Interesting that Griffith has twins who are both very tall and fairly good:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE)
We are not mentioned, although many schools are listed as having shown interest (Chicago St the only school to offer both so far). But it's time to start worrying about two years out, since 2014 looks like it's in the books, albeit with a banked scholarship.
Who's out there? VerbalCommits lists no one so far...
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on July 16, 2014, 01:27:34 PM
Interesting that Griffith has twins who are both very tall and fairly good:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE)
We are not mentioned, although many schools are listed as having shown interest (Chicago St the only school to offer both so far). But it's time to start worrying about two years out, since 2014 looks like it's in the books, albeit with a banked scholarship.
Who's out there? VerbalCommits lists no one so far...
Rivals has them listed, but no star rating. They do not have any teams listed as choices or interest. Rivals does show two players with Valpo interest - Kyle Guy and Damien Jefferson.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Kyle-Guy-152103 (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Kyle-Guy-152103)
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Damien-Jefferson-145696 (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recruiting/player-Damien-Jefferson-145696)
We might still have a chance with Jefferson.
Maybe ca, who is posting less frequently these days, can arrange an open gym for these two - and happen to have the Opplands and Jenkins there to discuss Division I recruiting and being a twin. I wouldn't be surprised if these two end up at 6'7" and 6'9".
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on July 16, 2014, 01:27:34 PM
Interesting that Griffith has twins who are both very tall and fairly good:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE)
We are not mentioned, although many schools are listed as having shown interest (Chicago St the only school to offer both so far). But it's time to start worrying about two years out, since 2014 looks like it's in the books, albeit with a banked scholarship.
Who's out there? VerbalCommits lists no one so far...
Since our 2015 docket is full, looking to 2016. Verbal Commits still doesn't have anyone for 2016. With the HS Basketball season just around the corner, do these Murphy twins show any promise?
I don't trust that Kyle guy (http://www.midmajormadness.com/authors/kyle-nelson). He writes like he doesn't watch the games and is drunk half the time.
Oh it's a recruit. Ignore the other Kyle guy.
Quote from: covufan on November 20, 2014, 02:00:38 PM
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on July 16, 2014, 01:27:34 PM
Interesting that Griffith has twins who are both very tall and fairly good:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE)
We are not mentioned, although many schools are listed as having shown interest (Chicago St the only school to offer both so far). But it's time to start worrying about two years out, since 2014 looks like it's in the books, albeit with a banked scholarship.
Who's out there? VerbalCommits lists no one so far...
Since our 2015 docket is full, looking to 2016. Verbal Commits still doesn't have anyone for 2016. With the HS Basketball season just around the corner, do these Murphy twins show any promise?
Google map to Griffith HS (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Valparaiso+University,+1700+Chapel+Dr,+Valparaiso,+IN+46383/Griffith+Senior+High+School,+600+N+Wiggs+St,+Griffith,+IN+46319/@41.5146217,-87.387499,39048m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x88119a6abcae3cdb:0x66489861033cba18!2m2!1d-87.04236!2d41.464277!1m5!1m1!1s0x8811e6e1b999cc97:0x46da4ceb1c082435!2m2!1d-87.436168!2d41.532218)
Griffith girls basketball schedule (http://indianagirlsbasketball.homestead.com/files/girlslogs133.htm)
Hobart at Griffith Friday night 7:30 p.m.
Griffith vs Kankakee Valley Nov.29, Sat 12:30 p.m. at Washington Twp. (Hwy 2, 2.3 miles west of LaPorte Ave & Sturdy)
Griffith vs Whiting or Washington Twp Nov. 29, Sat at Washington Twp. 6:30 p.m.(if lose) or 8 p.m. (if win)
Griffith at Hebron (Hwy 2, just south of Hwy 8) Dec. 2, Tue 7:30 p.m.
Quote from: bbtds on November 20, 2014, 10:13:53 PMGriffith girls basketball schedule
notsureifserious.jpg
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 21, 2014, 01:08:58 PM
Quote from: bbtds on November 20, 2014, 10:13:53 PMGriffith girls basketball schedule
notsureifserious.jpg
What makes you think I'm not serious?(http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq81/GetSomeZzzz/funny-dog-pictures-captain-serious.jpg)
...because...you posted a link to the Griffith girls basketball team.
in a men's recruiting link.
in which the first article talks about Griffith basketball, yes...but the boys' team.
hence
(http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/transformers-3rd-party-discussion/27424758d1394748813-fansproject-stunticons-menasor-aka-m3-intimidator-notsureifserious.jpg)
Okay, I read the topic wrong! Embarrassed but still smiling.
(http://www.yourolddog.com/wp-content/gallery/happy-dogs/laughing-husky.jpg)
But not for long!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ5NQrvO3OA/Ua-hRPwm4oI/AAAAAAAADv8/pHFFTCmhCuA/s1600/husky2.jpg)
CAPTAIN SERIOUS!!!
Verbal Commits still has nothing for us and the class of 2016. Xavier Sneed has an offer from SLU, but no other offers:
http://verbalcommits.com/players/xavier-sneed (http://verbalcommits.com/players/xavier-sneed)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on July 16, 2014, 01:27:34 PM
Interesting that Griffith has twins who are both very tall and fairly good:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/highschools/28668978-556/basketball-griffith-twins-anthony-and-tremell-murphy-getting-recruiting-attention.html#.U8bBqlagEkE)
We are not mentioned, although many schools are listed as having shown interest (Chicago St the only school to offer both so far). But it's time to start worrying about two years out, since 2014 looks like it's in the books, albeit with a banked scholarship.
Who's out there? VerbalCommits lists no one so far...
VerbalCommits has both of these players, but with no other interests than the Chicago St. offer:
http://verbalcommits.com/players/anthony-murphy (http://verbalcommits.com/players/anthony-murphy)
http://verbalcommits.com/players/tremell-murphy (http://verbalcommits.com/players/tremell-murphy)
ESPN has Tremell Murphy as a three star, but with no offers or interests:
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/207455/tremmell-murphy (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/207455/tremmell-murphy)
With signing day a little more than a year away for the class of 2016, I'm surprised that we don't appear to have any offers out there, nor players showing interest. I would think with the very fine season that interest in our program would be on the rise. Is anyone hearing anything about 2016 recruiting?
covufan, unless we have a couple of transfers, we don't have a lot of spots opening up for freshmen recruits for 2016, do we?
Quote from: valporun on February 20, 2015, 12:34:39 AM
covufan, unless we have a couple of transfers, we don't have a lot of spots opening up for freshmen recruits for 2016, do we?
We lose E. Victor, D Walker and Keith Carter after next year, the year in question.
Here's what I'd like since these guys will be sophomores before they see significant playing time. (They'll be behind Lexus, Tevonn, Alec, Jubril, Smits with Ravelo, Skara and Joseph on the bench, damn that's going to be a FUN team.)
1. A point guard. Someone who can knock down a 3 and get to the basket while playing a pick and roll game with Smits.
2. A scoring big. We'll be losing Alec and Jubril with Skara to leave the season after. That will be a lot of scoring from people who are 6'7" or taller.
3. Another big. See above.
Quote from: Kyle321n on February 20, 2015, 09:56:49 AM
2. A scoring big. We'll be losing Alec and Jubril with Skara to leave the season after. That will be a lot of scoring from people who are 6'7" or taller.
3. Another big. See above.
Might as well ask for Pluto to be named a planet and some winning power ball lottery tickets. They have happened in the past but a repeat isn't real likely.
Quote from: historyman on February 20, 2015, 02:31:13 PM
Quote from: Kyle321n on February 20, 2015, 09:56:49 AM
2. A scoring big. We'll be losing Alec and Jubril with Skara to leave the season after. That will be a lot of scoring from people who are 6'7" or taller.
3. Another big. See above.
Might as well ask for Pluto to be named a planet and some winning power ball lottery tickets. They have happened in the past but a repeat isn't real likely.
It's just a wish list, but I think it might be possible.
1. We went from Rowdy-KVW to Alec-Jubril. If I'm a 6'7-6'9" player I notice that Valpo's just had a string of successful seasons and (hopefully) NCAA Appearances. I might not be a blue chip prospect but if I'm a 3-4 star player then I'm thinking VU might just be the place for me.
2. Our profile should be pretty massive in 2016. No reason to think those kids won't take notice of our program.
3. Shoot for the stars, if you miss you'll still end up in space. Where you'll die because you can't breath.
Quote from: Kyle321n on February 20, 2015, 03:26:56 PM3. Shoot for the stars, if you miss you'll still end up in space. Where you'll die because you can't breath.
Good tip! Gonna try to wright that down before I run out of oxyg-e-n
Quote from: valpo64 on May 04, 2015, 10:30:06 AM
Per FW Journal Gazette yesterday, VU is reportedly recruiting 6'7" forward Brachen Hazen from Columbia City, IN. He was quoted as saying other schools recruiting him the hardest are Creighton, Central Michigan and Ball State. He plays for Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit. He also has a brother, Parker, a 6'5" swingman who is a year behind Brachen. Sorry, this post probably belongs in another topic area.
Per verbal commits he has offers from Utah State, Creighton, Ball State, IUPUI, and St. Josephs:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen)
Here is the FW Journal Gazette article:
http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/colleges/All-Star-Hazen-eyes-Creighton-6437616 (http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/colleges/All-Star-Hazen-eyes-Creighton-6437616)
The FW JG article mentions his sophomore stats (last year) but does not give the stats for this past season. Odd, since they mentioned he improved this year.
Quote from: historyman on May 06, 2015, 07:00:19 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on May 04, 2015, 10:30:06 AMPer FW Journal Gazette yesterday, VU is reportedly recruiting 6'7" forward Brachen Hazen from Columbia City, IN. He was quoted as saying other schools recruiting him the hardest are Creighton, Central Michigan and Ball State. He plays for Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit. He also has a brother, Parker, a 6'5" swingman who is a year behind Brachen. Sorry, this post probably belongs in another topic area.
Is his high school coach the one who was at Valpo HS for a couple of years and then went back to Columbia City?
I don't know the answer, but this article from last year mentions his coach - Chris Benedict.
http://www.insidethehall.com/2014/05/21/2016-forward-brachen-hazen-enjoys-first-iu-visit/ (http://www.insidethehall.com/2014/05/21/2016-forward-brachen-hazen-enjoys-first-iu-visit/)
Quote from: covufan on May 06, 2015, 10:19:07 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on May 04, 2015, 10:30:06 AM
Per FW Journal Gazette yesterday, VU is reportedly recruiting 6'7" forward Brachen Hazen from Columbia City, IN. He was quoted as saying other schools recruiting him the hardest are Creighton, Central Michigan and Ball State. He plays for Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit. He also has a brother, Parker, a 6'5" swingman who is a year behind Brachen. Sorry, this post probably belongs in another topic area.
Per verbal commits he has offers from Utah State, Creighton, Ball State, IUPUI, and St. Josephs:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen)
Here is the FW Journal Gazette article:
http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/colleges/All-Star-Hazen-eyes-Creighton-6437616 (http://www.journalgazette.net/sports/colleges/All-Star-Hazen-eyes-Creighton-6437616)
The FW JG article mentions his sophomore stats (last year) but does not give the stats for this past season. Odd, since they mentioned he improved this year.
The FW JG article mentions that Hazen wants to play in a quality conference and still get playing time. It mentions IU (no offer) and Creighton (offer, but a 10 hour drive from home). Somehow, I don't think our three less than division one games this past year would impress this young man. We really need to step up our schedule this year, even if it means that we have a few extra road games. A different article from last year mentions a sister playing volleyball at Northwestern - I think two years ahead of him in school. Valpo might be a nice family option, especially if his younger brother is Division I material.
A interview with Brachen and his coach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpyhIBgFZF0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpyhIBgFZF0)
Yes because Creighton's scheduling of 2-27 Central Arkansas, 8-24 Chicago State and 10-21 UT Pan Am were really impressive for their fans/players and good for the RPI, which were also likely "buy games" en route to that 14-19 record. Oh, and Creighton has one of those great tourneys for 2015-16 with Howard, Central Arkansas or 2 others. http://whiteandbluereview.com/future-big-east-basketball-schedules/ (http://whiteandbluereview.com/future-big-east-basketball-schedules/)
Quote from: valpo84 on May 06, 2015, 11:10:56 AM
Yes because Creighton's scheduling of 2-27 Central Arkansas, 8-24 Chicago State and 10-21 UT Pan Am were really impressive for their fans/players and good for the RPI, which were also likely "buy games" en route to that 14-19 record. Oh, and Creighton has one of those great tourneys for 2015-16 with Howard, Central Arkansas or 2 others. http://whiteandbluereview.com/future-big-east-basketball-schedules/ (http://whiteandbluereview.com/future-big-east-basketball-schedules/)
I hear you, but Creighton does have the Big lEast schedule, which is above the HL schedule. If we are to compete with the likes of a Creighton Big lEast schedule, we have to up our OOC schedule. RPI is not the only factor that the NCAA selection committee looks at, otherwise UCLA and others in the past would not have gotten into the dance.
Yes, Chris Benedict is the HS coach who was at Columbia City then went to Valpo HS for 2 years and then went back to CCHS.
Here's an article from the Indy Star.
http://usatodayhss.com/2015/columbia-citys-hazen-has-a-big-east-offer-range-of-interest (http://usatodayhss.com/2015/columbia-citys-hazen-has-a-big-east-offer-range-of-interest)
Quote from: zvillehaze on May 06, 2015, 08:14:40 PM
Here's an article from the Indy Star.
http://usatodayhss.com/2015/columbia-citys-hazen-has-a-big-east-offer-range-of-interest (http://usatodayhss.com/2015/columbia-citys-hazen-has-a-big-east-offer-range-of-interest)
Thanks for that. It sounds like we may be a fit. It could be another Alec Peters or Derrik Smits situation, where both could have gone high major but choose Valpo because of immediate and continuous playing time.
It does appear that he is an "Alec" type...Alec and his Family could be a big, positive influence on Brachen.
Can anyone answer me why Verbal Commits has no offers for you guys starting next year? It has become my one stop shopping for recruiting news. You guys are the only HL team without offers starting next year.
Vashil Fernandez sat out his first season right?
So he played 3. If he's graduating on time, can't they petition the NCAA for that year back? Couldn't he possibly get the 4th year to play or has that been put totally to bed? Also, if he were to come back, what does that do to the roster?
Quote from: motowntitan on May 09, 2015, 10:07:06 AM
Can anyone answer me why Verbal Commits has no offers for you guys starting next year? It has become my one stop shopping for recruiting news. You guys are the only HL team without offers starting next year.
Valpo has made an offer but it hasn't shown on Verbal Commits yet. I am sure it will by the end of today.
Quote from: valpopal on May 11, 2015, 02:05:56 PM
Quote from: motowntitan on May 09, 2015, 10:07:06 AM
Can anyone answer me why Verbal Commits has no offers for you guys starting next year? It has become my one stop shopping for recruiting news. You guys are the only HL team without offers starting next year.
Valpo has made an offer but it hasn't shown on Verbal Commits yet. I am sure it will by the end of today.
One just came up, but it is a 2017 recruit:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/kobe-king (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/kobe-king)
Quote from: vu72 on May 06, 2015, 08:53:26 PM
Quote from: zvillehaze on May 06, 2015, 08:14:40 PM
Here's an article from the Indy Star.
http://usatodayhss.com/2015/columbia-citys-hazen-has-a-big-east-offer-range-of-interest (http://usatodayhss.com/2015/columbia-citys-hazen-has-a-big-east-offer-range-of-interest)
Thanks for that. It sounds like we may be a fit. It could be another Alec Peters or Derrik Smits situation, where both could have gone high major but choose Valpo because of immediate and continuous playing time.
Hazen has picked up another offer - Bradley. The Indy Star article mentions that he'd like another visit to Valpo, so we have that going for us.
Quote from: hoopfan22 on May 11, 2015, 11:06:38 AM
Vashil Fernandez sat out his first season right?
So he played 3. If he's graduating on time, can't they petition the NCAA for that year back? Couldn't he possibly get the 4th year to play or has that been put totally to bed? Also, if he were to come back, what does that do to the roster?
Vashil lost his first year due to eligibility concerns with a team he played on in Jamaica. He would not be eligible to get that back.
Quote from: valpotx on May 13, 2015, 03:35:04 AM
Quote from: hoopfan22 on May 11, 2015, 11:06:38 AM
Vashil Fernandez sat out his first season right?
So he played 3. If he's graduating on time, can't they petition the NCAA for that year back? Couldn't he possibly get the 4th year to play or has that been put totally to bed? Also, if he were to come back, what does that do to the roster?
Vashil lost his first year due to eligibility concerns with a team he played on in Jamaica. He would not be eligible to get that back.
Was there an official ruling? Has he left?
Quote from: hoopfan22 on May 13, 2015, 09:20:24 AM
Quote from: valpotx on May 13, 2015, 03:35:04 AM
Quote from: hoopfan22 on May 11, 2015, 11:06:38 AM
Vashil Fernandez sat out his first season right?
So he played 3. If he's graduating on time, can't they petition the NCAA for that year back? Couldn't he possibly get the 4th year to play or has that been put totally to bed? Also, if he were to come back, what does that do to the roster?
Vashil lost his first year due to eligibility concerns with a team he played on in Jamaica. He would not be eligible to get that back.
Was there an official ruling? Has he left?
Technically no. Graduation isn't until May 17. I doubt Valpo would have honored him on senior night if he still had eligibility. He is done at Valpo or any other college.
It will be interesting to see if Vashil Fernandez gets to play another year at Valpo. :thumbsup:
There's no benefit for him to stay, even if he did get granted another year. He is graduating and can start his pro career in Europe.
Vashil isn't eligible for another year. Period. End of story.
Vashil will have a longer career in child rearing also. ;D
(http://www.trbimg.com/img-54f9b185/turbine/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-0-2-jpg-20150305/500/500x281)
Another Mountain Mission sleeper that has come out of nowhere to being ranked a Scout.com 4 star player and the 80th ranked player in the country. He recently received offers from ASU and SMU but that's it to date. I hope we're on this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0pr-SsE3sA#t=60 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0pr-SsE3sA#t=60)
Joethro Tshisumpa two weeks ago at the NBA Top 100 Camp
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEQQ6MNRvco#)
Quote from: hoopfan22 on May 11, 2015, 11:06:38 AM
Vashil Fernandez sat out his first season right?
So he played 3. If he's graduating on time, can't they petition the NCAA for that year back? Couldn't he possibly get the 4th year to play or has that been put totally to bed? Also, if he were to come back, what does that do to the roster?
Quote from: valpotx on May 13, 2015, 03:35:04 AM
Vashil lost his first year due to eligibility concerns with a team he played on in Jamaica. He would not be eligible to get that back.
Quote from: vu72 on May 13, 2015, 10:05:47 AMTechnically no. Graduation isn't until May 17. I doubt Valpo would have honored him on senior night if he still had eligibility. He is done at Valpo or any other college.
Quote from: valpotx on May 14, 2015, 03:58:17 AM
There's no benefit for him to stay, even if he did get granted another year. He is graduating and can start his pro career in Europe.
Quote from: classof2014 on May 14, 2015, 08:06:51 AM
Vashil isn't eligible for another year. Period. End of story.
Kudos to hoopfan22 for sticking to his guns despite the absolute condemnation of his theory and being correct in the end.
Quote from: bbtds on July 19, 2015, 12:22:24 AMKudos to hoopfan22 for sticking to his guns despite the absolute condemnation of his theory and being correct in the end.
I've only been following from a distance. Has it been resolved? Which thread has the low down?
Quote from: agibson on July 19, 2015, 03:54:41 PM
Quote from: bbtds on July 19, 2015, 12:22:24 AMKudos to hoopfan22 for sticking to his guns despite the absolute condemnation of his theory and being correct in the end.
I've only been following from a distance. Has it been resolved? Which thread has the low down?
I may have jumped the gun a bit. I assumed that since Vashil is participating in the open gyms with the other team members that he has been granted the extra year and will be playing with the team. We will find out for sure by July 29th or sooner.
I didn't condemn his comments at all, but was rather saying that it doesn't make sense for him to come back, which still holds true. He can be making good money in Europe, and I just don't understand why he would come back, if granted the opportunity, unless it was family-oriented.
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/07/19/fort-wayne-carroll-junior-kyle-mallers-has-interest--number--programs/30386675/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/07/19/fort-wayne-carroll-junior-kyle-mallers-has-interest--number--programs/30386675/)
Valpo pushing hard for Brachen Hazen
Quote from: valpotx on July 20, 2015, 11:49:41 PM
I didn't condemn his comments at all, but was rather saying that it doesn't make sense for him to come back, which still holds true. He can be making good money in Europe, and I just don't understand why he would come back, if granted the opportunity, unless it was family-oriented.
If you look at the trajectory Vashil had over his 3 playing seasons at the college level he made huge strides between his 1st and second seasons and same with his second and third seasons. If he is indeed coming back could he make another big stride between his 3rd and 4th season? Potentially get NBA looks if his offensive game rounds out and he becomes even more dominant on defense?
Many would agree he hasn't reached his fullest potential, he's only been playing the game since he was a teenager. There is still a lot room for development with Vashil. If he does come back and continue to get drastically better he may get some NBA looks.
Will he be the next Dikembe Mutumbo? Probably not but who knows.
Quote from: IndyValpo on July 21, 2015, 06:42:14 AM
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/07/19/fort-wayne-carroll-junior-kyle-mallers-has-interest--number--programs/30386675/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/07/19/fort-wayne-carroll-junior-kyle-mallers-has-interest--number--programs/30386675/)
Valpo pushing hard for Brachen Hazen
Nice to see a 2016 recruiting post on the 2016 recruiting thread. ;)
All four Valparaiso coaches allowed on the road for the evaluation period were front and center on Sunday at the Best of the Midwest for Brachen Hazen, a 6-8 forward from Columbia City. Hazen has set an official visit for Central Florida the weekend of Sept. 3-5.
Quote from: wh on July 21, 2015, 09:53:35 AMNice to see a 2016 recruiting post on the 2016 recruiting thread.
:thumbsup:
Quote from: covufan on July 21, 2015, 12:47:34 PM
Quote from: wh on July 21, 2015, 09:53:35 AMNice to see a 2016 recruiting post on the 2016 recruiting thread.
:thumbsup:
Would be nice to see some offers for the class of 2016. According to Verbal Commits, we don't have any offers out there for 2016:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso)
We do have one offer for 2017 - Kobe King.
Quote from: wh on July 21, 2015, 09:53:35 AMNice to see a 2016 recruiting post on the 2016 recruiting thread. ;)
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'd think people would appreciate _any_ activity this deep into the off-season!
Quote from: covufan on July 21, 2015, 01:35:46 PM
Quote from: covufan on July 21, 2015, 12:47:34 PM
Quote from: wh on July 21, 2015, 09:53:35 AMNice to see a 2016 recruiting post on the 2016 recruiting thread.
:thumbsup:
Would be nice to see some offers for the class of 2016. According to Verbal Commits, we don't have any offers out there for 2016:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso)
We do have one offer for 2017 - Kobe King.
Hazen is offered and has visited the campus once and wants to come back according to other press.
