI's, according to verbal commits.  How many of those are traditional walk-ons is anyone's guess.

If we can ink Sasha by November, we will be looking good for 2017-18!

I'm not going to lie if I was a 2-3-4 star athlete but you knew that you had a ceiling of level of play was capped at the collegiate level and you could get almost 100% financial assistance then I would probably go Ivy league if I had the chance.

Oh well, I hope Sasha choses Valpo. Good school/community and one of the best mid-major programs in the nation as well as also being able to have your family watch your games. I talked to a friend who has watched most of his high school games because his kids go to the same school and he says he's a special shooter. If you can shoot at a high level you will play. That's the way the game is gravitating towards.

Official Joe Burton announcement.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15639/joe-burton-joins-crusader-basketball-program/#.V7x3I2ViAo8

With the 3 xfers sitting out this season, it appears Matt is reloading more than rebuilding after Alec leaves us.

Quote from: VULB#62 on August 23, 2016, 11:20:49 AM
Official Joe Burton announcement.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15639/joe-burton-joins-crusader-basketball-program/#.V7x3I2ViAo8 (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15639/joe-burton-joins-crusader-basketball-program/#.V7x3I2ViAo8)

With the 3 xfers sitting out this season, it appears Matt is reloading more than rebuilding after Alec leaves us.

Another 4-star recruit out of high school, plus was recruited by teams like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Oregon!

This just shows that Lottich can recruit, regardless of what that creep at Don Bosco intimated

While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 23, 2016, 11:17:20 PMWhile I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Yes and compare it to the other Okie St transfer into the HL.  Oakland's Stevie Clark was a 5* who played a lot of minutes on a Marcus Smart lead Cowboys team.

I still would rather have Burton just based on Stevie's past.   

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 23, 2016, 11:17:20 PM
While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Valpo has had a pretty solid history of doing well with transfers.  Their past has little to do with how they will do at Valpo.  Remember, Shane Hammink averaged 1.0 point and 1.0 rebounds per game at LSU.  Pretty sure everyone is very glad he is on our team.

Quote from: vu72 on August 24, 2016, 07:34:44 AM

Quote from: vu84v2 on August 23, 2016, 11:17:20 PM
While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Valpo has had a pretty solid history of doing well with transfers.  Their past has little to do with how they will do at Valpo.  Remember, Shane Hammink averaged 1.0 point and 1.0 rebounds per game at LSU.  Pretty sure everyone is very glad he is on our team.

I think you help make a connection between this discussion on transfers and the "What will/is Valpo BB Known For?"

http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2596.0

Transfers are game changers for mid majors (both to and away from programs).  Before I pose this question, let me say I'm excited about our transfers....greatly.

Do we take 3* freshmen over 3 or 4* transfers with 2 years left?

Can it be argued that continuity is most important with players that have 3 to 4 years to develop together?  Or do we take ALL the talent we can get as Coach Lottich has implied?  Despite only having them for 2 years for instance?

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on August 24, 2016, 05:49:35 PM
Transfers are game changers for mid majors (both to and away from programs).  Before I pose this question, let me say I'm excited about our transfers....greatly.

Do we take 3* freshmen over 3 or 4* transfers with 2 years left?

Can it be argued that continuity is most important with players that have 3 to 4 years to develop together?  Or do we take ALL the talent we can get as Coach Lottich has implied?  Despite only having them for 2 years for instance?

Historically it has been tough to get three  and four star players to pick Valpo.  Think of all the kids that ultimately chose a Big 5 team and later chose Valpo.  We're we really ever even in the discussion coming out of high school?  Burton as an example chose between Oklahoma State, Arizona, Kansas State, Oregon and Missouri.  Going back all the way to Cory Johnson, he chose Iowa State over offers from Iowa, Marquette, and Minnesota but became frustrated over another coaching change.

When they realize that the coach has changed, the system doesn't play to their strengths or that playing time will be limited,then they look for a quality mid-major where they fit much better, can play and shine.

4 years of Parker Hazen?

OR

2 years of Joe Burton?

I'd take 4 years with Parker Hazen.  It takes time to develop in a program.  Is 2 years enough to prosper in a new program?

Here's to hoping Hazen doesn't have 2nd thoughts on his commitment because it would seem he chose VU to be the next Alec Peters...is Burton a deterrent (takes solid minutes)?  Can we play them together with significant minutes?

The tape tells me Burton can stretch to the 3-point line but in college he's been playing more inside due to his physical strength.

Parker plays more with his back to the basket.  Admittedly because in high school not many teams have size enough to let a guy like Parker play more outside?  Thoughts?

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on August 24, 2016, 07:51:37 PM
4 years of Parker Hazen?

OR

2 years of Joe Burton?

I'd take 4 years with Parker Hazen.  It takes time to develop in a program.  Is 2 years enough to prosper in a new program?

Here's to hoping Hazen doesn't have 2nd thoughts on his commitment because it would seem he chose VU to be the next Alec Peters...is Burton a deterrent (takes solid minutes)?  Can we play them together with significant minutes?

The tape tells me Burton can stretch to the 3-point line but in college he's been playing more inside due to his physical strength.

Parker plays more with his back to the basket.  Admittedly because in high school not many teams have size enough to let a guy like Parker play more outside?  Thoughts?

Nothing worthwhile on TV so thought I'd do a little research.

Going back to 02-03, the first year that is archived for news, I found the following Crusaders honored by the Conference:

02-03  Grafs, 1st Team
03-04  Gomez, Oppland and Bierdiel, 2nd Team
04-05  Zero
05-06  Oppland  1st Team  Howard 2nd Team (TRANSFER)Kone Honorable Mention (TRANSFER)
06-07  Igbavboa 2nd Team, Huff Honorable Mention Haanpaa New Comer Team
07-08  Loyd 6th Man of the Year, Igbavboa 2nd Team08-09  Zero
09-10  Wood NewComer of the Year (TRANSFER)  Johnson 2nd Team (TRANSFER)
10-11  Wood 1st Team (TRANSFER)
11-12  Broekhoff POY  Van Wijk 1st Team (TRANSFER)
12-13  Broekhoff 1st Team Van Wijk 2nd Team (TRANSFER) LaVonte Dority Sixth Man of the Year (TRANSFER) Buggs All Defense Team
13-14  Dority 1st Team (TRANSFER) Peters and Williams All Newcomers
14-15  Peters 1st Team, Fernandez Defensive POY, Walker All Freshman
15-16  Peters 1st Team, Fernandez Defensive POY

So it's a mixed bag.  A better view may come via looking at the kind of players who transferred in and contributed nicely to our success versus some of the freshman who were busts.

Transfers:

Capobianco
Boggs
Bogan
Coleman
Carter
Nickerson
Walker
Hammink

Less than steller:

Dino Jakolis
Cameron Witt
Mike Oppland
Phil Wille
Jimmie Miles
Oumar Sylla
Vince Humphrey
Bryan Bouchie
Milos Milosevic
Jay Harris
Hrvoje Vucic
Many others

I think it can be said that transfers can be very good (All conference) or very solid role players.  Most often, their experience at larger schools together with a year or two of added muscle and maturity makes them ready to contribute.  Freshman on the other hand can develop but rarely are ready to star for a couple of years.  The answer lies in what we have had for the last few years as well as today:  A solid mix of both.  I rest my case.

Guys Burton is a nice player no doubt. A transfer from a major U with really no stats. But I want to put things in perspective. HS rankings after a year or two of college ball mean nothing. I know I will catch heck for this but being a fan of DePaul, we got excited about these transfers and very rarely did they deliver.

Here is the difference, DePaul coaching blows, big time, they did not develop what was given to them.....maybe. But maybe these kids were overrated to begin with.

Joe Burton is an athlete he dominates with his right hand but I did see one take where he switched hands and made a layup which was impressive. His 3 Point shooting maybe good but his release sucks. He catches the ball at his chest, uses two hands to deliberately bring it up and then fires. Now with no one on you you're golden. But I saw Alec Peters tie UWGB in the Horizon League playoffs catch a ball, shake off a defender and put up a quick release three with nothing but net. That is elite. A release with that result is NBA esque. Now if Joe can play D...now were talking.

Now I say this but I have more confidence in this staff than ever at Depaul. I think Matt, with the game he played will get Joe righted from a shooting standpoint. If anyone saw Matt shoot, he could do that

Welcome back, ValpoDad89. Glad to see you back from your summer absence. I, for one, missed your contributions from the time you were gone.

bbtds, on behalf of a Valpo father, I thank you man!!! This board, with people like you and a host of others, makes it worthwhile. And for the record I trolled over the summer but had nothing to really contribute.

Don't think I've seen this before.  Here is what recruits see when they visit the basketball offices:

https://amp.twimg.com/v/85f62421-9f08-4079-83cc-b8921b98fbd8

Always nice to see coaches around campus escorting tall parents of tall young men.

Not sure of names or classes, but one of those signs that the school year is off to a good start.

I guess that as close-to-the-vest we keep our recruiting news, etc. we shouldn't expect any new info on how recruiting is going.  Please note that I am not being critical of our philosophy on recruiting, but it sure would be nice to hear a little about it now and then. I guess I am just getting anxious for news and excited about the up-coming season.

Quote from: valpo64 on August 26, 2016, 12:32:44 PM
I guess that as close-to-the-vest we keep our recruiting news, etc. we shouldn't expect any new info on how recruiting is going.  Please note that I am not being critical of our philosophy on recruiting, but it sure would be nice to hear a little about it now and then. I guess I am just getting anxious for news and excited about the up-coming season.

You do know there are NCAA rules that prohibit coaches, and anyone at a school for that matter, from talking about potential recruits, right?

I understand the rules, but very often info/offers/interests in recruits/etc become known(or speculated).  We already have seen some of that come out on this board, as it does every year.

Parker Hazen's senior year (high school at Columbia City) schedule

in case you have time to see him play, 7:45 p.m. game times isn't bad for you driving from Valpo and central time

http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/boyslogs54.htm

Nov. 23   Whitko {2A}   7:45 pm   
Nov. 26   at Warsaw {4A}   7:45 pm   
Dec. 2   Fort Wayne Northrop {4A}   7:45 pm   
Dec. 6   at Churubusco {2A}   7:30 pm   
Dec. 10   at Carroll (Fort Wayne) {4A}   7:30 pm   
Dec. 16   East Noble {4A}‡   7:45 pm   
Dec. 20   Wawasee {3A}   7:45 pm   
Dec. 29   Columbia City/Huntington Tournament    through Dec. 30
Jan. 4   Garrett {3A}   7:30 pm   
Jan. 6   at Bellmont {3A}‡   7:45 pm   
Jan. 13   at Huntington North {4A}‡   7:45 pm   
Jan. 14   Fort Wayne Canterbury {2A}   2:30 pm   
Jan. 17   Homestead {4A}   7:45 pm   
Jan. 21   DeKalb {4A}‡   7:45 pm   
Jan. 28   at New Haven {3A}‡   7:45 pm   
Feb. 2   Norwell {3A}‡   7:45 pm   
Feb. 10   at Leo {3A}‡   7:30 pm   
Feb. 11   at West Noble {3A}   7:30 pm   
Feb. 17   at Manchester {2A}   7:45 pm   
Feb. 18   Northridge {4A}   7:45 pm   
Feb. 24   at Fort Wayne Concordia {3A}   7:30 pm   
‡NORTHEAST 8 CONFERENCE GAME
 
Simple directions from Valpo: US30 to Main Street in Columbia City (about 85 miles with Super 8 and Pizza Hut near the intersection) turn right at light at Main St.(Hwy 9). Go past the Dairy Queen and turn left at the next light on North St. (Pizza King on far southeast corner). Go down about 2 blocks and Columbia City High School is on the far southeast corner. Turn right on Whitley St and turn left into the parking lot. The gym is to the east end of the school.   

Quote from: VULB#62 on August 23, 2016, 11:20:49 AM
Official Joe Burton announcement.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15639/joe-burton-joins-crusader-basketball-program/#.V7x3I2ViAo8

With the 3 xfers sitting out this season, it appears Matt is reloading more than rebuilding after Alec leaves us.

What the announcement failed to mention is that coming out of high school Burton was 59th on the ESPN Top 100 list. It is nothing short of amazing how the recruiting quality dynamic has changed over the past 4 years. To think that we have a pre-season 3rd team All American who is projected to go mid 2nd round in next year's NBA Draft to other 3- and 4-star recruits and now a mid Top-100 player is kind of mind staggering.

Speaking of which, it would be great to see 3-star HS senior Sasha Stefonavic join forces with 3-star Parker Hazen in next year's freshman class and have 3 years with 3-star Derrik Smits, 3-star Micah Bradford and 3-star Bakari Evelyn, and 2 years with 4-star Joe Burton.

Sounds like the coaches are back on the recruiting trail.

https://twitter.com/JucoBasketball/status/775822530737238016

https://twitter.com/brookhoops/status/776239717645950976

They were probably there to see Nana Akenten again. He's a program changing type player sort of the same way Alec and Rowdy were. He'd be a huge part of our program and would have the chance to start from day one or at the very least see big minutes and grow with Hazen and our young core. I think him and Sasha would be huge for the program if they came. Sasha's jump shot is a game changer.

Nana Akenten just visited Nebraska and said, ""What is next in the recruiting process?
"I'm still talking to my coaches about visits and dates."
Any schools that he knows he wants to get out too?
"That's the hard part.  Singling out schools and picking which ones I want to visit.  So nothing official yet."
Akenten is the #8 overall prospect in the 2017 class and #3 small forward.  He had a monster spring/summer with Hoopers/Celtics on the grassroots circuit.""

Coaches also could have been scouting 2019 Bolingbrook (IL) G Joseph Yesufu and 2018 (HS JR) Bolingbrook G Kaleb Thorton.

http://verbalcommits.com/players/joseph-yesufu

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/kaleb-thornton

Lottich was in DC recently.  Seems like he's pretty open about when and where he's out on the road.

[tweet]775497312957263872[/tweet]

Nana committed to Nebraska.

Which means Nana will be transferring here in a year or two!!! :)

Trying something new, La Lumiere puts its players on display

By MICHAEL RAINES - Staff Writer | Updated 1 week ago

LA PORTE — Wednesday was the last day of summer, and it was sweltering under the domed roof of La Lumiere's basketball arena.

Outside temperatures in the upper 80s overpowered the large fans placed at the north end of the concourse and the four high-powered blowers placed around the corners of the playing surface. Still, well more than 100 people dispersed themselves among the four rows of bleachers to watch the inaugural boys basketball combine.

"We kind of stole (the idea) from (the University of) Kentucky," Lakers coach Shane Heirman said. "They put on a combine for NBA scouts. For us, the talent level we have this year and the ranked guys we have, it kind of made sense to try to showcase our guys in this light.

"We've been waking up, working out at 5:30 a.m. four days a week. This is kind of a culmination of their work and kind of letting them reap the benefit of all their hard work."

Representatives from dozens of collegiate programs, mostly Division I, were in attendance to watch the players go through drills before a five-on-five, full-court scrimmage. The Lakers showed off their abilities at stations for vertical leap, shuttle run, lane agility and a three-quarters court sprint before shooting drills at five points along the collegiate 3-point line.

"This is the first time I've been to an event like this, where they're doing all of the skills testing and stuff," Valparaiso University coach Matt Lottich said. "It's good to see. We've recruited La Lumiere for a while and I think it's one of the best high schools in the country.

"I'm not talking about (just) the basketball team, although that is true. I'm talking about the school in general. I've got a lot of respect for it."

The highlight of the event was the scrimmage. Heirman stood by and allowed his assistants to lead the players against each other in a fast-paced contest during which the clock did not run and no score was kept.

"This is a dream, honestly," Jaren Jackson Jr., a senior forward from Carmel, said. "You'd never think you would experience an NBA Combine-like atmosphere in high school. Thanks to Nike and Gatorade and Coach Shane for putting this together to help us get exposure and put us on the map a little bit more."

The combine was an amiable affair, with college coaches chatting each other up in the stands while watching the action on the floor, a sea of multicolored golf shirts, each emblazoned with the insignia of his affiliation. The idea that one of those in attendance could have a major impact on the future weighed in the back of the players' minds.

"I'm not that new to it," Jackson said. "They've been watching me for a while. It's just, when you actually see them all together, it's kind of intimidating at first. You've just got to act like they're not there and play like you normally do.

"My emotions were a little high. I've got to control that a little more. Some plays, I didn't do what I wanted to. I've got to remember to relax."

Of the 16 players who worked out Wednesday, four are from Indiana: Jackson, Isaiah Coleman-Landis of Indianapolis, Pantelis Xidias of Michigan City and Peyton Marker of La Porte. Six others are from elsewhere in the United States, and the remaining six are international students.

"It reminds me of the Valpo basketball team," Lottich said.

For the event, NCAA regulations did not permit coaches to have contact with high school players who are freshmen or sophomores, making three of the players off-limits: Marker, Tyger Campbell and Paxson Wojcik. La Lumiere distributed a flyer with this information to the coaches in attendance, and an NCAA official was on hand to keep tabs on the goings-on.

"No one's really trying to go out of their way to infringe upon the rules or anything," Heirman said. "It's pretty easy, pretty self-policed. The NCAA's here to, just in case. It went really smooth, so we're happy with it."

Though Heirman plans to make a few changes to the format going forward, he expects La Lumiere's combine to be a premiere event for many years.

"This is Year One," Heirman said. "We'll get the kinks out and make it right."

Contact sports writer Michael Raines at mraines@thenewsdispatch.com or (219) 214-4169. Follow him on Twitter at @Michael__Raines.

Something to keep an eye on. It sounds like Sasha could be special college player. He mentioned he wanted to make his decision before his high school basketball season started. Not sure when that begins but has to be coming up soon.

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/784531728723480576

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/784836765777526784

"Sasha Stefanovic, a 2017 guard from Crown Point High School, does not have a final list of schools. With that in mind, high-majors like Purdue, Ole Miss and Northwestern are entering the picture. Here's an update with Sasha Stefanovic."

http://inbasketballsource.com/recruiting-news/2666-high-majors-eye-sasha-stefanovic

I was under the assumption that Valpo was in his Final 5 school, when he paired down his list a few months ago.

This is Peters and Rowdy'esk

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLXPlWOg_ss/

Quote from: VU2014 on October 11, 2016, 10:26:16 PM
This is Peters and Rowdy'esk

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLXPlWOg_ss/

Please don't. Bad memory.

He's going to be a star, and is hopefully a priority of the coaching staff.

Quote from: VU2014 on October 11, 2016, 10:20:35 PM
Something to keep an eye on. It sounds like Sasha could be special college player. He mentioned he wanted to make his decision before his high school basketball season started. Not sure when that begins but has to be coming up soon.

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/784531728723480576

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/784836765777526784

"Sasha Stefanovic, a 2017 guard from Crown Point High School, does not have a final list of schools. With that in mind, high-majors like Purdue, Ole Miss and Northwestern are entering the picture. Here's an update with Sasha Stefanovic."

http://inbasketballsource.com/recruiting-news/2666-high-majors-eye-sasha-stefanovic

I was under the assumption that Valpo was in his Final 5 school, when he paired down his list a few months ago.

Would love to ink Sasha and one juco before mid-November!

Quote from: VU2014 on October 11, 2016, 10:20:35 PMNot sure when that begins but has to be coming up soon.

Crown Point starts their season Nov. 23rd at Bowman Academy (the day before Thanksgiving)

http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/boyslogs65.htm

I see Indy Pike is going up to Crown Point on Dec 10th. Despite the Crusaders playing at Missouri State that night it would be a good time to see Sasha Stefanovic against an elite team.

Valpo 2017 recruit Marcus Carr verbally committed to Pitt.

https://twitter.com/PghSportsNow/status/791285924273328128

There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Quote from: valpo64 on October 30, 2016, 06:54:03 PM
There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

http://www.nationalletter.org/signingDates/

Quote from: valpo64 on October 30, 2016, 06:54:03 PM
There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

If that indeed was Sasha last Saturday at our football game, he was sitting on our side of the field.  I did not mean to imply that he was there because of Butler, but rather for us.

Quote from: covufan on October 31, 2016, 09:01:26 AM

Quote from: valpo64 on October 30, 2016, 06:54:03 PM
There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

Having no direct connection to Valparaiso University (son graduating from VU Law School is indirect), I think I am in a better position than most to be completely honest and unbiased when I say --- Why in the world would Sasha Stefanovic pick any of these other 4 schools over Valpo - basketball program wise, academic wise, distance wise, or any other wise? 

Quote from: wh on October 31, 2016, 11:36:09 AM

Quote from: covufan on October 31, 2016, 09:01:26 AM

Quote from: valpo64 on October 30, 2016, 06:54:03 PM
There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

Having no direct connection to Valparaiso University (son graduating from VU Law School is indirect), I think I am in a better position than most to be completely honest and unbiased when I say --- Why in the world would Sasha Stefanovic pick any of these other 4 schools over Valpo - basketball program wise, academic wise, distance wise, or any other wise? 

Some students want to be as far away from their parents when "away" at college as possible.

https://twitter.com/crayton_caudill/status/791404495989186560

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/791405046353145857

https://twitter.com/crayton_caudill/status/791405621321097216

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/791405711620046848

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/784532310657990656

Just saw over twitter that Valpo is scouting Don Bosco games again. I guess its not surprising because its probably just coaches doing their due diligence scouting/recruiting. I wonder if that relationship is testy or tense still or if everyone involved understands business is business. I highly encourage everyone to give Paul Oren and Parker Gatewoods new Valpo Basketball Podcast 'Union Street Hoops' ( http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/audio/podcast-union-street-hoops-episode/audio_4330295c-9f7a-11e6-b9e3-8fa6e8bd0715.html ). They address the Don Bosco thing a little bit. But coaches were there. Just curious as if we will have shot at seriously getting a shot to recruit and sign one of their players again. I hope things eventually get smooth over.

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/792747721065009152

https://twitter.com/ChicagoHoops/status/792802950502547456

https://twitter.com/ChicagoHoops/status/792533890355396608

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/792850551885160448

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/793126114386259968

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/793127012525150208

Lol, "we are DB"  :thumbsup: :lol:

Quote from: wh on October 31, 2016, 11:36:09 AM

Quote from: covufan on October 31, 2016, 09:01:26 AM

Quote from: valpo64 on October 30, 2016, 06:54:03 PM
There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

Having no direct connection to Valparaiso University (son graduating from VU Law School is indirect), I think I am in a better position than most to be completely honest and unbiased when I say --- Why in the world would Sasha Stefanovic pick any of these other 4 schools over Valpo - basketball program wise, academic wise, distance wise, or any other wise? 

Northern Iowa has recent basketball program success that rivals or exceeds Valpo (at least in terms of NCAA tournament wins).  I admittedly know little about their academics, and it's obviously farther away.

Butler is not at all involved with this recruit as they've already got 4 commitments.  Others (Purdue?) may be.

Have any of us seen Sasha in action outside of highlight reels?  How is his athleticism?  Does he have Power 5 potential?  We know it's a mental war these young kids fight between the prestige of B1G vs Valpo, but wasn't Alec similar to a Sasha or Parker Hazen?  Gifted, but athletically not born with raw athleticism....rather, through work ethic and practice they reach their highest potential.  With players like this, do the Purdues of college ball give them a chance to excel? 

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/795058238135930880

http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/indiana/lowell/lowell-senior-high-school/nicholas-mantis

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2760481/nick-mantis

Let me ask this in a way to open up a discussion and it is not a critique of any past practices, just something that struck me reading this thread. 

On first glance, it appears that recruiting and success at bringing in a higher caliber player, particularly from Indiana/Illinois areas (where we have not historically been as successful (notable exceptions like AP)), has picked up since Matt took over for discussion is it (i) fruits of efforts built by the past coaching staff, (ii) changes in recruiting style/targets of the new staff, (iii) the belief by higher level recruits that they will not be compared to the shadows/pressure of the Bryce legend and his family; hence a new beginning, (iv) a bit of all of the above, (v) just reading too much into it and nothing is different, or (vi) another reason than (i)-(iv)?

Quote from: valpo84 on November 08, 2016, 07:59:04 AM
Let me ask this in a way to open up a discussion and it is not a critique of any past practices, just something that struck me reading this thread. 

On first glance, it appears that recruiting and success at bringing in a higher caliber player, particularly from Indiana/Illinois areas (where we have not historically been as successful (notable exceptions like AP)), has picked up since Matt took over for discussion is it (i) fruits of efforts built by the past coaching staff, (ii) changes in recruiting style/targets of the new staff, (iii) the belief by higher level recruits that they will not be compared to the shadows/pressure of the Bryce legend and his family; hence a new beginning, (iv) a bit of all of the above, (v) just reading too much into it and nothing is different, or (vi) another reason than (i)-(iv)?

I think if you ask ten people, you might get ten opinions with some version of the above.  I might add recent success.  Players know that if they come to Valpo they have a chance to play for a Horizon League Champion and a chance to dance!  The fact that Valpo was realistically in the at-large discussion adds to the recent success.

Quote from: valpo84 on November 08, 2016, 07:59:04 AM
Let me ask this in a way to open up a discussion and it is not a critique of any past practices, just something that struck me reading this thread. 

On first glance, it appears that recruiting and success at bringing in a higher caliber player, particularly from Indiana/Illinois areas (where we have not historically been as successful (notable exceptions like AP)), has picked up since Matt took over for discussion is it (i) fruits of efforts built by the past coaching staff, (ii) changes in recruiting style/targets of the new staff, (iii) the belief by higher level recruits that they will not be compared to the shadows/pressure of the Bryce legend and his family; hence a new beginning, (iv) a bit of all of the above, (v) just reading too much into it and nothing is different, or (vi) another reason than (i)-(iv)?

Valpo84, of the list you mentioned (i) and (ii) are in my mind the most likely reasons higher level recruits are giving us a look, along with the NIT run and the higher profile teams VU upstaged this past season.  Any recruit or potential recruit that saw the Florida State game live or on video would have to be impressed by the team and the atmosphere.  I think that Matt also is probably bringing a fresh energy to the recruitment process that is bringing a different type of attention to VU than the Bryce Drew hype we have been receiving in the past.

