Comes up every year, but this year seems there is a lot of momentum from the Chicago media saying Bryce is leaving us for DePaul. Personally I don't get it. He has a fire proof job at Valpo and is building something pretty special.
I'd still be surprised if he leaves despite the report that a source close to him says he'd go to DePaul if offered. Him leaving would be a tough pill to swallow as I can only imagine who all he takes with him.
I'm hoping that DePaul decides on Hurley or Wardle and doesn't even offer Bryce, or better yet that Drew would just come out and bury all these rumors now (apparently that tweeted quote from another thread on here was too vague).
Quote from: HC on March 24, 2015, 09:15:33 PM
Comes up every year, but this year seems there is a lot of momentum from the Chicago media saying Bryce is leaving us for DePaul. Personally I don't get it. He has a fire proof job at Valpo and is building something pretty special.
I'd still be surprised (due to what others have told me) if he leaves despite the report that a source close to him says he'd go to DePaul if offered. Him leaving would be a tough pill to swallow as I can only imagine who all he takes with him.
I'm hoping that DePaul decides on Hurley or Wardle and doesn't even offer Bryce, or better yet that Drew would just come out and bury all these rumors now (apparently that tweeted quote from another thread on here was too vague).
Link to source close to Bryce?
Also, if Bryce leaves Valpo for a joke program like DePaul, he better not show his face in Valpo again.
The guy that tweeted it was a reporter for 670 the score...as I go back to Twitter an ESPN guy has Hurley as front runner.
The whole "source close to Bryce thinks he'd take it" is a bit ridiculous. Bryce probably doesn't even know of he'd take it. What'd he get drunk at a bar and tell the guy next to him that he wants a one way ticket to one of the worst power conference programs in the country?
It's a good thing that the threat of Drew leaving is out there. The thing that will keep him here, is to keep the program moving forward. So if this gets the the fieldhouse built a year earlier, which in turn gets the ARC renovated into a basketball arena a year earlier, which in turn makes Valpo the frontrunner to replace Wichita State when they jump to the Big East, then the DePaul rumor is a good thing.
Bryce would be an absolute moron to leave what he has in next year's team, for the crap DePaul program. Yes, you get to put your stamp on a program in the same general geography, but you are taking a huge risk. I don't view DePaul as that 'special' opportunity it would take, for Bryce to consider leaving Valpo. In my view, the Tulsa job he turned down would have been a much better opportunity.
How reliable is a source on the Score?
If anyone of decent quality takes the DePaul, they should ask for a long term contract and a new AD. They probably will have a new arena in a couple of years, but the location is not ideal and will have to deal with Chicago politicians who do not have a Boy Scout persona.
Sources: Bryce Drew Is DePaul's Top Target
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/24/sources-bryce-drew-is-depauls-top-target/ (http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/24/sources-bryce-drew-is-depauls-top-target/)
A source close to Drew believes that he will take the DePaul job, citing the allure of Chicago and its location still fairly close to Valparaiso, Ind., Drew's hometown and where family members live. The source said Drew was one of the candidates pushing for the Northwestern opening two years ago, which eventually went to Chris Collins.
Puzzling. He has a top 40 team and some high-major type talent for next year. I don't think he needs the money urgently or needs to jump while he is hot.
I think we all saw him going to an SEC or southern ACC school eventually because of Tara's southern ties and the south just seems to fit his personality. You can be royalty on those campuses.
Is he really that determined to live in the rain and snow of Valparaiso for the next several years? Loves his parents, but I bet they would move on to be near him or Scott if he went south in a year or two. Hoping the "source" is mistaken.
Seems Bryce Drew, and Bobby Hurley for that matter, is hotter then DePaul. If he is even interested in moving on eventually it seems to me waiting around and winning another year or 4, or 25, he could land in a place much more special then DePaul.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job)
Buffalo coach Bobby Hurley has emerged as the front-runner for the DePaul job, multiple sources told ESPN...Sources told ESPN that Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew and former DePaul star and NBA coach Tyrone Corbin also are in the mix.
Looks like Hurley is the front runner for DePaul, at least according to ESPN last night.
Quote from: valpo95 on March 25, 2015, 08:10:52 AM
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job)
Buffalo coach Bobby Hurley has emerged as the front-runner for the DePaul job, multiple sources told ESPN...Sources told ESPN that Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew and former DePaul star and NBA coach Tyrone Corbin also are in the mix.
Looks like Hurley is the front runner for DePaul, at least according to ESPN last night.
Knowing DePaul, theyll hire Corbin.
Quote from: a3uge on March 25, 2015, 08:16:41 AM
Quote from: valpo95 on March 25, 2015, 08:10:52 AM
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job)
Buffalo coach Bobby Hurley has emerged as the front-runner for the DePaul job, multiple sources told ESPN...Sources told ESPN that Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew and former DePaul star and NBA coach Tyrone Corbin also are in the mix.
I understand the history that supports DePaul picking Corbin. On the other hand, Hurley would give them a "name" with cache similar to that of Collins with whom he'll compete for recruits. And Hurley is coming off a resume building year. Front runner seems to be a good description at this time.
Looks like Hurley is the front runner for DePaul, at least according to ESPN last night.
Knowing DePaul, theyll hire Corbin.
Every year we have this thread. Every year "sources" say that he is the frontrunner at such and such school. But do any of you have any doubts, seriously? Bryce has a very special relationship with the university and the community that he will never be able to find elsewhere, and for the first time he's working with a team that he has built from the ground up. Maybe I'm mistaken, but if his choice of college out of high school is any indication, he seems like the type of person who enjoys forging their own path. Unless the relationship between him and the administration somehow sours, I don't see him going anywhere.
http://campuswatch.buffalonews.com/2015/03/25/ub-reaches-agreement-in-principle-on-new-contract-with-bobby-hurley/
Well looks like Hurley is out.
I was just listening to Mike and Mike on ESPN radio. They had Greg Marshall of Wichita State on and he said that even when he was at Winthrop before he came to Wichita, he regularly received job offers. It is just part of the business. Of course Bryce will be getting offers. He is a very successful college coach. Everyone wants success.
Or maybe not:
https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/580735017531392000
"Bobby Hurley has not signed deal to stay at Buffalo, sources told ESPN. As of this moment, source said he intends to interview with DePaul."
So long that Valpo has success Bryce Drew will be in the conversation for many different jobs around the country. Everybody wants success and they see a coach at a small Midwestern Mid-major program having success and they look to cherrypick him away. I don't foresee Bryce leaving. He can easily make Valpo the next mid-major powerhouse, easy might not be the right word but Drew is certainly capable of doing so. He's chosen to stay at Valparaiso throughout his basketball career, going way back to choose to play for his dad over major programs. Based on his history nothing tells me he's interested in leaving.
Would I be shocked if he does leave? No. Do I think he will though? No. He's one of the few coaches out there with job security, if he leaves Valpo he has a few year window, if he doesn't have success he'll get canned.
So long as Bryce is successful the interest will always be peaked of major-programs looking to make a splash.
Roy Schmidt at Bullseye said Bryce Drew was returning to Valpo 2 days ago, and now Hurley is getting a contract extension at Buffalo.
http://campuswatch.buffalonews.com/2015/03/25/ub-reaches-agreement-in-principle-on-new-contract-with-bobby-hurley/ (http://campuswatch.buffalonews.com/2015/03/25/ub-reaches-agreement-in-principle-on-new-contract-with-bobby-hurley/)
King Kampe isn't in the discussion for another job ???
I would like to think that Bryce is going to use other job offers as leverage to get the University to expedite changes to the ARC, locker rooms, practice facilities, etc.
However, Depaul is in the Big East, which is a GREAT basketball conference. They don't care about football, they only care about basketball. Great location, great conference. There is no reason a coach like Bryce couldn't have Butler/Baylor like success at a place like Depaul.
Has anyone ever stopped to think that it might be best for him to leave when we have a lot of returning talent? Give incentive for a really good coach to come here and have immediate success? Obviously, I hope this is not the case, but you never know...
The question is what are Bryce's coaching goals. Does he want to eventually contend for a final 4 or a national championship? At Valpo, the ceiling on the program is probably making the NCAA tournament 65% of the time and going to a sweet 16 an average of once every 5 years. That is the absolute BEST CASE in my opinion. At a school like Depaul, I think their ceiling is much higher. It will take a long time to turn things around and get there, but the ceiling is higher there. Look at what Scott Drew did at Baylor...
Neither Hurley or Bryce have a win in the NCAA Tourney. To be honest if I was the decision maker this would be a requirement before I chugged a crap load of money at a coach.
If Tyrone Corbin is in the mix he to me would be the logical choice with his NBA coaching experience.
Bryce still does not have a signature win. He has decent mid-major wins but has never beaten a major. We've come close many times but he doesn't have one. He has a lot to prove still in my eyes, certainly how the last 30 seconds was handled in the Maryland game.
Remember his dad's name is on the floor and that means something. No way this gets handed off to someone else for a chance to coach at Depaul.
Also, he has already said he is coming back and it would take something special for him to go. Depaul is not special. Plus Peters has said he is looking to kick the crap out of someone next year after that last loss. He doesn't make a comment like that without his coach coming back.
I'd really hate to see it, but if he is foolish enough to leave it's not the end of the world for Valpo basketball. Someone else might be able to get us those major wins we are not getting now. I'd love to be the next coach at Valpo with the team that we have the next two years!
Quote from: Chairback on March 25, 2015, 10:28:22 AM
Neither Hurley or Bryce have a win in the NCAA Tourney. To be honest if I was the decision maker this would be a requirement before I chugged a crap load of money at a coach.
If Tyrone Corbin is in the mix he to me would be the logical choice with his NBA coaching experience.
Bryce still does not have a signature win. He has decent mid-major wins but has never beaten a major. We've come close many times but he doesn't have one. He has a lot to prove still in my eyes, certainly how the last 30 seconds was handled in the Maryland game.
Remember his dad's name is on the floor and that means something. No way this gets handed off to someone else for a chance to coach at Depaul.
Also, he has already said he is coming back and it would take something special for him to go. Depaul is not special. Plus Peters has said he is looking to kick the crap out of someone next year after that last loss. He doesn't make a comment like that without his coach coming back.
I'd really hate to see it, but if he is foolish enough to leave it's not the end of the world for Valpo basketball. Someone else might be able to get us those major wins we are not getting now. I'd love to be the next coach at Valpo with the team that we have the next two years!
Bryce had 1 chance at a "major win" this year, 0 last year (unless you include SLU maybe), and 2 the year before against Michigan State and NM on the road. I don't think a decision is going to be made for a head coach based on 3 games, at least for DePaul, a program that probably can't do better than Bryce or Hurley.
Quote from: valpo95 on March 25, 2015, 08:10:52 AM
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12553903/bobby-hurley-buffalo-bulls-front-runner-depaul-blue-demons-job)
Buffalo coach Bobby Hurley has emerged as the front-runner for the DePaul job, multiple sources told ESPN...Sources told ESPN that Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew and former DePaul star and NBA coach Tyrone Corbin also are in the mix.
Looks like Hurley is the front runner for DePaul, at least according to ESPN last night.
I'm a little surprised by this, but think Hurley could do well at DePaul. I would have thought that Fordham or George Mason, both on the east coast, would be more to his liking.
I really don't see Bryce going to DePaul. Not with what he has invested in the Valpo program. After his first year, when he flirted with Mississippi State, I could see him having gone to DePaul (if it were open at the time). Not now. Unless ml comes out and states a program has contacted VU to talk to Bryce, I'm not believing anything.
Yes, another coach can win at Valpo with the returning players. However, if Bryce leaves, who leaves with him or because of Bryce leaving? That is the big problem. Bryce could really screw over his alma mater, if Peters leaves, and Smits pulls out of his commitment with the coaching change. I know that he needs to focus on himself, but how many players stay if Bryce leaves?
If uncle Powell took over...we'd be fine honestly
Add lew Rhinehart as free throw coach...put another banner up
Yes, if Powell ended up as Valpo's coach, I don't see any transfers or Smits reneging on his commitment.
Ditto on Powell. I think either he or Bryce leaves, but not both.
I had expected Powell to leave already after last season. He has to have tons of mid-majors interested and could be paid mountains more as an assistant at a Big 10 school or power team. Assistant coaches at Valpo get low salaries is my guess.
I feel DePaul could give Powell the same salary being an assistant as Valpo could as head coach. But Powell stepping in could limit the damage of players leaving.
Pay all them more.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 26, 2015, 08:10:24 AM
Pay all them more.
Well worth it to keep the momentum going, not just for basketball, but the university as a whole.
Quote from: crusadermoe on March 26, 2015, 07:06:03 AMI had expected Powell to leave already after last season. He has to have tons of mid-majors interested and could be paid mountains more as an assistant at a Big 10 school or power team. Assistant coaches at Valpo get low salaries is my guess.
I have very little idea of the assistant coach pay scale.
Would Depaul really pay e.g. $400k to an assistant?
25% of head coach pay?
Would Valpo pay $100k? $75k? $50k?
number one assistants in the Big East definitely make $400,000.
Coaching salaries
http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach (http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach)
Big East coaching salaries according to a post (2013) on the Butler board:
This isn't really news, but I still found it to be fairly interesting. Here are the s as reported by the schools for the latest tax return information available (2011). The 2012 returns should have been filed months ago, it's just a matter of them becoming available to the public and I will update that when it becomes available.
1. Jay Wright - Villanova - $2,290,346
2. John Thompson III - Georgetown - $2,211,250
3. Oliver Purnell - DePaul - $2,192,385
4. Buzz Williams - Marquette - $1,105,203 in base and $631,250 paid to "Team Buzz Williams L.P." or $1,736,453
5. Steve Lavin - St. John's - $1,413,952
6. Greg McDermott - Creighton - $1,369,949
7. Keno Davis - Providence - $889,930 (obviously Ed Cooley is the coach now but I would suspect it'll be something similar to this)
8. Brad Stevens - Butler - $853,397
9. Kevin Willard - Seton Hall - $722,509
10. Chris Mack - Xavier - $484,399 (I am sure he's getting paid more than this, but this is what was in the return)
What I also found that was interesting is that DePaul was also still paying its former coach (and current DOBO for Marquette) Jerry Wainwright around $1.2 million in compensation the same year they paid Oliver Purnell his salary.
Not sure which I find to be harder to believe -- that Bryce would leave us for DePaul, or that DePaul pays its bball coach over $2 mil per year.
Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on March 26, 2015, 11:50:20 AMDePaul pays its bball coach over $2 mil per year
Over 3 mil when still paying Wainwrong!
If it were the case that DePaul pays 2 million a year, you couldn't blame Bryce for taking it. I don't know how much he makes at Valpo but I'm guessing about half a million or so. Still he can live rather comfortably at what he makes coupled with his professional career and I'm sure his wife was paid quite handsomely as well.
Sadly, it all comes down to money and values. I'd say Bryce would definitely leave if the ties to Valpo as a university as well as a city weren't there. Since he has so many ties to the city and he's never left. He chose to play at Valpo for his collegiate career, when he had other options at "better" schools. He came back to Valpo after his playing career was over. He has received offers from bigger universities with bigger piggy banks than Valpo and has chosen to stay.
He lives quite well, his job security is damn near perfect. He is beloved by all in the city, gets the celebrity treatment.
I believe he'll stay at Valpo for quite a while. Maybe if a job like a Purdue or Indiana opened up, I can see him going for one of those but for the time being he's gonna be at the helm of the Crusaders.
Wow. $2 million to the DePaul coach Purnell. That makes the pressure to win quickly even greater and you'd have to land big recruits to get to NCAA in 2-3 years. If he takes that Job he takes Powell no question about it.
I still agree he will stay. But I never dreamed DePaul would pay $2 mil and Marquette $1 mil
Quote from: classof2014 on March 26, 2015, 12:37:13 PMI'm sure his wife was paid quite handsomely as well
I'm intrigued by two things: the use of past tense and what did she do?
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 26, 2015, 01:35:35 PM
Quote from: classof2014 on March 26, 2015, 12:37:13 PMI'm sure his wife was paid quite handsomely as well
I'm intrigued by two things: the use of past tense and what did she do?
She was an Atlanta Hawks cheerleader and a dance choreographer. That doesn't scream paid well, but when you're the daughter of Little Ricky I'm sure there's some monetary perks.
Quote from: Kyle321n on March 26, 2015, 01:54:47 PMwhen you're the daughter of Little Ricky
(http://f1.bcbits.com/img/a3479711778_10.jpg)
Quote from: chef on March 26, 2015, 11:11:57 AM
number one assistants in the Big East definitely make $400,000.
OK, then who is our No. 1 assistant? All three are listed as "Assistant Coach" Luke has been at Valpo the longest at 13 years, while Roger Has finished his 4th and Matt his 2nd.
Luke is the guy who does the interview after games just as Bryce and Scott did before him. That tells me Luke is the No. 1.
Quote from: classof2014 on March 26, 2015, 12:37:13 PMI'm sure his [Bryce's] wife was paid quite handsomely as well.
In what profession? I thought cheerleaders were famous for being practically unpaid. But, I'm sure she's had other jobs - probably something of which I'm unaware?
