Messages

Why can't Valpo be more like Providence? The universities are about the same size. Providence has a smaller endowment, but a much more successful athletic program in an infinitely better league in the Big East. Vey simple solution in my eyes, get rid of meaningless football. The team may bring in a few extra student-athletes, but I am sure that the team expenses negate this benefit. Bring back men's soccer and why not add lacrosse to Valpo's sports offerings. There are so many options in college athletics for schools that do not sponsor football.

This sounds like OklahomaMick . . .I smell deception! 

I wonder if they'll try to sneak some rest for JFL and not announce his return until right before the Loyola game.

Assuming he's capable of playing, this would be a fireable offense for the coach and possibly even after a victory. No way any Valpo team should be even remotely considering playing a game vs any team without the team's best player and a player in the conversation for the conference player of the year.

I think that would be short sighted beyond compare.

[Best:]

Best:
1) History of winning
2) MVC affiliation
3) Proximity to fertile recruiting grounds (IL, IN and MI)

Worst:
1) Apathy by University administration
2) Budget constrained by size of school
3) Limited alumni engagement

No worries there.  I'm confident in winning Thursday.  Thursday again. 

I was one of those d1 athletes.  Even coached at the d1 level.  A little surprised you were just JV, I mean with all the war stories and all.  You have also mentioned how many people work for you and how many your hire.  And Im willing to guess they all know you were d1 too.  😊

Nobody wins this measuring contest gents.  Might be time to redirect!  Just an opinion...

Not with the roster turnover we've had.  You all need to be more realistic.  Finishing at 9-9 with what we lost and our unknowns, is an amazing accomplishment.

I'm 50-50 on fire/extending Lottich.  I think Okie-boys point is that Lottich signed the players who fled last off season.  Thereby he must take ownership of the whole picture because his instincts brought them to Valpo and allowed the mass exodus.

I get both sides of the argument personally.  I just don't see why shooting for the moon with a fire-then-hire makes sense at this point.  I highly question whether a bible thumping coach (Tonnagel) relates to MVC level recruits...he is unflinching and quite the hardliner from what I hear.  By all appearances Lottich does not lean away from religion but I also think he's more grounded than most that carry the religious badge.

Either way...Oklahomamick....play nice buddy!!!

[$100m in construction loans which gambled on enrolling 6,000 students.]

Devastating finances.   The legacy of the Presidency is not a good one whether or not the industry as a whole as struggled.  Very tough decisions lie ahead.   And you can't un-borrow money. 

The VU audit could not hide the huge loans we discovered on this board. The Scroggins comments merely confirm for the public what I and others have written about this administration taking $100m in construction loans which gambled on enrolling 6,000 students.  The prudent judgment and financial management of the 2008 version of the board of directors is now a fond memory.  Alan Harre is probably quite disappointed that his careful leadership legacy has been squandered.   Yes, money was cheap after the crash.  But it is still borrowing money against a prediction.

This is just more BS.  Please tell us about all those buildings which were built based on 6000 students.

I'd have to agree with vu72, I just don't see it in practice.  Sure, the future plan probably calls for some of the 6,000 student growth.  But what concrete construction was erected (and loans taken) that currently over serves our head count on campus?  I am only asking because I don't stay as up-to-date on the campus life as some of you.

From reading posts on this forum it would appear that most construction thus far has been on necessities and not more.  If I had to venture an uneducated guess, the administration probably planned what construction has gone up to have "additions" or future land use in proximity to allow for easy growth.  Sort of like a bump out for an extra bedroom, etc etc.  That hardly warrants such strong and angry words from some posters.

Chris Mantis is a player. Really hope he lands at Valpo.

My 2021 recruiting class wish list have two Region guys: Chris Mantis and Keon Thompson

https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981918980562945?s=20
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHuseman/status/1233981993635000321?s=20

Can he shoot from deep?  We need shooters and now!

https://twitter.com/jordanjacob91/status/1231646475387572229?s=21

I'm pretty curious about Jacob's upside. He's putting up crazy numbers against some fairly weak competition.