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 21, 2015, 02:45:31 PMHazen is offered and has visited the campus once and wants to come back according to other press.
Do you have the links? The previous articles mentioned in this thread for Hazen have us "recruiting him hard", and "making a strong push", but no offer mentioned. He has visited, but it appears not an official visit. He is looking forward to another visit to Valpo.
It appears from verbal commits that Valpo keeps their offers close hold, and does not make multiple offers with a first to accept situation.
Quote from: covufan on July 21, 2015, 03:01:31 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 21, 2015, 02:45:31 PMHazen is offered and has visited the campus once and wants to come back according to other press.
Do you have the links? The previous articles mentioned in this thread for Hazen have us "recruiting him hard", and "making a strong push", but no offer mentioned. He has visited, but it appears not an official visit. He is looking forward to another visit to Valpo.
It appears from verbal commits that Valpo keeps their offers close hold, and does not make multiple offers with a first to accept situation.
Indy Star:
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2015/06/29/brachen-hazen-recruiting-basketball-indiana-2016/29478745/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2015/06/29/brachen-hazen-recruiting-basketball-indiana-2016/29478745/)
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 21, 2015, 03:05:21 PM
Quote from: covufan on July 21, 2015, 03:01:31 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 21, 2015, 02:45:31 PMHazen is offered and has visited the campus once and wants to come back according to other press.
Do you have the links? The previous articles mentioned in this thread for Hazen have us "recruiting him hard", and "making a strong push", but no offer mentioned. He has visited, but it appears not an official visit. He is looking forward to another visit to Valpo.
It appears from verbal commits that Valpo keeps their offers close hold, and does not make multiple offers with a first to accept situation.
Indy Star:
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2015/06/29/brachen-hazen-recruiting-basketball-indiana-2016/29478745/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting-central/2015/06/29/brachen-hazen-recruiting-basketball-indiana-2016/29478745/)
I found this other indystar article as well:
http://usatodayhss.com/2015/recruiting-class-of-2016-basketball-rankings (http://usatodayhss.com/2015/recruiting-class-of-2016-basketball-rankings)
Odd that none of the tweets about Hazen have the Valpo offer.
It's fair to say that Hazen is one of Valpo's top priorities.
Ranked #7 in the state. 6' 8" as a junior -- might have some growth left in him.
St. Joseph's is listed as an offer -- Is that the Indiana St. Joe's or the Philly St. Joe's? Big difference. D-II vs. A-10. With the possible exception of St. Joseph, all the rest are D-I.
I'm sorry guys, but you lack of offers reported on verbal commits is mind boggling at this point. I know you are all set for next year, but even if Vashil comes back, that would leave you with four schollies for 2016, with no offers at this point.
Obviously Drew & co. know more than I do, but it is still confusing right now.
Me too. But in Drew we trust.
BTW that's a play on what they do in. New England with Belichick and the Pats. And that has produced 4 SBs.
Have faith that Drew and company know what they are doing,
My opinion: Valpo is not going to send tons of players to the NBA. But VU can expose good HS BB players to DI BB and possibly contracts in Europe (while granting a prestigious degree). Our difference maker is the campus and the family concept that crosses all sports. Here's the point: if you are truly good enough (like Bryce) they will find you. But in the meantime time Valpo offers an incredible 4 years of college experience.
Quote from: motowntitan on July 22, 2015, 07:25:11 PM
I'm sorry guys, but you lack of offers reported on verbal commits is mind boggling at this point. I know you are all set for next year, but even if Vashil comes back, that would leave you with four schollies for 2016, with no offers at this point.
Obviously Drew & co. know more than I do, but it is still confusing right now.
See last year:
Quote from: motowntitan on October 02, 2014, 06:34:25 PM
Valparaiso
2014: 9-7 Horizon (4th); 18-16 overall (CIT)
Another option for Drew is to play Nickerson (or Hammink, if he's eligible) at the 2-guard position, but neither of them are particularly good ball handlers and given the quality of defensive guard play around the league, this could be a problem. In fact, Nickerson is probably going to have to play some guard – the other options off the bench are freshmen Tevonn Walker and Max Joseph, teammates last season at Vanier College (HS) in Montreal. Neither player appeared to be on the radar of the U.S. recruiting scene, so it's tough to tell if Drew signed these two in desperation during a bad recruiting year, or if he stole a march on the competition. The truth is likely in between. Whatever, when signed neither player was expected to play major minutes in 2014-15.
I'll take another desperate Tevonn Walker signing.
Quote from: a3uge on July 22, 2015, 09:31:32 PM
Quote from: motowntitan on July 22, 2015, 07:25:11 PM
I'm sorry guys, but you lack of offers reported on verbal commits is mind boggling at this point. I know you are all set for next year, but even if Vashil comes back, that would leave you with four schollies for 2016, with no offers at this point.
Obviously Drew & co. know more than I do, but it is still confusing right now.
See last year:
Quote from: motowntitan on October 02, 2014, 06:34:25 PM
Valparaiso
2014: 9-7 Horizon (4th); 18-16 overall (CIT)
Another option for Drew is to play Nickerson (or Hammink, if he's eligible) at the 2-guard position, but neither of them are particularly good ball handlers and given the quality of defensive guard play around the league, this could be a problem. In fact, Nickerson is probably going to have to play some guard – the other options off the bench are freshmen Tevonn Walker and Max Joseph, teammates last season at Vanier College (HS) in Montreal. Neither player appeared to be on the radar of the U.S. recruiting scene, so it's tough to tell if Drew signed these two in desperation during a bad recruiting year, or if he stole a march on the competition. The truth is likely in between. Whatever, when signed neither player was expected to play major minutes in 2014-15.
I'll take another desperate Tevonn Walker signing.
A great find. Really hysterical. Is there any team in the Horizon who could claim finding a guy like Tevonn?? In Drew We Trust!!!
a3uge,
Not sure what you did there, but that first quote is mine. The second, I believe, is from Commishs' preview. If it is from me, I was quoting another source, as I didn't write any preview with that much detail.
Quote from: motowntitan on July 22, 2015, 10:01:09 PM
a3uge,
Not sure what you did there, but that first quote is mine. The second, I believe, is from Commishs' preview. If it is from me, I was quoting another source, as I didn't write any preview with that much detail.
Yeah, sorry, didn't realize that - I guess it was Commishs'es predictions that you pasted, and you are a completely different entity.
[emoji16]
Quote from: Pgmado on July 21, 2015, 04:02:27 PM
It's fair to say that Hazen is one of Valpo's top priorities.
Hazen has picked up scholarship offers from Richmond and Maryland. Our job of keeping Hazen as one of Valpo's top priorities just got more difficult!
Quote from: covufan on July 30, 2015, 03:57:40 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on July 21, 2015, 04:02:27 PM
It's fair to say that Hazen is one of Valpo's top priorities.
Hazen has picked up scholarship offers from Richmond and Maryland. Our job of keeping Hazen as one of Valpo's top priorities just got more difficult!
http://www.indystar.com/story/recruiting-central/2015/07/29/columbia-citys-brachen-hazen-picks-up-offer-from-maryland-richmond-damien-jefferson-has-new-mexico-leader/30863971/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/recruiting-central/2015/07/29/columbia-citys-brachen-hazen-picks-up-offer-from-maryland-richmond-damien-jefferson-has-new-mexico-leader/30863971/)
Quote from: covufan on July 30, 2015, 03:57:40 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on July 21, 2015, 04:02:27 PM
It's fair to say that Hazen is one of Valpo's top priorities.
Hazen has picked up scholarship offers from Richmond and Maryland. Our job of keeping Hazen as one of Valpo's top priorities just got more difficult!
And now Clemson!
http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen (http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen)
According to a tweet tonight I saw from Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bullseye, 2016 6'4" PG Zion Morgan rec'd scholly offer from Valpo. Searched and found a little more info. Recruit on unofficial visit today. Chicago Public League player in Chicago.
Though not for 2016, hearing Bryce will look to recruit another son of a former NBA player.
LaPhonso Ellis' kid. He's going into his sophomore year. Valpo was his first D1 offer.
Quote from: vufan75 on August 06, 2015, 09:37:54 PM
According to a tweet tonight I saw from Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bullseye, 2016 6'4" PG Zion Morgan rec'd scholly offer from Valpo. Searched and found a little more info. Recruit on unofficial visit today. Chicago Public League player in Chicago.
[tweet]629473547556155392[/tweet]
Quote from: Pgmado on August 06, 2015, 10:11:43 PM
LaPhonso Ellis' kid. He's going into his sophomore year. Valpo was his first D1 offer.
Hmmm. Time to revisit the Ellis-Drew relationship?
Quote from: wh on August 06, 2015, 11:26:04 PM
Quote from: vufan75 on August 06, 2015, 09:37:54 PM
According to a tweet tonight I saw from Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bullseye, 2016 6'4" PG Zion Morgan rec'd scholly offer from Valpo. Searched and found a little more info. Recruit on unofficial visit today. Chicago Public League player in Chicago.
[tweet]629473547556155392[/tweet]
Yes! Our first Class of 2016 recruit!
http://verbalcommits.com/players/zion-morgan (http://verbalcommits.com/players/zion-morgan)
Didn't find anything about him on ESPN or Rivals.
https://youtu.be/Uf4hEzW6QCE
Looks like he has some good size, athleticism. Shot looks a bit ugly.
Valpo is mentioned as having interest in Kieran Hayward, a 2016 guard from Australia.
http://ausahoops.com/kieran-hayward-proves-hes-the-real-deal/ (http://ausahoops.com/kieran-hayward-proves-hes-the-real-deal/)
If we could get him that'd feel like a steal. The kid has some crazy athleticism.
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELyBDEVJ1oc#)
Quote from: zvillehaze on August 26, 2015, 10:53:48 AM
Valpo is mentioned as having interest in Kieran Hayward, a 2016 guard from Australia.
http://ausahoops.com/kieran-hayward-proves-hes-the-real-deal/ (http://ausahoops.com/kieran-hayward-proves-hes-the-real-deal/)
Highlights seem to reinforce the things stated in the article. Athletic, decent handles and a good shooter. With the high major interest not sure he would look at a mid-major unless we do something very special this year.
A note from Rowdy wouldn't hurt ::)
Australian Sam Decker
Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
Quote from: FWalum on August 26, 2015, 11:08:38 AM
Highlights seem to reinforce the things stated in the article. Athletic, decent handles and a good shooter. With the high major interest not sure he would look at a mid-major unless we do something very special this year.
Especially since immediate playing time isn't something we can offer right away. He'd come in to a team with 3 junior guards (2 of which have started), a senior guard, a senior swingman and a junior swingman (a position he could play quite well). Frankly his freshman year would be spent playing a back up SG role with maybe 10-15 minutes available and then he'd possibly be able to start his sophomore year if we choose to go with 3 guards, Skara and Smits as the starters.
Quote from: VULB#62 on July 22, 2015, 08:58:34 PMMe too. But in Drew we trust. BTW that's a play on what they do in. New England with Belichick and the Pats. And that has produced 4 SBs. Have faith that Drew and company know what they are doing,
I can't believe you somewhat equated what Valpo is doing to what the Patriots have done with 4 SBs. If anything the Patriot success is very dubious and Valpo's is not. I would not want my success to be associated in anyway with the Patriots success. Just my opinion.
Gain one, lose one.
We made an offer to Marcus Ottey:
http://verbalcommits.com/players/marcus-ottey (http://verbalcommits.com/players/marcus-ottey)
https://twitter.com/rodgerbohn/status/644563245148143616 (https://twitter.com/rodgerbohn/status/644563245148143616)
But we lost 2017 recruit Kobe King to Wisconsin.
Add Nick Robinson:
http://verbalcommits.com/players/nick-robinson (http://verbalcommits.com/players/nick-robinson)
and Jordan Blount:
http://verbalcommits.com/players/jordan-blount (http://verbalcommits.com/players/jordan-blount)
I see a trend here:
http://verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso (http://verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso)
Ball State chasing Carroll hoop star 'the hardest' (http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/Ball-State-chasing-Carroll-hoop-star--the-hardest)
Carroll's Kyle Mallers blocks a shot form Homestead's Tahj Curry in the third quarter at Marion during the IHSAA Class 4A Boy's Basketball Regional this past March. (News-Sentinel file photo by Ellie Bogue)
Ball State men's basketball coach James Whitford explains a drill to his players during a practice session at Worthen Arena in Muncie this summer. (News-Sentinel file photo by Tom Davis)
Kyle Mallers
••••
College decision for Mallers nearing
By Jonathan Batuello, nssports@news-sentinel.com
Sunday, October 04, 2015 11:53 PM
It's getting close for Kyle Mallers. The college decision is coming.
The Carroll High School senior has taken three official visits, including Ball State this past weekend, and said he will make his decision before the prep basketball season begins.
"I'll think about it a little bit more and then I'll probably sit down and look at the positives of each school and the negatives and try to put them in perspective," Mallers said. "I think it's definitely going to be before the basketball season and maybe in a couple weeks, maybe 10 days, not positive yet."
The Ball State visit this weekend was the third official visit for the Carroll wing player. Mallers had previously been to Evansville and Indiana State. He still may take an official visit to Valparaiso, too.
His decision is down to these four potential schools.
The trip to Muncie provided Mallers a chance to see the Cardinals program and head coach James Whitford up close. Ball State has been one of the most consistent programs to talk to Mallers about continuing his career there.
"Ball State has been the school that has recruited me the hardest and he (Whitford) said I was a top priority as far as recruits they are trying to bring in," Mallers said. "He's taking the program in the right direction. ... They are moving forward and have a bunch of good young players that will make their program better next year and in the years to come."
The Ball State visit was a good chance to see Whitford up close and another school in Indiana State also showed Mallers the benefits of a strong coaching staff. He said the Sycamores coaching staff and coach Greg Lansing are very appealing to potentially play for in the future.
"I really enjoy their (Indiana State's) coaches and they know what they are doing and they've been super respectful during this recruiting process," Mallers said. "I really like their situation and they said they have a spot for me right away as far as playing time."
The coaching staffs are important when it comes to his decision, but Mallers also has been sure to pay attention to his potential future teammates on the official visits. He knows they will become a big part of his life wherever he decides to attend.
"I look for a fit as far as in the locker room and with their guys and how I would fit in with their team because you spend so much time with them practicing and stuff," he said. "So, I look for playing with good people that would be good for me."
The coaches have told Mallers they see him as a potential wing player at their schools. They see him playing the small forward position and providing versatility with his skillset and ability to step outside and hit long jumpers.
"They are envisioning me as a wing or a three, and Ball State even said since I'm so versatile I could play a four (power forward) or a two (shooting guard); it doesn't really matter," Mallers said.
For now, though, Mallers is taking in what happened at Ball State as he preps to make his final decision.
"It went well (at Ball State), and I think all official visits are about the same as far as hanging out with the players and stuff, but I got to see a little of their team and how I'd fit in and with that aspect, and it went pretty well," he said.
Maller has yet to be offered by Valpo, according to verbalcommits. So, while he may be Ball State's top prospect, he's behind all the players we've already offered and who knows who else. Add to that the fact that he wants to go where he can get immediate playing time plus wants to make his decision right now, and it sounds like there is little chance he will become a Crusader.
Quote from: wh on October 06, 2015, 11:27:43 AM
Maller has yet to be offered by Valpo, according to verbalcommits. So, while he may be Ball State's top prospect, he's behind all the players we've already offered and who knows who else. Add to that the fact that he wants to go where he can get immediate playing time plus wants to make his decision right now, and it sounds like there is little chance he will become a Crusader.
Most probably true. I just thought it was an interesting article on a guy who is local to me and since we lost Brachen Hazen it could possibly give me someone to watch this winter.
Zion Morgan is making his decision on Friday. Down to five schools. Valpo in the mix.
Quote from: Pgmado on October 07, 2015, 01:20:25 PM
Zion Morgan is making his decision on Friday. Down to five schools. Valpo in the mix.
From a tweet I saw it appears he'll be making decision at 4:30 today from his school.
From verbal commits it appears that we are in the mix with UIC, Bradley, Loyola, DePaul and maybe Bowling Green and Western Michigan. I'd like to think that Valpo offers as much as any of these schools.
Welcome to our new guard: Zion Morgan!
Quote from: covufan on October 09, 2015, 03:11:04 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on October 07, 2015, 01:20:25 PM
Zion Morgan is making his decision on Friday. Down to five schools. Valpo in the mix.
From a tweet I saw it appears he'll be making decision at 4:30 today from his school.
From verbal commits it appears that we are in the mix with UIC, Bradley, Loyola, DePaul and maybe Bowling Green and Western Michigan. I'd like to think that Valpo offers as much as any of these schools.
https://twitter.com/coachSPham
Well, we got our first 2016 commit! Welcome Zion Morgan.
Quote from: a3uge on October 09, 2015, 04:58:36 PM
Well, we got our first 2016 commit! Welcome Zion Morgan.
Great article from Preps Illinois:
Zion Morgan to Valpo
10/09/2015, 4:45pm CDT
By Scott Burgess
One of State's Top Wings Discusses Valparaiso Commitment
Top wings in the state of Illinois continue to fly off the board. The latest is Kenwood 2016 shooting guard Zion Morgan who informed PrepHoopsIllinois he has given his commitment to attend Valparaiso on Friday. Morgan broke down why Valpo was his choice with us.
"I really like how Valpo is an elite mid-major that is on the come up and Coach Bryce Drew feels I can be a key piece to the team as a freshman. I want to be a part of something special and start and continue my own tradition. Not follow in somebody else's footstep. Coach Drew also believes in me and says that if I work hard and trust him I could be a future pro and I really respect him for that."
The athletic wing spoke about how his game will fit in with his new squad.
"I think my game fits perfectly at Valpo. Screen and roll offense, high tempo on the court at all times, and full court defensive pressure."
Morgan talked about his relationship with the coaching staff.
"I look up to Coach Drew because he has been everywhere that I want to go. I like his honesty and his passion for the game of basketball. Coach Powell is also a great coach. He's very energetic and teaches the game well."
Head Coach Bryce Drew and assistant coaches Roger Powell, Matt Lottich, and Luke Gore have done a tremendous job over the last few years building their program with Illinois talent which continues with the addition of Morgan. The success that Valparaiso has had with multiple Illinois prep standouts on their roster in Keith Carter, Darien Walker, Lexus Williams, Jubril Adekoya, and Alec Peters is noticeable. Did seeing their success play a factor in his choice?
"I have a good relationship with those players, but what stood out to me the most about his recruiting is that he said he recruits kids that are diamonds in the rough. He said he recruits kids that he feels the high major schools are missing out on. I have a pretty good relationship with their whole team, but I'm the closest with Jubril, Lexus, Shane, and Keith."
Valpo also has an offer out to Morgan's teammate at Kenwood Nick Robinson.
"I wouldn't mind if Nick came with me. I hope he makes the best decision for him just like I am. I may have to recruit him though!"
Morgan is ready to prove from day one how good he can be at the college level.
"When I get to campus I just want to prove everybody wrong that ever doubted me. Valpo was the perfect place for me to prove that."
The 6'4" shooting guard has long arms and a projectable frame. When he is in attack mode he can be difficult to contain. Morgan displays great handles and gets in the lane with ease slashing well to the hoop where he finishes at the rim. Projects as a plus defender that can guard multiple positions. He played with All-In/Young & Reckless 17U on the travel team circuit. Morgan ranks as the #14 overall prospect in the class of 2016 and #5 shooting guard.
Next up for Morgan is a big senior campaign at Kenwood where he says he has something to prove and is going to be coming after everybody as he teams up with Robinson and highly touted junior post Manny Patterson to give them the core of a team that could make a deep run in March!
Some good insight on Zion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K91CrlH3fQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K91CrlH3fQ)
Thanks for the video link, vu72. I noted that the video indicates he attends King High School. Is he a recent transfer to Kenwood Academy?
Last season was his first season at Kenwood after starting his high school career at King.
Another Valpo offer made for 2016 per Verbal Commits. Reported as of 10/19/15, Valpo offered Nik Popovic, reportedly a 6-10 230 pound power forward. Looks like he has a few offers from high majors as well, so hoping he likes a smaller school like Valpo. Looks like he is from Florida.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/nik-popovic (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/nik-popovic)
Nick Robinson to Indiana State:
https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/659484673677107200
An offer was made today to Illinois PG Micah Bradford from Bradley Bourbonnais HS.
https://t.co/SKT44Vguuz
Saw a tweet that the Palombizio kid was at the exhibition game. Apparently Drew plus two assistants were watching him the previous Friday night.
Palombizio verballed to Oakland today
Good! I heard Kampe told him that he wants Chris shooting 10 3pointers a game and that was what sealed the deal (true story).
From what we know about the Oakland program, losing a kid to them tells us that likely he wouldn't have fit well at Valpo. No sour grapes (we have no idea if Bryce had offered), just reality.
Quote from: HC on November 08, 2015, 06:55:59 PM
Good! I heard Kampe told him that he wants Chris shooting 10 3pointers a game and that was what sealed the deal (true story).
Yeah, and if he only shoots 9 3's a game, Dan will demand a meeting with Kampe to tell him he misled them. Mark my words, he will play for at least 2 schools over the next 5 years, maybe 3. In the process they'll burn more bridges than Sherman in his march through the South.
I would love for this kid to be a big HL success and a regular visitor to the ARC. That said I am glad he will be a Kampe project instead of one of ours.
Quote from: wh on November 08, 2015, 09:12:57 PM
Quote from: HC on November 08, 2015, 06:55:59 PM
Good! I heard Kampe told him that he wants Chris shooting 10 3pointers a game and that was what sealed the deal (true story).
Yeah, and if he only shoots 9 3's a game, Dan will demand a meeting with Kampe to tell him he misled them. Mark my words, he will play for at least 2 schools over the next 5 years, maybe 3. In the process they'll burn more bridges than Sherman in his march through the South.
Just like Dan's Dad did!
Today is EARLY NLI day. Any rumors on early signings for MBB?
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 11, 2015, 04:44:35 PM
Today is EARLY NLI day. Any rumors on early signings for MBB?
Wouldn't mind seeing Ottey sign the NLI, eh.
So much for Zion Morgan.
He decommitted this evening.
Quote from: Pgmado on November 12, 2015, 10:13:28 PM
So much for Zion Morgan.
He decommitted this evening.
The story:
http://www.prephoopsillinois.com/news_article/show/576143?referrer_id=1205907 (http://www.prephoopsillinois.com/news_article/show/576143?referrer_id=1205907)
Wonder which coach poached him after committing...
If you're Valpo do you pull his offer?
I think he has been poorly advised. If things go as predicted this season, VU's stock will rise and we should be more likely to attract better recruits.
No, you respect his decision, we'd be sad to lose you but if you find a better fit elsewhere we'll wish you the best of luck. First, you don't want to appear as a hard ass to other recruits. Second, down the road he may keep Valpo in mind as a transfer possibility a la Moussa Guey.
Quote from: wh on November 13, 2015, 02:17:54 AM
Quote from: Pgmado on November 12, 2015, 10:13:28 PM
So much for Zion Morgan.
