Never started a game thread before so why not pick one ESPN gives us a 20% chance of winning?
Great graph by Hacksaw over at MVCFans. 3-2 is the magic number. Finish with 9 conference wins and you have a less than 5% chance of playing on Thursday. So which 3 will it be? Given our recent history I'd almost rather be playing good teams on the road than bad teams at home.
(https://i.imgur.com/TBFnUJQ.png)
All signs point to a loss, which is why there is a 100% chance we will win. Just like when all signs point to a win there is 100% chance we will lose.
Road game win. The board lights up again about how we can 3 in a row in St Louis.
Reality I'm hoping the rediculous turnovers disappear, our star freshman bounces back from his worst game of the year, Fazekas gets up a few more shots, Mileek continues playing well, and we make 70%+ of our fts.
Wow - this place is rocking with excitement. Wooo 🥳
I will be there!
In keeping with our tradition of not being healthy.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1096845567563612161
Kiser is out. I think we should expect a healthy dose of Mileek as long as he stays out of foul trouble today. I'm really interested to see if he can take advantage of the situation. We need him.
If Freeman would've put that up with his left hand he would've been fouled instead of swatted.
Not a good start. These guys aren't playing as a team.
Man...remember when we went 5 for 6 in HL season championships?
I know it was the HL but we have more talent than being sub .500. AGAIN
Glad I made my rational statement on Lottich before the game. This team is a mess.
If this continues....Players will get frustrated and transfer. If I was a shooter on this team (basically Ryan, we only have one) I would not be happy. I never get good looks! I never get a play designed for me. Or maybe a play designed for that actually works.
Lottich should finish top 2 next year given everyone stays. If not, we need to find a better fit.
This guy was on a lot of successful Valpo teams. He also played at Stanford. Did he pick up on anything besides hustle and grit?
I'm wondering if one of the more important decisions made (or not made) three years ago was the decision to hire a search firm as soon as Powell turned us down.
down 7 at the 16 minute timeout. Again.
Welp....looking like I might have to find something else to do if this doesn't get any better in the next ten minutes.
Turnovers, no defense, not shooting well.
Other than that we're off to a great (not) start.
I've said it before, but Golder has a very low basketball IQ, and is extremely selfish. Seriously on that rebound? You don't affect that play...selfish and stupid.
Worse call ever on Golder. But I don't have any care to get upset.
Low effort, low energy basketball. Sad!
But in all seriousness, if we give Lottich another year, we risk putting the program in a deep hole for a long time if he doesn't improve fast.
Why does Lottich refuse to run set plays? It's the same, stale, easily scoutable offense every single flipping time down the court.
team next year will do better than sub .500. If everyone stays.
Lottich was the guy in the right place at the right time.
"If everyone stays"
Big if with this level of dysfunction.
Btw, I need a ruling from one of our board lawyers: If we're down double digits at halftime is it too early to start drinking?
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 16, 2019, 02:40:23 PM
Btw, I need a ruling from one of our board lawyers: If we're down double digits at halftime is it too early to start drinking?
IANAL, but I did go to law school and it is not too early. I already started.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 16, 2019, 02:40:23 PM
Btw, I need a ruling from one of our board lawyers: If we're down double digits at halftime is it too early to start drinking?
I'm no lawyer, but I think the time is right to drink.
Holy forking shirt balls.
Who's ready for Bakari to dribble the shot clock down to 7 seconds, dribble into a double team, and take a long, off-balance, fade-away 2 pointer that results in a Drake fast break layup tonend the half?
Freeman is good. We already know that.
37 seconds left in the half coming out of a timeout. Let's see if the drawn up in the huddle gets us a good look or high percentage shot.
We should run and gun on offense. Advance it and step on the gas. We did this several times last year at the end of the game when it was out of reach. It worked.
The alley hoop from Golder to Smits from the 3 point line worked. I don't give Lottich enough credit.
Proud of Golder trying to draw the foul in that situation, but as usual the rest of it was awful basketball for the final possession of the half. But at least we got lucky this time.
Drake defended better and got better shots. I'm happy to be this close.
Golder and Fazekas still looking a little slow?
Drake offense is good. Well coached. They lead the league in assists.
Quote from: justducky on February 16, 2019, 03:01:29 PM
Drake defended better and got better shots. I'm happy to be this close.
Golder and Fazekas still looking a little slow?
Both guys aren't 100%. It's particularly obvious with Golder. He isn't moving the same since the injury. The quick twitch reflexes haven't been there. I'm wondering when he'll get his ankle right. Hopefully it starts to feel normal sooner rather than later.
A bum ankle doesn't cause tunnel vision...
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 16, 2019, 03:03:58 PM
Drake offense moves is good. Well coached. They lead the league in assists.
One thing that is blatantly obvious about this season is that we don't have great ball handler on this team this season. Drake has a ton of guys who can handle the ball, as oppose to us who only have a few. Sackey still plays a little out of control sometimes (freshman), just not confident with Bakari being the primary ball handler. Lavender is probably the best on the team and he still has blunders from time to time.
My streaming is realy glitchy today. Anyone else?
This team f'ing sucks. No communication, no fundamentals. Enjoy your weekends!