Quote from: classof2014 on March 26, 2015, 12:37:13 PMcouldn't blame Bryce for taking it. I don't know how much he makes at Valpo but I'm guessing about half a million or so. Still he can live rather comfortably at what he makes coupled with his professional career and I'm sure his wife was paid quite handsomely as well.
Probably good to remind ourselves of this periodically. I actually might have guessed $400k or so myself, but apparently I'd have been wrong.
Valpo's required to file paperwork with the IRS, like many organizations. It includes a selection of the most highly compensated employees.
A couple of databases of this paperwork are
http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NPO.Form990&EIN=350868125&Year=2013 (http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NPO.Form990&EIN=350868125&Year=2013)
or
http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/?FuseAction=NPO.Summary&EIN=350868125&BMF=1&Cobrandid=0&Syndicate=No (http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/?FuseAction=NPO.Summary&EIN=350868125&BMF=1&Cobrandid=0&Syndicate=No)
and
https://www.citizenaudit.org/350868125/ (https://www.citizenaudit.org/350868125/)
Here's some selected info
2012 (year ending June 30, 2013 - the most recent info I could trivially find)
President Heckler $363k (I wasn't careful to include the second compensation column, mostly I just included the first, salary)
Provost Schwehn $218k (not actually the second highest paid administrator - but close)
Dean Conison (law) $256k
Bryce Drew $257k
Homer Drew $635k
a few law professors in the $170's-190's
I'm a little surprised that Bryce is at only $257k, and more than a little surprised that Homer's way up at $635k - complicated deferred compensation package, I guess!
2011 (year ending June 30, 2012)
Heckler a bit more than the 2012, above; a few other small to moderate differences
Bryce down at $123k (probably this didn't include a full year? not sure if it's _just_ his head coach pay for the fiscal year; or might perhaps include the combo of assistant and head coach pay)
Homer not listed among the highest paid employees
in 2010 Homer (as head coach) was at $200k+65k, behind only the President and the Dean of the Law School
(at one point in the past, 2001, Homer's total package was higher than President Harre's; and I guess for 2012 it was higher than President Heckler's)
Quote from: wh on March 26, 2015, 11:35:15 AM
Coaching salaries
http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach (http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach)
Interesting that Milwaukee's Jeter was apparently at about 75% higher salary than Bryce. I guess it's really _not_ about the money!
The numbers are all outdated. Mark LaBarbera has consistently said that our coaches are paid near the top of the conference. It is the total package that is difficult to get ones hands around. As an example, Homer's 635K was well after he concluded his coaching career. He is still an asst. AD and does plenty for the University. Still, the vast majority of that comp package was from deferred comp. No doubt Bryce's is getting a similar package which grows with things like conference championships, being named coach of the year etc, etc.
Quote from: vu72 on March 26, 2015, 06:11:54 PMThe numbers are all outdated. Mark LaBarbera has consistently said that our coaches are paid near the top of the conference. It is the total package that is difficult to get ones hands around.
The numbers I gave are outdated - but they're also dated! Not hiding anything here.
I was, indeed, a little glib in my Jeter comparison. I didn't look very hard at the 2014 NCAA survey's methodology. And, no doubt the total packages are hard to get a handle on.
For public universities things are even a little more transparent. For example
http://host.madison.com/data/uw_salaries/ (http://host.madison.com/data/uw_salaries/)
And, I bet that Rob Jeter's base salary _was_ higher than Bryce's, at least two years ago. But, I can't speak to the total package. We indeed have some evidence from Homer's case that Valpo does complicated things, and maybe that makes comparisons to other schools difficult.
Under Bryce's leadership Valpo has become the top HL program and should continue so well into the future.
This is what Bryce's Valparaiso coaching resume may well look like 2 years from now after 6 years:
---5 conference championships
---4 conference tournament championships
---4 NCAA tournament appearances, 1 NIT appearance, 1 CIT appearance
---150-55 record (73%)
The administration needs to go all-in if they hope to keep Bryce. I'm not talking about matching what he could make at a D-1 major, of course, but make him the top paid coach in the HL. $450-500K may not be MAJOR money, but it's still a huge salary by any reasonable standard. Unless we're willing to pay the top HL coach the top HL salary, we don't deserve to keep him for the long term.
And for those who think we're going to promote Roger (or whomever) and just roll merrily along, you're kidding yourself. The long term success of Valparaiso University basketball is due exclusively to the Drew family. They inherited what had been 1 of the worst D-1 basketball programs in the country for years and turned it into the long term success story that it is today. They've done it all alone. They are the brand. They ARE Valpo basketball. They did it despite lingering for years longer in the crap Mid Con than we should have, thanks to Valpo's family conflicted AD. They did it despite the previous administration turning a deaf ear to repeated personal appeals from Homer to improve the ARC. They have continued to do it despite nothing more than lip service support for facility enhancements from the current administration.
Make no mistake. This is a Drew family success story, the way the 6 Bulls championships are a Michael Jordan success story. Bulls GM Jerry Krause was just arrogant and naive enough to think because he stood at the podium wearing a championship hat that he played a major role in the team's success. Bulls fans know ho that turned out. I hope mh and ml are smarter than that.
[tweet]575673527031889920[/tweet]
I think this all goes back to the reality that athletics are a loss leader at universities that are not BCS conferences. Without football, I would guess that all of the Big East have big net losses. Even with football, MAC schools don't net a profit.
I have been on this board for 16 years and we always try to measure the valuable of intangibles of Valpo. What is the worth of the frequent NCAA entries in March and the high integrity image VU gets from the Drew family? We not only win, but we do it with class and don't cut corners. If you build the faciliites Bryce wants, does it keep him here?....does it translate to more students?...does it translate into more alumni giving? You have to actively leverage it. I personally believe that the Valpo brand is MUCH stronger because of Bryce and the 1996 to 2015 phase of VU basketball. But if someone wants not to believe it you can't prove it.
Hurley signed a longer and larger contract with Buffalo instead of DePaul after the boosters came together and donated.
[tweet]581255916990791680[/tweet]
If we lose Bryce and the assistants we can get Kampe :thumbsup:
None of this phases me, as we saw all of this with Mississippi State, Tulsa, and Northwestern. Each job opportunity had plenty of 'sources' saying that Bryce would accept those jobs if offered, and spoke about him interviewing. I don't see anything going on currently that is any different than what he did with those other roles.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 26, 2015, 12:25:09 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on March 26, 2015, 11:50:20 AMDePaul pays its bball coach over $2 mil per year
Over 3 mil when still paying Wainwrong!
Does anyone else think this is absolutely obscene? Think about it. Fundraisers for a "non-profit university" would solicit money from schmucks like me to pay a salary for a coach who makes more in only one year than I will have made in my entire career!
Something's wrong.
Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2015, 01:29:47 AM
None of this phases me, as we saw all of this with Mississippi State, Tulsa, and Northwestern. Each job opportunity had plenty of 'sources' saying that Bryce would accept those jobs if offered, and spoke about him interviewing. I don't see anything going on currently that is any different than what he did with those other roles.
It doesn't? One of these times it'll be true and it will be a blow to the program. The likelihood of replacing a coach you just lost to a major conference with another one on the same level is slim. Then, add in all of the pieces that the coach can take with him (coaches, players, playing style in accordance with the roster, recruiting connections, etc). Can there be successful transitions? Absolutely. But the chance to fall into normalcy is a lot greater than the chance to keep the momentum moving forward. There is likely a time that a team will come calling for Bryce that he can't say no to, but that team is hopefully not Depaul or one of similar caliber.
ele,
I agree if there is an offer or opportunity so good that you cannot refuse, then it needs to be pursued. If Bryce Drew thinks he can elevate his career with a better opportunity, you wish him well and move forward. Many of us have done this in our careers.
That being said, DePaul is not a better opportunity; the infrastructure is a complete mess, the AD has no clue and the program needs an enema. He would be foolish to take that job.
Bryce is also rumored to be on the short list for the University of Tennessee job.
Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2015, 09:22:10 AM
Bryce is also rumored to be on the short list for the University of Tennessee job.
Do you have a link for that?
Quote from: a3uge on March 27, 2015, 09:27:45 AM
Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2015, 09:22:10 AM
Bryce is also rumored to be on the short list for the University of Tennessee job.
Do you have a link for that?
It depends on whether it's an official rumor or a made up rumor. ;)
Here's the rumor scoop from RockyTop...no mention of [possible] replacements...but the situation looks bleak.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/columnist/david-climer/2015/03/26/tennessee-vols-coach-donnie-tyndall-southern-miss-ncaa-investigation/70502864/ (http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/columnist/david-climer/2015/03/26/tennessee-vols-coach-donnie-tyndall-southern-miss-ncaa-investigation/70502864/)
Quote from: a3uge on March 27, 2015, 09:27:45 AM
Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2015, 09:22:10 AM
Bryce is also rumored to be on the short list for the University of Tennessee job.
Do you have a link for that?
This rumor is from a reporter who covers Tennessee for
Inside Tennessee (http://tennessee.scout.com/ (http://tennessee.scout.com/)):
[tweet]581445110107230209[/tweet]
Tyndall is out at Tennessee officially. Texas may be open as well. I think Marshall (Wichita State) would jump at Texas, leaving WSU open. That job would draw a ton of interest from coaches of smaller schools.
Quote from: ValpoHoops on March 27, 2015, 10:15:41 AM
Tyndall is out at Tennessee officially. Texas may be open as well. I think Marshall (Wichita State) would jump at Texas, leaving WSU open. That job would draw a ton of interest from coaches of smaller schools.
Perhaps. But you would have to live in Wichita! :o
OK, so if Bryce takes the money and runs off - which I don't expect to happen - is Greg Tonagel the logical replacement?
I'd say so.
Quote from: usc4valpo on March 27, 2015, 08:58:37 AM
ele,
I agree if there is an offer or opportunity so good that you cannot refuse, then it needs to be pursued. If Bryce Drew thinks he can elevate his career with a better opportunity, you wish him well and move forward. Many of us have done this in our careers.
That being said, DePaul is not a better opportunity; the infrastructure is a complete mess, the AD has no clue and the program needs an enema. He would be foolish to take that job.
Sounds exactly like what we said about Scott and Baylor.
Quote from: Valpo89 on March 27, 2015, 10:26:16 AM
OK, so if Bryce takes the money and runs off - which I don't expect to happen - is Greg Tonagel the logical replacement?
I'd say so.
Interested to know what would make you think that to be the case.
If Bryce didn't take the Mississippi State job, why would he take the Tennessee job?
I hate it that he's on the short lists of many different schools but successful coaches at smaller schools tend to make short lists quite easily.
Being on all these short lists does say that Bryce is one of the best coaches in college basketball, he's done a fantastic job recruiting both talent and character. Something that is very rare in the college world. So long as Valpo stays at the rate of success they're having he'll always be on short lists of power conference schools that want to elevate their basketball program to an elite level.
Why does Bradley want Wardle? I never understood how Wardle is a hot commodity. 1 HL season championship in 5 years and you can move up to the Valley with a salary increase?
Quote from: a3uge on March 27, 2015, 09:27:45 AM
Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2015, 09:22:10 AM
Bryce is also rumored to be on the short list for the University of Tennessee job.
Do you have a link for that?
As well as Ron Hunter:
Potential Tennessee coach candidates: Gregg Marshall (Wichita St. coach), Steve Prohm (Murray St. coach), Michael White (LA Tech coach), Brad Underwood (Stephen F. Austin coach), Ron Hunter (Georgia St. coach), Bryce Drew (Valparaiso coach), Rick Byrd (Belmont coach), Tad Boyle (Colorado coach)
https://collegesportsinfo.com/2015/03/05/2015-college-basketball-coaching-changes/
Yeah I don't get the Wardle infatuation - the offensive strategy of his team seems to be to take long 2s just inside the arc. I dont think he's a good in-game coach. He had quite a bit of talent the past three years and has 2 NIT losses and 0 tournament appearances to show for it. His recruiting seems okay - he's been able to find some steals like Sykes and Brown, but again, hasn't had any success to show for it.
Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2015, 01:29:47 AMEach job opportunity had plenty of 'sources' saying that Bryce would accept those jobs if offered, and spoke about him interviewing.
Have we had any kind of a source even say that Bryce has gone as far as interviewing? I don't recall seeing one this year, for any of these positions.
I've only seen Dane Fife's name mentioned for the Bradley position. I'm sure he could also do well at DePaul.
Wardle may take the job for the sake of more pay, getting into a city that isn't stuck on football 24/7, and has things for he and his family to be able to do. Other than Packer games on fall Sundays, what else is there to do in Green Bay? Bradley isn't going far in the MVC right now, so it could be a better profile for him, as he played his college ball in the Big East with Marquette. Also, his recruiting ability might work better in Peoria than it does GB because the Peoria area has some good basketball players that will stay close to home, plus he has other areas to get to in recruiting that will look at Bradley because of the television exposure the MVC gets in Central Illinois.
Quote from: valporun on March 27, 2015, 11:51:25 AM
Wardle may take the job for the sake of more pay, getting into a city that isn't stuck on football 24/7, and has things for he and his family to be able to do. Other than Packer games on fall Sundays, what else is there to do in Green Bay? Bradley isn't going far in the MVC right now, so it could be a better profile for him, as he played his college ball in the Big East with Marquette. Also, his recruiting ability might work better in Peoria than it does GB because the Peoria area has some good basketball players that will stay close to home, plus he has other areas to get to in recruiting that will look at Bradley because of the television exposure the MVC gets in Central Illinois.
Oh for crying out loud it's Peoria, not LA.
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 27, 2015, 07:09:15 AMCan there be successful transitions? Absolutely. But the chance to fall into normalcy is a lot greater than the chance to keep the momentum moving forward. There is likely a time that a team will come calling for Bryce that he can't say no to, but that team is hopefully not Depaul or one of similar caliber.
Butler seems to have handled this fairly well. At some point they seem to have decided that they were a conveyor belt, or an escalator, or some such, and that it was very important for them to always have a transition plan in place. It seems to have worked out pretty well for them, through several transitions.
I don't know if the Homer -> Scott -> Homer -> Bryce transition was thought out that carefully, or not. But, it's also worked.
I don't know if we have a similar plan in place for the future, or not. Maybe that's because Bryce and the AD, etc. have a good understanding and think it's rather _unlikely_ he'll be going anywhere. Or, maybe the lack of a clear transition plan is for less good reasons. Or, maybe there is a plan!
I believe Bryce when he says that he thinks the team's coming back (that, before individual meetings, the coaches didn't detect any signs of discontent, etc.; that after individual meetings it still seemed like everyone was coming back), and thinks that he's coming back. Obviously either or both of those could change. We've seen it every year recently for players (if maybe without the same confidence from the coaching staff about everybody returning?). I don't have the direct quote, but what I heard made it sound like he liked the situation at Valpo, planed to be here for the forseeable future, and that it would take something "special" to change that.
I don't know what would count as the "special" opportunity for Bryce that would make him rethink his future. One of the real blue chip programs? IU, Duke, UNC, etc? NBA? Would he even be a candidate, or does he need to get some tourney wins first? A place with (significantly?) more resources (more potent recruiting reach, final four possibilities, big facilities and salaries) that still somehow punched all the right buttons in terms of family fit, comfort with his Jesus-influenced brand of basketball, etc?
It makes me nervous that I don't know what "special" means, or what's "special" enough. But, that's probably the way of the world. Unless you have a close relationship with the man, personally and/or professionally, you probably _can't_ get inside his head to that extent. And, many top-performers will eventually move on to "greener" pastures, whatever that means to them. While others, for various reasons, will choose to stay.
I will, admittedly, feel a little more comfortable once his son's in school. As my wife wondered, should we root against the possibility of home schooling? ;)
In Peoria, you don't have to pack a picnic basket to get through traffic like you would LA.
Quote from: a3uge on March 27, 2015, 11:56:08 AMOh for crying out loud it's Peoria, not LA.
Yeah, I wouldn't have guessed necessarily that Peoria >> GB. Or even that Peoria > GB.
And, perhaps GB even gets points for better proximity to bigger cities?
Haven't been to Peoria but I liked my time in the Green Bay and that area
I think we need to dial back some of the hand wringing here.
Which would you rather have: a) A young, well-regarded winning coach who has pretty much exceeded expectations in his first four years as head coach. This coach is in the rumor mix every year for other programs who may be higher profile, offer more money, or are in the Power 5 conferences. OR b) An average coach entrenched in the program, who wins some and loses some, who has some success if he gets lucky with a recruit or two but who has teams that always finish in the middle of the pack. This coach is in the rumor mix every few years when his team finishes above average, and the only rumored locations are those at a similar profile, may offer more money, or have similar level to VU.
If we want success (and I'm guessing we all do!), then we want coach a) - We should expect and hope that every year Bryce is mentioned for many possible positions, because that puts him in place to recruit better talent and win more games. If (or when) he moves on, we hope it is because he is so successful - a VU version of Gregg Marshall or Shaka Smart - that he is in the mix for some of the best openings of the year. Note as well that at least to date, Marshall and Smart are still at their respective premier non-power conferences.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 26, 2015, 10:34:07 PM
Hurley signed a longer and larger contract with Buffalo instead of DePaul after the boosters came together and donated.