Heard that Valpo is most likely going to offer Mileek McMillan from Merrillville. 

Awesome. Just checked some highlight vids and looks solid. Seems to have a nice shooting touch for a guy whose 6'7" - 6'8".

He has 2 other offers from: Eastern Illinois and UMKC within the last 2 weeks.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/mileek-mcmillan

https://twitter.com/bopat10/status/794693851457921024

https://twitter.com/InTheGymHoops/status/795691070218792960

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO5qirwNTY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjlhj7yBYY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U6wrcqqNCM

From the ValpoAthletics page...

Hazen Signs NLI With Valpo Men's Basketball
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that the program has received a signed National Letter of Intent from Parker Hazen, a 6'7" forward from Columbia City H.S. Hazen, who is ranked seventh in his class in the state of Indiana by ESPN, will join the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2017-18 season.

"We are extremely excited to add Parker Hazen to the Valparaiso University community," said Lottich. "He is a fantastic young man that will thrive here academically, socially and athletically. As a basketball player, he comes with a large skill set. He is tall, very athletic and extremely hard working. The best thing about Parker is his eagerness to improve. Parker isn't afraid to put the work in to be great, and that is what has been the trademark of this program. All Valpo Basketball fans should look forward to the future and the great things that Parker will do both on and off the court."

Hazen was named an Indiana Junior All-Star following his stellar 2015-16 season for the Eagles. He averaged 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last year, helping to lead Columbia City to its second consecutive sectional title. On the AAU circuit, Hazen has played for the prestigious Spiece Indy Heat program in the Nike EYBL.

https://twitter.com/CCityEaglesAD/status/796372038227292160

Welcome aboard, Parker!  Could be our next AP?

Quote from: valpo64 on November 09, 2016, 04:26:46 PM
Welcome aboard, Parker!  Could be our next AP?

We were saying can AP be the next Rowdy. How bout we let Parker be the first Parker.

Quote from: valpo64 on November 09, 2016, 04:26:46 PM
Welcome aboard, Parker!  Could be our next AP?

It appears that Parker is pondering that very thing. Note his comments in the 2nd video about "mirroring" AP:

http://wane.com/2016/11/09/columbia-citys-parker-hazen-inks-with-valpo/

Did he say AP is a 5th year senior? haha  Like his attitude toward wanting to be the guy!

Are we expecting more NLI?  If so, who are the possibilities?

Quote from: M on November 10, 2016, 01:31:11 PM
Did he say AP is a 5th year senior? haha  Like his attitude toward wanting to be the guy!

Maybe we should have a little PH balance when comparing these two players?

I didn't see this before but Sasha Stefanovic, the Big Time recruit was at the game a couple days ago. One of our rougher games to watch but at least he got to see Alec go off for +30 and he could see himself possibly being a player in the same mold. Sasha can really shoot lights out and would be a program changing recruit along side Micah, J, Smits, Tevonn, and redshirted guys this year and Parker Hazen.

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/797602699013455872

Quote from: M on November 08, 2016, 02:11:44 PM
Heard that Valpo is most likely going to offer Mileek McMillan from Merrillville. 

Looks like we offered Mileek McMillan this past Sunday:

http://verbalcommits.com/players/mileek-mcmillan

Looks like the other schools who are interest in him are UMKC and E. Illinois.  Of course he would choose Valpo over those other offers.  Hope he can play. 

His game looks similar to Jubril in a one minute clip and without putting undo pressure on him.  Need a guy willing to get dirty inside. Mileek can be Mileek.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO5qirwNTY0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO5qirwNTY0)

Mileek McMillan of Merrillville HS signed a NLI today and will be a freshmen in the 2017 season. Congrats to our coaching staff and welcome Mileek. Believe its our first Merrillville HS grad since the early 80's. 6'8 forward who was 6'2 as a freshmen. 6'5 as a junior.

Hopefully this is just the beginning of recruiting NWI. There is soooo much talent up here.

McMillan also had an offer from Indiana Wesleyan.  Taking people from Tonagel, and it sounds like other D-1 programs were starting to seek this guy out.  Will hopefully be a nice get as he develops into his bigger body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjlhj7yBYY0

Shouldn't we have recruiting battles with schools not named Indiana Wesleyan, E. Illinois and UMCK? 

Maybe we'll here positively from Sasha this week!

More on Mileek:

https://twitter.com/NWINews/status/798672307665321984

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-boys-basketball-valparaiso-mileek-mcmillan-st-1116-20161115-story.html


Merrillville senior center Mileek McMillan signs with Valparaiso 





Merrillville senior center Mileek McMillan signs with Valparaiso






Merrillville's Mileek McMillan, who signed with Valparaiso University this week, goes up on defense against LaPorte's Scott Cooper, 44, last season. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)


Mike HuttonBy Mike Hutton
Post-Tribune

November 15, 2016, 5:33 PM



Mileek McMillan has a hard time putting into words what this week has meant.

"It's like a dream. It's crazy. I can't believe it happened," the Merrillville senior said.


Only it's not.

It's very real.







Monday, after watching Valparaiso University play Coppin State, McMillan verbally committed to play for the Crusaders.

On Tuesday, McMillan's mother sent a signed letter of intent to the school, according to Merrillville coach TJ Lux.

It's been a whirlwind process for McMillan, a 6-foot-7 center who was virtually unknown to start the summer.

McMillan averaged 5.4 points and 6.7 rebounds last year. He only scored in double figures once, according to Lux.


College coaches started to notice McMillan this summer when he played well in July in the AAU circuit.

Merrillville assistant coach Bo Patton said that when McMillan started playing for Indiana Elite out of Indianapolis, he started fielding calls from coaches who wanted to know who McMillan was.

McMillan started with a Chicago-based AAU team, the Illinois Wolves, before moving to Indiana Elite.

Indiana Elite gave McMillan the confidence he needed to showcase his talent.

McMillan is the quintessential modern front-court player.

He can step out and shoot the 3-pointer, post up, shoot facing the basket and run the floor. Defensively, he can block shots. The Pirates expect big things from him this year.

"I started playing more," he said. "I got the freedom to do what I wanted. More people were interested."

Said Patton: "It just exploded. Everyone was asking about him."

McMillian had offers from Eastern Illinois, UMKC and NAIA power Indiana Wesleyan. The Crusaders offered last week.

McMillan believes VU will be a perfect fit.

"It's a great place for me, " he said. "I'll get a good education and they have a great athletic program."

McMillan is the first local recruit signed by first-year coach Matt Lottich.

Looks like a big dude that will fit well in the Horizon.

Sounds like Mileek is a late bloomer and really showed off his growth and skills this Fall. "Mileek is unique in that he is only beginning to scratch the surface of what he is going to be as a basketball player," said Crusader head coach Matt Lottich. "Mileek was 6'2" as a sophomore, 6'5" as a junior, and now as a senior, he is already 6'8". He possesses guard skills in a power forward's body and poses extreme matchup problems for the opposition. Crusader fans are going to love Mileek's versatility, his competitive desire and the fact he is from Northwest Indiana. Mileek will be a great addition to Valparaiso University and we couldn't be more excited to add him to our roster."

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15920/mcmillan-signs-nli-to-join-valpo-mens-basketball-program/#.WCx78WQrL-Y

That late blooming height from 6'2" as a sophomore, 6'5" as a junior, and now as a senior, he is already 6'8" probably helped him develop those guard skills that he may not have develop as a young player if he was already considered the big guy post player pre high school, where often times the tall kids are told to develop post skills and rebound and not developing the skills and shooting ability of guards. Just my theory I guess. That's one of the reasons I feel like the NBA is getting these Euro big men are coming into the league being able to shooting the ball and be more versatile. The Euro bigs are taught to develop all skills as big men which isn't often the case in the States. He looks really athletic for for a 6'8" guy. I'm pretty excited to see how he develops.

QuoteMaybe we'll here positively from Sasha this week!

I remember reading an article when he narrowed down the offers down to 4 schools: Valpo, Loyola, St. John's, and Evansville, that he said he wanted to decide which school he want to commit to before his high school season, but I read an article at NWI.com a couple days ago that seems to indicate that he changed his mind possibly.

I'm hoping he choses Valpo, but we'll see. I took a look at Loyola, St. John's, and Evansville's rosters and it seems like Sasha would be "blocked" a little more then he would be at Valpo if you consider Sasha a 2 guard. We have more opening and he'd probably have a better opportunity to get playing time as a younger player. I really think Sasha would be a great fit at Valpo and he could be an impact player here and he'd be able to develop his game with this coaching staff/team.

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/boys-basketball/crown-point-s-stefanovic-continues-to-advance-his-game/article_e29fe674-a40c-5610-8ee5-543487b00000.html

Crown Point's Stefanovic continues to advance his game

By: Jim Peters           Date: Nov 14, 2016

It's not like Sasha Stefanovic wasn't already well-known when he hit his memorable game-tying, overtime-forcing 3-pointer from 30 (give or take) feet against Valparaiso in last year's Class 4A Crown Point Sectional final.

It just took the Bulldog's star to another level, reaching the point where he became readily identifiable as simply "Sasha".

"Everybody around school knows who I am. Everybody knows me for the shot," Stefanovic said. "My phone was blowing up. A lot of my friends try to imitate it. From a basketball aspect, beating our biggest rival in such a big game, it was a crazy experience. It was one of those things I couldn't believe myself. I'd love to do it over and over again."

Casual fans may know Stefanovic for the shot or his sharp shooting in general, when there is so much more about the 6-foot-4 guard's game.

"A lot of people look at his ability to shoot and understandably so," C.P. coach Clint Swan said. "That's what stands out the most. He's continued to evolved in all aspects of the game. He handles the ball better. He was our best rebounder last year. He's become our best passer. He's turned into someone who can not only create his own shot, but break guys down off the dribble and get into the lane."

That's something Swan wasn't sure Stefanovic would be able to do as a slick-passing freshman with a sweet standstill shot. By the end of his sophomore year, he was in the mold of a point forward, able to bring the ball up at any time.

"He's worked hard on his body, on his skills, and it's paid huge dividends," Swan said. "A moment like that (shot), he could rest on his laurels, the glory of the moment, but he's hungry for more. You can tell he wants it more. His teammates want it more. It creates a really good culture in the program. "

As good as he already was, Stefanovic saw the big picture, knowing he had to make advancements in order to become a complete player at the collegiate level.

"Defense is something I definitely have to work on," he said. "Most (colleges) have me as a 2, maybe a 3. All those guys are crazy athletic, strong, fast. Offensively, I fit most systems, but I have to be able to play the end of the floor, too."

Stefanovic played AAU with the Eric Gordon All-Stars, Mr. Basketball favorite Romeo Lankford of New Albany among his teammates. He traveled the country, seeing many of the top players in the nation, though a sprained ankle in late June limited his productivity.

"It was a fun summer," he said. "I wasn't playing well, but a lot of people got to see me out there. I got a little stronger. Being out with the injury, I focused on that. I worked on my game a lot, becoming a more complete player."

For Crown Point, Stefanovic will play everything short of the post, as he did last year. He can create size mismatches outside and pull bigger interior defenders away from the rim.

"Whatever coach Swan wants," he said. "I've worked real hard on my driving ability, not just for my own shot, but to create plays for others. I anticipate a lot of junk defenses, face guarding, but I have faith in all the guys to be able to help us win. The sophomores and juniors are going to have to fill big roles and the seniors are going to make sure they do what they need to do to get us back to the places we've been."

The Bulldogs have reached the Michigan City Regional final the last two years and look to take at least another step. It takes stars to get there, but more to go beyond.

"He understands the attention coming his way," Swan said. "That's something he's always handled really well. Some kids make the mistake of trying to do too much. He takes what the defense gives, what's best for the team, which really speaks well of his basketball IQ. That type of mindset makes it fun for others to play with him because he tries to get them involved as well, and it makes him infinitely more difficult to guard."

Beyond a deeper team run, Stefanovic aspires to make the all-star team and be a Mr. Basketball candidate. He'll wait to make his college decision after the season. A list of 22 offers has been narrowed to four -- Evansville, Valparaiso, Loyola and Northern Iowa -- though that could change.

"I'm not going to try to add any pressure, put any stress on my teammates," Stefanovic said. "The last two years, we had the same record going into the sectional, so I'm not going to get caught up in records, who's ranked or not. I just want to go out and enjoy it with my friends. We've been together a long time. It's our last go round. Why not make it fun?"

Fingers crossed on Sasha, we all know how much the team could use another outside shooter.  Mileek is going to be an outstanding talent.  Guy has grown 6 inches in 2 years.  The region is filled with outstanding players who either bloom later (due to growing late or increased PT due to playing behind upper classmen) or can't afford the big time (even small time) AAU circuit. So I guess my point is, don't put too much into what other schools are offering a kid we get.  Trust the coaching staff, or if it is too early for trust, give them the benefit of the doubt that they know what kind of talent they are targeting.

One of my nephews teaches at Mville, is a VU season ticket holder, and basketball savvy. He thinks Maleek is positioned to have a big senior season and would have received multiple offers.  In his opinion, Valpo beating the competition to the punch is a low risk high return gamble. He also said no one knows if he's done growing.

Personally, I like what Matt did here. Think about Vashil. He went from somebody no one wanted coming out of high school to a premier D-1 defender and shot blocker by his senior year.

I agree with Matt's approach here.  VU cannot yet consistently recruit the Shane Hammink quality athletes out of high school.  We have to develop our players, be it 2* to 3* recruits.  Or take on transfers, of which I think we have two promising guys for next year (Bakari and Burton).  I'm pleased with this move despite Oklahoma Mick (my buddy) who wants 7* and he wants it NOW! 😉

Also, here's a prediction on UIC.  3 of their freshmen transfer due to lack of playing time.   

The reason I bring this up is because you cannot recruit a bunch of three star recruits and expect all of them stay happy with minutes.  It's exceedingly difficult to hand out mediocre minutes to high achievers and get them to "buy in".  Teams need 2* type players to fill out the roster and work hard for minutes (not expecting them).  Mileek is 2* and should have a chip on his shoulder to prove otherwise.

P.S.  Most of UIC freshmen are PG or SG as recruited.  Even more reason.  Think 4/5 are guards.

Does anyone know if our 2 early signings are the end  for 2017 or are we waiting for possibly more?

QuoteDoes anyone know if our 2 early signings are the end  for 2017 or are we waiting for possibly more?

Parker Hazen and Mileek McMillan both signed and sent in their NLIs so they are officially in the fold for the 2017 Freshman class.

We have 3 other outstanding public offers for the 2017 Freshman class:

1. Sasha Stefanovic - SG  The big fish (imo). He's a game changing recruit although Parker and Mileek (just started to breakout this Fall) are very good recruits as well. We're in Sasha's Top 4: along with Evansville, St. Johns, and Northern Iowa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViKNj2lpDcE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59J_sqkwFvc

2. Greg Elliot - SG  He got an offer back in April. I haven't heard much about him since. Offers: Detroit, Eastern Michigan, Milwaukee, Temple, Valpo, Rice, DePaul, Duquesne, Toledo and George Mason.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0HV71x8nyU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5hdtJFOoCU

3. Axel Okongo - C - He's plays at Thetford Basketball Academy up in Montreal, Canada. I can't almost next to nothing about the recruit other then he's 7-0" and I guess he drew some interest from Georgia Tech and we're the only official offer he has, which he received back on 9/12/2015.
https://twitter.com/NERRHoops/status/753351974800744450

I think Paul Oren mentioned that the coaching staff really likes John Kiser the Freshman Walk-On this year, and he'll probably get one of the 2 remaining scholarships. I have heard literally nothing about the Axel recruit but we already have 2 freshman big men and Parker Hazen is versatile enough play the 4 and 3. I think Mileek could also play both the 3 and the 4.

I really hope Sasha choses Valpo. I bet the coaching staff has a plan B, C and D and is actively scouting potential recruits.

Anyone know what happened to John Middleton the red-shirt transfer? I know he got suspended for breaking team rules but nobody was talking about what happened. He wasn't in the team photo either. Has he been on the bench at the games?

Mike Hutton of the Post Tribune wrote another article about Mileek McMillan. Definitely worth getting read. McMillan sounds like a very late bloomer with huge upside. I'm pretty excited for his future.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mike-hutton-column-st-1120-20161119-story.html

Hutton: Valparaiso-bound Mileek McMillan comes out of the blue for Merrillville

By: Mike Hutton Post-Tribune

Welcome to the Mileek McMillan era at Merrillville.

If that sounds strange to anyone watching the Pirates, who were ranked No. 1 in Class 4A for a good portion of last year, that's OK.

McMillan isn't sure what to think either.

"It's weird," he said of his recent notoriety.

After averaging five points and eight rebounds last season, after being the fifth scoring option for the Pirates, McMillan was thrust into the spotlight in a way he never imagined after a monster summer.

Eastern Illinois, Missouri-Kansas City and Valparaiso all offered scholarships.

More were likely on the way if he held out, but McMillan was overwhelmed with the attention and signed a national letter of intent Tuesday with Valparaiso.

The last few months have been a blur.

McMillan arrived this summer after Bo Patton, an assistant for Merrillville, took him off the Illinois Wolves, an AAU team out of Chicago, and put him on Indiana Elite, an Indianapolis AAU team.

An impressive July caught the eyes of college scouts.

Merrillville coach T.J. Lux said the first time an EIU assistant saw him, he called the head coach and told him to come see McMillan right away.

He was that good.

EIU was the first to offer.

All buzz aside, McMillan is still a bit of a mystery to Lux.

Oh, Lux watched McMillan get infinitely better this summer. Lux knows that McMillan has added 30 pounds of muscle. He weighs 220, up from 190 last year.

Lux knows McMillan can run the floor and score inside.

Or step out and make a 3-pointer.

The problem is, he hasn't done it much in high school.

DJ Wilkins, Jairus Stevens, Cameron Wilbon and Marcel Cherry were — in no certain order — scoring options before McMillan. Wilkins and Stevens have graduated.

"Mileek has gotten a lot better," Lux said. "Obviously, he is going to be more of a priority with Jairus and DJ gone."

McMillan's story is a remarkable lesson in perseverance.

He was cut from the basketball team in seventh grade. He made the B team in eighth grade, and then missed his freshman year with an ankle injury.

He started about half the games on the JV, and then he started last year, but he wasn't the player teams scouted against.

McMillan had potential, but no one was sure how that would go until he started playing with Indiana Elite.

Patton said that was a game-changer.

"We knew if he got in the right situation, he was going to turn the corner," Patton said. "He's been good since then (playing with Indiana Elite)."

McMillan's problem in middle school was his weight.

He was chubby. He has slowly grown into his body. McMillan was 6-foot-1 as a freshman and 5-8 in seventh grade. Lux said McMillan is 6-7 today without his shoes on.

Getting cut made a huge impact on him.

"I was crying, " McMillan said. "My mom told me that if I really wanted to play, that I should keep trying."

He heard her, working by himself to sharpen his skills.

The new McMillan, the full-blown version that most teams haven't seen yet, can play with his back to the basket, facing up, or he can step out and make 3-point shots.

Lux said McMillan is unselfish and concerned. He stretched out making his commitment to Valparaiso because coaches were stopping by to watch him play.

That allowed players like Wilbon and Johnny Bernard, a 6-3 guard, to get some looks. Like everyone else, Lux is interested to see how the season unfolds with his big man.

Lux was once a coveted frontcourt player at Merrillville before signing with Northern Illinois. He knows a little bit about what McMillan is going through.

"He has a very high ceiling," Lux said of McMillan. "He is still growing into his body and he has developed quickly. He's got the physical ability. Now, he just has to figure out the mental part of it."

Asked what his goals were, McMillan seemed puzzled.

"I'm not sure," he said. "I'd most definitely like for us to win a championship."



Also the Post Tribune ranks Mileek's Merrillville team #1 in the State and Sasha Stefanovic's Crown Point team #2 and Valparaiso #3.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-boys-basketball-preview-st-1120-20161119-story.html

TOP 10 TEAMS

1. Merrillville (22-2): Valparaiso University recruit Mileek McMillan leads a Pirate team with all the parts. Cameron Wilbon (10 points) and Jonah Jackson (7 points) return. Johnny Bernard, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, could surprise.

2. Crown Point (19-9): Sasha Stefanovic (15 points) and Andrew Kenneally (11.8 points) lead a Bulldog team that won its own sectional last year. Dominic Tomich (5.2 points) and Ken Decker also return. All four players are seniors.

3. Valparaiso (20-7): Trace Ramsey (11 points) and Jay Bisacky (8 points) give the Vikings a solid frontline. Brandon Newman, a 6-3 sophomore, could be a player to watch. The JV team went undefeated last year. It all depends on guard play for the Vikings.

Those are Mike Hutton's Top 10 REGION teams. He obviously hasn't ranked any FW, L'ville area, E'ville or Indy teams in the state.

Here is the AP Indiana State Rankings for each class

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/hs-blog/2016/01/26/weeks-ap-high-school-basketball-rankings/79357874/

Does anyone know if Valpo is interested in Lowell's Nick Mantis? I hear he was at a recent game/visit and from video I've seen he looks good. Apparently he has no offers yet. Wondering if Valpo is holding out to see what happens with Sasha, before throwing out any more offers. Would be nice to add another quality player from NWI ( either one ). Also what is up with Middleton, I don't think I've seen him at any games, I know he got suspended but is he gone for good or expected to be here next year. Thinking if it opens up another spot for 2017. 

Idk about any offers, but think I saw Mantis put up 41 the other night.  Walter Ellis also put up some nice numbers.

Quote from: M on November 26, 2016, 12:20:54 AM
Idk about any offers, but think I saw Mantis put up 41 the other night.  Walter Ellis also put up some nice numbers.

Quote from: M on November 26, 2016, 12:20:54 AM
Idk about any offers, but think I saw Mantis put up 41 the other night.  Walter Ellis also put up some nice numbers.

Despite being a scoring machine, he doesn't have any D-1 offers yet. Not sure what to make of that, except to say that if our goal is to maintain our current status as a Top-50 program, it will take an ongoing crop of high quality mid major-level players and players with high major skills (i.e., AP, SH) to make it happen. If Mantis fits that profile, Im sure the coaching staff will be all over him. If not, there has to be a good reason.

Quote from: wh on November 26, 2016, 12:55:12 PM

Quote from: M on November 26, 2016, 12:20:54 AMIdk about any offers, but think I saw Mantis put up 41 the other night.  Walter Ellis also put up some nice numbers.

Quote from: M on November 26, 2016, 12:20:54 AMIdk about any offers, but think I saw Mantis put up 41 the other night.  Walter Ellis also put up some nice numbers.

Despite being a scoring machine, he doesn't have any D-1 offers yet. Not sure what to make of that, except to say that if our goal is to maintain our current status as a Top-50 program, it will take an ongoing crop of high quality mid major-level players and players with high major skills (i.e., AP, SH) to make it happen. If Mantis fits that profile, Im sure the coaching staff will be all over him. If not, there has to be a good reason.

I totally agree with you. We should seek out the best talent available no matter where they come from, but I'd hate to see us miss out on local talent that fits our requirements. Just looking at his stats and video I was wondering if he's flying under the radar or the competition makes him look better than he is. I'm no scout, there are a lot more qualified people than me, but I was just curious about his status.

Mileek went for 17pts and 8rebs tonight in a win over Southport.

Quote from: M on November 26, 2016, 10:18:48 PM
Mileek went for 17pts and 8rebs tonight in a win over Southport.

Speaking of Southport, the Cardinals, after losing to Jeffersonville and Merrillville by double digits at opposite ends of the state will take on the Trojans from Center Grove, finally in near by Johnson County. CG postponed their two opening basketball games due to their football team advancing in the state playoffs. So Southport with two large losses under their belt will battle untested Center Grove, coached by none other than Butler grad, Zach Hahn. Brad Stevens sure has a great legacy.

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/hs-blog/2015/11/16/center-grove-reschedules-basketball-games-due-to-football-title-game/75882834/

 Can anyone share a good website to follow box scores from Indiana high school basketball?  Was curious to see what his FG% was leading to 17 pts?  Maybe I'm hunting a ghost, thought I'd ask.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on November 27, 2016, 08:18:53 PM
Can anyone share a good website to follow box scores from Indiana high school basketball?  Was curious to see what his FG% was leading to 17 pts?  Maybe I'm hunting a ghost, thought I'd ask.

You might have noticed an ad on the ESPN 3 broadcast of the Rhody game of a company called Statzhub.com. Their ad said they covered stats for levels down to high school. It might be worth a try.

Was Sasha in the house last night?

QuoteWas Sasha in the house last night?

I don't think so

Was surprised to see that Merrillville is not loading stats to the MaXpreps website.  This is probably the most common website for high school sports and teams to upload stats and other information including videos.  Maybe they will start doing so as the season gets into full swing.  http://www.maxpreps.com (http://www.maxpreps.com)

This is from last week but Parker Hazen throws down a pretty great dunk last week.

https://twitter.com/GlennMarini/status/801626294429634560

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on November 27, 2016, 08:18:53 PM
Can anyone share a good website to follow box scores from Indiana high school basketball?  Was curious to see what his FG% was leading to 17 pts?  Maybe I'm hunting a ghost, thought I'd ask.

Not a good website for box scores but this site has scores and schedules......

http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/boys.html

Thanks, hope to follow Hazen and Mileek a bit.

Heard Mileek put up a goose egg against EC the other night.

Quote from: VU2014 on December 02, 2016, 09:54:21 AM
This is from last week but Parker Hazen throws down a pretty great dunk last week.

https://twitter.com/GlennMarini/status/801626294429634560

Unfortunately Columbia City is 0-3 under their first year (at CCHS) coach Brett Everly, Everly only has 4 wins in his whole career as a coach, as the Eagles lost to Whitko (3A), Warsaw (4A) and FW Northrop (4A) by a total of 41 points.

Saw Walter Ellis was offered by Cal. He'd be a nice get for Coach Lottich.

Mileek had 14 pets, 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots tonight in a win over Morton.

