We knew this day would come sooner or later. With Paul Oren tweeting that seems like it's happening, that's good enough for me. And hey, if nothing else this can be a good drill. ;D
I think RP has to get first crack at this if he doesn't follow Bryce, right? Already talked about as a future head coach, handled our good recruiting of Ill. I truly don't think the importance of this hire can be overstated. With our continued lagging behind in facilities and money, if we fall off a bit under the next guy it might be a long road back to the top.
When did PO suggest this was happening?
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My bad. Put that out before the other tweets. Stop messing with my emotions Paul!
Still think both those would be good fit for him. And here I was looking forward to a relaxing Saturday
He did that on purpose, since you read so many ridiculous reports from 'sources.' The SLU fans said Bryce already had a verbal agreement, sources say that Bryce has been waiting for the Vanderbilt opening, etc. It's all a chess play in most situations, where sometimes it just means he had a call with someone, but told them 'no.' It helps build interest in their position and school to continue to push out information without any verifiable source.
Don't believe everything you read on the Internet
Wait a minute... I just read this on the internet.
I support deleting this thread. Should not be a thread until and if it actually happens.
I agree that the thread should be deleted and no one (besides myself) should continue to post in this thread. ;)
I think it's perfectly legitimate to speculate. There will be a day (hopefully later rather than sooner) when Coach Drew will need to be replaced. But we all need to be clear that as it stands now, Bryce Drew is the head coach at VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY.
This is a depressing thread.... but I think it will be Powell if he doesn't go with Bryce to GT or Vandy. Powell has paid his dues as an assistant and has been a huge recruiting asset in Chicago. Apparently he was the one who really connected initially with Alec Peters, Jubril, and Keith.
If we're look elsewhere I think:
-MARTIN INGELSBY (ND assistant)
-Marty Simmons (Evansville HC) probably wouldn't take the job because its a conference demotion
-Jon Coffman (IPFW HC)- Not sure he'd take the job, but it would be a conference step up and he's a pretty underrated coach.
-Scott Cherry (High Point HC)
-Andrew Toole (Robert Morris HC)
-Rob Murphy (eastern Michigan HC)
I was hoping in the past that if Bryce left us that Linc Darner (green bay HC) would still be available. He's a darn good coach.
Appears this thread wasn't premature
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source: Vanderbilt expected to hire Bryce Drew. Deal expected to be done in next 24 to 48 hours.</p>— Pete Thamel (@SIPeteThamel) April 4, 2016 (https://twitter.com/SIPeteThamel/status/717010716830490624)
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We need to start talking succession plan. Is this Powell's job if he wants it? Does he follow Bryce? Does he take all his assistants with him to Vandy? If Powell doesn't want the job who do we get to replace him?
#HirePowell
http://www.anchorofgold.com/2016/4/2/11351764/vanderbilt-coaching-search-bryce-drew-king-rice-frontrunner
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/717019539763032064
Now I believe it
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 04, 2016, 10:30:57 AM
Appears this thread wasn't premature
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source: Vanderbilt expected to hire Bryce Drew. Deal expected to be done in next 24 to 48 hours.</p>— Pete Thamel (@SIPeteThamel) April 4, 2016 (https://twitter.com/SIPeteThamel/status/717010716830490624)
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Well at least this guy has 115000 followers! :(
Mark has always said that schools like Valpo need a succession plan built into the program, ala that school in Indy. Powell is the sexier pick because he is a person of color and played professionally. At the same time Luke Gore has been with Valpo for 15 years! I imagine he would like to be considered. Or, MLB could opt for a national search which would bring many top coaches and perhaps top assts at national programs ready to take the reigns.
Let's hope this is more bs, but it seems like it could be the real deal. Bryce has unfinished business at Valpo but also would be leaving before the cupboard is pretty bare. I would think a guy like Bryce would want a program he loves to continue being successful.
It would need to be Powell, otherwise we run a real risk of losing Peters as well. I have to think that ML realizes this aspect, so hopefully Powell wants to be a HC.
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Has to be Powell. Gore doesn't have the playing experience as Powell does. Powell is a good recruiter.
I love Tonagel, but it's a large step up from NAIA D-2 to NCAA D-1. The dude is extremely smart, and I assume that he can recruit at this level as well, but would Peters stay?
I'm fairly certain Luke Gore is from Tennessee. I'll bet he'd be the first one to jump ship with Bryce, and get a nice pay raise in the process.
Call me a homer, but I think Greg Tonagel's name needs to be thrown into the mix. A VU guy with multiple national championships on his resume? Come on.
The positive is that Vanderbilt appears to be graduating 3 people. Do they already have those filled, will anyone else leave their program with Bryce being introduced? I truly hope that Peters and the rest of the team stays. What is his major? If he is an Engineering guy, he is gone to Vandy lol.
Bryce has a sister. Keep it in the Drew family.
