Last time the Bears came to the ARC they spoiled our MVC opener and trounced us 67-50 the first of 3 head to head victories for them over us. This year we enacted a measure of revenge with a comfortable 82-66 win that handed the Bears their first home loss. After that game, Head Coach Dana Ford challenged his squad to defend better and they have responded to the tune of a 4-2 record. That stretch is highlighted by Missouri State shockingly holding Loyola and Bradley to 35 and 37 points respectively in a pair of victories that caught the attention of the entire MVC and called to mind the last team to accomplish that feat--the 1986 Redbirds.
As the Crusaders pursue the season sweep, the injury bug has swept through Valpo sidelining three Crusaders and pressing an already somewhat thin bench into service in some unfamiliar roles. The Crusaders hope that that pressure will make diamonds and pay dividends down the road as they attempt to sweep the Bears, defend home court, get themselves and their season back on the mend, snap out of this funk that has resulted in a 1-3 stretch, and close the wounds inflicted by the Bears last year once and for all.
The main question for the Crusaders will be just how much firepower they'll be missing. They will look for big contributions from Sorolla and Sackey who paced the team with 13 points each in a Saturday loss to Drake, as well as Javon Freeman Mileek McMillan Deion Lavender and Bakari Evelyn while the Bears post a formidable 3 headed monster of Tulio DaSilva, Jarred Dixon and Keandre Cook each of whom average at least 13.5 points per game on the pinpoint passing of Josh Webster (5.4 APG). The Bears also boast 3 significant contributors (DaSilva Cook and Ryan Kreklow who shoot the 3 at 38% or better.
It should be a tough but great game and as long as the Crusaders come to play and have fixed the shooting woes that plagued them against Drake, I like their chances at home especially if we can get at least one of our big three back for this game. Most of all we need the fans to give another strong effort. The weather may be cold but the action will be white hot. Bring the noise. Bring the energy. Stay gritty. Get some buckets. And let's get this win. Go Valpo!
I always predict a win but a loss wouldn't shock me. I hope our healthy guys compete and play hard.
I'll say Valpo wins 55-53 and its a breakout night for Mileek (because someone has to be a hero).
Early speculation is Smits in Golder and Fazekas out.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1089928514244091904
Is there a YouTube video we can watch from his presser?
I don't think these are actual taped pressers. I think these are just a conference call/media availability that happen before every MVC game so probably no video or taping. Just an opportunity for a few questions and to hear from both coaches and maybe a player or two.
For those wondering if the weather will cause a cancellation...
I can tell you that the MoSt Charter plane left Springfield at 3:21pm and will be landing at Porter County at 4:41pm today.
Speaking of "almost" cancelling a game...
I'll take you back to January 24, 2004. Southern Utah. aka the "Blizzard Game"... Both teams and the Officials made it to the arena so the decision was made to play... Your Public Address announcer could not get out of his driveway... My memory of the night as it was related to me, was that SID Bill Rogers announced the starting lineups, but after that, there was no other announcements and the crowd was something "around 200"....
We won 77-69.
Quote from: talksalot on January 28, 2019, 04:07:44 PM
For those wondering if the weather will cause a cancellation...
I can tell you that the MoSt Charter plane left Springfield at 3:21pm and will be landing at Porter County at 4:41pm today.
Speaking of "almost" cancelling a game...
I'll take you back to January 24, 2004. Southern Utah. aka the "Blizzard Game"... Both teams and the Officials made it to the arena so the decision was made to play... Your Public Address announcer could not get out of his driveway... My memory of the night as it was related to me, was that SID Bill Rogers announced the starting lineups, but after that, there was no other announcements and the crowd was something "around 200"....
We won 77-69.
Think we'd have been better off if the game was delayed....say 3-weeks!!!
Quote from: talksalot on January 28, 2019, 04:07:44 PM
For those wondering if the weather will cause a cancellation...
I can tell you that the MoSt Charter plane left Springfield at 3:21pm and will be landing at Porter County at 4:41pm today.
Speaking of "almost" cancelling a game...
I'll take you back to January 24, 2004. Southern Utah. aka the "Blizzard Game"... Both teams and the Officials made it to the arena so the decision was made to play... Your Public Address announcer could not get out of his driveway... My memory of the night as it was related to me, was that SID Bill Rogers announced the starting lineups, but after that, there was no other announcements and the crowd was something "around 200"....
We won 77-69.
I actually was back in Valparaiso for that game. It was during my three-year stretch of being away from campus.
Vegas odds opened with the Valpo-MoSt game as a pick-em but the numbers have moved to Valpo as a 1.5 underdog. I don't know how anyone can have any confidence in predictions with the injuries to Valpo.
It's going to take a big game from someone to pull off this W. It's going to take more than just Smits to score tomorrow. Bakari has it in him. Will we see it? TBD.
The university has announced it will suspend all operations at 9 p.m. Tuesday (coincidentally getting in the basketball game?) due to expected wind chill temperatures and reopen on Thursday at noon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ADPgSs4BV8
We've got "Ryan is progressing nicely" for 3 weeks now. He's still in the boot.
I remember a couple of games in the 80s like that. Snowstorm hit, but the opponent was already here, so the game was played. I remember one in the old AMCU-8 days where there couldn't have been more than a few dozen fans in the ARC.
Quote from: talksalot on January 28, 2019, 04:07:44 PM
For those wondering if the weather will cause a cancellation...
I can tell you that the MoSt Charter plane left Springfield at 3:21pm and will be landing at Porter County at 4:41pm today.
Speaking of "almost" cancelling a game...
I'll take you back to January 24, 2004. Southern Utah. aka the "Blizzard Game"... Both teams and the Officials made it to the arena so the decision was made to play... Your Public Address announcer could not get out of his driveway... My memory of the night as it was related to me, was that SID Bill Rogers announced the starting lineups, but after that, there was no other announcements and the crowd was something "around 200"....
We won 77-69.
I was there, and it was nice and spacious :).
With Smits, I think that we can pull this one out:
Valpo 62
Missouri St. 57
It is a gold rush event at Valpo tonight.
First 500 fans get a free tee shirt :thumbsup:
So please put them on!!!!! Nothing worse than seeing a great crowd not in gold!
TONIGHT COME IN GOLD!!!!!
NOT BROWN
NOT BLACK
DEFINATLY NOT RED OR MAROON
BUT GOLD AND ONLY GOLD!!!!!
:dance: :dance: :dance:
I wear gold every game except UNI and Loyola. Those days I wear Brown.
I don't know if we will see good student attendance tonight. A lot of the students are angry that school has not been called until after 9 as they perceive that it is only so the team can play since other universities have called off earlier.
The university may not have had a say. The MVC could have mandated this. This is after all Missouri State's furthest trip (in conference).
It is only so the team can play. So what? In my day we hiked to the ARC barefoot and hungover in 18 inches of snow for 11 am Mid-Con games. Uphill in both directions!
The University probably also wanted to try to avoid canceling Tuesday night classes two consecutive weeks if at all possible, given those night classes meet once a week.
I think there are a lot of factors but I think the problem is 1. social media where both the students AND their parents get each other all riled up about how it's "not safe" 2. when every school in the area including universities are closed it's harder to understand.
I figured they would just cancel classes after 6 when the warning kicks in and let other events go on or differ to the events organizer.
Quote from: valpopal on January 28, 2019, 10:18:01 PM
The university has announced it will suspend all operations at 9 p.m. Tuesday (coincidentally getting in the basketball game?) due to expected wind chill temperatures and reopen on Thursday at noon.
Let's hope the game doesn't go into overtime and pass the 9:00 deadline.
The good news. This MoSt team is very reliant on DaSilva to get things going in the paint and open things up from the outside. If Smits plays the combination of of Smits/Sorolla should be enough to disrupt that part of their offense and swing post play decisively to our advantage. However, I have a strange suspicion Smits will struggle if his back is bothering him even a little bit. I have had back spasms before, it is really hard to function properly.
The problem will once again be scoring and what kind of legs are we going to have on defense by the end of the game at the guard position. If Smits plays at least McMillan and Kiser won't have to play the 5. So that helps out way more than you might think.
I am not sure on a prediction. We need to win as we are hitting the road again soon.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 29, 2019, 09:07:26 AM
The good news. This MoSt team is very reliant on DaSilva to get things going in the paint and open things up from the outside. If Smits plays the combination of of Smits/Sorolla should be enough to disrupt that part of their offense and swing post play decisively to our advantage. However, I have a strange suspicion Smits will struggle if his back is bothering him even a little bit. I have had back spasms before, it is really hard to function properly.
The problem will once again be scoring and what kind of legs are we going to have on defense by the end of the game at the guard position. If Smits plays at least McMillan and Kiser won't have to play the 5. So that helps out way more than you might think.
I am not sure on a prediction. We need to win as we are hitting the road again soon.
I've changed my mind. I do have an official prediction.
Valpo 13 MoSt 98
Smits still has spasms and can't play. We find out Sackey is out with a concussion having slipped on the ice walking to class, and 4 minutes into the game Freeman rolls an ankle. Valpo brings in Langston (walk-on) to run the point. Bakari goes 1-32 from 3 trying to keep us in the game. Sorolla and McMillan both foul out half way through the 2nd half and we play with 4 guys the last 10 minutes.