Mid season Parker Hazen highlights. Amazing explosiveness, athleticism and post moves, vertical.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721de119a91677e74b1946a

Very glad Parker is coming to VU.  But does he shoot at all...rather than layup or dunk?  I suppose highlight reels of shooters aren't as sexy...but we need shooting most for next year.  If he is our PF/SF of the future we want a combination.  Anyone watch his games that can comment?

Quote from: wh on December 22, 2016, 12:31:18 AM
Mid season Parker Hazen highlights. Amazing explosiveness, athleticism and post moves, vertical.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721de119a91677e74b1946a

How did this guy only get other offers from Ball State and Iupui?

He reminds me of Seth Tuttle - looks like an intense dude with a great low post game.

Quote from: a3uge on December 22, 2016, 07:26:42 AM

Quote from: wh on December 22, 2016, 12:31:18 AM
Mid season Parker Hazen highlights. Amazing explosiveness, athleticism and post moves, vertical.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721de119a91677e74b1946a

How did this guy only get other offers from Ball State and Iupui?

He reminds me of Seth Tuttle - looks like an intense dude with a great low post game.

Love the comparison!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rny68Oonm8k

Quote from: a3uge on December 22, 2016, 07:26:42 AM

Quote from: wh on December 22, 2016, 12:31:18 AM
Mid season Parker Hazen highlights. Amazing explosiveness, athleticism and post moves, vertical.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4862245/5721de119a91677e74b1946a

How did this guy only get other offers from Ball State and Iupui?

He reminds me of Seth Tuttle - looks like an intense dude with a great low post game.

Parker really committed pretty early, right in the middle of summer AAU.  If he had waited a little longer I am sure you would have seen the offers roll in.  He was intimately familiar with Valpo because of his brother's recruitment and I think that really helped us as he had stated in some local articles.

Quote"It was just kind of a slower recruiting process than what I kind of hoped for," he said. "Nothing against Valpo, but I use that as a chip on my shoulder – where I can go out there and play mad. ... I'm definitely all-in on getting this season, contributing the best of my ability."

He wants to continue contributing at the next level, too, by making an impact as a freshman at Valpo. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his junior season.

"They had faith in me," Hazen said, "and also just looking ahead to next year when I step on campus. There's going to be some gaps to fill, and they kind of have faith in me that I'll be able to fill those gaps. That's what I'm looking to do, which is to contribute right away, obviously competitive at the next level and work hard to get to that spot."

The Crusaders, under former coach Bryce Drew, also pursued Hazen's older brother, Brachen, who is a freshman at Arkansas. Valpo was a final-four selection for Brachen before he first committed to Central Florida, then later to the Razorbacks.

"Brachen and I, we had kind of separate recruiting, which was good," Parker said. "I learned a lot from the fact schools can take awhile to recruit you and eventually get that offer, but at the same time, we wanted to keep ours separate. It was a good thing.

"Valpo, they recruited Brachen hard. That was one of his last four schools. At the time, he committed to Central Florida. Valpo was out of the picture there, he decommitted and then coach Drew was gone. I think Valpo handled that well keeping us separate instead of seeing it like a package deal."

Quote from: FWalum on December 22, 2016, 08:18:18 AM

Quote from: a3uge on December 22, 2016, 07:26:42 AM

Quote from: wh on December 22, 2016, 12:31:18 AM

The Crusaders, under former coach Bryce Drew, also pursued Hazen's older brother, Brachen, who is a freshman at Arkansas. Valpo was a final-four selection for Brachen before he first committed to Central Florida, then later to the Razorbacks.

Currently Brachen is the 13th man on a pretty good Arkansas team plus they have signed top highly rated PF's for next year...

Very quick first step and able to finish through the contact (of the much smaller defenders).  It will be fun to watch him develop.  Hope for an outside shot, but I'm not holding my breath.  Maybe that comes later on like it has for Jubril.  I will be interested to see how his post game is his freshmen year when he can't just bully his way around.

QuoteVery glad Parker is coming to VU.  But does he shoot at all...rather than layup or dunk?  I suppose highlight reels of shooters aren't as sexy...but we need shooting most for next year.  If he is our PF/SF of the future we want a combination.  Anyone watch his games that can comment?

From what I've heard about Parker is that he is athletic, high energy 4. With the possibility of becoming a stretch 4, he develops his jump shot. His brother Branchen is more of a 3 and better shooter, but Parker's is quicker and more athletic. But what I took away from that video is that Parker has some really great feet for a big guy. He moves around the basket really well for a guy who is 6-8. He is also a good passer. He needs to work on that shooting touch and he could be extremely dangerous scoring threat. High ceiling for Parker and is going to be a core player for us.

I was just looking at Branchen Hazen's stats at Arkansas this season and isn't getting much playing time yet down there (he's a true freshman). http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/4066246/brachen-hazen
This is a pipe dream and way to hopeful thinking to think Branchen could possibly transfer here lol. Two Hazen's on the court and the same team play for Valpo would be pretty awesome. He's a good player and could get playing time with us and could develop his game here. Branchen Retweeted this tweet a few days ago...
https://twitter.com/devin_cannady3/status/804172567883956224

Could you imagine a potential Northern Indiana Basketball Coup of:
-Parker Hazen (Columbia City)
-Mileek McMillan (Merrillville)
-Sasha Stefanovic (Crown Point)
-Branchen Hazen (Columbia City)
-Walter Ellis (South Bend)

Would be one hell of a crew.

I think we should temper our expectations of this recruiting class a bit.  Columbia City hasn't exactly been a force and they had both Hazen brothers on the team for a few years.  I think it is going to take Parker longer to develop than most posters think.  The Merrillville kid seems more like a project and maybe a potential redshirt.

The transfers are intriguing, but none of them were standouts at their former schools.

QuoteI think we should temper our expectations of this recruiting class a bit.

Agreed, but I don't think anyone thinks they are going to be studs from the get go though. I think Parker will need to adjust to the colligate game, because he won't be able to push guys around like he can in high school with his size. I can't emphasize enough how important the need to develop his jump shot to keep the defender on him honest, to make his life easier to for him to get to the basket. The Valpo coaching staff is really going to help his game to become more well rounded.

Like you said Mileek is a project and is a very late bloomer. Apparently he's still growing and is adjusting to his new height and body.

I'm still really hoping Sasha Stefanovic signs with us. He's an immediate freshman impact player, with his jump shot. I've personally seen him play and he's a game changing recruit for a program. I could see him getting big minutes his freshman year here. 

Quote from: VU2014 on December 22, 2016, 10:19:33 AM
I'm still really hoping Sasha Stefanovic signs with us. He's an immediate freshman impact player, with his jump shot. I've personally seen him play and he's a game changing recruit for a program. I could see him getting big minutes his freshman year here. 

Tomich leads torrid comeback as Crown Point beats Pike
Steve Hanlon steve.hanlon@nwi.com, (219) 933-4198 Dec 10, 2016

"Stefanovic scored a game-high 25 points and had nine rebounds with Purdue assistant coach Brandon Brantley looking on and talking to him after the game."

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/boys-basketball/tomich-leads-torrid-comeback-as-crown-point-beats-pike/article_59e8f732-06f7-5cba-8e69-011a67251485.html

From the video, Hazen looks D1 ready... or at least his body does. You can't teach that athleticism and size.

Parker appears to have the low post game that Rowdy and AP had to develop over time, so it will be an inverse of what we have been used to, where his outside shot will need some development for him to be a stretch SF/PF.  However, he seems very athletic, and his shot does not look all too bad, from the limited non-layups/dunks that we see.  It will be a bit like Dan Oppland, though Dan was more of a true PF, that learned to shoot the 3 over his last few seasons.

Quote from: valpotx on December 22, 2016, 11:02:25 AM
Parker appears to have the low post game that Rowdy and AP had to develop over time, so it will be an inverse of what we have been used to, where his outside shot will need some development for him to be a stretch SF/PF.  However, he seems very athletic, and his shot does not look all too bad, from the limited non-layups/dunks that we see.

This is a great point. Rowdy had to develop ball skills to create his own shot. Alec developed a low post game. Carter developed an outside shot. These guys had to develop and diversify their skills over time. Had they came into college with these abilities, they'd likely be playing for someone like Michigan State or Louisville.

QuotePurdue assistant coach Brandon Brantley looking on and talking to him after the game.

There are very few recruits that I've followed closely, in hopes of landing them because you know they are underrated and are going to be good players. Sasha is one of those guys. It's going to sting if we strike out on this guy. The kid can flat out ball and he's going to be a good player. I know Purdue has been looking at him for a while.

I was just taking a look at Purdue's Verbal Commit Profile and it says they have -1 scholarships available for the year 2017. They have 2 kids signed for next seasons recruiting class already. Sasha hasn't received an official offer from Purdue, but he has taken an unofficial visit. https://twitter.com/GoldandBlackcom/status/793587290136125440
https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/793585458383056896

I see Parker as a bigger version of Shane, as he is quick and very athletic.  Like Shane, he may not have the greatest outside shot but that can be developed.  Valpo's teams seem to be getting more athletic all the time.  Think about next year with Parker, Joe and Bakari adding to Tevonn, Micah and Lexus!

I would imagine Purdue will lose at least one, maybe both, of Haas and Swanigan to the draft. They are both underclassmen. 

QuoteParker appears to have the low post game that Rowdy and AP had to develop over time, so it will be an inverse of what we have been used to, where his outside shot will need some development for him to be a stretch SF/PF.  However, he seems very athletic, and his shot does not look all too bad, from the limited non-layups/dunks that we see.  It will be a bit like Dan Oppland, though Dan was more of a true PF, that learned to shoot the 3 over his last few seasons.

I'd say its much tougher to develop a good jump shot then it is to teach post moves for coaches. Coaches can teach shooting mechanics but I don't think you can teach that natural touch on the ball that natural born shooters have. Just in my experience.

Purdue graduates (2)
Has (2) signed for 2017

They are now at 13 scholarships, but then they have (1) commit for 2017...this should mean they need (1) transfer to meet their current signed and committed players for 2017. 

So this seemingly means they need (2) transfers to even have (1) spot open for Sasha?

Or any net loss (transfer, NBA, step away from basketball, etc)

Quote from: VU2014 on December 22, 2016, 12:16:48 PM

QuoteParker appears to have the low post game that Rowdy and AP had to develop over time, so it will be an inverse of what we have been used to, where his outside shot will need some development for him to be a stretch SF/PF.  However, he seems very athletic, and his shot does not look all too bad, from the limited non-layups/dunks that we see.  It will be a bit like Dan Oppland, though Dan was more of a true PF, that learned to shoot the 3 over his last few seasons.

I'd say its much tougher to develop a good jump shot then it is to teach post moves for coaches. Coaches can teach shooting mechanics but I don't think you can teach that natural touch on the ball that natural born shooters have. Just in my experience.

Based on the limited videos I have seen, he does have some good mechanics for a mid/long-range jumper.  He will need to extend that to the 3 point line, which I believe he even admitted to when he committed. 

I think the video of Parker Hazen was from last year.  The Columbia City  team of this year is TERRIBLE!  On at least 2 occasions Hazen has had only 2 or 3 total points per game.  Last night I believe he had 3.  Is he hurt?  I think his team has only won 1 game this year.  I'm not saying that he is not a good find, but just wondering what is going on with him so far this year.  Perhaps someone could check out his stats for this season.

Quote from: valpo64 on December 22, 2016, 01:29:06 PM
I think the video of Parker Hazen was from last year.  The Columbia City  team of this year is TERRIBLE!  On at least 2 occasions Hazen has had only 2 or 3 total points per game.  Last night I believe he had 3.  Is he hurt?  I think his team has only won 1 game this year.  I'm not saying that he is not a good find, but just wondering what is going on with him so far this year.  Perhaps someone could check out his stats for this season.

They've only got 2 wins on the season. Only returned 2 players from their previous year's roster and have a new head coach. Doesn't exactly sound like a recipe for success, even if you are a D1 player.

https://twitter.com/lancebechtold/status/810164978531573760

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/810290216225255424

Columbia City

Date   Opponent   Result
11/23  7:45p  Whitko (South Whitley, IN) 60 - 41  Loss
11/26  7:45p  @ Warsaw (Warsaw, IN)   62 - 41 Loss
12/2    7:45p  Fort Wayne Northrop    39 - 38 Loss
12/6    7:45p  @ Churubusco   67 - 59  Loss
12/10  7:45p  @ Carroll (Fort Wayne, IN)  77 - 47 Loss
12/16  7:45p  East Noble 52 - 40  Win
12/20  7:45p  Wawasee   52 - 34  Loss

12/29  TBA   @  Holiday Hoops in Columbia City
12/30  TBA:   Valparaiso High School @ Holiday Hoops in Columbia City

Overall 1-6   Conference 1-0   National Rank 7673    State (IN) Rank 241

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on December 22, 2016, 12:21:33 PM
Purdue graduates (2)
Has (2) signed for 2017

They are now at 13 scholarships, but then they have (1) commit for 2017...this should mean they need (1) transfer to meet their current signed and committed players for 2017. 

So this seemingly means they need (2) transfers to even have (1) spot open for Sasha?

Not sure what you are looking at but Purdue has only 10 on scholarship (1 senior) with 3 walk-ons (the other senior). They have the ability to sign 4 in the next class. Swanigan will be all accounts go pro though Haas would be making a mistake if he did.  V Edwards declared last year but returned and will probably do the same thing again.

Quote from: vu72 on December 22, 2016, 11:54:50 AM
I see Parker as a bigger version of Shane, as he is quick and very athletic.  Like Shane, he may not have the greatest outside shot but that can be developed.  Valpo's teams seem to be getting more athletic all the time.  Think about next year with Parker, Joe and Bakari adding to Tevonn, Micah and Lexus!

Good points.  Valpo will definitely miss Alec and Shane next year, but Coach Lottich is adding guys who will help them "reload" instead of "rebuild".

I think fears that recruiting would fall off without Bryce and Roger were unwarranted.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/purdue

Another 14 point performance from mileek in a loss down state. Sounded like he hit both ends of a 1 and 1 when Merrillville was making a comeback attempt. They lost by 3 to McCutcheon.

Quote from: IndyValpo on December 22, 2016, 02:30:12 PM

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on December 22, 2016, 12:21:33 PM
Purdue graduates (2)
Has (2) signed for 2017

They are now at 13 scholarships, but then they have (1) commit for 2017...this should mean they need (1) transfer to meet their current signed and committed players for 2017. 

So this seemingly means they need (2) transfers to even have (1) spot open for Sasha?

Not sure what you are looking at but Purdue has only 10 on scholarship (1 senior) with 3 walk-ons (the other senior). They have the ability to sign 4 in the next class. Swanigan will be all accounts go pro though Haas would be making a mistake if he did.  V Edwards declared last year but returned and will probably do the same thing again.

This is how I read the Purdue situation: They currently have 12 on scholarship, two of which are former walk-ons.  They currently have 4 for next year - one JC transfer (LOI), and three HS seniors (two LOI and one VC).  If the player that was a former walk-on returns to walk-on status, Purdue will be fine with scholarships.  If one (or more) of the players heads to the NBA, then Sasha will potentially get a scholarship offer.  That is why he hasn't committed, and why Purdue is still recruiting him.

Stay in school!

Quote from: M on December 21, 2016, 10:07:18 PMMileek had 14 pets, 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots tonight in a win over Morton.

Maybe Mileek should be checked out by the Lake County Animal Control. 14 pets!

Not sure if anyone saw this but it could be a positive sign:

https://twitter.com/CPBulldogHoops/status/814319420231315460

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/814329546472308736

https://twitter.com/Sash_Stefanovic/status/814331349297414145

https://twitter.com/Sash_Stefanovic/status/814334435554447360

I could be just trying to read too much into the tea leaves. But either way nice to see a friendship between one of the greatest players in school history and a great recruit from the area. I've been beating the Sasha Stefanovic drum for a while, but this kid is going to be a difference maker and is going to be a great player. Really hoping Sasha choses Valpo to go to school. He'd get big minutes his Freshman year and would be a great fit for the program. I think it would be a win-win: great program, great education, top mid-major program, great coaching. Fingers crossed.

Additional noteworthy comment when it comes to recruiting:

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/815030045181874177

With John Middleton's departure now we have 3 scholarship opening for class 2017 now:

Signed Players:

-Parker Hazen (SF)

-Mileek McMillan (PF)

2017 Outstanding Offers:
-Sasha Stefanovic (SG)
-Greg Elliott (SG)
-Axel Okongo (C)

My gut tells me now with Middleton's departure, that we are hoping for Sasha to sign. Then other 2 will be filled out with transfers in the offseason or Kiser will get one of the scholarships. I haven't seen enough of Kiser play to make a judgement on him yet. I heard he had mono earlier this year which really affected him.

It will be interesting to see who signs. I'm hopeful/optimistic on Sasha, but with Elliot I haven't heard anything and with Axel is a huge mystery.

I wasn't high on Middleton's signing.  A transfer from Utah State does not really impress me.

I agree, he was not impressive from what videos I could find on him (Middleton).

But is John Kiser better? If he gets the open scholarship.  Has anyone seen or heard much from him (high school or his time here)?

I'm of the belief we need players on scholarship who are practice squad types as well, so to me it may be a mute point.  Maybe he plays as a senior in a limited role? (Davidson-esque)

Kiser played vs Chicago State where he had 6 or 9 points. It sounds like he was injured earlier in the season which is why we haven't seen much of him. I've heard he's been good in practice and his time on the court did not actively hurt us, which, for a freshman walk-on, seems like clearing a bar that some scholarship players can't always claim.

The thing to remember about next year is that we already have Mileek & Hazen coming, and Burton and Bakari will be eligible. So even if we give Kiser one Scholarship we are still going to be looking at 5 new players coming in next year, fighting for time, while still having Lexus, Micah, Tevonn, Jaume and Derrik as well as Max. I hope we get Sasha, but if not, I think a transfer or another "project' would be a good thing to have. Kiser seems like Glue for the team and teams need those guys. Look at Davidson. He has stuck it out, even when maybe his coaches would have been okay with his leaving, and his teammates devotion to him (specifically Alecs) has most likely made them a tighter team.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1CcMM1UkAAOhuh.jpg:large)Valpo was looking at Taylor Bruninga from Illini Bluffs. It doesn't hurt that this guy was asked to pose with him during winter break.

I saw Paul RT a few tweets about Taylor Bruninga last week. The similarities between him and Peters are striking, two 6'8" - 6'9" guys who can really ball from small towns in central Illinois. Both under recruited. I'm not going to say he's Peters but he's sort of the same type of stretch 4 player with a nice jump shot. Just from a quick google search he is absolutely taring up his division. I believe he don't play in the biggest division in the state of illinois so they don't have the opportunity to play the best teams in the state, but still the numbers he's putting up are eye popping. He is starting to get more buzz because of the insane #'s he's putting up and even being talked about as a potential Mr. Illinois Basketball Player of the year. Someone definitely to keep an eye on.

I think if Valpo offers which we might I think we'd be a great place for him to develop his game and get playing time. Peters and Rowdy's development in college is a blueprint for a player with his skill set.

https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/815257592398249988
https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/815258247426953218
https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/815259059569954816
https://twitter.com/racingumby/status/815269240320196610
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/815258057093632000
https://twitter.com/DanMolloyTV/status/808866956082380802
https://twitter.com/ib327athletics/status/814905989673680896
https://twitter.com/Sports_Aaron/status/818647112292462593
https://twitter.com/Jkom91/status/817905120524533763
https://twitter.com/WritingIlliniFS/status/815690366376673280
https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/815323272502018049
https://twitter.com/brickies2010/status/815362376153387012
https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/815398409070899204
https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/818675766162575362

Definitely a stretch 4 that really looks like in the mold of a Peters type player. In the vid he isn't playing with anyone probably near his ability but look at the touch on the 3 pt shot. It also looks like he dribbles the ball pretty well for a guy who is 6'8" - 6'9".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzBvlGdS4hE

According to VerbalCommits, Taylor Bruninga has three offers - Wisconsin Parkside, Winona State, and Minnesota State - Morehead.

http://verbalcommits.com/players/taylor-bruninga

Of course, they also have him listed at 6'5" and 170.  From the pics he looks a little bigger than that!

He looks like a big ole boy. Go get him if he can shoot it!

It would be great to have him and Parker Hazen!  We would be replacing Jubril and AP with 1 guy that needs to learn an outside game, and the other could probably learn the inside game.  That has gone well for us over the last 4 seasons ;).

Playing for a small school against other small schools does not preclude a player from excelling at the next level. Butler's (late) Andrew Smith played for a small Christian HS. Our "adopted" fellow Crusader fan zville was a stud at one of the smallest 1-A schools in Indiana, then went on to stardom at Butler. I can't remember the kid's name from South Central (small 1-A in LaPorte County) who chose Indiana State over us 5 or 6 years ago. He had a nice career there despite dealing with a host of plaguing injuries.  Just like Bruninga, all 3 players were 6-8 or taller and had a significant height advantage in HS. 

I'm sure I could go on and on if I gave it a little thought.

Quote from: VUBBFan on January 10, 2017, 12:18:46 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1CcMM1UkAAOhuh.jpg:large)Valpo was looking at Taylor Bruninga from Illini Bluffs. It doesn't hurt that this guy was asked to pose with him during winter break.

In case you were wondering these two guys are both from Peoria area high schools, with Illini Bluffs covering the towns of Glasford, Kingston Mines and Mapleton (home of one of the Caterpillar plants) 15 miles southwest of Peoria near the Illinois River.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Washington+Community+High+School,+Bondurant+Street,+Washington,+IL/Illini+Bluffs+High+School,+212+Saylor+St,+Glasford,+IL+61533/@40.6514322,-89.7538086,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x880a54979b87ff39:0xf3c2f23437b1dd3c!2m2!1d-89.418425!2d40.704325!1m5!1m1!1s0x880a8921eff1d331:0xd92caa2e51491aad!2m2!1d-89.8077845!2d40.574221

Another guy who played for Valpo from this area was Jason Jenkins who went to East Peoria High School.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzBvlGdS4hE





Most of this footage is taken inside the Peoria Civic Center where the Bradley Braves, coached by former Green Bay coach, Brian Wardle, play and the Peoria Rivermen of the Southern Professional Hockey League play.

Some names mentioned in his recruitman...different levels of interest of course:
ISU
UNI
UMICH
ILL
IN STATE
E ILL
LOYOLA
UIC
SIU-Edwardsville was at a game
GB
ODU

All since Dec 01 it appears.  Now this is his AAU coach talking, but the interest has certainly picked up.

Scoring 49 points even against below average competition means 3-ball and jump shots.  Hard to picture him with 20 layups in 3 Quarters.

http://www.pjstar.com/sports/20161125/taylor-bruninga-putting-illini-bluffs-on-map-for-college-recruiters


Taylor Bruninga putting Illini Bluffs on the map for college recruiters

By Johnny Campos
Journal Star sports reporter

Friday
Posted Nov 25, 2016 at 10:31 PM

PEORIA HEIGHTS - It doesn't happen very often, but the town of Glasford has become a common destination on the recruiting trail for college basketball coaches.

The target: Illini Bluffs senior Taylor Bruninga, a 6-foot-7 - and growing - forward.


A few games into the current boys basketball season, Bruninga has not disappointed.

After finishing with 38 points and 16 rebounds on Friday in an 84-45 win over the hosts in the Peoria Heights Thanksgiving Tournament, the 17-year-old is averaging an even 40 points for the 3-1 Tigers. The only blemish was a 76-68 loss to a talented team from Cloverdale, Ind., in the Washington Tournament of Champions.

"I think recruiters know where I'm from now," said Bruninga, who has scored 1,142 career points for IB. "The team has gotten off to a good start.

"Cloverdale was a good test for us, so I think we're putting Glasford on the map."

Clay Vass, who has coached the Tigers since 2013, said that he noticed Bruninga's potential early.

"I recognized his abilities when he was a freshman and was still only about 6-1," Vass said. "He had an injury and only played the last eight games on the freshman squad.

"When he was a sophomore I put him on the varsity, when there were some people who thought he wasn't ready yet. But by January he was our leading scorer as a sophomore, and was definitely our leading scorer as a junior."


Bruninga was a guard as a freshman, but went through a couple of growth spurts that led to his new position.

"From a freshman to a sophomore, I grew three or four inches," he said. "Then I grew another three inches from my sophomore to junior seasons.

"And I feel like I still have a lot of guard qualities, and can bring the ball up the floor when I need to. But I feel like I've really developed my post game more, and that's really helped me out as a player."

That has not been lost on Vass.

"I've been coaching about 30 years, and I've had about four guys like this, and I've been very fortunate," he said. "And the thing with Taylor is he's a nice, humble kid.

"And yet he's a hard-working kid, and just does what he's asked to do. As a coach, how can you ask for anything else?"

Bruninga also played golf and was an all-state pitcher for the Tigers last season. But he has not yet decided on a college.


That has kept his phone ringing and mailbox full of recruiting letters from interested coaches. Some have even offered letting him play both basketball and baseball.

Bruninga said he is not letting the recruiting process interfere with his current season.

"When I step out onto the floor, it's game time," he said. "I can talk to them after the game.

"When I go out on the floor, it's my teammates first. I'll probably start to think about it after the basketball season is over."

And the recruiters will know exactly where to find him - in Glasford.

Johnny Campos can be reached at 686-3214 or at jcampos@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnnycampos59

Quote from: wh on January 10, 2017, 12:39:57 PMButler's (late) Andrew Smith played for a small Christian HS.

I'm not sure that any of the private high schools can be considered "small." They have a much larger base of students that they "recruit" from and this has led to many of these "small" high schools being upclassed by the IHSAA to make them competitive with the larger public schools.

Name a private high school in Illinois or Indiana that competes in the large body of schools (IHSAA/IHSA) that doesn't compete better than the public schools of equivalent size.

You are right--we are off topic and I don't want to threadjack the discussion with my comments/questions.  I deleted my comments so this thread stays its course.  (Mods you can delete this too if you like.)