Is that plural? Buffalo has boosters?
Quote from: covufan on March 27, 2015, 11:38:16 AM
Quote from: a3uge on March 27, 2015, 09:27:45 AM
Quote from: valpopal on March 27, 2015, 09:22:10 AM
Bryce is also rumored to be on the short list for the University of Tennessee job.
Do you have a link for that?
As well as Ron Hunter:
Potential Tennessee coach candidates: Gregg Marshall (Wichita St. coach), Steve Prohm (Murray St. coach), Michael White (LA Tech coach), Brad Underwood (Stephen F. Austin coach), Ron Hunter (Georgia St. coach), Bryce Drew (Valparaiso coach), Rick Byrd (Belmont coach), Tad Boyle (Colorado coach)
https://collegesportsinfo.com/2015/03/05/2015-college-basketball-coaching-changes/ (https://collegesportsinfo.com/2015/03/05/2015-college-basketball-coaching-changes/)
Steve Prohm has agreed to a new contract today with Murray St. Also, I think Rick Byrd is older than Tennessee would want for a new coach.
Quote from: agibson on March 27, 2015, 11:41:44 AM
Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2015, 01:29:47 AMEach job opportunity had plenty of 'sources' saying that Bryce would accept those jobs if offered, and spoke about him interviewing.
Have we had any kind of a source even say that Bryce has gone as far as interviewing? I don't recall seeing one this year, for any of these positions.
Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew will also interview at DePaul in the coming days, sources confirmed to SNY.tv.
http://zagsblog.com/articles/bobby-hurley-bryce-drew-to-interview-for-depaul-job/ (http://zagsblog.com/articles/bobby-hurley-bryce-drew-to-interview-for-depaul-job/)
Quote from: wh on March 27, 2015, 12:55:38 PM
Quote from: agibson on March 27, 2015, 11:41:44 AM
Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2015, 01:29:47 AMEach job opportunity had plenty of 'sources' saying that Bryce would accept those jobs if offered, and spoke about him interviewing.
Have we had any kind of a source even say that Bryce has gone as far as interviewing? I don't recall seeing one this year, for any of these positions.
Valparaiso coach Bryce Drew will also interview at DePaul in the coming days, sources confirmed to SNY.tv.
http://zagsblog.com/articles/bobby-hurley-bryce-drew-to-interview-for-depaul-job/ (http://zagsblog.com/articles/bobby-hurley-bryce-drew-to-interview-for-depaul-job/)
One can only wonder if they're as sloppy with their sourcing as they are with their fact checking.
Tennessee seems like a secure gig. I mean they've only had 4 coaches in the last 6 years.
I say two years out, Bryce will move on if that's what he wants. He gets to coach Peters and great kids for two more years and bag some of the signature wins that have eluded us. We loved the upside of the team this year. But can we really say they dominated the Horizon. Lots of close games where our talent was better.
In two years, Alabama or Tennessee jobs make all the sense in the world to me. These are football schools with less pressure on the hoops teams to win fast. Homer would probably tell him to go and he and Janet would move south with him. Just a personal hunch. Remember they grew up with LSU and she's a southern girl.
[tweet]581621613667332096[/tweet]
I may be captain obvious on this, but it occurred to me earlier that even the news that Bryce is interviewing at DePaul doesn't necessarily mean anything. I think in some industries, it's just good practice to accept such invitations, just so you know what opportunities are out there. It doesn't mean you are looking to leave, it just means you're choosing not to live in a bubble so to speak.
Make sense?
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 27, 2015, 10:12:04 PM
I may be captain obvious on this, but it occurred to me earlier that even the news that Bryce is interviewing at DePaul doesn't necessarily mean anything. I think in some industries, it's just good practice to accept such invitations, just so you know what opportunities are out there. It doesn't mean you are looking to leave, it just means you're choosing not to live in a bubble so to speak.
Make sense?
Definitely a possibility. There are even industries (and I don't expect that this is the case here, necessarily) where you'll do a company a favor and interview with them, even though you have no particular interest. They want to compare you to other candidates, and you're doing them a solid.
DePaul sets sights on Drew, Hurley as coaching search winds down
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/476334/depaul-sets-sights-drew-hurley-coaching-search-winds (http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/476334/depaul-sets-sights-drew-hurley-coaching-search-winds)
500K a year vs. 2 million a year... Just because you don't need the money doesn't mean you don't want the money. If they offer him a similar contract to Purnell, I think it will be really hard to turn down. 4 years and 8 million dollars later, he will have a very successful program at Depaul. He could hold out for the Butler job. Sounds like lots of folks are going after Holtmann.
I think he goes (somewhere)...maybe not this year, but soon. I also think he also doesn't take any players with him, and pushes hard for his very best assistant coach to be hired as his replacement. That way he leaves the Valpo program in good shape and goes to make a name for himself outside of Valpo, just like Scott Drew did.
Don't get me wrong, I hope he stays, and I will be heartbroken if he leaves, but we need to be realistic. At best we have 2 more years with him.
Wardle hired at Bradley.
This is all the same news that we have seen over the last few seasons. Drew has always been a top candidate, and the 'favorite' to be offered and accept. I don't know who these sources are, but I have to believe that they are from the DePaul administration. Of course they are going to think that he would accept their offer, as they view Valpo as an inferior job. If it happens, it happens, and he will regret it when DePaul is at the bottom of the Big East for his tenure. Seriously, I hope you were joking about holding out for the Butler job...you couldn't lose your Valpo popularity any faster than doing such a thing!
Money isn't everything. I turned down Google last year, which not only offered the opportunity to work for a top tech company, but a large raise. Like Bryce, I always talk to other companies when they are interested, but if you are truly happy, money won't matter. How much money do you truly need, if you are already making around $500k, as it sounds like Bryce is?
Quote from: SanityLost17 on March 27, 2015, 10:48:06 PM500K a year vs. 2 million a year... Just because you don't need the money doesn't mean you don't want the money. If they offer him a similar contract to Purnell, I think it will be really hard to turn down.
Totally agree, but I don't think they'll offer him the same money they offered a proven, 27-year-vet, Power 5 conference coach either.
Quote from: agibson on March 27, 2015, 10:44:27 PMDefinitely a possibility. There are even industries (and I don't expect that this is the case here, necessarily) where you'll do a company a favor and interview with them, even though you have no particular interest. They want to compare you to other candidates, and you're doing them a solid.
It also gives Bryce a chance to compare DePaul to Valpo (or DePaul as a another "outside world data point" to add to Tulsa and Mississippi State and anywhere else he might have interviewed) and sanity check his desire to stay.
Nice insights and considerations from Paul Oren
http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/bryce-drew-staying-or-going/article_57886856-d55a-11e4-a67c-3fe4877ea2eb.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/valparaiso-university/bryce-drew-staying-or-going/article_57886856-d55a-11e4-a67c-3fe4877ea2eb.html)
I'm not sure I follow his conclusion. From his comparison of past-year's behavior to this years, I'd have guessed that Bryce _was_ seriously considering other offers in past years. And _wasn't_ this year. But, Paul seems to disagree... Or at least to wonder.
Hurley is in Chicago today...
Paul's article is very good. Thank you for posting it.
While we can always say that "a bird in hand is worth two in the bush", might Bryce consider that other opportunities may open? One scenario is Texas dismisses Barnes and then Marshall takes the job at Texas. Bryce would be a top candidate for a job at Wichita State which would be a much better job than DePaul. Bryce talked in the Oren article about "special" and while it is impossible to quantify that (or know what is in Bryce's head), it would seem that the sentiment is a place that has great resources, allows him the freedom to run the program, has a track record of success, etc. I do not know if Wichita State is such a job, but it seems much closer to a reasonable definition of "special" than DePaul does.
I certainly hope that Bryce doesn't leave and continues to make Valpo "more special", but regardless I wish him the best.
I would think that a spot, that would be considered special, would include a religious affiliation. Many of his players were drawn to Bryce because of his faith and Bryce also knows that he won't get any blow back from school officials or alumni for his vocal and regular reference to his beliefs. Presumably DePaul would fit that requirement. Wichita State would not. My guess would be that a "special" location might include a place like Wake Forest or perhaps Notre Dame. Valpotx has referenced TCU which might also fit and is only a 2 hour drive to Baylor. The problem there is that both schools are in the same conference which would be unacceptible to both coaches.
Quote from: vu72 on March 28, 2015, 02:39:25 PMMy guess would be that a "special" location might include a place like Wake Forest or perhaps Notre Dame
I have said for a long time that Wake Forest made a lot of sense for Bryce. Having talked to Homer about my daughter's work with the WFU basketball program when she was at Wake and his relationship with Skip Prosser, I was happy when that job came open a little earlier than I thought and that Danny Manning took that job.
I would bet money that if DePaul offers, Bryce is gone.
Why? DePaul is a wasteland of failure for 2+ decades. There will be much better jobs available...perhaps very soon. Again, I hope Bryce stays but wish him the best.
I don't see Bryce going to a school like Wichita State either, agreeing with Vu72's point on religious affiliation. Try speaking like Bryce does at a state school, and not get into a lot of trouble! DePaul has landed on 20+ losses in 7 of the last 9 seasons, with coaches that performed very well in tougher conferences (Purnell with Clemson). It is an extremely risky position. Yes, I assume that Bryce is confident that he can do well anywhere, but DePaul is a career killer with their recent history. They are in a much tougher conference that has better athletes at every school, and it comes down to coaching to eke out wins. If he does leave for DePaul, I see him getting great recruits to the school, but I still don't see him making the right coaching decisions in every game to make them into a consistent winner on a national scale. He needs a few more years at Valpo to fine tune his tight game coaching decisions against better teams, before he is ready for that step up. Scott has the same problem at Baylor. He can recruit exceptional talent, but he doesn't make the correct decisions in tight game situations. Outside of that one run in the NCAA tourney, his teams always underperform in key situations, which is a reflection on situational coaching.
I completely forgot that Ivan Vujic went back to coach at DePaul as well. He was there from 2006-2008, Northwestern from 2008-2013, and DePaul 2013-present.
http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ivan_vujic_865448.html (http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ivan_vujic_865448.html)
DePaul talked with Hurley and drew today, according to the latest. Not sure what "talked with" means but Hurley was spotted in ohare today. Would imagine interviews happened or will shortly. Hurley seems like a slight frontrunner. Hope Bryce stays to coach the team next year, could be a real special season.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-coach-search-depaul-spt-0329-20150328-story.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-coach-search-depaul-spt-0329-20150328-story.html)
Bryce Drew and Bobby Hurley each want the DePaul men's basketball job "badly," according to a source.
Quote from: wh on March 28, 2015, 08:15:08 PM
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-coach-search-depaul-spt-0329-20150328-story.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-coach-search-depaul-spt-0329-20150328-story.html)
Bryce Drew and Bobby Hurley each want the DePaul men's basketball job "badly," according to a source.
Is this source Bryce's wife or something?
I really would like to meet Bryce's source someday. He/she seems to believe that Bryce wants every job out there, except for Valpo.
This would be an ideal situation for Valpo :):
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12579222/depaul-blue-demons-seriously-considering-bringing-back-dave-leitao-coach (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12579222/depaul-blue-demons-seriously-considering-bringing-back-dave-leitao-coach)
Many seem to think the decision is easy: "of course Bryce would leave for a big time position. Think of making 5X your current salary, having great facilities and tons of national exposure"
But is it really that easy? The Dave Leito situation comes to mind. If you take the job and fail--say, after four years, you are all of 44 years old and then what? A future of being someones assistant? Or, you could end up being a head coach again at a place like Texas Southern. Ask Mike Davis, former head coach at this big time program called Indiana.
The first line in that Tribune story is embarrassing journalism. Bryce has been incredibly tight lipped about every coaching possibility. There's nobody outside of Homer or Scott that knows anything. Period. There's no way either of them is a source.
I offered on the Twitter to take Bryce smallmouth bass fishing this Summer if he sticks around. Sources say that's a great offer, or a creepy one, but it could push staying at Valpo to be his choice.
I wonder if valpo is interviewing for the possible vacated head coaching spot. They should, if bryce were to leave it would be nice to announce the new coach immediately.
Quote from: vu72 on March 28, 2015, 02:39:25 PM
I would think that a spot, that would be considered special, would include a religious affiliation. Many of his players were drawn to Bryce because of his faith and Bryce also knows that he won't get any blow back from school officials or alumni for his vocal and regular reference to his beliefs. Presumably DePaul would fit that requirement. Wichita State would not. My guess would be that a "special" location might include a place like Wake Forest or perhaps Notre Dame. Valpotx has referenced TCU which might also fit and is only a 2 hour drive to Baylor. The problem there is that both schools are in the same conference which would be unacceptible to both coaches.
DePaul is religious in the sense that the Fort Hood shooting was "workplace violence"
I would say that if you are required to take 6 to 9 hours of theology and there a humongous chapel is in the middle of a campus, I would say you have strong religious affiliation.f
Quote from: chef on March 29, 2015, 08:33:32 AM
The first line in that Tribune story is embarrassing journalism. Bryce has been incredibly tight lipped about every coaching possibility. There's nobody outside of Homer or Scott that knows anything. Period. There's no way either of them is a source.
Amen. People constantly want updates. There are maybe five people that know Bryce's mindset. We'll know when we know. Sadly I can't imagine being first on this story because I don't make things up hoping it sticks.
I hope he stays like everyone else wants, but if he leaves I would lose a lot of respect for the guy. Bryce signed a 10 year contract extension only 2 years ago. Sure, people break their contracts in all sports, but it shouldn't be possible or morally right. Maybe if he was halfway through the extension I would feel a little bit better about it. I think he stays, but just the thought of him accepting an interview makes me super nervous.
More rumors: DePaul has upped its offer to Drew. I would imagine Hurley must have said no and Bryce must have either said no or was teetering, or this is just more made up nonsense.
Sources say Bryce would stay if a local restraunt would name a sandwich after him.
Quote from: HC on March 29, 2015, 10:43:07 AM
Sources say Bryce would stay if a local restraunt would name a sandwich after him.
The Bryce Burger does sound catchy!
B.l.t bryce left town
Quote from: gamelord on March 29, 2015, 10:42:18 AMI hope he stays like everyone else wants, but if he leaves I would lose a lot of respect for the guy.
Why would you lose respect for him? He would have spent time here and built the program back up to what it is today. There's a reason that coaching contracts have buyouts for both sides. Would you also lose respect for an AD who fires a coach who isn't performing? Or should he stick with someone who can't win games because there are years left on a contract?
Valpo pride and affiliation aside, I know that at some point Bryce is going to move on. That could happen this week, or it could happen in five years. When he does, I trust that he will have thought long and hard about the decision and that he will be making the one that he feels is appropriate at that time. If he looks at DePaul and sees a place where he can build something from the ground up (much like Scott did), in addition to having a brand new arena on the way, and chooses to make that move, then we should all be happy that he is doing something that he feels strongly about. Who are we to tell him where he belongs?
I also trust that Bryce will not leave the Valpo program in a tough spot. While it wouldn't completely surprise me if a couple of players left (or even followed him), I believe that he would encourage every player on the team to stay and try to keep the program pointing in the right direction.
There's no way for me to know what Bryce's thoughts or motivations are. But, God has a plan for each of us, and if that plan is for Bryce to move away from Valpo to build not only a new program, but his own growing family elsewhere, then we should all feel blessed that we got to call him our coach as long as we have.
I saw the story that valpotx posted about Depaul considering rehiring Dave Leitao, and had forgetten that he was the last mildly successful coach there. He led the team to the postseason in each season he was there, only to bolt for Virginia when that job offered him money, to resign/be fired four years later. That move would make sense to those in the Depaul community that doe remember his short tenure because he would know how to recruit Chicago, and the values in a basketball coach that Depaul needs. Sure, Bryce could be a good fit there, but I also fear this would be the next Andy Enfield move. Picking the hot coach from a mid-major to coach your bottom-dwelling school back to glory, only still looking for the glory from the "Flavor of the Month". Yes, I'm calling Bryce going to a Power 5 school a "Flavor of the Month" because while Bryce has a couple HL conference titles and NCAA appearances, what else does he have to show for it to sell Depaul on, besides "local boy" and can win a lot of games? If Bryce does accept the Depaul job, I'll listen to Chicago sports radio, both ESPN 1000 and The Score to find out what people there have to say because while it will be interesting, it could be a lot of hell fire and brimstone from people that want a true Chicago coach, not just the next big name, but one of their own.
Enfield is a good example of taking a struggling program, getting great recruits, but still showing the same results. He had the #12 recruiting class heading into this last season. His first season was 11-21, with a second season at 12-20 (3-15 in conference this year). Sometimes, that school that has 'all this potential,' is not the best choice to get a stable long-term position.
Scott ran into a 'lucky' (if you can call it that) situation where he probably had 6-8 years to try and turn around Baylor, since no one would have expected anyone to win while they had that mini-death penalty. He had one thing that Bryce won't get in his next opportunity, quite a bit of time. If Bryce leaves for DePaul, he has 3-4 years to turn it around, and with players leftover from the previous regime.
Interesting to see that Murry Bartow was let go after this last season. It now seems even more fitting that we honored his father at the game this season!
