Maybe we should move the national rankings to their own thread? It feels a bit... underwhelming... to discuss them on the mid-major thread.
To list a few references, bookmarks for myself if nothing else, I've been appreciating
Warren Nolan
http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2015/schedule/Valparaiso (http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2015/schedule/Valparaiso)
for his historical ranking lists of the AP and Coaches', and numbering the places past 25.
http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/ (http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/)
for having a nice interface to get at some recent historical info, and the voters' individual ballots for the AP.
http://collegepollarchive.com/mbasketball/index.cfm (http://collegepollarchive.com/mbasketball/index.cfm)
has what seems like a comprehensive archive of the AP poll.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/2015-polls.html (http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/2015-polls.html)
has a pretty useful archive of both polls, but nothing beyond #25?
I believe that this season, starting with the Feb 2 poll, is the first time _ever_ that we've received votes in both polls simultaneously.
I believe we've only received votes in the AP poll twice before this season, in the 2012-2013 pre-season poll where we had three points and in the March 11, 2013 poll where we received one point. [Edited 11/16/15]
We were nationally ranked in the coaches' poll, only, after the Sweet 16 run. #23.
http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/1998-polls.html (http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/seasons/1998-polls.html)
We also received votes in the coaches' poll for four weeks in the 2010-2011 season (weeks 13-16) [added 11/16/15]
http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2011/schedule/Valparaiso (http://warrennolan.com/basketball/2011/schedule/Valparaiso)
Probably this week's AP poll is our highest ranking, and our most points/votes, in that poll ever?
http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/2014/week-15 (http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/2014/week-15)
With three voters, good for 8 points (25, 25, 20), and tied for 34th place.
John Feinstein from last week, and who's been with us periodically this season. Seth Davis as we learned from Twitter.
Doug Doughty with the Roanoke Times has as us at _20_. He had UWGB at 23 earlier this season, and it feels like he's voted for us in years past (or maybe I'm just thinking of Ben Boggs).
Stephen F. Austin goes from 22 points to zero, on their conference loss. We're still behind Murray State who climbs to 38 points (Dick Vitale has them at #19!).
Indiana falls below us (!), but is still receiving votes. Dayton and Michigan State enter the poll this week, above us.
We don't gain quite as well in the Coaches' Poll.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings/_/poll/2/week/15/seasontype/2 (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings/_/poll/2/week/15/seasontype/2)
But, still, up to 8 points. And #35. (For one week in the 2011 season we were ranked as high as 30th. Or, of course, #23 in 1998.)
VCU loses most of their points on their loss, falling out of the top 25 to #26. Stephen Austin, somewhat mysteriously, loses only a couple of points on their loss. Murray State gains a couple, and they're both ahead of us (12, 10 points to our 8). Dayton jumps ahead of us. As does Georgetown.
If we win out is cracking the top 25 possible?
Quote from: truth219 on February 16, 2015, 01:29:08 PM
If we win out is cracking the top 25 possible?
It's a tough question! No neat mathematical answer like "What will our RPI be?". Not even the same more-or-less understood set of guidelines that the NCAA selection committee receives. Just a collection of writers, and coaches, under instructions to name the best 25 teams in the country.
National attention, media, social media, etc. could certainly matter. Momentum can matter (in the voting as well as on the basketball court). Big wins, or narrow wins, can matter.
I'm still tempted by a quick "no". But, the bottom few of the top 25 do seem still to be pretty fluid. But, VCU, a current team on the 25/26 line, has a _lot_ prettier resumee than we do.
Quote from: truth219 on February 16, 2015, 01:29:08 PM
If we win out is cracking the top 25 possible?
Or, here's the reply I gave last night:
Quote from: agibson on February 15, 2015, 08:08:08 PM
Quote from: Valpofan00 on February 15, 2015, 07:17:46 PM
If Valpo wins out any possibility of us being ranked?
I'm tempted to give a quick no.
But, it is fun to think about.
Tomorrow will be an interesting test, after a decent win, and another expected win. And a little help from Stephen F Austin. Can we gain a little momentum with voters? At least a second AP vote? And some additional coaches votes? Maybe a place, or most of a place, in the MM top 25?
Seems like if you're in the top 25 you should be practically a shoe-in for an at-large. And, winning out, it feels like we're in no kind of shoe-in at large position. Bubble discussion, maybe, but outside looking in. We're talking high 40's RPI? Maybe high 30's if we win out the tournament. With easy beefs to pick re quality wins, medium-bad losses, and SOS.
At-large caliber would be ~12 seed caliber?
Top 25 would be 6-7 seed?
Anyway, no, I'm not feeling top 25. But, it'd be good momentum for the NCAA. A nice win streak!
So, we have a little momentum going in the AP poll. Not as much in the coaches' poll, but we're not sliding _backwards_ there.
Could a decisive win over Wright State (30?) help get the snowball rolling? With a couple of key losses from other teams in the top-30, and the 25-30 range? A solid win _at_ Cleveland State? Victories over Oakland and UWGB in the tourney to close the deal?
I'm sure there are scenarios where it could come together. Some claim that we still have an outside chance at an at-large even with a loss in the conference tourney... I'm certainly not holding my breath!
Need to get Tom Keegan here in Lawrence to get Valparaiso in his rankings. Keegan is a good writer and a fair guy.