Taylor Bruninga may be the single greatest recruit in the history of Illinois basketball but that video showed some of the worst competition I've seen in a recruiting video(if that is what it is). I thought the opponents were practice players in a scrimmage.

Do we think the lack of an offer means we have potentially moved on?  Since it has been reported we've seen about a month roll by (mid December tweet that VU was at one of his games).

Which leads me to the next question...when is too late in the recruiting process for a US high school senior?  We heard mention that some of our international players darn near showed up on campus in August without the fan base knowing much.  Jaume (I think) wasn't really public on this forum until late spring/early summer.  I'd think that a US player's recruitment is a good deal different?

We aren't a P6 school that can sweep a kid up late in the process.

QuoteDo we think the lack of an offer means we have potentially moved on?  Since it has been reported we've seen about a month roll by (mid December tweet that VU was at one of his games).

Which leads me to the next question...when is too late in the recruiting process for a US high school senior?  We heard mention that some of our international players darn near showed up on campus in August without the fan base knowing much.  Jaume (I think) wasn't really public on this forum until late spring/early summer.  I'd think that a US player's recruitment is a good deal different?

We aren't a P6 school that can sweep a kid up late in the process.

I'm not going to pretend to know the strategies and nuances of recruiting players but it could be possible that they are trying to build a relationship with the player before giving an offer. I feel like if coaches establish a relationship with a player then it will mean more and be more impactful to receive an offer from the team, especially if your from a team like Valpo that has a tradition of only making offers to targeted players and not like the P6 schools that if you look on verbal commits give out offers to players like candy. This might be particularly be more effective when your recruiting a player who is from a small town and by all accounts has been vastly under recruited but is just starting to cause buzz on the recruiting circuit.

I'm not really sure how the recruit/scouting process works and the strategy of how it works.

Quote from: bbtds on January 11, 2017, 12:36:33 AMI'm not sure that any of the private high schools can be considered "small." They have a much larger base of students that they "recruit" from and this has led to many of these "small" high schools being upclassed by the IHSAA to make them competitive with the larger public schools.

In large part this is a complete fallacy that for some reason most people still choose to believe simply because there must be some "unfair advantage" that contributes to a parochial/private schools success.  Sure there are some almost "National" private schools that fall into that category, but the vast majority do not.

Mileek vs Sasha tonight 💥💥

Quote from: M on January 13, 2017, 07:05:16 PM
Mileek vs Sasha tonight 💥💥

Crown Point 69, Merrillville 62

photo gallery:  #2...
http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/photos/preps-sports/gallery-crown-point-at-merrillville-boys-basketball/collection_344c94ec-9f10-56a8-851f-0900be4a3558.html#2

Mileek no where to be found (among scorers) and, who is Ken Decker??  29 points!!

Hopefully not who Mileek was guarding 😱

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/820077895536312322
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/820081718237532160
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/820087230446399488
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/820091729827233793
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/820121828521889792
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/820123040117903364
https://twitter.com/AndrewZimCPTV/status/820077846299377664
https://twitter.com/AndrewZimCPTV/status/820081460833042432
https://twitter.com/AndrewZimCPTV/status/820091785548537856
https://twitter.com/AndrewZimCPTV/status/820092397694701570

QuoteHopefully not who Mileek was guarding 😱

Nope. I believe Ken Decker was the SF for the team.

QuoteMileek no where to be found (among scorers) and, who is Ken Decker??  29 points!!

Ken Decker committed to Depauw, and sort of slid under the radar, buts having a really good senior year.

As for Mileek in this game, I think its important to keep in mind that Merrillville is using him as a center and less of a 3 or a 4. He's the tallest guy on the team he plays more of the role of Center and become the 3rd or 4th scoring option in some case. Mileek has a ton tools but is seen as a "project" from what I can tell.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-boys-basketball-crown-point-merrillville-st-0114-20170113-story.html

All decked out: Ken Decker scores career high as Crown Point edges Merrillville

By: Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune

Ken Decker wanted to be more aggressive.

The senior forward achieved that aim Friday night in Crown Point's Duneland Athletic Conference game at Merrillville.

Decker scored a career-high 29 points as the Bulldogs pulled out a 69-62 win against the Pirates.

He said he felt he let Crown Point down on Jan. 6 in a three-point loss to Michigan City. But he rose to the challenge against Merrillville (9-4, 1-1).

"The ball was just going in — I can't say much more than that," Decker said. "Anybody on our team is capable of having a night like that. The ball just happened to be falling in my hands and going in the hoop."

Decker shot 11-for-13 for Crown Point (10-2, 1-1), including 5-for-6 from 3-point range. He continues to make the most of his final season after previously seeing little playing time.

"Every good moment he has, I'm so happy for him," Crown Point coach Clint Swan said. "All the work he's put in, he wanted to play more, and he's getting his opportunity this year.

"It's not just about making 3-pointers. It's rebounding, taking charges, finishing through traffic. And when he gets open, he's going to knock them in. I get emotional talking about him."

In a back and forth rivalry game, the Bulldogs snapped a 58-58 tie with 3:35 left when Sasha Stefanovic found Sam Krutz for a basket and Decker scored. Decker's 3-pointer made it 65-60 with 2:58 left.

Pirates coach T.J. Lux described Decker as the difference.

"He was awesome," Lux said.

Merrillville turned up its press, but Crown Point didn't crack.

"Our guys did a great job of finding that next guy," Swan said. "Last week, we did a bad job of trying to break pressure by dribbling. This week we did a much better job trying to break pressure by sharing the ball, moving bodies and moving the ball, and taking the best possible shot."

The Bulldogs led 31-28 at halftime and opened as much as a six-point lead midway through the third. But the Pirates stormed back to lead by as many as five points within the last two minutes of the quarter.

"The tempo, we create a faster pace defensively, but then we got into things mishandling the ball and taking some ill-advised shots," Lux said. "We were trying to do too much, trying to force the action. We have enough talented guys for the action to come to them.

"When we jumped in front, we needed to take care of our business."

Stefanovic joined Decker in double figures for Crown Point with 17 points.

Merrillville had balance with Cameron Wilbon scoring 15 points, Jonah Jackson 13 and Johnny Bernard 12. Valparaiso recruit Mileek McMillan was hampered by foul trouble throughout the game.

"Even though Michigan City was a bump in the road, our confidence was really high," Decker said. "All respect to Merrillville, they're a phenomenal team. But even when it got rough there in the third quarter, we didn't stray from our mindset."

mosipoff@post-trib.com

Twitter @MichaelOsipoff

A friend at the game said Mileek had 4 points. Says Mileek was guarding CP's biggest guy and that Mileek wasn't demanding the ball.  Thanks his game will be much more fitting to how Valpo plays. My friend won an NAIA national title a few years back and has been to a number of M'ville games and Valpo games. He is also good friends with the guy who Mileek trains with in the offseason.

QuoteA friend at the game said Mileek had 4 points. Says Mileek was guarding CP's biggest guy and that Mileek wasn't demanding the ball.  Thanks his game will be much more fitting to how Valpo plays. My friend won an NAIA national title a few years back and has been to a number of M'ville games and Valpo games. He is also good friends with the guy who Mileek trains with in the offseason.

Thats good. Yeah it seems like Merrillville coach is doing a Mileek a disservice playing him at center/post player when he's not a true center. But the Merrillville coach's focus is on winning games and not developing Mileek's game for the next level solely. Maybe it might help him in the future to get comfortable in the post and maybe learn some tricks early. Alec developed post moves in college which expanded his game greatly. But I sort of wish Merrillville was playing him as a 3 or a stretch 4 for his developments sake to give him more opportunities.

Did your friend mention Sasha's game? 

Took a gander at Sasha Stefanovic verbal commit and the site has CLOSED St Joseph's from his final 5.

Only lists 4 teams:  VU, Loyola, Evansville and UNI.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 14, 2017, 06:49:34 PM
Took a gander at Sasha Stefanovic verbal commit and the site has CLOSED St Joseph's from his final 5.

Only lists 4 teams:  VU, Loyola, Evansville and UNI.

VU 14-4 Conf 4-1
Loyola 12-6 (2-3)
Evansville 10-9 (1-5)
UNI 5-11 (0-1)

Loyola lists (7) SG on their roster for next year. Evansville (4) and (1) signed for 2017. UNI needs a SG like we do, they have (2) on next years roster.

We have (1) in Walker.  I'm feeling like our biggest concern is P6 sniping.  The part of Sasha's game that is impressive is his rebounding.

And so it begins. His first D1 offer. I think they are going to coming at him at a pretty fast pace now. If the Valpo coaching staff really likes him I think we'll see an offer extended in the relatively near future.

https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/821209064323633152

Great game for Sasha to come watch last night.

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/821154911597559808

http://www.pjstar.com/sports/20170117/illini-bluffs-forward-taylor-bruninga-receives-scholarship-offer-from-eastern-illinois

How can UIC even make a concerted effort.  Next year has then with zero openings + a commit without a spot + 8 transfer/scholarship offers.

Good to know we are at least mentioned.  If we think he is a good fit, I'd imagine Alec's success along with an open contest for PF should make us lucrative.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-ptb-mike-hutton-column-st-0120-20170119-column.html

Hutton: Crown Point's Sasha Stefanovic keeps getting better at 'pulling cork'
Mike Hutton Post-Tribune

Crown Point coach Clint Swan is not afraid to admit it.

If he's having a bad day, Swan sometimes watches video of Sasha Stefanovic's last shot in regulation against Valparaiso in last year's sectional championship game.

Stefanovic made a 3-pointer from NBA distance at the buzzer with a Vikings' defender in his face to send the game into overtime. The Bulldogs won 59-54 in double overtime.

Stefanovic? He's seen it a few times, but he's not living in the past.

"It was a great moment — I'll never forget it," he said. "But I don't want that moment to define me. It was just one shot in one game."

Stefanovic, a 6-foot-5 senior guard, is a basketball blue blood. His father, Lou, was a star at Merrillville and Illinois State.

Swan, who rarely plays freshman on the varsity, couldn't help it with Stefanovic. He was scoring "25 or 26 points in games that lasted 24 minutes" when Swan brought Stefanovic up midseason.

Swan calls Stefanovic a "pull-the-cork" player.

Some players have all the skills to be great. They can dribble, pass, rebound and defend, but when the game is on the line, they wilt. Stefanovic has it all, and he delivers in crunch time.

He can "pull the cork."

With the graduation of Indiana recruit Grant Gelon and point guard Blake Bonin, Stefanovic has had to adjust. He's had to figure out different ways to pull the cork.

A variety of junk defenses and double-teams have been used against him. Teams face guard him. They bump him. They run different defenders at him.

And yet, he's better than ever, averaging 20 points and seven rebounds.

He's bigger and stronger and more confident. His best games have come against the Bulldogs' best opponents.

He scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against Griffith. He had 25 points and 10 rebounds against Indianapolis Pike, and he scored 28 against East Chicago Central.

His play has reached a consistent level of excellence.

Swan isn't surprised.

"The great ones find a way to reinvent themselves," he said. "He's found different ways to score."

The Bulldogs are a confident team. They can play several different styles, fast or slow.

They can throw it inside to Andrew Kenneally, a 6-7 bruiser, or Ken Decker, an inside-outside post. They are the best team in Northwest Indiana.

And Stefanovic is their leader.

According to Swan, Stefanovic's biggest improvement this season is playing through contact. He's averaging over six trips to the free-throw line per game. He isn't afraid to barrel through the lane.

Stefanovic said it's part of the progression.

"I am stronger and faster than I was last year," he said.

The only setback for Stefanovic this season has been a high ankle sprain. That caused him to sit out the first two weeks of July.

That was a difficult two weeks. It was showcase time for AAU players. He wanted to play badly.

Stefanovic, who has 21 offers from mid-majors, thought he could draw interest from bigger schools. Didn't happen, but he's still hoping.

A deep run for the Bulldogs in the tournament could make it happen.

Swan said Purdue and Vanderbilt are interested, but neither have offered. He pointed out the transfer rule that allows college graduates with a year of eligibility to play immediately, there are always late-season scholarships available.

Stefanovic is careful about what he says, calling his top four choices Valparaiso, Evansville, Loyola and Northern Iowa.

"My heart is with those four schools," he said.

For now, though, he is just looking for more chances to pull the cork and make more high school memories on the basketball court.

mhutton@post-trib.com

Twitter @MikeHuttonPT

TOP 10

With records through Wednesday. Last week's rankings in parentheses.

1. Crown Point 11-2 (2)

2. Michigan City 12-4 (1)

3. Merrillville 10-4 (3)

4. Valparaiso 12-2 (4)

5. Andrean 9-1 (5)

6. Griffith 12-1 (7)

7. East Chicago Central 8-6 (8)

8. Chesterton 9-5 (6)

9. Lowell 11-3 (9)

10. LaPorte 11-3 (NR)

Player of the Week: Senior guard Sasha Stefanovic scored 25 points and grabbed 12 points Saturday to lead Crown Point to a 68-56 victory over Griffith.

My heart is with those four schools, ya know unless a bigger school comes around.

QuoteMy heart is with those four schools, ya know unless a bigger school comes around.

Yeah I didn't feel anymore confident from this article. Really hoping Sasha choses Valpo, he's a game changer. If he went to Vanderbilt with Bryce that would be an absolute punch to the gut.

I also thought Crown Point's Coach mentioned: "Swan said Purdue and Vanderbilt are interested, but neither have offered. He pointed out the transfer rule that allows college graduates with a year of eligibility to play immediately, there are always late-season scholarships available." in an interview was very telling. Thats a pretty specific comment to me.

Anyone familiar with Purdue/Vandy's roster and potential transfers or early graduate candidates?

Purdue has -1 scholarships available for next season. http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/purdue

PG: 1 senior (P.J. Thompson), 2 Freshman (Carsen Edwards, Tommy Luce (walk-on)), offered 3 PG for the 2018 class

SG: 1 senior (Dakota Mathias), 1 Junior (Ryan Cline), 1 Freshman 4 star (Nojel Eastern), they've offer 4 SG for the HS 2018 class

SF: 2 senior (Basil Smotherman, Vince Edwards), 2 Juniors (Eden Ewing (JUCO), Grady Eifert), 1 Freshman (Aaron Wheeler), offered 2 SF HS 2018 class


Vanderbilt has 2 scholarships open: http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/vanderbilt

Vandy has 2 scholarships and no outstanding offers on verbal commits and looks like they need a SG...

PG: 3 Seniors (Riley LaChance, Larry Austin, Jr., Phillip McGoin), 2 Freshman (Saben Lee, Maxwell Evans), 4 offers at PG for the 2018 class

SG: 1 Senior (Matthew Fisher-Davis), 1 Sophomore (Payton Willis), 0 Freshman, 7 offers for the SG position for the 2018 class

SF: 1 Senior (Jeff Roberson), 1 Junior (Joseph Toye), 0 Freshman, 2 offers for the SF position for the 2018 class

Sasha's recruiting is in flux, which is good for him.  Last summer he had at least 21 offers, and narrowed that list down to 5 (now 4).  It was alluded to at the end of summer that Sasha wanted to make a decision early, so he could concentrate on his senior basketball season.  I'm sure that the majors starting coming to him more (Purdue, Northwestern, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt), and suggesting that he wait until their scholarship situation firms up in the spring.  With an almost average of 2 transfers per Division I school for basketball, it is quite possible one of those schools, which he seems to have narrowed to Purdue and Vanderbilt, could make an offer. 

I think we are all hoping for Sasha to realize that Valpo is the right choice!

Someone told me he really wants to go to Purdue. With Spike Albrecht there, that probably helps Sasha's case.

Quote from: Valpo89 on January 20, 2017, 10:19:35 AM
Someone told me he really wants to go to Purdue. With Spike Albrecht there, that probably helps Sasha's case.

Sasha holding out hopes for a Purdue offer at this late stage is like chasing a girl who won't go out with you but continues to string you along. Even if you finally win her over, you may find she wasn't worth the wait.

Matt Lottich and Luke Gore are at the Crown Point/Chesterton game tonight.

Also in attendance is Matt Painter.

From the NWI Times:

With Purdue coach Matt Painter and Valparaiso's Matt Lottich on hand to see Stefanovic, the 6-foot-5 wing put up 22 points — including his first dunk in a high school game — six rebounds, three steals and three assists.

"I wasn't aware (Painter) was here until I saw him walk in," Stefanovic said. "You want to make a lasting impression, but you try not to change anything, always play the same way, no matter who's watching."

No way we get this kid, he's clearly gunning for Purdue.

https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/822835157698744320

Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2017, 11:54:14 AM
https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/822835157698744320

New video clips:

https://app.krossover.com/intelligence/reel/137601

Quote from: wh on January 21, 2017, 01:03:43 PM

Quote from: VU2014 on January 21, 2017, 11:54:14 AMhttps://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/822835157698744320

New video clips: https://app.krossover.com/intelligence/reel/137601

Certainly looked better in these clips than the previous ones I saw of him.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 21, 2017, 10:24:05 AM
No way we get this kid, he's clearly gunning for Purdue.

Hopefully Purdue won't want him.

Wasn't this recruit at our last home game too? 

Yes he was, sat right next to him.  I told him Alec was setting some marks for him to shoot for. He laughed and said it looks that way.

Sasha or Bruninga?

Sasha, the other fella is coming to tomorrow's game.

@ESPN1050_Ryan is an University of Illinois blogger and @prepbullseye runs a basketball scouting website for the state of Illinois. The Muller they are referring to in the tweet is Dan Muller the Illinois State coach that just offered Taylor yesterday on the visit. @ESPN1050_Ryan has been high on him.

https://twitter.com/ESPN1050_Ryan/status/823291538373480449

Bruninga plays on the same AAU team as Alec did and they both had the same coach.  The Coach, along with Taylor sat with the Peters family at this afternoon's game.  Alec's Dad said that Taylor is of the same mold as Alec, a hard worker an outstanding shooter from anywhere on the floor.  He either is averaging about 37 ppg or scored that many.  The recruit and Coach and AP's group seem to be pretty close.  No question the kid is as big boy.  Could this kid become the next AP?  Mr. Peters seems to think it is possible.  LET'S GO VALPO!

Quote from: valpo64 on January 22, 2017, 07:38:05 PM
Bruninga plays on the same AAU team as Alec did and they both had the same coach.  The Coach, along with Taylor sat with the Peters family at this afternoon's game.  Alec's Dad said that Taylor is of the same mold as Alec, a hard worker an outstanding shooter from anywhere on the floor.  He either is averaging about 37 ppg or scored that many.  The recruit and Coach and AP's group seem to be pretty close.  No question the kid is as big boy.  Could this kid become the next AP?  Mr. Peters seems to think it is possible.  LET'S GO VALPO!

Coach had Bruninga sitting over near where Homer Drew sat for Bryce's games.  He's a slender guy, good shoulders which makes one think he can fill in.  Because right now his weight will have him getting bounced around in college.

You're really guy though, after the game Bruninga made his way from the seat backs over behind the VU bench where we sat this game.  They waived at each other and smiled.

Hoping we get a good shot at bring Bruninga on board.  Though we do seem to have (2) commits and (1) Bruninga possibility of a log jam at the 4.  The way I see it (it's terribly early) is that Bruninga is a 4, Parker is a stretch 4 and who really knows anything on Mr Merrillville.

With Lexus, Max, Tevonn, Joe, Bakari and anyone else I'm leaving out at guard we might as well go after big guys.

QuoteHoping we get a good shot at bring Bruninga on board.  Though we do seem to have (2) commits and (1) Bruninga possibility of a log jam at the 4.  The way I see it (it's terribly early) is that Bruninga is a 4, Parker is a stretch 4 and who really knows anything on Mr Merrillville.

Bruninga strikes me as a guy who could give opposing coaches match up fits. He was quite a bit shorter his freshman sophomore year of high school/AAU play, so he's a former point guard and developed guard skills so he can handle the ball pretty darn well for a guy who is 6'8"-6'9". Coach has let guys like Shane and under Bryce guys like E. handle the ball with height. From the clips I've seen from him (which there is quite a bit more content the last few weeks), he could play a natural 4, (mainly) stretch 4, 3, 2 (depending on match up) and 1 for the occasional coach's set when they call a play for him. He's a versatile kid and he has a good jump shot to play the 2 or 3 (when needed) and our coaching staff loves guys who are versatile and can take advantage of match ups by mixing and matching guys at different positions.

Mileek McMillan is the same way. He was a very late bloomer in terms of height, so he's a big guy with guard/small forward skills and ball handle. From what I hear Merrillville is using him as center and traditional power forward unfortunately because he's the tallest kid on the roster with size. If you look at the clips from AAU games the coaches there were using him as a 3/stretch 4 and allowing him to be a hybrid player. From what I've seen he doesn't have the great jump shot Bruninga has but is still solid.

From what I've seen with Parker Hazen he can handle the ball a little and is pretty good at taking the ball to the hoop. Parker is a pretty athletic kid and throws down some great dunks. He's more of traditional forward. He's going to need to work on the jump shot and mid range game to keep defenders honest. Parker's brother Brachen (Arkansas Freshman/ one time Valpo recruit) was a good shooter but Parker is a better athlete.

I should clarify this all from my very untrained eyes, so take what I say with a grain of salt because I'm no coach or scout. Our coaching staff knows what their doing.

Quote from: M on January 22, 2017, 07:53:28 PM
With Lexus, Max, Tevonn, Joe, Bakari and anyone else I'm leaving out at guard we might as well go after big guys.

The only guards we will have in 2018-2019 as of right now is Micah and Bakari. For bigs we'll have Derrik, Jaume, and Mileek. We are going to need a big recruiting class of guards coming in next season so we can replace Lexus, Max, Tevonn and Joe and preferably have them in the system for a season so we're not playing freshmen heavy rotation minutes.

There are always many more outstanding guards available than real good big men.  Let's get the good big guys if and when available.

QuoteThere are always many more outstanding guards available than real good big men.  Let's get the good big guys if and when available.

Agreed.

If you look on verbal commits, most of the outstanding offers past this season are guards. Sasha is the main priority recruit for the rest of this class maybe other then a possible future offer to Taylor Bruninga. Then in the 2018 recruiting class Walter Ellis is a high priotity. Walter Ellis is a stud from everything I've heard and scene. He's going to get more offers in the coming spring/summer/next fall. The offers are us, Cal-Berkley (which has too many guards already 3 in the 2017 class alone), Indiana State, IUPUI and Ball State. Also Deavion Washington in 2018 class. Also Alex Hemenway in the 2019 class, which I heard from a friend who thinks he's going to get BigTen offers in the future (the kid can shoot the lights out of the gym).

Couple tweets about Taylor Bruninga recruiting status from his AAU Illinois Irish coach I believe, Gavin Sullivan. Alec Peters AAU team. List of suitors growing.

"Vanderbilt is the latest school to inquire about 2017 F 6'9 @tbruninga32 #IrishFam🍀🏀"

"Taylor Bruninga Update- Illinois State, EIU, WIU, Northwestern, Rice, Valparaiso and Nevada involved in his recruitment!  Keep going, Taylor https://t.co/Pzeauj3TL9"

https://twitter.com/getbuckets_chi/status/823248047694114817

A pair of guard recruits from St. Pats in Illinois were at the game the other day to see us mop the floor with UIC.

Alton Thompson is in the 2017 class. Suppose to be super athletic. I couldn't find him on verbal commits.

https://twitter.com/getbuckets_chi/status/820322170584842241
https://twitter.com/InTheGymHoops/status/814543887104671744
https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/813538523437473793
https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/813535821416591361
https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/808417060690792448
https://twitter.com/getbuckets_chi/status/806294514516299776
https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/805498760436600832
https://twitter.com/chilandprephoop/status/805495426371776512
https://twitter.com/SaintPatrickHS/status/805191871563763713
https://twitter.com/CSNPreps/status/799809542024527872
https://twitter.com/getbuckets_chi/status/799807579501248512
https://twitter.com/SaintPatrickHS/status/799798674784186368
https://twitter.com/REALPREPREPORTS/status/782798019339182080
https://twitter.com/getbuckets_chi/status/767114290629402624

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3mgVATl6Ds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrhMB_ayMPw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3mgVATl6Ds

Dang, another spot opens up at Purdue.  Makes me lose confidence that Sasha makes the right move.  I was once a high school senior choosing scholarship offers vs going the academic direction and playing D1 sports non scholarship with more playing time.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ChrisForman12/status/825694330975297536/photo/1 (https://mobile.twitter.com/ChrisForman12/status/825694330975297536/photo/1)

https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/826205320263380992

Ok now I really want the Valpo coaches to make a full court press for Taylor Bruninga. UNI another one of the top mid-major programs in the nation.

UNI is also one of Sasha Stefanovic's final 4 teams.

I also found out from a friend of mine in Peoria that Taylor Bruninga is a member of a Lutheran Church. His mother, Kindra Bruninga, is a fairly well known real estate agent for Re-Max in their Peoria office.

http://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/peoria-il-61603-kindrabruninga-id28600198.html

https://www.facebook.com/Kindra-Bruninga-Real-Estate-Broker-REMAX-Traders-Unlimited-435591293272221/

http://stjohnbville.com/

https://twitter.com/kmb071970

https://twitter.com/tbruninga32?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/taylor.bruninga



Correction: My friend from Peoria has now texted that he was wrong and that Taylor is a member of St John Lutheran Church in Bartonville (ELCA) and not St John's in Pekin. Taylor played Little League baseball in Pekin.