Quote from: crusadermoe on February 16, 2019, 03:10:18 PM
My streaming is realy glitchy today. Anyone else?
Drake's home broadcasts always seems to be glitchy
Hot take (maybe): Sorolla isn't that great of a defender
Drake has the best overall record in the MVC. They can shoot 3s and their bigs have some finesse. I can see why they are near the top.
Just being realistic. We have some intriguing parts that don't add up to a whole often enough. Lots of reasons, excuses, etc. The potential is there.
Quote from: M on February 16, 2019, 03:24:11 PM
Hot take (maybe): Sorolla isn't that great of a defender
McMillan with defensive mistakes leading to his removal.
Would love to see Lottich get T'd up here after a bad no-call and a bad offensive foul call.
I mean, it's not like we're gonna win, might as well show some fire.
I'm so tired of Bakari and Smits and Lottich complaining about every call
Jesus Christ
Play better and don't worry about the refs
It all evens out
Drake center employing the often successful flop defense on Smits that Indiana State used so successfully.
Frustrating enough to see the score. But the streaming is so erratic that you can't see a flow from start to finish on a possession.
Mileek has to be playing scared...make one mistake you're out...meanwhile other guys eff up time and time again and continue to get more and more pt.
You notice how open Ellingson gets on the 3 point line? That is set up by the offensive they run. Our 3 point shooter doesn't get those same looks at the hoop.
Quote from: M on February 16, 2019, 03:42:47 PM
Mileek has to be playing scared...make one mistake you're out...meanwhile other guys eff up time and time again and continue to get more and more pt.
I cannot like this enough times. If next year is supposed to be our year, they need to give Mileek more minutes to prepare. He can definitely score, but he needs to get more comfortable at game speed. If he can give us 20-25 good minutes at the 4 next season, it's worth his mistakes this season.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 16, 2019, 02:40:23 PM
"If everyone stays"
Big if with this level of dysfunction.
Btw, I need a ruling from one of our board lawyers: If we're down double digits at halftime is it too early to start drinking?
Too bad your sobriety was more important than victory.
We simply can't hit enough three point shots.
Agree Plumstreetbum. We are not going to win this game. Not with this game plan....Let Maleek play.
We lacked urgency when we closed to 9 after four minutes. Likely would not have mattered. But you have to guard tough and take risks at that point in the game, right?
And Wilkins from Merrilville with a dagger
Lottich is like a chef with good ingredients but no idea how to make a meal. He's just throwing everything in a bowl, stirring it together, and hoping for the best.
This team deserves to play on Thursday. Pathetic.
How is it not traveling if you slide on the ground for 3 feet?
Another missed opportunity for Lottich to get fiery. That was a travel before he even went out of bounds.
Quote from: mj on February 16, 2019, 03:54:33 PM
Lottich is like a chef with good ingredients but no idea how to make a meal. He's just throwing everything in a bowl, stirring it together, and hoping for the best.
It's going to be interesting to hear the fan-bases reaction when he eventually signs an extension. Not much goodwill has been built in his time here as the HC.
This team is not buying what Lottich is selling. Could easily see a mass exodus this offseason.
Homer and Bryce both had their schematic shortcomings as coaches. But their players would run through hell and back for them. This team will not do that for this coach.
Nice come back but too little too late!
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 16, 2019, 04:03:47 PM
This team is not buying what Lottich is selling. Could easily see a mass exodus this offseason.
Homer and Bryce both had their schematic shortcomings as coaches. But their players would run through hell and back for them. This team will not do that for this coach.
Not sure I buy that. This team isn't giving up on him. They just aren't executing under his watch. Completely inconsistent.
Got thoroughly beaten by a very well coached team.
I can't even get all that upset because we weren't ever really in the game until it was too late.
Never said this about a Valpo coach until now, but we need a change. No discipline on this team, and the fundamentals are just laughable.
Man, inconsistency is even worse than being flat-out bad.
But, as someone predicted we'd be saying... This team has real potential to string together 3 wins when it counts.
Unfortunately it's looking like they might need four, not three.
Haven't seen or heard the boxscore stats but I think our play was far worse than the numbers will indicate.
Quote from: mj on February 16, 2019, 03:54:33 PM
Lottich is like a chef with good ingredients but no idea how to make a meal. He's just throwing everything in a bowl, stirring it together, and hoping for the best.
My mother cooked just like that. She wasn't much of a coach either. :)
One thing I'm noticing is that the fans keep bringing up the hot-seat for Lottich but the beat reporters aren't going there yet. I know it's a little more uncomfortable for them because they have to interview him every week and interact with him and the athletics department but I think it's starting to get closer to the point where it's appropriate to bring it up. I'm personally for giving him 4 years but if I'm the AD (thank God I'm not) it would be in the back of my mind. What's so tricky is that Valpo can't not extend him if it's a 4 year deal because it would leave Valpo empty handed with that huge 2020 recruit class. If they didn't resign him all that recruiting would go to waste and would leave the next head coach in a tough spot.
Just as a reminder look at Drake's record. This season the only losses on their home court were to Loyola and Ill State. I know we all wanted a win but winning there is hard for everyone.