Tweet him a tweet!
No, I will send him an email tomorrow or Wednesday to justify why Valpo should get a vote from him (at least 25). Lots of good reasons, though laying an egg in Missouri does not help sell yourself in Lawrence. Still, Keegan is a fair guy and there is good reason to give them a vote.
Quote from: agibson on February 16, 2015, 03:41:30 PMJust a collection of writers, and coaches, under instructions to name the best 25 teams in the country.
And yet that is exactly what the top 25 poll actually is. The opinion of that collection of people put to a vote with a numerical outcome based on the thoughts of those people. It amazes me sometimes why it is so important to so many fans and others involved in college athletics.
Quote from: historyman on February 17, 2015, 11:12:16 AMAnd yet that is exactly what the top 25 poll actually is. The opinion of that collection of people put to a vote with a numerical outcome based on the thoughts of those people. It amazes me sometimes why it is so important to so many fans and others involved in college athletics.
It's less an opinion of who's good as who's worthy of media coverage. This is why it matters, especially to mid-majors and their fans.
Quote from: Valpower on February 17, 2015, 12:30:50 PMIt's less an opinion of who's good as who's worthy of media coverage. This is why it matters, especially to mid-majors and their fans.
Couldn't agree more. I think this push began with the VU @ WGB game followed up with the return game at the ARC. Great games creating some buzz that got both teams some media attention. Great for the HL to have two spots in Sunday's Sportscenter Top 10. Tevonn winning the weekly Lou Henson award was certainly facilitated by the national ranking, Top 10 highlight and probably Bryce's success and celebrity. March Madness is already revving up as witnessed by the pictures of "young Bryce" and stills of "the shot" being bookmarked around our game broadcasts.
Seth Davis keeps us at #25, so we're still alive in the AP poll (and why not? WSU's nothing special, but the win streak continues, the win total grows, we're still hoping to gain momentum here!).
[tweet]569668369613516802[/tweet]
I think he jumped up VCU from unranked to #23, ahead of us. Dropped Butler to #24 but kept them in. Murray State he kept at #22.
And we continue to take some flak on twitter for it.
[tweet]569669550930849792[/tweet]
[tweet]569668982313226240[/tweet]
Maryland only played 1 out of conference road game... They can go F*** themselves.
[tweet]569671643217465345[/tweet]
Well done!
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 22, 2015, 07:35:49 PM
Maryland only played 1 out of conference road game... They can go F*** themselves.
[tweet]569673294904889344[/tweet]
#ValpoNation - represent!
Most wins. {period}
Through games 2/21... except as noted.
1 Kentucky 27 0 100.0
2 Gonzaga 28 1 96.6
3 Virginia 25 1 96.2 (includes win over FSU on Sunday)
4 UNI 26 2 92.9
5 Villanova 25 2 92.6
Wisconsin 25 2 92.6
7 Wichita St. 25 3 89.3 (includes win over Evansville on Sunday)
8 Valparaiso 25 4 86.2
No, it's not easy playing on the road during non-conference, is it TERRAfied-pins
(http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IMG_1109.jpg)
Maybe we should try justducky's idea on the suburban DC team. That would be a fine how-do-you-do to the B1G team!
Quote from: agibson on February 22, 2015, 07:45:02 PM#ValpoNation - represent!
careful don't cheese off the admin here
If Maryland wants to join a weaker conference to improve their ranking, I'm sure the Horizon would gladly take them in
If Maryland wants to join a weaker conference to improve their ranking, I'm sure the Horizon would gladly take them in
oh man double posting your slander will not get you back into 04's good graces
Maryland already joined a weaker conference (rimshot/cymbal). Agree that if Maryland wants to play someone, anyone on the road in non-conf, they are welcome to come to the ARC. Sounds like a nice 2 for 1. The last time we played Maryland was 1999 in Orlando against a team that would win the Tourney in 2002 -- TMorris was unstoppable in that game. Stevie Francis was really good too. Juan Dixon was a pretty good freshman. Add in size with Baxter and Ekezie and it's easy to see why they were a #2 seed and a favorite to make it to Final Four. This was during a stretch when we seemed to draw a later-to-be national champion (Arizona in 96 won in 97; Maryland in 1999, won in 2002; Michigan State in 2001/won in 2001).
bracketology has us against Maryland in Pittsburg.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 23, 2015, 11:04:32 AMbracketology has us against Maryland in Pittsburg.
Actually, Pittsburgh. I don't think the venue at Pittsburg State in Kansas is big enough to host the first round....
http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/7/13/MBB_0713122633.aspx?path=mbball (http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/7/13/MBB_0713122633.aspx?path=mbball)
Valpo played Michigan St. in 2000. The game was in Cleveland. 2001 was the only year of my five years at VU that the men's team was home after the conference tournament. The year that Southern Utah was the conference auto-bid.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 22, 2015, 07:35:49 PM
Maryland only played 1 out of conference road game... They can go F*** themselves.
(http://i57.tinypic.com/16kstqa.png)
Sanity Lost, indeed. :crazy:
(http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/wp-content/uploads/testudo.jpg)
Twitter reports 10 AP points, and 16 in the coaches' poll - both increases.
But, I'm not sure what their source is.
