Hey, how about that Milwaukee game last Thursday?
A cure for what ails you may be Cleveland State. Here's the box score from their "game" against Oakland Today (Saturday)
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400918491 32% FG and 4-22 from 3; out rebounded 49-30. The only part that is trouble-some is the 12 steals (10 from starters).
Here's the box from our first game with them. Alec with 30-9... spending most of the evening at the free throw line, with both AP and TW MAKING 10 FTs each.
Get one back and sit one down, Valpo wins this one 78-55.
I hope the long layoff between the Milwaukee game and this one don't effect us too much.
Now that the GB game is behind us, let's get it on again vs. CSU. We need to be looking for AP more. If you watch closely, we very often are a "count or 2" late in getting the ball to AP coming off a screen. When we are late in getting him the ball, the defense has reacted and covered him. Let's not waste this talent that may be the best of all time at VU. I just don't understand how the second leading scorer in the Country only gets around 15 shots per game. I think that Hammink is the worst of our guys in getting the ball to AP. Very often he doesn't appear to be looking for him, especially off of a screen. With the attention AP gets from the defense, when he does get open it isn't for a long period. Our guys need to be looking for that "right" time.
Quote from: valpo64 on February 05, 2017, 10:33:59 AM
Now that the GB game is behind us, let's get it on again vs. CSU. We need to be looking for AP more. If you watch closely, we very often are a "count or 2" late in getting the ball to AP coming off a screen. When we are late in getting him the ball, the defense has reacted and covered him. Let's not waste this talent that may be the best of all time at VU. I just don't understand how the second leading scorer in the Country only gets around 15 shots per game. I think that Hammink is the worst of our guys in getting the ball to AP. Very often he doesn't appear to be looking for him, especially off of a screen. With the attention AP gets from the defense, when he does get open it isn't for a long period. Our guys need to be looking for that "right" time.
Hammink has shown himself to be our most selfish player. He's a key player for us, but I don't celebrate his personal victories like I do the other players. Team sport and all.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2017, 10:41:40 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on February 05, 2017, 10:33:59 AM
Now that the GB game is behind us, let's get it on again vs. CSU. We need to be looking for AP more. If you watch closely, we very often are a "count or 2" late in getting the ball to AP coming off a screen. When we are late in getting him the ball, the defense has reacted and covered him. Let's not waste this talent that may be the best of all time at VU. I just don't understand how the second leading scorer in the Country only gets around 15 shots per game. I think that Hammink is the worst of our guys in getting the ball to AP. Very often he doesn't appear to be looking for him, especially off of a screen. With the attention AP gets from the defense, when he does get open it isn't for a long period. Our guys need to be looking for that "right" time.
Hammink has shown himself to be our most selfish player. He's a key player for us, but I don't celebrate his personal victories like I do the other players. Team sport and all.
[/b]
Totally unfair, and if you think that Matt wouldn't have pulled him if he thought so, you are wrong again. Shane is doing what he needs to do as is Max, Lexus, Tevonn and others. With Alec drawing double and triple teams there needs to be drives to the basket to hopefully leave a shooter open on the wing. Whether or not Shane is doing that effectively is up for grabs. Shane is drawing fouls and making 82.2 % and is hitting baskets at the highest rate for anyone in the normal rotation.
Quote from: vu72 on February 06, 2017, 11:38:07 AM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2017, 10:41:40 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on February 05, 2017, 10:33:59 AM
Hammink has shown himself to be our most selfish player. He's a key player for us, but I don't celebrate his personal victories like I do the other players. Team sport and all.
[/b]
Totally unfair, and if you think that Matt wouldn't have pulled him if he thought so, you are wrong again. Shane is doing what he needs to do as is Max, Lexus, Tevonn and others. With Alec drawing double and triple teams there needs to be drives to the basket to hopefully leave a shooter open on the wing. Whether or not Shane is doing that effectively is up for grabs. Shane is drawing fouls and making 82.2 % and is hitting baskets at the highest rate for anyone in the normal rotation.
Not here to argue semantics, he is our most selfish player to me. Degree to which is hardly worth arguing. My observation is Shane needs to look up on his drives, because the defenders are crashing down EVERY STINKING TIME because they know he has a high dribble.
His TO are too high because he gets into beast mode and closes out the other 4 players. Fair is hardly my intention, I'd enjoy seeing progress. This is my armchair QB observation.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 06, 2017, 11:58:04 AMHis TO are too high because he gets into beast mode and closes out the other 4 players.