This is really incredible about Taylor Bruninga's growth spurt. Here he is with his sister in Feb. 2013.


https://scontent.ford1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/382333_427983947285666_1359730389_n.jpg?oh=2ecf146f6fec2cc4ffabf969c4717efc&oe=59466252


About 3.5 years later he is 6'9". Here he is with his mom and dad as homecoming king at Illini Bluffs.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtuqiH4W8AALmFA.jpg

Aaron Ferguson
‏@Sports_Aaron

Illini Bluffs coach Clay Vass tells me that Taylor Bruninga @tbruninga32 is visiting Valparaiso today. They've been hot on him. #pjspreps
RETWEETS
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1:30 PM - 22 Jan 2017

Quote from: bbtds on January 30, 2017, 10:39:47 PM
I also found out from a friend of mine in Peoria that Taylor Bruninga is a member of a Lutheran Church. His mother, Kindra Bruninga, is a fairly well known real estate agent for Re-Max in their Peoria office.

http://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/peoria-il-61603-kindrabruninga-id28600198.html

https://www.facebook.com/Kindra-Bruninga-Real-Estate-Broker-REMAX-Traders-Unlimited-435591293272221/

http://stjohnbville.com/

https://twitter.com/kmb071970

https://twitter.com/tbruninga32?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/taylor.bruninga



Correction: My friend from Peoria has now texted that he was wrong and that Taylor is a member of St John Lutheran Church in Bartonville (ELCA) and not St John's in Pekin. Taylor played Little League baseball in Pekin.

I could be a little to anxious, but isn't it a bad sign we haven't officially offered yet?  Makes me think we aren't interested.  I know some said relationship building AND THEN OFFER.  But is anyone else thinking we aren't offering him at all.

Anyone else slightly uncomfortable with twitter accounts of grown men that do nothing but tout the basketball skills and athleticism of 14-18 year olds?

I understand northern Iowa has had succes as of late (not this year) play in the mvc and probably decent facilities. 

However the post men who have played at valpo have a proven record of getting better.  And one going to be drafted in the first round.  If I was Taylor that would be at the forefront of my decision.

dont forget the valpo basketball program helped with debri and cleanup efforts after a tornado hit Taylor's area.  Taylor's family was sitting with Alec's family at the uic game.  Alec's personal testimony should be a good resource when Taylor makes valpo his choice. 

How many scholarships do we have left to offer?  Could be we know if we offer him he is going to accept, but if we only have one or two left to give maybe there are higher priority guys we are waiting for.

Seems too logical to not have offered already. Lutheran kid from Midwest and near where Alec is from. Plays on same AAU team Alec did. Why wouldn't we offer. We need forwards to replace Alec, Shane, Jubril. Playing time if kids are ready s/b abundant.

We missed once b4 on a Lutheran kid (if I remember right) by name of Gordon Hayward. Maybe there are higher priority targets, hard to say y/n on that. But this young man seems to be able to score. Maybe defense, length, or quickness are issues Valpo coaches want to see more of?

We have 3 available scholarships for next season.

With 4 outstanding offers:
-Sasha Stefanovic (SG)
-Greg Elliot (SG) - I haven't heard any buzz of having a shot and hot he's getting offers from the likes of Marquette and Michigan State now. Scratch him off the list most likely.
-Axel Okongo (C) - Another Canadian but a big man and was offered before the Jay signed with us last year. I'm thinking we may rescinded that offer. I have heard absolutely zero about him.

Possible Offers:
-Taylor Bruninga (F)

Kiser may snag one of the scholarships. May also keep scholarship open for potential transfers.

Wouldn't be a bad idea to keep a scholarship open during next season, so we could potentially snag a midseason transfer. One of the main reasons SMU transfer Tom Wilson chose Boise State over us was because they had a scholarship for him so he could enroll in classes immediately in the spring semester.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 31, 2017, 06:28:31 AMI could be a little to anxious, but isn't it a bad sign we haven't officially offered yet?  Makes me think we aren't interested.  I know some said relationship building AND THEN OFFER.  But is anyone else thinking we aren't offering him at all.

Recruiting is not an easy job, the staff will see literally 1000's of players and have to evaluate the situation for the needs of the team and the young men available to fill those needs.  We have at least two coaches that have played college ball at the highest level and also played professionally at a very high level, they should know what they are looking for in a player to fit our team. This is their first recruiting class, I wouldn't get my undies in a twist if their ideas on which players get offers don't match those of a bunch of alums and fans on a message board.

Quote from: FWalum on January 31, 2017, 10:02:33 AM
This is their first recruiting class, I wouldn't get my undies in a twist if their ideas on which players get offers don't match those of a bunch of alums and fans on a message board.

Good advice.  We shouldn't expect them to be as knowledgeable as we are at this stage in their careers. ;)

Quote from: wh on January 31, 2017, 11:05:09 AM

Quote from: FWalum on January 31, 2017, 10:02:33 AM
This is their first recruiting class, I wouldn't get my undies in a twist if their ideas on which players get offers don't match those of a bunch of alums and fans on a message board.

Good advice.  We shouldn't expect them to be as knowledgeable as we are at this stage in their careers. ;)

Great take.  8-)

https://twitter.com/Illinois_Irish/status/826480121141981185

Visiting Vandy...

On topic, sort of.  Just peaked at Brachen Hazen's progress at Arkansas and see less playing time than Davidson. 

Anyone know much about the Hazen brothers?  Any chance we see him transfer?  Would that be a positive, talent wise?

Also, haven't heard a lick about Parker Hazen.  Any updates?

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 31, 2017, 05:51:50 PM
On topic, sort of.  Just peaked at Brachen Hazen's progress at Arkansas and see less playing time than Davidson. 

Anyone know much about the Hazen brothers?  Any chance we see him transfer?  Would that be a positive, talent wise?

Also, haven't heard a lick about Parker Hazen.  Any updates?

https://www.google.com/amp/www.teamspeedkills.com/platform/amp/2016/8/3/12358210/better-know-a-freshman-brachen-hazen-arkansas-razorbacks?client=safari (https://www.google.com/amp/www.teamspeedkills.com/platform/amp/2016/8/3/12358210/better-know-a-freshman-brachen-hazen-arkansas-razorbacks?client=safari)

This is an article before the season, but telling.  Based on Verbal Commits he has strong competition from on roster Juniors (2) and then some solid recruits in 2017 signed and 2018.

Be fun to see them both on the same line at VU.

Mid Season highlights for Parker Hazen posted on Hudl 1/25/2017 http://www.hudl.com/v/1GxTia (http://www.hudl.com/v/1GxTia)  We have seen some of this already in previous posted videos.

Full Game Columbia City at Carroll https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAcyOXyw8A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrAcyOXyw8A) You can see why Hazen has probably not put up the numbers he did last year when playing with his brother.  As the PBP guy says early in the video, Columbia City has a new coach and only one other player besides Hazen with varsity experience.

Subscribe to Summit City Sports to see ALL of the Fort Wayne area teams full game videos https://www.youtube.com/user/SummitCitySports/videos (https://www.youtube.com/user/SummitCitySports/videos) Check out games by Snider (Malik Williams = Louisville) and North Side (Jaylen Butz = DePaul and Keion Brooks one of the top sophomores in the country)

Painter was in to see Sasha again tonight.

QuotePainter was in to see Sasha again tonight.

Makes me nervous. Painter has seen him quite a bit.

They just a had small forward Basil Smotherman transfer midseason. They still don't have a scholarship open for next season yet, but you can almost bet that their star Caleb Swanigan the Sophomore Center is going to leave for the NBA in the offseason. So if Swanigan leaves they then have one scholarship open up.

They might have another guy transfer so you never know.

Semi Sasha Stefanovic Update.

I guess Purdue's head coach Matt Painter maybe trying to convince Sasha Stefanovic to go to Prep School for a year and then they'd possibly offer.

https://twitter.com/JP8185/status/827323761665986560
https://twitter.com/flinton_william/status/827374387166867456
https://twitter.com/JP8185/status/827378695635492864
https://twitter.com/Boilerfjs/status/827378428198260736
https://twitter.com/JP8185/status/827379257726754817

At Valpo he'd get the opportunity to play and develop right away for one of the top Mid Major Programs in the Nation. He has the chance to be THE GUY at Valpo down the road. I'm totally biased in wanting him to play for Valpo but even I step back and take off my Valpo blinders, I still think its a great opportunity at Valpo.

If you're honestly taking the Valpo blinders off there seems now little chance he ends up anywhere but Purdue. And honestly why not? For crying out loud the Valpo Park Department is about to paint a Purdue court at Tower Park. Donation or not, that's a hell of a recruitment point for Painter.

Sasha just committed to Purdue...

https://twitter.com/INPrep/status/827559791497211905
https://twitter.com/Sash_Stefanovic/status/827559683757977601

 >:(

Lol the Tower Park Court just got a little more symbolic.

Time to offer Bruninga?

Good school, good program, wish him the best. As I've noted before, NWI is enamored by 3 universities - IU, Purdue and ND. Valpo basketball is held in higher esteem nationally than it is inside the Region. It's just not cool enough. And yet, we can and do attract 3-star talent in a variety of locales, once you get beyond the fence line. NWI is quirky and dysfunctional in many respects. Just add this to the mix. Time to move on to more fertile ground.

On the lemons to lemonade side, we lost a good kid to B1G Purdue, not Loyola or Ball State.  That reflects well on the caliber of player we are in contention for.

Quote from: VULB#62 on February 03, 2017, 01:27:18 PM
On the lemons to lemonade side, we lost a good kid to B1G Purdue, not Loyola or Ball State.  That reflects well on the caliber of player we are in contention for.

I can only imagine the feeling of accepting an offer from a BIG Team.  We really had no chance once the offer from Purdue came down.  But, as we all know, the bright lights sometimes aren't as appealing once you realize you aren't going to be THE guy and playing backup for your entire career sucks and doesn't really prepare you for basketball beyond college.

Valpo has a long history of getting Power 5 talent after they have had a taste and didn't like it.  Witness Joe Burton and Bakari Evelyn of late.  Do you really think we would have had a snow balls chance of getting either to commit coming out of high school??  Burton had offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Texas A & M and many others.  Not saying Sasha will ultimately end up at Valpo, but stranger things have happened.

Quote from: M on February 03, 2017, 12:16:16 PMTime to offer Bruninga?

Yeah, I say go after him hard. He's shown some interest in us and I've always liked what I've seen about him. Besides the other SG (Greg Elliott) we extended an offer to just got one from Michigan State so I doubt he's going to commit to us. Then that leaves us with the only outstanding (formal) offer left to the Canadian project center Axel.

QuoteThen that leaves us with the only outstanding (formal) offer left to the Canadian project center Axel.

I'm willing to bet the coaching staff pulled the offer once we signed Jay. I don't think he's coming here.

Quote from: VUBBFan on February 03, 2017, 01:55:44 PM

Quote from: M on February 03, 2017, 12:16:16 PMTime to offer Bruninga?

Yeah, I say go after him hard. He's shown some interest in us and I've always liked what I've seen about him. Besides the other SG (Greg Elliott) we extended an offer to just got one from Michigan State so I doubt he's going to commit to us. Then that leaves us with the only outstanding (formal) offer left to the Canadian project center Axel.

[/b]

In the class of 2017.  \We have offers out to two kids for 2018.

I would like the Valpo coaching staff to offer Tai Bibbs who came in for an unofficial visit this summer. He's 1-2 guard and can really shoot. His recruiting has sort of blown up the last few months and it's probably too late to get serious in the recruiting process to make an impression. We put a lot of eggs in the Sasha Stefanovic basket. It will be curious to see what happens now.
https://twitter.com/dhrecruits/status/748155078364790784

2 outstanding offers as far as we know. Greg Elliot isn't coming here. He has very high major offers like Michigan State and Marquette. I haven't even heard any buzz linking us. Axel I don't think is coming here either, because he was offered before Jay was in the picture. I could be wrong but I just don't see it happening.

So my thinking is we have 3 open scholarships. With only one possibly public courting of Taylor Bruninga. Which would be a great addition but he's getting a ton of late looks from mid majors now. Taylor Bruninga is visiting Bryce's Vandy this weekend. Creighton is giving him a look.

Then there is also the uber athletic Alton Thompson from St. Pats Illinois who came to the UIC game a few weeks ago. I can't give an educated opinion on the guys game other then to say I've heard could be a player in the Jordan Coleman mold who was very athletic but other parts of the game are not developed yet.

I'm sure the coaching staff is looking at other players, but I don't want them to settle. I'm guessing they may add another freshman and then look at the transfers available after the season. Might even keep an open scholarship open next season to pick up midseason transfer next season.

It's an interesting line you have to walk. You want the best talent, obviously, but how much of your finite recruiting resources do you commit to guys you have little to no chance to get? WH made one of the best points i've read on this board in a long time. We are more well regarded outside the region than in it. And past and current ADs and Pres have really made no effort to change that. If we made a conscious effort to market our Basketball program outside of Valpo only we would have seen the fruit by now. Heck, even a push into southern Chesterton could maybe get a couple hundred more fans per game.

We continue to see being an excellent mid-major program as the ceiling. Rivalry aside, I respect the hell out of Butler for saying "We want to be the next Duke." Will they ever get there? Probably not. But as Lombardi said, "We strive for perfection. And when we fall short we still have greatness."

I'll save the rest of this rant for after the season, but I think it sums it up that as you drive back home from Chicago, you will pass multiple billboards that read "The Region's University". No Valpo logo to be found.  That's right. A directional NAIA commuter spin off has claimed that title uncontested. 

QuoteIt's an interesting line you have to walk. You want the best talent, obviously, but how much of your finite recruiting resources do you commit to guys you have little to no chance to get? WH made one of the best points i've read on this board in a long time. We are more well regarded outside the region than in it. And past and current ADs and Pres have really made no effort to change that. If we made a conscious effort to market our Basketball program outside of Valpo only we would have seen the fruit by now. Heck, even a push into southern Chesterton could maybe get a couple hundred more fans per game.

We continue to see being an excellent mid-major program as the ceiling. Rivalry aside, I respect the hell out of Butler for saying "We want to be the next Duke." Will they ever get there? Probably not. But as Lombardi said, "We strive for perfection. And when we fall short we still have greatness."

I'll save the rest of this rant for after the season, but I think it sums it up that as you drive back home from Chicago, you will pass multiple billboards that read "The Region's University". No Valpo logo to be found.  That's right. A directional NAIA commuter spin off has claimed that title uncontested.

This is very debatable. I've talked to a few people who say the administration has supported the Athletics Departments then I've talked to other say that haven't.

I fall into the category of ML has done the absolutely best with the resources provided to him. We are never going to out advertise our way into becoming the majority fan base in the region. With Purdue, IU and ND having an incredible amount of history and generational alumni support in the region we just realistically are not going to be the biggest and baddest in the region. The only way we become a Butler is if the stars align and we go on a few Butler like tourney runs and almost force the respect and cache onto the program and make region watch us.

My point of "contention" with President Heckler and the Board is that if you want gain the regional notoriety not only from a sports standpoint but also as a destination educational institution then we them to back the athletics more, specifically the men's basketball program. The only other sport that could gain wide spread attention to the school is if we had a D1 FBS football program and I don't see that ever happening for multiple reasons. I'm not saying we need to create Oregon or Alabama football level facilities but just need to step it up and have a vision. People are sick of the "we need a new ARC" argument, and if you classically get the old "we can't fill the ARC to full capacity so why would we build a new one". Not saying we need all the shiny new toys right away but I'm saying we need leadership at the very top of the University to start creating a vision to plan to take the program to another level. Sorry for my long wind rant but I'm sorry but I'm tired of hearing the very top of the University invests and back the program, because I don't see it (at least not backing it to my expectation of what they should be doing).

Quote from: wh on February 03, 2017, 01:02:07 PMNWI is quirky and dysfunctional in many respects.

Did you just call me quirky and dysfunctional?  >:(

Quote from: wh on February 03, 2017, 01:02:07 PMGood school, good program, wish him the best. As I've noted before, NWI is enamored by 3 universities - IU, Purdue and ND. Valpo basketball is held in higher esteem nationally than it is inside the Region.

Why would any region kid want to play for a second class program who has a dying fan base and little student interest? Really- I mean if we really were any good then obviously teams like IU, Purdue, ND and Butler would be willing to play us. OBVIOUSLY that would not be a problem!

Few notes from BPI---Our strength of record is now at 42.   Borderline
BPI end of season projections--- Indiana 104 -looks like NIT bound at best.
                                            Texas Southern 76  Wonder how they will be seeded?
                                            Wright State 74      These guys scare me!
                                            Oakland 52            Times two!!
                                            Notre Dame 51      They are in a tailspin.
                                            Butler 43               One of the better Butler teams of recent years.
                                            Purdue 29             Good choice for Sasha!
                                            VU 23                  Wait! This must be some kind of mistake!  :o No wonder the selection committee pays little attention to BPI. Don't worry folks! I am sure that the committee will resolve these conflicting numbers to the benefit of the Power Five.

For now and the last ______ years we are best at this type of mix.

50% Domestic (some regional)
25% Transfer
25% International

This may not make up the 13-man roster.  But I'd argue it makes up the  dynamic of the 7-8-9 man rotations we use.

We tried regional very strong this year, worked out 2/3 guys.  I'd call that somewhat successful...if both players contribute by Soph/Junior years.

But I'm thinking Matt Lottich knows this, we see a small 2017 recruit list on Verbal Commits partly because he's working the transfer/INT'L market.  In Lottich I trust...

I think we'll see 1-2 more offers show up in short order with the Sasha chip having fallen "relatively" early.  But we might only see 1 commitment before season ends and 1 more in the spring/summer because of the nature of transfers/INT'L recruiting.

What's our biggest need position/skill set in your eyes?  PF? SG? 

Quote from: VU2014 on February 03, 2017, 02:48:15 PMThen there is also the uber athletic Alton Thompson from St. Pats Illinois who came to the UIC game a few weeks ago. I can't give an educated opinion on the guys game other then to say I've heard could be a player in the Jordan Coleman mold who was very athletic but other parts of the game are not developed yet.

Looking at his videos he appears to be pretty good but take a look at the kid giving him the assists (Xavier Pinson). He's a 2018 grad but has mad ball handling skills. No look and behind the back passes that are laser sharp. He's quick, can run the floor shoots and guards pretty well too. Of course highlight clips always show the best ... but still. Check him out.

Wish Sasha success at Purdue.  Last summer when Sasha indicated that he wanted to make a decision early and then didn't, I was worried that Purdue may have asked him to hold on a bit until their scholarship situation solidified.  Congrats to Sasha.

Little surprised here, he (TAYLOR Bruninga) is clearly talented enough to offer.  Is Coach holding off because he has another juco or transfer here?  Parker Hazen is probably more of a 3 if we develop his shot.

QuoteLittle surprised here, he (TAYLOR Bruninga) is clearly talented enough to offer.  Is Coach holding off because he has another juco or transfer here?  Parker Hazen is probably more of a 3 if we develop his shot.

We have plenty of open scholarships (3 open) to offer. I'm also wondering what is the hold up. Maybe they are trying to continue to establish a relationship.

We need impact talent. Bakari Evelyn and Joe Burton could be those impact guys next year, but there is still unknown there. Joe will only have a 2 yrs of eligibility and Bakari will have 3. I'd personally like to see us get one impact guy each class. (yes I know thats a tall ask but should be the recruiting goal).

Parker and Mileek are good recruits but not sure either will become a force in the HL.

Greg Elliot is going P5.  Okongo is ice fishing somewhere.  Are we really going to wait until after the season to find out on (3) scholarships that are open.

At best we give (1) to Kiser.  The Canadian has had zero offers from any other school.  Are we looking for that type of player to develop?  We already have Kiser, Merrillville guy, and Smits to develop.

Can Parker Hazen give us meaningful freshmen minutes?

I've watched VU since 2000, but never this close to interact on the forum.  Can some of the elder statesman give us noobs an education on how recruiting timelines have worked in years past?

Are we almost always in the lurch for knowing all our offers?  I'd expect we nearly never know those we have contacted/recruited.  Or do we normally know more.

Knowing how private the Drews are, I suspect this is par for the course?

Quote from: VU2014 on February 05, 2017, 01:32:33 PMI'm wondering if there was a mutual agreement between Lottich and Kizer that he'd get a scholarship after this season. I don't want put down Kizer but I'd like the coaching to pursue higher ceiling talent. There are things to like about Kizer, plays solid D and high effort but nothing I've seen stands out.

My observation was the same as yours but I just checked his season totals to get a better overview.

He has played in 16 games for 106 minutes, shoots 57%, 80% FT, 25 RB, 12 assists, 1 TO, 3 steals, 2 blocks for a total of 20 points. This is limited data but you can extrapolate it to an assist every 9 minutes, a rebound every 4.3, and a turnover every blue moon.  :o  NOT BAD Give him the money and have somebody teach him how to hit the 3 pointers.

Way off topic but Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are hands down the greatest of all time!! Ton of respect! Sports Legends!!

Wrong topic, wrong thread...I'm not sure either can help us next year  :crazy:

So three years ago, at this time of the year, we had 4 open scholarships and we heard about two Canadian guards (T. Walker and Max Joseph) that were verbally committed to Valpo.
Only in May did we find out that a Croatian wing was also coming. Around a month later, D. Walker was added as a JUCO transfer.
I think that we may end up with a similar situation with an international recruit and a transfer.

Quote from: ValpoFan on February 06, 2017, 01:19:16 PM
So three years ago, at this time of the year, we had 4 open scholarships and we heard about two Canadian guards (T. Walker and Max Joseph) that were verbally committed to Valpo.
Only in May did we find out that a Croatian wing was also coming. Around a month later, D. Walker was added as a JUCO transfer.
I think that we may end up with a similar situation with an international recruit and a transfer.

Thanks, great example to help those of us new to following the recruiting game.  JUCO is immediate impact as well as int'l (barring a Vashil repeat of his freshmen year).  I like that, let's get our growing pains confined to 2017/2018 with a bunch of new faces should they justify the scholarship.

I think my timeline for recruiting news is what P5 fans can expect, not VU.  Good perspective.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2017, 03:28:16 PMKnowing how private the Drews are, I suspect this is par for the course?

Bingo. The Drews were much more private about their recruiting efforts and would come in with surprise recruits like Cory Johnson, Kevin Van Wijk, David Skara (although that obviously backfired on Valpo), Hrvoje Vucic, Max Joseph, Tevonn Walker and many others that seemed to suddenly appear in a Valpo uniform.

I do believe that Coach Lottich is and will be much more open about his recruiting efforts. In these current times of open social media it's truly hard to keep things hush-hush.

QuoteBingo. The Drews were much more private about their recruiting efforts and would come in with surprise recruits like Cory Johnson, Kevin Van Wijk, David Skara (although that obviously backfired on Valpo), Hrvoje Vucic, Max Joseph, Tevonn Walker and many others that seemed to suddenly appear in a Valpo uniform.

I do believe that Coach Lottich is and will be much more open about his recruiting efforts. In these current times of open social media it's truly hard to keep things hush-hush.

Yep the Drews kept things quite, but just in the last 3-4 yrs the recruiting news has changed. The AAU coaches and high school coaches tweet out and tell everyone they can about which teams are scouting their players to attract more attention in hopes of drawing more interest.

Quote from: VU2014 on February 07, 2017, 08:54:41 AM

QuoteBingo. The Drews were much more private about their recruiting efforts and would come in with surprise recruits like Cory Johnson, Kevin Van Wijk, David Skara (although that obviously backfired on Valpo), Hrvoje Vucic, Max Joseph, Tevonn Walker and many others that seemed to suddenly appear in a Valpo uniform.

I do believe that Coach Lottich is and will be much more open about his recruiting efforts. In these current times of open social media it's truly hard to keep things hush-hush.

Yep the Drews kept things quite, but just in the last 3-4 yrs the recruiting news has changed. The AAU coaches and high school coaches tweet out and tell everyone they can about which teams are scouting their players to attract more attention in hopes of drawing more interest.

Also, those "surprises" are either foreign or transfers. Recruiting a true freshman brings the social media presence. Sorrola was a surprise, as well as Burton and Bakari (the Bash bros? Is it too early to nickname them?).

We only know what we know. There could be a major push going on behind the scenes to fill out next year's roster with JC players, transfers from other programs, and/or foreign players from anywhere and everywhere. 

As avid VU fans, we, of course, want to know as much as we can, as soon as we can. That said, there are probably a hundred reasons for keeping our recruiting strategy and efforts on a need to know basis.

Quote from: wh on February 07, 2017, 11:39:13 AMWe only know what we know. There could be a major push going on behind the scenes to fill out next year's roster with JC players, transfers from other programs, and/or foreign players from anywhere and everywhere. 

Quite frankly, Matt probably feels a fair amount of pressure to keep the program at the same or higher level than it has been in recent years with Bryce. The last thing he needs is for the fan base (read semi-knowledgeable forum users) and alumni to add to that pressure on his first recruiting class.  Looking at players, potential visiting recruits and adding our own to cents worth concerning potential recruits that we know about is all good, but speculating why we haven't offered this or that player is not productive at this point. As wh said, "We only know what we know", I am sure that Matt and his staff of pro-experienced high major player/coaches are doing all they can to bring the best possible players to VU.

Quote from: FWalum on February 07, 2017, 04:16:36 PM

Quote from: wh on February 07, 2017, 11:39:13 AMWe only know what we know. There could be a major push going on behind the scenes to fill out next year's roster with JC players, transfers from other programs, and/or foreign players from anywhere and everywhere. 

Quite frankly, Matt probably feels a fair amount of pressure to keep the program at the same or higher level than it has been in recent years with Bryce. The last thing he needs is for the fan base (read semi-knowledgeable forum users) and alumni to add to that pressure on his first recruiting class.  Looking at players, potential visiting recruits and adding our own to cents worth concerning potential recruits that we know about is all good, but speculating why we haven't offered this or that player is not productive at this point. As wh said, "We only know what we know", I am sure that Matt and his staff of pro-experienced high major player/coaches are doing all they can to bring the best possible players to VU.

I appreciate your steadfastness to "take it as it comes".  This is how I am in my professional life....let's speculate wildly and have done fun here.  I don't need my pastor on this forum!!!

All joking aside, I enjoy thoughtful speculation.  Keep it coming (my vote).

QuoteQuite frankly, Matt probably feels a fair amount of pressure to keep the program at the same or higher level than it has been in recent years with Bryce. The last thing he needs is for the fan base (read semi-knowledgeable forum users) and alumni to add to that pressure on his first recruiting class.  Looking at players, potential visiting recruits and adding our own to cents worth concerning potential recruits that we know about is all good, but speculating why we haven't offered this or that player is not productive at this point. As wh said, "We only know what we know", I am sure that Matt and his staff of pro-experienced high major player/coaches are doing all they can to bring the best possible players to VU.