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 11:20:42 AM
The positive is that Vanderbilt appears to be graduating 3 people. Do they already have those filled, will anyone else leave their program with Bryce being introduced? I truly hope that Peters and the rest of the team stays. What is his major? If he is an Engineering guy, he is gone to Vandy lol.
Pretty sure its sports management.
I think Gore deserves to be "considered" because he's been with the program so long but he'd be about option f. Powell is extremely important for maintaining current roster without guys like Peters, Jubril, maybe even Hammink from transferring. Plus he was by far our programs best recruiter. He's served 4-5 years as assistant.
Greg Tonagel is an alum and from everything I've heard is very smart coach and had success at D2 level. But can he recruit? Can he handle the D1 level right away? Most importantly, if we do higher him will we lose guys like Peters, Hammink, Smitts, Walker and lose our very good commitment in Micah Bradford. Micah Bradford's main reason for signing with Valpo was because he wanted to work with Bryce Drew. Would the athletic department release him from his commitment and look elsewhere now that Bryce is gone. I think they would and I hope we can hold onto him because he looks like a really good player and extreme underrated in the state of Illinois.
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 11:13:41 AM
I love Tonagel, but it's a large step up from NAIA D-2 to NCAA D-1. The dude is extremely smart, and I assume that he can recruit at this level as well, but would Peters stay?
From the IWU web site (not up dated to reflect their recent 2016 National Championship):
Greg Tonagel
Head Coach- 11th SeasonGreg Tonagel begins his 11th season at the helm of the Indiana Wesleyan University men's basketball team in 2015-16.
Tonagel and the Wildcats reached the summit in 2013-14 as the program won its first ever NAIA Division II national championship in Point Lookout, Missouri. Indiana Wesleyan won the red banner in unprecedented fashion as they became the first team to win all five of their games at the national tournament by double digit points.Indiana Wesleyan capped the historic championship run with a 78-68 victory over No. 10-ranked Midland (Neb.) in the national championship game. Following the game, Tonagel was named the NABC/NAIA Division II National Coach of the Year.
In his 10 season as a head coach, Tonagel has already led Indiana Wesleyan to a national championship, five Elite Eight finishes, and eight Crossroads League regular season championships, including seven straight from 2009-15.
Indiana Wesleyan finished the 2013-14 season as the No. 1-ranked team in NAIA Division II. Tonagel's teams have spent time in the NAIA top-five in each of the last nine seasons.
Despite being a head coach for only 10seasons, Tonagel is already the winningest coach in the program's history. He has the highest winning percentage (.775), most wins (268), most postseason victories (16), most national tournament appearances (8), and most Crossroads League regular season championships (8).
The former Valparaiso (Ind.) University point guard,
known for his hard work and energy, has brought those characteristics to the basketball program. Tonagel was introduced as head men's basketball coach on April 1, 2005. Drawing from experience gained from leading the Valparaiso Crusaders to four NCAA tournament appearances as a starting point guard, along with the tutelage of mentor Homer Drew, Tonagel has helped orchestrate a new era of Wildcat basketball.
Prior to Tonagel's hiring, the Wildcats had won seven games and finished last in the Mid-Central College Conference. The program improved by 10 wins under Tonagel's tutelage in his first year on the bench and reached the NAIA Elite Eight in his second season. Making a name for himself when it comes to program building, Tonagel has done it through sound developmental teaching and high caliber recruiting.
Known for defense, the Wildcats led the nation in scoring defense at 59 points per game at the completion of the 2006-07 regular season. They also ranked in the top ten in the nation in six defensive categories in the 2009-2010 season. Although it all starts on the defensive end for the Wildcats, an up-tempo, aggressive offensive style that utilizes skilled and creative play has rejuvenated Luckey Arena into a fantastic place to experience a basketball game. Tonagel and his staff have introduced an innovative offensive style that players want to be a part of and fans desire to see.
Perhaps the biggest influence that Tonagel and the staff have had on the program is the work ethic that they have instilled on and off the court. Tonagel's teams have passion and toughness. Whether it is writing a paper, helping a neighbor or working out in the gym, Tonagel demands commitment and 100-percent effort from each student-athlete.
Many consider his weight and conditioning programs to be as hard as any around. Players learn to bond together, which is the only way to survive these grueling workouts.
Prior to his current position,
Tonagel served as Director of Basketball Operations at Valparaiso University, where he played in four NCAA Tournaments. He also led his LaPorte High School team to the last single class state finals in 1997. Greg and his wife, Amy, along with their three children Jace, William, and Allie reside in Marion. He is active in a number of organizations and causes, most notably his church.
This is the moment Valparaiso AD Mark LaBarbera truly earns his pay check. This is going to be his most difficult and crucial hire of his career. The Valpo Men's Basketball team is the breadwinner for the rest of the athletic department and is huge for school morale and bring in donations from alumni. Praying he makes the right choice for the future of the program.
