Messages

Hilarious to read through this old thread!  Glad to see it resurrected.  VU72 was straight trollin' and you all were none the wiser. 

I really liked the posts from dcvalpo.  Insightful, honest, hilarious.  He is dearly missed.

dcvalpo had a knack for igniting conversation. I will say that much. Does anybody have any doubts that Valpo is not on the same level as Butler anymore? After a win against #1 IU, I'm a steadfast believer that Butler IS head and shoulders better than Valpo. I love that we were able to soundly defeat them a couple of times last season, but I think those days are over. If we are fortunate enough to even get a game against them in the future, we will be an underdog for sure (as we always were looked at that way).

LaPortAveApostle, Brilliant sir. I like it.

I love the optimism 72, but with recent road performances I have to classify myself as a doubter. I'm including that intangible Valpo factor that always inhibits us from shooting well against bigger opponents on the road. Somebody brought it up earlier. Why can our program not pick up a big win on the road? So many other programs in the Horizon manage to get one every year, but for some reason not us. What's the deal? What explains it?

[Let's remember Valpo was also 5-2 at this point last year, and then went on to lose four more December games to IPFW, Oakland, and IUPUI, as well as a home game against Milwaukee! Yet, the team came together to win the conference season title and only fell short at the conference tournament championship game. I am optimistic and looking for this team to repeat, but to win the championship game this time.]

We are at best an average to just below average team right now.  They say that one sign of good coaching is whether a team gets better as the season goes along. So, we'll see what happens. If this team continues to sputter, Bryce Drew won't have to field any calls after the season from teams looking for a new coach like Miss St last year.

Paul

Let's remember Valpo was also 5-2 at this point last year, and then went on to lose four more December games to IPFW, Oakland, and IUPUI, as well as a home game against Milwaukee!

Yet, the team came together to win the conference season title and only fell short at the conference tournament championship game. I am optimistic and looking for this team to repeat, but to win the championship game this time.

I totally agree. And to VU72, you are right as well. Capo just had a poor performance today, and Rowdy was just totally shut down. Nobody had any rhythm today whatsoever.

Capo does have talent, I don't know why you think he has none. Well, he did shoot poorly today. I can see that being a reason. I believe he will improve from this. As for Buggs, it really hurts to know we are playing 4 on 5 because they know allowing him to shoot a three is likely to result in a brick or an airball.

I hope the CBS games are a free stream, because this past March Madness was the first time they required paying for online streaming. I was kind of upset by that.

I've never seen Capobianco play, but if he is more like KVW it will be a change for Valpo to play offense with two post players.  If that is the case, I would expect that a Broekhoff, KVW, Capobianco lineup will be rare - especially early in the season and against better opponents.  If Capobianco is more mobile than KVW (not meant as a negative on KVW), then that lineup could be used more often (and could be very good).

Broekhoff is Valpo's best player and will get 30-35 minutes per game.  He can play the 2, 3 or 4.  KVW is the next best player and will get all of the minutes he can handle - assume 25-28 minutes per game.  KVW really can only play the 5 in college unless the opponent has two low post players (rare in college).  Rossi and Capobianco will get playing time around that.  If Rossi is as good as people think he may be, he will either play a lot of 3 (with Broekhoff playing the 4) or will compete with the other 2's for playing time.  Thus, Capobianco's flexibilty to play the 4 or 5 becomes the key since that would open up many different lineup possibilities due to the versatility of Broekhoff.

Bobby is really good. He can bang down low, but has an inside-out game. He can shoot it pretty well, has good mobility, and gets up to throw it down pretty hard too. I have pretty high expectations about how he will produce for the team.

Time for me to get new one!....I have been in hibernation mode from this forum and am in serious need of an avatar makeover. Thanks!

If those are correct, that is a very winnable tournament for us: Tulane, Nebraska, Nebraska-Omaha, Kent State, and us

I agree. Winning a tournament like this should be some kind of resumé builder as well.

[you're gambling a whole season on 2 Horizon League tournament games. We saw how that worked last year.]

Obviously I am enthusiastic about our team next year.  We will be as loaded as any mid-major.  My point is that we need to schedule teams from major conferences that we can beat, not make us look like another patsy.  Indiana falls into that category while Penn State or Nebraska do not.  Let's get some quality wins before we win the Hroizon, then we can talk about seeding like they do on the Butler board.

I can understand that....I just think we should be careful to not schedule too many of those. It's nice to give ourselves an opportunity for a big win. But anything beyond 2 or 3, and then I think it begins to hurt you because I don't believe a loss to a high-major is as good as a win against a mid-major.

While I agree with the theory, you leave yourself little margin for error this way. Unless by "mid major" you are thinking about Gonzaga or Butler, the Mid Major's just don't carry the same prestige that beating a BCS team does. Beating Oakland is nice, and their RPI might be higher than let's say Nebraska, but beating a Big 10 opponent has more overall value.