We got big problems if Coach is concerned what we think around here lol. As for the pressure part I think you just have to embrace it if your in that position. It's a good thing that fans and community expect a level success, imo. I don't think anyone is expecting us to become the next Gonzaga/Butler next year or anything, but to stay par with the success our program has seen the last 5-6yrs is a reasonable expectation and trying to enter the next tier of higher mid-major teams. From everything I've seen and heard from coach is that he's definitely up to the job. I really like the coaching staff he's put together too, a group of impressive men.

But agreed speculation probably isn't productive but its fun to take a look at the players that we're potentially interested in.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 07, 2017, 04:34:52 PMI appreciate your steadfastness to "take it as it comes".  This is how I am in my professional life....let's speculate wildly and have done fun here.  I don't need my pastor on this forum!!!

All joking aside, I enjoy thoughtful speculation.  Keep it coming (my vote).

Speculate all you want, I never said to not do that.  I have talked in the past about potential recruits from the Fort Wayne area, I just never tried to tell the coaches how to do their job or questioned why they did not offer a player.  Looking at High School players is the fun part.  Listening to all the bu!!(r@p their AAU coaches and parents say about their prospects and potential offers while maintaining a positive and encouraging attitude gives me a good laugh for the most part.  I have coached players that I thought would be lucky to get an NAIA scholarship that eventually played at a D1 school, I coached young men at an NAIA school that I couldn't believe were not picked up by a D1 School.  One of them played in the NBDL and the other was an MVP in a European league and has had a 9 year career playing in Germany and Italy. Speculate away because coaching and recruiting are about as exact of a science as climate change.  ;)

Quote from: FWalum on February 07, 2017, 05:11:22 PM

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 07, 2017, 04:34:52 PMI appreciate your steadfastness to "take it as it comes".  This is how I am in my professional life....let's speculate wildly and have done fun here.  I don't need my pastor on this forum!!!

All joking aside, I enjoy thoughtful speculation.  Keep it coming (my vote).

Speculate all you want, I never said to not do that.  I have talked in the past about potential recruits from the Fort Wayne area, I just never tried to tell the coaches how to do their job or questioned why they did not offer a player.  Looking at High School players is the fun part.  Listening to all the bu!!(r@p their AAU coaches and parents say about their prospects and potential offers while maintaining a positive and encouraging attitude gives me a good laugh for the most part.  I have coached players that I thought would be lucky to get an NAIA scholarship that eventually played at a D1 school, I coached young men at an NAIA school that I couldn't believe were not picked up by a D1 School.  One of them played in the NBDL and the other was an MVP in a European league and has had a 9 year career playing in Germany and Italy. Speculate away because coaching and recruiting are about as exact of a science as climate change.  ;)

Well said! 

We have a group of (7) 2005 grads going to the YSU game on Saturday.  So my question is, do we expect to see Lubos Barton at the ARC for the induction/acknowledgement?

He will be there

Just saw this:

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/830551394868400128

Michael Osipoff gets the sense we won't be offering Taylor Bruninga. There has been a lot of buzz around him.

Quote from: VU2014 on February 12, 2017, 01:21:30 PM
Just saw this:

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/830551394868400128

Michael Osipoff gets the sense we won't be offering Taylor Bruninga. There has been a lot of buzz around him.

A couple of us were at the VU vs UIC game where Alec broke the scoring record.  Taylor was in the chairbacks as our guest and came over post game to hangout and talk with Mr Peters Sr.

I'm thinking we are not in the business of inviting kids to games if we aren't interested.  If we don't officially offer, one might conclude that TAYLOR told coach he had other interests.  Maybe we don't offer to avoid getting shot down?

Seems like we're not in on Taylor Bruninga's recruiting. We're not even mentioned. I'm wondering if he said he's not interested on our visit or if our coaches are not interested. Some very good schools are interested in him.

http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3748

2017 SF TAYLOR BRUNINGA FINALLY GETTING HIS JUST DUE
By: Evan Flood

Good things come to those who wait.  Nothing fits that description more right now than the late blooming emergence of a talented sharpshooter in Illinois.  Working his way onto the radar of Division 1 schools, Mapleton (Ill.) Illini Bluffs 2017 small forward Taylor Bruninga now holds three scholarship offers, with the opportunity to accomplish his dream of playing at the highest level.

"It's really awesome," Bruninga told NY2LASPORTS.COM. "Growing up, it was always my dream to play D1. Getting a few offers now has been big."

Eastern Illinois, Illinois State, and Northern Iowa have all offered during Bruninga's senior year.

Eastern Illinois: "They were the first to offer, so I really appreciate that. I really like the coaching staff. I was over there for a game and the players were really cool."

Illinois State: "They're having a really good season. I had an uncle play there. It's close to home, so my family and friends can come watch me. I like the coaching staff, players, the facilities."

Northern Iowa: "Big winning tradition. They've made the NCAA Tournament the past two years. I really like the coaches too."

Bruninga also holds a handful of Division 2 offers. He is still considering Wisconsin-Parkside among those offers.

Interest has been coming in from Vanderbilt, Creighton, Indiana State, Drake, Loyola (IL), and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.

Both Creighton and Loyola (IL) will watch Bruninga on Thursday. Blue Jays head coach Greg McDermott will be in attendance for Creighton.  "Both seem pretty interested, making the trip out here," Bruninga said. "I was actually on a visit to Loyola on Sunday and they seemed pretty interested too."

Bruninga has no future visits scheduled. The 6-foot-7, 190-pound small forward plans to wait until the spring before making a decision.  "I really like the schools I have right now, but I'll probably take my decision after the season, just so I can take my official visits and get to know them a lot better."

Bruninga played with the Illinois Irish during the travel season.

QuoteIllinois State: "They're having a really good season. I had an uncle play there. It's close to home, so my family and friends can come watch me. I like the coaching staff, players, the facilities."

Nobody ever say "facilities don't help land great recruits." Facilities matter.

https://twitter.com/Sports_Aaron/status/831714681370836992
https://twitter.com/Sports_Aaron/status/831714681370836992
https://twitter.com/Sports_Aaron/status/831873226330488834

Seeing how we graduate 3 guards next year (Tevonn, Max, and Lexus), and seeing how our incoming class already includes 2 big guys (Mileek and Hazen), I understand if our coaches feel that they need to focus on smaller, faster, ball handling guys with the remianing scholarships.

I do not have any information, just speculations.

QuoteSeeing how we graduate 3 guards next year (Tevonn, Max, and Lexus), and seeing how our incoming class already includes 2 big guys (Mileek and Hazen), I understand if our coaches feel that they need to focus on smaller, faster, ball handling guys with the remianing scholarships.

I do not have any information, just speculations.

Could definitely be the case. I could definitely be that we have 2 big men signed already argument but Taylor is one those unique Power Forwards where has good handles because he was a guard his freshman year because he was much shorter, so he developed that skill at a younger age Hand he has a good jumpshot because when your a guard you typically develop that skill at a young age. Then he had big time growth spurt during high school and to 6'8"-6'9" and those skills transferred over.

I just think he seems to be so versatile that you can't just pigeon hole him as your standard "big guy". Just a very unique talent that I think would cause match up problems at the Mid-Major levels. He seems like a hybrid 4-3 or stretch 4.

Maybe Taylor Bruninga just didn't click with the coaching staff or maybe wasn't please with the facilities or maybe he looked at the roster and saw we have 2 other forwards coming in the next class.

I just find it interesting that its on the record we scouted him multiple times and he even took an unofficial visit and were not even mentioned in the recruiting process. Makes me think he may have ruled us out. Or maybe coaches were just doing scouting 'due-diligence' and Taylor came to the game because their family friends with Peters Family.

Perfect example of why you should not believe everything you hear and read regarding recuiting.
[tweet]831714681370836992[/tweet]
[tweet]831873226330488834[/tweet]
:lol:
Nothing against Bruninga, but he has D2 offers to go along with some offers from really decent mid-majors. As ValpoFan said, I think our needs might require something different.

Maybe the Peters family are unhappy this year and guided their family friend else where....

Not saying this happened only that its a possibility.  But again, I always look at things in the negative light. 

Cool, more conspiracies!

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-john-kiser-st-0217-20170216-story.html

On a roll: Freshman walk-on John Kiser 'brings a lot of value' to Valparaiso

...

Kiser hopes to earn a scholarship for next season at Valparaiso, a possibility that has been discussed.

"They said I could work my way into a scholarship, there could be that opportunity," Kiser said. "But I'm just doing what I can right now. I'm not even worried about next year."

As a scholarship player or walk-on, Kiser has demonstrated he belongs.

"It's very much a privilege to be a basketball player at the collegiate level, and it's a big privilege to have a scholarship," Lottich said. "John's come in every single day, done everything we've asked, hasn't complained, worked as hard as anyone.

"He brings a lot of value to our team."

Quote from: oklahomamick on February 16, 2017, 07:00:18 PMMaybe the Peters family are unhappy this year and guided their family friend else where....

Quote from: a3uge on February 16, 2017, 07:19:58 PMCool, more conspiracies!

When given the choice between a simple answer and one that is convoluted, I always pick whichever is most entertaining.  ;D

Yep another conspiracy.  Because that's all we have to go on.  Not very much to sit and wait on VU to say what's going on. 

When this matter is resolved we still won't know the details.  We will only know some of it 4 years from now after we heard it from jubril o an episode of union street hoops.

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/832653086736936960
https://twitter.com/TheReal_MG3/status/832404138608652288

Lots of highlights of dunks. The kid has huge hops and athletic. Curious how the jump shot and the rest of the game is developed and looks like.

https://www.hudl.com/profile/2376707/markus-golder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9T_UtS3UNg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1mrrrL24Qs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99l9kGq3VLY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE4ZQoGZM94
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb5Qo1uRAjM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYn74Ivo5v8

Hard not to like that athleticism!

So he was a red shirt as a JC freshman which means should have three years eligibility.  Not that I'm looking for red flags but why a kid redshirt in Junior College?

Injury maybe, who knows.

Quote from: oklahomamick on February 16, 2017, 07:00:18 PM
Maybe the Peters family are unhappy this year and guided their family friend else where....

Not saying this happened only that its a possibility.  But again, I always look at things in the negative light.

He has only received 3 division 1 offers and only in the last 4-5 weeks!!  U r reading too much into this

Smh


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Things never cease to amaze me.  First  the Peters family name keeps getting mentioned in the Jubril thing and now it also comes up with respect to could it possibly be involved involved in negative recruiting.  Unbelievable.

Quote from: valpo64 on February 18, 2017, 09:46:28 AM
Things never cease to amaze me.  First  the Peters family name keeps getting mentioned in the Jubril thing and now it also comes up with respect to could it possibly be involved involved in negative recruiting.  Unbelievable.

Peters family has publicly commented too many times to count via twitter.  That's how they are involved grandpa.  But I agree 100% that negative recruiting is unlikely.  But it's ok for someone to ask what is on their mind.  This isn't only YOUR forum.  We are all VU fans, some with questions. 

I am glad to be a fan with you 64, but please stop being so critical of our questions.  Add value like you normally do.  We shouldn't have to defend ourselves for being inquisitive.  I look forward to years of fandom and fun byeplay on this board.  You guys are great.

Those dunks are impressive.  We need that kind of athleticism.

Valpo needs to keep an eye on Valpo High sophomore Brandon Newman.
He's been the best player on the court in the last two games (Crown Point and Chesterton).

QuoteValpo needs to keep an eye on Valpo High sophomore Brandon Newman.
He's been the best player on the court in the last two games (Crown Point and Chesterton).

Just took a look at the his highlights from the last few games and he looks expressive. Nice euro-step, quick, agile, and can get to the rim. Didn't see a great looking jump shot though. Needs to develop a jump shoot if he really want succeed at the next level. Only a sophomore though.

Highlight clips if you want to take a quick look: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6329578/brandon-newman

Wouldn't be a bad idea for the coaching staff to start building a relationship with the guy to potentially gain a recruiting advantage down the road.

Only thing is that he's a hometown kid. A lot of times kids want to leave for college and get away from their parents and family. Could be an advantage or a disadvantage I guess depending on the kid. Also Northwest Indiana is weird. Native Indiana people tend to gravitate towards Purdue, IU and Notre Dame, because of the generational history of those schools athletics programs, etc. There are a lot of Valparaiso University fans in Valpo but not as much as you'd think there should be because the loyalty to Purdue, IU and ND run strong in Indiana.

https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/833129349310210051

5th offer from a D1 school

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 18, 2017, 10:39:07 AM

Quote from: valpo64 on February 18, 2017, 09:46:28 AM
Things never cease to amaze me.  First  the Peters family name keeps getting mentioned in the Jubril thing and now it also comes up with respect to could it possibly be involved involved in negative recruiting.  Unbelievable.

Peters family has publicly commented too many times to count via twitter.  That's how they are involved grandpa.  But I agree 100% that negative recruiting is unlikely.  But it's ok for someone to ask what is on their mind.  This isn't only YOUR forum.  We are all VU fans, some with questions. 

I am glad to be a fan with you 64, but please stop being so critical of our questions.  Add value like you normally do.  We shouldn't have to defend ourselves for being inquisitive.  I look forward to years of fandom and fun byeplay on this board.  You guys are great.

Come on man, no need to call anyone grandpa.  Respect your elders.  'Old people' are the reason why we have the freedom that we do in the USA.  There is no greater generation than the generation that fought in WW2, so please don't mock people older than we are...

Thank you, valpotx.

I will be going to the Columbia City vs Concordia Lutheran basketball game tomorrow evening February 24th to have a more recent look at Parker Hazen.  I have not seen him since last year when he was still playing with his brother.  CC is 5-2 in their last 7 games and 10-13 overall and seem to be starting to play together after a brutal start to the season which saw only one other returner with experience joining Hazen in the starting lineup for a new coach.

QuoteI will be going to the Columbia City vs Concordia Lutheran basketball game tomorrow evening February 24th to have a more recent look at Parker Hazen.  I have not seen him since last year when he was still playing with his brother.  CC is 5-2 in their last 7 games and 10-13 overall and seem to be starting to play together after a brutal start to the season which saw only one other returner with experience joining Hazen in the starting lineup for a new coach.

Sweet. Let us know how he looks. Also let us know how his jumper looks. He's definitely an athletic forward and can throw it down but from what I've heard the jumper needs some work.

FWalum we are anxious to hear your assessment of Parker Hazen after last night's game.  From looks of the box score,etc. it sounds like he played very well.  Now that we are dealing with Alec's injury and seeing what it's like without him, do you think that down the line Parker can step in and eventually be "the man"?

Sorry for the delay, it was a very busy weekend with the game on Friday, my Godson playing in the Indiana Lutheran Schools Athletic Association state tournament being held in Fort Wayne, a retirement dinner for one of my wife's Ivy Tech professors, and my nephew in town with the VU Chorale which sang Sunday at Trinity English Lutheran Church.

Enough with the excuses - Parker Hazen had a nice game against Concordia scoring 23 points and collecting 13 rebounds in a winning effort.  That being said, Concordia is horrible this year (especially with their two post players on choir tour) and Columbia City is just average and would be horrible without Hazen.  Concordia played a zone most of the evening and CC (Columbia City) got off to a very slow start and seemed reluctant/unable to get the ball to Hazen in the middle in what was a very unimaginative and not very well executed zone offense.  PH missed 2 free-throws, but scored in the first quarter on a weak lob pass and lay in. The first quarter ended with Concordia playing one of its better stanzas all year ending up 12-6.  PH opened the second quarter with a nice 15 foot jump shot and CC seemed to loosen up a little.  PH had 9 at halftime, 15 at the end of 3 and finished with 23.  He was 3-6 from the free-throw line, made 3 of 5 jumpers missing a 3 and from 18 ft.  Obviously he rebounded pretty well and can bring the ball on the break and he made some very nice passes.  At times I felt he was too unselfish and could have been more dominant.

I said this earlier, after watching their game against Carroll, Parker is pretty athletic, but it is hard to see how his skill set translates to the 3, which he will play at VU, when his HS coach plays him as a VERY traditional 5.  He is put in few situations were he can create off the dribble or on the break.  This is why all the highlights we see are of dunks and moves to the basket of less than 15ft.  Mechanically and athletically he appears to have the ability to contribute significantly at the next level.  He is quick, a good jumper and has decent balance and footwork. As with most HS players he needs to mature and add some additional strength to a good frame.  The outside shot and free-throws need to improve some, but there are no significant form or mechanical reasons why they can not improve. Would love to see his intensity at a higher level on both ends of the court, but once again I think this has something to do with how he is used in this HS coach's scheme.  All in all I think he can fit in well at VU.

I sat in the CC section and talked to a number of CC people, who seemed to think I was from VU (maybe that was caused by all the VU basketball gear I was wearing  :-X).  I was listening to the Wright State game after the HS game was over, and some people asked it I knew the score. When I told them that VU was behind and that Alec was injured and not playing it was not long before Parker's parents came to me to get details of Alec's situation.  They were nice people and told me that Parker would be very upset to hear this news.

Here is the video of the complete game.

Quote from: VU2014 on February 18, 2017, 05:23:30 PM

QuoteValpo needs to keep an eye on Valpo High sophomore Brandon Newman.
He's been the best player on the court in the last two games (Crown Point and Chesterton).

Just took a look at the his highlights from the last few games and he looks expressive. Nice euro-step, quick, agile, and can get to the rim. Didn't see a great looking jump shot though. Needs to develop a jump shoot if he really want succeed at the next level. Only a sophomore though.

Highlight clips if you want to take a quick look: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6329578/brandon-newman

Wouldn't be a bad idea for the coaching staff to start building a relationship with the guy to potentially gain a recruiting advantage down the road.

Only thing is that he's a hometown kid. A lot of times kids want to leave for college and get away from their parents and family. Could be an advantage or a disadvantage I guess depending on the kid. Also Northwest Indiana is weird. Native Indiana people tend to gravitate towards Purdue, IU and Notre Dame, because of the generational history of those schools athletics programs, etc. There are a lot of Valparaiso University fans in Valpo but not as much as you'd think there should be because the loyalty to Purdue, IU and ND run strong in Indiana.

I worked with Brandon this past summer and assisted his AAU team (he played an age group up). His jump shot is not an issue, probably even a strong skill of his. I remember him winning a couple games in the summer almost by himself hitting contested 3's and at the rim. He is not asked to take many jump shots with the high school team. He is a great kid who is committed to taking his game to the next level and will be featured over the his junior and senior seasons at Valpo. I'd expect him to continue to improve and receive his fair share of offers. Couldn't tell you at what level but I'd love to see him at VU. I've seen him at a number of our games this season.

I talked to one of the asst. coaches at Concordia H S regarding his assessment of Parker Hazen:  he had some good moves close to the bucket but didn't appear to be a big offensive threat or good outside shooter like AP... was not overly impressed with this one game look although overall he thought PH was a better than average player.  I have not seen PH play, but I must say I was surprised by the coach's comments.  But again, this was only a one game evaluation.  Time will tell.  Obviously  PH has impressed many in his past performances and also enough to be named to last year's Indiana State Junior all-star team.  It will be interesting to see how he impresses those choosing this year's Indiana All-Star Team.

No one has mentioned on this topic that Sasha is going to Purdue.  I hope that it works out for him.

QuoteNo one has mentioned on this topic that Sasha is going to Purdue.  I hope that it works out for him.

I hope gets a gets chance to play. Wish him luck.

If he doesn't get the playing time or in game court time he wants then I hope he doesn't just ride the bench. He's too good not see court time and not develop his game.

QuoteI talked to one of the asst. coaches at Concordia H S regarding his assessment of Parker Hazen:  he had some good moves close to the bucket but didn't appear to be a big offensive threat or good outside shooter like AP... was not overly impressed with this one game look although overall he thought PH was a better than average player.  I have not seen PH play, but I must say I was surprised by the coach's comments.  But again, this was only a one game evaluation.  Time will tell.  Obviously  PH has impressed many in his past performances and also enough to be named to last year's Indiana State Junior all-star team.  It will be interesting to see how he impresses those choosing this year's Indiana All-Star Team.

That is a little concerning. I knew he wasn't exactly a jump shooter but you'd alway like to hear a few more positive things from a coach. I know the his team is pretty much him and a couple pick up game high school talents out there. I think PH will probably benefit greatly from professional coaching. Never expecting him to AP, but you'd like to see a guy who is 6'7"-6'8" and move around as well as he does for his size have decent jump shot to keep defenders honest. Versatility is always a strength. Coaches can prepare and take opposing players out of the game when they are one dimensional. PH is a pretty athletic and really moves well for guy his height.

The JUCO athlete we offer to last week, Markus Golder made a monster high flying lob dunk a few days. Crazy hops.

https://twitter.com/TheReal_MG3/status/835933465556074497

As to Markus Golder, I thought North Idaho College rang a bell.  Former Valpo player Logan Jones transferred to North Idaho. 

Welcome aboard Markus Golder! Like that athleticism!!

Here is his Twitter feed announcing his commitment.  We have him for 3 years, right?

[tweet]837726088583327745[/tweet]

North Idaho website.  Marcus (#21) is featured skying in many of the pics headlining the MBB program.  NIC roster lists him as a 6-6 guard.  They go into the NWAC  post season 25-4 (13-3 [1st] in their NWAC division).  That should mean  a #1 or #2 seed.  Couldn't find season individual statistics yet.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Cardinals win share of East Region title
02/25/2017

Top ranked North Idaho College avenged an earlier 98-95 loss to 3rd-ranked Walla Walla, beating the Warriors 88-75 to claim at least a share of the NWAC East Region title. The Cards can claim the title outright with a victory on Wednesday at Wenatchee Valley.

Three players recorded double-doubles for the Cardinals. Freshman forward Marcus Golder tallied 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, both game highs. Sophomore post Zaequan Satterthwaite was nearly perfect in his final regular season home game, scoring 24 points on 9 of 10 shooting from the field and 6 of 6 from the free throw line. Another sophomore playing his final game at Rolly Williams Court, guard Sam Dowd, continued his outstanding play, tossing in 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting while the NWAC's top assist leader dished out 10.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinal defense was on its game again, holding the NWAC's 3rd-leading scoring team to 39% shooting from the field, 24% from beyond the arc, 16 points under their season average of 91.

Obviously very athletic.  What I've sen of his shot indicates that he generally shoots from a set position.  Not a catch and shoot guy at this point.  It also looked like he was being recruited coming out of high school by D2 teams.  I think this is why he went the JUCO route, hoping to improve his stock.  Based on the numbers he is putting up, he certainly did--gaining a Valpo scholarship.  Congrats to Markus!!

I like the numbers I see for Markus Golder in 27 minutes per game: 56% FG, 39% 3FG, 81% FT, 19.2 PTS, 6.5 REBS. Also, I can imagine some inventive puns and plays on the name "Golder," especially for a school that has Gold as one of its colors.

https://twitter.com/TheReal_MG3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

This is Marcus' Twitter feed.

I scrolled it back to November.  He seems to be a very grounded, introspective kid, respectful and a gym rat.  He seems to come back often to "my basketball family" in his posts.  Bet that why he signed with Valpo.

Looks like we have another "Alec" / "Alex" "Derrik" / "Derrick" situation. The correct spelling is "Markus" rather than "Marcus."

Quote from: VU2014 on March 02, 2017, 04:14:29 PM

QuoteI talked to one of the asst. coaches at Concordia H S regarding his assessment of Parker Hazen:  he had some good moves close to the bucket but didn't appear to be a big offensive threat or good outside shooter like AP... was not overly impressed with this one game look although overall he thought PH was a better than average player.  I have not seen PH play, but I must say I was surprised by the coach's comments.  But again, this was only a one game evaluation.  Time will tell.  Obviously  PH has impressed many in his past performances and also enough to be named to last year's Indiana State Junior all-star team.  It will be interesting to see how he impresses those choosing this year's Indiana All-Star Team.

That is a little concerning. I knew he wasn't exactly a jump shooter but you'd alway like to hear a few more positive things from a coach. I know the his team is pretty much him and a couple pick up game high school talents out there. I think PH will probably benefit greatly from professional coaching. Never expecting him to AP, but you'd like to see a guy who is 6'7"-6'8" and move around as well as he does for his size have decent jump shot to keep defenders honest. Versatility is always a strength. Coaches can prepare and take opposing players out of the game when they are one dimensional. PH is a pretty athletic and really moves well for guy his height.

I understand the concern, but would not put too much stock in what was said. PH is doing exactly what his coach is asking him to do, play a very traditional 5.  IMO this does not really utilize his skill set, which is more of a Shane Hammink type player. As an example.... Shane does not take the ball out for VU after a made basket. Why, because you want him in a position to receive a mid-court pass so that he can attack the basket or draw the defense so that he can make a cross court pass to once again apply pressure to the defense.  PH appeared to almost always take the ball out, like many 5's do, which means that he is rarely in a position to handle the ball and attack the basket in any kind of break opportunity.  Only once in the Concordia game did he get the ball in the mid-court where he handled the ball well. 

As far as his jump-shot, he was 3-5 from 15-18 ft, miss a 3 and another long 2.  As a 5 he does not get many opportunities to shoot from range and it would be more of a concern to me if he was settling for jump shots when he is able to get to the rim.  The form and mechanics look good, I think that he will develop the shot as he plays a more natural position.  I would not compare him to AP because he is naturally more athletic than AP was at this age.

QuoteI like the numbers I see for Markus Golder in 27 minutes per game: 56% FG, 39% 3FG, 81% FT, 19.2 PTS, 6.5 REBS. Also, I can imagine some inventive puns and plays on the name "Golder," especially for a school that has Gold as one of its colors.

What I particularly like other then the obvious athleticism, is that 3pt % and that 81% FT%. When you have that type of athleticism and you taking it the hoop your going to get fouled at a decent clip.

Can we suit up Markus this weekend? :)

Great news about Markus!  Congrats to him, and to the entire coaching staff for a job well done!