Quote from: PlumStreetBum on February 16, 2019, 04:10:49 PM
Man, inconsistency is even worse than being flat-out bad.
But, as someone predicted we'd be saying... This team has real potential to string together 3 wins when it counts.
Unfortunately it's looking like they might need four, not three.
Speaking of inconsistency, the 1 area I thought we had buttoned down was team defense. So what happens, we give up 87 and 84 points in the last 2 games, respectively - the highest opponent scores in the last 21 games.
So overnight we have a brand new "what we need to do to give ourselves a chance to win" narrative. Instead of "we need to score more than 55," the new narrative is we need to keep opponents under 80."
We are so lost.
Quote from: VUBBFan on February 16, 2019, 04:36:18 PM
Just as a reminder look at Drake's record. This season the only losses on their home court were to Loyola and Ill State. I know we all wanted a win but winning there is hard for everyone.
It's not about not winning as much as it was about how we played for much of this game. I'll give them credit for not giving up but the way we played for long stretches in this game needs to stop. It can't continue to be a pattern.
Drake also is on their third coach in three years and has lost their best player to a season ending injury.
Quote from: wh on February 16, 2019, 04:38:12 PMSo overnight we have a brand new "what we need to do to give ourselves a chance to win" narrative. Instead of "we need to score more than 55," the new narrative is we need to keep opponents under 80."
We are so lost.
If I charged the whole team with not playing defense could any of them plead "not guilty"?
Quote from: VU2014 on February 16, 2019, 04:29:09 PM
One thing I'm noticing is that the fans keep bringing up the hot-seat for Lottich but the beat reporters aren't going there yet. I know it's a little more uncomfortable for them because they have to interview him every week and interact with him and the athletics department but I think it's starting to get closer to the point where it's appropriate to bring it up. I'm personally for giving him 4 years but if I'm the AD (thank God I'm not) it would be in the back of my mind. What's so tricky is that Valpo can't not extend him if it's a 4 year deal because it would leave Valpo empty handed with that huge 2020 recruit class. If they didn't resign him all that recruiting would go to waste and would leave the next head coach in a tough spot.
Quote from: justducky on February 16, 2019, 04:57:38 PMand would leave the next head coach in a tough spot.
[/quote]
You mean like the Drake Coach? That guy IS the COY.
??? Offensive execution? excuse me?
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1096911670780284928
First of all, Lottich is not on the hot seat. Valpo athletics tend to be very patient with their hires.
Second, being st the game, I can tell you that Drake was better coached and showed significantly more passion that Valpo. There was really nothing there for Valpo until they got desperate in the final minute. I thought Evelyn was out of control and sloppy. Smits does some nice things, but then you cringe on other stuff he does. Also, the team really needs to quit whining over every call.
Not many alums at the game - kind of disappointing
At the game. Counted 104 in their student section.
Paul
LeBron is back, so what happened? Same old story: no offense from Evelyn who shot 1 for 7 in 25 minutes and appears to be regressing quicklt. Turn overs - Smits had 5. No leadership form anyone except maybe Lavender.
As it's been pointed out to me on this board, I do better when I don't immediately respond while in an emotional state. So, here I am well over 2 hours after the game ended.
Takeaways:
1. We got outplayed and out coached again.
2. We've lost 7/8
3. I'm tired of moral victories in that we didn't give up in the end etc.
4. It's not ironic that we can come back and erase a big deficit when our entire game plan changes for such situations: QUICK SHOTS ON THE OFFENSIVE END AND FULL COURT HIGH-PRESSURED DEFENSIVE PRESS.
5. If you watched, Townsend was the one working with the players down the stretch when they made their attempt at a comeback.
6. For all if you continually making excuses - including Lottich whose comments leading up to the game were once again asinine - that's a Drake team predicted to finish 9th in the Valley with a new coach and only 3 players from last year on the roster.
7. Once again, we got to see what we missed out on with the Murphy twins and Wilkins.
8. Even if we are improved next year, it doesn't negate the flashing signs that continually point out that we need to make changes before this thing becomes an even bigger dumpster fire.
How is it even possible to score 79 points with only 6 assists?
It's time for Paul, Mike, and/or Robbie to try and take one for the fan base and ask some tough questions of Lottich. Even in his postgame comments, he still does not take personal responsibility. The buck stops with him and his staff. 7/8 is unacceptable. The regression of this team is unacceptable.
Seriously - if he gets a contract extension, that'll be a final indication to the fan base that there isn't accountability. And that there aren't any expectations for this program any longer.
Many of us predicted this when Bryce left but held out hope. We were able to hide behind Alec. Once injured, we plummeted and never found ourselves.
Truly breaks my heart as a Valpo alumni and lifelong fan/resident.
Well said VU2010.
And if Bryce had these results/record (more concerning is how we continue to lose all the time) we would be questioning him.
How many backdoor points do we have for the entire season?
When our perimeter shooters get smothered and our posts get single coverage shouldn't that occasionally be open?