How many times at GB did he drive down the floor ahead of our trailers only to go 1 on 3 for a turn over or poor shot? Was that in the game plan? What about Alec getting stripped 3 times from behind in transition? Was that in the game plan?
Anybody got copies of the CSU and GB game plans? ::) I'd like to try to understand just what Matt is and was thinking.
Get back on track, forget about previous games.
Valpo 77
CSU 53
Valpo 75
CSU 62
Interesting. Alec has put up the #'s the last few games but he did seem to look a little tired. Rest might help. He has logged some huge minutes this season and we have had a short bench this season.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/829447255325302790
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/829447088400392199
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/829447537086099456
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/829447759166046208
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/829447899415199745
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/829448033536466949
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/829448158547697671
Here are the game notes from the CSU view...
http://www.csuvikings.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20170208i9ouk8
• The Vikings used a 57 point second half shooting 19-of-31 (.613) from the field in the second half and hit eight straight shots at one point to key a 19-0 run.
• CSU has hit a three-pointer in a school-record 590 straight games.
• The Vikings have hit at least three three's in 139 straight games.
• The last time CSU failed to make a three-pointer was Feb. 21, 1998, when the Vikings were 0-for-8 in a 60-57 win over Detroit.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 06, 2017, 11:58:04 AM
Quote from: vu72 on February 06, 2017, 11:38:07 AM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2017, 10:41:40 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on February 05, 2017, 10:33:59 AM
Hammink has shown himself to be our most selfish player. He's a key player for us, but I don't celebrate his personal victories like I do the other players. Team sport and all.
[/b]
Totally unfair, and if you think that Matt wouldn't have pulled him if he thought so, you are wrong again. Shane is doing what he needs to do as is Max, Lexus, Tevonn and others. With Alec drawing double and triple teams there needs to be drives to the basket to hopefully leave a shooter open on the wing. Whether or not Shane is doing that effectively is up for grabs. Shane is drawing fouls and making 82.2 % and is hitting baskets at the highest rate for anyone in the normal rotation.
Not here to argue semantics, he is our most selfish player to me. Degree to which is hardly worth arguing. My observation is Shane needs to look up on his drives, because the defenders are crashing down EVERY STINKING TIME because they know he has a high dribble.
His TO are too high because he gets into beast mode and closes out the other 4 players. Fair is hardly my intention, I'd enjoy seeing progress. This is my armchair QB observation.
Hammink's turnover rate is down 3% this year, his assist rate is up 2%, and he's getting to the foul line nearly a third more than he did last year. Within league only play, year to year, his turnover rate is down 5.5%.
Quote from: vusupporter on February 08, 2017, 06:28:04 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 06, 2017, 11:58:04 AM
Quote from: vu72 on February 06, 2017, 11:38:07 AM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2017, 10:41:40 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on February 05, 2017, 10:33:59 AM
Hammink has shown himself to be our most selfish player. He's a key player for us, but I don't celebrate his personal victories like I do the other players. Team sport and all.
[/b]
Totally unfair, and if you think that Matt wouldn't have pulled him if he thought so, you are wrong again. Shane is doing what he needs to do as is Max, Lexus, Tevonn and others. With Alec drawing double and triple teams there needs to be drives to the basket to hopefully leave a shooter open on the wing. Whether or not Shane is doing that effectively is up for grabs. Shane is drawing fouls and making 82.2 % and is hitting baskets at the highest rate for anyone in the normal rotation.
Not here to argue semantics, he is our most selfish player to me. Degree to which is hardly worth arguing. My observation is Shane needs to look up on his drives, because the defenders are crashing down EVERY STINKING TIME because they know he has a high dribble.
His TO are too high because he gets into beast mode and closes out the other 4 players. Fair is hardly my intention, I'd enjoy seeing progress. This is my armchair QB observation.
Hammink's turnover rate is down 3% this year, his assist rate is up 2%, and he's getting to the foul line nearly a third more than he did last year. Within league only play, year to year, his turnover rate is down 5.5%.
Progress, are his MPG up too? He just makes some very poor decisions each game, when he dribbles in traffic or drives the lane my blood pressure goes through the roof anticipating disaster.
Well here we are no Room to give up a game, seems to get down to this point in every season. Losing any of the next four games means, that Valpo depends on help to win the league. Lets see what this team is made of.