Seems to have strong fundamentals but the athleticism is a question mark for me. Seems to have a solid outside jumper. What are his rebounding numbers going to be against guys the same size and more athletic. Does he have that high basketball IQ, anticipation  and nose for the ball? You need to see him play live to judge these things.

I'm excited to watch him but I have somewhat tempered expectations for his freshman year. Remember Taylor Bruniga (now with ISU), he DOMINATED weak competition in high school at a low level and he's just solid/average player in the Valley as of right now

All good points, certainly tempering our expectations is a good thing (like any freshman).  He doesn't have to dominate his competition at our level which might be a difficult mindset for him.  He is very tenacious as far as I can tell.  Does he have the good attitude to accept the ups-and-downs that a freshman year present?  One in which he will absolutely not dominate as in high school.  I think many freshman players have issues with the transition from "God" to "teammate off the bench".

People will hate me for this, but if he is another Derrik Smits (bad attitude on display) then I'm disinterested.  I am thankful for this years team seeing our players work together through JUST AS MANY trials and tribulations as last years team.  It's all in between the ears guys, all these players have the skill level to succeed in a team sport or else they wouldn't be recruited.

I want a team player first and foremost, if that is what Jacob brings to the table and only puts up 6 points 3 rebounds a game as a freshman then I am still pleased with his addition.

Couple of wins down the stretch and a 500-record = a Coach Of the Year?

Lol I can't even ....

If there was a most improved . . . . maybe

I am going to go the other direction versus this topic's original intent.  If we win at ISUb, how many folks vote for Lottich tied to Coach of the Year??  He would get my vote, after all of our key roster turnover

Someone listened to the March to the Arch Podcast!

Aren't there only going to be two scholarships open from our departing seniors?

Thought we came into THIS season having not filled (1) scholarship??

Krutwig isn't athletic, but he's got a sneaky quick first step in the post.

I think Krikke has the same quick first step.  I think we might see one of the biggest YOY improvement from him.

situational awareness eludes Mileek at times.

I do believe that Mileek's work ethic is exceptional and he has great athletic ability and has improved his basketball skills by increasing his shooting accuracy. Just think what a truly all around player he would be if he could increase his basketball IQ and play smarter. That still may be coming or at least getting better and we may see the completion of the making of a truly all around great basketball player at Valpo.

Fair point, with the large strides made this year I think many of us are pleased to see him get minutes.  Truthfully with us being 4-1 in the last 5 games...I'm feeling generous!!! 😉😉😉

Anyone know if they did a post-game presser last night?  Couldn't find it, maybe Senior Night prevented the presser?  Paul, can you comment?

How can anybody be frustrated or upset with this guy? He works so hard and sets such a good example for the whole team. Go Mileek! Keep working! I hope he has a big finish to this year and a huge senior season!

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1232517803158200320

We all appreciate where he has come from, undoubtedly.  I fear you watch the games through different lenses than some of us.  Doesn't make you wrong or us wrong, but don't post an emotionally charged comment that doesn't address his basketball IQ.  This is strictly the complaint that some of us are raising.  Him taking shots in a gym are why he has come so far, but they don't change his decision making ability.

Ie Last night we are trying to keep a lead under 3-min and he jacks up a three ball with maybe 23 seconds left on the shot clock......situational awareness eludes Mileek at times.

I hope Mileek continues his improved play finishes the season strong and then has a huge senior year and more than makes up for all the crap that has been shoveled his way by the fanbase. I believe that he can do it. Go Mileek!

It's only crap if it's unfounded.  I don't regret my evaluations of him to date.

Mileek has been great at falling short of expectations! His 91 fouls in 502 minutes really stands out. I wish I had the breakdown for his offensive vs defensive fouls because I'm pretty certain it is lopsided toward his poor ball control issues (charges and strips). He is also a former HS guard-forward with Smirolla-like true center assist to TO numbers 28-52. Clay who is just as tall and 2 years greener sits in contrast with 40-34.

BUT!  McMillan has now raised his 3 point % to .393 by hitting 35 of 89.  With 1+ years remaining I'm thinking Matt's investment and patience is going to be paying off. Watching him is starting to be fun despite all the blunders.