Another loss, more injuries: Valparaiso falls at Drake to drop below .500 mark for first time this season
Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-spt-mens-basketball-valparaiso-drake-st-0217-story.html
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1096945909563355136
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Flat start dooms Valparaiso in another Valley loss
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Feb 16, 2019
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/men-s-basketball-flat-start-dooms-valparaiso-in-another-valley/article_dad55559-6775-5c88-9fb0-bc349d40c13f.html
Headline might as well be: "Same s$&!, different game."
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 16, 2019, 09:48:47 PM
Headline might as well be: "Same s$&!, different game."
"Same
old s$&! different game."
Two years ago:
Started 19-4
Finished 5-5
Last year:
Started: 8-0
Finished: 7-17
This year (conference play)
Started: 5-1
Since: 1-7
Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
That's a scary trend. My guess is we will go 1-3 or 2-2 in our last conference games. That would put us at the bottom of the league again. How long was Lottichs contract and when is he due for an extension? I didn't really follow how long his contract was when he became coach.
I have not read any posts and I didn't even watch the game. Too many other things going on in my life. But a quick look at the standings tells me Valpo still controls its own destiny for the 5 seed.
Thats right, if we win out we are guaranteed the 5 seed and most likely would be the 4 seed as ILLSt would likely lose at least 1 more. How you ask? Because winning out would mean a sweep of IllSt, Bradley, SIU, and UNI and we would have a tie breaker on all 4.
Now I realize that is not much solace considering our chances of winning our last 4 games is about 2%. But hey, it is something...yayyyyy.....Sometimes "so you are saying there is a chance" is the only way to make it through the day. haha
This Valpo team is better than their current performance... just can't seem to get it all to come together.
I just read some of the Vanderbilt fan site comments and that looks rough... I feel bad for Bryce.
But i'm smiling right now - look what my wife got me...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190217/a47d7bd8aa6233ad1350350f517c7a72.jpg)
Go V.U. !!!
I hear ya on the Vandy boards. I can't even imagine what we would sound like if we were 0-12 in conference play right now. Ironically a lot of the criticism we have of Lottich is what they have of Bryce.
So is this just general criticisms you hear when your team is playing poorly or are we seeing something in something about the strategies that are similar but Lottich is just not quite as experience as Bryce so the weaknesses are coming out sooner.
I still lean on the whole, it's a mental thing for this team vs play calling because otherwise we don't go out and stomp Illinois state and Missouri state on their home court and play Loyola tough. This team seems to lack focus and some inner drive and tends to freeze and get blinders on. That's still a coaching thing but I don't think it's play calling as much as team building
Quote from: crusader05 on February 17, 2019, 10:44:38 AMI can't even imagine what we would sound like if we were 0-12 in conference play right now. Ironically a lot of the criticism we have of Lottich is what they have of Bryce.
Actually the streak is at 13, one shy of a school record, and all they have to do is face #1 Tennessee next. :o
Quote from: valpolaw on February 17, 2019, 09:48:57 AM
That's a scary trend. My guess is we will go 1-3 or 2-2 in our last conference games. That would put us at the bottom of the league again. How long was Lottichs contract and when is he due for an extension? I didn't really follow how long his contract was when he became coach.
On the last Union Street Hoops podcast, Paul suggested that Valpo could win their last 6 conference games. They've gone 0-2 since then, but Paul's confidence in this team tells me he sees something that most of us are missing. I don't know what it is, but Paul is around the team way more than me, so I tend to put some trust in his comments.
Paul has to say that, guys. He has to keep us somewhat interested. I would actually argue the opposite - that Paul feels the same as we do but it would be too awkward for him to verbally express it as he - unlike us - is actually in the same room and talking to Lottich. Wish he'd ask the questions we all want him to ask but cannot blame him for not.
I think that's generally true for a lot of people who aren't just fans. I've seen consistent comments from other beat reporters or observers that Valpo can become dangerous at any time and that you shouldn't feel comfortable facing them. Some of it is just general chatter that people say about opponents but the underlying confusing thing for most people is this 1. the team genuinely seems to like each other and the coach 2. the talent and ability is there, 3. the team has seemed to show little ability to gel consistently when it's on the court time.
Drews teams had a tendency to lay a bad egg and also to choke under pressure (with the exception of the Alec led teams his last two years) but this has moved past even that tendency to be more erratic. I see 2 things that make me worry and 2 things that make me feel better.
Worries:
1. We still have not shown an ability to have a balanced attack or to win even when we have players like Smits getting +20 points a game
2. The mental funks seem to be a pattern and having all the individual pieces doesn't always make a picture so we are missing something in team cohesion/development
Make me feel better:
The weakest links of the team are generally the oldest (Bakari and Smits/Jaumie who are feast or famine) while the younger recruits and transfers seem to have a faster learning curve and better skills overall
We can clearly divide our conference games as pre-injury and post-injury which I think is why you hear not just the coach but other coaches and reporters talk about us at full health being dangerous.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AM
Two years ago:
Started 19-4
Finished 5-5
Last year:
Started: 8-0
Finished: 7-17
This year (conference play)
Started: 5-1
Since: 1-7
Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 17, 2019, 11:42:34 AM
Quote from: valpolaw on February 17, 2019, 09:48:57 AM
That's a scary trend. My guess is we will go 1-3 or 2-2 in our last conference games. That would put us at the bottom of the league again. How long was Lottichs contract and when is he due for an extension? I didn't really follow how long his contract was when he became coach.