There, it can't get any worse than that. So we will be pleasantly surprised no matter what. You are welcome everyone! :)
There's no way Sackey would get a concussion falling down. A fall from 18 inches isn't far enough. ;D
Did I see something on twitter yesterday that Obediah Church is officially separated from the program? Any impact on tonight's game or has he been out during their recent improvement?
He's been out since late December so no new effect on the line up.
Unfortunately, with Golder and Ryan out, coupled with revenge for a 16 point thumping we gave them at their home, leads to a similar defeat for us tonight. We have no scorers.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 29, 2019, 09:15:47 AM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 29, 2019, 09:07:26 AM
The good news. This MoSt team is very reliant on DaSilva to get things going in the paint and open things up from the outside. If Smits plays the combination of of Smits/Sorolla should be enough to disrupt that part of their offense and swing post play decisively to our advantage. However, I have a strange suspicion Smits will struggle if his back is bothering him even a little bit. I have had back spasms before, it is really hard to function properly.
The problem will once again be scoring and what kind of legs are we going to have on defense by the end of the game at the guard position. If Smits plays at least McMillan and Kiser won't have to play the 5. So that helps out way more than you might think.
I am not sure on a prediction. We need to win as we are hitting the road again soon.
I've changed my mind. I do have an official prediction.
Valpo 13 MoSt 98
Smits still has spasms and can't play. We find out Sackey is out with a concussion having slipped on the ice walking to class, and 4 minutes into the game Freeman rolls an ankle. Valpo brings in Langston (walk-on) to run the point. Bakari goes 1-32 from 3 trying to keep us in the game. Sorolla and McMillan both foul out half way through the 2nd half and we play with 4 guys the last 10 minutes.
There, it can't get any worse than that. So we will be pleasantly surprised no matter what. You are welcome everyone! :)
Sackey is from Winnipeg. He's probably very use to weather like there will be in Valpo Tuesday & Wednesday. Daniel would probably be the last player on the team to slip on ice. The narrative would work better if Sorolla slipped on the ice and Sackey rolled his ankle and Freeman gets hit in the face going up for a slam dunk and has to get stitches put in over his eye.
Don't even joke about more ankle injuries.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/gPTTdOsD3lEQw/giphy.gif)
Ha! Let's hope the health of our ankles this season at least outperforms the average elder care facility.
I do tend to agree that season momentum and number of injuries favor the Bears tonight. A win for us will be impressive tonight especially if Smits is not healthy enough to play strong D.
Quote from: crusader05 on January 29, 2019, 08:15:40 AMwhen every school in the area including universities are closed it's harder to understand.
Notre Dame's announcement ... they ended operations at 7pm Tuesday night. we're open an extra 2 hours. Home the game doesn't go into Overtime. be hard to explain everyone leaving.... and the lights going out.
Quote from: talksalot on January 29, 2019, 02:20:57 PM
Quote from: crusader05 on January 29, 2019, 08:15:40 AMwhen every school in the area including universities are closed it's harder to understand.
Notre Dame's announcement ... they ended operations at 7pm Tuesday night. we're open an extra 2 hours. Home the game doesn't go into Overtime. be hard to explain everyone leaving.... and the lights going out.
Undoubtedly, facility management employees will be gone at 9:00.00. If something happens in their absence, the response will be, "We got a bulletin that said the university is closing at 9. If you wanted us to stay longer, you should have said something."
Perhaps they will play with a running clock! Hopefully it doesn't go into overtime and a brawl breakout and all the ushers and cops have taken their leave.
https://twitter.com/nwioren/status/1090241843072327680?s=21
Seriously though - I wish Lottich would not be Mr Excuses all the time. There's glimpses of him being the leader that we all need him and hope for him to be.
But those moments are sandwiched between these sorts of things. Excuses, ambiguity, being secretive, answering questions in a very uninspiring and quite honestly nonchalant and boring manner.
I don't remember any classes ever being canceled while at Valpo, but remember plenty of times when I couldn't see in front of my face while a blizzard came down, and I was still required to be at morning run sessions at 5 am in the ARC :thumbsup:
Smits is in *warm-ups
Quote from: valpotx on January 29, 2019, 05:47:31 PM
I don't remember any classes ever being canceled while at Valpo, but remember plenty of times when I couldn't see in front of my face while a blizzard came down, and I was still required to be at morning run sessions at 5 am in the ARC :thumbsup:
Think only classes cancelled we're surrounding 9/11 while we were there.
Bakari looking sharp in warmups. Hitting everything he throws up.
In the last few years it's been wind chill that has closed campus for the most part with the occasional blizzard. I think as the commuter population has grown as well as the graduate school travel concerns matter a bit more. But this cold is crazy. Bars in Milwaukee are closing early because of it. I feel like that's a pretty good indicator of how bad it's going to get
No Joke...
They foul our center on every single possession. Every one. Multiple times.
Smit's Looking like his back ain't bothering him much...4 points, 2 boards and a voracious block in the early going...Plus one nasty poke in the eye. #Gritty
We better find some offense soon. Or this is gonna get ugly...
9-0 run :thumbsup:
This officiating is trash, the usual from Gerry Pollard.
Absolutely pathetic how they ended the half.
So we dribble our final possession away and don't get a shot, then let them dribble through the whole team for an uncontested layup in 4.5 seconds to score at the buzzer. What crap.
Quote from: mj on January 29, 2019, 07:29:51 PM
We better find some offense soon. Or this is gonna get ugly...
U.G.L.Y you ain't got no alibi you ugly!
Thoughts at the half:
1. Missed free throws mean no lead.
2. Still no go-to guy on offense.
3. What happens to going inside to Smits? We do it in the first two or three minutes and then forget all about it.
4. Hang onto Freeman. This guy is a "franchise player."
5. Bad basketball by Sorolla. Bad pass on the steal (net-net, a non issue), and when is he going to learn to take it hard to the rim?
Derrik is way bigger than anyone they have - should be dominating this game. Instead, he takes himself out of the game with a dumb backdown offensive foul against a guy 6" shorter. We're woefully short handed as it is. He needs to learn how to stay on the floor in situations like that. It's called having basketball I.Q. Speaking of which, will Mileek ever learn to quit committing moving screen fouls? Did his coach at Merrillville teach him anything? Then there's Jay.
By the way, in case you can't tell on TV, MSU is gawd awful. If we lose this game, clearly we will have beaten ourselves.
Quote from: jloose128 on January 29, 2019, 07:48:41 PM
This officiating is trash, the usual from Gerry Pollard.
Worst I've seen in a long time.
Quote from: nkvu on January 29, 2019, 07:52:38 PM
So we dribble our final possession away and don't get a shot, then let them dribble through the whole team for an uncontested layup in 4.5 seconds to score at the buzzer. What crap.
Some of the worst basketball I've ever seen
1 on 5 and we give up a layup
Awful Defense
Freeman is amazing working those passing lanes...
2 point game w/ 15 minutes to go...hopefully they strong and finish
We get exposed with Sorolla in
He's not developed at all in his time here...may have regressed
Freeman with a double/double...I'd hate to think where this game would be without him out there tonight. Plus he's doing the little things, filling passing lanes, crashing defensive (and offensive boards), making good decisions for the most part. Plus his tap out off the offensive board saved a possession and led to points.
Smits just picked up the dumbest two fouls I have ever seen in a span of one minute.
He needs to keep his head in the game. Not enough concentration and restraint.
May have cost the game by having to leave with 4 fouls.
And now a minute later Sorolla picks up two dumb ones in a single minute. >:(
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 29, 2019, 08:38:13 PM
Smits just picked up the dumbest two fouls I have ever seen in a span of one minute.
He needs to keep his head in the game. Not enough concentration and restraint.
May have cost the game by having to leave with 4 fouls.
If we lose, Smits owes Javon an apology for personally wasting his great game.
Quote from: wh on January 29, 2019, 08:49:59 PM
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 29, 2019, 08:38:13 PM
Smits just picked up the dumbest two fouls I have ever seen in a span of one minute.
He needs to keep his head in the game. Not enough concentration and restraint.
May have cost the game by having to leave with 4 fouls.
If we lose, Smits owes Javon an apology for personally wasting his great game.
Least situationally aware player on the court every game.....tie between Smits and McMillan. Astounding.
Well we dodged a bullet and got to OT. Let's see who steps up,
haha they're going to overtime and the University closes in five minutes...
Why no timeout and set up a play?
Seriously, this team is a :censored: mess. Absolutely pathetic.
Won't be surprised if Freeman leaves.
Lottich is in over his head.
I don't know how many times I cursed at Lottich for not making some key decisions in the last 5 minutes of regulation, and then in OT. We were either tied or up by 1 with 2 minutes left, and instead of taking one of his timeouts to try and set something up, we end up with some BS isolation play. His play calls were terrible, and led to a stymied offense in key situations. What a horrible loss. There went any chance at a top 4 seed.
Smits should have sat out another game, as he was very ineffective.
Welp we deserved to lose that one. Other than Freeman and Sackey, the rest were pretty bad.
