Excellent preview interview with Coach Drew by Todd. Bryce appears optimistic about Keith's condition:
Valpo Basketball Preview 1|5|15 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3bh-sMnJmw#ws)
We need to play 40!
Valpo 77
UIC 59
Valpo by 11 without Keith...Valpo by 22 with a healthy Keith
Without Keith:
Valpo 71
UIC 61
With Keith:
Valpo 75
UIC 57
We will win by double digits with or without Keith. I'd prefer he doesn't play even if he can go at whatever percentage you want to call it. I'm surprised no one has mentioned that this game is the return of Jay Harris! We're doing just fine without him, but boy do I miss his free throw shooting. Guy was money from the line.
Valpo 76
UIC 62
If Jay were still a Crusader, he would no longer be a Crusader ;)
Quote from: wh on January 06, 2015, 02:23:53 PM
If Jay were still a Crusader, he would no longer be a Crusader ;)
UIC fan here. You're probably right about Harris. He got kicked off the team at Wagner and was suspended for his first 3 games at UIC. Howard Moore is so desperate for any decent talent, that he will go for guys with questionable character (like Barlow last year).
By the way, he leads UIC in scoring at 14.2 PPG and hits his free throws at a 92.5% rate.
Sorry, I didn't mean anything derogatory. I just meant that had Jay stayed at Valpo he would have used up his eligibility last year. Thus, he wouldn't be a part of this year's roster.
Now that Hayden Humes is gone this gives us something to look forward to.
Gosh that was a while ago, huh? Class of 2010? We're now looking at recruiting 2016?!?
Currently, the weather outside in Valpo is similar to a blizzard as students cross campus for the first day of classes, and the weather Thursday promises to be even colder with morning temperatures forecast to be about -15 and wind chills in the minus-forties. Therefore, I expect attendance tomorrow evening to be negatively influenced. However, if you are going to the game, remember to arrive early since Jim Cornelison is scheduled to return to the ARC and sing the National Anthem as seen below in my photo from last year.
(http://i60.tinypic.com/2irs11j.jpg)
Quote from: valpopal on January 07, 2015, 09:08:27 AM
Currently, the weather outside in Valpo is similar to a blizzard as students cross campus for the first day of classes, and the weather Thursday promises to be even colder with morning temperatures forecast to be about -15 and wind chills in the minus-forties. Therefore, I expect attendance tomorrow evening to be negatively influenced. However, if you are going to the game, remember to arrive early since Jim Cornelison is scheduled to return to the ARC and sing the National Anthem as seen below in my photo from last year.
(http://i60.tinypic.com/2irs11j.jpg)
Chilly in Dallas today also! Currently only 35, but sunny. I'll curl up with an extra blanket to watch the game. ;D
The wind chill warning will expire by noon tomorrow.
Basketball is played in the winter months. In the Midwest that translates to cold and snow. Dress warmly, and get out of the house!
I'm hoping we win easily and this is a game where Max Joseph can see some run at PG. I'd like to see what he can do with Keith out. I think we start E. to run the point though. I really liked the way he played in the second half against YSU.
E. VICTOR NICKERSON
Executive Vice-Chancellor to the Provost For Stratgery Resources & Point Guard Heightvantage
Point spread: Valpo -15.5
I wouldn't assume any wins in the conference season. Anything could happen with the way the Crusaders' shooting sometimes goes cold. If Keith doesn't play and Alec plus Darien's shooting is as cold as the weather it might be a tough game to win. I still think Valpo will pull out a victory with their overall talent but it may be a lot closer in score than everyone, including the odds makers, think.