On the last Union Street Hoops podcast, Paul suggested that Valpo could win their last 6 conference games. They've gone 0-2 since then, but Paul's confidence in this team tells me he sees something that most of us are missing. I don't know what it is, but Paul is around the team way more than me, so I tend to put some trust in his comments.
I'm guessing Paul is just as disillusioned as the rest of us. From listening to the radio broadcast yesterday, I know Todd is.
dis·il·lu·sioned/ˌdisəˈlo͞oZHənd
adjective
disappointed in someone or something that one discovers to be less good than one had believed.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 12:27:08 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AMTwo years ago: Started 19-4 Finished 5-5 Last year: Started: 8-0 Finished: 7-17 This year (conference play) Started: 5-1 Since: 1-7 Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Take your smug self-righteousness someplace else. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with it.It doesn't matter that I choose to highlight different portions of the season when they prove this very worrisome point.
I feel sorry and saddened that basically from the day I joined this community you have chosen me and my posts as your own personal whipping post to take all your anger and vitriol out on. Until recently I largely ignored it but now here we are again and most likely all because I rightly called you out on that asinine comment you made a game or two ago. I never set out to be anybody's lightning rod or to sow discord among the fanbase. Find another poster to project onto. I can't and won't fill that role for you anymore.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 12:27:08 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AMTwo years ago: Started 19-4 Finished 5-5 Last year: Started: 8-0 Finished: 7-17 This year (conference play) Started: 5-1 Since: 1-7 Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Take your smug self-righteousness someplace else. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with it.It doesn't matter that I choose to highlight different portions of the season when they prove this very worrisome point.
I feel sorry and saddened that basically from the day I joined this community you have chosen me and my posts as your own personal whipping post to take all your anger and vitriol out on. Until recently I largely ignored it but now here we are again and most likely all because I rightly called you out on that asinine comment you made a game or two ago. I never set out to be anybody's lightning rod or to sow discord among the fanbase. Find another poster to project onto. I can't and won't fill that role for you anymore.
We all have different opinions. You are a strong advocate for VU and I appreciate that. Think I've said that many times.
Ummm... i think the latest twist in this string provides a very strong arguement for the use of a vauable tool available to this forum: PMs are a good way to sort things out without dragging the rest of the forum members into an indididual conflict. Jusy my :twocents:
I agree. Also, I know everyone cares and so they're upset and it's easy to all get along when things are going well but please let's keep things civil (I've been guilty as well of lashing out).
If I wanted to watch posters fight with each other constantly I'd hang out in the politics thread :)
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 01:10:50 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 12:27:08 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AMTwo years ago: Started 19-4 Finished 5-5 Last year: Started: 8-0 Finished: 7-17 This year (conference play) Started: 5-1 Since: 1-7 Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Take your smug self-righteousness someplace else. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with it.It doesn't matter that I choose to highlight different portions of the season when they prove this very worrisome point.
I feel sorry and saddened that basically from the day I joined this community you have chosen me and my posts as your own personal whipping post to take all your anger and vitriol out on. Until recently I largely ignored it but now here we are again and most likely all because I rightly called you out on that asinine comment you made a game or two ago. I never set out to be anybody's lightning rod or to sow discord among the fanbase. Find another poster to project onto. I can't and won't fill that role for you anymore.
You guys are 2 of an elite group of highly knowledgeable, millennial posting rock stars on this board (not kidding), along with 2014, 2010, '05 and a few others (don't mean to leave anyone out). Take a deep breath. Give each other the respect you both want and deserve for yourself. You're going to be together for a LONG time. :)
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 17, 2019, 01:52:08 PM
Ummm... i think the latest twist in this string provides a very strong arguement for the use of a vauable tool available to this forum: PMs are a good way to sort things out without dragging the rest of the forum members into an indididual conflict. Jusy my :twocents:
Yes! I have used them to express anger, concern even conspiring for some toung in cheek levity. The best rule of thumb is always to say nothing that you wouldn't say face to face. After barking back and forth the air clears, respect grows and restraint follows.
Trying to figure out how I'm a millenial? Because of VU2010? News to me.
Reality check. We were playing on the road against a hot well-coached team. Their coach is COY.
I'm not a basketball technician, but they seemed to execute very well. think they will be a solid MVC favorite next year until proven otherwise when Custer and Townes graduate. That 7'0" freshman center played very well and McClown makes things happen without mistakes.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 01:26:44 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 01:10:50 PMQuote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 12:27:08 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AMTwo years ago: Started 19-4 Finished 5-5 Last year: Started: 8-0 Finished: 7-17 This year (conference play) Started: 5-1 Since: 1-7 Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Take your smug self-righteousness someplace else. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with it.It doesn't matter that I choose to highlight different portions of the season when they prove this very worrisome point. I feel sorry and saddened that basically from the day I joined this community you have chosen me and my posts as your own personal whipping post to take all your anger and vitriol out on. Until recently I largely ignored it but now here we are again and most likely all because I rightly called you out on that asinine comment you made a game or two ago. I never set out to be anybody's lightning rod or to sow discord among the fanbase. Find another poster to project onto. I can't and won't fill that role for you anymore.