Well a Green Bay fan is already talking smack to our new recruit...

https://twitter.com/packersbest301/status/837838999947444224

He originally tweeted out something about Valpo's going to lose to Green Bay again but then deleted it on Markus' commitment tweet then left a #RP40 tweet, which I had no clue stood for "Relentless Pressure for 40 minutes"

http://wbay.com/2015/10/06/phoenix-players-prepare-for-coach-darners-rp-40-strategy/

Hit the block button and move on.....

Mileek played pretty well in a 9 point over Michigan city at City tonight. Tomorrow will probably put him up against Sasha's CP team, assuming they get by Chesterton.

Anyone else see the EC kid Couisinard getting looked at by Kansas?! Kid can really play, only decent offer he has is DePaul.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-local-roundup-st-0304-20170303-story.html

Local roundup: Junior college guard/forward commits to Valparaiso

By: Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune

Valparaiso on Friday received a verbal commitment from Markus Golder.

The 6-foot-6 guard/forward is averaging 19.3 points and 6.5 rebounds for North Idaho, a junior college with a 25-4 record heading into the postseason. The redshirt freshman also is shooting 56.0 percent (202-for-361) for the Cardinals, including 38.7 percent (24-for-62) from 3-point range.

Golder was an all-state player as a senior in 2015 at Clackamas High, located outside Portland, Oregon.

The Crusaders have been looking for a player similar to senior swingman Shane Hammink, and the athletic Golder could fit that mold.

....

Give the rest a click/read

Quote from: valpopal on March 03, 2017, 02:00:46 PM
I like the numbers I see for Markus Golder in 27 minutes per game: 56% FG, 39% 3FG, 81% FT, 19.2 PTS, 6.5 REBS. Also, I can imagine some inventive puns and plays on the name "Golder," especially for a school that has Gold as one of its colors.

So if we recruit a person named Browner. Valpo will have recruited both Browner and Golder. 

Parker Hazen had a good game last night scoring 25 points in his team's win.

Golden seems like a nice player. Do we know who was recruiting him out of HS and why he choose the JUCO route? 

How would those who have seen both compare Parker to his brother Brachen, who was more highly ranked but is currently a freshman on the end of the bench at Arkansas? I would have liked to see the two paired at Valpo.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on March 04, 2017, 10:26:23 AM
Golden seems like a nice player. Do we know who was recruiting him out of HS and why he choose the JUCO route?

http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/-12400154622907359/markus-golder-clackamas-senior-playing-above-the-rim-with-monster-slam-dunks-video/ (http://highschoolsports.oregonlive.com/news/article/-12400154622907359/markus-golder-clackamas-senior-playing-above-the-rim-with-monster-slam-dunks-video/)

Based on that article he felt that a year at juco could garner him a D1 offer.

The 6-foot-4 forward is being recruited by several colleges, including NCAA Division II Holy Names University in Oakland, California, Western Oregon, Tacoma Community College, Corban University in Salem and Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.

Quote from: NativeCheesehead on March 04, 2017, 10:26:23 AMGolden seems like a nice player. Do we know who was recruiting him out of HS and why he choose the JUCO route? 

Is this the same Oregon kid mentioned once or twice in the last year or couple years? Maybe grades would explain his JUCO choice but don't know.

One scholarship remaining assuming Kiser gets the other. Looks to me like a red shirted transfer is the way to go. Having 13 players eligible is not the answer. Last year Max, Nick, and Lexus barely saw the floor. Had Derrik not been injured I doubt if he would have played 110 minutes the entire season. Having 3 red shirted transfers (this year) was even worse. You know you are a little thin when you have a walk on playing 26 minutes.  :o

Seems like a good replacement for Shane!  I much prefer to have him over what Middleton would have done for us.

2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment.

Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him.

1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Mileek went double digits tonight in the sectional win over that former recruit!

Also, heard the eC kid I mentioned above has a 1.4 GPA....I thought the ihsaa had rules on gpa (of course what I heard might not be true either, but would explain his less then impressive list of offers).

Quote from: VU2014 on March 05, 2017, 12:10:55 AM
2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment.

Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him.

1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Why wait to share?  Are there implications or are you just being coy?

Quote from: vu72 on March 04, 2017, 11:00:31 AM
Based on that article he felt that a year at juco could garner him a D1 offer.

The 6-foot-4 forward is being recruited by several colleges, including NCAA Division II Holy Names University in Oakland, California, Western Oregon, Tacoma Community College, Corban University in Salem and Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.

Reading his Twitter feed back a year, it is pretty apparent that the JUCO route was precisely that. He's a motivated kid. 

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 05, 2017, 06:43:30 AM

Quote from: VU2014 on March 05, 2017, 12:10:55 AM
2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment.

Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him.

1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Why wait to share?  Are there implications or are you just being coy?

2014, please elaborate and help us go positive on a possible recruiting trail.  It's all we got!!!

Quote from: VU2014 on March 05, 2017, 12:10:55 AM
2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment.

Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him.

1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Including the wasted Middleton one?

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 05, 2017, 01:01:29 PM

Quote from: VU2014 on March 05, 2017, 12:10:55 AM2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment. Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him. 1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Including the wasted Middleton one?

I think that one runs out after the current semester.

Valpo lost out on a mid season transfer in December because there was no available scholarship, so it might not be a bad idea to hold on to an open one rather then use it on  a marginal prospect.

Regarding Parker Hazen compared to his brother Bracken...a few months ago I talked to a former Valpo grad  who lives in the Columbia City  area and has seen both of them play over the years. He felt, as some other people in the CC community felt, that Parker was just as good and perhaps better than Bracken.  On a side note, I believe that Bracken was also recruited by VU.

QuoteRegarding Parker Hazen compared to his brother Bracken...a few months ago I talked to a former Valpo grad  who lives in the Columbia City  area and has seen both of them play over the years. He felt, as some other people in the CC community felt, that Parker was just as good and perhaps better than Bracken.  On a side note, I believe that Bracken was also recruited by VU.

Yep. Heard the same thing. Brachen's final few schools had Valpo in the mix.

I've been told the biggest difference in their game was that Brachen has a better shooting touch but Parker is a better athlete.

I wish Brachen a ton of success at Arkansas but wouldn't mind if he decided to transfer to Valpo to create a Hazen duo. It would be pretty cool team see them playing on the same college team for an Indiana school. He has only play 41 total minute (13 game) for Arkansas this season (not totally unexpected for a freshman).

He's listed as SF (Parker is listed as PF) at Arkansas. He is currently the only SF on the roster this season, but they signed a 3.5-Star SF that will be a Freshman in the HS2017 class and they already have a HS2018 SF that is 3.5-star verbal commit.

Their leading scorer is a senior Shooting Guard. Second leading scorer is a Junior SG. 3rd leading scorer a JR PG.

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/gamelog/_/id/4066246/brachen-hazen

http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/arkansas

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/8

Quote from: VU2014 on March 06, 2017, 10:18:05 AMYep. Heard the same thing. Brachen's final few schools had Valpo in the mix.

I've been told the biggest difference in their game was that Brachen has a better shooting touch but Parker is a better athlete.

I wish Brachen a ton of success at Arkansas but wouldn't mind if he decided to transfer to Valpo to create a Hazen duo. It would be pretty cool team see them playing on the same college team for an Indiana school. He has only play 41 total minute (13 game) for Arkansas this season (not totally unexpected for a freshman).

Watch this video from the Columbia City vs Bishop Luers 2016 Sectional final with both Brachen and Parker on the floor and I think it confirms what you have heard. Watch the 1st and 4th quarters.  The CC coach from last year had the luxury of playing the brothers together which opened the floor up, keeping teams from double or triple teaming.  Parker was the hero in this game with 22 pts and 6 reb. Based on this one game, I am glad we got the brother that we did.



Box Score Box Score CC vs BL 2016 (http://www.maxpreps.com/games/basketball-winter-15-16/columbia-city-vs-fort-wayne-bishop-luers/3-4-2016-QNrN-y1qEkKxw-Ca0cUWTw.htm)

Quote from: VU2014 on March 05, 2017, 12:10:55 AM
2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment.

Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him.

1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Can you elaborate on the rumblings?

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 07, 2017, 05:20:05 PM

Quote from: VU2014 on March 05, 2017, 12:10:55 AM
2 scholarships left after the Marcus Golder commitment.

Kiser is going to get one of the 2 scholarships left. You don't start a walk-on in a Conference Tourney game (even with the very short bench) if you are not going to offer him. He was the guy who looked aggressive and really into it tonight and played solid D. There are things to like about Kiser. Not your average walk-on and the coaching staff clearly likes him.

1 more scholarship left. I've heard rumblings of a few guys their recruiting. I'll share after the Conf tourney is over or when we're done with the CBI, CIT or Vegas 16 (maybe NIT).

Can you elaborate on the rumblings?

2014....what's the rumors you speak of regarding recruiting?  The tournament is over, we're ready for speculation and good word!

I would guess another 2 or 3 in terms of position? We have 4 guys at pg (Bakari, Micah, Max and Lexus). Really only Tevonn and maybe Markus Golder at SG.
Burton, Kizer at SF, Hazen, McMillan, Levingston-Simon at PF, and Sorolla and Smits at Center. That is 13 guys. If Kizer gets a schollie do we even have any left to offer? Wondering if Burton will play minutes at PF also, so we can mix vet with freshmen?

Quote from: vufan75 on March 08, 2017, 09:01:15 PM
I would guess another 2 or 3 in terms of position? We have 4 guys at pg (Bakari, Micah, Max and Lexus). Really only Tevonn and maybe Markus Golden at SG.
Burton, Kizer at SF, Hazen, McMillan, Levingston-Simon at PF, and Sorolla and Smits at Center. That is 13 guys. If Kizer gets a schollie do we even have any left to offer? Wondering if Burton will play minutes at PF also, so we can mix vet with freshmen?

Levingston Simon = walk on

Quote from: vufan75 on March 08, 2017, 09:01:15 PMReally only Tevonn and maybe Markus Golden at SG.

I really wish we would learn to spell a student/athlete's name from the beginning and not misspell it the whole time he is at Valpo. Markus last name is Golder.

Knew that. Just typed it wrong and spellchecker did me a favor. Thx.

Quote from: vufan75 on March 08, 2017, 11:36:38 PM
Knew that. Just typed it wrong and spellchecker did me a favor. Thx.

This is where the "Modify" button becomes your best friend.

Yep. Just missed it.

Quote from: vufan75 on March 08, 2017, 09:01:15 PMMarkus Golden Golder

Two replies to me but yet you can't fix the misspelling with the "Modify" button? This is what I mean. You can fix the misspellings and should. This young athlete wants his name spelled correctly. Only you can do it.

Do u have aaannnyything better to do than be the spelling police?
Here if it will quiet you. Markus Golder is his name spelled correctly. And fixed my original post so you can now rest easy. Can we move on now I hope?

The NWAC tournament starts today if anyone is interested in watching Markus Golder and North Idaho.  If I have the time differences right the game should start at 12 noon CST and 1PM EST.  They won their region so they are the 1 seed in their pod of four teams.

Streamed Live here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw)

NWAC Tournament Bracket (http://www.nwacsports.org/basketball/championship/2017_Men's_Basketball_Bracket-March4.pdf)

Some interesting recruiting notes:

I asked a Illinois High School Scouting/Recruiting professional if he thought Valpo was going to offer Taylor Bruninga & he said he, "Very difficult to say at the moment." I then asked if the lack of an offer was coming from our end (in terms of interest), and mentioned how he's taken an unofficial and knows the coaching staff and Peters Family pretty well. He responded, "Not sure. Just know that Valpo staff is slow sometimes on extending offers, plus some schools want Bruninga to redshirt."

So to give a little context on the Taylor Bruninga interest it seems Valpo has a history of being very judicial with who we offer (going all the way back to Homer and definitely the Bryce days). Seems like we're interested and coaches have definitely been in contact. He seems like he'd be a great fit with Alec graduating and him having very similar style of game and height.

Also interesting that schools are trying to get him to red-shirt his freshman year. Means they like him a lot but no scholarships available. A lot of Bigger Schools do that a lot. I'm not sure the Valpo (or any mid-majors other then Gonzaga) have a program or cache to try and pull that stuff.

Another somewhat interesting note is that I was talking to him over twitter and Taylor's mom liked the tweet, asking specifically if Valpo would offer and pointing out the fit and connection... I may be reading too much into that situation with her liking that, but maybe the family would like an offer. Valpo was great for Alec's development and opportunity wise, and he and Alec are from the same area and same AAU program. Someone also mentioned that Taylor is Lutheran so maybe thats a sweetener with Valpo being a Lutheran University.


Another interesting recruiting note is we missed on a Lithuanian player. 6-7 SF, who plays at a academy in the state. Apparently he has the potential to become a dead eye 3pt shooter. I saw a few vids of him and he looked impressive. We were in his final 2. He chose University of Richmond over Valpo.
http://www.richmond.com/sports/college/schools/university-richmond/article_cdbda137-0fcf-51e4-89e9-0493d955e133.html

I heard about 1 more recruit that Valpo may be interested in. I can't remember his name but if I remember his name but I'll post if remember.

North Idaho game has started.

Quote from: bbtds on March 09, 2017, 01:42:23 AM

Quote from: vufan75 on March 08, 2017, 09:01:15 PMMarkus Golden

Two replies to me but yet you can't fix the misspelling with the "Modify" button? This is what I mean. You can fix the misspellings and should. This young athlete wants his name spelled correctly. Only you can do it.

I agree.  vufan75 has now complied with your request, but his misspelling lives on because you quoted it twice.  You should edit your posts to remove this.

Quote from: FWalum on March 09, 2017, 10:17:22 AM
The NWAC tournament starts today if anyone is interested in watching Markus Golder and North Idaho.  If I have the time differences right the game should start at 12 noon CST and 1PM EST.  They won their region so they are the 1 seed in their pod of four teams.

Streamed Live here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw)

NWAC Tournament Bracket (http://www.nwacsports.org/basketball/championship/2017_Men's_Basketball_Bracket-March4.pdf)

I'll just say that I presume the coaches know what they are doing... ::)

Quote from: vufan75 on March 09, 2017, 03:14:51 AM
Do u have aaannnyything better to do than be the spelling police?
Here if it will quiet you. Markus Golder is his name spelled correctly. And fixed my original post so you can now rest easy. Can we move on now I hope?

If it was your name and it was continually being spelled incorrectly you would object to it also. We all know that the players' families read this board and to see a good player's name spelled incorrectly even when it could be corrected shows a great deal of disrespect. Think of how much this board objects when Valparaiso is mispronounced. It is extremely disrespectful.

How do you think Mrs. Peters felt when she saw Alec's name misspelled so often?

You mean Alex Peters?
How about Shane Hamnik? Son of Al. :)
Treyvonn Walker could also be added to the list.
Maxx Joseph became a pretty good player this year.
I hope Derrick Smiths improves next year.

Quote from: bbtds on March 09, 2017, 02:29:29 PM

Quote from: vufan75 on March 09, 2017, 03:14:51 AM
Do u have aaannnyything better to do than be the spelling police?
Here if it will quiet you. Markus Golder is his name spelled correctly. And fixed my original post so you can now rest easy. Can we move on now I hope?

If it was your name and it was continually being spelled incorrectly you would object to it also. We all know that the players' families read this board and to see a good player's name spelled incorrectly even when it could be corrected shows a great deal of disrespect. Think of how much this board objects when Valparaiso is mispronounced. It is extremely disrespectful.

How do you think Mrs. Peters felt when she saw Alec's name misspelled so often?

Is this a joke thread? 

Quote from: VU2014 on March 09, 2017, 11:26:10 AM

Also interesting that schools are trying to get him to red-shirt his freshman year. Means they like him a lot but no scholarships available. A lot of Bigger Schools do that a lot. I'm not sure the Valpo (or any mid-majors other then Gonzaga) have a program or cache to try and pull that stuff.

Just to clarify here, if they want a player to "redshirt," that means he would still receive a scholarship (unless specified as a non-scholarship/walk-on when recruited) but would sit next year to get bigger/stronger/more skilled with the coaching staff and because the position is currently filled.  Derrick was a medical redshirt last year but Valpo has redshirted in the past for various reasons, including transfer.  Generally, you then have 5 years to play 4 (certain rules and exceptions apply, consult NCAA manual for details, void where prohibited).  What may also be offered to a player is that he go play at a HS academy/prep school for a year to improve his skill set or because the school doesn't have the necessary scholarship or in the past couldn't pass prop 48.  He continues playing against higher level competition and then has 4 years of scholarship eligibility.  Valpo has rarely done this because they have usually needed the bodies right away or they just have the player redshirt so he can practice and learn and be coached up by our staff.  Bigger schools will "stash" some players this way if they are late growers or bloomers.  The pros include the player knows he has a home in a year.  The negative for the school is he could open up his recruiting.  The other thing is to have them go to JUCO.  Valpo had some center do this a few years ago now (Moussa?) -- he went to JUCO and reopened his recruiting, went to Alabama(??) and then came back.  There also was some weirdness with a center from UNLV Beas Hamga?  But, I think he was just a multiple transfer guy.  Anyway, redshirts are on scholly.  Next time we can discuss walk-ons and preferred walk-ons.

There is also a "gray shirt" which VU2014 was probably referring to. 

A grey shirt is an incoming college freshman who postpones his enrollment in classes until the second term of his freshman year. This means they don't take classes until the winter term. The NCAA allows college athletes five years to complete four years of eligibility after initial enrollment.  When a grayshirt puts off his enrollment, he's extending his eligibility past his senior year for another term. Power5s do this to stockpile players.  But it is more frequently used in football because the extra semester of eligibility extends into the fall of the 5th year.  No need to redshirt.  No scholarship funds utilized.  Sweet deal. 

Quote from: Valpo89 on March 09, 2017, 02:58:40 PM
You mean Alex Peters?
How about Shane Hamnik? Son of Al. :)
Treyvonn Walker could also be added to the list.
Maxx Joseph became a pretty good player this year.
I hope Derrick Smiths improves next year.

You are so correct, Poul Paul.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 09, 2017, 03:22:04 PM
Do u have aaannnyything better to do than be the spelling police?
Here if it will quiet you. Markus Golder is his name spelled correctly. And fixed my original post so you can now rest easy. Can we move on now I hope?

If it was your name and it was continually being spelled incorrectly you would object to it also. We all know that the players' families read this board and to see a good player's name spelled incorrectly even when it could be corrected shows a great deal of disrespect. Think of how much this board objects when Valparaiso is mispronounced. It is extremely disrespectful.

How do you think Mrs. Peters felt when she saw Alec's name misspelled so often?
[/quote]

Is this a joke thread? 
[/quote]

No joke. How would you feel if everybody on this board spelled your nickname as "Fieldgoalie05?."

Quote from: bbtds on March 09, 2017, 06:27:22 PM

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 09, 2017, 03:22:04 PM
Do u have aaannnyything better to do than be the spelling police?
Here if it will quiet you. Markus Golder is his name spelled correctly. And fixed my original post so you can now rest easy. Can we move on now I hope?

If it was your name and it was continually being spelled incorrectly you would object to it also. We all know that the players' families read this board and to see a good player's name spelled incorrectly even when it could be corrected shows a great deal of disrespect. Think of how much this board objects when Valparaiso is mispronounced. It is extremely disrespectful.

How do you think Mrs. Peters felt when she saw Alec's name misspelled so often?

Is this a joke thread? 
[/quote]

No joke. How would you feel if everybody on this board spelled your nickname as "Fieldgoalie05?."
[/quote]

I like soccer ⚽️.  Gooooooooooaaaal

Quote from: vu72 on March 09, 2017, 01:47:00 PM

Quote from: FWalum on March 09, 2017, 10:17:22 AM
The NWAC tournament starts today if anyone is interested in watching Markus Golder and North Idaho.  If I have the time differences right the game should start at 12 noon CST and 1PM EST.  They won their region so they are the 1 seed in their pod of four teams.

Streamed Live here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw)

NWAC Tournament Bracket (http://www.nwacsports.org/basketball/championship/2017_Men's_Basketball_Bracket-March4.pdf)

I'll just say that I presume the coaches know what they are doing... ::)

Anyone else watch the NWAC replay last night with NIC (Markus Golder)?

I haven't got a multiple game framework to compare here, but here are a few thoughts:

1) JUCO teams are not defense oriented, so I'll tame my expectations here.  Markus rarely showed a lot of aggression on the defensive end.  Had some nice shot blocks, but didn't crash the boards aggressively.

2) offensively he just hung out on the baseline outside the 3-point line for stretches.  I suppose this is by design.  He was involved in a good amount of off the ball movement in small spurts, but nothing to write home about.

3) He generally crashed the boards on long drives for put back dunks, though he didn't have any successes here.  He is a good athlete.  Had one great high flying dunk attempt that just barely missed, ball appeared to be ever so slightly deflected.  This was in traffic and Hammink Hammer aggressive.

4) With solid height he was able to get off several contested 3's, made a few.  Hard to say he had enough volume to give us a good picture of his accuracy.

5) He was overshadowed by their C/PF exceptional play and their diminutive G who was a solid player.  He is clearly a 3rd option on his team, but a solid player when given the chance.  He is still a little raw, but gifted athletically.  If he can buy into coaches defense first mindset, we might have something in Markus Golder.

Again, style of play in JUCO is very sketchy at times because of the huge flux of players in and out of programs.  I'd say he's a nice addition for rebounds, defense and not an offensive liability like some players we had this year.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 10, 2017, 07:57:17 AM

Quote from: vu72 on March 09, 2017, 01:47:00 PM

Quote from: FWalum on March 09, 2017, 10:17:22 AM
The NWAC tournament starts today if anyone is interested in watching Markus Golder and North Idaho.  If I have the time differences right the game should start at 12 noon CST and 1PM EST.  They won their region so they are the 1 seed in their pod of four teams.

Streamed Live here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxYCRIzqALw)

NWAC Tournament Bracket (http://www.nwacsports.org/basketball/championship/2017_Men's_Basketball_Bracket-March4.pdf)

I'll just say that I presume the coaches know what they are doing... ::)

Anyone else watch the NWAC replay last night with NIC (Markus Golder)?

I haven't got a multiple game framework to compare here, but here are a few thoughts:

1) JUCO teams are not defense oriented, so I'll tame my expectations here.  Markus rarely showed a lot of aggression on the defensive end.  Had some nice shot blocks, but didn't crash the boards aggressively.

2) offensively he just hung out on the baseline outside the 3-point line for stretches.  I suppose this is by design.  He was involved in a good amount of off the ball movement in small spurts, but nothing to write home about.

3) He generally crashed the boards on long drives for put back dunks, though he didn't have any successes here.  He is a good athlete.  Had one great high flying dunk attempt that just barely missed, ball appeared to be ever so slightly deflected.  This was in traffic and Hammink Hammer aggressive.

4) With solid height he was able to get off several contested 3's, made a few.  Hard to say he had enough volume to give us a good picture of his accuracy.

5) He was overshadowed by their C/PF exceptional play and their diminutive G who was a solid player.  He is clearly a 3rd option on his team, but a solid player when given the chance.  He is still a little raw, but gifted athletically.  If he can buy into coaches defense first mindset, we might have something in Markus Golder.

Again, style of play in JUCO is very sketchy at times because of the huge flux of players in and out of programs.  I'd say he's a nice addition for rebounds, defense and not an offensive liability like some players we had this year.

Saw the last 10 minutes of the last half.  I agree with your observations.

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 10, 2017, 07:57:17 AMAnyone else watch the NWAC replay last night with NIC (Markus Golder)?

I haven't got a multiple game framework to compare here, but here are a few thoughts:

1) JUCO teams are not defense oriented, so I'll tame my expectations here. Markus rarely showed a lot of aggression on the defensive end. Had some nice shot blocks, but didn't crash the boards aggressively.

2) offensively he just hung out on the baseline outside the 3-point line for stretches. I suppose this is by design. He was involved in a good amount of off the ball movement in small spurts, but nothing to write home about.

3) He generally crashed the boards on long drives for put back dunks, though he didn't have any successes here. He is a good athlete. Had one great high flying dunk attempt that just barely missed, ball appeared to be ever so slightly deflected. This was in traffic and Hammink Hammer aggressive.

4) With solid height he was able to get off several contested 3's, made a few. Hard to say he had enough volume to give us a good picture of his accuracy.

5) He was overshadowed by their C/PF exceptional play and their diminutive G who was a solid player. He is clearly a 3rd option on his team, but a solid player when given the chance. He is still a little raw, but gifted athletically. If he can buy into coaches defense first mindset, we might have something in Markus Golder.

Again, style of play in JUCO is very sketchy at times because of the huge flux of players in and out of programs. I'd say he's a nice addition for rebounds, defense and not an offensive liability like some players we had this year.

Ok, here is a little more in-depth analysis of Markus Golder. I have watched several of their games and he is not the 3rd option, as valpopal indicated earlier he is scoring about 19 PPG and is their leading scorer and second in rebounding. This was his second worst game of the year. In general JUCO teams stink on defense and there is a lot of emphasis on creating your own shot and Markus seems pretty good at doing just that in the other games that I have seen. His defense will need to improve dramatically, but he has the athletic gifts necessary (length, quickness and jumping ability) to be a good defender once he adds some strength and buys into Matt's philosophy. In this game, he almost appeared as a decoy standing off to the sideline or baseline and not nearly as involved as in other games that I watched.

Here are the individual stats for North Idaho College.  http://www.nwacsports.org/basketball/stat.php?stat=teamSummary&season=2016&team=NIC&sport=mbasketball&league=&sort=avg_pts (http://www.nwacsports.org/basketball/stat.php?stat=teamSummary&season=2016&team=NIC&sport=mbasketball&league=&sort=avg_pts)

From the extended "Meet the Cardinal" interview video found on page 16 of this thread, he also seems to have a very laid back personality, how that fits in with our team it will be interesting to see.  I would love to be a fly on the wall the first time he and Tevonn matchup in open gym.

According to Conference (region?) awards he's one of the best players in that league. He was 1st team and freshman of the year.

https://twitter.com/voiceofthecards/status/838946117823836160

Quote from: VU2014 on March 10, 2017, 11:14:08 AM
According to Conference (region?) awards he's one of the best players in that league. He was 1st team and freshman of the year.

https://twitter.com/voiceofthecards/status/838946117823836160

Very cool!  He had a tough game yesterday OR the strategy disengaged him.