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12568253/east-tennessee-state-name-wichita-state-shockers-assistant-steve-forbes-head-coach (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12568253/east-tennessee-state-name-wichita-state-shockers-assistant-steve-forbes-head-coach)
I think we should be worried about the Texas opening. Bryce is a hot name, Scott and family are in Texas, and it is a great job. This is the kind of position I think Bryce would leave for...and grandma and grandpa might follow.
Good Hoops post!
The more I think about it, the less concern I have about any of the players leaving. As it presently sits DePaul is a train wreck at its worst stage - before anyone starts cleaning up the mess. It's probably 2-3 years minimum before Bryce positions them to go to the Dance. This team is close knit. They know as well as we do what they're capable of if they stay together, and all the accolades that go with it.
By the way I can't believe anyone thinks Greg Tonegal would be their choice for head coach. Since when does success in the NAIA translate into taking the reins of the best team in the HL. Greg had nothing to do with building the program, and he has zero experience coaching or recruiting at the D-1 level. Hopefully we all agree that recruiting lower level basketball players in Plymouth and Bremen IN is a completely different world than going toe to toe with every D-1 recruiting team in the Midwest (including major urban centers). Casi in point - women's BB. How's that past lower level coaching success working out? Talk about a train wreck.
Expecting Bryce to stay here his entire career is like expecting to work for U.S. Steel for 40 years and then retire with a great pension.
If he does go, I hope they give the job to Powell. Valpo is starting to finally tap into the Chicago talent pool because of him. And I think we owe a lot of recent success to that. It just seems like a good fit for both sides.
Via Andy Katz
DePaul and Dave Leitao's reps are working on specifics of a deal. Barring hiccup, he will return as head coach, multiple sources told ESPN.
Katz came out yesterday with what felt sort of like the first "big" organ with presumably well-sourced news.
And, it seems to have cone true.
[tweet]582242852618506240[/tweet]
Which job do we worry about next?
Er, what a3uge said. Thought I was on the last page of posts, guess not!
Quote from: ARCInsider on March 29, 2015, 12:49:30 PMI think we should be worried about the Texas opening. Bryce is a hot name, Scott and family are in Texas, and it is a great job. This is the kind of position I think Bryce would leave for...and grandma and grandpa might follow.
Bryce is not going to Texas. Their egos are too large and their pockets too deep for them not to select someone that they feel is established at a much higher level than Valpo. The bigger consideration for whether Bryce leaves is the potential for him to be a candidate to backfill whomever Texas hires. As I mentioned in other posts, I think that he would be a top candidate for Wichita State.
Quote from: wh on March 28, 2015, 08:15:08 PM
Bryce Drew and Bobby Hurley each want the DePaul men's basketball job "badly," according to a source.
What ever happened to multiple independent sources as a journalistic standard?
I mean, they admitted it was one source.
But, it makes you wonder what fraction if this stuff is just made up. Sometimes by parties with vested interests.
Vu84v2 is correct, Texas would refuse to hire a mid-major coach. They will be going after a proven winner at the Power 5 level.
DePaul is the only current opening I was a little bit worried about. I would not worry about Wichita State, St. Johns, Tennessee, or any of the others that are currently available. I have to think that both Hurley and Drew turned down potential offers, in order to get back to Leitao. As with any coach, they will always interview, because the worst that can happen is that you most likely get a raise in your current gig. DePaul will of course spin it as though Leitao was the first choice all along, and neither Hurley nor Drew will have another thing to say about it.
Quote from: agibson on March 29, 2015, 01:21:21 PM
Quote from: wh on March 28, 2015, 08:15:08 PM
Bryce Drew and Bobby Hurley each want the DePaul men's basketball job "badly," according to a source.
But, it makes you wonder what fraction if this stuff is just made up. Sometimes by parties with vested interests.
I really should learn to catch up on the whole thread before replying!
I'm pleased to see the pros weighed in.
Quote from: agibson on March 29, 2015, 01:15:21 PM
Which job do we worry about next?
If the Leitao news is true (I'll believe it when they introduce him at the presser), that's a relief...for now.
Worrying about the next job could be pretty consuming. Bryce is too classy and too loyal to go after just any job that might be perceived as a step up, and that is a big part of why he is so well regarded. There will continue to be suitors trying to convince him that their job is "special". At some point, the right opportunity will come along for Bryce and his family. When that happens, I will be grateful for all he has done for VU and will wish him and his family the best.
In the mean time, I think that we shouldn't worry about those things that we can't control, like who comes calling next. I think that the job we should "worry about" is the Valpo job. Not to hijack the thread, but we need to leverage the talent and success on the court, the quality and stability of the coaching staff, and make the investments necessary to help the program reach its potential going forward. Many would argue that we missed a chance to do that after the Sweet Sixteen run, so I'm hoping that mh and ml will do the things necessary to make sure that history does not repeat itself. The Valpo administrators need to make this job a "special" one.
Quote from: ARCInsider on March 29, 2015, 12:49:30 PM
I think we should be worried about the Texas opening. Bryce is a hot name, Scott and family are in Texas, and it is a great job. This is the kind of position I think Bryce would leave for...and grandma and grandpa might follow.
That won't happen. The folks at Texas have much to high of an opinion on this spot to take a young mid-major coach. They will be looking for a Larry Brown type as was hired at SMU
Chicago sports really do not care aboutl the DePaul basketball situation. If the news that Leiteo is their new coach, I am happy for Valpo but more happy for Bryce. I think he is smart enough not to deal with that job and their Inept AD Ponsetto.
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2015, 07:58:37 AMMany seem to think the decision is easy: "of course Bryce would leave for a big time position. Think of making 5X your current salary, having great facilities and tons of national exposure"
But is it really that easy? The Dave Leitao situation comes to mind. If you take the job and fail--say, after four years, you are all of 44 years old and then what?
uh...he got an ACC job out of it. i'd say he's done ok.
worst case scenario: he's getting his old job back. bryce would too...
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 29, 2015, 02:26:03 PM
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2015, 07:58:37 AMMany seem to think the decision is easy: "of course Bryce would leave for a big time position. Think of making 5X your current salary, having great facilities and tons of national exposure"
But is it really that easy? The Dave Leitao situation comes to mind. If you take the job and fail--say, after four years, you are all of 44 years old and then what?
uh...he got an ACC job out of it. i'd say he's done ok.
worst case scenario: he's getting his old job back. bryce would too...
You may have missed my point. Sure he made some big bucks for a few years. But he could have ended up being only an assistant after a failure. If you have been the big dog, that never is easy. As for Bryce, I presume you mean if his successor had failed. If his replacement is doing a great job that option wouldn't be there.
I personally took a major risk for much bigger bucks at about the same age. It worked out for a while and in the long run was a disaster relative to staying the course. In spite of the failure, I had the chance to be my own boss and that was something I'll always remember. Everyone is different concerning personal career risks.
Or, you could end up like Todd Lickliter who was national coach of the year in 2007 and is now out of coaching basketball all together after coaching the last 2-3 years at Marion University (D2) in Indianapolis. Just never know.
Sounds like Depaul found their coach - - good for us. What's not good for us is Bryce's name being floated around at every job opening. Would be tough for a sought-after recruit to seriously entertain an offer if they think the coach may leave for a job every year (although I'm sure Bryce has a more-than-okay response to this on the recruiting trail).
Quote from: elephtheria47 on March 29, 2015, 03:02:38 PM(although I'm sure Bryce has a more-than-okay response to this on the recruiting trail)
I think this is likely the case, but I am pretty curious what the response is! A succession plan? Some moderate guarantee he'll be around for a while?
He seems like the kind of guy who would have an answer, and would mean it - so I'm definitely curious to know what he says.
A new/renovated basketball facility is how many decades away? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the team doesn't even have a legit practice facility right? Can't blame Bryce one bit when he leaves. He doesn't seem to be too swayed by pay/salary. He deserves a better arena than the prep gym he's working with now. If the administration was worth even half its pay, it would've realized its apathy towards bettering the situation would eventually lead to the face of the athletic department leaving for greener pastures.
We might as well enjoy the last days/couple years while we can. We're in the twilight of our basketball heyday. Greg Tonagel/Jake Diebler as Bryce's successor? Talk about a fall from grace. Every effort needs to be made to show Bryce this is a respectable job. Valpo will regress alot without him.
True statement Vinny. ....if I were in charge at valpo I'd be plotting the ground for the brand new drew arena. The arc has served it's purpose but over due for an update. I can't afford chairback season tix and my butt hurts from the bleachers
Quote from: Vinny on March 29, 2015, 04:57:05 PMA new/renovated basketball facility is how many decades away?
No funds for this I have to assume. We average less than 3K per game and attendance is not climbing. Is this realistic for funds to be used on this?
I've always wondered what value does the basketball program bring to the university? Does it increase enrollment? Would it really hurt if our basketball program was poor? Do we make any money from gate revenue at the end of the year?
Being a fan of a good mid major program is never easy. Always wondering if your coach is going to leave, wondering which HL star player Tom Izzo is going to pick off next, etc. Speaking of which, I would be sleeping with 1 eye open if I were Greg Kampe.
Valparaiso basketball is what makes the university relevant to the rest of the country for the most part....yes it's worth it
Quote from: wh on March 29, 2015, 05:34:25 PMsleeping with 1 eye open if I were Greg Kampe
GRIPPING YOUR FELDER TIGHT
HE'LL EXIT, RIGHT?
MARTEZ FIGHTS
TAKE TOM'S HAND
OFF TO EASTERN LANSING LAND
Metallica - Enter Sandman [Official Music Video] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD-E-LDc384#)
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2015, 02:38:06 PMYou may have missed my point. Sure he made some big bucks for a few years. But he could have ended up being only an assistant after a failure.
I don't think Bryce is the kind of person who worries too much about failing at stuff. I would think a big-time coaching job would be no place for someone afraid of failure.
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2015, 02:38:06 PMAs for Bryce, I presume you mean if his successor had failed. If his replacement is doing a great job that option wouldn't be there.
Pretty sure that whoever the AD was would fire his coach even if it were his wife and she was coming off an Elite 8 appearance if a Drew wanted back in at VU. Besides, there's always other jobs at the same level.
Quote from: vu72 on March 29, 2015, 02:38:06 PMI personally took a major risk for much bigger bucks at about the same age. It worked out for a while and in the long run was a disaster relative to staying the course.
I daresay this colors your assessment of the situation. I on the other hand am looking nationwide for jobs, so that colors mine :)
Quote from: Vinny on March 29, 2015, 04:57:05 PM
A new/renovated basketball facility is how many decades away? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the team doesn't even have a legit practice facility right? Can't blame Bryce one bit when he leaves. He doesn't seem to be too swayed by pay/salary. He deserves a better arena than the prep gym he's working with now. If the administration was worth even half its pay, it would've realized its apathy towards bettering the situation would eventually lead to the face of the athletic department leaving for greener pastures.
We might as well enjoy the last days/couple years while we can. We're in the twilight of our basketball heyday. Greg Tonagel/Jake Diebler as Bryce's successor? Talk about a fall from grace. Every effort needs to be made to show Bryce this is a respectable job. Valpo will regress alot without him.
A lot of money was spent to totally renovate Hilltop as a dedicated practice facility. True, it is used for many other things, but it is still very nice.
Just the way we Drew it up! ;D Reading the comments it seems that DePaul fans still do exist and have strong negative feelings about the hire.
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12581470/dave-leitao-named-depaul-blue-demons-head-basketball-coach (http://espn.go.com/chicago/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12581470/dave-leitao-named-depaul-blue-demons-head-basketball-coach)
Interviews for the position, gets offered the position, turns down the position. Talk about a close call...
[tweet]582251117347762177[/tweet]
Until next time...
Quote from: wh on March 29, 2015, 08:18:43 PM
Interviews for the position, gets offered the position, turns down the position. Talk about a close call...
[tweet]582251117347762177[/tweet]
Until next time...
I took him as saying both Bryce and Bobby will land somewhere bigger *this year*. Am I misreading that tweet?
I think reading this guys tweets in the first place was a mistake.
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 29, 2015, 08:50:29 PM
I took him as saying both Bryce and Bobby will land somewhere bigger *this year*. Am I misreading that tweet?
No, I think you've got it. But, I suppose, he could perhaps be correct in his reporting of past events, but still wrong on his prognostications.
Figure we're not Depaul experts, but are Valparaiso experts, so we take his Depaul info, and toss his general speculations re Bryce.
What other job out there would entice Bryce? Texas will go after and land a bigger fish being the #1 athletic program in regards to revenue/profit. Even if they hire Marshall, Bryce won't be enticed by public school Wichita State. Chris Mullin seems to have the St. Johns role locked up, so who else this year is worth his look?
Wise decision by both Hurley and Bryce. Bryce needs a few marquee wins at Valpo against Power 5 programs, before he can say that he is more than just a fantastic recruiter.
Am I totally off base here? President Heckler wants to cement Valpo in as the Harvard of the Midwest. I think Bryce wants to make VU the "Gonzaga" of the Midwest in terms of BB. He needs to annually slap the administration upside the head to remind them that Valpo CAN be a truly national university if they would only follows through on the leverage its basketball program provides. Time to take a flyer and take some of our savings and immediately dump it into the ARC and MBB. Valpo is a special place. Bryce is a special person. Putting more behind him and the program will drag the university into a justified national spotlight -one built on integrity and character. What better way to witness?
If we somehow sneak into the MVC in the next year, I can see Bryce staying for another 5+ years. It would give him a chance at an at-large bid, and not having to worry about several conference RPI drags.
No way texas is an option. Even if it was offered to Bryce he wouldn't take it. He has made it clear he does not want to play against Scott. At Texas he would play him 2-3 times a year and he's not going for that.
I wonder what happened to Chris Emma's source that said Bryce definitely wanted the job? #GrainOfSalt
'Badly' at that...what a joke. It's no secret that Bryce will investigate all options he has available to him, but he isn't a moron. A moron would have left his situation at Valpo for DePaul's situation. I would not think Bryce a moron if he left for a school like Wichita State, but I don't think he wants that public school restriction on religious talk. He would be a moron to leave for a job like Tennessee as well, since they have had around 22 coaches in the last 4 years :)
Quote from: agibson on March 29, 2015, 09:38:13 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 29, 2015, 08:50:29 PM
I took him as saying both Bryce and Bobby will land somewhere bigger *this year*. Am I misreading that tweet?
No, I think you've got it. But, I suppose, he could perhaps be correct in his reporting of past events, but still wrong on his prognostications.
Figure we're not Depaul experts, but are Valparaiso experts, so we take his Depaul info, and toss his general speculations re Bryce.
Oh, I don't mean to suggest that I thought his conclusion was valid ;)
Actually, while it is possible blogger-journalists make stuff up, I think it's more likely that their sources like to make things up and they're very good at it or the journalists in question aren't perceptive enough to know when they're being led astray. Or, more likely still, their sources themselves engage in wishful thinking and the fact that they believe the news they are passing on makes them seem more reliable.
I'm glad I'm not a journalist. Sounds like a difficult job.
Hallelujah! Yes, and Bryce can still say that if he wants at Valpo without a student protest. I think anyway.
Did we really see him coaching the a team of demons?
But count me really nervous whenever a Midwest or southern flagship state program coaching search comes up. I also can't help wondering if Powell is already viewed as a good HC hire risk by some strong mid-major or a even a struggling high major like Northwestern. We should count our blessings every day that we can keep a Powell-Bryce combo together....not to mention a Pac-10 player vet like Lottich.
I personally won't weep if we end up with Tonagel after a long run of 2-3 year success. I've always had a gut feeling about him and Valpo going back to his freshman year. He played very well as a freshman point in the NCAA 1999 against.........Maryland.
VULB#62 hit it on the nose. This is a special situation here with Valpo basketball. Time for MH and the brass to walk the walk. I wonder if they really understand how important the Drew name is to the athletic department AND the university. The university as a whole seems to be in a very healthy financial state.
Men's basketball has the ability to be the biggest marketing tool for Valparaiso University. CBS, ESPN, TBS, and TNT don't air plays and musicals.
Another team from our schedule this year has lost their coach to another opportunity:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12585814/fordham-rams-hire-basketball-coach-jeff-neubauer (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12585814/fordham-rams-hire-basketball-coach-jeff-neubauer)
Quote from: Vinny on March 30, 2015, 10:29:58 AM
VULB#62 hit it on the nose. This is a special situation here with Valpo basketball. Time for MH and the brass to walk the walk. I wonder if they really understand how important the Drew name is to the athletic department AND the university. The university as a whole seems to be in a very healthy financial state.
Men's basketball has the ability to be the biggest marketing tool for Valparaiso University. CBS, ESPN, TBS, and TNT don't air plays and musicals.
Typically, organization priorities are split into 3 categories: high, medium and low, and further into 3 time categories - short term (within 1 year), medium term (1-5 years), and long term (5-10 years). Enhancing the profile of the men's basketball program including ARC would be somewhere in this matrix. It's hard to say where except it's obviously not a high priority item or plans would already be drawn, fundraising would be underway, etc. That's point number 1 - nothing is going to happen in the near future. Secondly, it's highly unlikely ARC enhancements will be moved up on the priority list based on our recent success, anticipated success in the next 2 or 3 years, arguments that we need to move on this now to take advantage of the moment, etc. Once these priorities are put in place, interwoven in a strategic plan, and blessed by very wise people heavily ego invested in its success, it would take an act of Congress (or in Obama's case an executive order circumventing Congress) to change anything.