We all have different opinions. You are a strong advocate for VU and I appreciate that. Think I've said that many times.
You're right That which can be chalked up to difference in opinion should not be taken personally and I'll try not to take things that way so much (It's how I've always been so in a way I'm projecting too and it's hard to break longstanding patterns). I know you're a strong advocate for VU as well. Anyone who would log as much time and as many posts into a fan board would have to be. If you're pro VU You're all right with me.
It's year one with a rag tag roster under Drake's coach. They could be a powerhouse in the making.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 17, 2019, 10:05:34 AM
I have not read any posts and I didn't even watch the game. Too many other things going on in my life. But a quick look at the standings tells me Valpo still controls its own destiny for the 5 seed.
Thats right, if we win out we are guaranteed the 5 seed and most likely would be the 4 seed as ILLSt would likely lose at least 1 more. How you ask? Because winning out would mean a sweep of IllSt, Bradley, SIU, and UNI and we would have a tie breaker on all 4.
Now I realize that is not much solace considering our chances of winning our last 4 games is about 2%. But hey, it is something...yayyyyy.....Sometimes "so you are saying there is a chance" is the only way to make it through the day. haha
Don't forget how streaky they have been and if they can get on the winning side we could go 4 in a row.
I did think the losing streak would have turned over to the winning ways by now, though.
Quote from: wh on February 17, 2019, 02:16:51 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 01:10:50 PMQuote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 12:27:08 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AMTwo years ago: Started 19-4 Finished 5-5 Last year: Started: 8-0 Finished: 7-17 This year (conference play) Started: 5-1 Since: 1-7 Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Take your smug self-righteousness someplace else. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with it.It doesn't matter that I choose to highlight different portions of the season when they prove this very worrisome point. I feel sorry and saddened that basically from the day I joined this community you have chosen me and my posts as your own personal whipping post to take all your anger and vitriol out on. Until recently I largely ignored it but now here we are again and most likely all because I rightly called you out on that asinine comment you made a game or two ago. I never set out to be anybody's lightning rod or to sow discord among the fanbase. Find another poster to project onto. I can't and won't fill that role for you anymore.
You guys are 2 of an elite group of highly knowledgeable, millennial posting rock stars on this board (not kidding), along with 2014, 2010, '05 and a few others (don't mean to leave anyone out). Take a deep breath. Give each other the respect you both want and deserve for yourself. You're going to be together for a LONG time. :)
This means a lot coming from you. I really mean that. You're one of the most respected posters on this board and to be honest someone I really look up to as a poster.(I've never met you or anyone on this board but I'm sure you're all pretty cool and I would love to have the chance to meet and talk with some of you at the games) And that goes for a lot of the longer-tenured members here. You all laid the foundation for what we as Valpo fans must protect defend and continue to build and I take that very seriously. Here's (hopefully) to the next great chapter in Valpo Basketball.
Quote from: VU2010 on February 17, 2019, 02:33:29 PM
Trying to figure out how I'm a millenial? Because of VU2010? News to me.
I'm assuming 2010 was your graduation year, and that you were a "traditional" 18-22 aged student while in school. If that doesn't apply to you, please disregard my comment about you being a posting rock star. ;)
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 02:49:03 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 01:26:44 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 01:10:50 PMQuote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 17, 2019, 12:27:08 PMQuote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 09:33:23 AMTwo years ago: Started 19-4 Finished 5-5 Last year: Started: 8-0 Finished: 7-17 This year (conference play) Started: 5-1 Since: 1-7 Say what you will about injuries conference transitions etc but this is a really disturbing pattern emerging (and it's now working its way into individual games with some of the meltdowns we've had) I'm starting to believe that Lottich simply can't finish. He'll get us going with a fantastic start and then right as everyone reaches peak excitement and enthusiasm the bottom drops out and it's goodbye season.
Your data is as inconsistent as this team!!! Point taken...
Take your smug self-righteousness someplace else. I don't have the time or the energy to deal with it.It doesn't matter that I choose to highlight different portions of the season when they prove this very worrisome point. I feel sorry and saddened that basically from the day I joined this community you have chosen me and my posts as your own personal whipping post to take all your anger and vitriol out on. Until recently I largely ignored it but now here we are again and most likely all because I rightly called you out on that asinine comment you made a game or two ago. I never set out to be anybody's lightning rod or to sow discord among the fanbase. Find another poster to project onto. I can't and won't fill that role for you anymore.
We all have different opinions. You are a strong advocate for VU and I appreciate that. Think I've said that many times.
You're right That which can be chalked up to difference in opinion should not be taken personally and I'll try not to take things that way so much (It's how I've always been so in a way I'm projecting too and it's hard to break longstanding patterns). I know you're a strong advocate for VU as well. Anyone who would log as much time and as many posts into a fan board would have to be. If you're pro VU You're all right with me.
🤘🏻
Just to avoid drama, I would like to state I dislike you all equally.
I think if Valpo Basketball started winning it would ease a lot of the angst and tension on this board. :thumbsup:
"Help us Math Lottich, ... (https://thumbs.gfycat.com/CoarseFloweryBarnacle-small.gif)
Some of us "highly knowledgeable millennial rock stars" like myself don't post on here because of all of this drama and pessimism.