He decommitted this evening.
The story:
http://www.prephoopsillinois.com/news_article/show/576143?referrer_id=1205907 (http://www.prephoopsillinois.com/news_article/show/576143?referrer_id=1205907)
You know, it doesn't say he has committed elsewhere. It may be that a high major or two has made some big promises and he wants to check them out. Imagine how the conversation goes:
Big 10 coach: "We are very interested in you - before you sign with Valpo, why don't you come down and take a visit on campus? We have one scholarship available. The atmosphere on our campus and in (insert arena here) is amazing. We'd love to get you on campus and that way, you can be sure which school is best for your future."
Young player: "That sounds interesting, I'd like to take the visit."
At the end of the visit:
Big 10 coach: "We think you have a lot of potential. We are offering you an opportunity to come to (insert campus here) as a preferred walk-on."
Young player: "It was a great visit, except for the ending."
We can hope that the young players recruited by Valpo also are in demand by high majors - so to have a player re-open his recruitment shouldn't be all that surprising. Until a player signs elsewhere, we still have a strong position in a situation like this. I'm sure Bryce and all of the coaches have been through this many times, and we have to trust that they will work things out for the good of the program - even if that means that Valpo does get a commitment from a different player.
Quote from: valpo95 on November 16, 2015, 09:25:30 AM
You know, it doesn't say he has committed elsewhere. It may be that a high major or two has made some big promises and he wants to check them out. Imagine how the conversation goes:
Big 10 coach: "We are very interested in you - before you sign with Valpo, why don't you come down and take a visit on campus? We have one scholarship available. The atmosphere on our campus and in (insert arena here) is amazing. We'd love to get you on campus and that way, you can be sure which school is best for your future."
Young player: "That sounds interesting, I'd like to take the visit."
At the end of the visit:
Big 10 coach: "We think you have a lot of potential. We are offering you an opportunity to come to (insert campus here) as a preferred walk-on."
Young player: "It was a great visit, except for the ending."
We can hope that the young players recruited by Valpo also are in demand by high majors - so to have a player re-open his recruitment shouldn't be all that surprising. Until a player signs elsewhere, we still have a strong position in a situation like this. I'm sure Bryce and all of the coaches have been through this many times, and we have to trust that they will work things out for the good of the program - even if that means that Valpo does get a commitment from a different player.
Big 10 Coach: Yeah, I hear ya, but let me introduce you to Kimberly and Chantal over here.
Young player: Gulp.
There's one signed!
Bradford is by all accounts a very good player for Valpo. One of the top 10 players in the state of Illinois. Saw one Illinois recruiting service say he has "Curry like skills."
And remember Steph was underrecruited and ended up and Davidson!
I think Morgan made a good decision to wait. I mean if he knows he has potential to get offers from higher ranking basketball schools, why not take the time to make the right decision for him? Sure, we'd all love that he would commit to Valpo NOW, but he hasn't played a game in his senior year yet. Who knows how much better he could actually be this season. I don't see Bryce pulling the offer, but patiently letting Morgan decide what's in his best interests.
Quote from: Pgmado on November 17, 2015, 12:03:21 AM
Bradford is by all accounts a very good player for Valpo. One of the top 10 players in the state of Illinois. Saw one Illinois recruiting service say he has "Curry like skills."
http://www.hoops247.com/new34/index.php/chicago-hoops-news/7419-micah-bradford-commits-to-valparaiso (http://www.hoops247.com/new34/index.php/chicago-hoops-news/7419-micah-bradford-commits-to-valparaiso)
Micah Bradford commits to Valpo (http://www.hoops247.com/new34/index.php/high-school/7421-micah-bradford-commits-to-valparaiso)
Sun Times: Micah Bradford to Valpo (http://suntimeshighschoolsports.com/2015/11/16/henricksen-micah-bradford-commits-valpo/)
more Micah Bradford recruiting stuff. This article from prephoopsillinois.com.
http://www.prephoopsillinois.com/news_article/show/579003?referrer_id=1156205 (http://www.prephoopsillinois.com/news_article/show/579003?referrer_id=1156205)
Tweets on Marcus Ottey in the last two days have him making decision soon (this weekend), then backtracking and saying that he'll visit Detroit.
http://verbalcommits.com/players/marcus-ottey (http://verbalcommits.com/players/marcus-ottey)
Should we inform him that he can visit Detroit in March of 2017 as a member of the Valparaiso Basketball team?
Interesting question during the iu-Kokomo presser. The question was asked if a guy where to transfer mid season into valpo could he come in now and his time count for next year. Obviously Bryce cannot talk about transfers but is their chatter of a player wanting to transfer in? Seems like an odd question to ask if there wasn't a reason. I could be reading into it too much.
Quote from: Chairback on November 18, 2015, 10:18:58 PM
Interesting question during the iu-Kokomo presser. The question was asked if a guy where to transfer mid season into valpo could he come in now and his time count for next year. Obviously Bryce cannot talk about transfers but is their chatter of a player wanting to transfer in? Seems like an odd question to ask if there wasn't a reason. I could be reading into it too much.
Valparaiso has four open scholarships for next year (Carter, Nickerson, D.Walker, Fernandez). Micah Bradford just filled one of them. With three left, I highly doubt Valpo will use all of them on freshmen. A good bulk of talented freshmen have signed already. Marcus Ottey is obviously one they are looking at and they'd have a scholarship for him. That said, Valpo has had incredible success with transfers. My reasoning in asking the question was to find out if Valpo would be able to add anyone who perhaps looked to transfer at semester. I didn't ask the question with anyone in mind. Say there is another Keith Carter out there, I wanted to know if Valpo could take him.
As I understand it, all of Valpo's scholarships are in use so there is nothing available for a mid-year transfer this season. Although it's my guess that we have extended offers to players who would be freshmen next year (Zion Morgan et al), I've heard it stated that Bryce always tries to leave a scholarship open for a transfer that could have a positive impact (and especially those who have 2-3 years of eligibility remaining?). Perhaps we sign three freshmen with a scholarship in reserve?
I agree that we do not want to recruit 4 freshman for next year. Smits has now become part of next years freshman class and I think having 5 freshman next year is a little excessive. We currently have nobody who will be a sophomore next year. I think we need a JUCO that can transfer in and play right away as a sophomore and 1 transfer who has to sit out a year and join the JUCO player their Junior year. Recruit 2 freshman for next year. Gives us balance throughout all of the classes.
That said, if really good talent is available, we should take it, even if the freshman class is overloaded.
Quote from: sliman on November 19, 2015, 09:59:22 AM
As I understand it, all of Valpo's scholarships are in use so there is nothing available for a mid-year transfer this season.
Sounds right to me. If the student transferred now it might start the mandatory waiting period, they might be eligible to play after the end of classes Fall 2016. But, I assume we couldn't give them a scholarship until next year (2016-2017).
Quote from: Pgmado on November 18, 2015, 11:42:54 PMSay there is another Keith Carter out there, I wanted to know if Valpo could take him.
Did it get answered at the presser? Do we have it right?
Quote from: SanityLost17 on November 19, 2015, 10:09:15 AM
I agree that we do not want to recruit 4 freshman for next year. Smits has now become part of next years freshman class and I think having 5 freshman next year is a little excessive. We currently have nobody who will be a sophomore next year. I think we need a JUCO that can transfer in and play right away as a sophomore and 1 transfer who has to sit out a year and join the JUCO player their Junior year. Recruit 2 freshman for next year. Gives us balance throughout all of the classes.
That said, if really good talent is available, we should take it, even if the freshman class is overloaded.
Ideally you may be right about the freshman class, but was just three years ago we brought in Alec, Jabril, Lexus, Nick and that other kid ( :rant:) Stuff happens. If the talent is available we should take it.
Quote from: vu72 on November 19, 2015, 03:29:16 PMIf the talent is available we should take it.
Absolutely!
I also can't blame Valpo/Homer/Bryce in saving a scholarship for a transfer/juco. In the last 7 seasons or so we've had Cory Johnson, Brandon Wood, Bogan, Boggs, Capobianco, E. Victor and Hammink transfer into the program. All have performed well in a Valpo uniform.
Quote from: vu72 on November 19, 2015, 03:29:16 PM
Ideally you may be right about the freshman class, but was just three years ago we brought in Alec, Jabril, Lexus, Nick and that other kid ( :rant:) Stuff happens. If the talent is available we should take it.
Speaking of that other kid......................
http://www.bethelcollegepilots.com/article/4200.php (http://www.bethelcollegepilots.com/article/4200.php)
Greenville, SC – In the third week of voting the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Student-Athlete of the Week awards for men's and women's basketball have been released for competitions during the week of November 9 through November 15. Players are selected for the award by their performances and contributions during the week of competition. For the second time in three weeks a Bethel College Pilot has been selected as the NCCAA men's basketball Student-Athlete of the Week. Junior guard Clay Yeo received the award for leading the No. 22 ranked Pilots on a 3-0 week and a perfect 7-0 start to the season averaging an outstanding 23 points, 3.3 steals, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assist per game in the past week. I'm wondering if Clay didn't make a pretty good decision after all.
Quote from: bbtds on November 20, 2015, 11:31:18 AM
Quote from: vu72 on November 19, 2015, 03:29:16 PM
Ideally you may be right about the freshman class, but was just three years ago we brought in Alec, Jabril, Lexus, Nick and that other kid ( :rant:) Stuff happens. If the talent is available we should take it.
Speaking of that other kid......................
http://www.bethelcollegepilots.com/article/4200.php (http://www.bethelcollegepilots.com/article/4200.php)
Greenville, SC – In the third week of voting the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Student-Athlete of the Week awards for men's and women's basketball have been released for competitions during the week of November 9 through November 15. Players are selected for the award by their performances and contributions during the week of competition. For the second time in three weeks a Bethel College Pilot has been selected as the NCCAA men's basketball Student-Athlete of the Week. Junior guard Clay Yeo received the award for leading the No. 22 ranked Pilots on a 3-0 week and a perfect 7-0 start to the season averaging an outstanding 23 points, 3.3 steals, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assist per game in the past week.
I'm wondering if Clay didn't make a pretty good decision after all.
Probably, from a playing time standpoint. It must be exciting playing in front of 312 fans!!
Quote from: vu72 on November 20, 2015, 04:58:03 PMProbably, from a playing time standpoint. It must be exciting playing in front of 312 fans!!
Being a glass half empty guy you could say the same about Valpo crowds being about 3,000 when major programs can get crowds of 15,000 to 20,000. It's all relative to how you view it. If you're just playing for a school based solely on the crowd size then maybe you shouldn't be there in the first place unless you're at a major school.
Some current info on the status of former Valpo commit Zion Morgan's recruiting.
http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3238# (http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3238#)
Quote from: vufan75 on December 02, 2015, 02:29:51 PM
Some current info on the status of former Valpo commit Zion Morgan's recruiting.
http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3238# (http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3238#)
Quote
Morgan added that Valparaiso is still very much a factor in his recruitment. "I'm not counting them out," he said. "They're still in the picture. I just rushed it in the beginning. They're not out at all. "Of course they were disappointed. They told me the offer was still on the table. They were just upset because they wanted to build the team around me."
Quote
A big goal for him this season is to earn a high major offer. "I'm trying to prove something to myself and everybody else that I can play at a high major school," he said. "I'm still considering all my offers, but I want to land those offers to prove to myself I can play. "I think I have a big season in me," he continued. "We'll see what happens."
November 16, 1933....The Torch...
http://collections.valpo.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/torch/id/3349/rec/10 (http://collections.valpo.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/torch/id/3349/rec/10)
Column 4... all the way at the bottom...
THAT"S the way to get the best college basketball players to be on your team!
Quote from: talksalot on December 10, 2015, 08:29:32 AMNovember 16, 1933....The Torch... http://collections.valpo.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/torch/id/3349/rec/10 (http://collections.valpo.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/torch/id/3349/rec/10) Column 4... all the way at the bottom... THAT"S the way to get the best college basketball players to be on your team!
BULLETIN:Official basketball practice begins Monday night, November 20, at 7:30.All interested upperclassmen interested report at Boucher gym. --J. M. Christiansen.Back in the 30's intercollegiate athletics was pretty much just a form of recreation only. Yes, school pride was a big part too. It is also interesting that Valpo didn't even have it's own gym. In 1933 VU rented Boucher Gym from Valparaiso High School which was located then where Benjamin Franklin Middle School is located on Campbell Street and Park Ave (605 Campbell). Boucher Gym was built in 1928 a year after the High School was built in 1927 at 605 Campbell. So in 1933 Boucher Gym was only 5 years old and served both VHS and VU.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_High_School (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso_High_School)
A new high school opened in 1927 at 605 North Campbell Street, with a gymnasium finished the following year. This building served as the high school until 1972, and continues to be used as Benjamin Franklin Middle School.
Quote from: historyman on December 10, 2015, 01:34:07 PMalparaiso High School which was located then where Benjamin Franklin Middle School is located on Campbell Street and Park Ave (605 Campbell). Boucher Gym was built in 1928 a year after the High School was built in 1927 at 605 Campbell.
I think a lot of the old high school is incorporated in the current middle school, which has also been expanded with some architectural continuity.
Is the gym still around? Do they have a new gym?
From the "Historical Campus Tours" Script ... I have a picture if I could figure out how to upload it!
During the week of December 15, 1927, Vu held its first exhibition game of the season playing Lewis Institute of Chicago in this facility and VU won 32-28. That was the last game played here, since later that night, it burned to the ground. For the next 12 years, VU played all of their home games at Boucher Gym. This was the Valparaiso High School gym at the time. It still stands, as the gym at Ben Franklin Middle School on Campbell Street. Valpo won the first game played there in January 1928, by beating the University of Arkansas Aggies 54-27.
Shortly after the 1927-28 season ended, the Torch printed the announcement that a new gym would be coming shortly. On that day, the University held the first "Valparaiso Day" with "Young men in overalls and co-eds in knickers" doing a general cleanup of campus and among other things, remove the rubble of the gymnasium fire.
On November 1, 1929, the Torch Headline was "Board Grants New Gym". With previously unforeseen enthusiasm, every student on campus attended Convocation on Halloween 1929 for the purpose of raising money for the project. The Board members pledged $130,000 as the students were chanting "We Want a Field House!" They were presented with renderings of the proposed facility. TEN YEARS later, the new building opened... and it did not look anything like the renderings seen in 1929.
Starting the tradition that continues, we invited Notre Dame to come to the Inaugural game in the new facility.... we were very nice hosts that day, Irish 63 Uhlans 26. First win in Hilltop was against Concordia (Ill) 43-41, after starting the season 0-6.
I also saw this in the third column towards the bottom of the 1933 Torch:
NOTICES
The season's first basketball practice for freshmen
commanded a fair turnout last night at Boucher gym,
but Coach Christiansen again issues an appeal to all
freshmen interested in that sport to report to the
gym at 7:15 tonight. It is the Coach's plan to plan to
organize two teams besides the varsity, each with a
schedule of games, giving all men an equal opportun-
ity for action.
so in some sense it was intramurals and P.E. all in one.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14369859/elijah-thomas-texas-aggies-once-star-recruit-transfer (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14369859/elijah-thomas-texas-aggies-once-star-recruit-transfer)
Never too early to start looking at who is transferring.
Except we have no open scholarships right now, so any mid season transfer would have to pay their own way for the spring semester to come here.
How does that work? Can we contact him once he announces?
An update on Micah Bradford, recently named MVP of the Kankakee Valley holiday Tournament. Seems like he is an OK player! ;) In a recent game he was also 12 for 12 from the line!!
http://www.daily-journal.com/sports/high-school-basketball-bradford-shows-elite-skills-in-easy-win/article_e29ee410-f686-5db7-80f3-54da10c7d69f.html (http://www.daily-journal.com/sports/high-school-basketball-bradford-shows-elite-skills-in-easy-win/article_e29ee410-f686-5db7-80f3-54da10c7d69f.html)
Very quiet on the recruiting front. We've got a bunch of bodies to replace. In the meantime, take a look at the moves Micah Bradford possesses. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to post it but if you go to Barry Bradford's twitter page and scroll down, you will see a Seth Curry impression. Awesome is an understatement.
https://twitter.com/barrybradford3
[tweet]695853758819872768[/tweet]
Quote from: vufan75 on March 09, 2016, 09:18:16 PM
Per recruiting guru Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bullseye tonite on his twitter feed......
"Valparaiso also at R-B for both Nick Robinson & Zion Morgan."
R-B is the Riverside Brookfield sectional or regional state tournament site, with a game tonite between Kenwood and Proviso East. Robinson decommitted from Indiana State with Valpo as one of the schools he is considering. Morgan decommitted from Valpo to explore his options but is still considering Valpo. These guys play together at Kenwood Academy and would be nice players if we could land them. Hope our ace Illinois recruiter Coach Powell along with Coach Lottich can seal the deal with them. #govalpo
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Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14968784/cullen-neal-transfer-new-mexico-lobos-leaving-coach-father-craig-neal (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14968784/cullen-neal-transfer-new-mexico-lobos-leaving-coach-father-craig-neal)
We should be on the phone today.......
Quote from: IndyValpo on March 14, 2016, 07:40:29 AM
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14968784/cullen-neal-transfer-new-mexico-lobos-leaving-coach-father-craig-neal (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14968784/cullen-neal-transfer-new-mexico-lobos-leaving-coach-father-craig-neal)
We should be on the phone today.......
The transfer season has begun.
Not sure Neal is looking for a program such as Valpo, but he would be a good one to get.
If UCF has fired Donnie Jones, does Brachen Hazen open up his recruiting?
http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen (http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen)
From verbal commits twitter site, Valpo 2016 recruit 6-6 Nick Robinson got recent offers from SIU and DePaul.
Would look good as a Crusader. Hope we can land him.
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Micah Bradford named second team all state by IBCA:
http://www.ibcaillinois.org/news_article/show/626941?referrer_id=1320164
Congrats to Micah, but I hope we have a big or two on our radar for next year. Micah will give us what, three point guards maybe four if Carter gets another year? Maybe a big transfer, juco, or foreign player nobody's heard of yet?
Anybody hear anything?
Quote from: nkvu on March 24, 2016, 12:48:10 PM
Congrats to Micah, but I hope we have a big or two on our radar for next year. Micah will give us what, three point guards maybe four if Carter gets another year? Maybe a big transfer, juco, or foreign player nobody's heard of yet?
Anybody hear anything?
The silence in 2016 recruiting is as deafening as the ARC in an NIT game!
My guess is that the staff has many things going, recruiting-wise, but are not able to divulge at this time. This program is getting some very good press, and thusly, some good recruits are at least considering Valpo.
B Hazen has a younger brother who is on the "junior" IN All-Star team. This past season the younger often out scored his older brother. I believe both brothers are about the same size.
Quote from: vufan75 on March 15, 2016, 02:18:13 PM
From verbal commits twitter site, Valpo 2016 recruit 6-6 Nick Robinson got recent offers from SIU and DePaul.
Would look good as a Crusader. Hope we can land him.
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Recruit Nick Robinson from Chicago Kenwood Academy update via various scouting services on twitter. He has 2 official visits set. St Joes and Cal. Cal offered him very recently.
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I noticed that Daniel Relvao did not get any game action at George Mason this year, so he might have redshirted. Vashil's decision to come back this season really paid off, especially since Smits got hurt!
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/03/29/michigan-basketball-spike-albrecht-transfer/82370912/
Not sure if it's worth it just for one year when we would also be losing Alex, Jubril and Shane(?) but he's a local kid, could get Valpo in the news.
Spike Albrecht would be eligible to play next year. If we have a scholarship available but I don't know if we need a point guard. Spike is a good player but we have two capable point guards for next year. Maybe 3 if we can get Carter back.
Here is the list, as of now, from verbalcommits:
http://www.verbalcommits.com/transfers/2016
Andre Washington, Terry Brutus, and Darion Clark look interesting at first glance.
I saw Sam Cassell Jr on the list too...I was hoping maybe Sr and Bryce would've crossed paths in the NBA but Sr was on the Rockets a few years before Drew was.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 10:23:07 AM
Spike Albrecht would be eligible to play next year. If we have a scholarship available but I don't know if we need a point guard. Spike is a good player but we have two capable point guards for next year. Maybe 3 if we can get Carter back.
When Albrecht is healthy, he is better at point guard then all of guys that back up Carter. Chances are Carter is not going to get another year, but even if he does, we ABSOLUTELY take Albrecht if we can get him. Hammink is better served at a position other than the 1, Lexus is capable of being a 2, even if he is a little under sized, and Max is a perfect backup point guard if Carter does not get another year.
Lest we forget, we have a very talented 1 that will looking for playing time from the minute he arrives:
Micah Bradford, Bradley-Bourbonnais senior guard: A Valparaiso commit, the 6-foot-0 guard averaged 19.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3 steals per game. Bradley-Bourbonnais' all-time leading scorer, Bradford was a two-time SouthWest Suburban All-Conference selection.
Personally, I think we should be in the market for bigs. A post man and a shot blocker.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 12:56:11 PM
Personally, I think we should be in the market for bigs. A post man and a shot blocker.
I agree. I can't even begin to overstate the impact Vashil had on the greatness and character of this team. As great as Alec is, Vashil defined this team and his absence will create a void. By all accounts, Smits will provide a more balanced presence in the post. If his defense isn't immediately (or ever) a match for Vashil's at least his offense will create new opportunities. But, that said, one of the other great Vashil qualities is that he was durable and Smit's freshman injury makes me think a backup big in the mold of Vashil wouldn't be a bad idea.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 10:23:07 AM
Spike Albrecht would be eligible to play next year. If we have a scholarship available but I don't know if we need a point guard. Spike is a good player but we have two capable point guards for next year. Maybe 3 if we can get Carter back.
I think it was pretty obvious that after watching the past two seasons, we didn't have a backup point guard. The Wright State game was a disaster after Carter got injured. When he fouled out in Detroit, Valpo couldn't get anything going offensively. With a 98% chance that he's is gone, there will be a big void in the lineup. Relying on a freshman to run a rather experienced team may be painful.
If they get a chance to add a veteran point guard, you absolutely jump at that chance.
Quote from: Valpower on March 29, 2016, 01:34:26 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 12:56:11 PM
Personally, I think we should be in the market for bigs. A post man and a shot blocker.
I agree. I can't even begin to overstate the impact Vashil had on the greatness and character of this team. As great as Alec is, Vashil defined this team and his absence will create a void. By all accounts, Smits will provide a more balanced presence in the post. If his defense isn't immediately (or ever) a match for Vashil's at least his offense will create new opportunities. But, that said, one of the other great Vashil qualities is that he was durable and Smit's freshman injury makes me think a backup big in the mold of Vashil wouldn't be a bad idea.
Maybe Relvao will somehow resurface, after most likely redshirting this year at George Mason :o
The Center is a more intriguing option -- http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2016/03/29/ricky-doyle-michigan-basketball-transfer/82385864/
Spike would play much better than any point guard on this team, excepting Carter. Just watch Shane or E Vic take the ball down the floor. Yikes!
Spike also is B1G seasoned. Shane is really our only true power conference transfer. No offense to LSU, but it is not in the same hemisphere as Michigan basketball.