Quote from: Vinny on March 30, 2015, 10:29:58 AM
VULB#62 hit it on the nose. This is a special situation here with Valpo basketball. Time for MH and the brass to walk the walk. I wonder if they really understand how important the Drew name is to the athletic department AND the university. The university as a whole seems to be in a very healthy financial state.
Men's basketball has the ability to be the biggest marketing tool for Valparaiso University. CBS, ESPN, TBS, and TNT don't air plays and musicals.
I believe Valpo has continually and unfairly been categorized as a regional university by US News in their college rankings. But I always thought of Valpo as being national as they recruit students from all over the country and internationally. What will change that regional perception? What will help to increase applications and enrollment to reach that 6,000 target figure the fastest?
a) More extensive choir tours
b) Building an on campus 2000 seat theater for the arts
c) Adding yet another addition (in addition to the present under-construction addition) to the chapel
d) Adding a school of pharmacy
e) Renovating the ARC to attract higher profile opponents and improve attendance, retaining Bryce, and qualifying for and making a run to the NCAA sweet 16 3 out of every 4 years.
Gonzaga gets it. Enrollment 7700. Private. 6,000 seat multi-purpose facility opened in 2004
Drake gets it. Enrollment 5100. Private. Adding a $7MM practice facility to the 7100 seat Knapp center
Butler gets it. Enrollment 4900. Private. $17MM renovation of Hinkle field house
VCU gets it. Enrollment 31,000. State. Siegel Center opened in 1999. 7500 seats. Hosts a variety of programs beyond MBB (e.g. Sheryl Crow, James Taylor concerts)
Vinny is right. It is just so hard to quantify that impact. Sports definitely don't pay off with revenue if you don't have a plan to fully leverage Bryce & sports while you are investing in that as a marketing strategy.
Best comment by Vinny was that national TV networks doesn't show any VU concerts or plays on TV. Even further...... they don't put the Valpo name on the bottom crawl of the TV several hours per day when the choir is singing or has just sung that night. D-1 basketball and can brand VU (like Butler & Gonzaga) apart from the typical hundreds of small liberal arts. colleges/universities. The wholesome Bryce character and fairy tale story is the big bonus that even B&G don't have.
And to fill the ARC you have to target more students who "get it" in terms of PR. Are the individualist majors like musicians or artists being complemented with an aggressive enrollment push to get a higher number of common sense business majors. Business majors understood team mentality and the impact of enthusiasm. I bet they out number others at the ARC each winter. And do the artsy alumni give large gifts as alumni in contrast to engineering or biz majors? That would be a good study.
Wow!! So many themes in one thread. And (laughing) it always seems to involve facilities.
Facility needs: First off, I can't help but think that it is easy to build strong arguments to spend someone else's money. I wonder how many of you are donors (not just ticket buyers)? How many of you would step up right now and commit to donate $100K over the next 2 years? Second, VULB#62 provides a list, but seems to miss things that are far more pressing and are serious "competitive" concerns for money versus athletic facilities. Dorms, a new business building and a far better solution for student recreation all are going to get more attention from university board members and major donors. Third, consider a common theme in the universities and facility spending that you list...all are in reasonably large cities. Without doing the math, my guess is that the population within 10 miles of each of those stadiums is 3X or more than Valpo. Thus, any business plan to spend huge dollars on facilities is not likely to have a great financial return.
Attention for Valpo from tournament play: There seems to be a question of what gets Valpo a substantial increase in national attention from NCAA tournament play. I don't think that they got it this year or in 2013. You need to win 2 or more games or have some spectacular moment (or both!).
What draws the attention of prospective students to Valpo? While I agree that being noted in sports is good advertising for the university (important to note that past university presidents Heugli and Kretzmann saw this), there are other things that are more important to get them to apply and attend (Valparaiso is ~$40K per year). Be careful not to over value the recognition from sports. You do, however, need activities to energize and engage students and basketball does play that role well. In fact, I would argue that people over value other activities in relationship to basketball - though interest in activities varies by the person.
Religious nature, basketball programs and Bryce. I think people here are seeing too much difference here. Essentially you have three types of schools: (1) public, (2) private where they are religiously affiliated but welcome students of all backgrounds and religion is as much or little as you want, and (3) private where they are religiously affiliated and the faith is integrated in the school. The first two types are fairly similar and Valpo is in the second type. Most of the midwestern Jesuit schools are also in the second type, while schools like Baylor are in the third type. If a coach really feels the need to "bible thump", then only type 3 fits (could Valpo have warmups with "One God" on them like Baylor has done?). I see plenty of religious expression from basketball players at KU and have seen players at Valpo that choose to completely refrain from it. My point: Bryce could be fine at a school like Wichita State.
Quote from: vu84v2 on March 30, 2015, 02:09:51 PM
Facility needs: First off, I can't help but think that it is easy to build strong arguments to spend someone else's money.
While that's a fair point, I think that this conversation has always been about more than that. It was the Valpo Administration that made the step up to the Horizon and at least considered the possibility of stepping up again to the Valley. It is clear that the Administration wants to upgrade the athletic profile of the University just like many on this board. In this day and age, the simple truth is that an upgrade in the athletic profile can't be based purely on the success of the Drew family. It requires capital spending on facilities. This needs to start with the signature revenue sport. VU can't have it both ways. Either invest in the future or fall further behind.
The Valparaiso University administration (President, etc.) does not have huge discretion on how they make major capital expenditures. They answer to the major donors and the university's board. They can make suggestions and recommendations to those parties, but would wisely not try to sell something that is not aligned with the expectations of major donors and the board.
I'd love a major upgrade just as much as the next guy, and I don't doubt it would bring benefits. Building a top basketball might have the most upside of any investment in VU, broadly speaking. But, considering other courses of action and investment, such an investment in basketball is one of the riskiest, in my opinion:
1) Dumping eight figures into new facilities, etc., will likely bring improvement on the court. But what order of magnitude of change would such an investment bring, and how much could we bank on it? I don't think anyone could suggest it would raise our profile to the topmost tier of successful private programs (Duke), even a decade into such an investment. So where would it leave us, best case (realistic) scenario? What current program out there might be a blueprint for our expectations?
2) If we were to gain second-tier or third-tier elite status, a bid to a larger conference would seem like a natural stepping stone and proof of success. However, with the jump up comes additional years of program building to work your way to the top. In other words, while a few years of at-large bids in the HL might garner some mid-major national attention, it would most likely followed by a few years of no attention, with sub-.500 records. In my mind, even if a new arena is announced in 2016, it's pushing 2030 before we could realistically expect to see VU at the top of a big conference. Could we afford the time between now and then?
3) The value of investing in residential life/academic buildings was just discussed above. Those can can provide the ROI we would hope a huge basketball program could produce (more attention from incoming students, more and better applicants, successful alumni, better alumni support and donations, etc). The best-case-scenario with basketball would probably top this kind of investment, but this investment seems to me to be a much less risky move. We wouldn't need to wait for the basketball money to start improving res life, academics, etc. That's not too say investing in a new business building, new science building, and a few new dorms is risk-averse or not a bold move--doing it right means investing the same amount of money we would in facilities. It could be argued that such an alumni base could then give athletics a boost.
4) The long-term value of a successful athletics program across the board might be more valuable than a flagship program that sits awkwardly apart from the rest of the sports programs. College athletics are a proven way to keep alumni active and engaged (and donating). Could our other sports programs compete in a bigger conference were men's basketball make the jump? Would making sure the 600(?) or so varsity athletes at Valpo all have a great experience and all have a chance to compete for a league title produce a more engaged following, which would, in-turn support bigger investments down the line?
Again, I'd love a big donor to come along and underwrite something like this. But if the university must choose to allocate its standard resources to a big project, and if I look at risk v. reward as objectively as I can, I don't know if all-in on basketball makes the most sense. Making a better experience for the majority of students and student athletes would give the university a strong internal platform that they could continue building on. Spreads the risk. Building a big basketball program is essentially a marketing move for a bigger stage. But what exactly would that stage look like? And, if and when we get that national stage, what do we do? More people who are into basketball might look into VU more, but if the investment were to be the catalyst to improving VU as a whole, how would that play out? Does the alum who currently gives nothing suddenly start writing checks for a few thousand every year because they see Valpo on the ESPN ticker more?
From Wiki re: Gonzaga Men's Basketball Success and Increased Enrollment:
Impact[edit]
University enrollment[edit]
Freshman enrollment at Gonzaga in the mid-nineties hovered around 500 students annually, including a total of 569 as late as 1998.[78] In 1999, enrollment jumped to 701 five months after the Zags went to the Elite Eight.[78] This trend continued after Gonzaga won five games in the 1999 and 2000 NCAA Tournaments, as freshman enrollment increased to 796 in 2000 and to a record 979 in 2001.[78] A 65-percent increase in the size of the freshman class between 1997 and 2003 is part of a phenomenon called the Flutie Effect, the increase in attention and applications for admission that results after a particularly notable and unexpected sporting victory by a school's athletic team. Gonzaga University president Rev. Robert Spitzer said that the team's success was responsible for the school receiving the $23 million required to build the McCarthey Athletic Center, most of which was received through major gifts.[79]
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on March 30, 2015, 03:05:44 PM
I'd love a major upgrade just as much as the next guy, and I don't doubt it would bring benefits. Building a top basketball might have the most upside of any investment in VU, broadly speaking. But, considering other courses of action and investment, such an investment in basketball is one of the riskiest, in my opinion:
1) Dumping eight figures into new facilities, etc., will likely bring improvement on the court. But what order of magnitude of change would such an investment bring, and how much could we bank on it? I don't think anyone could suggest it would raise our profile to the topmost tier of successful private programs (Duke), even a decade into such an investment. So where would it leave us, best case (realistic) scenario? What current program out there might be a blueprint for our expectations?
2) If we were to gain second-tier or third-tier elite status, a bid to a larger conference would seem like a natural stepping stone and proof of success. However, with the jump up comes additional years of program building to work your way to the top. In other words, while a few years of at-large bids in the HL might garner some mid-major national attention, it would most likely followed by a few years of no attention, with sub-.500 records. In my mind, even if a new arena is announced in 2016, it's pushing 2030 before we could realistically expect to see VU at the top of a big conference. Could we afford the time between now and then?
3) The value of investing in residential life/academic buildings was just discussed above. Those can can provide the ROI we would hope a huge basketball program could produce (more attention from incoming students, more and better applicants, successful alumni, better alumni support and donations, etc). The best-case-scenario with basketball would probably top this kind of investment, but this investment seems to me to be a much less risky move. We wouldn't need to wait for the basketball money to start improving res life, academics, etc. That's not too say investing in a new business building, new science building, and a few new dorms is risk-averse or not a bold move--doing it right means investing the same amount of money we would in facilities. It could be argued that such an alumni base could then give athletics a boost.
4) The long-term value of a successful athletics program across the board might be more valuable than a flagship program that sits awkwardly apart from the rest of the sports programs. College athletics are a proven way to keep alumni active and engaged (and donating). Could our other sports programs compete in a bigger conference were men's basketball make the jump? Would making sure the 600(?) or so varsity athletes at Valpo all have a great experience and all have a chance to compete for a league title produce a more engaged following, which would, in-turn support bigger investments down the line?
Again, I'd love a big donor to come along and underwrite something like this. And, if and when we get that national stage, what do we do? More people who are into basketball might look into VU more, but if the investment were to be the catalyst to improving VU as a whole, how would that play out? Does the alum who currently gives nothing suddenly start writing checks for a few thousand every year because they see Valpo on the ESPN ticker more?
Good thoughts, Vale. A couple of thoughts in response:
1 - Not 8 figures - mid-7 figures for ARC renovation/enhancement -- not a new facility. That's all that we would need to reflect a genuine upgrade of the program. Blueprint program to me is Gonzaga. They dominate their conference and maintain a continual high profile. If they lose in the conference tournament -- they almost always will get an at-large bid due to their RPI and SOS.
2 - The next tier is where we need to go -- we don't have to aspire to national elite. We're not about to sacrifice the type of school we are to be something we aren't. And I would suggest that we build up the BB program NOW to the point where we, like Gonzaga out west and Butler for years in the HL before we started whupping them, dominate HL MBB. Then we move to the next tier. If it's, for instance, the MVC, we would be doing it from a position of strength with little to make up in terms of building our way back up to the top. Geez, Loyola, moved from the bottom ⅓ of the HL, to the middle ⅓ in the MVC in one season. If we move, I'd want us to move from HL top dog to MVC top 3. No drop-off in profile and a good chance at a title or at-large.
3 - Those residential/academic goals are all good goals to have, but they take time to have an influence -- a lot of time. I do not think for an instant that anyone on the board, including me, wants a
huge BB program -- just one that is
always in the national conversation (Again, more like a Gonzaga or a Butler or VCU. Not like UK, MSU or Duke, but also not like one year cinderella teams like Valpo '98 ::), or Florida Gulf Coast). The time it takes to get to that point would, in my estimation, be a lot faster than the residential/academic route.
4 - Here I'd say a "rising tide floats all boats." We have witnessed how over the past 4 years many of the "other" sports are now taking their place among the HL leaders, when, at the beginning of our HL journey we were near the bottom of the standings in many non-revenue sports. If MBB were to be enhanced and the ARC improved, the other sports would enjoy collateral benefits. I don't see Mark stealing from Peter to pay Paul. He doesn't work that way.
But you're right, we could really benefit from that big donor. ;D
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on March 30, 2015, 03:05:44 PM
But what exactly would that stage look like? And, if and when we get that national stage, what do we do? More people who are into basketball might look into VU more, but if the investment were to be the catalyst to improving VU as a whole, how would that play out? Does the alum who currently gives nothing suddenly start writing checks for a few thousand every year because they see Valpo on the ESPN ticker more?
At the end of the day it's not so much about BB
per se, it's about national recognition as a respected institution of higher education. MBB is just a convenient and effective vehicle to get that message and perception out to more than just hardcore basketball fans. I mentioned this a while a go on another string, but I'll repeat it: After Doug Flutie threw that Hail Mary in 1984, applications and donations went through the roof and continued to the point that BC's campus today is nothing like it was back then. Other posters posted statistics from Butler that, after those two runs to the national finals, showed that the same phenomenon took place. Brand recognition. We had a bit of that in 98, but couldn't leverage it. Now we once again have the beginnings of a sound foundation. It would be a shame to just leave the foundation in the ground and not complete the building process (sorry for the metaphor).
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 30, 2015, 04:41:30 PM
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on March 30, 2015, 03:05:44 PM
I'd love a major upgrade just as much as the next guy, and I don't doubt it would bring benefits. Building a top basketball might have the most upside of any investment in VU, broadly speaking. But, considering other courses of action and investment, such an investment in basketball is one of the riskiest, in my opinion:
1) Dumping eight figures into new facilities, etc., will likely bring improvement on the court. But what order of magnitude of change would such an investment bring, and how much could we bank on it? I don't think anyone could suggest it would raise our profile to the topmost tier of successful private programs (Duke), even a decade into such an investment. So where would it leave us, best case (realistic) scenario? What current program out there might be a blueprint for our expectations?
2) If we were to gain second-tier or third-tier elite status, a bid to a larger conference would seem like a natural stepping stone and proof of success. However, with the jump up comes additional years of program building to work your way to the top. In other words, while a few years of at-large bids in the HL might garner some mid-major national attention, it would most likely followed by a few years of no attention, with sub-.500 records. In my mind, even if a new arena is announced in 2016, it's pushing 2030 before we could realistically expect to see VU at the top of a big conference. Could we afford the time between now and then?
3) The value of investing in residential life/academic buildings was just discussed above. Those can can provide the ROI we would hope a huge basketball program could produce (more attention from incoming students, more and better applicants, successful alumni, better alumni support and donations, etc). The best-case-scenario with basketball would probably top this kind of investment, but this investment seems to me to be a much less risky move. We wouldn't need to wait for the basketball money to start improving res life, academics, etc. That's not too say investing in a new business building, new science building, and a few new dorms is risk-averse or not a bold move--doing it right means investing the same amount of money we would in facilities. It could be argued that such an alumni base could then give athletics a boost.
4) The long-term value of a successful athletics program across the board might be more valuable than a flagship program that sits awkwardly apart from the rest of the sports programs. College athletics are a proven way to keep alumni active and engaged (and donating). Could our other sports programs compete in a bigger conference were men's basketball make the jump? Would making sure the 600(?) or so varsity athletes at Valpo all have a great experience and all have a chance to compete for a league title produce a more engaged following, which would, in-turn support bigger investments down the line?
Again, I'd love a big donor to come along and underwrite something like this. And, if and when we get that national stage, what do we do? More people who are into basketball might look into VU more, but if the investment were to be the catalyst to improving VU as a whole, how would that play out? Does the alum who currently gives nothing suddenly start writing checks for a few thousand every year because they see Valpo on the ESPN ticker more?