That being said, there's still time to pull this thing together this year but it's not going to happen magically.
Add Happening Hoops to the unhappy chorus of voices. I'm guessing he won't be sitting down with Coach Lottich on his radio show anytime soon.
https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1096924910855831553
2 overtime home loses (MoSt/IndSt) and and a last 7 minute home meltdown (Loyola).
That is how close we are to being at the top of the league (albeit losing the tie-breaker with Drake)...In a conference where every team is shockingly equal on talent.
Yes, we have talent, but so does everyone else. Yes, Lottich obviously has problems with offensive strategy, but we have seen he can be a great defensive coach. All 3 loses were upsetting but going to Twitter to bash the program before the season is over only hurts the program further.
Yes, but what worries me is that these failures are starting to feel like a trend and once that gets into the players' heads only a change in leadership can save it. Since our 8-0 start last year we are 11 games under .500 (20-31) 12-20 in conference with 10 home losses. We had 10 home losses over a 4 year period before this. 6 of which came in 13-14. Tougher conference injuries whatever it's really hard to dress those numbers up and make them look good. Good gritty teams find ways to win not ways to lose and good coaches finish. Three consecutive choke jobs on our home floor is unacceptable by any program at any level. Even in an even league with even talent home court advantage should count for something and 1-7 through 8 games should never happen.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 17, 2019, 03:04:53 PM
Just to avoid drama, I would like to state I dislike you all equally.
Hahaha, well said
There are some solid points about multiple OT games and other tight contests. I think it's been 4 of the last 6 with solid outings by our guys. The disheartening games being @ Drake and @ Evansville with poor execution. The sub-par effort on defense is the most maddening and I just hope that funk can be cleaned/removed from this team. There is no doubt we have the talent to compete in this league, but defensive execution truly is an issue. I personally agree with Lottich that defensive stops lead to more efficient (fast break even) offense. Because when we focus strictly on entry passes into the post we are just so stagnant on the perimeter (with immediate doubling of TO King Smits, some his fault many that are not).
That being said I wanted to get opinions on our bigs. It just seems that our perimeter defense has been better this year and that the massive minutes by (offensive talented) Smits is really deflating. As someone posted earlier, how many reverse layups and easy cutting layups can this Valpo team give up. To be fair, not all are on Smits, Sorolla helps a ton but our G aren't defending the slashers OR we are in the wrong defense to defend (maybe both).
I know that I am a bit one-sided on Smits, but I am not altogether certain that his offense makes up for his defense WHEN GUARDING QUICKER PLAYERS.
Anyone else think coaches comments about "going back to the drawing board" (besides cliche and redundant for this years team) might include Sorolla or McMillan in the starting line-up again? Maybe we stop these maddening POST ONLY offensive strategies and start to move the ball around the perimeter rather than dribble it around the perimeter.
As much as I'd love to just let McMillan play some crazy minutes to get ready for the future . . . I think the future still needs to be with Sorolla and Smits. It just frustrates me greatly knowing that we can't "run" (as Oklahomamick non-stop begs for haha) with either of those bigs in the game.
Drake has some momentum going. They are recruiting better, the school has some very decent programs and Des Moines is becoming a popular and believe it or not trendy place to live.
I think Valpo should look at the Knapp Center as a baseline if they ever want to improve their facilities. It's a decent place to watch hoop.
At this point I'd support a full ribbon cutting and press conference if they ever add an extra urinal in the men's room.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 17, 2019, 08:17:09 PMAt this point I'd support a full ribbon cutting and press conference if they ever add an extra urinal in the men's room.
Well the fan base is pretty pissed right now...
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 08:37:03 PM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 17, 2019, 08:17:09 PMAt this point I'd support a full ribbon cutting and press conference if they ever add an extra urinal in the men's room.
Well the fan base is pretty pissed right now...
(https://media.giphy.com/media/ChDyoCjuUnuMw/giphy.gif)
I like Freeman, Sackey, Golder, McMillian, and Sorolla for starters Wednesday at this point.
How severe is Sackey's injury?
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 17, 2019, 10:32:05 PM
How severe is Sackey's injury?
I think in Coach Lottich's postgame comments he said he didn't think it was a significant injury. So I'm assuming it wasn't as bad as Golder and Fazekas' but that's pure speculation on my part. Hopefully he plays. He plays great on ball defense and get up in the offensive players grill when he's out there.
One thing that I've been noticing is that opposing teams are starting to actively look out to post up Sackey and it's been working. It's going to be a challenge going forward that he's going to have to learn to adjust to. It's probably going to take some solid team defense to help bail Sackey out of those situations.
Any update on Kiser's "lower body" hockey injury? I was looking at him on the bench during the game and I didn't see a boot or brace. Anyone hear what the injury was?
Quote from: tiny707 on February 17, 2019, 10:25:30 PM
I like Freeman, Sackey, Golder, McMillian, and Sorolla for starters Wednesday at this point.
Fazekas first sub?
No but Lottich said that he was hit or miss for playing at Drake so I don't think it's that serious.
Yes, Fazekas first sub.
