Does it seem odd that there wasn't an opportunity for Bryce to address the fans and school before he left? Given his commitment to the university and the success he brought to the program, I thought there might even be an outgoing "press conference" or some gathering to recognize his contributions and wish him well and thank him for everything he has done for VU. And an opportunity for Bryce to express his appreciation for the opportunity VU gave him. Perhaps I expected too much.
Anyone else think it is odd that nothing was said or done? (Correct me if I'm wrong and there was something done)
Who cares? Move on! It is Lottich time!
Who is Bryce? Who is David Skara? Time to move on.
Quote from: valpolaw on May 10, 2016, 12:40:31 PM
Who is Bryce? Who is David Skara? Time to move on.
Skara and Bruce belong to Vandy now (or might soon).
Shouldn't Bryce have given two weeks notice? :)
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 10, 2016, 11:26:59 AMAnyone else think it is odd that nothing was said or done?
Yes, I think it's a little odd that Bryce didn't give an interview, or a shout-out somewhere, or _something_.
That said, I'm not sure what's conventional in these situations. Either coaching moves in general, or in specific cases where they have deep ties, etc.
Quote from: agibson on May 10, 2016, 05:44:40 PM
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 10, 2016, 11:26:59 AMAnyone else think it is odd that nothing was said or done?
Yes, I think it's a little odd that Bryce didn't give an interview, or a shout-out somewhere, or _something_.
That said, I'm not sure what's conventional in these situations. Either coaching moves in general, or in specific cases where they have deep ties, etc.
Probably because there isn't any convention on the subject. I do remember Scott giving props to Valpo after he left after only one year.
Touche.
I don't think it is unusual for there not being a presser or a going away party for a departing coach, unless they retired. That said, an interview/press release given to local media would have shown a bit of class.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/05/15/vanderbilts-bryce-drew-keeps-promise-valparaiso-graduation/84417272/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
Bryce was at graduation yesterday.
https://twitter.com/AdamSparks/status/732024016240807936
I'm wondering if a note was slipped to David Skara during the Valpo visit. Do you think?
In a related note, Vanderbilt has just made another big hire for its women's basketball head coach. Stephanie White is a former Miss Indiana Basketball—to go along with Bryce as a former Indiana Mr. Basketball—and the current head coach of the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. (She will finish the WNBA season before moving to Vandy.) You have to give Vandy Athletics credit for their hires. Must be nice to have their budget!
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4398b5fd889743adacf28fba5f55448e/vanderbilt-hires-stephanie-white-wnbas-fever-coach (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4398b5fd889743adacf28fba5f55448e/vanderbilt-hires-stephanie-white-wnbas-fever-coach)
Welcome to the big time, Stephanie.
From the article..........
"White will become Vanderbilt's fifth coach and replaces the program's winningest one. Melanie Balcomb resigned April 27 after going 310-149 over 14 seasons, reaching the NCAA Tournament 12 times. But failing to make the field each of the past two seasons led to Balcomb's departure from a program that reached its last regional semifinal in 2009 — the same year Vanderbilt won the last of its six Southeastern Conference Tournament titles. This is a program that reached the Final Four in 1993 and has four Elite Eight berths and seven Sweet 16s since 1992. But the Commodores have not finished a season in The Associated Press' final rankings since 2009."
According to their fan board, Balcomb was making over $2 million/year.
Random bit of news:
https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/815655170986086400
https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/815653803798265856
One of Vandy/Bryce's most talented players is transferring to IUPUI.
http://www.midmajormadness.com/2017/1/1/14140320/iupui-jaguars-vanderbilt-commodores-transfer-guard-camron-justice-decision-commitment
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/12/13/vanderbilt-basketball-player-camron-justice-transferring/95383280/
Quote from: VU2014 on January 02, 2017, 12:47:42 PMRandom bit of news: https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/815655170986086400 https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/815653803798265856 One of Vandy/Bryce's most talented players is transferring to IUPUI. http://www.midmajormadness.com/2017/1/1/14140320/iupui-jaguars-vanderbilt-commodores-transfer-guard-camron-justice-decision-commitment http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2016/12/13/vanderbilt-basketball-player-camron-justice-transferring/95383280/
How does this cat qualify as one of Bryce's most talented players?
I guess it depends on how you quantify talent, I should have clarified that he was talented but not a great fit for Bryce's scheme apparently from what I've read and was looking for opportunity to get minutes elsewhere because he was blocked. He was a consensus 3-4 star recruit (which means nothing in the grand scheme (Alec was unranked by ESPN and Rivals, but developed into be one of the best players in the country). He was a Kevin Stallings recruit. Talent doesn't always mean best player on the team in my opinion.