I know little about Doyle but watched him play one game on tv. He seems like he would be a terrific pickup, but I think he is destined to a higher-level basketball program than Valpo.
Quote from: atkins on March 29, 2016, 07:03:07 PMI know little about Doyle but watched him play one game on tv. He seems like he would be a terrific pickup, but I think he is destined to a higher-level basketball program than Valpo.
Maybe he wants to be close to home. I don't know the graduate transfer rules but understand he will be able to play immediately. But is that the case if it's a in-conference transfer such as Purdue?
I start to question basketball IQ when I see people posting that Albrecht would be a poor choice. Again, if healthy, he will be better than any freshman we have incoming and better than any player currently on our bench. The guy scored 17 in the NCAA Championship Game and had amazing assist to turnover numbers as a junior.
Come on people. We have Smits for next year to replace Vashil and we have to make noise next year. We are not getting a Vashil like shot blocker for next year (best we can hope for is a project for the future). We are going to have to be more efficient on offense to make up for a lack of a rim protector. AKA, we need point guards to get people the ball.
Hammink was GREAT tonight when he wasn't running the point and he and Carter were in the game at the same time. He is not the answer at the point and both Lexus and Max have deficits and our incoming freshman will be a, well, freshman.
I would love to have the transfer from Michigan. He probably would one of the better players to have suit up for Valpo. My point is there is a greater need at other positions.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 10:48:45 PM
I would love to have the transfer from Michigan. He probably would one of the better players to have suit up for Valpo. My point is there is a greater need at other positions.
I hope it does not come to pass, but if we pass on Albrecht and Carter is denied another year, I will remember the "we don't need another point guard" mentality. haha
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 10:43:16 PMQuote from: atkins on March 29, 2016, 07:03:07 PMI know little about Doyle but watched him play one game on tv. He seems like he would be a terrific pickup, but I think he is destined to a higher-level basketball program than Valpo.
Maybe he wants to be close to home. I don't know the graduate transfer rules but understand he will be able to play immediately. But is that the case if it's a in-conference transfer such as Purdue?
I thought I saw somewhere that Michigan denied him an in-conference transfer. Which would rule out Purdue. But I still think Albrecht's eyes are on larger programs (Notre Dame? Marquette? Somewhere further?). The only things we have going for us are 1) close to home and 2) HL title contender. But it
is the HL. Albrecht is on a whole different level from our recent high-major transfers (Hammink, Capo, Bogan, etc.)
Albrecht is an upgrade period. You take s player of that caliber and figure out how to utilize him best along with your other guys. As an aside, if I'm Nick Robinson and I've watched Valpo's run, got to say it would intrigue me ... A lot.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 29, 2016, 10:48:45 PM
I would love to have the transfer from Michigan. He probably would one of the better players to have suit up for Valpo. My point is there is a greater need at other positions.
Why does that make it a bad move to pick up a very good player just because we have other needs? Did that stop us from adding Hammink when he decided to leave LSU? There are more than two players leaving. Valpo would have room for a local like Albrecht.
Never is it a bad move to add a quality player who is also from the region.
With Bryce and the staff always playing it close to the vest regarding recruiting, I can't help it thinking that they have as few aces up their sleeve for the incoming class for '16-'17. All of the successes and "pub" we have received this year should be a BIG help in recruiting. I'm anxious to see what our next year's class looks like.
The Indy Star speculates re Spike to Butler. But, they are an Indy newspaper.
He's not ruling out an NCAA appeal to stay in the Big Ten.
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2016/03/29/michigans-spike-albrecht-considering-return-state-indiana/82394094/
This would have been an interesting transfer!
//http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865651036/BYUs-Fischer-almost-ended-up-at-Valparaiso.html?pg=all
Quote from: agibson on March 30, 2016, 02:17:16 PM
The Indy Star speculates re Spike to Butler. But, they are an Indy newspaper.
He's not ruling out an NCAA appeal to stay in the Big Ten.
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2016/03/29/michigans-spike-albrecht-considering-return-state-indiana/82394094/
You gotta like the quote about it being cool if his parents could come to all of his home games next season. No better place than Valpo for that. With Keith likely departing, we will need an experienced PG to lead our very experienced team! No offense to Bradford, Lexus, and Max; but they do not have final 4 experience. However, the fact that we have those 3 guys means Albrecht will not be pressured into playing more minutes than he is ready to handle early in the season. We won't have to play him too many minutes early because we have capable backups. Ensure he is healthy more March. Seems like the perfect situation to me.
Michigan limiting Spike Albrecht's transfer options
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/michigan-limiting-spike-albrecht-s-transfer-options-224019956-ncaab.html (https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/michigan-limiting-spike-albrecht-s-transfer-options-224019956-ncaab.html)
6-9 soph F, Rickey Doyle also Xferring. Played in 67 of 68 games for the Wolverines. Albrecht and Doyle have had all restrictions removed by Beilein. Doyle will have to sit a year, while Albrecht is immediately eligible.
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032916aab.html
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 31, 2016, 11:40:01 AM
Michigan limiting Spike Albrecht's transfer options
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/michigan-limiting-spike-albrecht-s-transfer-options-224019956-ncaab.html (https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/michigan-limiting-spike-albrecht-s-transfer-options-224019956-ncaab.html)
Quote from: covufan on March 14, 2016, 10:44:06 AM
If UCF has fired Donnie Jones, does Brachen Hazen open up his recruiting?
http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen (http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen)
Per the Indy Star, Hazen has opened up his recruiting.
Maybe?? It would be good if we could get a northern IN recruit, especially one of his caliber. If I remember correctly, we were of of his final choices.
Quote from: zvillehaze on April 02, 2016, 03:51:30 PM
Quote from: covufan on March 14, 2016, 10:44:06 AM
If UCF has fired Donnie Jones, does Brachen Hazen open up his recruiting?
http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen (http://verbalcommits.com/players/brachen-hazen)
Per the Indy Star, Hazen has opened up his recruiting.
Would love to get both of the Hazens. Saw both of them play this year in a tourney at Columbia City (I know Coach Benedict), both were impressive, but both need to get stronger. Parker was at a game this year and hopefully is one of our top 2017 targets. Getting Brachen would get Parker to commit to us.
Maybe we can get an end-of-bench guy from Villanova? All their starters are better than anyone on our team. We would lose to them by 50+. :o
Quote from: atkins on April 02, 2016, 06:58:20 PM
Maybe we can get an end-of-bench guy from Villanova? All their starters are better than anyone on our team. We would lose to them by 50+. :o
Spoken out of total ignorance
Quote from: vu72 on April 02, 2016, 07:37:15 PMQuote from: atkins on April 02, 2016, 06:58:20 PMMaybe we can get an end-of-bench guy from Villanova? All their starters are better than anyone on our team. We would lose to them by 50+. :o
Spoken out of total ignorance
It was actually a joke...but apparently not a very good one! Although I do have to admit that tonight, almost everyone would have have lost to 'Nova by double-digits.
Sometimes teams have good games. Sometimes teams have bad games. Sometimes there's a mixture of both. Really novel concept there, but some people can't quite grasp that.
I'm looking at some of the recruiting from other HL schools. UIC reportedly signed another 3 star recruit and Green Bay inked Mr. Basketball for Wisconsin.
In another string, the idea of success breeding success was mentioned. To do that we have to have a pipeline constantly filled with top drawer recruits to reload rather than rebuild. In that vein, I lost track of the MBB scholarship table that was updated on an annual basis. Where do we currently stand in 2016-17, 17-18 and 18-19? IOW, will we be able to sustain our current success?
Anyone else see Paul Oren's tweet about a potential spanish big man being recruited by Valpo? And any chance he still potentially signs if Bryce leaves
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/715724541172035584
I think we could lose a couple of guys when Bryce takes the Vandy job. This possibility is substantially lessened if Roger Powell replaces Bryce. The guys seem to like Roger a lot.
I suspect Alec will stay if Valpo hires Roger. I think Bryce will strongly encourage Alec to complete his career at Valpo.
Quote from: a3uge on April 02, 2016, 10:33:45 PM
Sometimes teams have good games. Sometimes teams have bad games. Sometimes there's a mixture of both. Really novel concept there, but some people can't quite grasp that.
That was precisely my reasoning for explaining the result back on March 7.
So in light of the news and still with at least 2 scholarship spots left (if everyone stays and we get Carter) what does this mean for recruiting? We need to be moving on transfers/international players soon but without a head coach we're kinda stuck. Makes me frustrated that some of these spots weren't already filled.
I kinda get the impression that Bryce knew he was going elsewhere at the end of this season and spent little time recruiting. We only have one scholarship spot filled, and it wouldn't shock me if a few more scholarship spots open up due to transfers. This is the most important off-season is program history. Valpo still has the chance to build upon the Bryce Drew era and become a perennial mid-major powerhouse or fall back into the pool of mediocrity with everybody else.
We are not the only school dealing with uncertainty and disappointment regarding its mens' basketball program. Here in Des Moines, Drake University released a statement that it had granted its prized freshman center a release from his scholarship. Not often a mid-major has a freshman seven foot center with skills and a big upside. (He averaged 10 ppg over his last 10 games and made 72% of his shots for the season.) You could almost feel the frustration -- no, exasperation -- of the Drake staff in the press release. Earlier, another Drake player -- Kyle Abrahamson, who transferred from Northwestern and who averaged 11 ppg -- also announced he was leaving.
Drake finished 7-24 this season. You can imagine how Drake fans are taking all of this news.
I think we will be fine.
Paul
Yep, and it may also be a consideration for Alec's decision to xfer or stay. That is why ML is scrambling right now to fill the slot. Which brings up an interesting hiring consideration: would one of the hiring criteria be the ability to ply the transfer hotline. Be nice to (1) retain Bradford, (2) add another 2016 freshman, (3) add a grad Xfer..
Quote from: crusader05 on April 07, 2016, 09:37:30 AM
So in light of the news and still with at least 2 scholarship spots left (if everyone stays and we get Carter) what does this mean for recruiting? We need to be moving on transfers/international players soon but without a head coach we're kinda stuck. Makes me frustrated that some of these spots weren't already filled.
Can't assume Carter is coming back - that would be 3 scholarships... If Peters leaves 4 and if Bradford decommits 5! So last year we lost a recruit because we didn't keep a slot open, and this year we plan for 3? Was he recruiting players with the intent that he'd be out the door at the end of the year? Maybe he picked up a few "recruiting" tricks from his brother Scott...
Quote from: a3uge on April 07, 2016, 10:20:15 AM
Quote from: crusader05 on April 07, 2016, 09:37:30 AM
So in light of the news and still with at least 2 scholarship spots left (if everyone stays and we get Carter) what does this mean for recruiting? We need to be moving on transfers/international players soon but without a head coach we're kinda stuck. Makes me frustrated that some of these spots weren't already filled.
Can't assume Carter is coming back - that would be 3 scholarships... If Peters leaves 4 and if Bradford decommits 5! So last year we lost a recruit because we didn't keep a slot open, and this year we plan for 3? Was he recruiting players with the intent that he'd be out the door at the end of the year? Maybe he picked up a few "recruiting" tricks from his brother Scott...
I'm sure that all of the coaches have been recruiting hard the whole time. It appears that Valpo does not make offers lightly. Some schools will have 15-20 offers, we tend to keep ours more close hold. I believe that we make an offer once the player has visited campus and worked out with the assistant coaches and other players, getting feedback from everyone before an offer is made. I'm sure we have several feelers out there, and the assistants that are still on the VU payroll are actively contacting all recruits, getting feedback and providing what they know at that given time.
I have faith in ml and the process he has used to get new coaches. I'm also sure that ml and the AD staff are evaluating recent events (Nagy getting $500K, other coaching changes, the amount Bryce (and Powell) are getting at Vandy, other changes in HL MBB) to evaluate the monetary needs of the coaching staff to remain competitive in the HL.
Oren has shared some discussions with ml on twitter:
https://twitter.com/NWIOren
Yes, we all would like the next phase to begin as quickly as possible. I'm sure ml and the staff are making sure we get the right choice in there in a timely manner.
[tweet]718092659424935936[/tweet]
I like the fact that people are contacting ML about the job. Doesn't make his job easier, but it sweetens the candidate pot and we might even hit a homer on a guy we never considered.
Have faith, folks!
Barry Bradford (Micah's dad) tweeted that Zach Hollywood (Micah's teammate) had received his release from James Madison. Zach is 6'9". Coming to Valpo??
Quote from: vu72 on April 07, 2016, 02:59:20 PMBarry Bradford (Micah's dad) tweeted that Zach Hollywood (Micah's teammate) had received his release from James Madison. Zach is 6'9". Coming to Valpo??
God I hope so!!!! I have not seen him play, but if he is 6'9" and strong, we can use him.
Micah Bradford's other star teammate Zach Hollywood just officially got his release from his commitment from James Madison after they fired their HC Matt Brady. Maybe a possible addition to the roster? He's a 6'9 SF. With an outside shot. According to verbal commits he had only one other offer from Youngstwon State. His Dad played for Youngstown State and they have 3 open scholarships. (don't want him to go there). We have 3 open scholarships and he could come over to play with hi teammate Micah. (side note: Anyone see Paul Oren's tweet last week about a mystery Spanish big man that might come to Valpo? Anyone hear anything? This was before Bryce left, so who knows where that stands but Gore is the coach who works with the big men the most so maybe they have a connection)
https://twitter.com/ExampleSports3/status/718150096282587137
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/715724541172035584
Hollywood is unranked by Scouts, Rivals, and ESPN. But Futures150 ranked him 3 stars (breaks down his strengths/weakness: https://future150.com/hs/basketball-profiles/zach-hollywood-sf-bourbonnais-il-2016 ). He made CSN Chicago's Top 50 players to watch for http://www.csnchicago.com/preps/top-50-high-school-basketball-players-watch-illinois .
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2360352/zach-hollywood
http://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/zach-hollywood/xp9vEilSEeS00gAmVebEWg/videos.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWuCs83lsxc
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/zach-hollywood
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/718186117175123968
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/718186117175123968
We have had a lot of success recruiting international guys. Look at the record leaders at VU and most are from abroad. Loved the Youtube video someone posted regarding our international guys.
Who was responsible for this? When I was student we had more guys from S. America than Europe. But there have been years we had more Europeans.
Is the new coach still going to have that connection?
Mick, I think the fact Lottich played overseas for years professionally will keep those pipe lines open. Plus let's take this into consideration, we as Valpo, have been connected for years on the international scene. We have developed players who can either take the next level or educate to where they can succeed here or back in their home country. I've found overseas guys care about basketball development but also academic as well. Valpo, for how small we may be, offers these kids that.
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 07, 2016, 08:04:42 PM
We have had a lot of success recruiting international guys. Look at the record leaders at VU and most are from abroad. Loved the Youtube video someone posted regarding our international guys.
Who was responsible for this? When I was student we had more guys from S. America than Europe. But there have been years we had more Europeans.
Is the new coach still going to have that connection?
Can you remind me of the S. Americans?
Stalin Ortiz and I would guess he's thinking of Ali Berdiel.
Quote from: humbleopinion on April 08, 2016, 06:47:48 PM
Stalin Ortiz and I would guess he's thinking of Ali Berdiel.
Or Roberto Nieves, who was from Puerto Rico, like Ali.
Micah's dad retweeted a picture of him with Coach Lottich and Coach Gore. Looks like they were there today. Good to see.
https://twitter.com/barrybradford3/status/718548765074804736
Keep up the good work! Anxious to see who fills out next year's roster
Come on mystery dude from Spain! Maybe it is another player from the Gran Canaria school that produced KVW and Hammink?
Went looking deep into the internet to find Spanish big men at the Canarias Basketball Academy. Found three players:
-Ivan Aurrecoechea Age: 20 Height: 6'7 Listed as a F/C http://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Ivan-Aurrecoechea/Spain/Canarias-Basketball-Academy/314919
-Marinus N'Guessan Age: 18 Height: 6'11 Listed as a C http://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Marinus-NGuessan/Spain/Canarias-Basketball-Academy/367588
-Shengzhe Li Age: 17 Height: 6'10 Listed as a C http://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Shengzhe-Li/Spain/Canarias-Basketball-Academy/386486
Valpotx: I think you're on to a good idea there that its a Canarias player because they gave an offer to Jordan Blount who was a Canarias product who signed with UIC a couple months ago. So they are clearly still recruiting here. Also a little bummed Blount decided to sign with UIC over us. He's going to be a good player.
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/wmJrb0XYckavllm7VfVrTQ/meet-canarias-basketball-academy--the-team-that-traveled-nearly-10,000-miles-to-play-in-a-tournament-this-week.htm
"With seven players on the roster over 6-foot-6 — including a 7-foot Bosnian and a 6-10 hulk from China — the team passes the eye test in a big way."
"Ivan Aurrecoechea, a 6-7 forward from Madrid, Spain, who knows how to operate around the bucket."
"Dimitrije Nikola, a 6-10 forward Serbia."
"Li Shengzhe, a 6-10, 255-pound specimen from China. He's a work in progress but looks the part in a big way and is fairly mobile for his size and age."
Project sound familiar?.... Vashil (not saying he'll be the defensive product Vashil was but a project)
http://hoopreview.net/index.php/component/k2/item/297-report-on-2015-the-big-one-tournament/297-report-on-2015-the-big-one-tournament
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hz8SEJC0eI
Let's get the Chinese guy! We haven't had an Asian basketball player yet, correct? Unlike in Soccer, I don't count Australia as Asia ;). It seems like this place is Spain's equivalent of the AIS.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 09, 2016, 12:53:06 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hz8SEJC0eI
I'm not sure what I just watched...
Quote from: a3uge on April 09, 2016, 08:52:16 AMI'm not sure what I just watched...
From the reaction I would say it was a one time one move miracle. ;D
Have any new names surfaced for possible recruits for next season? Hazen, etc.?
For the Latin American discussion, let us not forget the short, but magical career of Tony Falu!
Branchen Hazen reopened his recruitment but sounds like a slim chance he comes to Valpo with the coaching turnover. We were a strong consideration before he committed to UCF. But with bryce leaving it loos doubtful.
"Some of the bigger suitors in the original play for Hazen's services are no longer currently in play, according to the former Indiana Junior All-Star. Schools like Maryland, Clemson and Creighton have not made contact since his services became available again. Valparaiso, another early candidate, is losing their coach Bryce Drew to Vanderbilt and also isn't expected to be an option. Hazen instead says he will focus on the schools who are contacting him or his AAU coach and he will not be reaching out to schools himself.
According the Hazen, the players in his recruitment now focus on Ball State, Bradley, Bowling Green, Richmond and Dayton. Ball State is the only school who has contacted Hazen since his decommitment that originally offered him a scholarship. The Cardinals bring some familiarity in bringing in former Hazen opponent and longtime acquaintance Kyle Mallers of Carroll in their freshman class."
http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/Hazen-reopens-recruiting-options
My guess if he has a strong a look for playing a key role on Dayton's team in the future he'll go there. But Archie Miller (their HC) is as good as gone when he finds a job he likes. I can't see Archie staying at Dayton for longer then a year or two longer. Hazen should know that. Bradley? No way. Ball State? I'd rather go to Valpo. Bowling Green? Hasn't been good since the early Dan Dakich days. Richmond? I have no clue.
One of the first things I'd do if I were Coach L is reach out to Hazen and say your a good enough talent to play 20 minutes on our club and play a huge role after Alec graduates. And close to home.
Quote from: covufan on April 08, 2016, 05:43:51 PMQuote from: oklahomamick on April 07, 2016, 08:04:42 PMWe have had a lot of success recruiting international guys. Look at the record leaders at VU and most are from abroad. Loved the Youtube video someone posted regarding our international guys. Who was responsible for this? When I was student we had more guys from S. America than Europe. But there have been years we had more Europeans. Is the new coach still going to have that connection?
Can you remind me of the S. Americans?
Stalin Ortiz - colombia
I thought Roberto Nieves was from Colombia as well but hes from Puerto Rico
Nieves, Berdiel, and Falu were all from PR
We have our Spanish center: Osipoff reports a verbal commitment from Jaume Sorolla, 6-11 center from Spain. Played at Sunrise Christian Academy.
Looks like we got our Spanish big man...
https://youtu.be/d5y_I-EE5sY
Jaume Sorolla - just gave a verbal commitment to Valpo (via Osipoff)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BC3y0KMMLoj/
Guy was at don quijote a month ago and posted on social media about it. Great detective work everyone
Per social media, also visited Greensboro.
Played for Spain U18.
Osipoff on Twitter has some good quotes from prep coach about defensive and offensive potential.
After PG Micah Bradford's affirmation of his commitment to VU, another Valpo PG Recruit, Canadian Marcus Ottey has committed to UIC.
Looks like a good pickup. So we got our point and our big. Now find a wing type at the sg or sf say 6'4" to 6'8" athletic with some skills and we've filled out a good class. Maybe a transfer or juco? Anyone on the radar?
Quote from: valpopal on April 10, 2016, 01:20:06 PM
We have our Spanish center: Osipoff reports a verbal commitment from Jaume Sorolla, 6-11 center from Spain. Played at Sunrise Christian Academy.
Current SCA web site does not have him listed on the 2015-16 roster. Played last year? Then played this year in Spain as an U-18? How about embedding the tweets that were alluded to into posts here.
Seems to have a nice touch around the basket. Much further along offensively than Vashil was when Vashil arrived on campus. I hope he learns some power moves. That European finesse has to give way to jamming about a quarter of those baskets.
Yes, it does have him listed on the roster: http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329 (http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329)
Mostly an interview in a language I don't understand, but maybe someone can give us the gist of the interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTuhJfFWeow
Certainly an excellent physical specimen. In the previous video I really liked the way he caught the ball on the go and in some traffic on the break.
I see he has a 7'5 wing span. Does anyone remember what is Vashil's wing span?
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 10, 2016, 05:06:39 PM
I see he has a 7'5 wing span. Does anyone remember what is Vashil's wing span?
7-7
That is a very nice clip. I am mostly impressed with his speed. He has the body type of Derek but he runs the court faster than Vashil. He only needs to learn some power moves and how to play with contact.
Quote from: vusupporter on April 10, 2016, 04:21:43 PM
Yes, it does have him listed on the roster: http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329 (http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329)
Yep. I was looking at the varsity not the prep.
Quote from: ValpoFan on April 10, 2016, 05:51:35 PM
That is a very nice clip. I am mostly impressed with his speed. He has the body type of Derek but he runs the court faster than Vashil. He only needs to learn some power moves and how to play with contact.
Uses both hands in close too.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 10, 2016, 03:01:28 PMThen played this year in Spain as an U-18? How about embedding the tweets that were alluded to into posts here.
Not sure if it was this year for Spain (many internationals would probably be older than that before coming to VU, right?).
Here's some tweets.
[tweet]719227484181409792[/tweet]
[tweet]719230542647017474[/tweet]
[tweet]719231488357724160[/tweet]
[tweet]719232428548759552[/tweet]
[tweet]719233191593304064[/tweet]
[tweet]719234228177739776[/tweet]
(That one makes you wonder, a little, who knew what and when! But maybe he just means waited a week or so? Or maybe just a general caution, no need to commit until the coaching carousel slows down a little.)