It would be nice if we could run a good play out of a timeout for once. We might as well not ever take a timeout....
Well, I didn't expect to win but we had a chance. As it turns out we hit one more free throw and we win in regulation. Lavender misses everything on a one and one in overtime. Sorolla goes one for two in ot. We have a lead with 35.2 left in ot. No call on an obvious foul of Freeman. Bakari dribbles the ball off his foot. Sorolla gets called and that's the ball game when they hit both free throws.
WE HIT FREE THROWS WE WIN!
We don't we lose.
Make your free throws....
Quote from: mj on January 29, 2019, 09:15:18 PM
Won't be surprised if Freeman leaves.
Why would Javon leave? Calm down dude.
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but on the television it appeared as if Bakari wasn't even in the huddle at the 21.8 se ins timeout. Was there even a play called?
12-20 from the free throw line including some key front ends...
Several layups that went in and out...
12 foul calls on Valpo players playing the 5, most of them correct calls on insanely careless play...
Terrible plays out of timeouts...
Bakari dribbled it off his foot on our last play, but didn't somebody dribble it off their foot to end the 1st half?? Was that Bakari too?
Putting the ball in the wrong players hands over and over and over again. Why was Bakari the one driving the last 3 offensive plays when Sackey/Freeman/Lavender were doing a better job getting to the basket? Why, because he hit 1 floater???
We had an astronomical amount of chances to win this game.
EVERYBODY SHOOTS 1000 FREE THROWS EVERY NIGHT UNTIL SHOOTING IMPROVES! UNACCEPTABLE!
F THESE TRASH MVC REFS. WORST OFFICIALS I'VE EVER SEEN. CONSISTENTLY. THEY REALLY F'D US TONIGHT
WHY CAN'T WE EVER EXECUTE And CLOSE OUT A HALF?! IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME!
OUR FRESHMEN ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO EXECUTE DOWN THE STRETCH OF GAMES OUR UPPERCLASS "LEADERSHIP" SUCKS
OUR BIGS PLAY SMALL ON OFFENSE WHAT GOOD IS THE HEIGHT WHEN YOU PLAY LIKE YOU'RE 6'8?
RYAN HURRY UP AND GET HEALTHY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD THIS TEAM IS LOST ON OFFENSE WITHOUT YOU AND MARKUS
I'm so mad right now. I'll be able to process this and analyze it in a calm levelheaded manner later. Shorthanded or not we blew this game. Our "leaders" let our freshmen down.
Is the glass half empty or half full tonight?
On the half empty side, the careless fouls by Smits and Sorolla were maddening and so was the puzzling shot selection and too much self-confidence by Bakari. We blew a home win. The refs blew the clear foul against Freeman. Who made dat call?
On the half full side, I thought Sorolla played good defense with quick feet apart from those dumb fouls. Even better, our two freshmen guards were able to penetrate to the hoop even without outside shooting from Nick or Markus. That bodes well when or if those two return.
Would somebody please impress upon these kids that free throws matter? Seriously, if we shot 70% we win. Shooting 60% we lose. When two of your three top scorers are out and your third is clearly not at full strength, YOU CAN'T GIVE POINTS AWAY AT THE LINE!
Quote from: mj on January 29, 2019, 09:15:18 PM
Seriously, this team is a :censored: mess. Absolutely pathetic.
Won't be surprised if Freeman leaves.
Lottich is in over his head.
This team isn't a mess. It's injured and starting two freshman. We need perspective. This was a great effort tonight. Both bigs were in foul trouble and they still almost won. Free throw shooting was bad.
6 Total Bench Points from 2 juniors and a sophomore.
Kiser with 0 points
Sorolla with 3 points
McMillan with 3 points
Frustrating when these guys are in and won't score.
Seriously though guys...how does anyone airball a FT?
I do like Lavender overall, but he is definitely a guy that has to score at the rim. Who taught him his form? Whoever did that needs to be banned from every teaching anyone again, as he needs like 5 feet of space in order to get a shot off, otherwise he will get blocked every time.
lol
https://twitter.com/Ilstate/status/1090450090509156352
Quote from: valpotx on January 29, 2019, 09:36:32 PM
Seriously though guys...how does anyone airball a FT?
I don't know Ask Jared Lloyd
I knew we were going to lose when the lady behind the scorer's table was wearing a Motor City Madness tshirt.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1090446767848607745
https://twitter.com/kyle321n/status/1090454075752239104
https://twitter.com/kyle321n/status/1090455206658297860
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 29, 2019, 09:29:49 PMOn the half full side, I thought Sorolla played good defense with quick feet apart from those dumb fouls. Even better, our two freshmen guards were able to penetrate to the hoop
Everybody played hard on defense. This reminded me of our team last February when our only way to compete was to battle on every play. Thats good!
Some of our offensive execution and free throw shooting looked like we were outdoors, playing in the cold and wind, while wearing mittens. Thats bad!
Freshmen were really good. Bakari was decent til he wasn't at the end. Lavender wasn't good. Smits is a black hole with the ball. Sorolla couldn't buy a bucket. Loser is still kiser and covers up his lack of skill with hustle but he couldn't buy a bucket. McMillian only got a little run and got the only shot he made. MoState's offense is terrible, and it wasn't really anything Valpo was doing special. I thought Mileek should've got some run in the second half. At least he can score.
Free throws were killer. Not sure how many 1-2s Valpo has but how the heck do you air ball a free throw in OT. Unbelievable.
Valpo stinks at ending halves. I wasn't surprised with the way OT ended honestly.
Any of you who support this pathetic excuse for coaching know something I don't - are you kidding me? The man cannot manage the Xs and Os and make in-game adjustments. I'm sorry but we're a D1 program. He makes a lot of money no doubt. We shouldn't be the place coaches have to go to get their first gig and learn the ropes. That's what NAIA, DIII, and DII are for. Most people aren't Scott Drew - they can't just BE a coach. And besides look at the mentor he had - HOMER. Same could be said of Bryce. I'm tired of it. That was our game to win. And we lost it because we couldn't FINISH.
Since when do you get ejected for saying such a tame thing as what he said? Officials lucked out when we were in the Mid-Con, as I was throwing f-bombs left and right in the Mezz during my days :-X
Quote from: VU2014 on January 29, 2019, 09:46:05 PM[tweet]1090446767848607745[/tweet] [tweet]1090454075752239104[/tweet] [tweet]1090455206658297860[/tweet]
Maybe instead of reprimanding\suspending coaches and ejecting fans Elgin should take a look at the common thread of concern and address it. People in Evansville Normal and Valpo can't all be wrong. The last two crews to come through Valpo have SUCKED and I thought the Illinois State crew was bad. I had no idea what we'd be in for later.
This was the game you needed to have to stay out of Thursday. Your next three are tough even if you're healthy.
Feeling really dumb about booking the AirBnB in St Lou yesterday.
Sigh.
Not sure if everyone saw this but holy cow it's hard to be as bad as the officiating crew was today. Just straight up garbage. They seriously need to clean up their act.
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/1090423555194535936
I have said it a number of times before, and I will repeat it here, it is a sin for any basketball player with "Valparaiso" on his uniform not to be able to shoot free throws. Think of Bruce Lindner, Scott Colclasure, Greg Tonagel. How about the "Valpo method" that is well-known and proven successful. Even my wife can shoot free throws because she was taught the Valpo method by Virgil Sweet! There are Valpo alums like Rob Cavanaugh—who set the IHSAA record when he was at VHS by making 72 consecutive shots and 102 out of 104—and Mike Jones, both shot 83% for their four years at Valpo, in the area who could teach the current players. Is Casey Schmidt still in the area as well? He shot 93% from the free-throw line for Valpo. Other VHS grads who were VU players, like Scott Anselm, Bryce Drew and Dave Redmon, were excellent free throw shooters. I don't know why our coaches don't insist poor free-throw shooters spend the summer learning the Valpo method. It's worth a try! :twocents:
You're in denial - we lost to a team we SHOULD NOT have lost to ... as-is with our injuries. Got out coached down the stretch and out executed.
I do wonder why officials don't call as much of the hand on body contact as was impressed upon them a few seasons ago. I yell at the screen whenever I see our guys with their hands on someone's hip or back, fearing that it will get called, and then it doesn't get called.
Looks like Vandy is having a rough go this season. 0-7 in conference.
Maybe Bryce needs to come home...
Quote from: valpopal on January 29, 2019, 10:19:34 PMI have said it a number of times before, and I will repeat it here, it is a sin for any basketball player with "Valparaiso" on his uniform not to be able to shoot free throws. Think of Bruce Lindner, Scott Colclasure, Greg Tonagel. How about the "Valpo method" that is well-known and proven successful. Even my wife can shoot free throws because she was taught the Valpo method by Virgil Sweet! There are Valpo alums like Rob Cavanaugh—who set the IHSAA record when he was at VHS by making 72 consecutive shots and 102 out of 104—and Mike Jones, both shot 83% for their four years at Valpo, in the area who could teach the current players. Is Casey Schmidt still in the area as well? He shot 93% from the free-throw line for Valpo. Other VHS grads who were VU players, like Scott Anselm, Bryce Drew and Dave Redmon, were excellent free throw shooters. I don't know why our coaches don't insist poor free-throw shooters spend the summer learning the Valpo method. It's worth a try! :twocents:
Have you tried suggesting this to coach?