Valpo 78 CSU 64, Rebounds Valpo 45 CSU 31, foul shots 25 Valpo 14 CSU ;)
The spread: Valpo -12.5
Quote from: wh on February 08, 2017, 09:58:43 PMThe spread: Valpo -12.5
Big spread with a lot of uncertainties such as Jaume or Jurbril.
awfully quiet around here. Did we lose some off the bandwagon after the GB loss? >:(
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 09, 2017, 09:42:39 AMQuote from: wh on February 08, 2017, 09:58:43 PM
The spread: Valpo -12.5
Big spread with a lot of uncertainties such as Jaume or Jurbril.
I do sometimes wonder to what extent gamblers are unaware of these issues, particularly if it's not a star player, not a Top 25 team, or how detailed their models of the various possibilities might be.
Quote from: valpolaw on February 09, 2017, 10:12:36 AMawfully quiet around here. Did we lose some off the bandwagon after the GB loss?
I'm definitely starting to share some of the students' excuses. The semester's getting busy! I'll try to be at the game Saturday, but not tonight.
To do triple duty in this post: It probably deserves its own thread if it doesn't have one, but registration for the Oakland game events closes soon. Fan bus from Valpo. Dinner at the Red Ox. The game of course.
J yes. Jubril no.
Let me the first to declare:
The ARC is no longer a special place. End of an era. Sad.
Why, what has changed about the arc?
Why is Smits still starting?
Attendance is horrific. Students especially, but I'd guess no more than 2500 total on hand tonight to watch this first place team.
Excuses will be: Weeknight, bad opponent. Anyone know if VHS plays this evening?
Hammink, great 3 to start the game.
But takes early shot clock 3, bad possession. And two times he drives the lane with little control as the ball dribbles out of bounce....good aggression. But also prone to forcing it. First 4 minutes.
But gonna be hard to replace him.
This attendance is embarrassing. The students have no excuse...
Quote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 07:12:42 PM
Attendance is horrific. Students especially, but I'd guess no more than 2500 total on hand tonight to watch this first place team.
Excuses will be: Weeknight, bad opponent. Anyone know if VHS plays this evening?
Do we know each games attendance going back to early 2000s? If so, what's the actual data show?
When we were students in the early 2000s quite a few of us spread out around the seat backs section. Just saying we should probably see some data overall. Still need more student involvement though.
End of an era? That's a little fatalistic. Embarrassing, certainly. I feel for the students who have shown up since the new year. I remember how hard it is to get excited when there's only a couple or few dozen of you. I was in the student section during that 08-09 year, that was rough. I think the Oakland game really hurt casual student attendance. I'll bet it reinforced the "small time" feel of Valpo for a bunch of students. I'm not saying it's right...but I saw the same thing happen after the Butler heartbreak in 07-08. I had classmates that NEVER went to another game because they didn't want to put their hearts out there.
Not only has attendance dropped but I also feel that the teams' connection to the fans have dropped with Vashil being the final one from the Rowdy era where the team seemed much more engaged with the campus culture. It was 2 years ago that the team stopped coming up to stands and now without Vashil I don't know if theres' another player who has a presence on campus. I"m not saying its everything, but in a small school like Valpo feeling connected to the team goes a long way.
I would love to see more students at the game but I also would love to see more active player engagement with the campus.
From the 1999-2000 to 2003-2004 seasons, the stands were pretty much full. Not sure what games you are referencing from the early 2000s, but it wasn't when I was in school.
Quote from: govalpogo on February 09, 2017, 07:27:27 PMEnd of an era? That's a little fatalistic. Embarrassing, certainly. I feel for the students who have shown up since the new year. I remember how hard it is to get excited when there's only a couple or few dozen of you. I was in the student section during that 08-09 year, that was rough. I think the Oakland game really hurt casual student attendance. I'll bet it reinforced the "small time" feel of Valpo for a bunch of students. I'm not saying it's right...but I saw the same thing happen after the Butler heartbreak in 07-08. I had classmates that NEVER went to another game because they didn't want to put their hearts out there.
I'm not arguing that this isn't a factor, but I don't understand the mentality of students who think that way. So you went to a big game and they lost. So what? Go to the next one, because they'll win next time. It shouldn't feel like it's only worth two hours of your life when the team wins. Fairweather fandom at it's finest.
Quote from: crusader05 on February 09, 2017, 07:36:24 PMIt was 2 years ago that the team stopped coming up to stands and now without Vashil I don't know if theres' another player who has a presence on campus.