Well put, thanks for sharing the comparison numbers and optimism.  He took over for Smits in my category of "most frustrating" this year but maybe he redeems himself in time!

I hope Mileek continues his improved play finishes the season strong and then has a huge senior year and more than makes up for all the crap that has been shoveled his way by the fanbase. I believe that he can do it. Go Mileek!

It's only crap if it's unfounded.  I don't regret my evaluations of him to date.

I realize there are many other concerns besides athletics but is hiring someone with a D3 background really wise when we're trying to establish ourselves in the MVC?

It would make perfect sense that the Valpo board would hire someone with a D3 background as president. This Valpo board just doesn't consider Athletics as very important. It's a minor affliction put on Valpo by Dick Koenig back in the 70's.

We all have a natural tilt towards thinking of the next VU president in terms of athletics....

But I'd question why athletics even comes into play while hiring for that position?  At best it should be deciding factor "25" when breaking a tie.

The level of disrespect being shown to UNI and the MVC is just shocking. I understand the Panthers didn't do themselves any favors with that 0-2 week but come on man...

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28577356/ncaa-tournament-bubble-watch-updated-look-wildest-bubble-years

Why is it shocking, their NET was #47 last I checked.  They'd have to have zero upsets in P5 tournaments right?

1. VU didn't play well defensively and didn't rebound in the defensive end.
2. If VU shoots 50% (14/28) they win by 8 (assuming all else stays the same). If they shoot 40% 11/28 they win by 5.
3. Quite a few of those 3s had a hand in the face, the hoop must've looked like a hula hoop.
4. Krikke isn't moving into the starting line up this year. Mostly because he shouldn't.
5. I think it's a back issue maybe.
6. Zion would strength the defense but I wonder if it's worth it with his offensive struggles. Maybe a offense/defense substitution from time to time.
7. It was hall of Fame night.
8. Agree!
9. Agree!!

I agree with both of your thoughts regarding the shooting percentage from deep, but one is taking it from the perspective of "in a vacuum" and the other one is taking it from the respective of a game of runs.

[Bradley's backdoor cuts and drive-and-dish plays were horrendously defended. VU had very few drive-and-dish plays.]

Just a few observations from the game.

1.  I don't think VU played particularly well.  Bradley's backdoor cuts and drive-and-dish plays were horrendously defended.  VU had very few drive-and-dish plays.
2.  If VU shoots 'only' 50% from three point line, they may have easily lost.  If they shoot a respectable 40% from three, then they would have lost.  That does not make me optimistic if VU plays Bradley on a neutral court for another game (i.e., in STL).
3.  Part of the reason that VU shot such a high percentage from 3 is that the shots were essentially uncontested.  Bradley chose not to defend that shot.  That equals a win for VU.
4.  My uneducated view was that defensive lapses were worst when Mileek played.  I think Krikke should start.
5.  Nick did not play.  I may have missed this somewhere else.  Why didn't he play?
6.  I think that Zion has to play against teams like Bradley.  His athleticism would have helped on both offense and defense (which I think regressed since previous games).
7.  Large game, and not half-time entertainment after dancers?  Really?
8.  If Fazekas and Kiser get replaced by two freshman like Clay and Krikke, and there are no transfers (don't count on it), next year will be REALLY fun.
9.  THAT WAS A FUN GAME!!

Agreed big time on the 3-pt shooting covering up defensive lapses (back door cuts etc).  I did feel that we guarded the dribble-drive better in this game.  I don't think it can be understated that Darrel Brown and Elijah Childs have the ability to get to the rim better than most of the players in the MVC.  They are crafty players, and other than Brown hitting a high % to start the game, they were mostly well defended.

I was just thankful that we didn't repeatedly see Brown dribble-drive past ______ and have Mileek or Krikke forced to leave their man, only to see a solid assist and layup by Bradley.

I like Mileek for his stretch 4 capabilities.  But I think his mental lapses on defending and passing / TO makes it such that we need to start Krikke and sub in Mileek.  From there we ought to play the hot hand . . . but our starters should be the best all around players.  I think of it like a relay race . . . some relay teams stagger their strengths and I think we need to stagger Mileek to see if he can best match up against their 6th man too.