If you're going to schedule this way, then the at large birth is out the window. Rememeber they were talking about Cleveland State at 20-4 as a bubble team for the NCAA's. If you chose to go that route, you're gambling a whole season on 2 Horizon League tournament games. We saw how that worked last year.

While this is true, when was the last time we were in a position to schedule big BCS schools regularly and actually have a chance to gain an at-large berth? I mean, don't we always have to "gamble" every year on the HL tournament? Only now (it's been a while) are we good enough to start considering trying to set up a schedule that might be good enough for an at-large.

Obviously I am enthusiastic about our team next year.  We will be as loaded as any mid-major.  My point is that we need to schedule teams from major conferences that we can beat, not make us look like another patsy.  Indiana falls into that category while Penn State or Nebraska do not.  Let's get some quality wins before we win the Hroizon, then we can talk about seeding like they do on the Butler board.

I can understand that....I just think we should be careful to not schedule too many of those. It's nice to give ourselves an opportunity for a big win. But anything beyond 2 or 3, and then I think it begins to hurt you because I don't believe a loss to a high-major is as good as a win against a mid-major.

By the way, in no way am I trying to insinuate that 72 is not an optimist, because the opposite is true! haha.

Remember now that Butler is off the schedule for next year don't we have 2 openings on the schedule?  Quite awhile ago I thought I remember hearing that we may play IU in the 2012-13 schedule.  Does anyone else remember anything about that or was it my wishful thinking over as few glasses of a good cabernet?  With Indiana's expected pre-season #1 ranking, what a great addition that game would be.

personally, i'd rather replace two potentially winnable games with other potentially winnable games, not blowouts. i'm not entirely against playing high-profile teams, both for monetary and improvement reasons. but why schedule an ass-kicking as a replacement for a game that we could win? doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

As posted above, I agree that Indiana isn't a good selection.  Nonetheless, I think 'nerds post calls the forefront one of the big differences between us and Butler.  Butler fans want to play big time opponents and we think of them as "ass-kickings".  Look, I think Indiana will be totally loaded and will beat everybody.  It is Butler's style of play that keeps them in games with over matched opponents, not talent. They grind it out, keep the defensive pressure on and hope.  Last year we beat them 3 times and they beat Purdue.  Would we view a Purdue matchup as a potential win, or another "ass-kicking"??  Not picking on nerd, just sayin...

Well 72, I like to think we have reason to raise our level of optimism with this team that is coming in next year. As the favorites to win the HL and probably make the NCAA tournament, I have more confidence in us now than before to get a win against somebody like Purdue, or Arizona, Miami, Kansas State, etc. But guys like IU, Ohio State, Duke, Kansas, UNC, etc., those are still games I don't expect to win. Just being honest about it.

Here is your chance to quit dreaming about upgrades and help make it happen...https://www.valpo.edu/givetovu/form/index.php   

And that my friend, always separates the talkers from those who are for real. Yes, I am just a talker too.

Haha!   Don't worry he will have it cut properly when he comes home next week 

I always joke about how many haircuts he gets in a year. My theory is he cuts it before the season begins, and then lets it go all the way until the end of it. Then it isn't until summer when he cuts it again.

[Michigan Community College Athletic Association Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Yea]

I've disparaged their chances in other posts before--because they are losing a ton of minutes, especially frontcourt--but looks like they're trying to reload on the fly:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120501/SPORTS0203/205010411/1004/SPORTS/Detroit-Mercy-basketball-signs-front-court-player-Ugochukwu-Njoku

Njoku is 6'11" but just 220 (man, wish I had that problem) and winner of the Most Specific Award Maybe Ever:  the "Michigan Community College Athletic Association Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year".

Shot-blocker and rebounder.  Paging Moussa Mbaye...

LOL

[perhaps even be preseason favorites]

I'm pleased to learn Rossi will be joining Valpo. I have heard some very good things about him. I understand he is fully healthy and a dedicated worker on his game. I believe he should receive the hardship waiver and be able to play in the upcoming season.

The Crusaders will have a very strong team, perhaps even be preseason favorites. More importantly, Bryce is developing a formidable program at just the right time. With the exit of Butler, whichever team appears best in the next few years will build a reputation and become the number one spot for recruits entering the Horizon League.

Huh??  Who else would be the preseason favorite other than the defending champion of the regular season who returns everyone.  Detroit?  No, they lose a bunch? Butler? Nope, they return a bunch but have unknown new guys and lose the heart and soul of the team in Nored.  It will be Valpo, and I'd be surprised if we don't get all the first place votes.

Well, we don't exactly "return everyone," especially since two significant contributors, Edwards and Harris, have left. In addition, Butler's bringing in some very good players, including arguably the best 3-point shooter in the nation, not really an "unknown new guy."