UIC 58
Valpo 62
Keith Carter likely sidelined as Valparaiso welcomes Jay Harris, UIC to ARC
The toe was popped back into place — also a painful ordeal, as one would imagine — which should help the healing process. But Carter, who was unavailable for comment, was on crutches on Wednesday, with a boot on his foot.
http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/sports/32068576-556/mens-basketball-keith-carter-likely-sidelined-as-valparaiso-welcomes-jay-harris-uic-to-arc.html#.VK4XTL5FMZY (http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/sports/32068576-556/mens-basketball-keith-carter-likely-sidelined-as-valparaiso-welcomes-jay-harris-uic-to-arc.html#.VK4XTL5FMZY)
From the UIC Game Notes:
A Win at Valpo would...
...give UIC its first 2-1 Horizon League start since the 2007-08 season ... give UIC six
wins which matches its season total from last year ... give UIC its first victory against
Valpo since Feb. 15, 2009 ... give UIC its first road win of the year. .
talking about OOC schedule:
Tough Schedule
UIC has played a tough non-league schedule this
season with games against SMU (10-4), Dayton
(11-2), Yale (10-5) and Northwestern (10-5). To
date the Flames' opponents hold a combined
record of 100-85. UIC is one of 47 of the 351
D-I programs in the nation to have its opponents
total 100 wins so far this season. Fellow league
member Oakland has a combined opponent win
total of 106, while Providence tops the list at 131
One of the Nation's Best
The Flames have been one of the nation's best
free-throw shooting teams so far this season as UIC
is averaging 75.1 percent (284-of-378). That figure
currently ranks 13th in the country and tops in the
Horizon League, while UIC's 284 made free throws
ranks 3rd in the NCAA. UIC touts nine players that
are shooting above 70 percent from the charity
stripe.
and more on Mr. Harris:
30 and Counting
Jay Harris has made 30 consecutive free throws
dating back to Dec. 11 when UIC defeated Central
Florida. That total ranks tied for the third longest
streak in program history with former Flame Tony
Freeman. The top spot is held by Josh Mayo who
sank 38 straight foul shots which spanned across
the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Out of 67 free throw
attempts this season, Harris has missed a mere five
shots.
Harris is a Scoring Machine
Fifth-year senior Jay Harris dropped a game-high 25
points against Youngstown State this past Friday and
added 13 against Cleveland State on Sunday. Harris
has scored in double figures in nine of his 13 games
this season. He ranks first on the team in scoring
(14.2) and ninth in the Horizon League.
and I'm confident someone on this board will find something interesting in this list
2014-15 UIC RECORD WHEN...
At Home..........................................................5-4
On the Road ...................................................0-6
Neutral Site.....................................................0-2
Leading at Halftime.........................................2-0
Trailing at Halftime........................................2-12
Tied at Halftime ..............................................1-0
Scoring fewer than 50 points..........................0-3
Scoring 50-59 points.......................................0-1
Scoring 60-69 points.......................................1-6
Scoring 70-79 points.......................................3-2
Scoring 80-89 points.......................................1-0
Scoring 90 points or more ..............................0-0
Opponent scores fewer than 50 points...........1-0
Opponent scores 50-59 points .......................0-0
Opponent scores 60-69 points .......................2-5
Opponent scores 70-79 points .......................2-6
Opponent scores 80-89 points .......................0-1
Opponent scores 90 or more..........................0-0
Shooting under 30 percent .............................0-3
Shooting 30-39 percent ..................................2-7
Shooting 40-49 percent ..................................3-2
Shooting 50+ percent .....................................0-0
Opponent shoots under 30 percent................1-0
Opponent shoots 30-39 percent.....................1-0
Opponent shoots 40-49 percent.....................3-6
Opponent shoots 50+ percent........................0-6
Outrebounding opponent................................5-5
Outrebounded by opponent............................0-7
Making 7 or more three-pointers ....................2-2
Shoots better than 35 percent on threes ........2-1
Games decided by 1-5 points.........................1-4
Games decided by 6-10 points.......................1-3
Games decided by 11-19 points.....................2-3
Games decided by 20+ points........................1-2
Games following a loss...................................4-8
Games following a victory...............................1-4
Overtime games .............................................0-1
Day games .....................................................1-6
Night games ...................................................4-6
In November...................................................2-5
In December...................................................2-6
In January.......................................................1-1
and if you're looking at the kind of game Vashil might have... their tallest possible line up by height is 6'9 - 6'8 - 6'8 - 6'7 - 6'7
They have 42 season blocks... vs their opponents have 89.