Quote from: mj on January 29, 2019, 10:23:29 PMLooks like Vandy is having a rough go this season. 0-7 in conference. Maybe Bryce needs to come home...
This isn't on Lottich. He can't make Smits\Sorolla avoid dumb fouls he can't dribble for Bakari or box out for Mileek or shoot free throws for everybody. These things are the players responsibility and if they truly give a darn about their own development or the school they represent they'll fix these things without being prodded because they know it's unacceptable not because coach tells them so.
Somebody recruits and coaches these kids though....
I'm not jumping ship on the coaching staff but they gotta do something about these plays they draw up and the end of halves.
Here's the real over under:
Will Valpo win as many games in the 2017-18 AND 2018-2019 seasons combined as we did during the 2015-2016 season (30)?
We have 27 total from this year and last year combined. So, we'd need 4 more. At this point, I honestly doubt it.
At what point will there be conversation about the direction of this program?
People talk about the players not being recruited for the MVC. Ok but neither was the coach!!!
I could only dream Bryce would come back. And those opening 4 wins in conference play just show the potential of what we COULD be. Yes I'm aware of injuries. Nonetheless, players have regressed. Sarolla, Mileek, Micah(?), not to mention all we've lost along the way. Started with Skara who went on to start at Clemson!
I made this prediction before the Northern Iowa game which we won.
Quote from: bbtds on January 18, 2019, 12:52:23 PMI'm afraid the team will be very streaky this year and we are going to be on a downward streak. Grittiness only goes so far. It was good for a turn around but is not sustainable all conference season. Poor shooting and lack of confidence will do us in.
I will admit that I didn't predict the injuries but the streakiness of Valpo has come true.
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 29, 2019, 09:35:41 PM6 Total Bench Points from 2 juniors and a sophomore. Kiser with 0 points Sorolla with 3 points McMillan with 3 points Frustrating when these guys are in and won't score.
Sorolla aside, what are you really expecting out of the other two?
With a Golder and Fazekas Valpo wins by double digits...injuries are unfortunate.
A few more made free throws and the talk around here would be way different.
With even one we win by 6-8. I am pleased to see Bakari's shot appearing to come back but if we draw up even one more crunch time play for him I'm going to lose my mind. I love Bakari and appreciate the way he has battled back to try to become the player he was last year but he's just not there yet and until he is he needs to defer more.
Hey, I saw all the mistakes and lost opportunities too. I am also equally or more disappointed with the outcome. But---Objectively---- Two steps forward----Sackey and Freeman. Two steps back------Lavender and Smits. So we essentially tied a team that just beat Loyola by 35 and we did that with a shorthanded 4 guard offense.
Have any of the rest of you focused on just how good this team might be in late February with everybody healthy? Trust me. It's worth thinking about. :thumbsup:
'This isn't going to break us': Short-handed Valparaiso falls to Missouri State in overtime
Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-spt-mens-basketball-missouri-state-valparaiso-st-0130-story.html
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1090463145741729792
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Valparaiso's Smits expected to return Tuesday vs Missouri State
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Jan 28, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/men-s-basketball-valparaiso-s-smits-expected-to-return-tuesday/article_4c7f6758-cdd9-5f8f-a62d-dc74955c0a42.html
https://twitter.com/nwipreps/status/1090234606362808320
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Crusaders drop heartbreaker in overtime
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
January 29, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/men-s-basketball-crusaders-drop-heartbreaker-in-overtime/article_d0e5f196-90ff-545f-9bd5-6f93a8e13cf4.html
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/1090473445220069379
Observations after several medicinal scotches to deal with this loss.
1. Our two freshman are really tough. Too bad our upper classmen aren't. Make our freshman shoot like a million threes in the offseason so maybe they can hit a couple each during a game. It could make a huge difference.
2. Sorolla is as bad on offense as he is adequate on defense. Really, how after 2+ years playing D1 ball can he still not have any idea what to do with the ball one foot away from the rim? I know he has no verticle but really, is he afraid of hurting the rim or what? I mean Vashil was useless offensively his first two years, but by his junior year he could at least throw one down when he got it a foot from the basket. I hope Jay grows another foot before next year so maybe he can get one over the rim when he is one foot away.
3. It kills me to watch teams that if we're at full strength we would beat easily come away with wins at our place. Still, you would think that we could find a way to steal one at home. Now I begin to wonder if we can find another two wins somewhere to improve on our dismal record of last year
4. Please coach, give us a full bench next year so when three or four of our guys go down with injuries we have enough players to play a full game with an honest chance to win.
5. Maleek is still like a bull in a china shop. If he doesn't pick up at least one moving screen foul, I know he didn't play. I keep hearing about his upside, but Jesu when is he gonna show some of it? He still shows no clue what to do with his body. Honestly I don't see any improvement from last year.
6. I thought from the beginning of the season if Kiser saw a lot of minutes we were in trouble. Don't get me wrong I love his toughness and his effort, but if he is the best we have on the court, we won't win many games. He just doesnt have enough game to help us win over MVC opponents if he is playing a lot.
7. I thought Bakari had a decent game until he kicked that one away at the end. Still when it comes down to it in the clutch, he chocked. You'd think you could count on your upper classmen to play well in clutch time. It hasn't happened for this team so far.
Can we also talk about how the chair back side of the video board was out all night? I am so tired of the lack of attention to detail in the athletic department. How is this not tested and addressed hours before the game?
Quote from: nkvu on January 29, 2019, 10:58:20 PMObservations after several medicinal scotches to deal with this loss. 1. Our two freshman are really tough. Too bad our upper classmen aren't. Make our freshman shoot like a million threes in the offseason so maybe they can hit a couple each during a game. It could make a huge difference. 2. Sorolla is as bad on offense as he is adequate on defense. Really, how after 2+ years playing D1 ball can he still not have any idea what to do with the ball one foot away from the rim? I know he has no verticle but really, is he afraid of hurting the rim or what? I mean Vashil was useless offensively his first two years, but by his junior year he could at least throw one down when he got it a foot from the basket. I hope Jay grows another foot before next year so maybe he can get one over the rim when he is one foot away. 3. It kills me to watch teams that if we're at full strength we would beat easily come away with wins at our place. Still, you would think that we could find a way to steal one at home. Now I begin to wonder if we can find another two wins somewhere to improve on our dismal record of last year 4. Please coach, give us a full bench next year so when three or four of our guys go down with injuries we have enough players to play a full game with an honest chance to win. 5. Maleek is still like a bull in a china shop. If he doesn't pick up at least one moving screen foul, I know he didn't play. I keep hearing about his upside, but Jesu when is he gonna show some of it? He still shows no clue what to do with his body. Honestly I don't see any improvement from last year. 6. I thought from the beginning of the season if Kiser saw a lot of minutes we were in trouble. Don't get me wrong I love his toughness and his effort, but if he is the best we have on the court, we won't win many games. He just doesnt have enough game to help us win over MVC opponents if he is playing a lot. 7. I thought Bakari had a decent game until he kicked that one away at the end. Still when it comes down to it in the clutch, he chocked. You'd think you could count on your upper classmen to play well in clutch time. It this team so far.
Of course Mileek doesn't know how to use his body yet. He spent the entire offseason bulking up to play a significant role in the frontcourt and he hasn't gotten minutes to work with it in games. Personally I'd like to see him play more minutes at 1-4 in our last 5 and with all these injuries what do we have to lose?
Mileek might've been our best 3 point option tonight (scary thought) but no opportunity...
Evelyn, man, he was doing so well until crunch time.
Speaking of attention to detail:
Did you see the Golder program has him wearing his #5 and it says he's #3? Did anyone move the ticket tables? We were given one of those fancy parking passes and exited out a different door. I also learned, maybe it's been mentioned here before, that they typically sell beer and whine in that ARC Suite room. Didn't tonight due to be understandably under staffed.
Apparently there is a rumor that a Valpo fan threw trash at the ref? I asked 4 different people who saw the whole incident go down and they said no such thing happened.
Lost 3 of 4. Next two are on the road. Falling down the standings fast. I miss winning. Need a healthy team.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 29, 2019, 11:18:55 PMApparently there is a rumor that a Valpo fan threw trash at the ref? I asked 4 different people who saw the whole incident go down and they said no such thing happened.
So these refs are not only making up crap during the game but now they're making up horror stories about what happened to them that forced them to kick out that big bad Valpo fan who had the audacity to tell them that he felt that they weren't doing their job correctly? What a bunch of thin skinned ninnies.They were the ones throwing trash calls at our players all night. Have these people no shame?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJdQOPvqpw4
And Bakari doesn't even own his booting the ball at the end of the game. Disappointed not to hear him take ownership of that and instead blame the defense. This from a junior who's supposed to be one of our leaders. He had an opportunity to show some leadership there and he passed on it. Sad.
Lottich tells his team that we have no excuses and appreciates not being asked about being shorthanded but then makes sure everyone hears that we're shorthanded. Mixed messages coach.