Good thoughts, Vale. A couple of thoughts in response:
1 - Not 8 figures - mid-7 figures for ARC renovation/enhancement -- not a new facility. That's all that we would need to reflect a genuine upgrade of the program. Blueprint program to me is Gonzaga. They dominate their conference and maintain a continual high profile. If they lose in the conference tournament -- they almost always will get an at-large bid due to their RPI and SOS.
2 - The next tier is where we need to go -- we don't have to aspire to national elite. We're not about to sacrifice the type of school we are to be something we aren't. And I would suggest that we build up the BB program NOW to the point where we, like Gonzaga out west and Butler for years in the HL before we started whupping them, dominate HL MBB. Then we move to the next tier. If it's, for instance, the MVC, we would be doing it from a position of strength with little to make up in terms of building our way back up to the top. Geez, Loyola, moved from the bottom ⅓ of the HL, to the middle ⅓ in the MVC in one season. If we move, I'd want us to move from HL top dog to MVC top 3. No drop-off in profile and a good chance at a title or at-large.
3 - Those residential/academic goals are all good goals to have, but they take time to have an influence -- a lot of time. I do not think for an instant that anyone on the board, including me, wants a huge BB program -- just one that is always in the national conversation (Again, more like a Gonzaga or a Butler or VCU. Not like UK, MSU or Duke, but also not like one year cinderella teams like Valpo '98 ::), or Florida Gulf Coast). The time it takes to get to that point would, in my estimation, be a lot faster than the residential/academic route.
4 - Here I'd say a "rising tide floats all boats." We have witnessed how over the past 4 years many of the "other" sports are now taking their place among the HL leaders, when, at the beginning of our HL journey we were near the bottom of the standings in many non-revenue sports. If MBB were to be enhanced and the ARC improved, the other sports would enjoy collateral benefits. I don't see Mark stealing from Peter to pay Paul. He doesn't work that way.
But you're right, we could really benefit from that big donor. ;D
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on March 30, 2015, 03:05:44 PM
But what exactly would that stage look like? And, if and when we get that national stage, what do we do? More people who are into basketball might look into VU more, but if the investment were to be the catalyst to improving VU as a whole, how would that play out? Does the alum who currently gives nothing suddenly start writing checks for a few thousand every year because they see Valpo on the ESPN ticker more?
At the end of the day it's not so much about BB per se, it's about national recognition as a respected institution of higher education. MBB is just a convenient and effective vehicle to get that message and perception out to more than just hardcore basketball fans. I mentioned this a while a go on another string, but I'll repeat it: After Doug Flutie threw that Hail Mary in 1984, applications and donations went through the roof and continued to the point that BC's campus today is nothing like it was back then. Other posters posted statistics from Butler that, after those two runs to the national finals, showed that the same phenomenon took place. Brand recognition. We had a bit of that in 98, but couldn't leverage it. Now we once again have the beginnings of a sound foundation. It would be a shame to just leave the foundation in the ground and not complete the building process (sorry for the metaphor).
.
Some very interesting conversations. I think the questions are very fundamental and direction should be clearly defined. Are we (and by we I mean university board, current students, alumni and administration etc.) happy with our current level of enrollment, endowment, academic reputation, alumni giving and student athletics? Are we a national university? If we aren't then do we want to be one? If we are then why are we thought of as one? Do we want to trend more like Carleton College or Wake Forest?
I agree very much with VULB#62. What scares me about the current very conservative (slow) approach is that the "VU brand" has been uniquely tied to a name or family, more so than any other school that I can think of, and when that name is no longer associated with VU and there are no more AXE commercials and 100's of "The Shot" replays in March and April because Bryce is no longer the coach or Homer is not in the stands watching the game, what happens to the HL school with the "high school gym" and 20 year old Sweet Sixteen run . What happens when Rodger or Greg go into a potential recruits living room 4 or 5 years from now, if Bryce finds another university he can feel comfortable with, will they be able to talk about VU's continued commitment to the student athlete experience and helping them get the exposure required for the "next level". If they don't have much to say then I am afraid not only for Men's Basketball but for the perception of decline that may affect other areas of the university.
Bingo...cook while the fire is hot
I will no doubt be criticized for not recognizing the cause of our problems--lack of facilities. Or, perhaps the cry is that if we don't do something then Bryce will leave or if he leaves and we don't have better facilities we are done for. These arguements may all be true but also may not be.
No doubt, the success of the basketball program has been tied to the Drew's coaching AND recruiting ability. If we put 15 mil into a renovated ARC and Wake Forest offers Bryce 2 mil a year, will the renovated facilities keep him? We all know the answer. Will the renovations add more folks to the crowds? Perhaps for a while but winning is what will really add to attendance. If we get ranked next year and schedule some decent home games, the people will come, trust me.
The idea that if Bryce leaves the program is done is also silly. We once had a coach named Gene Bartow. He took Valpo to the NCAAs and then left for greener pastures, namely Memphis, Illinois and UCLA. A few years later we find a guy named Homer Drew. His background? D3 and D2. Took five years of disaster before he figured it out.
Now, will better facilities attract a better coach? Perhaps. Will it attract better players? I think we all can see that the coach is the really significant part to recruiting.
Do I think we should plow all sorts of money into the basketball program? Yes, for sure. Will it guarantee success after Bryce? Absolutely not. Just ask Loyola. Has their pathetic attendance improved since they redid their arena? I doubt it. If anything it has improved based on their competition now that they are in the Valley.
USAToday posted a Tourney Coaches Pay Database of the 68 coaches in the 2015 dance.
http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/ (http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/mens-basketball/coach/)
No surprise Calipari is at the top at $6,356,756
Bryce is #56 out of 68 with $285,927. Mark Turgeon, the guy he almost beat, comes in at #19 $2,252,488. Bryce could be ranked even lower because Brigham Young, Butler, Harvard and Hampton did not provide figures. FWIW - Belmont's HBBC makes $709,101 (#42) All four Final Four Coaches are rated in the top 10: Calipari #1, Krzyzewski #2, Izzo #5, and Bo Ryan #10.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 01, 2015, 11:23:53 AMBryce is #56 out of 68 with $285,927.
That sounds like his 2012 (year ending June 30, 2013) IRS 990 number.
So, who knows how careful their methodology is, or can be. Like as not that's the only number publicly available. Who knows how complete, or comparable, it is.
Did Bryce get a pay raise when his contract got extended?
You're right: That $285,927 figure is from the 2012-13 tax return (page 39): http://207.153.189.83/EINS/350868125/350868125_2012_0a7a96ca.PDF (http://207.153.189.83/EINS/350868125/350868125_2012_0a7a96ca.PDF)
That fiscal year ended (June 2013) before Bryce's inked the 10-year extension (December 2013). http://www.valpo.edu/news/2013/12/18/valparaiso-university-signs-bryce-drew-to-long-term-contract-extension/ (http://www.valpo.edu/news/2013/12/18/valparaiso-university-signs-bryce-drew-to-long-term-contract-extension/)
Guessing that extension came with a pay bump.
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on April 01, 2015, 12:29:07 PM
You're right: That $285,927 figure is from the 2012-13 tax return (page 39): http://207.153.189.83/EINS/350868125/350868125_2012_0a7a96ca.PDF (http://207.153.189.83/EINS/350868125/350868125_2012_0a7a96ca.PDF)
That fiscal year ended (June 2013) before Bryce's inked the 10-year extension (December 2013). http://www.valpo.edu/news/2013/12/18/valparaiso-university-signs-bryce-drew-to-long-term-contract-extension/ (http://www.valpo.edu/news/2013/12/18/valparaiso-university-signs-bryce-drew-to-long-term-contract-extension/)
Guessing that extension came with a pay bump.
Let's hope so.
But $285.9K is what the public sees right now, unfortunately. But ya gotta wonder about the accuracy. Still, in terms of order of magnitude I would guess that Bryce might still be in the bottom ⅓ where the ceiling is around $500K
Top ⅓ (1-23):
$6.3MM - $2.06MM
Middle ⅓ (24-46)
$1.85MM - $525K
Bottom (47-68)
$479K - $161K
BTW, was on Duke campus this past weekend, and it isn't just facilities, but also the atmosphere of the game day experience. Cameron is a dump based on contemporary standards. It's similar in age/vintage to Hilltop. Hilltop is now a very fine practice facility for hoops (unfortunately it is not exclusively for just basketball like some universities have, e.g. Wake Forest). Duke's old Hilltop like facility is their kind of intramural facility and it looks and feels like 1946 (if I had been around in '46). Renovations are sufficient for the ARC. But, someone has to get it on the Board's highest priority list and find the donors (next major campaign maybe). But, a new intramural facility would help alleviate the congestion in scheduling and open the ARC up for more permanent renovations (which is also a critical factor because the facility is used for a number of things). Having been to the Wolstein ("W") in Cleveland a few times lately, that is a white elephant for basketball and there is nothing CSU can do about it. They're stuck with it.
Akron has the JAR and it is of similar vintage as the ARC. They want a new facility, but resources and basketball revenues do not support a new one or major renovations. But, it isn't a bad facility. Their football stadium is brand new and really, really nice but they do not come close to filling the lower sections. State HS Football playoffs fill the place more. One needs to be very careful with arena envy. Would rather see investment in endowed Coaching salaries and endowed retirement funds/annuities to retain and attract coaching candidates if the "situation that shall not be mentioned" were to occur.
Quote from: valpo84 on April 01, 2015, 02:23:50 PM
BTW, was on Duke campus this past weekend, and it isn't just facilities, but also the atmosphere of the game day experience. Cameron is a dump based on contemporary standards. It's similar in age/vintage to Hilltop. Hilltop is now a very fine practice facility for hoops (unfortunately it is not exclusively for just basketball like some universities have, e.g. Wake Forest). Duke's old Hilltop like facility is their kind of intramural facility and it looks and feels like 1946 (if I had been around in '46). Renovations are sufficient for the ARC. But, someone has to get it on the Board's highest priority list and find the donors (next major campaign maybe). But, a new intramural facility would help alleviate the congestion in scheduling and open the ARC up for more permanent renovations (which is also a critical factor because the facility is used for a number of things). Having been to the Wolstein ("W") in Cleveland a few times lately, that is a white elephant for basketball and there is nothing CSU can do about it. They're stuck with it.
Akron has the JAR and it is of similar vintage as the ARC. They want a new facility, but resources and basketball revenues do not support a new one or major renovations. But, it isn't a bad facility. Their football stadium is brand new and really, really nice but they do not come close to filling the lower sections. State HS Football playoffs fill the place more. One needs to be very careful with arena envy. Would rather see investment in endowed Coaching salaries and endowed retirement funds/annuities to retain and attract coaching candidates if the "situation that shall not be mentioned" were to occur.
Speaking of dumps at major universities, has anyone else been to Welsh-Ryan at Northwestern? Their "major upgrades" (last couple of years) included a new floor and a video scoreboard! The place was built in 1952, seats 8117, 2000 of which are chairbacks and the balance wooden bleachers--one of which I had the displeasure to sit on this past season.
Quote from: valpo84 on April 01, 2015, 02:23:50 PMit looks and feels like 1946 (if I had been around in '46).
My eleven year old daughter tells me that I'm (and my taste in music, clothes, etc.) from the 1600's. Do you kids think that you were around in 1946 (at least when they were teenagers).
"Speaking of dumps at major universities, has anyone else been to Welsh-Ryan at Northwestern? Their "major upgrades" (last couple of years) included a new floor and a video scoreboard! The place was built in 1952, seats 8117, 2000 of which are chairbacks and the balance wooden bleachers--one of which I had the displeasure to sit on this past season."
Sounds familiar...
Calling Hilltop a "very fine" practice facility for basketball is kind of a joke to me. I know for a fact two of the side rims are not even 10 feet in height. I am pretty sure none of the side baskets even have a free throw line on the floor. You cannot run sprints without having to slow down before the end line due to the walls being directly behind the basket. Afternoon practices during the winter you will have to deal with the sun being in your eyes depending on the angle at the South basket I believe it is. If it's hot outside, it's guaranteed hotter in the gym. Floor is always dirty due to recreational use. Oh, and the softball team is sometimes practicing at the same time up in their batting cage.
Rant over.
That was one of my points, if you take out the other sports from Hilltop and move them to a Intramural/Training facility, it frees up Hilltop.
And take it easy on those rims, I could almost dunk on them in college. And learn how to hit shots with something in your vision. Youngsters want everything these days. And they should be running through walls for Valpo. (SI (for newer board members -- "sarcasm intended")
Covufan--the 1600s were great years for Music... also, maybe not quite the 1940s but when I started talking about pre-3 point line they did look at me funny.
Quote from: valpo84 on April 02, 2015, 01:06:02 PMCovufan--the 1600s were great years for Music... also, maybe not quite the 1940s but when I started talking about pre-3 point line they did look at me funny.
Or pre-shot clock for NCAA.
Well, at least we aren't talking about the days when it was a jump ball after a made basket!
Quote from: covufan on April 02, 2015, 01:21:55 PM
Quote from: valpo84 on April 02, 2015, 01:06:02 PMCovufan--the 1600s were great years for Music... also, maybe not quite the 1940s but when I started talking about pre-3 point line they did look at me funny.
Or pre-shot clock for NCAA.
Well, at least we aren't talking about the days when it was a jump ball after a made basket!
Just read Geno Auriema's characterization of NCAA Men's BB as a joke. Poor shooting, sledge hammer defenses - unentertaining: and this is AFTER the introduction of the shot clock, 3-Pt arc (just mentioned below) and the possession arrow -- all geared to stimulate scoring. That got me thinking of Gene Bartow's 65-66 and 66-67 Valpo teams that scored 90+ points in 26 out of 57 games in two seasons. And of those 26, 20 were 100+ Now, THAT was entertaining BB --- and without aforesaid innovations. :lol:
Quote from: valpo84 on April 02, 2015, 01:06:02 PM
And learn how to hit shots with something in your vision.
Yes, let's learn how to make shots with the sun in our eyes because that's something that happens in a normal game...
The coaching shuffle continues: ESPN & CBS reporting Shaka Smart accepts Texas job.
Not worried about the public school VCU job regarding Bryce.
Hurley takes the Arizona State job:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12656943/arizona-state-sun-devils-hire-bobby-hurley-new-coach-college-basketball (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12656943/arizona-state-sun-devils-hire-bobby-hurley-new-coach-college-basketball)
I doubt this changes things in Valpo, but the Florida job is now open:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12793263/billy-donovan-agrees-multi-year-deal-oklahoma-city-thunder (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12793263/billy-donovan-agrees-multi-year-deal-oklahoma-city-thunder)
http://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/florida-gators-replacing-billy-donovan-archie-miller-jim-larranaga-bryce-drew-050115 (http://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/florida-gators-replacing-billy-donovan-archie-miller-jim-larranaga-bryce-drew-050115)
Good to see the Valpo brand (via Bryce) out there in so many conversations. Especially valued the stuff I bolded,
From the article:
Valparaiso's head coach has a lot of good qualities that would make him a great fit at Florida. The reigning Horizon League coach of the year, Drew is on the short list of up-and-coming college coaches and brings with him NBA experience as a former pro point guard. Drew has been the driving force for the past four years surrounding Valpo's rise to NCAA tournament prominence, a run that featured a school record 28 wins this past season.*
Those are things that are helpful in recruiting the next level of competitor to our program.
* And to think -- we've lost only one senior from that team ::)
Another school that won't entice Bryce. I see him wanting to put his own stamp on a program, and that would be impossible at Florida following Donovan.
Plus, that is a MAJOR leap to a big time pressure cooker. If/when Bryce moves on, in a short term move I see him going to a MVC or A10 school first and the next step would be Power 5. In a longer term scenario, I see him staying at Valpo, winning a couple more HL titles, and then considering a direct leap to a Power 5.
Quote from: VULB#62 on May 03, 2015, 07:52:09 AM
Plus, that is a MAJOR leap to a big time pressure cooker. If/when Bryce moves on, in a short term move I see him going to a MVC or A10 school first and the next step would be Power 5. In a longer term scenario, I see him staying at Valpo, winning a couple more HL titles, and then considering a direct leap to a Power 5.
I think part 2 of your comment is the far more likely scenario. Part 1 better fits a guy like Wardle, for example. He was an excellent recruiter and his teams won a lot of games, yet he only had 1 regular season and no tournament championships to show for it. He still has more to prove, and moving to Bradley will give him a new opportunity. Bryce, on the other hand, has won 3 league championships, 2 tournament championships, 2 NCAA appearances, 1 NIT appearance and 2 COY honors in 4 years. All he has to do is keep doing what he's been doing where he's been doing it, and his options will just continue to grow. He's really in a great position right now.
Personally, starting Wednesday the wife and I are going to be enjoying life for a while in America's paradise. Smooth sailing to all... :)
Okay, time for people to get nervous again. Rumors have Fred Hoiberg as the leading candidate to replace Tom Thibodeaux as the Bulls new coach, which leaves some wondering if Bryce will be sought to take Hoiberg's spot at Iowa State, a likely pre-season top-10 team. Just to add an odd coincidental twist to this, Bryce's wife's maiden name is Thibodeaux. ::)
No reason to get nervous. It's interesting recently that every time there is a college basketball coaching vacancy that Bryce Drew's name is in the mix. Bryce is not ready to coach Iowa State, a team that should be in the Top 10 in the 2015-16 season. I think he has to learn more, win games against major conference teams and make a statement in the NCAA tournament. Iowa State will pursue a higher profile coach.