I was going to write this up and talksalot gave a great lead in for me.
If you look most of UIC's games they have shot between under 40%. Out of 351 Division 1 Teams UIC ranks 341st in 3P% and 338th in 2P%. Their effective FG% is 4th worst in the country. Their "tough" schedule includes only 4 top 100 KenPom teams and 6 teams outside of the top 225. Their "difficult" schedule is ranked 155th in the country and it's not like they played well against the tough teams. They are allowing 14.8% of their shots to be blocked, good for 341st in the country. We block 13.7% of the shots that go up against us (44th best in the country).
Here's the key to the game. Keep them off the free throw line. They hit free throws. Make they shoot 2s and 3s because they won't make them. 26.8% of their scoring comes from the free throw line.
Vashil I have one thought for you.
(http://edgewaterecho.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BPlogo.png)
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 07, 2015, 09:43:32 AMThe wind chill warning will expire by noon tomorrow. Basketball is played in the winter months. In the Midwest that translates to cold and snow. Dress warmly, and get out of the house!
When exactly is the wind chill warning expiring. It's now less than 4 hours till tip off and the wind chill is -18 F and the current temperature is 5 F. It's snowing again.
Exactly when is the weather going to get better? Noon? I don't think that forecast was very accurate.
For most of us if we were as wrong as weather people are with their predictions we wouldn't even be employed. I haven't decided on going or watching from yet. Having a new tv and E sPN3 through the xbox is making this a tough choice.
Quote from: historyman on January 08, 2015, 03:18:23 PM
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 07, 2015, 09:43:32 AMThe wind chill warning will expire by noon tomorrow. Basketball is played in the winter months. In the Midwest that translates to cold and snow. Dress warmly, and get out of the house!
When exactly is the wind chill warning expiring. It's now less than 4 hours till tip off and the wind chill is -18 F and the current temperature is 5 F. It's snowing again.
Exactly when is the weather going to get better? Noon? I don't think that forecast was very accurate.
We are merely in an advisory right now, but as I was about to open the page, I was thinking about what I had posted. I still plan to dress warmly, get out of the house, and go to the game. Others have not been so eager. I have not been able to find anyone to claim two tickets that I have.
@3:58PM Central time... it was 7.3 degrees with a Wind Chill of -9.4
http://ww2.netnitco.net/~vch/CityhallWeather/Current_Vantage.htm (http://ww2.netnitco.net/~vch/CityhallWeather/Current_Vantage.htm)
Quote from: talksalot on January 08, 2015, 03:59:41 PM
@3:58PM Central time... it was 7.3 degrees with a Wind Chill of -9.4
http://ww2.netnitco.net/~vch/CityhallWeather/Current_Vantage.htm (http://ww2.netnitco.net/~vch/CityhallWeather/Current_Vantage.htm)
But, it is warming RAPIDLY, as at 4:21 it is 7.9 and the wind chill has improved to -8.6!!
Oooh I can help here.
NWS Chicago issues wind chill warnings when the wind chill is expected to be -30F or colder with winds of 10 mph or greater. We did get there for a few hours last night:
http://w1.weather.gov/obhistory/KVPZ.html (http://w1.weather.gov/obhistory/KVPZ.html)
A wind chill advisory is when the wind chill is expected to be -20F or less with winds of 10 mph or greater. Wind chill at Porter Co. Mun. was actually -12F as of 4 o'clock, not even meeting advisory criteria. However, as temps fall overnight, I'm sure the wind chill will drop down again. We should also see an inch or two of snow overnight.
I will agree that the crowd may be a little thin tonight. People will say "the weather is nasty", not "the wind chill is only -15, let's go."