The video from the postgame press conference was painful to watch. This team appears shell-shocked, and I can't blame them. However, as I have mentioned previously about other press conferences, Lottich needs to work on his body language and facial expressions, especially when the players are responding to questions. Media studies and textbooks address the critical concept about how images on a screen can overpower even the words spoken in the eyes of viewers. He has to realize the negative emotions that his movements and gestures are conveying.
Quote from: valpopal on January 30, 2019, 12:17:28 AM
The video from the postgame press conference was painful to watch. This team appears shell-shocked, and I can't blame them. However, as I have mentioned previously about other press conferences, Lottich needs to work on his body language and facial expressions, especially when the players are responding to questions. Media studies and textbooks address the critical concept about how images on a screen can overpower even the words spoken in the eyes of viewers. He has to realize the negative emotions that his movements and gestures are conveying.
What do the media studies say about sound?
Still need a microphone for the press please! Very difficult to understand the questions asked by the press.
I saw one of the giveaway basketballs go flying into the court right after the final horn. The Valpo Dinosaur actually picked it up with its tony little arms.
Valpo basketball: Epic swan dive off a 60' cliff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG7vKjHrXjQ
Quote from: M on January 30, 2019, 07:17:07 AM
I saw one of the giveaway basketballs go flying into the court right after the final horn. The Valpo Dinosaur actually picked it up with its tony little arms.
Yeah, it was one of the little foam basketballs. It wasn't thrown at anyone. Someone just hurled it out onto the court.
And another note about the guy they kicked out. Before they identified him, they tried to kick someone else out. The people around the guy literally had to plead that he hadn't said a word. The refs we're literally just looking to flex their power and throw someone out for calling them out. They didn't care who or why.
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
Lottich isn't ready for any of this. Plain and simple. He's not. And when he doesn't have a Peters on the team to mask his inept ability to coach or lead this team, his inexperience shows. Not his fault - he hasn't ever been the head coach before and had ZERO coaching experience prior to his time at Valpo. He *could* be a good coach someday. The question is ... are we such a subpar program that we'll be the ones who continually say: "wait until next year!" Or "trust the process!" and ride it out until he has the players to execute? Like seriously we should be a 25+ win team next year with the roster we'll have. But I'm sure something will happen to prohibit that from occurring. And like always everyone will make excuses.
Lottich needs to study Wooden. The little things matter. They matter A LOT. Do the little things right. You're the mentor. The leader. The example. You set the tone. He literally slumped over and sighed during the interview while his players (as usual) are slouched over. Teach them the way to carry themselves. It's about more than basketball. Whether they play professionally or enter the workforce, they'll need these skills. Teach them. Lead them. This needs to be addressed by Admin. Sorry. It's a shame. You're paid a lot of money to be a professional. Be one. Express your real emotions to your assistant coaches behind closed doors. Slump back in the chair and act disgruntled while driving home. Stand up straight and be a man when you're in a press conference. And your players will follow suit if they respect you. Javon is the real deal. Be the leader he deserves. Tailored suits are nice but your body language speaks more volumes than what you wear.
I'm not turning against Lottich by any means but Gritt doesn't get you an open look at the basket after a timeout on your final possession. Besides the timeout, there was also a official review that he could have drawn up a play. We should have had a better offensive possession.
End of the day it's difficult to win games with two of your best players on the bench and the third best player fouled out.
Since Lottich has taken over, the best player in the history of the program went out with a season ending injury, An all-conference player in Jubril was sideline the entire year. The following year doesn't get better, loses the most talented player on that roster. 3rd year doesn't catch a break. Best two players out multiple games (conference games at that).
Quote from: VU2010 on January 30, 2019, 08:54:46 AM
Lottich isn't ready for any of this. Plain and simple. He's not. And when he doesn't have a Peters on the team to mask his inept ability to coach or lead this team, his inexperience shows. Not his fault - he hasn't ever been the head coach before and had ZERO coaching experience prior to his time at Valpo. He *could* be a good coach someday. The question is ... are we such a subpar program that we'll be the ones who continually say: "wait until next year!" Or "trust the process!" and ride it out until he has the players to execute? Like seriously we should be a 25+ win team next year with the roster we'll have. But I'm sure something will happen to prohibit that from occurring. And like always everyone will make excuses.
Well how about a guy like Bryce Drew? I can tell you, the fans in Nashville are getting a little antzy. He recruited 2 five star players, one projected to a be a high first rounder after one year. Guess what? That guy went down for the season and now Vandy is 9-11 having lost the last 8 in a row and the last 2 by 31 and then 35 points--after which Bryce said "I was proud of our effort. I was proud of our fight throughout the second half. They never quit" Sound familiar?
Look, to say Matt can't coach is just wrong. Has he made young coach mistakes? Absolutely. He also took this Valpo team down to Missouri State and beat them by 16. A place where Missouri State destroyed Loyola by 35!!!!!!!!!!! So what went wrong last night? Maybe not having 29 points, 6 boards and two guys who shot 7 of 13 from the 3, available from the first outing? Just sayin...
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2019/01/29/kentucky-vs-vanderbilt-contender-vs-clown-show-and-commodores-misery/2707790002/
Great points Oklahoma. Some of that can be chalked up to bad breaks. But you also have to ask: is it all bad breaks or is there a common denominator? Are the injuries - to this capacity - a byproduct of strength and conditioning? The facilities? Trainers?
And, as for the cases involving Jubril - I'm still awaiting an answer as to why he had to sit out. As for Joe, what did the guy honestly do??? If egregious in nature (which I don't think it was), it would've hit the media. Academics? Maybe? If so and that was also the case for Jubril ... you have to ask ... there's thousands of players out there ... coaches figure it out and have a support team in place to help them academically ... could we have done better?
Blaming rolled ankles on strength and conditioning is ridiculous.
There are plenty of areas in which Lottich can be analyzed. Injuries? Unlikely. I know that saying "we caught bad breaks with injuries" leaves us feeling hollow, because we always want someone to blame. As Coach Boone's wife said in Remember the Titans, "Sometimes bad things just happen."
Quote from: vu72 on January 30, 2019, 10:54:22 AM
Quote from: VU2010 on January 30, 2019, 08:54:46 AM
Lottich isn't ready for any of this. Plain and simple. He's not. And when he doesn't have a Peters on the team to mask his inept ability to coach or lead this team, his inexperience shows. Not his fault - he hasn't ever been the head coach before and had ZERO coaching experience prior to his time at Valpo. He *could* be a good coach someday. The question is ... are we such a subpar program that we'll be the ones who continually say: "wait until next year!" Or "trust the process!" and ride it out until he has the players to execute? Like seriously we should be a 25+ win team next year with the roster we'll have. But I'm sure something will happen to prohibit that from occurring. And like always everyone will make excuses.
Well how about a guy like Bryce Drew? I can tell you, the fans in Nashville are getting a little antzy. He recruited 2 five star players, one projected to a be a high first rounder after one year. Guess what? That guy went down for the season and now Vandy is 9-11 having lost the last 8 in a row and the last 2 by 31 and then 35 points--after which Bryce said "I was proud of our effort. I was proud of our fight throughout the second half. They never quit" Sound familiar?
Look, to say Matt can't coach is just wrong. Has he made young coach mistakes? Absolutely. He also took this Valpo team down to Missouri State and beat them by 16. A place where Missouri State destroyed Loyola by 35!!!!!!!!!!! So what went wrong last night? Maybe not having 29 points, 6 boards and two guys who shot 7 of 13 from the 3, available from the first outing? Just sayin...
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2019/01/29/kentucky-vs-vanderbilt-contender-vs-clown-show-and-commodores-misery/2707790002/
Good perspective here. Any team in the country would struggle if you took away 2 of their leading scorers. I think Matt deserves to be judged by how the team performs at full strength.
I asked earlier but nobody answered.
Bakari dribbled it off his foot to end the the OT and they got a layup for the win....
But what exactly happened to end the 1st half? Somebody turned it over and they got a layup at the buzzer. I just can't remember who it was or how it happened.
But to end the 1st half and end the game in the exact same way is very hard to deal with.
Quote from: M on January 30, 2019, 11:21:24 AM
Blaming rolled ankles on strength and conditioning is ridiculous.
Most people I know in the sports medicine / sports performance industry believe that adding strength and flexibility to the ankle may not eliminate injuries, but can certainly reduce the severity and speed recovery.
Does anyone know if Valpo requires players to tape or brace ankles as a preventative measure? This used to be common place, but I think today that the trainers leave that up to the individual players.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 29, 2019, 11:28:43 PMQuote from: VU2014 on January 29, 2019, 11:18:55 PMApparently there is a rumor that a Valpo fan threw trash at the ref? I asked 4 different people who saw the whole incident go down and they said no such thing happened.
So these refs are not only making up crap during the game but now they're making up horror stories about what happened to them that forced them to kick out that big bad Valpo fan who had the audacity to tell them that he felt that they weren't doing their job correctly? What a bunch of thin skinned ninnies.They were the ones throwing trash calls at our players all night. Have these people no shame?
At the end of the game I saw one of the promotional little (golf ball sized) basketballs thrown out on the floor, close by one of the refs, who swatted it away as it bounced by him.