They straight up stopped doing this? That's a shame. The whole team used to do it, it shouldn't take Vashil to lead the charge. Unless they were told to stop by the coaching staff?
Even so, the postgame "Valpo on three!" shouldn't be the only reason students come to the game.
Mlb halftime interview.....does he truly believe what he just said or was he being politically correct?
A couple years ago I attended a dinner in St. Louis put on by the alumni club. Mlb answered 6-9 questions from the 25-30 people who attended. If I got to ask him a question, how are your true feelings about the HL tourney being held in Detroit?
I'm a little lost for words for the lack of student attendance. Something the Athletic Department should make effort to look into. I think the lack of student interaction with the team may have something to do with it. Vashil was always very very popular, but even before then the Rowdy era with Kevin Van Wijk and the whole team was all over campus eating lunch at the Union. Bryce/Homer were frequently chatting it up with students in cafeteria. Not sure ML has the same amount of time with such a young family.
Also ESPN3 probably plays a role to a degree of chipping away at attendance from student and general admission.
Maybe the University is recruiting a different crowd of students? Maybe the new class isn't quite as into sports and more into the arts or something. Idk.
A quick demographic break down:
-3,183 undergraduates
-1,361 law and graduate students (probably aren't coming to many games)
-From most U.S. states and about 50 countries
-29% multicultural students (Valpo has always prided itself for its diversity but at least at my experience not many foreign students went to the basketball games when I was there for whatever reason. Valpo has become much more depend on foreign students the last decade or so (higher tuition prices and not dependent on scholarships along with a less likely chance of defaulting student debt since many countries heavily sponsor their citizens college tuition like Saudi Arabia)
-26% Lutheran
-25% Roman Catholic
-34% other Christian faiths
-15% other faiths
-Nine men's and 10 women's NCAA Division I varsity sports teams
-Mascot: Crusader
-School Colors: brown and gold
-100+ co-curricular organizations
-Nine fraternities, six sororities
-61% of students live on campus (That # seems abnormally low. When I was a Freshman in 2010 I can almost guarantee you the amount of commuter students was lower. Could be a big factor.)
-Hundreds of students participate annually in concerts, plays, and exhibitions, with access to state-of-the-art performance facilities
-Students combine perform more than 220,000 hours of community outreach and service-learning annually
http://www.valpo.edu/about/
QuoteMlb halftime interview.....does he truly believe what he just said or was he being politically correct?
What did he say? I walked away and missed the interview with MLb.
Tonight is also the first night of Dance Ensemble which is huge on campus, both in students dancing (I think they have 18 pieces this year) and attendance. It's a pretty big deal and even got a write up in the chicago tribune this year.
Not a full reason but on a small campus that stuff can have an effect
NKU wins 69-67 vs Green Bay!! Huge for conference standings. Green Bay is now 9-4
It's no secret that our bench has made huge progress throughout the season, but it's games like these that make me feel better about the future of Crusader Basketball after Peters, Hammink, and Walker (our top three scorers) graduate.
Quote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 08:46:26 PM
It's no secret that our bench has made huge progress throughout the season, but it's games like these that make me feel better about the future of Crusader Basketball after Peters, Hammink, and Walker (our top three scorers) graduate.
Walker is a junior with Max.
Well on the court, nice game. Every W is important. NKU tried very hard to give their game away, fortunately GB didn't take advantage. Congrats to the team on another 20 win season!
It's great to have a well rounded campus with stuff to do outside of sports, such as Greek Life, Dance Marathon, Dance Ensemble, dramas and music performances, Color Run, what have you. That said, I know other schools make an effort to schedule these things around home games for their flagship sport. You won't see Notre Dame schedule major non-football related events on Saturday afternoons in the fall, especially when it's a home weekend.
As far as on campus residency, 61% does seem low to me, but I wonder if that's 61% of all students, or just undergrads? Oftentimes, you'll see that statistic only calculated with undergraduates. I can't imagine a lot of law students are going to be living on campus. Nonetheless, I seem to remember that figure being over 70% only a few years ago, largely thanks to VU's (fairly strict) housing policies for non-commuters. Residency percentage is usually much lower at other schools, particularly large publics.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 09, 2017, 08:49:05 PMQuote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 08:46:26 PMIt's no secret that our bench has made huge progress throughout the season, but it's games like these that make me feel better about the future of Crusader Basketball after Peters, Hammink, and Walker (our top three scorers) graduate.