In regards to game strategy, UIC's weakness in shots being blocked and their strength in FT shooting may mean that much of the game could be left up to what does and does not get called a foul in the lane. Fortunately, I'm a little less nervous on the officiating in front of a home crowd.
I'm sure that after the national anthem, things will have warmed up considerably! ;)
anyway, back to the game... so UIC is proud of the 100 wins for their opponents. our D-1 opponents have 96 total wins (Murray 11, New Mexico 10, Portland 10 leading the way)... the "others" are: IUSouth Bend 9-7 (canceled their game for tonight due to weather); Goshen is 10-7; and Trinity International is 4-10... so adding those 23 winds, our opponents have 119 total victories.
UIC's opponents with 10 or more wins: Dayton 11, Northwestern 10, Loyola 12. To be fair... their Non-D-1 Opponents: St. Xavier 10-6, Judson Univ 4-13... so we can add 14 wins to their 100... for a total of 114 opponent victories.
ok fine... at 4:33pm its up to 8.3 degrees and with WC stands at -8.1... I may not zip up my jacket on the way to the ARC.
Now at 8.1 at 4:34 and wind chill up to -7.8. That's a decrease in wind chill of 1.6 in about a half hour! It could be 9 by game time! ;)
Quote from: HC on January 08, 2015, 03:28:51 PM
For most of us if we were as wrong as weather people are with their predictions we wouldn't even be employed. I haven't decided on going or watching from yet. Having a new tv and E sPN3 through the xbox is making this a tough choice.
Xbox 360 or one? And how do you get ESPN 3 through it??
Historyman, HC and other wavering souls,
Grow some hair on your chest and get out there! ;)
See you at the game, wh
360...there's an app you can download if you have a gold membership.
WH: too cold to drag both little kids out for this particular game
Quote from: hailcrusaders on January 08, 2015, 04:29:39 PMFortunately, I'm a little less nervous on the officiating in front of a home crowd.
I have a feeling Kahlil Felder won't be shooting 24 FTs in Cleveland tonight. I bet the Cleveland announcers laugh about the fact that Felder was given quite an advantage by the refs when he got to the line 24 times. And they will guarantee that won't happen tonight. I'll even bet he doesn't shoot 12 FTs in Cleveland.
Hopefully Jay Harris gets confused, and reverts back to his Valpo days where he launches 3-after-3 from 10 feet behind the line, with plenty of those airballs and bricks we used to see :). He had his good moments...and his REALLY REALLY bad moments. I do miss his FT shooting though, like a few others.
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 04:36:46 PM Historyman, HC and other wavering souls, Grow some hair on your chest and get out there! ;) See you at the game, wh
Quote from: vu72 on January 08, 2015, 04:35:30 PMNow at 8.1 at 4:34 and wind chill up to -7.8. That's a decrease in wind chill of 1.6 in about a half hour! It could be 9 by game time! ;)
Well, now that the temp has risen so abruptly I have decided to go to tonight's game. How bad could it be? :P
Will Jay Harris be booed, cheered, or will the crowd be indifferent?
Quote from: HC on January 08, 2015, 05:22:34 PMWill Jay Harris be booed, cheered, or will the crowd be indifferent?
The answer to all three is "Yes". The larger question is will there be enough in attendance to vocalize any of those options?
I'll see if I can arrange a boo
I can't believe Jay Harris is still playing D1 basketball.
Reporting in. Pretty sparse crowd with only 5 min before player intro's. Surprisingly though, student sect. is at least half full with some still arriving.
No chatters?
Student section t shirts
Why did J.Harris leave?
VASHIL!!!!
He has improved so much. Wish he had another year.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 08, 2015, 07:42:42 PMWhy did J.Harris leave?
With the additions of transfers Lavonte Dority (South Florida) and Jordan Coleman (Hawaii) to next season's roster, perhaps Valparaiso University sophomore Jay Harris saw the writing on the wall when he announced his intentions to transfer on Tuesday afternoon. Harris has yet to pick a school, but plans on transferring to another Division I institution, and likely will have to sit out the 2012-13 season.