[tweet]719235386317414400[/tweet]
Probably Osipoff has an article out, or will soon.
Looks like the U18 tournament was in 2014. He's represented Spain at the U18, U17, and U16 levels - and got minutes.
Here's one FIBA page with some links
http://www.fiba.com/world/u17/2014/Jaume-SOROLLA-MENASANCH
and another page with some links
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/jaume-sorolla
It does make it easier to recruit internationals when they come to the US first! (Same situation for David Skara, also Vashil?)
Oh, and, speaking of Micah Bradford
[tweet]718548765074804736[/tweet]
Hollywood's picking up offers now, it seems. Ball State. Youngstown State. Evansville. Fairfield.
[tweet]689864684242079745[/tweet]
I hope Matt L has tried to contact B Hazen, not worrying about the past but perhaps starting new interest especially after our past season successes, our location and quality of education at VU. We need more home-grown talent from Northern Indiana. B's younger brother, a junior, is a member of the IN Junior All-Star team. How about a brother / brother tandem at VU?
Watched some "highlights" of Hollywood. His profile says he has a good inside / outside game but the videos I watched were all down low stuff. Pretty good footwork and nice touch around the basket. If he can also hit from the outside, hoping Peters stays one more year, we may be able to groom his replacement or someone that can act the part as best he can. Both are 6'9".
Seems to have a good connection w/ Bradford as well and I would suspect both know Jubril since their high schools played in the same conference. Maybe not intimately but I'm sure they know who he is. Never hurts to be more connected with guys on a certain team.
Great to see that we will have a 7'0" and 6'11" rotation at Center! It's been a few years since we were able to say that, going back to Grafs/Nikkila. That is not counting the 1 year with Gueye/Fernandez.
I wonder how many minutes our new Spaniard will receive? He appears to be more of a project big man based on the schools recruiting him and the very minimal video I was able to see. Either way, two large individuals with 4 years of eligibility. What position is our next biggest priority?
The only other offer that Rowdy had was from Pacific. If this guy has that kind of potential starting his FR year (similar to Rowdy's first year), I will take it ;).
I think our last two spots need to be filled with shooters. At least one, if not both, graduate transfers or at least a transfer with immediate availability. With Smits, Adekoya, new giant we have the paint area taken care of (I'd argue that with Tevo and Hammink's driving ability you can put them in that category too). Get me some shooters!
Not sure I've seen this before. Our new Spaniard is a Rivals 3 Star!
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/186615
I agree. I want someone who can make shots fall and not just open 3s. I wouldn't mind someone who can make deeper twos and help us shoot out of the zone.
Also, just on a temperment wise. I want someone with some fire in the belly. We have a lot of cold as steel characters out there (Peters, Walker) But we need someone out there who's going to bring some serious energy as I think that could help us in our flater moments.
Verbal Commits says we have made offers to two SGs. Nick Robinson in particular looks like a body that could do damage in the HL. 6'6", 185.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on April 11, 2016, 11:16:45 AM
Verbal Commits says we have made offers to two SGs. Nick Robinson in particular looks like a body that could do damage in the HL. 6'6", 185.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso)
Robinson is a 3-star recruit out of Chicago's Kenwood (same school as Valpo's other recruit, Zion Morgan, who had committed then reopened his recruitment). Robinson says he will announce his college decision on Wednesday.
Are either one of these guys leaning towards us? What are our chances?
Scouts has Zion listed as a 2 star. Don't know why he re-opened, looks like only offers are from Ball St. and Toledo.
Quote from: valpopal on April 11, 2016, 11:19:54 AM
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on April 11, 2016, 11:16:45 AM
Verbal Commits says we have made offers to two SGs. Nick Robinson in particular looks like a body that could do damage in the HL. 6'6", 185.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso (http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/valparaiso)
Robinson is a 3-star recruit out of Chicago's Kenwood (same school as Valpo's other recruit, Zion Morgan, who had committed then reopened his recruitment). Robinson says he will announce his college decision on Wednesday.
If Robinson held out this long, I would speculate he might have been looking for high major offers. He has one or two of those offers now. Cal is one I recall. Remember he decommitted from Indiana State awhile ago. Would love it if he chooses Valpo, but would be a bit surprised. Hope he does...never say never! :) #GoValpo
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 10, 2016, 06:00:08 PM
Quote from: vusupporter on April 10, 2016, 04:21:43 PM
Yes, it does have him listed on the roster: http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329 (http://www.sunrisechristianhoops.com/roster/show/2204590?subseason=264329)
Yep. I was looking at the varsity not the prep.
Quote from: vu72 on April 11, 2016, 10:59:15 AM
Not sure I've seen this before. Our new Spaniard is a Rivals 3 Star!
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/186615
Pretty pumped about our new big guy. Just from the clips it looks like has some pretty good touch with the ball around the hoop. Not the greatest hops but when your a legit 6'11 you don't need them, plus thats not his game. Curious as to how his defensive skills are. Not expecting a Vashil defensive skill set (Vashil was a defensive stud).
As for the conversations about Nick Robinson. He's been holding out for high major offers and I'll almost positive he's going to Cal. He took a visit there in the past month.
As for Zion Morgan who was originally a Valpo commit but decommitted because was pretty annoyed once we offered to Micah Bradford (rumor-mill). He wanted to play the point and develop there. I actually think he's pretty underrated as a recruit by the recruiting sites. He's pretty athletic, long arms, solid ball handling, has an ok but not great outside shot. I think develop into a pretty good defensive specialist combo guard and if he can develop a consistent perimeter outside shot he'll end up being a pretty good college player. I know the former UIC coach Howard Moore who is now back on the Wisconsin staff as an assistant again is interested in him and there is rumors that they might offer. They've been looking hard at him in spring ball. If he gets an offer he's gone to Wisconsin, but I think they only offer if they lose out on a couple recruits they like more. I could see him being a walk on there though. Or I think he goes to Ball State if he doesn't end up getting an offer from Wisconsin. I don't think he comes to Valpo. He's a pretty smooth athlete.
https://vimeo.com/161416743
Quote from: VU2014 on April 11, 2016, 01:38:43 PM
Pretty pumped about our new big guy. Just from the clips it looks like has some pretty good touch with the ball around the hoop. Not the greatest hops but when your a legit 6'11 you don't need them, plus thats not his game. Curious as to how his defensive skills are. Not expecting a Vashil defensive skill set (Vashil was a defensive stud).
As for the conversations about Nick Robinson. He's been holding out for high major offers and I'll almost positive he's going to Cal. He took a visit there in the past month.
As for Zion Morgan who was originally a Valpo commit but decommitted because was pretty annoyed once we offered to Micah Bradford (rumor-mill). He wanted to play the point and develop there. I actually think he's pretty underrated as a recruit by the recruiting sites. He's pretty athletic, long arms, solid ball handling, has an ok but not great outside shot. I think develop into a pretty good defensive specialist combo guard and if he can develop a consistent perimeter outside shot he'll end up being a pretty good college player. I know the former UIC coach Howard Moore who is now back on the Wisconsin staff as an assistant again is interested in him and there is rumors that they might offer. They've been looking hard at him in spring ball. If he gets an offer he's gone to Wisconsin, but I think they only offer if they lose out on a couple recruits they like more. I could see him being a walk on there though. Or I think he goes to Ball State if he doesn't end up getting an offer from Wisconsin. I don't think he comes to Valpo. He's a pretty smooth athlete.
https://vimeo.com/161416743
Interesting that the Illinois Coaches Assn voted our guy Micah to the 2nd team as was Nick Robinson. Zach Hollywood made 4th team while Zion Morgan only made Honorable Mention.
Wonder if offering Zach Hollywood 6-9 forward and Micah's HS teammate is being considered? With his JMU NLI release last week he already has multiple offers (YSU, Evansville, Fairfield) are some so far. We will need forwards ready to play in a year assuming Alec plays next season and Jubril, Shane would also be done?
Do you have a link on for the coaches ranking?
But I think Hollywood would be a pretty solid signing if the coaches like him. Maybe he could develop in the same way Peters did with his inside post skills with also have and outside game with a jumpshot. From the vids of I've seen him play he didn't have the smooth jumpshot that Peters has (most college player don't), but if were him I'd look at how Gore/Lottich helped developed Peters overall game and I'd be chomping to come here from a player development standpoint and you get to play with your high school buddy/teammate.
If I'm Lottich I would take a visit to the Hanzen home and try make a strong pitch the Branchen Hazen. It's a long shot but he talked to the News Sentinel and he said he's not reaching out schools, he's only considering schools that reach out to him. Also playing time was mentioned as a big factor. Might be a issue his freshman season with Peters/Jubril in their senior year but if he's ready I could see him getting 10-15 min a game by the end the season. His sophomore season you tell him that you will give him the keys to the car.
Agree...I have heard that he has a good work ethic..we will need a scoring threat after Alec leaves
No coaches ranking link. Just offers from verbal commits for Zach Hollywood. Add another offer to list from today. American University. So far his offers in about a week are from Ball State, Evansville, Fairfield, YSU, and now American.
Just from others chatting on the board sounds like maybe Hazen would be a higher upside prospect? Plus maybe might provide a benefit if we were to be recruiting his All Star brother? Valpo has had some success under Homer recruiting brothers.
VU2014, I hear you but if Hanzen won't come here, I think, based on Bradford's relationship, we have a leg up on Ball State and Toledo for Hollywood. I really think the kid can replace some of what we will lose.
I think like some recruiting savants that Nick Robinson selects Cal or St. Joes. Isn't St
Joes the Philly school in A10? He must really want away from the Midwest based on these schools locations.
I could understand P5 school Cal somewhat. Pac12, etc. Do what many other players don't Mr. Robinson. Choose local area U named Valpo for your future and get some PT earlier in your career and an outstanding education!!
#ProudtobeValpo#GoValpo
Quote from: VU2014 on April 11, 2016, 02:53:33 PMDo you have a link on for the coaches ranking?
Here it is: http://www.ibcaillinois.org/news_article/show/626941?referrer_id=1320164
Good find 72! 2nd team Micah Bradford and Nick Robinson. 4th team Zach Hollywood.
Excellent find 72. Morgan and Robinson play ultimately the same position. They are shooters. We have scholarships to offer but to me put the pressure on one or the other. Both of them will be playing close to home bit far away enough that they can get away from the stuff that happens in thier neighborhoods. Inner city kids, that have some potential, want to get away enough to explore opportunities that can make them better basketball players and get a quality education to get away from that life they grew up with.
I believe TODAY is the first day of late NLI signing. Looking forward to who Matt will introduce as new official Crusader MBB commits.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 13, 2016, 08:51:19 AM
I believe TODAY is the first day of late NLI signing. Looking forward to who Matt will introduce as new official Crusader MBB commits.
While I would love it if we received NLI's from Nick Robinson and/or Zion Morgan, I'm guessing that we'll need to wait for the fourth and final NLI. Hopefully Carter will be able to come back for an extra year, or we get an immediately eligible transfer at the C or PF position, or a transfer at the SG/SF position that will be eligible in the fall of 2017.
Robinson has chosen St. Joseph's.
A-10 is a better league. But........... Gym is worse than the ARC. Philly is a big, old eastern city and, as an east coaster, I think it has less appeal than NYC, Boston, or DC. Mom and Pop will get lots of FF miles.
Maybe we will talk about Nick Robinson down the road if Philly and/or St. Joe's doesn't work out. Stranger things have happened. For now I wish him good luck out east.
They, St. Joe's, made the tourney and won a game and literally, the #1 seed, Oregon, on the ropes. This is one of those lessons that winning matters despite facilities. I think today's kids want to be seen and will deal with whatever, just so their seen.
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 03, 2016, 08:05:27 AM
I'm looking at some of the recruiting from other HL schools. UIC reportedly signed another 3 star recruit and Green Bay inked Mr. Basketball for Wisconsin.
Something is definitely happening at UIC. They signed another Rivals 3-star recruit today. Their incoming class now seems to be the following: Marcus Ottey (3-stars), Godwin Boahen (3-stars), K.J. Santos (3-stars), Tarkus Ferguson (3-stars), and Jordan Blount (2-stars).
That looks good on paper. They SHOULD be pretty solid the next few years.
Ever since my first trip to the Pavilion, I couldn't stop thinking about how nice of a midmajor facility it was. I always thought that if they had a decent coach, the city of chicago and the building they play in should attract decent players.
Quote from: valpopal on April 14, 2016, 07:19:46 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 03, 2016, 08:05:27 AM
I'm looking at some of the recruiting from other HL schools. UIC reportedly signed another 3 star recruit and Green Bay inked Mr. Basketball for Wisconsin. T
Something is definitely happening at UIC. They signed another Rivals 3-star recruit today. Their incoming class now seems to be the following: Marcus Ottey (3-stars), Godwin Boahen (3-stars), K.J. Santos (3-stars), Tarkus Ferguson (3-stars), and Jordan Blount (2-stars).
If I am not mistaken, the only 3* on our roster is EVN. Alec was like a 2.7* and all the rest were < 3*. How can a school like UIC grab so many 3*s so quickly while right now, we have only two verbal commits for 2016? And isn't Micah a 2*?
Quote from: ValpoFan on April 14, 2016, 09:31:11 PMEver since my first trip to the Pavilion, I couldn't stop thinking about how nice of a midmajor facility it was.
For my fan experience, it didn't have any advantages over the ARC. Maybe some demerits.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 14, 2016, 10:25:16 PM
Quote from: valpopal on April 14, 2016, 07:19:46 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 03, 2016, 08:05:27 AM
I'm looking at some of the recruiting from other HL schools. UIC reportedly signed another 3 star recruit and Green Bay inked Mr. Basketball for Wisconsin. T
Something is definitely happening at UIC. They signed another Rivals 3-star recruit today. Their incoming class now seems to be the following: Marcus Ottey (3-stars), Godwin Boahen (3-stars), K.J. Santos (3-stars), Tarkus Ferguson (3-stars), and Jordan Blount (2-stars).
If I am not mistaken, the only 3* on our roster is EVN. Alec was like a 2.7* and all the rest were < 3*. How can a school like UIC grab so many 3*s so quickly while right now, we have only two verbal commits for 2016? And isn't Micah a 2*?
Micah is a Rivals 3-star.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 14, 2016, 10:25:16 PMQuote from: valpopal on April 14, 2016, 07:19:46 PMQuote from: oklahomamick on April 03, 2016, 08:05:27 AMI'm looking at some of the recruiting from other HL schools. UIC reportedly signed another 3 star recruit and Green Bay inked Mr. Basketball for Wisconsin. T
Something is definitely happening at UIC. They signed another Rivals 3-star recruit today. Their incoming class now seems to be the following: Marcus Ottey (3-stars), Godwin Boahen (3-stars), K.J. Santos (3-stars), Tarkus Ferguson (3-stars), and Jordan Blount (2-stars).
If I am not mistaken, the only 3* on our roster is EVN. Alec was like a 2.7* and all the rest were < 3*. How can a school like UIC grab so many 3*s so quickly while right now, we have only two verbal commits for 2016? And isn't Micah a 2*?
Fishy..... :-X
And I saw McClain hanging out with Bruce, no, not the one that just signed with Vandy, the cheater Bruce Pearl.
After some investigating on Rivals, Jaume Sorolla is also listed as a 3 star as is Bradford. So really it depends on which recruiting service that you want to accept as being more correct. We have all agreed in the past that every team in the Horizon league needs to improve. If UIC has been able to recruit these 3 star athletes then that is a good for all and hopefully will drive Valpo to recruiting better players. I am anxiously waiting to see whom VU will sign in the following weeks.
That's good news on the ratings of our two 2016 verbals. Why hasn't that been formalized yet? Only thing I can assume is that Matt is waiting to get all late signees in and then announce them all together. If that's the case, they are obviously working at signing someone else who we can only speculate about (duh, says Captain Obvious).
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 15, 2016, 08:08:25 AM
That's good news on the ratings of our two 2016 verbals. Why hasn't that been formalized yet? Only thing I can assume is that Matt is waiting to get all late signees in and then announce them all together. If that's the case, they are obviously working at signing someone else who we can only speculate about (duh, says Captain Obvious).
Micah Bradford signed in November. It was announced on November 18.
And so he did -- it was so long ago.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/15058/micah-bradford-inks-nli-with-crusader-mens-basketball/#.VxD8fWM4ko8
As I think we have seen in the past, the signing of foreign players takes a longer period of time and has more "hoops" to jump through. This might be the case with Jaume Sorolla.
[tweet]721008054020366336[/tweet]
[tweet]721008785855160320[/tweet]
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/15455/sorolla-inks-nli-with-valpo-mens-basketball/#.VxEbM2M4ko8
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 14, 2016, 10:25:16 PM
Quote from: valpopal on April 14, 2016, 07:19:46 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 03, 2016, 08:05:27 AM
I'm looking at some of the recruiting from other HL schools. UIC reportedly signed another 3 star recruit and Green Bay inked Mr. Basketball for Wisconsin. T
Something is definitely happening at UIC. They signed another Rivals 3-star recruit today. Their incoming class now seems to be the following: Marcus Ottey (3-stars), Godwin Boahen (3-stars), K.J. Santos (3-stars), Tarkus Ferguson (3-stars), and Jordan Blount (2-stars).
If I am not mistaken, the only 3* on our roster is EVN. Alec was like a 2.7* and all the rest were < 3*. How can a school like UIC grab so many 3*s so quickly while right now, we have only two verbal commits for 2016? And isn't Micah a 2*?
Smits is a 3* at Rivals, Scout and ESPN. According to Verbal Commits, Alec was a 2.5* - an average of the 3* rating at Rivals and 2* rating at ESPN.
Yes, UIC is getting some good ballplayers recently. How well they work together and are coached will remain to be seen.
Quote from: covufan on April 15, 2016, 12:09:30 PM
Smits is a 3* at Rivals, Scout and ESPN. According to Verbal Commits, Alec was a 2.5* - an average of the 3* rating at Rivals and 2* rating at ESPN.
Coming out of HS Alec was nowhere close to cracking the Top 100 player list. Now he's the 34th ranked NCAA D-1 Junior. Quite an accomplishment, and supports that you don't have to go P-5 to be recognized.
Not sure if anyone else saw this but pretty cool.
https://twitter.com/RobbieHummel/status/720060113436938244
Quote from: VU2014 on April 15, 2016, 02:40:12 PM
Not sure if anyone else saw this but pretty cool.
https://twitter.com/RobbieHummel/status/720060113436938244
Maybe Robbie would consider joining the Valpo U coaching staff?
Lottich was in Minnesota today out on the recruiting trail. Going to NYC tomorrow. My guess is we'll sign upper class men or a JUCO kid or two. But who knows.
Anyone know of any good Minnesota or NY school transfers. I took a look at the transfer list at ESPN and there is a ridiculous amount of transfers from NY schools. Could find anyone from MN.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/721125454497910784 https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/721125283424808960 https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/721125543920447488
Quote from: VU2014 on April 15, 2016, 10:46:25 PM
Lottich was in Minnesota today out on the recruiting trail. Going to NYC tomorrow. My guess is we'll sign upper class men or a JUCO kid or two. But who knows.
Anyone know of any good Minnesota or NY school transfers. I took a look at the transfer list at ESPN and there is a ridiculous amount of transfers from NY schools. Could find anyone from MN.
Rather than a transfer, my guess is the Minnesota trip may have involved a particular high school senior shooting guard/small forward.
Not sure how much Bryce did on the recruiting trail, but I have to say it seems far less than what Lottich is doing currently.
Probably because Bryce had a full staff of assistants who were excellent recruiters to do it for him so he could focus on just closing the deal or other important facets of the team.
Bryce was closed-mouth about everything - that's Everything with a capital E. He was here for 5 years and we still don't know anything about his recruiting philosophy or how hands on he was, other than what we have extrapolated after-the-fact.
It appears that Matt is going to be more open. As fans we love it because everyone wants to be in-the-know. That said, just because we know more about what Matt is doing doesn't mean Matt is actually doing more.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 16, 2016, 01:57:29 AM
Not sure how much Bryce did on the recruiting trail, but I have to say it seems far less than what Lottich is doing currently.
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Well in all fairness consider that Bryce had a full compliment of assistants while Matt has one, and two open scholarships. He had no choice then to get on the phone and hit the road. His new assistants will be pretty worthless unless they have a particular kid in mind. Otherwise they need to move their families to Valpo. Matt and Luke really have their hands full.
Quote from: wh on April 16, 2016, 08:14:02 AMBryce was closed-mouth about everything - that's Everything with a capital E. He was here for 5 years and we still don't know anything about his recruiting philosophy or how hands on he was, other than what we have extrapolated after-the-fact. It appears that Matt is going to be more open. As fans we love it because everyone wants to be in-the-know. That said, just because we know more about what Matt is doing doesn't mean Matt is actually doing more.
well said. Does this mean we might know the schedule before September?
Only if the deals can be struck before then ::)
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 16, 2016, 12:24:35 PM
Only if the deals can be struck before then ::)
So true. Last year it wasn't about not wanting to get the schedule out early enough. It was that we couldn't get anyone to agree to come to the ARC. So we ended up settling for some non-D1 games instead of getting better games for the fans. It was not a choice but a consequence of having such a good team.
New VU coach Matt Lottich inks first recruit in Spanish big man
Paul Oren Times Correspondent Updated 19 hrs ago
Jaume Sorolla ends up for the Valparaiso men's basketball team, he'll always be known as the first recruit of the Matt Lottich Era.
Valparaiso's freshly installed coach tapped into a familiar concept in signing his first player as Lottich announced the addition of the Spaniard as his first recruit on Friday morning.
Sorolla, a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center, grew up in Spain before playing a year of prep basketball at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. Much like many former Valparaiso players, Sorolla has represented his country in FIBA competitions, including the U-16 and U-18 European Championships.
"(Jaume) has a unique skill set that is multi-faceted, very similar to (redshirt freshman) Derrik Smits," Lottich said. "The reality is that the two can eventually play together. They have versatility and they both have skill sets to complement each other. We have the potential to be the biggest, strongest front line in the Horizon League.
Sorolla has been on Valparaiso's radar for some time, and when Lottich took over the program last week in the wake of Bryce Drew's departure to Vanderbilt, the first-year coach stepped up his recruiting efforts.
"I inherited a team with three open scholarships, so there was a sense of urgency to go after some guys that we'd been recruiting," Lottich said.
Chicago native Micah Bradford (Bradley-Bourbonnais) is expected to honor his commitment to Valparaiso, and he'll join Sorolla as members of the Class of 2020. That leaves Lottich with two available scholarships, although one could still go to Keith Carter if the senior point guard can get another year of eligibility. Carter played 39 minutes during his freshman season at St. Louis, and Valparaiso is waiting to hear word from the NCAA on whether or not Carter will be able to play next season.
The Crusaders could also gain an additional scholarship if Alec Peters decides to stay in the NBA Draft. Peters has until May 25 to make his decision and Valparaiso will give him as much as time as he needs to decide on his future.
As for what Lottich is looking for with his remaining scholarships, the first-year coach said he is looking for quality over anything else.