The information has been flowing rather chaotically this morning.
The AP released first a few of the spots (top few, newcomers at 24 and 25), then the top 10. Then the top 25. I still haven't seen a definitive list of the also-rans.
http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/ (http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/)
had some of the details up early, but they've been shifting... very strange.
http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/ (http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/)
Coaches Poll: Good for #29
Others Receiving Votes
Georgetown 31; Providence 28; Murray State 23; Valparaiso 16; Ohio State 10; Oklahoma State 10; Stephen F. Austin 9; Texas A&M 6; Oregon 4; Purdue 4; Davidson 4; Mississippi 3; Colorado State 2; Boise State 2.
and if you're curious:
List of Voters
The USA TODAY Sports Board of Coaches is made up of 32 head coaches at Division I institutions. All are members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The board for the 2014-15 season: Tommy Amaker, Harvard; Randy Bennett, Saint Mary?s; Jim Boeheim, Syracuse; Todd Bozeman, Morgan State; Glenn Braica, St. Francis Brooklyn; Rick Byrd, Belmont; Scott Cherry, High Point; Tim Cluess, Iona; Ed Conroy, Tulane; Keith Dambrot, Akron; Scott Drew, Baylor; Matt Driscoll, North Florida Steve Fisher, San Diego State; Bruiser Flint, Drexel; Mark Fox, Georgia; John Gallagher, Hartford; Ray Harper, Western Kentucky; Dick Hunsaker, Utah Valley; George Ivory, Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Ben Jacobson, Northern Iowa; Rob Jeter, Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Danny Kaspar, Texas State; Mike McConathy, Northwestern State; Greg McDermott, Creighton; Matt Painter, Purdue; Dave Paulsen, Bucknell; Randy Rahe, Weber State; Joe Scott, Denver; Herb Sendek, Arizona State; Shaka Smart, Virginia Commonwealth; Bob Williams, UC-Santa Barbara; Mike Young, Wofford.
The details that are leaking out sound encouraging, at least!
[tweet]569920843586912258[/tweet]
Quote from: talksalot on February 23, 2015, 12:07:29 PM
and if you're curious:
List of Voters
The USA TODAY Sports Board of Coaches is made up of 32 head coaches at Division I institutions. All are members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The board for the 2014-15 season: Tommy Amaker, Harvard; Randy Bennett, Saint Mary?s; Jim Boeheim, Syracuse; Todd Bozeman, Morgan State; Glenn Braica, St. Francis Brooklyn; Rick Byrd, Belmont; Scott Cherry, High Point; Tim Cluess, Iona; Ed Conroy, Tulane; Keith Dambrot, Akron; Scott Drew, Baylor; Matt Driscoll, North Florida Steve Fisher, San Diego State; Bruiser Flint, Drexel; Mark Fox, Georgia; John Gallagher, Hartford; Ray Harper, Western Kentucky; Dick Hunsaker, Utah Valley; George Ivory, Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Ben Jacobson, Northern Iowa; Rob Jeter, Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Danny Kaspar, Texas State; Mike McConathy, Northwestern State; Greg McDermott, Creighton; Matt Painter, Purdue; Dave Paulsen, Bucknell; Randy Rahe, Weber State; Joe Scott, Denver; Herb Sendek, Arizona State; Shaka Smart, Virginia Commonwealth; Bob Williams, UC-Santa Barbara; Mike Young, Wofford.
Maybe we've covered this, but, remind me, what's Ivory's connection?
Played Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Nashville, didn't we?
Yup... we are 3-0 against coaches in the coaches poll.
and the AP Top 25 .... t-34 with the Aggies... BUT still ahead of Indiana.
Others receiving votes: Texas 70, San Diego St 64, Providence 44, Murray St 38, Temple 28, Georgetown 23, Michigan St 17, Dayton 10, Texas A&M 8, Valparaiso 8, Indiana 7
Nice.
Looks like all of the details are _available_ on the AP's site
http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll/2015/16 (http://collegebasketball.ap.org/poll/2015/16)
but not (yet?) as well presented as usual.
Probably what's now up at
http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/2014/week-16 (http://collegepolltracker.com/basketball/2014/week-16)
is accurate.
Doughty from Roanoke brings us back down to Earth, from #20 to #23.
And, we're getting a nicely widened base of support at #25: Christian Caple, Elton Alexander, Fletcher Mackel, Scott Mansch, and Steve Wiseman. With Seth Davis and John Feinestein still in the fold.
And with some encouraging mentions elsewhere, e.g. Chris Lang from Lynchburg
http://www.newsadvance.com/sports/liberty_university/chris_lang_blog/top-ballot-breakdown/article_47248980-bb70-11e4-8e37-177cd27ccc85.html (http://www.newsadvance.com/sports/liberty_university/chris_lang_blog/top-ballot-breakdown/article_47248980-bb70-11e4-8e37-177cd27ccc85.html)
who lists us maybe around #29, but sounds like Murray State takes up his #25 slot (and probably keeps out any other "weak schedule good record mid-major"?) unless they lose.
Quote from: talksalot on February 23, 2015, 12:17:28 PM
and the AP Top 25 .... t-34 with the Aggies... BUT still ahead of Indiana.