"I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me at Valparaiso, but I'm making the decision that is best for me and my family," Harris said. "This is always going to be my family."
See my post above taken from Paul Oren's article written at the time.
VASHIL FREAKIN' FERNANDEZ LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!
ok, 'lady' probably
BUT CUMONG MAN HE IS EN FUEGO
I will make just one comment about this game, and you all know who it is dedicated to. For all you doubters out there....VA-SHIL
well at least now i know why you like him so much, tex...
(http://s9.postimg.org/pgi6ovwcv/Screen_Shot_2015_01_08_at_9_55_57_PM.png)
somehow i didn't see that coming... #WorldWide'Leader'
ALSO YOU GAVE ME A GREAT MEME IDEA HANG ON
Wow! Great game.
Good Team Win! :)
If there is such a thing as a pretty huge game this early in the conference season....Saturday night would be it.
yeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 08, 2015, 09:24:47 PM
yeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
According to Luke Gore in the post game radio interview, Keith will not play Saturday. Todd asked him twice. The first time sounded like 'no.' The second time was a definite 'no.'
(https://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m02q7lP0yK1rngjayo1_500.gif)
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 09:47:07 PM
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 08, 2015, 09:24:47 PM
yeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
According to Luke Gore in the post game radio interview, Keith will not play Saturday. Todd asked him twice. The first time sounded like 'no.' The second time was a definite 'no.'
Homer said before the game that there was torn ligament in addition to the dislocation. I'm not a trainer, but it didn't sound as if a quick return would be likely. Luke sounded much more optimistic in the interview.
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 09:47:07 PMQuote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 08, 2015, 09:24:47 PMyeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
According to Luke Gore in the post game radio interview, Keith will not play Saturday. Todd asked him twice. The first time sounded like 'no.' The second time was a definite 'no.'
Todd did preface the question by saying nobody truly knows the answer and then Luke Gore said he thought it was very doubtful but he also added you never ever count a guy like Keith out and that it didn't look very likely. Of course that is in my own words.
Basically everyone is guessing and there always is a chance but it is unlikely.
I think it comes down to how much pain that Keith can take while trying to run on some very tender ligaments in his foot. From the history that Keith had at SLU he tried to play hurt at SLU and thought he shouldn't have tried to play hurt. He left the SLU program because of the decision Jim Crews made to have him play and because Majerus had passed away and Majerus was the reason he came to SLU.
(http://img.pandawhale.com/58669-so-youre-telling-me-theres-a-c-Sm9B.gif)
Quote from: HC on January 08, 2015, 09:20:47 PM
If there is such a thing as a pretty huge game this early in the conference season....Saturday night would be it.
I agree for 2 reasons. First, whoever wins the league will almost definitely run the table at home, and secondly, we already have a loss. To go 2-2 in our first 4 conference games would be a disaster.
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2015, 09:59:21 PM
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 09:47:07 PM
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 08, 2015, 09:24:47 PM
yeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
According to Luke Gore in the post game radio interview, Keith will not play Saturday. Todd asked him twice. The first time sounded like 'no.' The second time was a definite 'no.'
Homer said before the game that there was torn ligament in addition to the dislocation. I'm not a trainer, but it didn't sound as if a quick return would be likely. Luke sounded much more optimistic in the interview.
A dislocated toe is pretty serious and I think the coaches are being "optimistic" in order to keep their opponents guessing. I am guessing 4 weeks minimum.
Just remember, Jay Harris was the highest rated Valpo has had since Bryce.
i think we were confused the "89" was actually his ft%
also i have been waiting to repost this link to Mr. Tai Odiase, as I originally posted it after he committed to UIC:
http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=1421.msg35586#msg35586 (http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=1421.msg35586#msg35586)
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2015, 10:20:48 PMQuote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2015, 09:59:21 PMQuote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 09:47:07 PMQuote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 08, 2015, 09:24:47 PMyeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
According to Luke Gore in the post game radio interview, Keith will not play Saturday. Todd asked him twice. The first time sounded like 'no.' The second time was a definite 'no.'