Walker is a junior with Max.
He is. Point being, most of our scoring comes from upperclassmen, and that usually makes me worry about "rebuilding" years in our near future. But tonight shows that we will still have a lot of potential.
I got home and pulled up ESPN3 and saw the crappy attendance and then I saw 8-10 folks beat me to the rant. But I have to chime in. You know from my posts that I think VU2014 hit the only possible reason for low student numbers. It can only be we recruit a type of student who just doesn't care. If they don't care about campus culture, they should be really great alumni donors someday. :(
I sure hope it is not the "snowflake theory" which is my term for someone saying on this thread that some of our current crop of delicate students might have had their "hearts broken" by the Oakland loss similarly to a student he knew in 07-08 who just couldn't bear an ARC trip after a loss to Butler. Are you freakin' kidding me?? !! >:( >:( I would have killed to watch this type of team with the guys on campus when I went to VU.
Alec decides to come back for his senior year and the students decide to leave! What a shame. The same dedicated two dozen kids will probably come to the JLA anyway and it will be less embarrassing to have that number in Detroit! What an embarrassment tonight was to our alumni and our University.
Quote from: crusadermoe on February 09, 2017, 09:33:15 PMIt can only be we recruit a type of student who just doesn't care.
many of them would rather cr4p on the mascot than cheer on the basketball team...
If the customers aren't coming to your store it is not the customers fault.
The students should be coming out to see Alec close out his incredible Valpo career, at the very least
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was disappointed in the Fan Zone tonight also but for some reason section E just to the south of the Zone was filled with what appeared to be students. Maybe as many or more than in the Fan Zone its self. Why I don't know, just throwing it out there. That a puzzle to me. Anyone explain?
Those two impostors brought in to impersonate Derrik and Jay are near dead ringers. Wherever did Matt find them? I hope the NCAA doesn't decide to look into it when they finish with Jubril.
Quote from: VUBBFan on February 09, 2017, 09:46:02 PMI was disappointed in the Fan Zone tonight also but for some reason section E just to the south of the Zone was filled with what appeared to be students. Maybe as many or more than in the Fan Zone its self. Why I don't know, just throwing it out there. That a puzzle to me. Anyone explain?
I think someone on the board has mentioned this, but it's not uncommon for students to sit outside the student section. Often other athletic teams who wish to sit together. I don't know what the official policy is on student seating -- are they allowed to sit in the mezzanine, which is rarely full? Or just the official student section behind the basket? I only sat there during my days. Whatever the "policy" is, it doesn't seem to be enforced, which normally I respect, but it could hurt student participation this way.
Coach Gore did the post game press conference today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ogNbXvtwTc
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 09, 2017, 07:23:05 PMQuote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 07:12:42 PMAttendance is horrific. Students especially, but I'd guess no more than 2500 total on hand tonight to watch this first place team. Excuses will be: Weeknight, bad opponent. Anyone know if VHS plays this evening?
Do we know each games attendance going back to early 2000s? If so, what's the actual data show? When we were students in the early 2000s quite a few of us spread out around the seat backs section. Just saying we should probably see some data overall. Still need more student involvement though.
2455 was the official attendance this evening. I'd give myself a pat on the back for my 2500 guess, but that's like being proud of predicting a loss.
Seriously. There is a full time marketing position in the athletic department. One of two things is true:
1. That person does not have a plan to increase basketball attendance.
2. That person's plan has failed miserably.
Not being able to attend games on campus, can someone fill me in on what the half-times are like. The reason I ask this is that at both the UWM and UWGB games I attended this past week, every time out and the whole half-time were filled with audience-engaging activities that involved mostly students: e.g., Slingshooting rubber chickens into a shopping cart from 50', pizza box pickup races, Tee Shirt Cannons, etc., etc. That was in addition to the dance squad doing routines. It kind of held my attention and filled what otherwise would be very quiet breaks in the game.
If we are doing those things (you can't really tell on ESPN3 because they immediately go to commercials) then great -- keep it up. If not, perhaps that would add to the fan experience and be a better draw. Just asking.........
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 10, 2017, 10:54:30 AM
Not being able to attend games on campus, can someone fill me in on what the half-times are like. The reason I ask this is that at both the UWM and UWGB games I attended this past week, every time out and the whole half-time were filled with audience-engaging activities that involved mostly students: e.g., Slingshooting rubber chickens into a shopping cart from 50', pizza box pickup races, Tee Shirt Cannons, etc., etc. That was in addition to the dance squad doing routines. It kind of held my attention and filled what otherwise would be very quiet breaks in the game.