There is a lot of concern and speculation in the Des Moines community that Fred Hoiberg will leave Iowa State and be the next Bulls coach. I think this would be a mistake for both parties. The last time the Bulls take a coach from Iowa State, Tim "Pink" Floyd, it was a disaster. Also, the Bulls are trending down as their talent base is aging and they cannot get past a team with LeBron James. I think Hoiberg should stay at Iowa State and maybe wait for when the Minnesota T-Wolves position is available.
Drew, Hoiberg and Floyd were all with the 2000-2001 Bulls. I believe Drew and Floyd were with the Hornets that summer of 2003, when Floyd may have mentioned one Scott Drew for the Baylor HC position. Lots of connections here.
http://www.iowastatedaily.com/sports/article_434d1366-05a5-11e5-8e32-1793d4fe1f9d.html (http://www.iowastatedaily.com/sports/article_434d1366-05a5-11e5-8e32-1793d4fe1f9d.html)
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25198576/fred-hoiberg-is-about-to-leave-somebody-something-rare-at-isu (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25198576/fred-hoiberg-is-about-to-leave-somebody-something-rare-at-isu)
http://www.widerightnattylite.com/2015/5/29/8683633/iowa-state-fred-hoiberg-coaching-replacements (http://www.widerightnattylite.com/2015/5/29/8683633/iowa-state-fred-hoiberg-coaching-replacements)
http://www.scout.com/college/florida/story/1550302-franz-beard-s-thoughts-of-the-day-may-29 (http://www.scout.com/college/florida/story/1550302-franz-beard-s-thoughts-of-the-day-may-29)
http://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204469 (http://cyclonefanatic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204469)
Going up against Scott would be the downside of the ISU job, at least from Bryce's point of view.
Bryce won't go to Iowa State because he doesn't want to compete against his brother.
He won't leave for an Iowa State either. Again, he seems like the type of guy that would want to be a HC at a school that would allow him to openly speak about his religion, and that is not possible at a public.
Quote from: vu72 on May 29, 2015, 05:00:33 PM
Bryce won't go to Iowa State because he doesn't want to compete against his brother.
I don't get that. They probably competed with one another daily playing one-on-one growing up. What's the big deal?
Quote from: valpotx on May 29, 2015, 11:16:00 PM
He won't leave for an Iowa State either. Again, he seems like the type of guy that would want to be a HC at a school that would allow him to openly speak about his religion, and that is not possible at a public.
As long as he makes it known before signing any contract that he will not be silenced about his faith, I see no problem with him going to a state school.
Despite the cute reports that can tend to be a joke, I do not believe Iowa State will pursue Byrce. With the players returning, they are lookkIng for a higher profile coach. Jeff Hornacek is a name they are looking at.
Byrce is doing well, but he needs some significant wins on his resume. Defeating Woogie Boogie does not count as big wins. He will get them but currently they do not exist.
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 30, 2015, 08:11:13 AMQuote from: vu72 on May 29, 2015, 05:00:33 PMBryce won't go to Iowa State because he doesn't want to compete against his brother.
I don't get that. They probably competed with one another daily playing one-on-one growing up. What's the big deal?
Just before this past NCAA selection show Bryce and Scott were on the phone together and it was revealed that they prayed that Valpo and Baylor would not be paired up against each other. I forget which sports publication/website was lobbying for a Drew brothers clash in the tourney so as to peak fans' interest. It is very obvious by their outward statements that Bryce and Scott do not want to coach against each other. It's like a Drew Family declaration and promise.
Quote from: historyman on May 31, 2015, 01:02:56 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 30, 2015, 08:11:13 AMQuote from: vu72 on May 29, 2015, 05:00:33 PMBryce won't go to Iowa State because he doesn't want to compete against his brother.
I don't get that. They probably competed with one another daily playing one-on-one growing up. What's the big deal?
Just before this past NCAA selection show Bryce and Scott were on the phone together and it was revealed that they prayed that Valpo and Baylor would not be paired up against each other. I forget which sports publication/website was lobbying for a Drew brothers clash in the tourney so as to peak fans' interest. It is very obvious by their outward statements that Bryce and Scott do not want to coach against each other. It's like a Drew Family declaration and promise.
I'm aware of that. I still don't get it. Why? What's the big deal?
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 31, 2015, 06:45:48 AM
Quote from: historyman on May 31, 2015, 01:02:56 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 30, 2015, 08:11:13 AMQuote from: vu72 on May 29, 2015, 05:00:33 PMBryce won't go to Iowa State because he doesn't want to compete against his brother.
I don't get that. They probably competed with one another daily playing one-on-one growing up. What's the big deal?
Just before this past NCAA selection show Bryce and Scott were on the phone together and it was revealed that they prayed that Valpo and Baylor would not be paired up against each other. I forget which sports publication/website was lobbying for a Drew brothers clash in the tourney so as to peak fans' interest. It is very obvious by their outward statements that Bryce and Scott do not want to coach against each other. It's like a Drew Family declaration and promise.
I'm aware of that. I still don't get it. Why? What's the big deal?
I'm just guessing of course, but, are you an only child?? ??? The winner of a game is typically happy, and the loser, not so much. Seeing a loved one hurting is not something you typically look forward to. As a example, some years ago the Sutton boys played against each other. One won and one lost. Neither was happy with the result.
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 31, 2015, 06:45:48 AM
Quote from: historyman on May 31, 2015, 01:02:56 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on May 30, 2015, 08:11:13 AMQuote from: vu72 on May 29, 2015, 05:00:33 PMBryce won't go to Iowa State because he doesn't want to compete against his brother.
I don't get that. They probably competed with one another daily playing one-on-one growing up. What's the big deal?
Just before this past NCAA selection show Bryce and Scott were on the phone together and it was revealed that they prayed that Valpo and Baylor would not be paired up against each other. I forget which sports publication/website was lobbying for a Drew brothers clash in the tourney so as to peak fans' interest. It is very obvious by their outward statements that Bryce and Scott do not want to coach against each other. It's like a Drew Family declaration and promise.
I'm aware of that. I still don't get it. Why? What's the big deal?
You have heard the phrase "win-win." No matter what there is always a "lose" in the senario with the Drew Brothers. And they are not the only brothers or father/son that don't want to coach or play against each other.
It reminds me of the Harbaugh brothers during the Super Bowl. IU coach, Tom Crean, a brother-in-law to the Harbaughs, explained that they knew no matter what they were going through an emotional rollercoaster because they would experience the great loss of losing a Super Bowl with one brother and the great euphoria of winning a Super Bowl with the other brother. Whoever won there was a loss in the equation.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html)
Now that the Hoiberg vacancy is reality, here are my thoughts. Against conventional wisdom I think Bryce may well take the Iowa State position if an offer presents itself. IMO at some point he is going to bolt for the "right" job; otherwise, he wouldn't keep interviewing. This is a prestige position in 1 of the most elite conferences in America. Unlike DePaul (and other positions he has interviewed for) it's not about resurrecting a failed program. ISU is loaded with top notch talent. In all likelihood they will be a 20-25 win team and a lock for the Tournament. The job pays $2.5 M (8-10 times what he makes now). As to the brothers not playing each other, there's a limit to everything. Scott makes $2.5 M/yr. he's not going to tell his brother who makes a tenth of that to pass so they don't have to face each other. I do agree that he may not be a primary candidate. Then again, stranger things have happened.
Quote from: wh on June 02, 2015, 10:31:58 AM
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html)
Now that the Hoiberg vacancy is reality, here are my thoughts. Against conventional wisdom I think Bryce may well take the Iowa State position if an offer presents itself. IMO at some point he is going to bolt for the "right" job; otherwise, he wouldn't keep interviewing. This is a prestige position in 1 of the most elite conferences in America. Unlike DePaul (and other positions he has interviewed for) it's not about resurrecting a failed program. ISU is loaded with top notch talent. In all likelihood they will be a 20-25 win team and a lock for the Tournament. The job pays $2.5 M (8-10 times what he makes now). As to the brothers not playing each other, there's a limit to everything. Scott makes $2.5 M/yr. he's not going to tell his brother who makes a tenth of that to pass so they don't have to face each other. I do agree that he may not be a primary candidate. Then again, stranger things have happened.
I certainly couldn't blame him if he took the ISU job. Taking over a Top-10 team is quite the opportunity.
Quote from: covufan on June 02, 2015, 11:51:58 AM
Quote from: wh on June 02, 2015, 10:31:58 AM
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--fred-hoiberg-signs--25m-contract-to-coach-bulls-020131567.html)
Now that the Hoiberg vacancy is reality, here are my thoughts. Against conventional wisdom I think Bryce may well take the Iowa State position if an offer presents itself. IMO at some point he is going to bolt for the "right" job; otherwise, he wouldn't keep interviewing. This is a prestige position in 1 of the most elite conferences in America. Unlike DePaul (and other positions he has interviewed for) it's not about resurrecting a failed program. ISU is loaded with top notch talent. In all likelihood they will be a 20-25 win team and a lock for the Tournament. The job pays $2.5 M (8-10 times what he makes now). As to the brothers not playing each other, there's a limit to everything. Scott makes $2.5 M/yr. he's not going to tell his brother who makes a tenth of that to pass so they don't have to face each other. I do agree that he may not be a primary candidate. Then again, stranger things have happened.
I certainly couldn't blame him if he took the ISU job. Taking over a Top-10 team is quite the opportunity.
I was trying to find a school with a decent basketball program that would be a good fit for Bryce. I am guessing that Bryce is a "Bible" Christian, meaning in the Baptist tradition. That is why Baylor was such a good fit for Scott. It also could mean a school like Valpo, open to all comers with a strong faith component, but encouraging to those from all backgrounds. Now, I have no reason to think that a Catholic school wouldn't be a good fit, but I suspect Bryce would embrace Baylor a lot faster then Notre Dame.
So I just went through the top 50 Christian schools in the list posted under the General Valpo section and didn't find one with a better basketball tradition then Valpo. There are several D1 schools, but a move to, say a Belmont, would be perhaps not even lateral. One public school that does come to mind is Texas A & M. Yes, it is public, but VERY conservative with thousands of students regularly going to Bible classes. They play in a different conference than Baylor and is in the same general part of the state thus working well for Homer and Janet.
A & M is regarded, and rightly so, as a football power, but their basketball program is on the rise. They have signed four players ranked by ESPN in the top 66 including two centers ranked 27th and 29th. So all that's good.
The only problem is that Billy Kennedy is only in his fourth season and I think is doing a pretty good job. They finished something like 20-10 and did make the tourney. With all the talent coming in the pressure could be building on Kennedy. So, as far as A & M is concerned, at least for now, we are in good shape.
Bryce considered a primary candidate to replace Hoiberg (new articles):
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/cyclone-insider/2015/06/01/next-list-iowa-state-coaching-candidates/28131227/ (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/cyclone-insider/2015/06/01/next-list-iowa-state-coaching-candidates/28131227/)
BRYCE DREW, Valparaiso head coach
Age: 40
Upside: Been there, done that. He's coached at the NCAA Tournament level. His family tree is loaded with college basketball coaching. He made the game-winning shot against Ole Miss in 1988 for Valparaiso's first NCAA Tournament victory. In four seasons, Drew has 94 wins, including two NCAA Tournament appearances. Opponents scored an average of 59.3 points against the Crusaders last season, 18th nationally.
Downside: Prying him from Valpo won't be easy, given that he's Valparaiso's version of Hoiberg; his teams played home games on Homer Drew Court.
Contract status: He has a 10-year contract that expires in 2023.
http://fansided.com/2015/06/01/who-will-replace-fred-hoiberg-iowa-state/ (http://fansided.com/2015/06/01/who-will-replace-fred-hoiberg-iowa-state/)
Another up-and-coming head coach that could be a possibility is Valparaiso's Bryce Drew. Drew has had success in four years at the helm of the Crusaders and might like a chance to coach against his brother Scott at Baylor.
However, Drew could be slightly harder to lure away, as he played at Valparaiso and hit one of the most famous buzzer beaters in the history of the NCAA Tournament there. If Drew keeps winning, he'll have no choice but to take a bigger job eventually, but this might not be the time.
vu72, Iowa State is as conservative as A&M and located in a "family first" like community. It is more of a technical school, thus it tends to be a little more conservative. A&M has Christians and it has lots and lots of cash. IMO he would fit to Iowa State just fine secular wise. In reality, he is not ready for this position.
Just because it is a state school does not does you have to give up your religious beliefs. Not all state schools are Cal and Colorado.
If Bryce is considered, he has a big choice to make. This would not be a bogus DePaul job. Also, the support and fan base at Iowa State is outstanding.
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 02, 2015, 06:35:14 PM
vu72, Iowa State is as conservative as A&M and located in a "family first" like community. It is more of a technical school, thus it tends to be a little more conservative. A&M has Christians and it has lots and lots of cash. IMO he would fit to Iowa State just fine secular wise. In reality, he is not ready for this position.
Just because it is a state school does not does you have to give up your religious beliefs. Not all state schools are Cal and Colorado.
If Bryce is considered, he has a big choice to make. This would not be a bogus DePaul job. Also, the support and fan base at Iowa State is outstanding.
Understood. This job is in the here and now. The A & M job is a "maybe at some point in the future". In a perfect world the A & M job would be better for Bryce for a couple of reasons. First, its location (great for Homer and Janet) and second, not in the same conference as Scott, thus avoiding the probable three times a year painful battle.
I live in Des Moines. My guess is ISU is going to go after Jeff Hornacek, I have heard Bryce's name tossed around but there are others ahead of him, at least in the eyes of the public.
I think Bryce stays at VU. To me, it sounds like ISU, is going to go after other candidates.
Someone didn't proofread their article, if they think Bryce's shot was in 1988...
Ames, IA may be somewhat conservative, but it is not nearly as conservative as College Station, TX. The vast majority of ultraconservatives in Texas come from A&M (certainly not from UT-Austin). Most college towns in conservative states are more liberal than the rest of the state (i.e. Lawrence) and I would argue that Ames is much more like Lawrence than it is like College Station.
That said, if Iowa State was interested in Bryce I agree that he would need to consider it. Hoiberg left a great program for his successor and they have wonderful fan support up in Ames. However, I would guess that he does not want to play his brother's team two or more times each year.
Bryce is getting publicity as the next up and coming coach, which is great. But he is not ready for Iowa State quite yet. He has not won a big game as coach that validates him to go to the next level.
I am just glad for him that he stayed away from the DePaul job.
So, you're saying that had we upset Top 20 Maryland instead of losing by 3, he would "be ready?" That's the litmus test?
that would finalize the deal since he got the result. Wins over Woogie Boogie do not cut it for a job at Iowa State.
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 03, 2015, 02:29:47 PM
that would finalize the deal since he got the result. Wins over Woogie Boogie do not cut it for a job at Iowa State.
So which teams in the NCAA tournament exactly did Greg McDermott, Fred Hoiberg, Wayne Morgan, Larry Eustachy, or Tim Floyd beat before coaching Iowa State?
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 03, 2015, 02:29:47 PMWins over Woogie Boogie do not cut it for a job at Iowa State.
Hoiberg didn't even have a win over Woogie Boogie. Yes, ISU should be looking for someone with experience. I would think that experience in assessing the players at hand, including recent injuries, and adjusting the coaching to fit the strengths of the players would do well with the team they have in place.
Quote from: a3uge on June 03, 2015, 03:26:57 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 03, 2015, 02:29:47 PM
that would finalize the deal since he got the result. Wins over Woogie Boogie do not cut it for a job at Iowa State.
So which teams in the NCAA tournament exactly did Greg McDermott, Fred Hoiberg, Wayne Morgan, Larry Eustachy, or Tim Floyd beat before coaching Iowa State?
[/b]
Very good question! Let's take a look:
Tim Floyd coached at New Orleans!
At the University of New Orleans, Floyd tallied a 127–58 mark in six seasons as head coach. During his tenure, UNO advanced to postseason play five times, including two NCAA Tournament appearances in 1991 and 1993 and the NIT three times. At UNO, Floyd averaged 21 wins a season. Floyd is one of only four Division I coaches who have won four conference championships in the first five years at their school. In his final season at New Orleans in 1994, the team finished 20-10. Floyd reached the 20-win plateau for the sixth time in eight seasons, and UNO made its seventh postseason appearance in eight years.
McDermott was at UNI before going to Iowa State and never even won a conference title. He did go to three NCAAs and lost all three in the first round.
Larry Eutstachy was at Utah State, won two conference titles and made it to one NCAA tourney, losing in the first round.
I can't go on. This is so depressing realizing that Bryce is at least as qualified as these dudes and has NBA experience, something that Fred had and what they were looking for. Ugh...Let's hope they go with Hornecek.
Hoiberg had NBA management experience and is an Ames native who is beloved. It is a little different.
I may take back my comment - but I would like to see Bryce have a win over a big name school. Cripe, the Saders could not even defeat weak Missouri and New Mexico teams last year. I think he will go to next level soon - he can made headway in 2015-16 with a very talented team and improve his resume.