Homer said before the game that there was torn ligament in addition to the dislocation. I'm not a trainer, but it didn't sound as if a quick return would be likely. Luke sounded much more optimistic in the interview.
A dislocated toe is pretty serious and I think the coaches are being "optimistic" in order to keep their opponents guessing. I am guessing 4 weeks minimum.
Hate to agree but I think I have to. No doctor obviously, but to me "torn ligament" does not equal "will only miss one (or two, or three) game(s)"
Anyone else notice how bad Alec has played in conference play? Don't let him slide for the passing of his grandfather anymore. It's time to play.
Quote from: Valpofan00 on January 08, 2015, 10:27:49 PMAnyone else notice how bad Alec has played in conference play? Don't let him slide for the passing of his grandfather anymore. It's time to play.
Apparently he cut his hand rather badly diving for a loose ball the other day, and it was bothering him a bit today. Thank goodness we didn't need him to go off.
Quote from: hailcrusaders on January 08, 2015, 10:26:50 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2015, 10:20:48 PMQuote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2015, 09:59:21 PMQuote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 09:47:07 PMQuote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 08, 2015, 09:24:47 PMyeah, and i'd feel a lot better if i knew keith would be back...
According to Luke Gore in the post game radio interview, Keith will not play Saturday. Todd asked him twice. The first time sounded like 'no.' The second time was a definite 'no.'
Homer said before the game that there was torn ligament in addition to the dislocation. I'm not a trainer, but it didn't sound as if a quick return would be likely. Luke sounded much more optimistic in the interview.
A dislocated toe is pretty serious and I think the coaches are being "optimistic" in order to keep their opponents guessing. I am guessing 4 weeks minimum.
Hate to agree but I think I have to. No doctor obviously, but to me "torn ligament" does not equal "will only miss one (or two, or three) game(s)"
It doesn't sound like Keith's return is anytime soon:
Valpo Basketball Press Conference: UIC 1|8|15 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JN4ssg49fs#ws)
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 10:31:49 PM
Valpo Basketball Press Conference: UIC 1|8|15 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JN4ssg49fs#ws)
It never ceases to amaze me how much maturity and character our guys show when they're in the spotlight. Everything they say is totally team-focused - "...just trying to be a good teammate," "doing what I can to contribute to the team," etc. Nothing sounds contrived; it's just what they're about.
Quote from: hailcrusaders on January 08, 2015, 07:54:13 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 08, 2015, 07:42:42 PM
Why did J.Harris leave?
2 fouls early
Are you talking about in the game tonight or his 2 suspensions (1 at Wagner and 1 at UIC)? :lol:
Though the overall play of the team seemed admirable, especially the great game by Vashil (6-6 from the field, 4 blocks, and 0 turnovers) and the continuing improvement of Jubril, who had 10 pts. and 9 rebs. to just miss a double-double, the evening appeared to provide an introduction to Max Joseph. Max took advantage of the opportunity created with Keith's injury by shooting 3-3 (2-2 on 3-point shots) for a career high of 9 pts. while committing only 1 turnover in 26 minutes of play, and presenting me with an opportunity to include my photo of Max scoring his two-point basket. Joseph also had 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block for a well-rounded game. [PS: In addition, I had the pleasure of another introduction at the game, as I had a chance to meet Valpospartan!)
(http://i57.tinypic.com/r77zv5.jpg)
I was talking about the why he left valpo. I suppose it was recruiting and brining in two guards. He has been suspended several times at his last two stops. Was his behavior ever an issue at valpo?
Quote from: Valpofan00 on January 08, 2015, 10:27:49 PM
Anyone else notice how bad Alec has played in conference play? Don't let him slide for the passing of his grandfather anymore. It's time to play.