If we are doing those things (you can't really tell on ESPN3 because they immediately go to commercials) then great -- keep it up. If not, perhaps that would add to the fan experience and be a better draw. Just asking.........
Good point, the tumblers back in 2000-2004 were awesome! The two games I've attended were grade schoolers playing a game at halftime. Entertaining to those who enjoy sports (barely) but alienates many.
I see the value of getting the regions future talent familiar with our program...but at what cost!
The promotions are awful. Same ones every game. And I am now intentionally not going to Family Express because of those ads which sap the energy out of the crowd at every time out. >:(
Hopefully the majority of students are staying away in some sort of protest until they FreeJubril
Quote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 10:20:22 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 09, 2017, 07:23:05 PMQuote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 07:12:42 PMAttendance is horrific. Students especially, but I'd guess no more than 2500 total on hand tonight to watch this first place team. Excuses will be: Weeknight, bad opponent. Anyone know if VHS plays this evening?
Do we know each games attendance going back to early 2000s? If so, what's the actual data show? When we were students in the early 2000s quite a few of us spread out around the seat backs section. Just saying we should probably see some data overall. Still need more student involvement though.
2455 was the official attendance this evening. I'd give myself a pat on the back for my 2500 guess, but that's like being proud of predicting a loss.
Until we average 4500 per game for a few seasons, we should table any talk of expanding the ARC or getting a new expanded venue. Update/improve the ARC and game day experience - continue discussion.
Halftime...
The last couple of week-night games there was nothing after the Crusaderettes performed. It was the pep-band.
Last night, we had a sponsored-free-throw shooting contest for 1 minute; followed by the St. Mary's of Crown Point 6th grade girls team running a scrimmage for 8 minutes. Then a 60-second video board presentation of John Kizer doing a white board drawing of a Hippo; which was interrupted by the pep-band playing the fight song when the team returned to court about a minute ahead of when they usually do.
We've had several middle school teams come in to play at halftime, I'm told they buy A LOT of tickets. When the student section is "present"; they generally get into these games and cheer at every basket.
We had a number of other promotions last night, including "scads" of Motor City Madness Tshirts being tossed out; a three-point-shooting contest, the bounce the ball into the Luke Oil coffee cup. We had several "tweeting" things going on... Tweet @ValpoAthletics and @Dominos for a chance at a free pizza delivered to you after halftime (I'm told they get quite a few hits every game); if you re-tweeted the ValpoAthletics tweet about the Motor City Madness, you had a chance to win tickets to the tournament.
On the side, there was a make-a-wish foundation silent auction for a Patrick Kane jersey at a table in the mezzanine.
QuoteUntil we average 4500 per game for a few seasons, we should table any talk of expanding the ARC or getting a new expanded venue. Update/improve the ARC and game day experience - continue discussion.
Probably right but I think the even bigger reason is until some very wealthy and generous people decide write a big check we won't be seeing a renovation. Our most generous alumni won't be writing a check unless the University leadership makes that a priority in fundraising (not going to happen anytime soon from the looks of it). It's sort of a moot point at this point. Even if we were drawing a consistent 4,500 I'm not sure the leadership would be open minded about a new/renovated ARC. I'm just not convinced thats in their vision or at least they sure have never hinted at it.
I wonder where ML's head is at with our bigs. Smits and Sorrola played pretty well offensively last night. One of those guys, if not both, are going to see reduced minutes if/when Jubril returns. Smits may be too big of a liability with his rebounding. Sorrola has been coming off the bench despite poor starts, so that tells me Sorrola will come off the bench first for Jubril.
Quote from: a3uge on February 10, 2017, 12:39:28 PMI wonder where ML's head is at with our bigs. Smits and Sorrola played pretty well offensively last night. One of those guys, if not both, are going to see reduced minutes if/when Jubril returns. Smits may be too big of a liability with his rebounding. Sorrola has been coming off the bench despite poor starts, so that tells me Sorrola will come off the bench first for Jubril.
Or play Jubril at the 4?