Two significant contributors - sure. Replaceable players? I believe so. Our transfers are upgrades as far as I'm concerned.

With all these goody,goody Christians coming to play ball at Valpo,perhaps we should change our fight song to:"Onward Christian Soldiers."

This has nothing to do with him as a player. If he can play, who cares?

I think he was more of a team leader than some realize.

This is not a criticism of Jay, but a simple fact. He was not a team leader.

I agree chef. Leading the dance in the huddle is not really what makes a leader. As you said, it is just a fact.

[I would still like to see one more decent quality big to replace Edwards.]

A few comments:
-Everyone is talking about Butler - don't forget about Detroit.  While we all question their coaching, they played very well in the second half of the Horizon League season and the conference tourney.
-I would still like to see one more decent quality big to replace Edwards.  That is a significant loss (when Edwards was playing well)
-How about another road trip to Lawrence?  Combine it with the trip to Missouri State.  South Florida and Long Beach State played respectably here this year, Davidson won in KC and it vaulted all of them to good seasons...why not Valpo in 12-13? (yeah I know they came here in 10-11)

I guess I don't understand your point.  Edwards left for a couple of reasons.  Probably missed Florida and family (he has a child to worry about) but certainly part of it was the fact that his playing time would be limited because of Capo and Fernandez.  Capo is bigger, tougher and probably as good an offensive player.  Add Vashil with shot blocking skills and another two scoring guards and Richie just became expendable.  So we add TWO more "decent quality bigs" not just one.

My thoughts exactly. Being concerned about who will fill Edwards' spot for next season just makes no sense. We will have more firepower down low then we did last year.

I like the added athleticism that both of these guys and hopefully Fernandez will bring to the court.  That is an area the team was sorely lacking on last year.

I have a feeling we're gonna find out soon what the Board of Directors thinks...I'm looking for an announcement soon that VU will be starting a new capital campaign.  I base this on a single comment that President Harre made at the Union dedication in 2009, that he expected the next capital campaign to begin in 2011...I figure the Board isn't going to wait until 2013 to begin the new campaign.  They meet again at the end of this month.  The consultant they hired was expected to provide the final report on the Campus Master Plan this past January.  And, since I was dead wrong and figured that a Welcome Center was the last thing in the world that would be next up to bat on the construction list, I really have no idea what the Board will select as the next building project(s). 

Paul

You are correct. The Board of Directors is scheduled to consider for approval the 20-year master plan in a couple of weeks. Once that is detailed, I believe we will see a new capital campaign introduced in the fall semester, which will be more important because it will have short-term goals that are attainable and expected. This is where we hope for some plans that will lead to renovation of the ARC.

The master pan will likely include a number of proposals for long-term transitions that might seem dramatic and even hypothetical. Rumors include a new science building, enlarging and focusing upon graduate programs, expanding the business program, restructuring of fraternity and sorority housing, a new field house, and eventually reshaping the university by building upon properties between the old campus and the new campus to unify everything.

Although I tend to believe what you are saying here, I wonder if you have a source on this. Where are you getting it from? "My guy says" is not good enough, like a certain poster used to say.

Even if his offensive skills are below what Richie did, I will be happy with a guy who plays better defense.

You couldn't find it on the horizon league network?

"Are you sure your third idea is wise? Taking on a lot of debt with the assumption that donors are just going to come to your rescue and send in the money to finish it off is pretty risky business."

" here is a great article about this very topic, and it is very risky! Roosevelt University in Chicago just spent millions on a new tower, and is having a hard time coming up with donors to back it.
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/roosevelt-universitys-new-skyscraper-is-a-gamble/Content?oid=5527026 "


I'm thinking more in line with priming the pump more than paying for it all with bonds or, conversely, waiting until every dollar has been raised before kicking it off. Get the architectural work done and paid for right away (probably would require a loan, no?) Use those plans and drawings as the center piece of the coordinated effort required to raise, what -- $10-11 million?  And I appreciate the concern expressed about Roosevelt University, but that was a $123 million gamble using a credit card so to speak.  And I also appreciate the overbuild of the Wright State arena and mistakenly going big instead of reasonable.  I think we all are thinking a lot more modestly than either of those.

One last thought.  Things never get cheaper the longer you wait -- except maybe for technology, but then the next new thing hits and the costs go up anyway. So maybe even reasonable debt service incurred now will be less expensive than later, but you economics guys out there would have a better view on that.

You have a valid point about things getting more expensive as time goes on. But how about inflation? That's why. The currency keeps getting debased, so the value of it goes down. Then obviously requires more dollars to get the same thing. Anyway, not to get too far into economics, but the idea that starting now would make more sense so that you don't pay more later is a good thought I think. But will they do something so proactive? I sure have my doubts. There is still some risk with that approach.