"Ultimately we want talent," Lottich said. "If we can get a team full of talent, we're going to do that. We'll look for talent (right now) over any position or anything like that."
Lottich added on Friday that he expects all of the current players that have eligibility to return to the team next season. This includes potential graduate transfer Jubril Adekoya, and Lottich quickly downplayed internet rumors of his departure last week.
"I haven't heard of anyone wanting to leave," Lottich said. "I've heard a lot of excitement. I've told them I want to start over. I told them you all have to earn your minutes. Now I do have opinions, but I'm excited for a fresh start. They're excited to cement themselves as a great team. If we're good next year, it will all be because of the players. If we're not, it will be because of me."
Hey hey! ValpoDad getting some print space, lol jk jk
It at least explains why he would consider leaving, since he confirms that Jubril has the potential to be a grad transfer. It didn't make any sense for him, unless he could play right away.
My gut is telling me Lottich went to go check out this player Ade Murkey in Minnesota.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/ade-murkey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVFFJQfn1m8
EDIT: Looks like it was Ade Murkey.
https://twitter.com/NorthstarAlex/status/721141514177421312
Quote from: VU2014 on April 18, 2016, 02:54:40 PM
My gut is telling me Lottich went to go check out this player Ade Murkey in Minnesota.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/ade-murkey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVFFJQfn1m8
EDIT: Looks like it was Ade Murkey.
https://twitter.com/NorthstarAlex/status/721141514177421312
Holy Crap! I just emailed a very close friend who is VERY into the AAU business in Minnesota, and found out he is Ade's coach. He hasn't spoken with Matt and tells me further that he has a bunch of 2017-2018 talent. My next email/call will be to our new coach.
We should have a leg up on those schools mentioned. We are much much better than St. Louis, Denver, Loyola-Chicago, and Evansville. Plus we are Lutheran.
Michael Joseph "Spike" Albrecht is considering UWM and not valpo?
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 18, 2016, 10:19:57 PM
Michael Joseph "Spike" Albrecht is considering UWM and not valpo?
Lavall Jordan, his former Michigan coach, is now at UWM - so that makes sense.
I hope he ends up at UWM. They're looking like an RPI killer next season. They need all the help they can get.
Ade Murkey looks like the real deal. I like his athleticism and lightning-quick hands, as well as the authority he demonstrates when taking it to the hoop. I also like his midrange jumper.
Even though albrecht's old coach is now the new HC of UWM its still a long shot to want to spend your final year of eligibility there... https://twitter.com/PhearThePhoenix/status/720792229699260419
https://twitter.com/PhearThePhoenix/status/720791499143782400
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEM7tV0wRtP/
"To quote Groucho Marx "Hello, I must be going!" Before the decision is made for me, I am officially announcing my retirement as the voice of Milwaukee Panthers Men's basketball.
I would say it's taking the last life boat off the Titanic, but that would be unfair to the crew of the Titanic.
Never have so many competant, talented people been run off by such a talentless group of entitled beaurocrats. No matter how much the coaches, players, and support staff care, they can't overcome incompetent administrators.
UWM leads the world in incompetent administrators.
I criticize awful athletic directors like Koonce, Costello, Geiger, and Braun. It's not their fault. Hell, if they elected me President I'ld take the job. If I suck at it, it's not my fault. I'm not qualified to be President.
Should Amanda Braun turn down an AD job just because she's horribly under qualified? Hell no. She's a bad AD, and a deplorable human being, but those are the cards she's been dealt.
Those in charge of the UW System have failed to hire effective administrators. Failed. F F F F!
It has been my pleasure to work with the wonderful players and coaches for 17 seasons. The players, coaches, parents and the fans have been like my family.
I will miss Panther hoops the rest of my life.
Best of luck to my friends that are still imprisoned at UWM Athletics. Fight on, brothers (and sisters.) Keep your heads low and make us proud.
Finally, best of luck to LaVall Jordan, his staff, and the players. As so often happens in the NCAA, it's not your fault. Win and get out quick, because long term is fatal at UWM Athletics.
Panther Nation, it has been my pleasure.Cheers!"
Per the Indianapolis Star:
Recruiting: Hazen gets plenty of new interest
Recruiting Insider
Kyle Neddenriep, IndyStar 12:11 p.m. EDT April 20, 2016
Columbia City senior Brachen Hazen is gaining plenty of interest after receiving his release from Central Florida following a coaching change.
The 6-7 Hazen, named to the IndyStar Indiana All-Star team last week, averaged 16.1 points per game as a senior for Columbia City. Here's an update on Hazen's recruitment:
• Arkansas coach Mike Anderson had an in-home visit with Hazen on Monday. He'll take an official visit to Arkansas beginning Monday of next week.
• Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew, who recruited Hazen while coach at Valparaiso, had an in-home visit in Columbia City on Tuesday. He'll take an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt on Friday.
• Ball State was in Tuesday for an in-home visit. Hazen is working on setting up an official visit to Ball State.
• Hazen has a workout scheduled at Purdue on Thursday.
• Virginia Tech is planning to see Hazen at a workout in Columbia City or set up an in-home visit.
Quote from: IndyValpo on April 20, 2016, 11:32:46 AM
Per the Indianapolis Star:
Recruiting: Hazen gets plenty of new interest
Recruiting Insider
Kyle Neddenriep, IndyStar 12:11 p.m. EDT April 20, 2016
Columbia City senior Brachen Hazen is gaining plenty of interest after receiving his release from Central Florida following a coaching change.
The 6-7 Hazen, named to the IndyStar Indiana All-Star team last week, averaged 16.1 points per game as a senior for Columbia City. Here's an update on Hazen's recruitment:
• Arkansas coach Mike Anderson had an in-home visit with Hazen on Monday. He'll take an official visit to Arkansas beginning Monday of next week.
• Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew, who recruited Hazen while coach at Valparaiso, had an in-home visit in Columbia City on Tuesday. He'll take an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt on Friday.
• Ball State was in Tuesday for an in-home visit. Hazen is working on setting up an official visit to Ball State.
• Hazen has a workout scheduled at Purdue on Thursday.
• Virginia Tech is planning to see Hazen at a workout in Columbia City or set up an in-home visit.
I still think Valpo is a little closer to Columbia City for his brother and family to watch games, than say Nashville, Lafayette, or Arkansas
Zion Morgan has announced he will go to prep school rather than enroll in college as a freshman this year. That takes him off the board and leaves Valpo with no other official offers to recruits at Verbal Recruits for the upcoming year. Some schools have as many as 15 offers out at this time. Valpo has always had a targeted approach to recruiting rather than the shotgun approach employed by most other schools, but zero offers out in the middle of a signing period does suggest news of some kind should be coming soon, and it means that all the Bryce Drew offers for this year are cleared for a new Matt Lottich era of recruiting to begin. It will be interesting to observe.
Quote from: valpopal on April 22, 2016, 11:02:48 AM
Zion Morgan has announced he will go to prep school rather than enroll in college as a freshman this year. That takes him off the board and leaves Valpo with no other official offers to recruits at Verbal Recruits for the upcoming year. Some schools have as many as 15 offers out at this time. Valpo has always had a targeted approach to recruiting rather than the shotgun approach employed by most other schools, but zero offers out in the middle of a signing period does suggest news of some kind should be coming soon, and it means that all the Bryce Drew offers for this year are cleared for a new Matt Lottich era of recruiting to begin. It will be interesting to observe.
Two years ago we didn't get Darien Walker until the middle of June. I'm thinking that the coaching staff is working the transfer list, both traditional and graduate transfers, and the JUCOs very diligently at this time. Yes, we the fans would love to know who else will be here in the fall, but I have faith in the coaching staff being able to work with Hammink, Davidson, Adekoya, Williams, Walker, Joseph, Smits, Bradford, Sorolla and whomever else they are able to recruit. I also look forward to getting Peters back and Carter an extra year, which would round out a very good HL team next year.
With ml, Lottich and his new staff, I feel that we are in good hands in the near future.
Zion Morgan was ruled out for coming here the moment we offered to Micah Bradford (better player, imo). Zion wanted to play the point but with Bradford being a natural point guard.
https://twitter.com/CoachLottich/status/723521218675150848
Quote from: covufan on April 22, 2016, 11:24:00 AM
Quote from: valpopal on April 22, 2016, 11:02:48 AM
...Valpo has always had a targeted approach to recruiting rather than the shotgun approach employed by most other schools, but zero offers out in the middle of a signing period does suggest news of some kind should be coming soon, and it means that all the Bryce Drew offers for this year are cleared for a new Matt Lottich era of recruiting to begin. It will be interesting to observe.
...I'm thinking that the coaching staff is working the transfer list, both traditional and graduate transfers, and the JUCOs very diligently at this time. Yes, we the fans would love to know who else will be here in the fall, but I have faith in the coaching staff....
As Radar used to say in M*A*S*H when anticipating a phone to ring or a helicopter to arrive, "wait for it." ;)
Nothing earth shattering here but I think we can expect a transfer coming our way, especially with Skara leaving and possibly Peters, the staff would probably want to fill their spots somewhat. I'm guessing there are some P5 lesser known guys that would love to finish their careers playing for a winner.
Still wish we could get Hazen...he was not only a scorer but a good rebounder averaging about 10 rpg
Edit: this needs to be moved to the recruiting 2017 page.
Greg Elliott has an offer from Valpo, https://twitter.com/scoopIPS/status/724707202024378369
So I'm on Verbal Commits and I looked at UIC's page, http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/illinois-chicago, had to laugh at their open offers with their spots available.
Quote from: M on April 26, 2016, 01:27:24 PMSo I'm on Verbal Commits and I looked at UIC's page, http://www.verbalcommits.com/schools/illinois-chicago, had to laugh at their open offers with their spots available.
Why?
The # of spots available now may not be the # of spots available a year from now. Besides, hard to argue McClain's recruiting strategy when he's brought in the best HL class two years in a row.
Best rated class maybe...we will see if they wind up being the best. I just think it's crazy that colleges (not just UIC) throw out 20 offers when they have just 1 spot open. I know that is how it works, it is just crazy IMO.
Quote from: covufan on April 20, 2016, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: IndyValpo on April 20, 2016, 11:32:46 AM
Per the Indianapolis Star:
Recruiting: Hazen gets plenty of new interest
Recruiting Insider
Kyle Neddenriep, IndyStar 12:11 p.m. EDT April 20, 2016
Columbia City senior Brachen Hazen is gaining plenty of interest after receiving his release from Central Florida following a coaching change.
The 6-7 Hazen, named to the IndyStar Indiana All-Star team last week, averaged 16.1 points per game as a senior for Columbia City. Here's an update on Hazen's recruitment:
• Arkansas coach Mike Anderson had an in-home visit with Hazen on Monday. He'll take an official visit to Arkansas beginning Monday of next week.
• Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew, who recruited Hazen while coach at Valparaiso, had an in-home visit in Columbia City on Tuesday. He'll take an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt on Friday.
• Ball State was in Tuesday for an in-home visit. Hazen is working on setting up an official visit to Ball State.
• Hazen has a workout scheduled at Purdue on Thursday.
• Virginia Tech is planning to see Hazen at a workout in Columbia City or set up an in-home visit.
I still think Valpo is a little closer to Columbia City for his brother and family to watch games, than say Nashville, Lafayette, or Arkansas
Brachen Hazen has chosen Arkansas.
Didn't they have a recent "in home" with him along with Vandy? Wonder how Bryce feels losing a kid he recruited at his former stop to a fellow conference member?
That being said, any word on Zachary Hollywood? An AAU coach I know here locally played against him a few times and said he needed to develop some "bulk" or size if you will, but said he had a very good skill set. Reminded me of Alec Peters to a small degree on the video I saw. Great around the basket and can extend defenses with his range on his outside shot.
Quote from: valpopal on April 26, 2016, 09:24:13 PM
Quote from: covufan on April 20, 2016, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: IndyValpo on April 20, 2016, 11:32:46 AM
Per the Indianapolis Star:
Recruiting: Hazen gets plenty of new interest
Recruiting Insider
Kyle Neddenriep, IndyStar 12:11 p.m. EDT April 20, 2016
Columbia City senior Brachen Hazen is gaining plenty of interest after receiving his release from Central Florida following a coaching change.
The 6-7 Hazen, named to the IndyStar Indiana All-Star team last week, averaged 16.1 points per game as a senior for Columbia City. Here's an update on Hazen's recruitment:
• Arkansas coach Mike Anderson had an in-home visit with Hazen on Monday. He'll take an official visit to Arkansas beginning Monday of next week.
• Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew, who recruited Hazen while coach at Valparaiso, had an in-home visit in Columbia City on Tuesday. He'll take an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt on Friday.
• Ball State was in Tuesday for an in-home visit. Hazen is working on setting up an official visit to Ball State.
• Hazen has a workout scheduled at Purdue on Thursday.
• Virginia Tech is planning to see Hazen at a workout in Columbia City or set up an in-home visit.
I still think Valpo is a little closer to Columbia City for his brother and family to watch games, than say Nashville, Lafayette, or Arkansas
Brachen Hazen has chosen Arkansas.
Tweet re: Hazen and Arkansas. Good quick catch Pal! [emoji6]
2016 Columbia City (IN) F Brachen Hazen has committed to Arkansas. (HT @NorthernINHoops) @brachen_ https://t.co/4LueLE5bDl
Not that it matters, just curious how BD/RP feel in losing Hazen a 2nd time. I assume they recruited him to some extent while coaching at Valpo? Win some lose some I suppose. I might have to check out the next SEC games when Vandy plays Arkansas. In opposite divisions within SEC, but still fun to watch from a distance.
Today I had lunch at the Palmer House in downtown Chicago, saw a bunch of "celebrities" and former NFL greats. It was cool but the people I was with and myself decided to hang at the lobby bar for a drink after our lunch and met a guy who we started conversing with who turned out to be Joey Bosa's dad, John Bosa. Met Joey's little bro Nick who is going to Ohio State next year and, according to his dad, is better than Joey. Joey is projected to be the 4th pick. John played in the NFL with Miami and the Jets. But what he said resonated with me respective to recruiting. Joey had opportunities to play for the myriad of Florida schools as well as Alabama. His lead recruiter at OSU was Larry Johnson, their LB/ DL coach. They met Saban, Musgrave, etc. but what set OSU apart was the relationship they developed with Larry Johnson (Larry's kid was the same Larry Johnson who played and had some great seasons with the Chiefs). John Bosa told us his confidence and trust he felt with Larry swayed him and Joey to choose OSU. Joey is from Ft Lauderale St. John Aquinias. Big move. While he likes Urban Meyer And thinks he's a good guy, the difference was the realtionship they developed with an assistant, Larry Johnson.
Yes, I know, football is different than basketball but we all know that basketball recruiting is done through the assistants and the HC usually closes the deal. But when you have a staff, which I think Matt has acquired, that is quality, you can get kids that maybe wouldn't look your way because you're assistants make the inroads. The key being the trust these parents put into the guys coming in and recruiting their kids.
As an aside, as we are finishing up a guy sits next me to at the bar. We start making small talk and I see he has some "bling" on his ring finger. I thought it was a Super Bowl Ring and I ask, man that's a nice ring who'd you play for? He played for Mt. Union in Ohio and for those that don't know, Mt, Union was a DIII powerhouse for years. They had a streak of like 103 wins in a row. As we were talking, I know, I'm going to bring up my daughter, but I mentioned she's at Valpo and he said Valpo ? Really? Valpo was on his top 3 back in the '90's and loved the campus and the feel of it. Said it was good school but liked My. Union better from a pure football standpoint. Turns out he's the co agent / financial advisor for Vernon Hargreaves who is projected to be a first rounder out of Florida. At worst a 2nd round selection. This gentleman grew up and still lives in Ocala, FL. Just goes to show that this small university is known by others outside the NW Indiana / Southland Chicago area. He gave me his card and if anyone needs financial advice he can help. Be glad to share his info for anyone who needs it and like he said, just wants to talk football!!! Good guy.
Joey Bosa was at Ohio State before Larry Johnson joined the coaching staff. However, he did play a big part in recruiting Nick Bosa.
Joey committed to OSU in April 2012. Johnson didn't join OSU until January 2014. Joey was primarily recruited by Mike Vrabel.
Quote from: rogerwilco on April 27, 2016, 11:42:42 PM
Joey Bosa was at Ohio State before Larry Johnson joined the coaching staff. However, he did play a big part in recruiting Nick Bosa.
Joey committed to OSU in April 2012. Johnson didn't join OSU until January 2014. Joey was primarily recruited by Mike Vrabel.
Mike Vrabel is not chopped chicken liver either.
It was rumored that a physical confrontation between Urban Meyer and Mike Vrabel accelerated Vrabel's departure to the Texans, but I did not hear it from a Crusaderette. :P However, this tale might be more of an Urban legend.
Here is what John Bosa told us. He said Joey wasn't recruited, exactly by Urban Mayer. He spoke highly of Larry Johnson and his trust in him, I assumed he recruited Joey by how highly John spoke of him. We asked, you being and NFL 1st rounder (John was chosen #16 in 1987 and his maternal uncle, Eric Kumerow taken, ironically #16 in 1988 by both the Dolphins and how John met his ex wife, that is Joeys mom) how couldn't your kid, with the genes being where they are be something more? He laughed and said, my kids have good genes, no doubt.
Now we didn't talk Joeys recruiting in depth but we asked how close were you were in Joey being the player he is? We knew he went to OSU amd left it at that. I mean, my God, he's an NFler and He succinctly pointed out Larry Johnson and their Strength and Conditioning coach had made him the player he is today. He pointed out Larry Johnson personally. He said while his communication with Joey has been limited, Joey spent most of his time with his position coach, LJ and the strength and conditioning coach as they have been his mentors and had to limit his own communication to that as there is some trust there. He trusted them and you can't argue with who he became.
Lastly, he said Nick, Joey's brother, had more offers than Joey but he was going to Ohio State, not because of Mayer but because of Larry Johnson and the trust he had in him. He introduced us to his GF Mimi from Portland, Or. As she just came back from the spa, hung out for a minute and left and I said well John i take it you and Joe and Nicks mom aren't together anymore and he said we divorced amicably, we just grew apart over 16 years. He said we never argued and that's what the problem of our relationship was, no passion. Open guy and good guy. Glad his kid got drafted higher than he thought as he was nervous.
Here's what we can all use for those in relationships, he said we were cool to each other but never argued, in the end there was no passion in their realtionship anymore. He was like if you guys are married, ignite the passion.
He hung with us and had a good time I'd like to think. That being said, he was open an honest and said the reason Nick isn't somewhere else is because of Larry Johnson. He said he trusted Larry Johnson more Than any other person to develop his sons.
I can only say this, Nick Bosa, who we met for a moment, is going to OSU because of Larry Johnson. John said LJ is the best position coach out there and someone he puts his trust in him totally. Never mentioned Vrabel at all.
I assumed Johnson was a recruiter in Joey. It appears he wasn't. But Joey's mom Cheryl, went to OSU and Joey's uncle, Eric Kumerow went there as well. I'm sure that helped the recruitment of both kids.
RogerWilco, don't underestimate what a Crusaderette may know man. Dudes love coeds in hot Pants!!!
I had a #14 Eric Kumerow OSU jersey when I was 9. Time flies.
RogerWilco, if I've done anything but drawn some attention to the Crusaderettes, then as a dad to one I've done my job!!! ;D Eventhough you guys suck, I love being here!!! And I say that was that highest terms of endearment!!! ;)
I learned from a Crusaderette that it's "Pompon" and not "Pom-pom."
Anyway, any word about 2016 recruits?
I don't post on this board often, but thought I would post something recruitment related. Jon Rothstein tweeted that Larry Austin from Xavier will be visiting Valpo. He just finished his sophomore year, so he would sit out a year but could be a great point guard to get for the 2017 season while still being a part of the 2016 team.
Here is his ESPN recruitment profile too. Happy reading!
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/117587/larry-austin
bw12,
Awesome! Thank you for sharing!
Quote from: bw12 on May 02, 2016, 11:54:17 AM
Here is his ESPN recruitment profile too. Happy reading!
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/117587/larry-austin
Hard to imagine this kid was only a 3 star with that many high major offers. Also hard to imagine another point in the mix.
Quote from: vu72 on May 02, 2016, 01:37:41 PM
Quote from: bw12 on May 02, 2016, 11:54:17 AM
Here is his ESPN recruitment profile too. Happy reading!
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/117587/larry-austin
Hard to imagine this kid was only a 3 star with that many high major offers. Also hard to imagine another point in the mix.
I was thinking the same thing. I think that the Valpo way is to get the talent here, make sure they are compatible with other teammates, then to figure out roles. We can have 3 or 4 guards on the floor, they just need to know what to do on the O and D ends.
If Larry Austin Jr. did come to Valpo I think it could be a fit. It's always good to have 2 kids that can run the point. He'd have to sit out this year anyways, so if Keith gets a 2nd year we'd have him and Bradford this season and in 2017 we'd have Micah and Austin to run the point and both are smaller guards at 6' and 6'2 but both can play off the ball. Micah can spread the floor and has a pretty good 3 point jump shot and can drive to the basket, and from what I've seen from Larry Austin vids on youtube (there is a lot out there), he an ok jump shot as well could play the 2 guard when needed.
Plus from what the lesson we learned this season we need a 2nd point guard. I was holding my breath every-time Shane and E-Victor had to run the point to give Keith a rest or when he got hurt. Tevonn is a natural 2 and I don't remember him running the put at any point last season. We have Lexus who was a great surprise his freshman year and was a great on the ball defender but after that ACL injury we never got to see him play. Hopefully he'll get the burst and athleticism back this season. He'd be a red shirt senior by the time Larry would potentially join the team.
Spike has committed to Purdue University. Not that he really was every floated as an option but always good to have a better picture of who and where is still open
It's interesting how we are always lumped in with Pacific, when recruiting kids.
Hollywood went Ball State.
Quote from: agibson on May 04, 2016, 04:09:26 PM
Hollywood went Ball State.
I'm guessing that Hollywood was more of a Ball State player (I know, they beat us--and no disrespect to Zach ) than a Valpo player. He was a Coaches 4th team all state player. I think Matt is aiming a little higher.
Potential Valpo target Ade Murkey (MN) is no longer. He just committed to Denver. https://twitter.com/VerbalCommits/status/728771362341314560
Side Note: Did you guys see Oakland just got a former 4 star PG transfer? The kid was originally at Oklahoma State and got into some legal trouble. Got kick out of school and played JUCO last season and is now at Oakland. Sounds like another good talent get for them. Kampe is not afraid to bring in kids with some trouble pasts. https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/728338288256364544
Not going to lie I'm pretty curious as to who Coach Lottich is targeting to fill out the rest of the roster. Hopefully the NCAA rules on Keith's extra year quickly and hopefully in Valpo's favor. Lottich said getting the best talent that fits the team culture is the most important thing, but more and more kids are signing and I hope we're not missing out on kids because we're in a holding pattern right now. The longer the wait I feel like we're more likely to fill out the roster with JUCO transfers because HS recruits are looking to sign quickly and find out where they will play in the Fall.