Jeff Hornacek's agent denies report his client declined ISU meeting
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25203992/jeff-hornacek-declines-to-meet-with-iowa-state-about-coaching-vacancy (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25203992/jeff-hornacek-declines-to-meet-with-iowa-state-about-coaching-vacancy)
Meantime, sources told CBSSports.com that Stephen F. Austin's Brad Underwood, Valpo's Bryce Drew, Murray State's Steve Prohm and Iowa State assistant T.J. Otzelberger remain under consideration.
I would bet that T.J. will get the position and keep the momentum going for the Cyclones, as long as they do not face UAB....
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 03, 2015, 06:45:05 PM
Hoiberg had NBA management experience and is an Ames native who is beloved. It is a little different.
I may take back my comment - but I would like to see Bryce have a win over a big name school. Cripe, the Saders could not even defeat weak Missouri and New Mexico teams last year. I think he will go to next level soon - he can made headway in 2015-16 with a very talented team and improve his resume.
Yes, if only Bryce defeated a 200 RPI team, he'd be penciled into the job already.
Bryce scheduled to interview:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13008148/iowa-state-cyclones-interview-bryce-drew-brad-underwood-steve-prohm-head-coaching-position (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/13008148/iowa-state-cyclones-interview-bryce-drew-brad-underwood-steve-prohm-head-coaching-position)
The university should really bump up Bryce's salary so they get a bigger chunk of buyout money when he eventually leaves. I'm not sure if Bobby Hurly ever signed a new contract with UB, but they had the right idea.
Whether now or a year from now, Bryce's days at Valpo are numbered. He is one of the hottest commodities in college basketball right now. Add another 25 wins, conf. championship and NCAA appearance to his resume next season, and he'll become the most sought after mid major coach in the country.
It's probably also a good time to put our wishful thinking to bed about how Bryce wouldn't take a position in the same conference as Scott, or he wouldn't want to go somewhere where he couldn't publicly live his faith, or how becoming an instant millionaire wouldn't interest him.
I posted this a year or two ago when Bryce was a candidate for the Tulsa job.
QuoteThe one thing I'd hate to see happen to a guy like Bryce is if he were to jump to a bigger program in the B1G, Big 12, Pac 12, etc.. and the team is unsuccessful in his first 3 to 4 seasons and Bryce is subsequently fired. Chances are he'll end back in a Mid-Major program, perhaps a program that is not at the same quality as Valpo. Obviously if he's successful at the next level, it'll do great things for him but the next level is extremely competitive when it comes to coaches and patience is no longer a virtue up their.
So let's look at the positives at staying at Valpo
- Job is secure
- He has been successful
- He is a beloved figure in town
- He has strong roots in Valpo
- Much of his family lives in the area
- Quality Mid-Major prgram
Negative at staying at Valpo
- No matter what we do we will never be consistently at the level of the Kansas's, Kentucky's, Ohio State's, etc...
- If the basketball program takes a turn for the worse his chances of moving up decrease drastically
- Less money
- Mid-major program
Positives of going to a bigger program
- More money
- Better opportunity to win a national championship
- Much more recognizable
- If successful perhaps he can get into the NBA as a coach
- Top-tier recruits
- Better facilities
Negatives of going to a bigger program
- Less secure
- More likely to get fired
- Perhaps end up at a lower level mid-major program
- Media coverage
- Harsh world
Staying at Valpo has its positives and negatives and so does going to a bigger program. If he waits perhaps that door will close if Valpo doesn't get back to the form it was in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. As many know those big programs are high risk high reward, if he's successful he can truly become a basketball god but if not they'll leave him on the side of the road and move on. I'm glad he's at least staying around for another year and who knows perhaps he does stay here for the full 10 years of his contract. It can't hurt to shop around as you never know when that perfect opportunity will present itself and it's obvious that Bryce isn't leaving unless it's a perfect opportunity. Since he has had a chance to go to bigger programs and has chosen to stay at Valpo.
Obviously, I hope he stays at Valpo but if he moves on I will wish him well and root for him to succeed.
Quote from: classof2014 on June 04, 2015, 10:08:50 AM
I posted this a year or two ago when Bryce was a candidate for the Tulsa job.
QuoteThe one thing I'd hate to see happen to a guy like Bryce is if he were to jump to a bigger program in the B1G, Big 12, Pac 12, etc.. and the team is unsuccessful in his first 3 to 4 seasons and Bryce is subsequently fired. Chances are he'll end back in a Mid-Major program, perhaps a program that is not at the same quality as Valpo. Obviously if he's successful at the next level, it'll do great things for him but the next level is extremely competitive when it comes to coaches and patience is no longer a virtue up their.
So let's look at the positives at staying at Valpo
- Job is secure
- He has been successful
- He is a beloved figure in town
- He has strong roots in Valpo
- Much of his family lives in the area
- Quality Mid-Major prgram
Negative at staying at Valpo
- No matter what we do we will never be consistently at the level of the Kansas's, Kentucky's, Ohio State's, etc...
- If the basketball program takes a turn for the worse his chances of moving up decrease drastically
- Less money
- Mid-major program
Positives of going to a bigger program
- More money
- Better opportunity to win a national championship
- Much more recognizable
- If successful perhaps he can get into the NBA as a coach
- Top-tier recruits
- Better facilities
Negatives of going to a bigger program
- Less secure
- More likely to get fired
- Perhaps end up at a lower level mid-major program
- Media coverage
- Harsh world
Staying at Valpo has its positives and negatives and so does going to a bigger program. If he waits perhaps that door will close if Valpo doesn't get back to the form it was in 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. As many know those big programs are high risk high reward, if he's successful he can truly become a basketball god but if not they'll leave him on the side of the road and move on. I'm glad he's at least staying around for another year and who knows perhaps he does stay here for the full 10 years of his contract. It can't hurt to shop around as you never know when that perfect opportunity will present itself and it's obvious that Bryce isn't leaving unless it's a perfect opportunity. Since he has had a chance to go to bigger programs and has chosen to stay at Valpo.
Obviously, I hope he stays at Valpo but if he moves on I will wish him well and root for him to succeed.
Great post!
Quote from: classof2014 on June 04, 2015, 10:08:50 AMObviously, I hope he stays at Valpo but if he moves on I will wish him well and root for him to succeed.
Ditto
If this were to happen, the next thing to sweat out will be whether AP and RP go with him.
we're safe! Just kidding.
This article from yesterday lists Hunter and Prohm as key possibilities. http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/6/3/8722969/iowa-state-basketball-coaching-search-lindsey-hunter-steve-prohm-brad-underwood-2015 (http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/6/3/8722969/iowa-state-basketball-coaching-search-lindsey-hunter-steve-prohm-brad-underwood-2015)
And a poll of fans shows Bryce in 4th out of 6 with Hornacek and Otzelberger way out in front.
Here's another DesMoines Register opinion article
Peterson: Pros and cons of top ISU coaching candidates
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/randy-peterson/2015/06/06/peterson-iowa-state-coaching-column/28535297/ (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/iowa-state/randy-peterson/2015/06/06/peterson-iowa-state-coaching-column/28535297/)
and the NC Central coach was interviewed by ISU on Saturday
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/nc-central-s-moton-interviews-with-iowa-state/14696790/ (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/nc-central-s-moton-interviews-with-iowa-state/14696790/)
My guess is ISU will go with Otzelberger, they have a Top 10 caliber team and I don't think anyone would leave if Otzelberger is the coach. Nothing would surprise me anymore.
Do I think Bryce will leave this year? No.
Do I think Bryce will leave? Yes.
CBS Sports reporting Prohm will be the selection. If true, it looks like Bryce will be back with a stacked team for the new season.
Quote from: valpopal on June 08, 2015, 10:42:16 AM
CBS Sports reporting Prohm will be the selection. If true, it looks like Bryce will be back with a stacked team for the new season.
[emoji1] Fantastic news, but wow was that close? I'm wondering if Bryce was in play. Prohm took Murray State to the 2nd round in his first year, but this was with Isaiah Canaan and a stacked roster. He was only 1-4 for tournament appearances in a weak conference. But finding Cam Payne was definitely impressive.
Now that we know Bryce is returning, we can focus on other more humorous coaching news. When he traveled to Poland as coach of the AIA team, which includes Jubril and Max, for a week of games against international competition, Roger Powell apparently was apprehended by police for questioning. ::)
[tweet]606828056301457408[/tweet]
As for the team, they beat the Belarus U-20 team by a score of 82-49.
Quote from: valpopal on June 08, 2015, 12:54:42 PM
Now that we know Bryce is returning, we can focus on other more humorous coaching news. When he traveled to Poland as coach of the AIA team, which includes Jubril and Max, for a week of games against international competition, Roger Powell apparently was apprehended by police for questioning. ::)
[tweet]606828056301457408[/tweet]
As for the team, they beat the Belarus U-20 team by a score of 82-49.
Wurde der ehrwürdige für einen Unfall nicht die Berichterstattung festgenommen?
a3uge - Prohm was 1-4 in tournament games, but what is Bryce's record?
I think Prohm for next year is a better fit for Iowa State, but let's wait and see if he is the right fit for the long term.
As for Bryce, maybe he can look at the upcoming USC vacancy in 2016 after a great season!
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 08, 2015, 04:49:29 PM
a3uge - Prohm was 1-4 in tournament games, but what is Bryce's record?
I think Prohm for next year is a better fit for Iowa State, but let's wait and see if he is the right fit for the long term.
As for Bryce, maybe he can look at the upcoming USC vacancy in 2016 after a great season!
Prohm is 1-1 as a head coach. My point was I don't think there's a huge gap between Bryce and Prohm, so I'm wondering how close Bryce was to that job.
Quote from: a3uge on June 08, 2015, 07:44:47 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 08, 2015, 04:49:29 PM
a3uge - Prohm was 1-4 in tournament games, but what is Bryce's record?
I think Prohm for next year is a better fit for Iowa State, but let's wait and see if he is the right fit for the long term.
As for Bryce, maybe he can look at the upcoming USC vacancy in 2016 after a great season!
Prohm is 1-1 as a head coach. My point was I don't think there's a huge gap between Bryce and Prohm, so I'm wondering how close Bryce was to that job.
Gap? Bryce beat him twice and one of those games was a complete blowout!
Quote from: vu72 on June 09, 2015, 10:02:03 AM
Gap? Bryce beat him twice and one of those games was a complete blowout!
Actually 3 times. Once at Murray St, once in Valpo, and once in Nashville.
Based on the Iowa State roster, I would think for next season (not long term) that Prohm was a better choice than Bryce.
Hey, at least we know Bryce will coach Valpo to a great season next year and take over at USC in the 2016-17 season (after Enfield gets cannned).
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 09, 2015, 03:58:33 PMHey, at least we know Bryce will coach Valpo to a great season next year and take over at USC in the 2016-17 season (after Enfield gets cannned).
Smiley face? No?
You gotta wonder what Bryce has gotta do to get hired. Didn't it take his brother like...5 minutes to get a high-major gig?
Quote from: blackpantheruwm on June 09, 2015, 04:50:24 PM
You gotta wonder what Bryce has gotta do to get hired. Didn't it take his brother like...5 minutes to get a high-major gig?
It's not like Bryce hasn't received offers.
Quote from: a3uge on June 09, 2015, 06:25:19 PM
Quote from: blackpantheruwm on June 09, 2015, 04:50:24 PM
You gotta wonder what Bryce has gotta do to get hired. Didn't it take his brother like...5 minutes to get a high-major gig?
It's not like Bryce hasn't received offers.
It could very well be that Bryce enters theses interviews with body language (or other indicators) that say he is not that 'hungry' for just any next step up the ladder and that he is looking for the very best fit for himself. Others, on the other hand, might foam at the mouth for any Big 5 D-I job. Oftentimes that foaming at the mouth is seen as hunger and drive. Therefore, the final offer goes to the 'hungry.'
I'm thinking Bryce knows he's in his own driver's seat, can afford to wait, and will only go after a gig that is absolutely perfect for him and his family. In the meantime he is using this process to maintain his national visibility.
I also think he is manipulating this process masterfully. But, I can't begin to imagine how this will spill out after next season and then the 16-17 season (if he is still at Valpo).
Bottom line is that he has taken Valpo to the next level and will hand-off a great program to his successor. And I have confidence that Mark will have that successor lined up.
Aside: Bryce put Valpo on the map as a player with "the shot." He is now putting that same program back on the map with his coaching. We are blessed.
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 09, 2015, 03:58:33 PMBased on the Iowa State roster, I would think for next season (not long term) that Prohm was a better choice than Bryce.
It has been stated by some analysts that Prohm was the best fit based upon Iowa State's "up tempo" and "out score" the opponent style of play. This would seem to support usc4valpo's line of thought... at least on the reasons for the Prohm hiring. :)
Quote from: FWalum on June 10, 2015, 08:39:25 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on June 09, 2015, 03:58:33 PMBased on the Iowa State roster, I would think for next season (not long term) that Prohm was a better choice than Bryce.
It has been stated by some analysts that Prohm was the best fit based upon Iowa State's "up tempo" and "out score" the opponent style of play. This would seem to support usc4valpo's line of thought... at least on the reasons for the Prohm hiring. :)
A year from now Bryce will have 5 year numbers of 225-50 for a .714 winning pct., 25 wins/season, 4 conf. championships, 3 tournament championships, 3 NCAA appearances, a 2-3 record in the NCAA, and 3 COY honors. He will be the darling among mid major coaches and have his pick of practically any high major job he wants. His 5 year numbers will blow Prohm's away, and Iowa State will wonder why in the world they didn't have the foresight to beat everyone else to the punch.
Quote from: wh on June 10, 2015, 01:13:59 PMIowa State will wonder why in the world they didn't have the foresight to beat everyone else to the punch.
Be fun to beat the Cyclones in the second round of the tournament.
Quote from: talksalot on June 12, 2015, 03:46:05 PM
Quote from: wh on June 10, 2015, 01:13:59 PMIowa State will wonder why in the world they didn't have the foresight to beat everyone else to the punch.
Be fun to beat the Cyclones in the second round of the tournament.
Be fun to be in the second round.
Quote from: valpospartan on June 13, 2015, 11:04:18 AM
Quote from: talksalot on June 12, 2015, 03:46:05 PM
Quote from: wh on June 10, 2015, 01:13:59 PMIowa State will wonder why in the world they didn't have the foresight to beat everyone else to the punch.
Be fun to beat the Cyclones in the second round of the tournament.
Be fun to be in the second round.
I'm sure you both meant the third. ;)
Roger Powell coached the AIA team to another impressive win last night against a Polish U-20 national team, 83-57. The trip to Poland is showcasing Powell's ability as a head coach in case Bryce does eventually move to a different program. In addition, Max is getting good experience and Jubril is sharpening his skills, though last night he had to sit out the second half with a hamstring strain. With this trip plus the team's Canadian tour coming up, Valpo already should be close to game form by the time preseason practice begins in the fall.
With an 80-70 win in their final game in Poland, the AIA team coached by Roger Powell completed their schedule undefeated at 5-0. Only negative on the last night, Jubril did not play because of a continuing hamstring injury.
Drew Happy at Valpo (at 1:15)
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13081006 (https://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13081006)
Quote from: wh on June 21, 2015, 09:33:52 PM
Drew Happy at Valpo (at 1:15)
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13081006 (https://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13081006)
Nice little spot by Katz, seemed to think we could be a top 30 team although he did qualify it by saying "we'll have to wait and see".
Quote from: valpopal on June 08, 2015, 12:54:42 PM
Now that we know Bryce is returning, we can focus on other more humorous coaching news. When he traveled to Poland as coach of the AIA team, which includes Jubril and Max, for a week of games against international competition, Roger Powell apparently was apprehended by police for questioning. ::)
[tweet]606828056301457408[/tweet]
As for the team, they beat the Belarus U-20 team by a score of 82-49.
Ouch! I'll admit, this sort of thing crosses my mind whenever I'm back in the EU. Is there anything hanging around unresolved that could show up in somebody's database search? Not fun.
Quote from: wh on June 21, 2015, 09:33:52 PM
Drew Happy at Valpo (at 1:15)
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13081006 (https://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13081006)
This link worked better for me. Maybe just me.
http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/107674/3-point-shot-advancing-after-timeouts (http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/107674/3-point-shot-advancing-after-timeouts)
Interesting bit. Sounds like Katz did talk to him.
Quote from: agibson on June 22, 2015, 12:27:18 PMQuote from: valpopal on June 08, 2015, 12:54:42 PMNow that we know Bryce is returning, we can focus on other more humorous coaching news. When he traveled to Poland as coach of the AIA team, which includes Jubril and Max, for a week of games against international competition, Roger Powell apparently was apprehended by police for questioning. ::) [tweet]606828056301457408[/tweet] As for the team, they beat the Belarus U-20 team by a score of 82-49.
Ouch! I'll admit, this sort of thing crosses my mind whenever I'm back in the EU. Is there anything hanging around unresolved that could show up in somebody's database search? Not fun.
JUBRIL: What was that about confessing my sins? That
polizei guy said you
verlassen at an
Autounfall.