I have a clip of it, but I don't know how to post it here. The attachment option won't allow me to do it.
It seems a big over reaction to blame all this on Lottich. Yes, the buck stops there. But our conference performance was very strong until Ryan and then Markus went down. We know the bigs just aggravate all of us at times. But he and Luke can't go out on the floor
Yes, the mopey press conferences are kind of annoying. He needs to project confidence a little more strongly. The players seem to follow the same hang dog look after a loss. No coach is happy over a loss and he seems like a low-key person generally. But there's no need to sound beaten down.
I would give Jevon the ball in clutch situations now because he seems most able to get to the rim or draw a foul doing it.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 12:10:08 PMBakari dribbled it off his foot to end the the OT and they got a layup for the win....
But what exactly happened to end the 1st half? Somebody turned it over and they got a layup at the buzzer. I just can't remember who it was or how it happened.
I can't seem to get the game replay. It was a team turn over with Sackey, Lavender, McMillan, Evelyn and Freeman on the floor. In that situation I would have wanted Evelyn or Freeman to be handling the ball.
Quote from: nkvu on January 29, 2019, 10:58:20 PM4. Please coach, give us a full bench next year so when three or four of our guys go down with injuries we have enough players to play a full game with an honest chance to win.
Do you have a list of teams which could compete vs. peer teams with 3 or 4 of "their" guys out?
Quote from: justducky on January 30, 2019, 12:51:44 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 12:10:08 PMBakari dribbled it off his foot to end the the OT and they got a layup for the win....
But what exactly happened to end the 1st half? Somebody turned it over and they got a layup at the buzzer. I just can't remember who it was or how it happened.
I can't seem to get the game replay. It was a team turn over with Sackey, Lavender, McMillan, Evelyn and Freeman on the floor. In that situation I would have wanted Evelyn or Freeman to be handling the ball.
Here's what happened to end the 1st half:
35.5 - MSU turnover; Valpo calls timeout to set up play
5.5 - After never getting ball below the FT line, Bakari has ball poked away from him and by the time he retrieves near mid-court, the shot clock expires.
With 5.5 left, MSU passes to Webster at Valpo's FT line; he takes 7 dribbles up court, (at mid-court, Sackey, Freeman-Liberty and Lavender are all within 3 feet of him) and he lays it over the front of the rim at the buzzer. After dribbling through the 3 guys at midcourt, he basically waltzed to the goal. Evelyn and McMillan left their guys in the corners just in time to catch Webster's layup coming through the net.
About 10 seconds after the half ended, they went to the sideline to talk to Coach Lottich. How he was even able to speak after what his team did in the last 35.5 of the half is beyond me.
I saw Lottich as inadvertently reacting to being overwhelmed with emotion that he was doing his best to contain. In spite of being down two of his biggest threats, Valpo was up by three points in both regular time and in overtime. In both cases we had the ball and up by one with under a minute to go and couldn't convert. The game plan was good enough to win, but free throws, questionable calls, and poor execution took away the possibility of sweeping MoSt which had just hammered Loyola. As disappointed as I was, I can only imagine his frustration. He couldn't talk about the calls, and he wasn't going to blame the team. It seems to me his leaning back while Bakari was talking was not a response to what Bakari was saying, but it was a physical response to all of what he was holding inside.
Count me a one who believes in this coach.
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 30, 2019, 01:03:35 PMWith 5.5 left, MSU passes to Webster at Valpo's FT line; he takes 7 dribbles up court, (at mid-court, Sackey, Freeman-Liberty and Lavender are all within 3 feet of him) and he lays it over the front of the rim at the buzzer. After dribbling through the 3 guys at midcourt, he basically waltzed to the goal. Evelyn and McMillan left their guys in the corners just in time to catch Webster's layup coming through the net.
Yeah! Now I can remember without even seeing it. Somebody at mid court has to stop the ball and force a pass. None did! Maybe a freshman mistake ???
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 12:10:08 PMBut what exactly happened to end the 1st half? Somebody turned it over and they got a layup at the buzzer. I just can't remember who it was or how it happened. But to end the 1st half and end the game in the exact same way is very hard to deal with.
There was about 4 secs difference between the shot and game clocks and Valpo decided to hold for one shot. After killing all but 6 or 7 secs of the clock, Evelyn ended up with the ball and just as he started to move towards the basket he had the ball deflected. He recovered but not in enough time to get anything resembling a decent shot off and they ended up with a shot clock violation.
Whatever the ultimate goal of the final set was, it didn't come close to coming to fruition. Evelyn got the ball too late to really do anything with it anyway and there would have been 5 secs left in the half nearly no matter what he did with it. I think they got a different defensive look than expected and Lavender gave the ball up too quickly.
The defense on the layup all the way down the court was pathetic. Three guys just let him go and, as mentioned above, never stopped the ball.
Okay I'm still sad and upset with this loss but here's a dose of perspective: I think too many of us (myself included) are too accustomed to the old Mid-Con\ HL days where we dominated year in and year out and we could trot out a severely shorthanded lineup and still win. That's not going to happen in the MVC. Ever. These teams are too talented and well-coached and these programs are too proud for that. But here are some facts:
Our recruiting is way up
Our future is incredibly bright
There isn't a team in this conference that could withstand what we're going through without nosediving I mean how bad was Loyola without Custer last year?
We play a style that will suit us well for this conference and will suit us well against anyone in any situation
Pressure makes diamonds and we're seeing that with our freshmen
Bakari's shot is coming back online
There is pain now but our joy will come soon and it will be amazing Chins up guys we'll win again soon. Go Valpo!
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 30, 2019, 01:05:38 PM
I saw Lottich as inadvertently reacting to being overwhelmed with emotion that he was doing his best to contain. In spite of being down two of his biggest threats, Valpo was up by three points in both regular time and in overtime. In both cases we had the ball and up by one with under a minute to go and couldn't convert. The game plan was good enough to win, but free throws, questionable calls, and poor execution took away the possibility of sweeping MoSt which had just hammered Loyola. As disappointed as I was, I can only imagine his frustration. He couldn't talk about the calls, and he wasn't going to blame the team. It seems to me his leaning back while Bakari was talking was not a response to what Bakari was saying, but it was a physical response to all of what he was holding inside.
Count me a one who believes in this coach.
Exactly why an awareness of body language and facial expressions is important. Though not a response to Bakari, Lottich's movement or expressions there and throughout the video distract viewers' attention and send the wrong message. He almost never looks at the players to show attention and support when they are speaking. In fact, he usually looks down unmoving and presents dejection like a victim in a hostage video. When he leans back and rolls his eyes while Bakari speaks, only negativity is projected, and the positively supportive comment Bakari is making about the freshmen players is lost.
Quote from: valpopal on January 30, 2019, 01:31:31 PMThough not a response to Bakari, Lottich's movement or expressions there and throughout the video distract viewers' attention and send the wrong message.
I hope that the two dozen or so of us that actually watch the press conference will be able to look past his movements or expressions and "put the best construction on everything."
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 30, 2019, 01:50:06 PM
Quote from: valpopal on January 30, 2019, 01:31:31 PMThough not a response to Bakari, Lottich's movement or expressions there and throughout the video distract viewers' attention and send the wrong message.
I hope that the two dozen or so of us that actually watch the press conference will be able to look past his movements or expressions and "put the best construction on everything."
Actually, the average number of views at YouTube for the press conferences after the first four home conference games is 250 each—significantly including Valpo fans who want more reassurance and reasons to attend future games—and that does not fully account for those who may have watched in related links on social media. Moreover, the most important figures in this situation are the players, who watch themselves on the videos, who should be receiving the coach's attention and support when they are speaking, and for whom Matt should be setting an example they can emulate.
It never ceases to amaze me how many "experts"we have on this board...from so-called doctors and physical therapists, to coaches and those who analyze body movements, etc. etc. Don't we realize that we played a game, even at crunch time, with personnel that normally do not normally play, let alone play at a position they are used to, and we expect a fantastic result and win? With both of our "bigs", Fazekas and Golder out, WE ARE PLAYING VERY SHORT HANDED. I too was very disappointed in the final result, but give Matt and those who played some credit, they worked hard for the most part. When you do not have shooters available, we will not shoot well. What do we expect from Kiser, Jay, MeMillen etc. They are not scorers. Kiser works and hustles with the best of them, but he is not a shooter/scorer. Right now we are at a big disadvantage and yet we still could have won last night. Let's wait for the guys to get back healthy again and get our "first" team on the floor together and then see what happens. We should be able to play with anyone in the MVC like we did early in the conference season. Matt is only human as I am sure he was very disappointed with the outcome. We will be back! GO VALPO!
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 30, 2019, 01:03:35 PM
Quote from: justducky on January 30, 2019, 12:51:44 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 12:10:08 PMBakari dribbled it off his foot to end the the OT and they got a layup for the win....
But what exactly happened to end the 1st half? Somebody turned it over and they got a layup at the buzzer. I just can't remember who it was or how it happened.
I can't seem to get the game replay. It was a team turn over with Sackey, Lavender, McMillan, Evelyn and Freeman on the floor. In that situation I would have wanted Evelyn or Freeman to be handling the ball.