Quote from: VU2014 on May 07, 2016, 12:19:11 AM
Not going to lie I'm pretty curious as to who Coach Lottich is targeting to fill out the rest of the roster. Hopefully the NCAA rules on Keith's extra year quickly and hopefully in Valpo's favor. Lottich said getting the best talent that fits the team culture is the most important thing, but more and more kids are signing and I hope we're not missing out on kids because we're in a holding pattern right now. The longer the wait I feel like we're more likely to fill out the roster with JUCO transfers because HS recruits are looking to sign quickly and find out where they will play in the Fall.
I don't think that the coaching staff is in a holding pattern nor waiting at all. I'm sure they are extremely busy looking at any and all potential recruits - 2016, 2017 and beyond. There are some like 480 transfers (minus those that have already committed)! Two seasons ago, I don't think we got DWalker until much later than early May.
Yes, everyone here wants to know and hear everything going on with recruiting - who is coming in for a workout/campus visit, who are they visiting on the road, etc., but there NCAA rules on recruiting that must be adhered to.
I must admit that it is with great anticipation but also trepidation that every time I see a posting in Recruiting : 2016 I hope to see news about a new recruit to the program. I'm not sure if Zach Hollywood or Ade Murkey were ever offered by VU. Yet with from 2 to 4 open scholarships still left (obviously depending on whether Carter and Peters are back at VU next year) time is running short. I know in the past we have recruited excellent players late in the year but with so many possible openings there is some concern for me. One of our strengths was the forward position. But with Skara leaving and possibly Peters it seems to be becoming a glaring need. I'm sure the coaching staff is doing the best they can to bring the best players possible to VU.
Transfer Miles Reynolds from St. Louis University, who recently visited Valpo, has committed to Pacific University.
Carter's appeal has been denied :(
Yes with Carters denial we now have officially 3 open scholarship spots on the roster and from comments on the board will probably have a fourth spot. I see where the spring signing period ends on May 18th. Does anyone know what exactly this includes? Will transfers and graduating HS seniors be included or is this just for HS juniors and below. VU in the past has added recruits later than this date. VU's silence along the recruiting front has become deafening. But Lottich and crew were not left with many options. As mentioned elsewhere we have the makings of a very lean bench which has been a strong point in previous years.
Apparently Matt is on the recruiting trail.
[tweet]730710082065997825[/tweet]
Curious as to who he's scouting. Just took a look at some available names that aren't committed yet from GA:
-Colby Leifson: http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/colby-leifson
-'K.J.' Gilmore, Jr.: http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/keith-gilmore-jr
-Jacara Cross: http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/jacara-cross
So now at point we are left with Williams and Joeseph who only played mop up minutes last season, an incoming freshman who may be quite talented but has zero D1 experience, and Hamink who is really a 2/3 and scares the heck out of me every time he handles the ball as a point. We've gone from a team with great prospects to win the conference next season to a team with a bunch of question marks, Peter's return being the biggest one. Hope the staff has some magic in their blood and can pull some recruiting rabbits out of their hats.
Good thing, its still the HL meaning we can win it year in and year out. Let's get 5 out of 6.
My guess is Lexus will be running point this season, at least until Micah shows he has his feet under him and can run the offense. I'm not quite sure how much Lottich's offense will run compared to Bryce's, but if it's similar to bryce then we've seen how much we need a primary PG to run set. From what I've heard is that Lottich is going to push the ball up the floor a bit more and run a few less set plays. I felt really uncomfortable when Hammink ran the point when keith was out last year. He's not a natural ball ball handler. Shane is at his best when he plays off the ball or when he find a lane to attack the paint. Max is such a question mark to me. He's athletic, but we just haven't seen him play enough for fans to judge him. I'm sure the coaching staff knows what they have in him. He seems to be a little out of control when he's on the floor. I'm thinking it's going to Lexus's job to lose, Micah could steal some minute depending on how he develops. Lexus played big time minutes his freshman year.
One thing to keep in mind in terms of recruiting is that next year Chicagoland recruiting class is EXTREMELY deep. We have quite a few open scholarships open. I might want to fill the roster out with Grad Transfers this season. Rodger was huge for the Valpo program at reaching out and connecting the Valpo program with inner-city HS coaches and AAU programs. I'm hoping Lottich/Gore and the rest of our new coaching staff builds some relationship within the next year, because next years class has a quite a few impact recruits that aren't out of reach for Mid-major schools.
I think Coach Lottich is going to be great. But being forced to recruit in mid May strikes me as the college basketball equivalent of a 4th down pass into the end zone from midfield (with no Aaron Rodgers). A tough year looms.
Paul
The number of scholarship openings now suggest that Valpo will be looking even more closely to add experienced transfers and JUCO players. Important dates to keep in mind are May 17 and June 27—opening days of class for the first summer session and second summer session.
Assuming Alec gives up on us, based on what we know today, it would seem that Shane will be playing the 3 with Jubril at the 2 and Derrik in the middle. Hopefully Shane can improve his outside shooting to make his drive to the rim that much more effective. The only other scholarship players are Walker, Davidson, Joseph and Williams plus Bradford whose adaptation to man-to-man defense may determine how soon he cracks the starting lineup. Perhaps Tevonn can play the 3 in an emergency, but it's clear that we'll need immediate help and I agree that unless there are uncommitted quality freshmen about whom we know nothing, having a graduate transfer or a juco player to give us depth on the frontline seems imperative. Should be easy to show any prospects that they will get to play immediately. Even if Alec is back, there are a lot of minutes available.
As for important dates to watch, perhaps we should add May 28. Isn't that the date a player needs to withdraw from the NBA draft in order to maintain college eligibility? It's interesting/concerning that Vanderbilt seems to be keeping a scholarship or two open at this time. We know, of course, that the Internet is full of various college message board suggestions that their school sign Alec (without regard for how beneficial it might be to Alec).
Quote from: valpopal on May 12, 2016, 12:01:31 PM
The number of scholarship openings now suggest that Valpo will be looking even more closely to add experienced transfers and JUCO players. Important dates to keep in mind are May 17 and June 27—opening days of class for the first summer session and second summer session.
The list is shrinking.....http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14390188/college-basketball-transfer-list
Quote from: sliman on May 12, 2016, 12:45:36 PMJubril at the 2
Just to be sure we're talking about the same team, this is Jubril who got minutes at the 5? Maybe you meant Tevonn? Or Jubril at the 4?
Quote from: agibson on May 12, 2016, 02:18:31 PM
Quote from: sliman on May 12, 2016, 12:45:36 PMJubril at the 2
Just to be sure we're talking about the same team, this is Jubril who got minutes at the 5? Maybe you meant Tevonn? Or Jubril at the 4?
Maybe it was Jubril at the 1. He did bring the ball up the floor from time to time this past season.
Too many number in one sentence, I guess. My thought was based on the players returning, Jubril would be at the 4 and Tevonn at the 2. But if Jubril needs to move to the 5, Shane could be the 4 and Tevonn at 3. Better yet, let's get some studs to help!
I preferred Jubril bringing the ball up the floor instead of Shane. Jubril handled that task well.
Per verbal commits, Zion Morgan committed to UNLV today. Another possible Chicago recruit gone. Thought he was going to prep school this year. We will Roger Powell's Chicago connections.
What really stings is about losing this one is we already had him! Guys can change their mind of course. I wonder if having Powell on staff would have kept him coming to Valpo.
Zion Morgan wasn't going to come here, after we offered Micah. I felt burned by the coaching staff because Zion wanted to run the point. Zion's a natural 2 guard, but probably could have ran the point in a pinch. He was a pretty underrated player because a lot of coaches thought he benefited from his teammate Nick Robinson. I thought he'd be a really good Mid-Major player. Lots of potential there. To be honest I didn't see him get an offer from a UNLV level skill. I after he felt burned by the coaching staff he wanted to prove he play at a larger school. I know he badly want to play at Wisconsin but the he was sort of the 4th-5th option for Wisconsin. Good luck to him.
Elsewhere on the board it was reported that Jeter landed as an assistant at UNLV. Not unlikely that originally he was recruiting Morgan for UMW.
UNLV has a bunch of scholarships and has had 3 coaches in the last 2 months. Zion Morgan is a decent player but benefitted from UNLV's desperation.
https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/731202624922341376
Just committed to High Point yesterday.
Larry Austin Jr. has chosen Vandy over Valpo as his transfer location.
Could he have pick any other school...?
They're out of scholarships now right?
Quote from: M on May 18, 2016, 05:36:25 PM
They're out of scholarships now right?
Not quite. They have one player declared for NBA, and might still come back. Doubtful, but might come back.
https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/733295576842821632
http://verbalcommits.com/players/michael-gilmore-fl
Quote from: covufan on May 19, 2016, 01:29:00 PM
https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/733295576842821632
http://verbalcommits.com/players/michael-gilmore-fl
We may be starting to see Jackie Manuel's connections here. Manuel is from Florida as is Gilmore.
I've watched quite a few VCU games the last few years. Didn't see him play much but his game kind of reminds me of E Victor but with a more consistent outside shot. He sort of seemed like more of a 3 then a 4 or maybe a stretch 4, not as quick as E Victor though. He'd be a really nice pick up if he decided to come here. Could potential help replace Skara's minutes. Anyone know he's visiting Miami? or Miami-Ohio?
Quote from: VU2014 on May 19, 2016, 01:39:17 PMAnyone know he's visiting Miami? or Miami-Ohio?
The folks in Oxford, Ohio would probably like it if people thought "is it Miami? or Miami, FL?
The Oxford, Ohio school is 116 years older than the Coral Gables, FL school. Oxford has 18,456 students while Coral Gables has 16,774. The big difference is that Miami U (Ohio) is a public research university while U of Miami (FL) is a private research university.
From ESPN site:
Troy Harper, 6-1, G, Soph., Campbell -- considering St. Peter's, Monmouth, Drexel, Valparaiso
http://verbalcommits.com/players/troy-harper
Not sure he would fit in at PG.
Still anxiously waiting for news regarding new recruits, or those leaning toward VU at this point in time...any news?
Here's one for sure:
[tweet]735511095302098946[/tweet]
Verbal Commits says Valpo has offered a scholarship to 6'7" PF Solomon Hainna, currently a JuCo junior.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/solomon-hainna
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on June 01, 2016, 09:17:48 AM
Verbal Commits says Valpo has offered a scholarship to 6'7" PF Solomon Hainna, currently a JuCo junior.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/solomon-hainna (http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/solomon-hainna)
Hainna would be a very good addition to the team. He also has an interesting personal story that includes service in the Air Force.
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on June 01, 2016, 09:17:48 AM
Verbal Commits says Valpo has offered a scholarship to 6'7" PF Solomon Hainna, currently a JuCo junior.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/solomon-hainna
Really like his athleticism. Reminds me of Shane as he is also left handed.
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on June 01, 2016, 09:17:48 AM
Verbal Commits says Valpo has offered a scholarship to 6'7" PF Solomon Hainna, currently a JuCo junior.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/solomon-hainna
I think he could be a good addition to the team. Unfortunately, he has several other offers in the last month. Hopefully, the chance to play with Peters and play for a chance at an NCAA berth will help.
So I've lost track of signing dates etc. Can Valpo add players right up to the start of classes in the fall or is there some sort of other time frame?
[tweet]739892540841820160[/tweet]
[tweet]739878695364612097[/tweet]
[tweet]739877960145088512[/tweet]
FROM USU MBB Roster Page:
John Middleton
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Atlantic City, N.J.
High School: Holy Spirits HS
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 215
Position: Guard
Experience: HS
2015-16 SEASON (FR): Appeared in eight games during the year... Averaged 1.8 points and 0.5 rebounds... Also tallied two steals on the year... Recorded season highs of six points (at WYO, 2/6), two rebounds (at SDSU, 1/23), one steal (twice) and 17 minutes (at WYO, 2/6)... Made his Aggie debut against UNLV, scoring two points and logging one steal.
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year varsity letter winner and three-year starter at Holy Spirits High School in Atlantic City, N.J... Averaged 17.8 points and 7.4 assists per game during his senior season where he led the team to an overall mark of 19-7, including a 10-2 mark in league play... Scored in double figures in all but three games during his senior campaign, turning in a season high of 32 and scoring 20 or more points in four games.
PERSONAL:: Parents are Robert and Christa Middleton... Undecided on a major course of study.
http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/john_middleton_981760.html
Middleton highlights: Kid seems to be able to score with either hand and has some hops!!
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/john-middleton
Wow! I'm a little shocked that after the first commitment to the program in a long time there is so little interest or notice. WAKE UP CRUSADER FANS!!!
I'm awake and it's good to hear about a new recruit but I'm still looking for some help on next years team. Team could use some depth at forward and off guard.
Ditto.
I'm going to catch a lot of grief over this, but I want 3* star recruits like UIC.
Quote from: oklahomamick on June 06, 2016, 08:16:55 PMI'm going to catch a lot of grief over this, but I want 3* star recruits like UIC.
Agreed.
I am not sure why we are looking at Utah State as a transfer pipeline. Maybe Middleton was just not a good fit for that system. Sure seems to have talent and strength. Hope he turns into an excellent Valpo player.
Gilmore sounded like a good fit in terms of his skills (at least on paper). We could use a big with pick-and-pop ability.
Good have another guy on board. Not every signee is a slap the couch type of guy.
Quote from: covufan on June 01, 2016, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on June 01, 2016, 09:17:48 AM
Verbal Commits says Valpo has offered a scholarship to 6'7" PF Solomon Hainna, currently a JuCo junior.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/solomon-hainna
I think he could be a good addition to the team. Unfortunately, he has several other offers in the last month. Hopefully, the chance to play with Peters and play for a chance at an NCAA berth will help.
Hainna has committed to Evansville. Sorry to miss out on him.
Just doesn't make sense to me. How do we lose a recruit to Evansville?
Middleton has had interesting journey to Valparaiso
http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/inside-vu-sports/middleton-commits-to-valparaiso/article_73a33956-2c59-11e6-afe7-4b7d884a5728.html
Paul mentions saving a slot for Carter until his final appeal. Is there a timeline for that?
Quote from: oklahomamick on June 06, 2016, 10:14:40 PM
Just doesn't make sense to me. How do we lose a recruit to Evansville?
How about facilities and conference affiliation?
Quote from: Valpo71 on June 07, 2016, 08:25:33 AMQuote from: oklahomamick on June 06, 2016, 10:14:40 PMJust doesn't make sense to me. How do we lose a recruit to Evansville?
How about facilities and conference affiliation?
Good point, but I would rather consistently win. Valpo should be regularly getting 3*
Quote from: oklahomamick on June 07, 2016, 08:47:00 AM
Quote from: Valpo71 on June 07, 2016, 08:25:33 AMQuote from: oklahomamick on June 06, 2016, 10:14:40 PMJust doesn't make sense to me. How do we lose a recruit to Evansville?
How about facilities and conference affiliation?
Good point, but I would rather consistently win. Valpo should be regularly getting 3*
I agree. But another factor might be the timing of our coaching change. With another good season, this time under Matt, we should always be in the 3* conversation. Matt just has to prove that he'll run a winning program, and I have no doubt that he will.
Quote from: humbleopinion on June 07, 2016, 05:35:22 AM
Paul mentions saving a slot for Carter until his final appeal. Is there a timeline for that?
No.
Don't recall seeing that J Sarolla was our first recruit for next year...fill us in on his details
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/15455/sorolla-inks-nli-with-valpo-mens-basketball/#.V1cwz1c4ko8
Quote from: valpo64 on June 07, 2016, 03:03:40 PM
Don't recall seeing that J Sarolla was our first recruit for next year...fill us in on his details
He is not our first recruit for next year. He will be a freshman this fall. He is the first recruit signed by the new coaching staff.
http://verbalcommits.com/players/jaume-sorolla
https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/maple/186615
and from page 13 of this thread:
New VU coach Matt Lottich inks first recruit in Spanish big man
Paul Oren Times Correspondent Updated 19 hrs ago
Jaume Sorolla ends up for the Valparaiso men's basketball team, he'll always be known as the first recruit of the Matt Lottich Era.
Valparaiso's freshly installed coach tapped into a familiar concept in signing his first player as Lottich announced the addition of the Spaniard as his first recruit on Friday morning.
Sorolla, a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center, grew up in Spain before playing a year of prep basketball at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. Much like many former Valparaiso players, Sorolla has represented his country in FIBA competitions, including the U-16 and U-18 European Championships.
"(Jaume) has a unique skill set that is multi-faceted, very similar to (redshirt freshman) Derrik Smits," Lottich said. "The reality is that the two can eventually play together. They have versatility and they both have skill sets to complement each other. We have the potential to be the biggest, strongest front line in the Horizon League.
Sorolla has been on Valparaiso's radar for some time, and when Lottich took over the program last week in the wake of Bryce Drew's departure to Vanderbilt, the first-year coach stepped up his recruiting efforts.
"I inherited a team with three open scholarships, so there was a sense of urgency to go after some guys that we'd been recruiting," Lottich said.
Chicago native Micah Bradford (Bradley-Bourbonnais) is expected to honor his commitment to Valparaiso, and he'll join Sorolla as members of the Class of 2020. That leaves Lottich with two available scholarships, although one could still go to Keith Carter if the senior point guard can get another year of eligibility. Carter played 39 minutes during his freshman season at St. Louis, and Valparaiso is waiting to hear word from the NCAA on whether or not Carter will be able to play next season.
The Crusaders could also gain an additional scholarship if Alec Peters decides to stay in the NBA Draft. Peters has until May 25 to make his decision and Valparaiso will give him as much as time as he needs to decide on his future.
As for what Lottich is looking for with his remaining scholarships, the first-year coach said he is looking for quality over anything else.
"Ultimately we want talent," Lottich said. "If we can get a team full of talent, we're going to do that. We'll look for talent (right now) over any position or anything like that."
Lottich added on Friday that he expects all of the current players that have eligibility to return to the team next season. This includes potential graduate transfer Jubril Adekoya, and Lottich quickly downplayed internet rumors of his departure last week.
"I haven't heard of anyone wanting to leave," Lottich said. "I've heard a lot of excitement. I've told them I want to start over. I told them you all have to earn your minutes. Now I do have opinions, but I'm excited for a fresh start. They're excited to cement themselves as a great team. If we're good next year, it will all be because of the players. If we're not, it will be because of me."
Quote from: valpo64 on June 07, 2016, 03:03:40 PM
Don't recall seeing that J Sarolla was our first recruit for next year...fill us in on his details
Here are a few highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5y_I-EE5sY
Thanks for refreshing my memory.
If you play in any of FC Barcelona's youth teams, you have some solid skills to build off of. They are consistently one of the top European teams each year. In regards to Middleton, I will be interested to see how it turns out for him. Darien Walker was very unheralded, and look at how he supplemented our roster over 2 seasons. Even though he went through a rough stretch during his Senior season, he provided valuable minutes and occasional points.
How did we miss this guy?
http://usatodayhss.com/2016/states-top-scorer-eugene-german-opening-eyes-with-indiana-allstars
And he is going to Northern Illinois??
This guy could be a nice Skara replacement for 1 season (if Carter doesn't win the appeal):
http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/news/1041886-report-western-michigan-s-kellen-mccormick-to-transfer
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/61453/kellen-mccormick
I doubt we're looking for a one year guy at that spot.
George Wilborn: UT San Antonio, Valpo and Don Boscoe Prep are finalist for his services per @prepbullseye
We need to win that guy's services if Keith doesn't win his appeal. Can't let that d-bag at Don Bosco Prep win.
Who is george wilborn? Anyone with info on him?
Quote from: valpo64 on June 12, 2016, 11:37:37 AM
Who is george wilborn? Anyone with info on him?
Are you talking about George Willborn III from Chicago De La Salle?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fNKVGbbS3c
Daily Southtown story on George Willborn III
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/sports/ct-sta-boys-basketball-de-la-salle-george-willborn-st-0108-20160107-story.html
Willborn also is an excellent student. He scored a 24 on the ACT and boasts a 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale. His ability to shine in the classroom and on the court has attracted a wide range of college suitors, including Tennessee State, George Washington, Furman, Chicago State, Southern Illinois, South Dakota State and others.
While Willborn's preference is to pick a college beyond the Chicago area, he'll sit down with his family before making a final decision.
"It's going to come down to which school puts me in the best position to reach my goals," Willborn said.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/george-wilborn-iii
If this is the guy, it sounds like he could be a good fit, including academics, attitude, etc.
Crusaders Add Pair of Transfers to Program
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/15586/crusaders-add-pair-of-transfers-to-program/#.V2BMjjWxWS4
Quote from: VU2624 on June 14, 2016, 01:28:07 PM
Crusaders Add Pair of Transfers to Program
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2015-16/15586/crusaders-add-pair-of-transfers-to-program/#.V2BMjjWxWS4
So this leaves us the one scholarship being held for hopefully Carter's return?
[tweet]742812587172200449[/tweet]
[tweet]742813384022839296[/tweet]
On Keith
[tweet]742813687354957824[/tweet]
On style of play and the use of the "point forward".....
[tweet]742813985293111296[/tweet]
And this....
[tweet]742814346078740480[/tweet]
Look for a Father's Day gift coming Valpo way!
John Kiser has committed to Valpo.
Taking Keith's slot this Fall as a SG freshman?
At the meets and greet, Matt talked about a walk-on from Noblesville before he was hushed by Luke Gore. I presume we now know the name of that walk-on.
Answering my own question from Mike Osipoff tweets:
Kiser is walking on.
[tweet]744681501728645121[/tweet]
But should Keith's appeal be denied, chances are he slides into the scholarship slot. Make sense?
[tweet]744681584293470208[/tweet]
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 19, 2016, 07:09:08 PM
Taking Keith's slot this Fall as a SG freshman?
No, he is a walk-on; therefore, my previous message advising about Valpo receiving a gift on Father's Day.
But could he slide into a scholarship slot if one becomes available?
Quote from: M on June 19, 2016, 06:32:10 PMJohn Kiser has committed to Valpo.
Looks like an interesting roll of the dice benefiting both parties. We get a D-1 quality (project?) player regardless of the Keith Carter appeal outcome. He comes to a solid program and institution which shows great loyalty to its chosen recruits. All else being equal I love having Indiana kids on the team.
Would he have competed against Smits in HS?
I was just reading an article about Kiser whose author thought Kiser had been snubbed by not being named to the Indiana All Star Team. At 6'5" he may be a "tweener", but apparently is a tough kid who can play some defense. Here's a video highlite clip:
https://new.berecruited.com/athletes/2452616
As long as Kiser is a walk-on I'm pretty happy with this move. Seems like a fine player and someone you'd like to see if you could develop and he could possibly earn a scholarship if the coaching staff sees potential down the road, but at first glance he's not the type of athlete that stands out, but could possibly become nice bench player or role player with stout defense when he comes in the game. I think at this stage in Valpo's program we should be only offering scholarships to players that the coaching staff sees as being potential starters down the road by their junior/senior year, or have a skill set that really makes an impact on the game when he's out on the floor. No risk in adding Kiser as a walk-on and best of luck to him and I hope he develops into the best basketball player/man/student athlete he can be at Valpo.