QuoteI wonder where ML's head is at with our bigs. Smits and Sorrola played pretty well offensively last night. One of those guys, if not both, are going to see reduced minutes if/when Jubril returns. Smits may be too big of a liability with his rebounding. Sorrola has been coming off the bench despite poor starts, so that tells me Sorrola will come off the bench first for Jubril.
Good problems to have. Jubril is not a center. He's a true 4. Alec can play either the 3 or the 4. Shane could play the 2 or the 3. But you could definitely play Jubril with one of the freshman centers. Early in the season Jubril was pretty solid from the 3 pt line which could space the floor for the big guys or at least keep defenders honest.
Who needs halftime promotions or better game day atmosphere? Just put your running shoes on and walk around the track a few times to get your cardio in during media timeouts. Nothing says "D-I program" more than that.
I kid, I kid.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 10, 2017, 12:56:51 PM
QuoteI wonder where ML's head is at with our bigs. Smits and Sorrola played pretty well offensively last night. One of those guys, if not both, are going to see reduced minutes if/when Jubril returns. Smits may be too big of a liability with his rebounding. Sorrola has been coming off the bench despite poor starts, so that tells me Sorrola will come off the bench first for Jubril.
Good problems to have. Jubril is not a center. He's a true 4. Alec can play either the 3 or the 4. Shane could play the 2 or the 3. But you could definitely play Jubril with one of the freshman centers. Early in the season Jubril was pretty solid from the 3 pt line which could space the floor for the big guys or at least keep defenders honest.
An opinion: Alec is awesome, but a liability defending the speed of the SF spot. Also, his rebounding is key for us...the SF spot pulls him away from the hoop to get chance at a defensive rebound. We are best with Alec at the PF spot defensively. Offensively he is known as Lord Peters....all is his domain 🤴🏻
Thoughts?
Regarding your comment on "Lord Peters", I agree with your offensive comment. AP appears to be able to score at will, whether it be from outside or inside. My only comment is that the team ought to get him more touches. If you watch Alec work in the offensive court, he works hard to get open. When he is open it usually is not for very long so the team needs to pay more attention to when he is open then get the ball to him. It often is not Alec's fault that he doesn't take more shots. He just does not always get the ball when he is open
Quote from: VU2014 on February 10, 2017, 12:56:51 PM
QuoteI wonder where ML's head is at with our bigs. Smits and Sorrola played pretty well offensively last night. One of those guys, if not both, are going to see reduced minutes if/when Jubril returns. Smits may be too big of a liability with his rebounding. Sorrola has been coming off the bench despite poor starts, so that tells me Sorrola will come off the bench first for Jubril.
Good problems to have. Jubril is not a center. He's a true 4. Alec can play either the 3 or the 4. Shane could play the 2 or the 3. But you could definitely play Jubril with one of the freshman centers. Early in the season Jubril was pretty solid from the 3 pt line which could space the floor for the big guys or at least keep defenders honest.
Having Jubril, Alec-Shane and a "Smirolla" playing simultaniously was something I was expecting but Matt never got the chance to get around to it. With Jubril back and Jay and Derrik maturing the timing for its introduction is even better. Short stretches of this combination with 2 of Max-Tevonn-Lexus might be particularly successful. I left Micah out of this hypothetical because I would want 2 experienced ball handlers on the floor with that combination of bigs. If Jubril returns the last 6 games of this regular season could be just as experimentally interesting as our first 6! Who knows how many "cocktails of destruction" Matt might be able to blend. :o
I love it when the HL doesn't know what to expect or how to react!
Kind of crazy to think there are only 6 games left. This season went by fast.
Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2017, 11:49:25 AM
Halftime...
The last couple of week-night games there was nothing after the Crusaderettes performed. It was the pep-band.
Last night, we had a sponsored-free-throw shooting contest for 1 minute; followed by the St. Mary's of Crown Point 6th grade girls team running a scrimmage for 8 minutes. Then a 60-second video board presentation of John Kizer doing a white board drawing of a Hippo; which was interrupted by the pep-band playing the fight song when the team returned to court about a minute ahead of when they usually do.
We've had several middle school teams come in to play at halftime, I'm told they buy A LOT of tickets. When the student section is "present"; they generally get into these games and cheer at every basket.
We had a number of other promotions last night, including "scads" of Motor City Madness Tshirts being tossed out; a three-point-shooting contest, the bounce the ball into the Luke Oil coffee cup. We had several "tweeting" things going on... Tweet @ValpoAthletics and @Dominos for a chance at a free pizza delivered to you after halftime (I'm told they get quite a few hits every game); if you re-tweeted the ValpoAthletics tweet about the Motor City Madness, you had a chance to win tickets to the tournament.