Not sure what game you watched. In 25 minutes he put up 11 and 6 on 5 of 9 shooting. Did he miss 2 threes? Yes, but he dominated inside the paint and wasn't noticably poor on defense (or great really, he was there defensively). If you're looking for a super star performance every night, that's not Alec's game. He can take over a game when needed, but if others are getting off, he's going to let them take advantage of that.
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2015, 10:18:23 PM
Quote from: HC on January 08, 2015, 09:20:47 PM
If there is such a thing as a pretty huge game this early in the conference season....Saturday night would be it.
I agree for 2 reasons. First, whoever wins the league will almost definitely run the table at home, and secondly, we already have a loss. To go 2-2 in our first 4 conference games would be a disaster.
I beg to differ: While Saturday is a big game, losing would not be a disaster - Cleveland State is 3-0 in conference, but their best conference win was at home against Oakland 65-61, the same Oakland team that VU lost to in an away game in overtime.
Valpo is 15-3 and 2-1 in conference. Was there anyone out there that predicted that the team would be 15-3 at this point in the season? Saturday will be a good test for the team, and I expect it will be a competitive game against two of the top teams in the conference. We all want to see another win, but a competitive loss is not a disaster.
First time I've seen a VU game in person this season vs. a Division I team.
UIC is awful, with Jay Harris. Without him, UIC would be triple awful.
How does Howard Moore remain the UIC coach?
Impressive performance by the Crusaders. I thought E. Victor did a good job, but if I'm the UIC coach I have my guys go after him a LOT harder than what they did.
I imagine Gary Waters already has that figured out.
Quote from: valpo95 on January 09, 2015, 10:17:09 AM
Valpo is 15-3 and 2-1 in conference. Was there anyone out there that predicted that the team would be 15-3 at this point in the season?
Hi, if you go back and look at the monthly predictions, up to this point I had them at 16-2. Find me an unwinnable game on the schedule.
Quote from: Kyle321n on January 09, 2015, 10:32:51 AMif you go back and look at the monthly predictions, up to this point I had them at 16-2. Find me an unwinnable game on the schedule.
I can't find any unwinnable games but without Carter I can't find many that can not be lost. OK so you have to play the cards you are dealt and even with Keith out I would liken our situation to being dealt "kings-up" in a draw hand (good but not great). If Keith is out or badly hobbled for the rest of the month there is a fair chance that we finish January with at least 4 losses even if we play pretty well overall.
Injuries are always part of the game but getting any more could be devastating! I wonder if Bryce is out walking the VU hallways trying to scout out some potential walk-ons?
Quote from: justducky on January 09, 2015, 11:20:26 AM
Quote from: Kyle321n on January 09, 2015, 10:32:51 AMif you go back and look at the monthly predictions, up to this point I had them at 16-2. Find me an unwinnable game on the schedule.
I can't find any unwinnable games but without Carter I can't find many that can not be lost. OK so you have to play the cards you are dealt and even with Keith out I would liken our situation to being dealt "kings-up" in a draw hand (good but not great). If Keith is out or badly hobbled for the rest of the month there is a fair chance that we finish January with at least 4 losses even if we play pretty well overall.
Injuries are always part of the game but getting any more could be devastating! I wonder if Bryce is out walking the VU hallways trying to scout out some potential walk-ons?
Oh I was talking about the games we've already played. I agree that we could very well struggle without Keith. I think Saturday will be very telling.
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 09, 2015, 10:27:53 AMI thought E. Victor did a good job, but if I'm the UIC coach I have my guys go after him a LOT harder than what they did.
I imagine Gary Waters already has that figured out.
Given that it is the "no holds barred" CSU team coming to town I hope that everybody will be taped and padded up to the extent that the whole team could be mistaken for a group of Sumo wrestlers.
Quote from: justducky on January 09, 2015, 11:20:26 AM
Quote from: Kyle321n on January 09, 2015, 10:32:51 AMif you go back and look at the monthly predictions, up to this point I had them at 16-2. Find me an unwinnable game on the schedule.