Others receiving votes: Texas 70, San Diego St 64, Providence 44, Murray St 38, Temple 28, Georgetown 23, Michigan St 17, Dayton 10, Texas A&M 8, Valparaiso 8, Indiana 7
That's probably last week?
Quote from: agibson on February 23, 2015, 12:22:14 PMQuote from: talksalot on Today at 12:17:28 PM
and the AP Top 25 .... t-34 with the Aggies... BUT still ahead of Indiana.
Others receiving votes: Texas 70, San Diego St 64, Providence 44, Murray St 38, Temple 28, Georgetown 23, Michigan St 17, Dayton 10, Texas A&M 8, Valparaiso 8, Indiana 7
That's probably last week?
CARAP... you're right... the headline was the same week #... but the details say 2/16... sorry...
Indiana - 0 votes XD
Here we go. From ESPN.
The AP:
Quote
Others receiving votes: Georgetown 58, Michigan St 56, Murray St 42, Oklahoma St 25, Ohio State 12, Valparaiso 10, Texas A&M 8, Rhode Island 3, Stephen F. Austin 2, Texas 1, Oregon 1
The coaches:
Quote
Others receiving votes: Georgetown 31, Providence 28, Murray St 23, Valparaiso 16, Ohio State 10, Oklahoma St 10, Stephen F. Austin 9, Texas A&M 6, Davidson 4, Oregon 4, Purdue 4, Ole Miss 3, Boise State 2, Colorado St 2
RIP Indiana. Welcome Purdue!
If Valpo can come through with two more wins this week, I will need to write to Tom Keegan again. He did not come through (admittedely, he did not respond to my email). From looking at his voting, he seems to have a strong big conference bias with only votes for Northern Iowa and Wichita State and those votes much lower than most others.
Let's play what if. What if valpo wins these final two games and gets in at least one of the top 25. Do you think that would affect ticket sales to the horizon league tournament?
Quote from: truth219 on February 23, 2015, 01:17:41 PM
Let's play what if. What if valpo wins these final two games and gets in at least one of the top 25. Do you think that would affect ticket sales to the horizon league tournament?
No. The Valpo games at the ARC would be sellouts regardless if they are ranked top 25.
We're the sellouts last time we hosted?
Based on the attendance of our last 3 home games
v. Oakland 4258
v. Green Bay 4920
v. Wright State 5050
I would say there's a good chance that no matter what they'll be sellouts. I don't think being a top 25 will effect that. If you're not a Valpo fan, or an opposing fan, you really don't care who wins.
Quote from: truth219 on February 23, 2015, 01:29:05 PM
We're the sellouts last time we hosted?
Last time we hosted here are the listed attendances from ESPN. I'm not sure why but the attendance of the Wright State-Detroit game was listed as N/A. There was a solid 2k fans there for that and most of the Valpo fans in attendance were actively rooting for WSU.
vs. Green Bay: Attendance: 3,285
vs. Wright St.: Attendance: 4,457
I didn't think they were sellouts
Having the championship game on a Tuesday night does hurt the attendance, it is done because it is on ESPN but as an avid Valpo fan I wish it was on Saturday. I can't go on a Tuesday night living 5 hours away, I would have to take off two days of work the Tuesday and the Wednesday after due to travel time.
However it does seem there is more excitement around this team than the 11/12 or the 12/13 team. Drawing 5,050 people for measly Wright State is very impressive. So perhaps if we host they will draw better. Just sucks its always over Spring Break and many students travel home and have difficulty attending these games.
Quote from: truth219 on February 23, 2015, 01:51:17 PM
I didn't think they were sellouts
Getting 4400 people to the ARC on a Tuesday night is pretty outstanding though. The GB attendance seems really low, the lower bowl was full and the Detroit-WSU spectators stuck around for the epic game. I don't remember what the upper section looked like but I'm pretty sure valpopal has a picture or two of the crowd.
Quote from: classof2014 on February 23, 2015, 01:27:12 PM
Quote from: truth219 on February 23, 2015, 01:17:41 PM
Let's play what if. What if valpo wins these final two games and gets in at least one of the top 25. Do you think that would affect ticket sales to the horizon league tournament?
No. The Valpo games at the ARC would be sellouts regardless if they are ranked top 25.
Quote from: Kyle321n on February 23, 2015, 01:50:29 PM
Quote from: truth219 on February 23, 2015, 01:29:05 PM
We're the sellouts last time we hosted?
Last time we hosted here are the listed attendances from ESPN. I'm not sure why but the attendance of the Wright State-Detroit game was listed as N/A. There was a solid 2k fans there for that and most of the Valpo fans in attendance were actively rooting for WSU.
vs. Green Bay: Attendance: 3,285
vs. Wright St.: Attendance: 4,457
Yeah, these games will not be sellouts. Very good crowds and a good basketball tournament environment.
The students being on spring break has to hurt these numbers - I'm sure professors/staff take off and skip town as well.
Also the short turnaround for tickets must be hard.