This is the Drake game thread... 

Lets take a moment to remember how big this game would have been had we won it.   This game was a real missed opportunity and would have almost assuredly kept us out of Thursday and maybe even put us in the discussion for the 5 seed. 

I still think the refs hurt us in this one.   Short handed the last 9ish minutes of the 1st half and short handed in OT.  We played very well at all times we were not short handed at a gym that is very hard to win in.  Calls in this one really didn't go our way.  I am 100% confident on a neutral court we are better than Drake 8 out of 10 games. 

Drake's record really regressing this year compared to last year, and they returned most of their talent. Maybe we should put their coach on the hot seat as well.    Jacobson from UNI had a few really bad seasons in a row the last few years and this year their teams have had some really horrible halves.  I think they scored 19 points in the 1st half in their loss the other night.   Maybe put Jacobson on the hot seat as well because UNI doesn't have multiple bad seasons in a row followed by inconsistency from an experienced roster in a year they were supposed to dominate the MVC...   Forgot to add coach Ford from Missouri State to the list, they have talent and were supposed to be really good this year after catching fire last year and surprising everyone.   Lets also take a time machine back to when Porter Moser sucked at coaching for about a decade or more.   He must just be getting lucky lately.    <------   The sarcasm in this paragraph is THICK....and should be read as such.  Bottom line, winning is hard, and sometimes you get momentum and overachieve and sometimes everything goes wrong and the wheels come off.   #Lottich2022     Until then, just stop talking about it, at that moment we can decide how good or not good he is.   Still not enough info yet.

I don't care if he stays or goes as long as there's a defined plan of action (change for sake of change is a bs reason).  I think the only time where I really wanted him to go was the immediate aftermath of transfer gate, but since then I'm neutral on him.

That being said I wonder why you were so offended by these people posting their feelings?  I admit it gets a little old at times, but as long as we aren't talking about arc renovations I'll take this bull crap for a time!!!!

He definitely shouldn't have put the ball on the ground early on tonight. He is still my starter. If we're trying to pin the blame on Mileek for slow starts (which wouldn't surprise me with some of our posters here) I think we aren't paying much attention. We've already got a freshman and a sophomore in the starting line up bring this freshman off the bench after he's had some time to see how the game is being played and called.

Oh there's no way we can blame our slow starts on him alone, I just think that Krikke has more upside with less mental lapses now that he has progressed his freshman year.

Last ten games - minutes/rebounds/points
Krikke- 16/1/5
11/1/3
5/2/0
24/8/17
7/1/0
16/2/6
23/7/15
14/4/5
15/4/4
18/5/9

Mileek- 20/5/12
26/3/16
10/3/1
10/2/5
15/2/3
16/3/14
15/5/9
26/3/6
30/6/20
22/4/16

I love Krikke's game. He's not ready to start and play against the opponents first team on a regular basis. I'm all for how it's being done and playing the hot hand more minutes in the second half.

How do you feel about McMillan's turnovers and bad passes and forced shots / offensive fouls?  Are they needed to start games?

My point is Mileek "seems" to gain confidence as the game progresses and I think that's where most of your numbers are displaying his production.

I contend that we need to treat the first 10 minutes in the first half as if it's crunch time because our offensive possessions to start games are very fragile. Mileek seems to have more mistakes and thus he and Sackey need to come off the bench with energy.

Last ten games - minutes/rebounds/points
Krikke- 16/1/5
11/1/3
5/2/0
24/8/17
7/1/0
16/2/6
23/7/15
14/4/5
15/4/4
18/5/9

Mileek- 20/5/12
26/3/16
10/3/1
10/2/5
15/2/3
16/3/14
15/5/9
26/3/6
30/6/20
22/4/16

I love Krikke's game. He's not ready to start and play against the opponents first team on a regular basis. I'm all for how it's being done and playing the hot hand more minutes in the second half.

How do you feel about McMillan's turnovers and bad passes and forced shots / offensive fouls?  Are they needed to start games?