If Keith's appeal gets denied I still wouldn't offer the scholarship to Kiser this year. I'd role with one scholarship down and role it into next season for next years potential recruit with a higher ceiling recruit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-y8EYoo2tg
The biggest question: how good is his bench celebration game?
I think with Nick Davidson's senior leadership I think the bench celebration game will be strong this year haha
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:14810025
With the success that Valpo has had in the last 5 years we should be landing 3* recruits on a regular basis. If UIC and NKU can get multiple 3*'s we should as well. I don't care about if our facilities aren't as nice, recruits would rather win and play in big games.
Ray was a good recruiter but bad coach
Billy was a good coach but bad recruiter
Time will tell which one Lottich is.
It is good to see us make at least some some inroads into Indiana recruiting. Smits and Kiser obviously were not heavily recruited by power D-1 schools. They (fortunately) fell through the cracks to us. But the trend is positive.
In the future, hopefully we can sign a few of the prime Indiana players. The state is loaded with them each year, but Valpo has been a non-factor. Bryce and Roger were good overall recruiters, but they were schooled by other coaches in their own state. Perhaps that will change under Lottich.
We have to go all the way back to Kenny Harris to see Valpo attract a prime national-level recruit. Matt Kenney and Clay Yeo were good, but they were not in Harris' category.
Quote from: VU2014 on June 20, 2016, 08:57:57 AM
As long as Kiser is a walk-on I'm pretty happy with this move. Seems like a fine player and someone you'd like to see if you could develop and he could possibly earn a scholarship if the coaching staff sees potential down the road, but at first glance he's not the type of athlete that stands out, but could possibly become nice bench player or role player with stout defense when he comes in the game. I think at this stage in Valpo's program we should be only offering scholarships to players that the coaching staff sees as being potential starters down the road by their junior/senior year, or have a skill set that really makes an impact on the game when he's out on the floor. No risk in adding Kiser as a walk-on and best of luck to him and I hope he develops into the best basketball player/man/student athlete he can be at Valpo.
If Keith's appeal gets denied I still wouldn't offer the scholarship to Kiser this year. I'd role with one scholarship down and role it into next season for next years potential recruit with a higher ceiling recruit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-y8EYoo2tg
Just watched the game. Very exciting but Noblesville did lose to Fort Wayne Southside 73-70 in OT. Kiser played well (major understatement), scoring 41 with 11 rebounds and going 8 for 8 from the line. The kid played point or at least handled the ball for much of the time and showed an ability to drive to the hoop with a couple of two handed slams. Solid handle and very solid defense as well. Could be an excellent get for Valpo.
Quote from: VULB#62 on June 19, 2016, 09:51:34 PM
But could he slide into a scholarship slot if one becomes available?
Doubtful. He only had one scholarship offer, from Division II Hillsdale.
http://verbalcommits.com/players/john-kiser
But Hillsdale is a top D-2 program, that could beat many lower level D-1 schools. Maybe we have another Drew Ferry on our hands, but someone who might stay long-term :).
Quote from: valpotx on June 21, 2016, 10:22:00 AM
But Hillsdale is a top D-2 program, that could beat many lower level D-1 schools. Maybe we have another Drew Ferry on our hands, but someone who might stay long-term :).
Or a Dwayne Toatley.
I watched the game and I was impressed but not enough to spend a scholarship on him yet. He just doesn't scream impact player, which is fine because every team needs guys who are role guys and good bench players. I don't think Valpo will ever be a team that consistently gets multiple 3 star recruits every year, but I think we should be getting 1 every year. But at the same time I think the "3 star" characterization is somewhat overrated. Jay Harris was a 3-star guy but I could tell from the moment he step on the floor there was no way he was that great of a player.
I don't want to beat a dead horse but the reason UIC, NKU and Oakland get 3-star is because of the arena and athletic facilities and also having very charismatic coaches. With UIC they can sell kids on the big city and being in Chicago and I think Steve McClain also convinces kids with in different ways (cough-cough: $$$ cough: $). Interestingly though many kids from the inner-city have absolutely zero desire to play for UIC because they want to get out out of the city and they also know that absolutely no one cares about UIC basketball but many kids from outside the city don't know that and they look at wanting to play in a big city and are a little more naive. NKU just has great facilities and seems like their coach is a pretty good recruiter. (side note: we snagged NKU's former assistant Reggie Ragland who recruits the Indiana region pretty well) As for Oakland they have a really nice athletic facilities and Kampe is an extremely personable guy and he's a good coach that has been there for forever. Kampe gets some of his best players from transfers that have character or judgement issues that other teams won't take chances on. Martez Walker got kicked out of Texas for assaulting his girlfriend and trespassing charges. One of their 4-star transfer is a this year got kicked out of school at Oklahoma State for drug possession and public urination. Oakland had 2 players a couple years ago that were arrested for allegedly raping a girl. Kampe has proven to role with questionable character/judgement players if he thinks they can win him games.
Facilities/arena do have a huge impact on 18 year old kids decisions of where they want to play. Obviously has a ton to do with relationship/fit with coaches but lets not act like facilities don't play a role in our lack of 3-stars in the past. There have been rumblings for years that Bryce/Homer were pleading with management for improve facilities. New facilities or new ARC won't happen till an alum or many Alum's write huge checks specifically for a new ARC. From what I've heard and seen from Lottich so far I'm pretty confident Lottich can do a pretty good job recruiting with what we have. The biggest thing for recruiting now is proving the coaching chops and winning. If he show he's a good coach and continues the winning then he'll definitely be able to sway recruits and transfers. I'm optimistic.
Quote from: Valpower on June 21, 2016, 11:31:10 AM
Quote from: valpotx on June 21, 2016, 10:22:00 AM
But Hillsdale is a top D-2 program, that could beat many lower level D-1 schools. Maybe we have another Drew Ferry on our hands, but someone who might stay long-term :).
Or a Dwayne Toatley.
I always forget that he was a walk-on, because he was a main contributor during my FR/SO years at Valpo.
Quote from: VU2014 on June 21, 2016, 12:28:10 PM
I watched the game and I was impressed but not enough to spend a scholarship on him yet. He just doesn't scream impact player, which is fine because every team needs guys who are role guys and good bench players. I don't think Valpo will ever be a team that consistently gets multiple 3 star recruits every year, but I think we should be getting 1 every year. But at the same time I think the "3 star" characterization is somewhat overrated. Jay Harris was a 3-star guy but I could tell from the moment he step on the floor there was no way he was that great of a player.
I don't want to beat a dead horse but the reason UIC, NKU and Oakland get 3-star is because of the arena and athletic facilities and also having very charismatic coaches. With UIC they can sell kids on the big city and being in Chicago and I think Steve McClain also convinces kids with in different ways (cough-cough: $$$ cough: $). Interestingly though many kids from the inner-city have absolutely zero desire to play for UIC because they want to get out out of the city and they also know that absolutely no one cares about UIC basketball but many kids from outside the city don't know that and they look at wanting to play in a big city and are a little more naive. NKU just has great facilities and seems like their coach is a pretty good recruiter. (side note: we snagged NKU's former assistant Reggie Ragland who recruits the Indiana region pretty well) As for Oakland they have a really nice athletic facilities and Kampe is an extremely personable guy and he's a good coach that has been there for forever. Kampe gets some of his best players from transfers that have character or judgement issues that other teams won't take chances on. Martez Walker got kicked out of Texas for assaulting his girlfriend and trespassing charges. One of their 4-star transfer is a this year got kicked out of school at Oklahoma State for drug possession and public urination. Oakland had 2 players a couple years ago that were arrested for allegedly raping a girl. Kampe has proven to role with questionable character/judgement players if he thinks they can win him games.
Facilities/arena do have a huge impact on 18 year old kids decisions of where they want to play. Obviously has a ton to do with relationship/fit with coaches but lets not act like facilities don't play a role in our lack of 3-stars in the past. There have been rumblings for years that Bryce/Homer were pleading with management for improve facilities. New facilities or new ARC won't happen till an alum or many Alum's write huge checks specifically for a new ARC. From what I've heard and seen from Lottich so far I'm pretty confident Lottich can do a pretty good job recruiting with what we have. The biggest thing for recruiting now is proving the coaching chops and winning. If he show he's a good coach and continues the winning then he'll definitely be able to sway recruits and transfers. I'm optimistic.
Not sure I agree on Oakland though I've never set foot in the 3000 seat O'Rena. This article is a good read on where Kampe sits now that he has another contract extention all the while being probably the lowest paid coach in the Horizon. The article says that Oakland doesn't even have a film room let alone a practice facility. Hilltop provides a very nice practice facility that will be even more closed to other sports going forward and, I think I'm right on this, will have air conditioning added.
Here's the article:POSTED: 05/01/16, 4:34 PM EDT | UPDATED: ON 05/02/2016
At a glance, it was a rubber stamp moment at a meeting of the Oakland University Board of Trustees.
Men's basketball coach Greg Kampe's contract was extended by three years, through 2020, on April 11. No open discussion.
It was presented like a formality, Kampe, in his position since 1984, and widely considered the face of the university, securely in place.
Buried was how the extension may be the beginning of the end for Kampe at OU, and how expectations have changed with considerable delusion blended in.
It was more a take-it-or-leave moment for Kampe. He took it, but upon further examination, you may wonder why.
Kay Felder, the Golden Grizzlies' third-team Associated Press All-American point guard, had signed with an agent three days prior, meaning he officially declared for the NBA Draft to the point of no return to OU.
Had he come back, Felder would have been a consensus first-team preseason All-American. Oakland likely would have received votes in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 and been the consensus favorite to win the Horizon League. You'd hear a groundswell of discussion about how the Golden Grizzlies were about to become the next Butler or Gonzaga or Wichita State, although it would be overblown.
Instead, Kampe is left without Felder, his best big man in Percy Gibson and 3-point shooter deluxe Max Hooper — and much noise about what could have been.
The path to the NCAA tournament was so clear in March. Oakland placed second in the Horizon League, earning a double-bye to the semifinals of the conference tournament. They were essentially in a friendly environment — at Joe Louis Arena. Valparaiso, the best team in the league, was upset by Green Bay.
Then it happened for the second straight year. Felder struggled, including missing a crucial layup down the stretch, and OU lost to Wright State, a team it clocked twice during the regular season. The year before, Oakland was upset in the Horizon League tournament by Illinois-Chicago.
All of a sudden everything Kampe has accomplished at OU — gradually turning the program into a Division II power, guiding it smoothly under difficult circumstances into Division I, reaching the NCAA Division I tournament three times, developing some of the best players in college basketball, performing surprisingly well after taking the step up to the Horizon League, consistently beating Detroit — was forgotten.
At one point, Kampe even stepped in as interim athletic director. He was a steadying presence during an difficult time for OU — the controversial parting from the school of longtime president Gary Russi and his wife, women's basketball coach Beckie Francis.
Kampe has always had detractors, but they grew in the face of the loss at Joe Louis Arena, especially after Wright State fired its coach anyway, as did Milwaukee and Detroit.
It wasn't Kampe so much being "rewarded" an extension as much as OU athletic director Jeff Konya getting Kampe what he could under the circumstances to prevent the perception Kampe is a lame duck. He was entering the last year of his contract.
It involved only a modest pay raise — from $275,000 to $288,000 per year. And the length of the contract as presented is misleading. If Kampe, as an at-will employee, is dismissed, he will only be paid two years of the contract. Kampe is the lowest paid of the Division I men's college basketball coaches in this state, the only one below $300,000 annually.
Oakland doesn't have a film room, let alone a practice facility. The O'Rena is nice and quaint, but it only holds slightly more than 4,000.
Yet, Kampe is not being respected as much for defying the odds as questioned for not getting Oakland back in the NCAA tournament since moving to the Horizon League.
Adding salt to the wound is that when Detroit signed its new head coach, Bacari Alexander, multiple sources indicated it was for considerably more than $400,000 per year (Detroit, as a private university, doesn't publicly reveal contract figures). Illinois-Chicago is paying its men's coach $375,000 annually. Milwaukee coach Rob Jeter was reportedly making more than $450,000 when dismissed.
Asked about his contract situation last week, the usually candid Kampe was uncharacteristically vague and guarded. "I signed it. Nobody forced me to do it, and I'm going to do, as always, my best for Oakland University," Kampe said.
Kampe is urgently searching the junior college ranks for a point guard to replace Felder, who is widely being projected as a second-round selection in the upcoming NBA Draft.
"I advised Kay I thought he would have been able to improve his position in the NBA Draft if he returned for his senior season," Kampe said. "But he has other advisors, who are also looking out for his best interests. Once he made the final decision, I am all for it. I support him and his decision 1,000 percent."
Konya admits there is imbalance between what Kampe has accomplished compared to expectations given OU's limited resources, which he is leading an effort to build.
"Greg has out-kicked his coverage," Konya said.
He added while
Kampe is the lowest-paid Division I men's basketball coach in the state, he is, "still in the bandwidth of the others."
Konya said the negotiations with Kampe were in January, before there were several coaching changes in the Horizon League.
"There is a commitment there," Konya said. "But to be fair, in this latest consideration, we wanted to be consistent with what the parameters were at the time we were having that conversation. And we may have to re-engage in the conversation at the appropriate time because the scales have been altered. And I would welcome that conversation with coach (Kampe) in a year or two with further success."
Here is the bottom line about Kampe at Oakland:
• The school has never had a disastrous season under his helm and he has been academically responsible.
•
OU has very limited facilities compared to its suddenly soaring expectations, certainly compared to its foes in the Horizon League, most of which OU has consistently been beating, and definitely in comparison to Butler, Gonzaga and Wichita State.
• Kampe is one constant that has carried and represented OU beyond some difficult, trying, troubling and, frankly, embarrassing times.
• A replacement for Kampe would be far more costly and present no guarantee of improvement, especially
when it's considered how limited OU's basketball facilities and budget are compared to other Division I men's programs.• Kampe has gotten more from less at OU than evidently the powers to be at the university understand, including the governor-appointed board of trustees and president George W. Hynd.
• It's like Kampe is being taken for granted, and that reflects poorly on Oakland University.
Quote from: valpotx on June 21, 2016, 01:36:55 PM
Quote from: Valpower on June 21, 2016, 11:31:10 AM
Quote from: valpotx on June 21, 2016, 10:22:00 AM
But Hillsdale is a top D-2 program, that could beat many lower level D-1 schools. Maybe we have another Drew Ferry on our hands, but someone who might stay long-term :).
Or a Dwayne Toatley.
I always forget that he was a walk-on, because he was a main contributor during my FR/SO years at Valpo.
He started out as a walk-on, coming from D2 Minnesota Duluth. Dwayne was a very close friend of Jared Nuness. Dwayne did earn a scholarship which was, as I recall, for his senior year, but may have been for his final two, the seasons you reference where he was a main contributor.
We just signed a walk-on who averaged 21 points a game for a 4A school that plays in arguably the toughest sectional in the state. We get a free look and if he is worthy he may qualify for a scholarship. Next year we will have 5 available. He is a career FT shooter of over 80%. I seen him play he is a great find with zero risk.
I had some time last night and compiled a list of all the walk-ons we have had in our D1 lifetime. You can count on one hand the number of legitimate game contributors. No guarantee this is completely accurate but it should stir some memories.
Krautstrunk, Steve 1976-1978
Borrasso, Jim 1977-1979
Kriss, Rick 1978-1979
Kleckner, Dave 1981-1982
Casey, Nigel 1982-1984
McMahon, Dave 1985-1988
Tilden, Paul 1986-1987
Luethy, Dave 1979-1983
McKenzie, Craig 1988-1990
Dinnon, Matt 1989-1992
Groll, Jon 1991-1992
Lockhart, Scott 1993-1994
Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem 1994-1996
Rieman, Derek 1996-1997
Graham, Aric 1997-1999
Sparks, Chris 1997-2000
Kesler, Rob 1999-2000
Tenuta, JP 1999-2000
Toatley, Dwayne 1999-2001
Mailhot, Jeff 2000-2001
Kedrowski, Jon 2000-2002
Hawkins, Jason 2000-2003
Hooper, Jim 2003-2006
Kent, Mark 2004-2005
Mullen, Dan 2004-2005
Bennett, Matt 2006-2008
Ferry, Andrew 2008-2009
Fumey, Benjamin 2008-2009
Shelton, Nick 2008-2012
Carpenter, Griffyn 2011-2012
Stegelmann, Nathan 2011-2012
Levingston Simon, Chandler 2015-pres.
Kiser is zero risk and could turn out to be a contributor and earn a scholarship if the coaches like him. Sounds like a good pick up.
VU72, ACO is pretty nice. Been there twice, I believe they treat it as the practice facilities for the men's basketball program and they must have a video room. They are in D1 athletics. It might not be a designate "video room" but there is absolutely no way they don't a room where they break down video with team. It was definitely an interesting article though. From an outsiders point of view I would think Oakland would be extremely grateful to Kampe because he is a really good coach. Not sure why he'd be on the hot seat even with some tough late season losses the lat view years. Article just made Oakland feel really down on the state of athletics. From everything I've heard is that they have one of the better mid-major athletic departments in the country. Interesting though. Thank you for sharing.
Quote from: VU2014 on June 21, 2016, 03:24:35 PM
Kiser is zero risk and could turn out to be a contributor and earn a scholarship if the coaches like him. Sounds like a good pick up.
VU72, ACO is pretty nice. Been there twice, I believe they treat it as the practice facilities for the men's basketball program and they must have a video room. They are in D1 athletics. It might not be a designate "video room" but there is absolutely no way they don't a room where they break down video with team. It was definitely an interesting article though. From an outsiders point of view I would think Oakland would be extremely grateful to Kampe because he is a really good coach. Not sure why he'd be on the hot seat even with some tough late season losses the lat view years. Article just made Oakland feel really down on the state of athletics. From everything I've heard is that they have one of the better mid-major athletic departments in the country. Interesting though. Thank you for sharing.
They crushed the McCafferty trophy almost as soon as they joined the HL.
2015-16 Oakland 62 points and 8 post season championships, next closet Wright State with 39.5. Valpo was 7th with 26
2014-15 Oakland 56, UWM40.5, Valpo 4th with 30.5
2013-14 UWM 43, Oakland 5th with 33.5, Valpo last with 20
By comparison Valpo, since going to the HL in 2007-2008, has finished 9/10, 10/10, 10/10, 10/10, 5/10, 6/9, 9/9, 4/9, 7/10.
I know Butler is long gone but for many years they were the glamour MBB team of the conference and were a part of the HL for quite some time until they left after 2011-12. But they were good in other sports as well. By comparison, here's how they did in the McCafferty from 2003 - 11: 2/8, 2/9, 2/9, 1/9, 2/10, 4/10, 1/10, 1/10, 3/10
FYI On a radio interview I recently heard with "King Kampe", he mentioned hta although he received a 3 yeear deal with a "modest" raise, he was happy that the administration authorized big increases for his assistants who apparently were on the low end of the scale for assistant coaches.
Quote from: justducky on June 19, 2016, 10:50:07 PM
Quote from: M on June 19, 2016, 06:32:10 PMJohn Kiser has committed to Valpo.
Looks like an interesting roll of the dice benefiting both parties. We get a D-1 quality (project?) player regardless of the Keith Carter appeal outcome. He comes to a solid program and institution which shows great loyalty to its chosen recruits. All else being equal I love having Indiana kids on the team.
Would he have competed against Smits in HS?
Zionsville and Noblesville are in the same conference and used to be in the same sectional, so I'm sure Kiser and Smits have played against each other. I haven't seen Kiser play, but Noblesville has a very solid program, so I'm sure he'll be an asset to Valpo's team.
1/16/15... they played each other... Smits was the "Player of the game" for his team... the video accompanying this is the John Kizer highlight reel... (You'll have to join "MaxPreps" -free- to see it)
http://www.maxpreps.com/games/basketball-winter-14-15/noblesville-vs-zionsville/1-16-2015-9SmXOjT2CUeQGrjiiulZ3g.htm
Thanks for the info, talksalot...wish we could see more of the game to see how Kizer did vs. Smits
Think Derrik helped recruit him?
I don't think that Benjamin Fumey was a walk-on. The guy went pro after his second season, and came from Germany.
Quote from: valpotx on June 22, 2016, 10:29:34 PM
I don't think that Benjamin Fumey was a walk-on. The guy went pro after his second season, and came from Germany.
The Benjamin Fumey situation was such a mixed up mess that I am not sure if you could even call him a real member of the team ???
Quote from: FWalum on June 23, 2016, 07:49:01 AM
Quote from: valpotx on June 22, 2016, 10:29:34 PM
I don't think that Benjamin Fumey was a walk-on. The guy went pro after his second season, and came from Germany.
The Benjamin Fumey situation was such a mixed up mess that I am not sure if you could even call him a real member of the team ???
He was signed to the team after the coaches saw one VHS tape of him. That was it.
Quote from: justducky on June 19, 2016, 10:50:07 PM
Would he have competed against Smits in HS?
Yes, the Hoosier Crossroads Conference.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosier_Crossroads_Conference
Lately the most successful in has probably been HSE.
Quote from: bbtds on June 23, 2016, 12:42:30 PM
Quote from: justducky on June 19, 2016, 10:50:07 PM
Would he have competed against Smits in HS?
Yes, the Hoosier Crossroads Conference.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosier_Crossroads_Conference
Lately the most successful in has probably been HSE.
Not to hi-jack the thread, but I scrolled down a bit further and saw
Largest High School Gyms in the US. It's a real shame that Indiana is not well represented......
State City Venue Capacity
1
Indiana New Castle New Castle Fieldhouse 9,325
2
Indiana East Chicago John A. Baratto Athletic Center 8,296
3
Indiana Seymour Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium 8,110
4
Indiana Richmond Tiernan Center 8,100
5
Indiana Muncie Muncie Fieldhouse 7,635
6
Indiana Marion Bill Green Athletic Arena 7,560
7 Texas Dallas Alfred J. Loos Fieldhouse 7,500
8
Indiana Elkhart North Side Gymnasium 7,373
9
Indiana Michigan City "The Wolves' Den" Gym 7,304
10
Indiana Gary West Side High School Gym 7,217
11
Indiana Lafayette Jefferson High School Gym 7,200
12
Indiana Southport Southport High School Gym 7,124
13
Indiana Washington "The Hatchet House" 7,090
14
Indiana Columbus Memorial Gymnasium 7,071
15= Arizona Chinle Wildcat Den 7,000
15= Kentucky Somerset Pulaski County High School Gym 7,000
Quote from: bbtds on June 12, 2016, 12:46:11 PM
Daily Southtown story on George Willborn III
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/sports/ct-sta-boys-basketball-de-la-salle-george-willborn-st-0108-20160107-story.html
Willborn also is an excellent student. He scored a 24 on the ACT and boasts a 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale. His ability to shine in the classroom and on the court has attracted a wide range of college suitors, including Tennessee State, George Washington, Furman, Chicago State, Southern Illinois, South Dakota State and others.
While Willborn's preference is to pick a college beyond the Chicago area, he'll sit down with his family before making a final decision.
"It's going to come down to which school puts me in the best position to reach my goals," Willborn said.
Willborn chose Texas-San Antonio.