But I he was getting recruited by Butler among others.
"Justice was one of the best players in the state as he was named the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball during his senior season. He also finished as the third-leading scorer in Kentucky high school history with 3,588 points during his career."
http://www.midmajormadness.com/2017/1/1/14140320/iupui-jaguars-vanderbilt-commodores-transfer-guard-camron-justice-decision-commitment
I more or less shared it because I thought it was an interesting note because he was with Bryce in Vandy and was transferring to a fellow Indiana school. I didn't mean it as Bryce lost an All American or anything. Just an interesting note.
https://twitter.com/Catch_N_Shoot/status/834557905785454592
I've seen Vandy a few times this year and I'm not quite sure they are an outright NCAA Tourney Bid team... They've improved as the season went on but still not sure they deserve it.
I'm not sure about Vandy in and Valpo out at this point. Lunardi doesn't even mention Vandy and some of the other brackets I've seen also have them out. At best they seem to be on the wrong side of the bubble. If they have a run in the SEC tournament maybe.
Valpo may not make it either but this seems like a tweeter looking for some attention.
Bryce and Vandy should do the NIT thing :lol:
Some Tennessee fan threw a water bottle at Vanderbilt's bench during the game...
Angry Vols fan throws water bottle at Vanderbilt bench
https://twitter.com/dbc5361/status/834589672861003776
Wednesday was not a good night for Tennessee, as the team posted 56 points on 29 percent shooting - both of which were season lows - in its loss to Vanderbilt.
At one point during the game, a Vols fan grew so frustrated that he launched a water bottle at the Vanderbilt bench. He immediately showed himself out afterward.
Could that have been an assault with a "deadly" weapon? At least an attempted assault. My guess the Tennessee folks are looking for this guy in any event.
QuoteCould that have been an assault with a "deadly" weapon? At least an attempted assault. My guess the Tennessee folks are looking for this guy in any event.
nah. maybe these days that is "assault" but I just call that being an idiot. Just ban the guy from the building to send a message to other fans. Maybe fine the guy or something. Just dumb and uncivil.
So a Valpo-Vandy NIT game is a possibility. Who would get to host? If we are a #1 seed again, .....
Do we accept an NIT bid? I think Alec and the boys would be playing at half speed unless, we end up playing Vandy!!
I think we would accept an NIT bid but it would be a huge disappointment. This season is NCAA Tournament or bust. NIT was fun last year but we have been there and done that with the leaders and core of this team already and anything less than winning the Conference Tournament and getting an NCAA makes this season a disappointment.
I'd think they accept any bid. Alec doesn't know how to play at half speed.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2017, 11:51:56 AM
I think we would accept an NIT bid but it would be a huge disappointment. This season is NCAA Tournament of bust. NIT was fun last year but we have been there and done that with the leaders and core of this team already and anything less than winning the Conference Tournament and getting an NCAA makes this season a disappointment.
You get over the disappointment as quickly as possible and play as well as you are capable. Much like the disappointment of not having Jubril on your team from December on. They are trying to get over it and dedicate themselves to playing as well as they are capable using the cause of honoring their teammate to propel them to wins--
team unity.
No team in last year's NIT wanted to be in the NIT more than they wanted to be in the NCAA tournament. But once the reality sunk in they made the best of their situation by going as far in the NIT as they were capable. Valpo finished second and made the most they could of the disappointing situation.
Quote from: bbtds on February 23, 2017, 12:06:04 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2017, 11:51:56 AM
I think we would accept an NIT bid but it would be a huge disappointment. This season is NCAA Tournament of bust. NIT was fun last year but we have been there and done that with the leaders and core of this team already and anything less than winning the Conference Tournament and getting an NCAA makes this season a disappointment.
You get over the disappointment as quickly as possible and play as well as you are capable. Much like the disappointment of not having Jubril on your team from December on. They are trying to get over it and dedicate themselves to playing as well as they are capable using the cause of honoring their teammate to propel them to wins--team unity.
No team in last year's NIT wanted to be in the NIT more than they wanted to be in the NCAA tournament. But once the reality sunk in they made the best of their situation by going as far in the NIT as they were capable. Valpo finished second and made the most they could of the disappointing situation.
It isn't just about "getting over it," either. It's more about the fact that, as a mid-major, you can't typically schedule the quality teams you get to face in the NIT, let alone at home. It would be invaluable experience for the freshman and, therefore, especially critical in a rebuilding year.
Quote from: M on February 23, 2017, 11:55:29 AM
I'd think they accept any bid. Alec doesn't know how to play at half speed.