You gotta be excited about valparaiso basketball
Mid-Major Power Madness Ratings...
http://www.midmajormadness.com/2015/2/23/8089873/mid-major-madness-power-15-north-carolina-central-makes-debut (http://www.midmajormadness.com/2015/2/23/8089873/mid-major-madness-power-15-north-carolina-central-makes-debut)
Rank School Last Week
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-1, 10 1st Place) 1
2. Northern Iowa Panthers (26-2) 2
3. Wichita State Shockers (25-3) 3
4. VCU Rams (21-6) 7
5. Murray State Racers (24-4) 4
6. Valparaiso Crusaders (25-4) 6
7. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (22-4) 9
8. Rhode Island Rams (19-6) 12
9. Iona Gaels (23-6) 11
10. Dayton Flyers (20-6) 5
11. Harvard Crimson (19-5) 15
12. UC Davis Aggies (21-4) 14
13. BYU Cougars (21-8) NR
14. Davidson Wildcats (19-6) NR
15. North Carolina Central Eagles (21-6) NR
Dropped Out: Louisiana Tech, Green Bay, St. Mary's
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2372914-ranking-the-best-mid-major-teams-in-college-basketball-in-2014-15/page/5 (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2372914-ranking-the-best-mid-major-teams-in-college-basketball-in-2014-15/page/5)
(Posted YESTERDAY) ... By Joe Menzer , Featured Columnist Feb 22, 2015
========================================================
Valparaiso's quiet-killer efficiency lies in the numbers, and its style of play is a reflection of the team's coach.
Now 25-4 overall and 12-2 in the Horizon League, where it holds a half-game lead over Cleveland State, Valpo shoots .468 from the field, while holding opponents to 38 percent shooting and out-rebounding all corners by the whopping average of 8.3 boards per game.
So it's no wonder that coach Bryce Drew's team leads the league in scoring defense, giving up only 60.5 ppg, while scoring 72.1 (second in the Horizon). That's a winning combination in any league and bodes well for the Crusaders to surprise some folks come tournament time.
You might remember Drew, now 40, as the then-Valpo player who hit the miraculous game-winning shot to secure an NCAA tournament upset win over Mississippi State back in 1998.
you may have to do this one quickly...
http://www.collegecourtreport.com/ (http://www.collegecourtreport.com/)
just scroll down to the "Mid Major Player of the Year Candidates" PICTURE on the home page...
Finalists for the 1st Annual CCR Mid-Major Player of the Year Award
Lawrence Alexander - North Dakota State Bison
Ron Baker - Wichita State Shockers
John Brown - High Point Panthers
Karl Cochran - Wofford Terriers
Kyle Collinsworth - BYU Cougars
Tyran de Lattibeaudiere - Lamar Cardinals
Kahlil Felder - Oakland Univ. Grizzlies
Juan'ya Green - Hofstra Pride
Ty Greene - USC Upstate Spartans
Tyler Harvey - Eastern Washington Eagles
Corey Hawkins - UC Davis Aggies
Tyler Haws - BYU Cougars
R.J. Hunter - Georgia State Panthers
David Laury - Iona Gaels
Shawn Long - UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
Mikh McKinney - Sacramento State Hornets
Shonn Miller - Cornell Big Red
Mike Myers - Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks
Kevin Pangos - Gonzaga Bulldogs
Cameron Payne - Murray State Racers
Alec Peters - Valparaiso Crusaders
Jalen Riley - East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Justin Sears - Yale Bulldogs
Keifer Sykes - Green Bay Phoenix
RaShawn Thomas - Texas A&M-CC Islanders
Marcus Thornton - William & Mary Tribe
Seth Tuttle - Northern Iowa Panthers
Brad Waldow - Saint Mary's Gaels
Jameel Warney - Stony Brook Seawolves
Jalan West - Northwestern State Demons
Kyle Wiltjer - Gonzaga Bulldogs
Zikiteran Woodley - Northwestern State Demons
***Fan Voting for the contest will open on Monday, February 23rd, 2015!*** <Don't see it yet?>>
Quote from: Kyle321n on February 23, 2015, 01:59:54 PM
Quote from: truth219 on February 23, 2015, 01:51:17 PM
I didn't think they were sellouts
Getting 4400 people to the ARC on a Tuesday night is pretty outstanding though. The GB attendance seems really low, the lower bowl was full and the Detroit-WSU spectators stuck around for the epic game. I don't remember what the upper section looked like but I'm pretty sure valpopal has a picture or two of the crowd.
My pictures of the tournament in Valpo are at the following link, and they seem to show an almost full upper section as well:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157633581297051/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157633581297051/)
Quote from: talksalot on February 23, 2015, 11:21:25 AM
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 23, 2015, 11:04:32 AMbracketology has us against Maryland in Pittsburg.
Actually, Pittsburgh. I don't think the venue at Pittsburg State in Kansas is big enough to host the first round....
http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/7/13/MBB_0713122633.aspx?path=mbball (http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/7/13/MBB_0713122633.aspx?path=mbball)
Logan Jones deserved to finish his career in "the Pitt." Gorilla my dreams!
I might have to make my first trip up to Valpo since we beat the crap out of Buck Futler in the 2011-2012 HL tournament :). That environment was amazing, and I hope that it can be replicated if we host again!
Quote from: bbtds on February 23, 2015, 10:13:11 PM
Quote from: talksalot on February 23, 2015, 11:21:25 AM
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 23, 2015, 11:04:32 AMbracketology has us against Maryland in Pittsburg.