Mileek had a nice game this morning against 2018 target Walter Ellis. Merrillville advances to face Warsaw (after they win on a questionable foul call in double OT vs East Chicago) later this evening in Michigan City.

My cousin played against this kid in HS and he was a highly recruited player coming out of HS. 3-star SG. Could be an interesting 1 season grad transfer target for Valpo if coaches are looking for a more traditional SG bridge.

Cautionary tale for other recruits. This kid was so caught up with playing for a high profile 'BIG 10' school that he sacrificed 'playing time' and valuable in game experience that would have help him develop his game and show off his game and have a real good sample to show European//Foreign Basketball Teams to give him a chances. He's been riding the bench for 3yrs at Nebraska and now is a grad-transfer and only has one more year of eligibility left to prove it to scout and develop.

I feel bad for these kids that can't see the "big picture". They get so caught up wanting to play for a big school, but don't make the best decision for their careers. Just thought I'd share. I don't want to be "that guy" but I hope this is not the situation Sasha finds himself in down the road at Purdue. The kid is so talented and shouldn't be wasting his eligibility on a bench instead of developing (getting big minutes) at a smaller school.

https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/841477134635945984
https://twitter.com/VerbalCommits/status/841492931580121088

Has the McMillan kid from Merrillville signed with us?  If so did anyone see him play vs. FW North yesterday?  He would have been up against the big Butz kid from North who is headed to DePaul next year.

He signed with us a log time ago. Mileek was forced to play the C position for his hs team but will probably be a 3 in college. He had 9pts 6rebs and was in foul trouble trying to guard the monstars from Ft Wayne. He also hit several 3s.

Quote from: M on March 19, 2017, 11:44:12 AM
He signed with us a log time ago. Mileek was forced to play the C position for his hs team but will probably be a 3 in college. He had 9pts 6rebs and was in foul trouble trying to guard the monstars from Ft Wayne. He also hit several 3s.

I heard that Fort Wayne North Side could be.....................wait for it...................Legendary!   ;)

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/12/11/insider-keep-eye-talent-fort-wayne-north-side/95293866/


(http://static.hudl.com/users/prod/1550545_d792ffdebd8240d1ae51521cddc00d8a.jpg)


Up until last year North side was the Redskins but you can guess why that nickname was eliminated.

I'm assuming that their new nickname comes from the name of their yearbook


(http://www.e-yearbook.com/books/20571/1946/jpg180/7.jpg)

Quote from: M on March 19, 2017, 11:44:12 AM
He signed with us a log time ago. Mileek was forced to play the C position for his hs team but will probably be a 3 in college. He had 9pts 6rebs and was in foul trouble trying to guard the monstars from Ft Wayne. He also hit several 3s.

M is accurate in his assessment of this game.  North Side's Jalen Butz is a legitimate 6'10" and if he can improve his effort and intensity could be a decent player for Depaul.  Mileek did not matchup well with Butz simply because of the difference in height and length. What I like about Mileek is that he has a D1 body and looks like he has some skills that can be developed. At least in this game, it looked like Merrillville was very perimeter oriented with not many attempts to enter the ball to Mileek.

If you can stand the most obnoxious announcer I have ever heard, here is the link to the full game

Or maybe you can just turn off the audio.  >:(

Interesting side note, 2 of North Side's starters, Juan Quarles and Keon Brooks, went to St Paul's Lutheran School.

I only watched through the 45min mark, skipped parts when Mileek wasn't in the game, FT throw, time outs, etc.

Few thoughts:
-Sucks Mileek has to play Center just because he's the tallest kid. May help him in college, but you don't want him defending against guys 6'10" & up. Pretty much the only time I see him doing that is for times like when Jubril had to defend bigger post players because Vashil got into early foul trouble. Never pretty but could be called on to do it in a pinch.

-From what I saw was a garbage and horrendous game of officiating. Wholly cow are those refs terrible. I saw a kid pretty much get tackled beyond the 3pt line and there was no call. I don't watch a ton of HS basketball but I'm assuming this is pretty much standard officiating. BAD BAD BAD BAD

-The Butz kid clearly had size/length advantage but Mileek was pretty much in terrible rebounding positioning and didn't know how to properly set himself up for Rebounds/boxing out. Seems pretty standard for High School level coaching. Mileek looked like he was getting into early foul trouble.

-Saw him have a decent shooting touch on the ball. I don't really consider him to look like a 3. More of a stretch 4, but a hybrid 3-4 player. Versatility is nice.

-Moves well and is agile, but really raw and needs to get stronger (pretty much standard for every player coming out of HS)

-Looks like sort of a work in progress but all the bones/tools to become a fine College Basketball Player. He is going to really really benefit from working with the Valpo coaches on developing/refining his game and also getting on a collegiate strength program.

This kid looks like a player.....in his Junior year. Very raw as a face the basket guy. He won't be a post player at Valpo. He's got some room to fill out so he may end up being a board banger but as a 4 and not a 3. 

Is there any additional film on this recruit available? Did his HS team play with him in the post or did his HS coach do him a favor and allow him to play as a 3 or 4 in HS facing the basket as he will assuredly do at the next level? That appears to be what Taylor Bruninga's coach did for him. There's always two thoughts on the way the coach should deal with this type of player.

Quote from: VU2624 on March 19, 2017, 07:26:55 PM
This kid looks like a player.....in his Junior year. Very raw as a face the basket guy. He won't be a post player at Valpo. He's got some room to fill out so he may end up being a board banger but as a 4 and not a 3. 

Is there any additional film on this recruit available? Did his HS team play with him in the post or did his HS coach do him a favor and allow him to play as a 3 or 4 in HS facing the basket as he will assuredly do at the next level? That appears to be what Taylor Bruninga's coach did for him. There's always two thoughts on the way the coach should deal with this type of player.

Just my  :twocents: here, but the job of the coach at any level is to utilize the players in the way that helps the team win games.  If that means playing guys out of position, or at a position they won't play at the next level, so be it.

Valpo saw that this year when Alec played the 4 (or sometimes 5) for the good of the team, even though he hopes to be a 3 at the next level.  Coach Lottich did that because his job is to win games.

Quote from: zvillehaze on March 19, 2017, 10:07:17 PM

Quote from: VU2624 on March 19, 2017, 07:26:55 PMThis kid looks like a player.....in his Junior year. Very raw as a face the basket guy. He won't be a post player at Valpo. He's got some room to fill out so he may end up being a board banger but as a 4 and not a 3. Is there any additional film on this recruit available? Did his HS team play with him in the post or did his HS coach do him a favor and allow him to play as a 3 or 4 in HS facing the basket as he will assuredly do at the next level? That appears to be what Taylor Bruninga's coach did for him. There's always two thoughts on the way the coach should deal with this type of player.

Just my  :twocents: here, but the job of the coach at any level is to utilize the players in the way that helps the team win games.  If that means playing guys out of position, or at a position they won't play at the next level, so be it. Valpo saw that this year when Alec played the 4 (or sometimes 5) for the good of the team, even though he hopes to be a 3 at the next level.  Coach Lottich did that because his job is to win games.

That's why I say there's two thoughts to how to handle a kid like this. Coach Lottich is also a college coach and not a HS coach. There are a lot of HS coaches who would have this kid face the basket and figure out how to win games in that fashion as well.

In terms of winning games "at any level" I guess I'd ask at what point do you stop trying to develop the all around games of all of the players on the team for the sake of winning games. Middle or Junior HS? I think I'd walk out on to the court and remove a coach who had a kid posting up consistently. Teaching it as a concept and using it to also teach to guards the proper way to feed is one thing but I'd also have all of the players utilized as a post up to develop the skills of every player on the squad. High School? Maybe a little more focused on individual positions but a coach who has a kid who at the next level is going to play facing the basket not play that way most of the time is hurting that player whether it wins him more games or not.

Just saw Ryan Fazekas is leaving Providence.

Quote from: zvillehaze on March 22, 2017, 07:56:31 PM

Just saw Ryan Fazekas is leaving Providence.

This was before joining the forum for me.  Just to get a clearer picture, were we in the running for his services?  Or did we offer and hear nothing more of him?

I don't remember how close we were last time but 3 of his most recent follows on twitter are: Paul Oren, Luke Gore and Matt Lottich

Quote from: crusader05 on March 22, 2017, 08:30:28 PM
I don't remember how close we were last time but 3 of his most recent follows on twitter are: Paul Oren, Luke Gore and Matt Lottich

Who are those other two hacks? What paper do they write for?

Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 22, 2017, 08:25:45 PMThis was before joining the forum for me.  Just to get a clearer picture, were we in the running for his services?  Or did we offer and hear nothing more of him?

Seems like he may have declared pretty early. Maybe we were still looking with limited available scholarships when he announced?

Talking to: Valpo, Vandy, Ohio State, Illinois (been talking for months with Providences permission/been in the works). And yes we did recruit him out of high school. Bryce and Roger may have a relationship with him also...

Vandy:
-2 open roster spots
-2 SF on Roster:
Jeff Roberson (SR) started 35 games/Avg Min:31.7/PPG: 10.8/RBD: 7.0/AST: 1.7/FG%: .416/FT%: .793/3P%: .339
Joseph Toye (JR) played 35 games/Avg Min:21.1/PPG: 6.4/RBD: 2.6/AST: 1.1/FG%: .400/FT%: .679/3P%: .397

Ohio State:
No scholarships available:
-3 SF (2 5 stars & 1 3 star)

Illinois
-2 scholarships Available
-2 SF (2 JRs: 4 star & 3 star)

Valpo (we are in need a of a 3pt specialist)
-3 scholarships available (probably only 2)
-2 SF on roster
-Joe Burton & John Kiser

https://twitter.com/JP8185/status/844697693121318912

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/844693445184835585
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/844738291429785601
https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/844740906469216257

Fazekas would be a really nice get for Valpo.  This could be that 6'8" shooter. Looked like he was going to make a real impact at Providence his Freshman year before falling ill and missing a month, then didn't get back in the groove after a decent start this year. Maybe was already not happy, coach seemed to hold him out of games the last 1/4 of the year. Sitting out next year, gaining maturity and strength and then I think he helps a lot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxqX7TBIT1A

Fazekas had offers from both Northwestern and Valpo.  Guessing it will be one of those two programs.

QuoteFazekas had offers from both Northwestern and Valpo.  Guessing it will be one of those two programs.

Its early but the two leading schools are Valpo and Vandy. Both coaching staffs have a previous relationship from recruiting Ryan when everyone was on the Valpo staff.

https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/844738291429785601
https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/844740906469216257

Quote from: FWalum on March 22, 2017, 10:55:16 PM
Fazekas would be a really nice get for Valpo.  This could be that 6'8" shooter. Looked like he was going to make a real impact at Providence his Freshman year before falling ill and missing a month, then didn't get back in the groove after a decent start this year. Maybe was already not happy, coach seemed to hold him out of games the last 1/4 of the year. Sitting out next year, gaining maturity and strength and then I think he helps a lot.

Someone needs to make sure he hears the Union Street Hoops edition interviewing Bobby Capobianco (sp). He did a wonderful job of explaining why Valpo is a good choice.

QuoteSomeone needs to make sure he hears the Union Street Hoops edition interviewing Bobby Capobianco (sp). He did a wonderful job of explaining why Valpo is a good choice.

I could mention him in the tweet. An pass it along with him but idk. In that podcast Bobby talks about Bryce & Roger a lot and we know that they are directly vying for his service too. What do you think? It was a great podcast and I think it painted Valpo in a positive light landing spot for transfers and positive experience for their development but I don't want to give a Bryce/Roger an edge either.

One thing I notice is that Ryan recently followed: Coach Lottich, Coach Gore, Coach Warner & Paul, but his most recent person he started following on twitter was a Wright State Assistant Coach... Brian Cooley. It would be a bummer to lose a local kid to a conference rival. Maybe they also reached out to Ryan. Would be great to land Ryan. Paul and Parker talked about him in his most recent podcast. He also follows Jake Diebler on twitter (Vandy Assistant), former Valpo coach/player.

IF.....   it works out that we receive an MVC bid and  IF Valpo accepts.......  would we get an immediate boost to our 2017 (and 18 for that matter) recruiting?  In other words, if there are kids out there we are pursuing and they haven't quite made up their mind, would a move like this likely make us all the more appealing?

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2017, 07:45:36 AM
IF.....   it works out that we receive an MVC bid and  IF Valpo accepts.......  would we get an immediate boost to our 2017 (and 18 for that matter) recruiting?  In other words, if there are kids out there we are pursuing and they haven't quite made up their mind, would a move like this likely make us all the more appealing?

I would think that the perception of the average high school player would be that the MVC is a better conference with wider exposure than the HL.  Does that translate to an immediate boost in recruiting is anybody's guess, it may be too late in the game for 2017 with maybe the exception of the potential transfers.

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2017, 07:45:36 AM
IF.....   it works out that we receive an MVC bid and  IF Valpo accepts.......  would we get an immediate boost to our 2017 (and 18 for that matter) recruiting?  In other words, if there are kids out there we are pursuing and they haven't quite made up their mind, would a move like this likely make us all the more appealing?

I don't really think there is an "If" on if Valpo got offered would we accept? I'm almost sure we would definitely accept.

But I do think moving to the MVC would have a small boost to recruit. The MVC may not be what it use to be but there are still competitive teams and it has much more "brand recognition" than the Horizon League. When Loyola made the switch to the MVC it definitely helped with their recruiting.

The MVC's image will undoubtedly take a another hit with the departure of WSU, so it's hard to say that potential recruits would find the MVC a more attractive option than the HL based on image and profile. That said, 5 of 10 MVC programs reside in Illinois and Indiana. Valpo would be the 6th. That's 6 markets instead of 2 in the states where we recruit the heaviest. That's a lot more awareness and familiarity, easier for family members to attend road games, etc. I actually think this geographic factor could be a difference-maker.

Quote from: wh on April 07, 2017, 08:55:29 AM
The MVC's image will undoubtedly take a another hit with the departure of WSU, so it's hard to say that potential recruits would find the MVC a more attractive option than the HL based on image and profile. That said, 5 of 10 MVC programs reside in Illinois and Indiana. Valpo would be the 6th. That's 6 markets instead of 2 in the states where we recruit the heaviest. That's a lot more awareness and familiarity, easier for family members to attend road games, etc. I actually think this geographic factor could be a difference-maker.

This is correct. 

We don't recruit much in Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio (where most HL teams are located).   We just don't.   I don't know that we will get higher rated recruits if we join the MVC, but we will be in the media a lot more in the areas that we do recruit in.  So we will have a better chance at the 2-3 star athletes we are currently looking at out on the recruiting trail.   

Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 07, 2017, 09:03:55 AM

Quote from: wh on April 07, 2017, 08:55:29 AM
The MVC's image will undoubtedly take a another hit with the departure of WSU, so it's hard to say that potential recruits would find the MVC a more attractive option than the HL based on image and profile. That said, 5 of 10 MVC programs reside in Illinois and Indiana. Valpo would be the 6th. That's 6 markets instead of 2 in the states where we recruit the heaviest. That's a lot more awareness and familiarity, easier for family members to attend road games, etc. I actually think this geographic factor could be a difference-maker.

This is correct. 

We don't recruit much in Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio (where most HL teams are located).   We just don't.   I don't know that we will get higher rated recruits if we join the MVC, but we will be in the media a lot more in the areas that we do recruit in.  So we will have a better chance at the 2-3 star athletes we are currently looking at out on the recruiting trail.

Side Thought..   We NEED this MVC thing. 

We have been really good the last 3 seasons and have some real momentum going.  An invite to a better league will help continue that momentum.  With the sad close to this season and what will most likely be a 50% rebuilding year next year.  We risk losing our momentum.  This would be a big announcement and an opportunity for the staff to sell our continued upward trend to recruits. 

Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 07, 2017, 09:14:42 AM

Side Thought.   We NEED this MVC thing. 

We have been really good the last 3 seasons and have some real momentum going.  An invite to a better league will help continue that momentum.  With the sad close to this season and what will most likely be a 50% rebuilding year next year.  We risk losing our momentum.  This would be a big announcement and an opportunity for the staff to sell our continued upward trend to recruits.

Well said.  We sometimes question here the perception of insufficient institutional commitment.  Yeah, we won't get a renovated and expanded arena over-night, but if the "ifs" become reality, this certainly reflects a solid commitment of the university to upgrading its athletic programs. 

Quote from: VU2014 on April 07, 2017, 08:43:30 AM

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2017, 07:45:36 AM
IF.....   it works out that we receive an MVC bid and  IF Valpo accepts.......  would we get an immediate boost to our 2017 (and 18 for that matter) recruiting?  In other words, if there are kids out there we are pursuing and they haven't quite made up their mind, would a move like this likely make us all the more appealing?

I don't really think there is an "If" on if Valpo got offered would we accept? I'm almost sure we would definitely accept.

But I do think moving to the MVC would have a small boost to recruit. The MVC may not be what it use to be but there are still competitive teams and it has much more "brand recognition" than the Horizon League. When Loyola made the switch to the MVC it definitely helped with their recruiting.

An example of the recruiting mentality for 18-year olds is Parker Hazen.  He was quoted as saying he didn't know much about VU before Alec (national cred) and the NIT run of 2016.  What have we done lately is a HUGE impactful recruiting tool.  We hurt ourselves badly this year, we need more NCAA and NIT tv time for a lot of these impressionable kids.  BRAND BRAND BRAND

Edit 1: Maybe he dropped us of his potential list of schools? Verbal Commits said he was offered back July. But this guys tweet made it sound like we may still be in play. So idk.

Edit: Ok so he re-opened recruitment after Keatts left UNCW. So it sounds like we may be back in play now. NC State among a few other P6 programs so maybe his recruiting ticked up the last few months.


Another potential freshman PF? But no offer for Taylor Bruninga? Bruninga is a stretch PF.

Evan Cole seems a bit under recruited. But is starting to get more interest now. He's getting interest from some good teams.

Just from taking a look at his Highlight vids real quick, he looks like he moves/handles to ball really well for a guy who is 6'8". Look at the last vid: only 16 sec.

Offers:
- UNC-Wilmington
-Kennesaw State

Interest: Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Wofford, Belmont, Furman, Chattanooga, Denver, Drexel, High Point, & YSU (HL rival), etc.

https://twitter.com/DMcDonaldRivals/status/852261013244309506
https://twitter.com/DMcDonaldRivals/status/852260700982571008

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/evan-cole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkLzp4Buow0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnXwGUcSKZ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfeTvcK5gkk

https://twitter.com/Phenom_Hoops/status/765704855474372609
https://twitter.com/AlexRileySN/status/770070819531845633
https://twitter.com/VerbalCommits/status/757013567996436484

https://twitter.com/illinois_irish/status/856713462097072128

Congrats to him.  With Fazekas joining, it makes sense why we didn't pursue Taylor.

I hope we don't end up regreting that

http://ilprepbullseye.com/Bruninga_Illinois_St.html

Illinois State Lands Huge In-State Sleeper In 2017 Class

By Roy & Harv Schmidt
April 24, 2017
10:30 P.M. CST

"There is no question that the Illinois State coaching staff does its homework on the recruiting trail.  And one of their foremost strengths in that area is the ability to uncover "hidden gems"--to identify unheralded recruits well ahead of other schools.  Sure enough, they succeeded in doing so again, this time with perhaps the most unsung prospect in Illinois from the 2017 class.

As a result, 6'8 2017 forward Taylor Bruninga of Illini Bluffs High School in Glasford, IL closed out his recruitment tonight by committing to the Redbirds and head coach Dan Muller. Bruninga's commitment was confirmed to us by his travel team coach--Gavin Sullivan of the Illinois Irish.  He chose Illinois State over offers from Loyola and Northern Iowa."

.........

"There is no question that shooting is Bruninga's forte.  He has shown that he can be deadly from 3-point range along the baseline and the top of the circle when given the time to spot up.  However, those coaches that label Bruninga as strictly a shooter have not watched him consistently. That is because he is much more versatile than people give him credit for, as he has athleticism, rebounds well and can defend on the perimeter."

..........

Give the whole article a click & a read.

I hope not offering Bruninga won't haunt us either. I'm glad we landed Fazekas but Bruninga looks like he could be a really good player. We were in on him early but once we P Hazen/M McMillan and Fazekas were in the picture it doesn't look like there was room at his position. He was a late bloomer.

Potentially another Aussie coming to Valpo? It looks like he's apart of the class of 2017.

6'9" SF/PF with over a 7FT WINGSPAN!

Current Offers: UIC, Southern Utah, Loyola, and Valpo (All offered with in the last 24 hours. He must have really had an amazing workout!)

https://twitter.com/AUSA_Hoops/status/856903732507824128
https://twitter.com/AUSA_Hoops/status/856616222959468546
https://twitter.com/VerbalCommits/status/856665424590536704
https://twitter.com/AUSA_Hoops/status/856616222959468546
https://twitter.com/AUSA_Hoops/status/835022901367603200

http://www.ny2lasports.com/player_details.aspx?playerid=11730
http://www.ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3789

Sebit Reath – 2017 – PF – AUSA Platinum
"A 6-foot-9 forward with a wingspan better than seven feet, Reath is a very intriguing versatile prospect. Reath can step out and shoot the basketball and has a smooth one-dribble jumper. For his size, Reath's ball handling is very unique. Still sort of an unknown commodity in the states, expect there to be a flock new schools that have their eyes opened in Dallas by Reath's upside."


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgluVkTdEkI

Looked promising!

[EDIT:   Really, really....] hope Rowdy will does put in a good word for Valpo.

As someone who has taken a lot of video especially for sports, it drives me crazy  >:( when people take video with the up and down orientation.  WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT???

"Better than a 7' wingspan"

Certainly better than Alec's 6-9 1/2. Then there's Vashil's 7-5.  :o

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 25, 2017, 12:33:35 PM
Hope Rowdy will put in a good word for Valpo.

Do we need another PF on this years recruitment!?!???

Coach said from Day 1 that our first requirement is best players available, I get that.

Parker Hazen (PF only based on his skill sets of inside.  Needs to develop outside shot to drift to SF)

Mileek McMillan (PF all day long, though his handles and shot are ok)

Ryan Fazekas (PF with outside shot)

...

My guess is his size/ability to shoot is the driver. 

Also, we don't have Fazekas for a year and Mileek is supposedly a work in progress which leaves us with Burton and Freshman Hazen. Lottich may want more depth/ability to have multiple scoring threats on the floor to give Tevonn a break

Quote from: crusader05 on April 25, 2017, 01:37:12 PM
My guess is his size/ability to shoot is the driver. 

Also, we don't have Fazekas for a year and Mileek is supposedly a work in progress which leaves us with Burton and Freshman Hazen. Lottich may want more depth/ability to have multiple scoring threats on the floor to give Tevonn a break

We had glaring problems at PF last year besides Alec (because of Adekoya).  I completely understand that's a big need for 2017/18.  Just asking the question to see what y'all think.

I think we need to be able to shoot out of a zone, as this was a weakness last year too. 

I think both Burton and Bakari can pick up where Shane left off in getting into the Lane.

From the workout tape he shot really well from just inside and at the arc (against air, of course).  He looks like he has the ball skills to free himself up and off  a dribble or two hit from outside.  His ball skills could also mean some penetration as well from a wing, the wing span could also help on D..

Quote from: VULB#62 on April 25, 2017, 03:16:04 PMFrom the workout tape he shot really well from just inside and at the arc (against air, of course).  He looks like he has the ball skills to free himself up and off  a dribble or two hit from outside.  His ball skills could also mean some penetration as well from a wing, the wing span could also help on D..

Wish we could see him being guarded or playing defense, because it looks like he only jumps barely six inches off the floor.

Maybe there will be tape of  some "real" basketball played.

I'm really glad that Lottich and the Staff are being picky with that last scholarship. That Australian Player Sebit Reath looks really talented. I know it wasn't game tape but you don't see Big guys with that type of length and skill very often. He clearly left a huge impression with the Coaches who actually saw him play during scrimmage and workouts to warrant an offer (5 in one day).

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/857289032467963906
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/857289295215947777
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/857289362387718148

https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/858079324821389313

One random note. Valpo apparently offered an Australian Guard named Tobias Cameron. He just signed with Abilene Christian, but had offers from Southern Utah, UIC and Valpo. Interesting. Maybe it was a roster crunch or didn't think there was an opportunity at Valpo. Curious when he was offered. My guess was probably earlier on?

https://twitter.com/JoshuaParrott/status/864168846176997376
https://twitter.com/JoshuaParrott/status/864190073583149056
https://twitter.com/VerbalCommits/status/863797022540709888

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxEX5Fzjkz0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1kr-xNaBpw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2LS7C1-800

Appears that the Camerons qualify for the New Zealand squads as well as playing in Australia.  The younger Cameron draws parallels to Kirk Penney who was quite the guard for Wisconsin's Sweet Sixteen program in 2003 and also was on the 2000 Final Four team as a frosh.  He is a Kiwi (NZ) legend.  Maybe Koala can fill us in on the Cameron family. Abilene is a JC so he could be available for a D1 program after next Spring.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11759543 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11759543)

Quote from: valpo84 on May 15, 2017, 03:51:05 PM
Appears that the Camerons qualify for the New Zealand squads as well as playing in Australia.  The younger Cameron draws parallels to Kirk Penney who was quite the guard for Wisconsin's Sweet Sixteen program in 2003 and also was on the 2000 Final Four team as a frosh.  He is a Kiwi (NZ) legend.  Maybe Koala can fill us in on the Cameron family. Abilene is a JC so he could be available for a D1 program after next Spring.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11759543 (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11759543)

Isn't Abilene Christian in the Southland Conference with Stephen F Austin? Pretty sure they are D1.

My bad, they are a D1 in the Southland, but have a JC website 8-) 

ACU moved up to D-1 within the last 3-4 years.

Correction: It appears it was only interest.
https://twitter.com/JoshuaParrott/status/864231972398346240