Here's what happened to end the 1st half:
35.5 - MSU turnover; Valpo calls timeout to set up play
5.5 - After never getting ball below the FT line, Bakari has ball poked away from him and by the time he retrieves near mid-court, the shot clock expires.
With 5.5 left, MSU passes to Webster at Valpo's FT line; he takes 7 dribbles up court, (at mid-court, Sackey, Freeman-Liberty and Lavender are all within 3 feet of him) and he lays it over the front of the rim at the buzzer. After dribbling through the 3 guys at midcourt, he basically waltzed to the goal. Evelyn and McMillan left their guys in the corners just in time to catch Webster's layup coming through the net.
About 10 seconds after the half ended, they went to the sideline to talk to Coach Lottich. How he was even able to speak after what his team did in the last 35.5 of the half is beyond me.
Thank you. I thought it was Bakari. So obviously Coach Lottich wanted the ball in HIS hands to end the 1st half and to end the overtime. Did not work out very well. Gets it stolen in the 1st half and dribbles it off his foot in the overtime. I want Sackey/Freeman with the ball in their hand at the end of the game the rest of the way. When Golder gets back I want it to be him. All 3 can get to the basket and when Fazekas is back all 3 can get him the ball if the lane closes.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 03:25:25 PM
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 30, 2019, 01:03:35 PM
Quote from: justducky on January 30, 2019, 12:51:44 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 12:10:08 PMBakari dribbled it off his foot to end the the OT and they got a layup for the win....
But what exactly happened to end the 1st half? Somebody turned it over and they got a layup at the buzzer. I just can't remember who it was or how it happened.
I can't seem to get the game replay. It was a team turn over with Sackey, Lavender, McMillan, Evelyn and Freeman on the floor. In that situation I would have wanted Evelyn or Freeman to be handling the ball.
Here's what happened to end the 1st half:
35.5 - MSU turnover; Valpo calls timeout to set up play
5.5 - After never getting ball below the FT line, Bakari has ball poked away from him and by the time he retrieves near mid-court, the shot clock expires.
With 5.5 left, MSU passes to Webster at Valpo's FT line; he takes 7 dribbles up court, (at mid-court, Sackey, Freeman-Liberty and Lavender are all within 3 feet of him) and he lays it over the front of the rim at the buzzer. After dribbling through the 3 guys at midcourt, he basically waltzed to the goal. Evelyn and McMillan left their guys in the corners just in time to catch Webster's layup coming through the net.
About 10 seconds after the half ended, they went to the sideline to talk to Coach Lottich. How he was even able to speak after what his team did in the last 35.5 of the half is beyond me.
Thank you. I thought it was Bakari. So obviously Coach Lottich wanted the ball in HIS hands to end the 1st half and to end the overtime. Did not work out very well. Gets it stolen in the 1st half and dribbles it off his foot in the overtime. I want Sackey/Freeman with the ball in their hand at the end of the game the rest of the way. When Golder gets back I want it to be him. All 3 can get to the basket and when Fazekas is back all 3 can get him the ball if the lane closes.
The stats back me up on this. Last night.
The Freshman:
9-18 from the floor (50%)
18 rebounds
3 assists to 2 turnovers
**0-3 from 3-point-land**
Put the ball in THEIR hands to end the game. Do some sort of action at the top of the key to get them the ball with momentum towards the basket. Bakari needs to be a catch and shoot 3 guy and not a driver just like Fazekas is not a driver. Let the freshman drive it to the rim. When Fazekas and Golder are back we could literally have 2 guys who can drive and 3 guys who can hit 3's waiting for the kickout after whatever action you chose at the top.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2019, 03:25:25 PMThank you. I thought it was Bakari. So obviously Coach Lottich wanted the ball in HIS hands to end the 1st half and to end the overtime. Did not work out very well. Gets it stolen in the 1st half and dribbles it off his foot in the overtime. I want Sackey/Freeman with the ball in their hand at the end of the game the rest of the way. When Golder gets back I want it to be him. All 3 can get to the basket and when Fazekas is back all 3 can get him the ball if the lane closes.
Come on man! I thought I taught you more basketball than that!
No! You want the ball in the hands of somebody who can dribble or pass or shoot from anywhere on the floor. That eliminates Sackey and even Golder from top consideration. Your other choice is Freeman as a freshman. Given the options I would comfortably sink or swim with Bakari and stand by that decision.
Next year in a similar situation you might hand pick your lineup to include your choices from Evelyn, Robinson, Freeman, Bradford, Gordon, Fazekas, McMillan and Golder. Wouldn't it be nice to have four or five mobile ball handling 3 point shooters on the floor instead of two?
Evelyn should not have it in his hands. Freshmen or not, Freeman has proven nearly all season he is a better option then Evelyn. Give me the guy who has been making plays vs the guy who has struggled.
I don't understand the criticism of Lottich for that game last night.
I hope you guys realize he was missing two of his top 3 scorers and Smits was battling a stiff back last night. And on top of all of that he was starting two freshman and they played quite well. We had only 8 scholarship players and took one of the hottest teams in the conference to OT. We were also battling the idiocy of the refs.
What are you watching??? ??? It's ok to be constructively critical but put things in perspective.
Curious were 1/3 of the fans in gold last night?
500 gold T-shirts given out, 1,333 in attendance. Perhaps fans are waiting for warmer weather in two weeks vs Loyola to sport a gold tee. Good news another T-shirt giveaway on the 10th.
-sport the gold VU!!!
Quote from: VU2014 on January 30, 2019, 04:44:48 PM
I don't understand the criticism of Lottich for that game last night.
I hope you guys realize he was missing two of his top 3 scorers and Smits was battling a stiff back last night. And on top of all of that he was starting two freshman and they played quite well. We had only 8 scholarship players and took one of the hottest teams in the conference to OT. We were also battling the idiocy of the refs.
What are you watching??? ??? It's ok to be constructively critical but put things in perspective.
Where did you hear that he was still dealing with a back issue?
Quote from: wh on January 30, 2019, 08:19:43 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 30, 2019, 04:44:48 PM
I don't understand the criticism of Lottich for that game last night.
I hope you guys realize he was missing two of his top 3 scorers and Smits was battling a stiff back last night. And on top of all of that he was starting two freshman and they played quite well. We had only 8 scholarship players and took one of the hottest teams in the conference to OT. We were also battling the idiocy of the refs.
What are you watching??? ??? It's ok to be constructively critical but put things in perspective.
Where did you hear that he was still dealing with a back issue?
I talked to someone in the program. I shouldn't have said "stiff". They just said his back didn't feel 100% but he's well enough to play
Quote from: vu72 on January 30, 2019, 10:54:22 AMafter which Bryce said "I was proud of our effort. I was proud of our fight throughout the second half. They never quit" Sound familiar?
No, this would sound more familiar............... "I was proud of our uhhhh effort, you know. I was proud of our uhhhhmmmm fight throughout the second half, you know. They never, uhhhhmmm, quit"
See what I mean.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmeGIY6O_ZE
I think Bryce in this video sounds like a great guy who is comfortable in his own skin. He seems to handle the questions better and speak with more confidence than I had recalled.
Quote from: M on January 30, 2019, 07:17:07 AM
I saw one of the giveaway basketballs go flying into the court right after the final horn. The Valpo Dinosaur actually picked it up with its tony little arms.
Me too.
[/quote]
What do the media studies say about sound?
Still need a microphone for the press please! Very difficult to understand the questions asked by the press.
[/quote]
So the arena isn't the only place with a lousy sound system?
The media for these games provide a great source of information. Replaying a video clip over and over because you can't hear the questions being asked to Matt and his players baffles me. It is such an easy fix. If the ticket table can be moved after every home game, I am sure a microphone can be provided to our press as well.
Quote from: VU2010 on January 30, 2019, 08:54:46 AM
Lottich isn't ready for any of this. Plain and simple. He's not. And when he doesn't have a Peters on the team to mask his inept ability to coach or lead this team, his inexperience shows. Not his fault - he hasn't ever been the head coach before and had ZERO coaching experience prior to his time at Valpo. He *could* be a good coach someday. The question is ... are we such a subpar program that we'll be the ones who continually say: "wait until next year!" Or "trust the process!" and ride it out until he has the players to execute? Like seriously we should be a 25+ win team next year with the roster we'll have. But I'm sure something will happen to prohibit that from occurring. And like always everyone will make excuses.
Holding the program to a high standard is something that I think every VU supporter on this board can agree with, but your assessment of Lottich is extremely harsh and in my opinion not yet warranted. There are certainly things that he can improve on, but I think every coach would tell you that they have their faults and need to improve in certain areas. I agree that improvement can be made in some of the areas you suggest and Lottich should keep his demonstrated frustration under control in public. As I have said in other threads, all it takes is one event to disrupt the plan for an entire season and most plans are conceived at least 2 to 3 years in advance. Good coaches are more adept at making lemonade out of lemons and I think that Matt was showing us that he has the ability to do just that when he changed the lineup at the start of conference and then again when Fazekas went down, but when you take two or three of the major contributors from any team, let alone a mid-major with obviously more dependence on specific talent, it will be difficult to compete at any level. There are certainly things about the program with which I don't agree, but then I wouldn't coach the same way as a lot of successful coaches.