On the side, there was a make-a-wish foundation silent auction for a Patrick Kane jersey at a table in the mezzanine.
Good decision. The garbage is where they belong.
Quote from: M on February 10, 2017, 11:02:13 AM
Hopefully the majority of students are staying away in some sort of protest until they FreeJubril
Jubril humor. You better explain it to you know who.
Quite simply, I think that folks responded to the theme of Thursday Night's Game quite well. It was Motor City Madness Night at the ARC, so what speaks better to Motor City Madness Night showing the Horizon League, our team, other teams, etc., what Motor City Madness means: folks dressed up like empty seats, little-to-no student section, and a very poor atmosphere for a first place team. All of this will be repeated on the road come March, so everyone might as well get used to it now, so I think our fans did an amazing job trying to prep them for that atmosphere! Great Job!
^^^ Note the above is intended as a joke and sarcasm.
Ok, on a serious note... When I was a student at VU, Thursday games were by far the most difficult to attend. With wrapping up homework, quizzes and exams that were usually on Fridays, all intermixed with balancing campus jobs and other student organizations, it was a very difficult sacrifice of time to get to a game. Sometimes, if the game wasn't over by 9pm (it was a blow out), I would leave early just so I could get my stuff done and get something that resembles sleep. Also, with the exception of 2015, we've had very lackluster attendance for Cleveland State home games. I made the trek to the ARC last year and it was light, and I infamously remember how empty it was for Senior Day in 2014. So perception of the opponent may be built into it somewhat.
I think that the attendance will greatly improve on a Saturday night. Go Valpo!
Dude, that is a lame excuse. I am sure Duke fans have the same excuse. What's next - fraternities and sororities have songfest practice?
Back in the day - practice for Song Fest was mandatory. The PRIZE for winning was a KEG shared by sorority and fraternity winners. Who paid ??? VU :o . Under age drinkers :-X :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
I graduated in 1984 and that was no way the college would pay for the keg, even if it were Old Milwaukee. Personally I loathed songfest. What cracked me up was how some sororities treated this as regional warfare and how critical it was for them to place. You can only laugh about it today as we have all grown up.
Quote from: hailcrusaders on February 09, 2017, 10:15:48 PMare they allowed to sit in the mezzanine, which is rarely full? Or just the official student section behind the basket?
Last I checked the official policy for students was student section, AA, or EE (side section bleachers in the mezzanine). But, as for faculty/staff, nobody's going to hassle them if they're in BB, CC, or DD when those aren't full (most games).
As I've mentioned, I often see athletic teams in AA. Other students too. Sometimes frats in EE, and certainly a fair number of students in DD. Probably BB too. To include a fair number of international students.
Quote from: M on February 10, 2017, 11:02:13 AMHopefully the majority of students are staying away in some sort of protest until they FreeJubril
It's already a movement and it's #LetJubrilPlay :)
Quote from: talksalot on February 10, 2017, 11:49:25 AMIt was the pep-band.
I was one of the more dedicated music majors in my class and when we were at VU, EVERYONE who was actually serious about music avoid the pep band like the plague. This isn't a dig at the style of music, but the band was so horrific, anyone who seriously enjoyed music of any style didn't want to associate with the band. Also, I lived on an intensive steady floor, played a piano for four hours a day, and my friends and I still managed to be supremely more socially functional than most of the pep band. Even worse, most of them didn't even understand basketball. That atmosphere at the arc would have been so much better if they just played recorded music.
I went to a large state school for grad school, and they payed the better music students to play in the band at home games. The director was a staff member and not a student volunteer (like VU) They probably spent a couple grand a game on the pep band + it was about 1/4 of the instructors full time job. You get what you pay for, I guess....
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 10, 2017, 12:49:45 PMOr play Jubril at the 4?
Jubril is a former 6 man of the year, and outside of energy no show games that go way beyond Smirolla, the team has been playing pretty well. Of course, smirolla will see diminished minutes (especially the smits part), but I think Jubril is going to come of the bench. I bet he gets a shade over 20 minutes across the 3, 4 and 5. Peters is gassed and hasn't had someone competent to back him up all year. Especially if we can get a couple big leads, we'll see a fair amount of Jubril at the 4 (where he played exclusively his first two years and some last year) whether or not he is the starting center.