Actually, Pittsburgh. I don't think the venue at Pittsburg State in Kansas is big enough to host the first round....
http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/7/13/MBB_0713122633.aspx?path=mbball (http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/7/13/MBB_0713122633.aspx?path=mbball)
Logan Jones deserved to finish his career in "the Pitt." Gorilla my dreams!
Huh?!?! If I don't understand this, something must be down in the weeds.
Quote from: bbtds on February 23, 2015, 10:13:11 PMLogan Jones deserved to finish his career in "the Pitt." Gorilla my dreams!
Logan is shown on the 2010-11 roster as a junior, but not on the roster the next year. So, Logan was with Valpo in 2009, Northern Idaho (junior college) in 2010, and Pittsburg St. in 2011. Three schools in three years, then did not finish.
I bet we still get a vote or two. Seth Davis?
Quote from: talksalot on February 23, 2015, 04:49:24 PM
you may have to do this one quickly...
http://www.collegecourtreport.com/ (http://www.collegecourtreport.com/)
just scroll down to the "Mid Major Player of the Year Candidates" PICTURE on the home page...
Finalists for the 1st Annual CCR Mid-Major Player of the Year Award
Voting is underway and Alec is far behind. Any Chicago voters out there who can help him?
Lawrence Alexander - North Dakota State Bison
Ron Baker - Wichita State Shockers
John Brown - High Point Panthers
Karl Cochran - Wofford Terriers
Kyle Collinsworth - BYU Cougars
Tyran de Lattibeaudiere - Lamar Cardinals
Kahlil Felder - Oakland Univ. Grizzlies
Juan'ya Green - Hofstra Pride
Ty Greene - USC Upstate Spartans
Tyler Harvey - Eastern Washington Eagles
Corey Hawkins - UC Davis Aggies
Tyler Haws - BYU Cougars
R.J. Hunter - Georgia State Panthers
David Laury - Iona Gaels
Shawn Long - UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
Mikh McKinney - Sacramento State Hornets
Shonn Miller - Cornell Big Red
Mike Myers - Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks
Kevin Pangos - Gonzaga Bulldogs
Cameron Payne - Murray State Racers
Alec Peters - Valparaiso Crusaders
Jalen Riley - East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Justin Sears - Yale Bulldogs
Keifer Sykes - Green Bay Phoenix
RaShawn Thomas - Texas A&M-CC Islanders
Marcus Thornton - William & Mary Tribe
Seth Tuttle - Northern Iowa Panthers
Brad Waldow - Saint Mary's Gaels
Jameel Warney - Stony Brook Seawolves
Jalan West - Northwestern State Demons
Kyle Wiltjer - Gonzaga Bulldogs
Zikiteran Woodley - Northwestern State Demons
***Fan Voting for the contest will open on Monday, February 23rd, 2015!*** <Don't see it yet?>>
Don't know what happened when I tried to comment on the College Court Report voting, but Alec is way behind. Any Chicago voters out there who can help?
PEOPLE THIS IS RIDICULOUS
HE IS LOSING TO AUSTIN FRICKIN POWERS
http://www.collegecourtreport.com/ccr-mm-poy.html (http://www.collegecourtreport.com/ccr-mm-poy.html)
a better link--hurry, to the battlements!!!
Now he's losing to Mike Myers of Maryland Eastern Shore... 88% to 11%... LETS GO VALPO
The number of votes is pretty small, we can definitely swing this. But we need your help!
http://www.collegecourtreport.com/ccr-mm-poy.html (http://www.collegecourtreport.com/ccr-mm-poy.html)
If I've not read the rules, it means I'm not culpable for breaking them, right? Isn't that what Paul said to the Romans?
Voted, but he is way behind. Come on people, time for a push on this one.
Thought I should let everyone know that you can vote from each computer or phone you have...
Just added 4 votes and it barely moved
Seth Davis left us off his AP ballot this week. He was one of our more vocal defenders. (Maryland came back at #13). Maybe we were #28 or so in his book.
Probably not a good sign. I was hoping for a couple of voters to hang around - and he seemed one of the more likely. Maybe still a point or two in the coaches' poll?
Still getting Votes in Both Polls... and I threw Murray State in...
AP Poll:
25 Murray St 26-4 79
Others receiving votes: Dayton 61, Boise State 53, Oregon 33, St. John's 27, BYU 21, Texas A&M 20, Davidson 18, Georgetown 13, Tulsa 7, San Diego St 7, Colorado St 7, LSU 6, Rhode Island 3, Virginia Commonwealth 3, Valparaiso 2, Stephen F. Austin 2
Coaches Poll:
24 Murray St 26-4 50
25 Ohio State 21-8 42
Others receiving votes: Georgetown 35, Dayton 25, San Diego St 22, Boise State 18, Oregon 14, Michigan St 13, St. John's 12, Texas A&M 11, Purdue 9, Davidson 9, Stephen F. Austin 7, Rhode Island 7, BYU 5, Virginia Commonwealth 5, LSU 5, Valparaiso 4, Colorado St 3, Kansas St 2, Texas 1, Ole Miss 1
Valpo vs AP Top 25 teams: 1-0.
Feels good.
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 12:48:04 PM
Valpo vs AP Top 25 teams: 1-0.
Feels good.
Funny how we both have the same number of wins and our strength of schedule (Sagarin) is 204 versus theirs at 273. So the loss to Detroit set us that far back? We creamed Murrey State? It does back up my position that Valpo will be, at a minimum, receiving votes for the top 25 next year.