Sackey's injury is progressing nicely.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 17, 2019, 11:43:00 PM
Any update on Kiser's "lower body" hockey injury? I was looking at him on the bench during the game and I didn't see a boot or brace. Anyone hear what the injury was?
Broadcasters on Saturday's game referred to it as an ankle injury. However, I don't know if they were told that or just made an assumption.
Valpo's injury list this year:
-Jay Sorolla (ankle)
-Micah Bradford (back - out for the year)
-Ryan Fazekas (ankle)
-Markus Golder (ankle)
-Derrik Smits (back)
-John Kiser (ankle)
-Daniel Sackey (ankle)
-not sure many people know about this but or red-shirt transfer Nick Robinson was dealing some kind of injury to begin the season. He was wearing a walking boot for a while.
Pretty soon we'll need to keep our guys in a bubble to keep them healthy.
https://youtu.be/_SULQSL4Cd0
Do they make uniforms out of bubble wrap? If so, one set in brown and one in gold please.
With all these ankle injuries maybe our shoe contract needs to be revisited.
I am going to schedule a meeting with the AD to pitch these as the new player uniforms...
[emoji23][emoji1787][emoji23](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190218/e4a84b8a8f6539e2ce25c39f2bcd11b8.jpg)
Go V.U. !!!
Quote from: VU2010 on February 18, 2019, 05:56:21 PM
Per Lottich, the team can't practice too hard because of the injuries and thus aren't able to be competitive in practice which is flowing into the games lol. I swear the amount of excuses or extent to which they're taken never ceases to amaze me any longer.
An opinion here guys, I wouldn't respect a coach that aired our dirty laundry to the media (or fan base). He owes us nothing but a competitive team each year.
Ever consider that we strive for a tight knit unit (as a Valpo culture) and that derisive or slanderous statements about individual players achieves nothing? Sorry, but ISUr coach Dan Muller (sp) putting his star on the spot after losing to us the first time was uncalled for and just as easily splits a team apart as unifies.
The fact that we expect the level of detail or anger that we do just shows we aren't getting it. Keep it up Lottich.
P.S. I stopped watching his pressers because he has chosen to keep team beef inside the locker room. Bryce did it before him and Homer before that. I'd rather have a coach that doesn't make news for anything other than W's.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 18, 2019, 07:04:50 AM
Sackey's injury is progressing nicely.
I'm waiting for the "progressing
VERY nicely" by the end of the week.
Quote from: VU2010 on February 18, 2019, 05:56:21 PMPer Lottich, the team can't practice too hard because of the injuries and thus aren't able to be competitive in practice which is flowing into the games lol. I swear the amount of excuses or extent to which they're taken never ceases to amaze me any longer.
How hard do you think most teams are practicing at this stage of the season?
There are teams which go to a bit of a "boot camp" style during a week break to prepare for tournaments but, for the most part, practices are pretty light at this time of the season.
It's clear that the coach isn't going to give you what you wish in public.
Should only be free throws, set pieces and shadow play (walk through). I'm sure ol Gritty himself just wants to keep pounding. Work hard not smart.
Quote from: VU2010 on February 18, 2019, 05:56:21 PM
Per Lottich, the team can't practice too hard because of the injuries and thus aren't able to be competitive in practice which is flowing into the games lol. I swear the amount of excuses or extent to which they're taken never ceases to amaze me any longer.
When a hardcore Democrat watches Trump they are searching for anything they can call him out on it.
When a hardcore Republican watches Pelosi they are searching for anything they can call her out on it.
When Lottich speaks you are currently searching for anything you can call him out on.
It is not healthy!
He didn't say anything worth getting angry about in that interview he just pointed out practices have had to be light for a lot of people due to nagging injuries. I repeat, Lottich is not perfect and everyone sees his flaws, he needs to work on his offensive gameplan, set plays out of timeouts, closing out games, and a few other things. Keep critical comments to tangible things and look and pray for improvements so we can finish the season strong. Save the meltdown until after the season is over if one is warranted.
Agreed Sanity. My problem with Lottich has zero to do with his public statements and 100% to do with on the court results.
I agree with Sanity! Well said!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 18, 2019, 06:12:48 PMQuote from: VU2010 on February 18, 2019, 05:56:21 PMPer Lottich, the team can't practice too hard because of the injuries and thus aren't able to be competitive in practice which is flowing into the games lol. I swear the amount of excuses or extent to which they're taken never ceases to amaze me any longer.
An opinion here guys, I wouldn't respect a coach that aired our dirty laundry to the media (or fan base). He owes us nothing but a competitive team each year. Ever consider that we strive for a tight knit unit (as a Valpo culture) and that derisive or slanderous statements about individual players achieves nothing? Sorry, but ISUr coach Dan Muller (sp) putting his star on the spot after losing to us the first time was uncalled for and just as easily splits a team apart as unifies. The fact that we expect the level of detail or anger that we do just shows we aren't getting it. Keep it up Lottich. P.S. I stopped watching his pressers because he has chosen to keep team beef inside the locker room. Bryce did it before him and Homer before that. I'd rather have a coach that doesn't make news for anything other than W's.
Now if only he could find some W's.