I can't find any unwinnable games but without Carter I can't find many that can not be lost. OK so you have to play the cards you are dealt and even with Keith out I would liken our situation to being dealt "kings-up" in a draw hand (good but not great). If Keith is out or badly hobbled for the rest of the month there is a fair chance that we finish January with at least 4 losses even if we play pretty well overall.
Injuries are always part of the game but getting any more could be devastating! I wonder if Bryce is out walking the VU hallways trying to scout out some potential walk-ons?
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 09, 2015, 10:27:53 AMImpressive performance by the Crusaders. I thought E. Victor did a good job, but if I'm the UIC coach I have my guys go after him a LOT harder than what they did.
I imagine Gary Waters already has that figured out.
UIC ball pressure was nonexistent and their D in general was
poor dreadful. We will be seeing a ton of increased pressure on our guards and I think will have trouble handling it against CSU.
We can win all of these games, but without Keith it just got exponetially harder. And
NO Bryce is not out walking the halls looking for walk-ons.
Quote from: Valpofan00 on January 08, 2015, 10:27:49 PM
Anyone else notice how bad Alec has played in conference play? Don't let him slide for the passing of his grandfather anymore. It's time to play.
I don't agree. I don't see how you thought Alec had a "bad" game. Please explain what made it a "bad" game for Alec. I would actually call it a fair to good game for Alec.
BBTDS, I agree. Bryce has sold these kids on unselfish play and there is no "I" in team. They are playing that way and Alec is right in there. i was watching some of the highlights on the VUATHLETICS release. Alec scores when it's his turn and in the flow of the game. Don't you think opponent's game plan is to overload on Alec? Against UIC it was the Vashil show -- I loved seeing that. If this keeps evolving, by the HL tournament, opponents won't know who to focus on (see background below).
Background: I'm from New England and lived through the Celtics runs under Auerbach, Russell, Cowens eras and absolutely loved seeing 6-7 guys always in double figures and never the same guy being the leader. I follow the Pat's religiously and love the fact that the guy who ran for 206 yards one week is deactivated the next -- and they win again. This VU team has to be ready to win if Alec is taken out of the game plan. If KC is out, the next guys steps in (looking that way, no?). We lose Vashil, so we go small and run an opponent off the floor.
Being a FB guy, I'm probably out of sync with all of you BB gurus, but I like what I think I see Bryce doing.
BTW: I LOVE THE FACT THAT THE TO'S ARE IN THE SINGLE DIGITS LATELY. That's good for the youth of this squad.
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 09, 2015, 10:27:53 AM
First time I've seen a VU game in person this season vs. a Division I team.
UIC is awful, with Kelsey Barlow. Without him, UIC would be triple awful.
How does Howard Moore remain the UIC coach?
Impressive performance by the Crusaders. I thought LaVonte did a good job, but if I'm the UIC coach I have my guys go after him a LOT harder than what they did.
I imagine Gary Waters already has that figured out.
backdated it for you to make it even more a timeless comment
Max Joseph looked very confident after his first few minutes. He wasn't pressing as much as when he knows that he is only getting 2-3 minutes. He looked like he belonged, and is pretty quick in his own right. I think that he will show this again now that he knows that he needs to be a solid contributor throughout the games while Keith is out, and not just try to 'show something' in limited action to gain more playing time.
Quote from: valpopal on January 09, 2015, 01:05:20 AM
. [PS: In addition, I had the pleasure of another introduction at the game, as I had a chance to meet Valpospartan!)
The pleasure was all mine, Pal!
Nice pic of Max.
I have now posted a photo gallery at the following link with 25 images from the UIC game for all to enjoy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157650200373862/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157650200373862/)
Since this was Vashil's game, how many people knew that he already received his Bachelor's degree from VU, and just had a kid in November? Yes, I am connected to him on FB lol.