Compare the bio of these 2 candidates. Tell me which one you would choose to be your head coach and why.
- Candidate 1 starred on his High School basketball team, setting numerous school records. After high school, he attended a DIII university, where he played basketball and earned his degree. He made the all-conference team multiple times and was a three-time Academic All-America nominee. He transitioned into coaching after quitting a private sector job joining the basketball program at a DI university as a volunteer. He was promoted to a full-time assistant coach after his one season of volunteering. He has five seasons of assistant coaching experience at a successful DI program.
- Candidate 2 starred on his High School basketball team, setting numerous school records and was ranked as a top 100 high school player. After high school, he attended a DI university, where he played basketball and earned his degree. Twice during his 4 years this team was ranked #1 at the end of the regular season. He was the starting point guard every game of his junior and senior years and was a Honorable Mention team selection of this P5 conference as a senior. He was awarded to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star list, given to the top-15 seniors in college basketball. He played 8 years internationally as a professional. After his professional career he was a head scout for the National Collegiate Scouting Association. He has three seasons of assistant coaching experience at a successful DI program.
Just going by the resume I think most of us would pick candidate 2 despite the 2 fewer years of assistant coaching experience.
Here is another bio, of a coach before his major hire, that you might find interesting VU2010.
This coach starred on his High School basketball team, led his High School team to a state tournament title and was a three-time All-State selection. The P5 team on which he played as a senior was the National Champion. He was named to the 1st team All Conference, and he was named a three-time consensus All-American. He played professionally for six years and was a league All Star and the leading scorer one year. He has coached High School basketball for eleven years and has coached College basketball at a Teacher's College for two years. He has had a winning record all but one of his thirteen years of coaching.
Not exactly an overwhelming resume that would lead you to think a major program would hire him and that he might be considered the greatest basketball coach of all time.
The lack of stability in the program has been an issue, but I don't think that Lottich has been completely to blame for that instability. Carter and Adekoya can probably be at least partially blamed on Bryce. I am not sure who was responsible for bringing Burton and some of his "red flags" to VU, Matt could be held responsible for not making sure Joe was meeting his obligations. Sickness and injury can only be minimally contained by the staff. Tevonn of last year, Fazekas, Golder and Smits of this year are virtually unknowable. Can you make plans to mitigate impact with some practiced player rotations? Yes, but they become much more difficult when they are multiple or top level players and heaven forbid when it is a combination of both.
From your moniker I would guess that you were at VU during the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Horizon League seasons, were you as disgusted with Homer for the poor performances of those seasons? Given the adversity the team has faced recently, I think Lottich has done a reasonably good job and with less adversity could give us the MVC results that we fans crave.
Quote from: FWalum on February 01, 2019, 11:54:49 AM
Quote from: VU2010 on January 30, 2019, 08:54:46 AM
Lottich isn't ready for any of this. Plain and simple. He's not. And when he doesn't have a Peters on the team to mask his inept ability to coach or lead this team, his inexperience shows. Not his fault - he hasn't ever been the head coach before and had ZERO coaching experience prior to his time at Valpo. He *could* be a good coach someday. The question is ... are we such a subpar program that we'll be the ones who continually say: "wait until next year!" Or "trust the process!" and ride it out until he has the players to execute? Like seriously we should be a 25+ win team next year with the roster we'll have. But I'm sure something will happen to prohibit that from occurring. And like always everyone will make excuses.
Holding the program to a high standard is something that I think every VU supporter on this board can agree with, but your assessment of Lottich is extremely harsh and in my opinion not yet warranted. There are certainly things that he can improve on, but I think every coach would tell you that they have their faults and need to improve in certain areas. I agree that improvement can be made in some of the areas you suggest and Lottich should keep his demonstrated frustration under control in public. As I have said in other threads, all it takes is one event to disrupt the plan for an entire season and most plans are conceived at least 2 to 3 years in advance. Good coaches are more adept at making lemonade out of lemons and I think that Matt was showing us that he has the ability to do just that when he changed the lineup at the start of conference and then again when Fazekas went down, but when you take two or three of the major contributors from any team, let alone a mid-major with obviously more dependence on specific talent, it will be difficult to compete at any level. There are certainly things about the program with which I don't agree, but then I wouldn't coach the same way as a lot of successful coaches.
Compare the bio of these 2 candidates. Tell me which one you would choose to be your head coach and why.
- Candidate 1 starred on his High School basketball team, setting numerous school records. After high school, he attended a DIII university, where he played basketball and earned his degree. He made the all-conference team multiple times and was a three-time Academic All-America nominee. He transitioned into coaching after quitting a private sector job joining the basketball program at a DI university as a volunteer. He was promoted to a full-time assistant coach after his one season of volunteering. He has five seasons of assistant coaching experience at a successful DI program.
- Candidate 2 starred on his High School basketball team, setting numerous school records and was ranked as a top 100 high school player. After high school, he attended a DI university, where he played basketball and earned his degree. Twice during his 4 years this team was ranked #1 at the end of the regular season. He was the starting point guard every game of his junior and senior years and was a Honorable Mention team selection of this P5 conference as a senior. He was awarded to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star list, given to the top-15 seniors in college basketball. He played 8 years internationally as a professional. After his professional career he was a head scout for the National Collegiate Scouting Association. He has three seasons of assistant coaching experience at a successful DI program.
Just going by the resume I think most of us would pick candidate 2 despite the 2 fewer years of assistant coaching experience.
Here is another bio, of a coach before his major hire, that you might find interesting VU2010.
This coach starred on his High School basketball team, led his High School team to a state tournament title and was a three-time All-State selection. The P5 team on which he played as a senior was the National Champion. He was named to the 1st team All Conference, and he was named a three-time consensus All-American. He played professionally for six years and was a league All Star and the leading scorer one year. He has coached High School basketball for eleven years and has coached College basketball at a Teacher's College for two years. He has had a winning record all but one of his thirteen years of coaching.
Not exactly an overwhelming resume that would lead you to think a major program would hire him and that he might be considered the greatest basketball coach of all time.
The lack of stability in the program has been an issue, but I don't think that Lottich has been completely to blame for that instability. Carter and Adekoya can probably be at least partially blamed on Bryce. I am not sure who was responsible for bringing Burton and some of his "red flags" to VU, Matt could be held responsible for not making sure Joe was meeting his obligations. Sickness and injury can only be minimally contained by the staff. Tevonn of last year, Fazekas, Golder and Smits of this year are virtually unknowable. Can you make plans to mitigate impact with some practiced player rotations? Yes, but they become much more difficult when they are multiple or top level players and heaven forbid when it is a combination of both.
From your moniker I would guess that you were at VU during the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Horizon League seasons, were you as disgusted with Homer for the poor performances of those seasons? Given the adversity the team has faced recently, I think Lottich has done a reasonably good job and with less adversity could give us the MVC results that we fans crave.
2010, I love your passion for the program and I understand your frustration, but I think you're way off base about Matt.
Ft. Wayne - great post!
I was horrified by our December performance and or preparation but nothing Matt has done in MVC play disturbes me in the least. I like where we are. I like our defensive effort. I like the focal points for team development. I like Sackey being fast tracked. I like Jay being on the verge of breaking out. The only thing standing between Matt and a terrific Feb-March performance is some healthy bodies.
Injuries have distracted MVC coaches and fans from just how good we can be. Not for a minute would I consider trading places or coaches with anybody in the Valley.
Here's my ideal:
Everything works out for us and we win big time! Have to work to keep our coach here because others are trying to pry him away. I would LOVE for my gut reaction concerns as a fan to be wrong. Truly :)
As for the blind resumes, idk. I don't personally put all that much credence in how good of a player coaches were, except when it has to do with the alma mater of a prospective coaching candidate.
Quote from: VU2010 on February 01, 2019, 01:08:41 PM
Here's my ideal:
Everything works out for us and we win big time! Have to work to keep our coach here because others are trying to pry him away. I would LOVE for my gut reaction concerns as a fan to be wrong. Truly :)
As for the blind resumes, idk. I don't personally put all that much credence in how good of a player coaches were, except when it has to do with the alma mater of a prospective coaching candidate.
Couldn't agree more with your ideal coaching outcome. My point about the resumes was that things are many times, not always, about how a coach fits with the institution and the program culture (if the program already has a decent culture) rather than past experience. Candidate 1 was Brad Stevens and Candidate 2 was Matt Lottich.
The coaching is bad. The team has no leader...on the bench or in the game.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
FWAlum. Great points, my friend. I love when they put the blind resumes up when talking about bubble teams leading up to march madness. To your credit, that's a great example you bring up with Brad and the resume comparison for sure. I was reading it like .... hmm who is that? Great perspective.
Blame the coach!
According to social media, John Beilein should never coach another game for Michigan. :lol:
Quote from: JD24 on February 01, 2019, 09:03:13 PM
Blame the coach!
According to social media, John Beilein should never coach another game for Michigan. :lol:
Well how many national title games has he lost? Clearly he's a first class choke artist who can't win the big one.
Touché, y'all bring up some good comments - satirically - about Beline at UM.