T-Shirts???
The clerk at the bookstore told me I was the First to purchase one... Wearing it proudly right now...
They are open 9-2pm M-F this week
Price is the Number of D1 wins, plus 54 cents, including tax.
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's things like this that really frustrate me. If we want to be the next Butler or VCU, we should start acting like a legitimate D1 program. No excuse why we can't buy tickets for Saturday online.
I will just throw this hypothetical here because SOS is so important. I will use Warren Nolan numbers.
Lets say we beat Missouri (RPI 199) in November and New Mexico (RPI 165) in December. All else remains the same but we lose to either GB or Oakland in the championship game. With a SOS of 252 are we in with only 4 losses and if so by how much? Or---------
We beat one and lost to one, are we even in the bubble conversation with 5 losses?
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's things like this that really frustrate me. If we want to be the next Butler or VCU, we should start acting like a legitimate D1 program. No excuse why we can't buy tickets for Saturday online.
They said earlier that they will be available for non-season ticket holders starting tomorrow morning--on line.
Quote from: vu72 on March 02, 2015, 01:43:40 PM
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's things like this that really frustrate me. If we want to be the next Butler or VCU, we should start acting like a legitimate D1 program. No excuse why we can't buy tickets for Saturday online.
They said earlier that they will be available for non-season ticket holders starting tomorrow morning--on line.
Ugh, then why have a link to nothing on the athletics splash page? They just need to get their stuff together.
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's things like this that really frustrate me. If we want to be the next Butler or VCU, we should start acting like a legitimate D1 program. No excuse why we can't buy tickets for Saturday online.
Yeah, they've been advertising that fir a -long- time now. Not sure why we're talking about it on this thread. But, maybe Tursday when individual game tickets are meant to go on sale. Or, I'm sure they're happy to help in the box office, by telephone.
Quote from: vu72 on March 02, 2015, 01:43:40 PM
They said earlier that they will be available for non-season ticket holders starting tomorrow morning--on line.
Whoops - I missed some replied. I assume the package deals, at least, have been available to non-season ticket holders by telephone? Otherwise, it's been a -really- confusing campaign.
Quote from: vu72 on March 02, 2015, 01:43:40 PM
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's things like this that really frustrate me. If we want to be the next Butler or VCU, we should start acting like a legitimate D1 program. No excuse why we can't buy tickets for Saturday online.
They said earlier that they will be available for non-season ticket holders starting tomorrow morning--on line.
Received the following email on Sat.:
Crusader Fan,
We need your support at the upcoming 2015 Horizon League Men's Basketball Championship at the Athletics-Recreation Center! As Horizon League Regular Season Champions, we will host the 2015 tournament March 6-10. The ARC offers a special atmosphere, and the fans are a key reason why the Crusaders are such a tough team to beat at home.
Come and cheer on the Horizon League Champion Crusaders as they pursue a tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth.
The Crusaders play in the semifinals Saturday, March 7, at 8:30 p.m., and if victorious, in the championship at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10. The semifinals will be broadcast on ESPNU, and the title game will be live on ESPN.
Tickets for the semifinal games are available at the Valpo Ticket Office beginning Saturday, February 28 during regular Ticket Office hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. This year Valpo Athletics will offer an All-Tournament Pass, which will include all five tournament games at the ARC, as well as a free Horizon League Championship T-Shirt – this is the best deal for the tournament! Individual game tickets will be available starting Tuesday, March 3.
It's a great time to be a Crusader basketball fan. Come out and join us in supporting the team on our home floor—don't miss out!
For tickets or more information call the Valpo Ticket Office at 1.877.MY.VU.TIXYou might find it easier to call than order on-line. They are all staffed-up for this, will take your credit card over the phone, and place your tickets in will-call.
Doesn't excuse the lack of good guidance on the web. How do expand the base of interested alumni without making things easier.
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's regrettable
In every way
So regrettable
No way to pay
Want a league champs shirt that clings to me
But surfing on your site does things to me
We've done this before,
We should know the score.
It's regrettable
To lose a chance,
(When) it's so gettable:
Tix to The Dance,
That's why, Valpo, it's incredible
(I don't mean to make case federal; but
some concessions are inedible too.)
[
instrumental interlude; NOT "pep band playing 'Hey, Baby'"]
It's regrettable
Not having fans,
It's insensible, like
Not wearing pants,
That's why, Valpo, it's incredible
With the team to beat the spreadable,
Seeing section EE so dead: "aw, bull. two?"
72, Murray State has won 24 games in a row, which gathers you some attention ;)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 02, 2015, 11:02:25 PM
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2015, 01:26:59 PM
"Get your tickets online"
* Can only buy tickets to Natalie Cole.
It's regrettable
In every way
So regrettable
No way to pay
Want a league champs shirt that clings to me
But surfing on your site does things to me
We've done this before,
We should know the score.
It's regrettable
To lose a chance,
(When) it's so gettable:
Tix to The Dance,
That's why, Valpo, it's incredible
(I don't mean to make case federal; but
some concessions are inedible too.)
[instrumental interlude; NOT "pep band playing 'Hey, Baby'"]
It's regrettable
Not having fans,
It's insensible, like
Not wearing pants,
That's why, Valpo, it's incredible
With the team to beat the spreadable,
Seeing section EE so dead: "aw, bull. two?"