If I'm Alec, it's NCAA or get to work on being drafted. I agree with professional bound players not participating in non core tournaments.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 23, 2017, 08:56:58 PMI agree with professional bound players not participating in non core tournaments.
I might agree that playing in one of the low level tournaments like the CIT could be an optional event, but I believe a player sitting out of a tournament, the athletic department and coaches have decided to participate in, goes against every principle of a team sport. So go ahead and screw your brothers, forget about things like loyalty and honor and just think about yourself. This recent development of a completely "I" centric philosophy just shows how selfish and obsessed with personal rights this society has become. Not everyone is going to get a shot at the NBA, but playing in a "non core" tournament (I don't think you can call the NCAA's NIT tournament "non core") might give a player like Shane the opportunity to shine and be noticed by another professional organization. Screw the freshman player that would gain invaluable experience playing in the NIT. I understand there are risks involved, but I just don't get this whole trend.
Quote from: FWalum on February 23, 2017, 11:36:44 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 23, 2017, 08:56:58 PMI agree with professional bound players not participating in non core tournaments.
I might agree that playing in one of the low level tournaments like the CIT could be an optional event, but I believe a player sitting out of a tournament, the athletic department and coaches have decided to participate in, goes against every principle of a team sport. So go ahead and screw your brothers, forget about things like loyalty and honor and just think about yourself. This recent development of a completely "I" centric philosophy just shows how selfish and obsessed with personal rights this society has become. Not everyone is going to get a shot at the NBA, but playing in a "non core" tournament (I don't think you can call the NCAA's NIT tournament "non core") might give a player like Shane the opportunity to shine and be noticed by another professional organization. Screw the freshman player that would gain invaluable experience playing in the NIT. I understand there are risks involved, but I just don't get this whole trend.
He can PAY for insurance against injury in such a scenario. But short of that...are YOU going to pay him the millions he loses with injury in NIT or worse? This is pure emotions and you certainly have a right to your wrong opinion.
I also HATE not seeing a player give his best, and I feel deflated when they don't play in post season bowl games or tournaments. But NONE of us would turn down millions for 1 stupid game in sub par post season.
I think, after watching him for four years and listening to his senior night speech, that he would play in any tournament the team entered in to. He is just too great a competitor and too good of a teammate to turn his back on his team. Hopefully it won't matter and they will win 5 more in a row or whatever it is to get that NCAA invite.
Big picture, you accept NIT without a doubt. You never miss a chance to help build brand recognition/recruiting. While disappointing, Valpo received a lot of both during last years NIT run. If Alec chooses not to participate, which I dont think he would do, then thats on him. If not the NCAAT, all of the other tourneys give you a chance to look at the future and give the team another chance to remain together and play for a few more games/weeks.
I think if we don't make the Tourney and then we get an invite to the NIT I think we accept it because that experience is invaluable for guys like Micah, Smits, and Jay. They are the future and you want to get them that tourney experience against high level competition. There is no two way about it that it would be a huge disappointment for this team to not win the conference tourney and make it to the big dance. I think Alec would participate even though he technically has nothing to gain from it. Maybe scouts/GMs would be turned off that he wouldn't be willing to compete if he chose not to compete. To be clear I think he'd play because he's a team guy and doesn't want to let down his teammates and he's just a flat out competitor.
That being said lets get off the NIT topic. I don't think we should be talking about that right now because we should all have the expectation to win the conference tourney with this team. We will cross that bridge if we get there.
I've said this in previous years, but post season tournaments also are important because you can continue to practice as a team. In addition to the game experience, it's a couple more weeks (hopefully) of practices with those freshmen and transfers together.
This day 19 years ago: "The Shot"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rm_eAiV4dA
Still, after 19 years, #9 on YouTube For Top 25 NCAA Upsets of all Time.
Bryce is going to appear on ESPN 1000 AM radio at noon if you want to tune to hear his interview.
https://twitter.com/thekapman/status/841648195453222913
Bryce is doing the interview right now...
http://tunein.com/radio/ESPN-Chicago-1000-s21297/
If you want to list Bryce Interview it starts at the 6:00min mark and ends at the 16:30min mark. It's actually worth a listen.
-Talks about how difficult it was scheduling Power Conference Teams to the ARC (and general struggles of being a MidMajor)
-Touch on Conference consolidations affecting MMs
-Difference between SEC & The Horizon League
-Talked about his Vandy team
-Also previews his matchup against Northwestern on Thursday.
http://www.espn.com/espnradio/chicago/play?id=18907849
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/847994502841348096