Very good, LAA! My abbreviated fanfic pales in comparison! ;)
When was the last time Valpo beat a team that was ranked at some point during the season?
Quote from: classof2014 on March 03, 2015, 10:39:25 AM
When was the last time Valpo beat a team that was ranked at some point during the season?
Interesting! A slight variation on some of the questions that have been kicked around recently?
Is Ole Miss the last team that we beat while they were currently ranked?
But, you're asking for the last time we beat a team that was merely ranked -at some point in the same season-?
Did we manage against Butler?
Quote from: agibson on March 03, 2015, 10:53:44 AM
Quote from: classof2014 on March 03, 2015, 10:39:25 AM
When was the last time Valpo beat a team that was ranked at some point during the season?
Interesting! A slight variation on some of the questions that have been kicked around recently?
Is Ole Miss the last team that we beat while they were currently ranked?
But, you're asking for the last time we beat a team that was merely ranked -at some point in the same season-?
Did we manage against Butler?
As I think about it the last time probably was when Butler made it to the National Championship game in the 10/11 season. We beat them for the first time in 20 years (I think). Thus they finished the season ranked. I guess I answered my own question...
Quote from: agibson on March 03, 2015, 10:53:44 AMIs Ole Miss the last team that we beat while they were currently ranked?
hard to say...you have to go back to 2004-05 at least, and at that point the results don't post whether they were ranked.
(e.g. no number by Duke, and you have to figure they were ranked!)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 03, 2015, 11:12:39 AM(e.g. no number by Duke, and you have to figure they were ranked!)
We beat Duke?!
Quote from: agibson on March 03, 2015, 11:21:55 AM
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 03, 2015, 11:12:39 AM(e.g. no number by Duke, and you have to figure they were ranked!)
We beat Duke?!
Valpo has never beaten Duke. We did beat the Dukes, though! ;)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 03, 2015, 11:12:39 AM(e.g. no number by Duke, and you have to figure they were ranked!)
yes they were ranked. no we did not beat them, nor was it implied.
Quote from: talksalot on March 02, 2015, 12:39:34 PM
Still getting Votes in Both Polls... and I threw Murray State in...
AP Poll:
25 Murray St 26-4 79
Others receiving votes: Dayton 61, Boise State 53, Oregon 33, St. John's 27, BYU 21, Texas A&M 20, Davidson 18, Georgetown 13, Tulsa 7, San Diego St 7, Colorado St 7, LSU 6, Rhode Island 3, Virginia Commonwealth 3, Valparaiso 2, Stephen F. Austin 2
In the AP, Elton Alexander (Cleveland Plain Dealer) sticks with us. And, one journalist _adds_ us to his ballot... none other than Dickie V! For probably the first time ever. In the week we lose to Detroit, maybe no coincidence? On his eponymous court, on less. (I notice he didn't sign "Court".)
He has been ranking Murray State pretty high - maybe he has some sympathy remaining for mid-majors after all.
Seth Davis' poll for tomorrow, here's his 26+
[tweet]574716866645659648[/tweet]
Not sure what we did to fall so far off his radar. Since we've not done anything awful lately, presumably we'll stick pick up a couple of votes... Will be interesting to see how far Murray State falls.
In the AP we're still getting one vote. Dickie V is all we've got left! But, it's better than Murray State.
QuoteAP, Others receiving votes: Oregon 69, Providence 63, Ohio State 40, BYU 18, Michigan St 15, LSU 8, Iowa 7, St. John's 6, San Diego St 3, Stephen F. Austin 2, Valparaiso 1, Dayton 1, North Florida 1, Purdue 1
Receiving four points in the coaches' poll, same as last week. Murray State's doing a bit better than we are there
QuoteUSA Today Coaches' Poll: Others receiving votes: Providence 38, Boise State 30, Michigan St 21, Oregon 21, Ohio State 20, Stephen F. Austin 13, Purdue 8, Texas A&M 7, BYU 7, Murray St 6, LSU 6, Texas 6, Dayton 4, Valparaiso 4, Iowa 2
The available data seem a little fragmentary - I can't seem to get individual ballot info from the AP.
But, we did tick up in both polls
Quote
AP, Others receiving votes: Oregon 91, Providence 62, Xavier 18, Davidson 16, Ohio State 12, Stephen F. Austin 12, Wyoming 6, Boise State 5, LSU 5, BYU 3, Valparaiso 3, Wofford 2, Harvard 2, Murray St 2, Dayton 1, Iowa 1, Purdue 1, Colorado St 1
Quote
USA Today Coaches Poll, Others receiving votes: Virginia Commonwealth 46, Providence 37, San Diego St 18, BYU 11, Stephen F. Austin 9, Davidson 8, Valparaiso 7, Xavier 6, Ohio State 6, Wyoming 5, Boise State 2, Dayton 2, Purdue 1, Murray St 1, Texas 1
On their loss to Michigan State (who re-enters the polls at 23/22) Maryland falls to 12/12. Almost consistent with a 4 seed.
And, of course, the voters presumably had access to the NCAA brackets when they turned in their polls. Last of the season for the AP. One more, post tourney, for the coaches?