It would be wise for him to start raising funds for a new facility. Valpo has sort of been riding the coattails of the Drew family success for the last few decades and we've been able to have success with sub-par facilities but now it probably won't be a quite as easy for whoever the new coach is.
Powell as the head coach, Tongagel as an assistant. The Drew sister on staff as well.
Greg Tonagel is not going to leave to become an assistant. Plus I'm not sure if Powell has a relationship or any connection to Greg Tonagel. Greg Tonagel left before Powell came to the program. It's going to be one or the other.
I love Roger Powell as a person and a coach and recruiter. However, being a HBBC is different from being as assistant. I don't know if he has the DNA for that -- no one does until he proves it. Tonagel, OTOH, has shown that he has the leadership, management skills and temperament required of a HBBC. UWGB has demonstrated, in the hiring of Linc Darner, that a successful HBBC from a lower level can succeed at the D-I level in his first year. Assuming Alec, et.al. stay, either Roger or Greg would have a solid nucleus to work with.
Powell or bust.
I was told Peters would have to sit out a year if he followed Bryce.
Alec is a question everyone has been asking, but what about T. Walker, Skara, Jubril, Smits? They came to play for Bryce. Not to mention the new recruits.
Alec is a senior and I believe he's eligible to transfer anywhere he wants but I think the new HC will be able to restrict where he transfers too (so for example: no where in conference). I could be wrong though.
I think Powell is the logical choice being safe recruiting stand point and being able to entice guy like Skara, Peters, T Walker, Hammink and Smitts not to transfer.
But I actually think Tonagel has proven the in game HC experience and a high level success at least one level of Basketball. I'm not sure he could prevent guys from not transferring. Also not sure he has the ability to recruit Chicago or all over the midwest.
If Tonagel could convince the current roster not to transfer that I'd go with him over Powell and role the dice and hope he has the recruiting chops.
I believe it's considered bad form to take players with you to a new school. Or at least it used to be. Can't remember a situation where it's happened recently.
Good Form and College Athletics aren't compatible.
College Football and College Basketball are the most corrupt sports top to bottom maybe other then FIFA. That being said Bryce Drew and Alec Peters are two class act individuals. But I think its not out the realm of possibilities that Peters or others may transfer. Hoping not. My gut says Alec will stay, especially if Powell gets the job.
Hire Powell. Too big of a transition for Tonagel.
Need to be smart and see the long term picture here. While i don't want to see anyone leave the current team, I want to make sure the head guy is the right guy versus choosing someone that will keep the current players here. If both can be done, excellent!
Maybe instead of putting money into facilities, Valpo should put money into new cars for recruits...oh, was that supposed to be kept on the hush hush?
We now know VUOR63 is really Pete Carroll
Hard to believe that if/when Bryce moves on, for the first time in 28 years, Valpo will have a HBBC not named Drew.
Quote from: jloose128 on April 04, 2016, 12:42:35 PM
Hire Powell. Too big of a transition for Tonagel.
Agree. Keep it simple and follow the Butler model.
It would NOT be too big of a transition for Tonagel. He knows the school, he knows the league. He can recruit.
If he's interested and gets the job, I'd say a great assistant for him would be Chris Artis. He's a VU guy with Chicago connections and actually coached David Skara in his one year at a local prep school. Skara would put in a good word for him with the players. The players would love Tonagel.
Quote from: crusaderjoe on April 04, 2016, 01:20:50 PM
Quote from: jloose128 on April 04, 2016, 12:42:35 PM
Hire Powell. Too big of a transition for Tonagel.
Agree. Keep it simple and follow the Butler model.
And hire Tonagel as the top assistant.
In order to keep this freight train moving in the right direction, they need to hire Roger Powell as coach...or if we are leaving the Horizon for the MVC, A-10 or wherever...we'll need to hire a big, available name...but I still say Coach Powell would be the best choice...
Quote from: Kyle321n on April 04, 2016, 01:36:55 PM
Quote from: crusaderjoe on April 04, 2016, 01:20:50 PM
Quote from: jloose128 on April 04, 2016, 12:42:35 PM
Hire Powell. Too big of a transition for Tonagel.
Agree. Keep it simple and follow the Butler model.
And hire Tonagel as the top assistant.
As stated by others before, Tonagel will not leave IWU to be an assistant after winning two national championships there. Tonagel is dynamic and a go-getter. He knows how to be a head coach and has paid his dues. As mentioned above he is VERY familiar with the VU environment and is part of the Drew coaching tree. Roger, on the other hand, will be learning on the job next year, and
IF the players all stay, it looks like another high expectation season. That's a lot of pressure on a rookie first year HC.
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 04, 2016, 01:22:54 PM
It would NOT be too big of a transition for Tonagel. He knows the school, he knows the league. He can recruit.
If he's interested and gets the job, I'd say a great assistant for him would be Chris Artis. He's a VU guy with Chicago connections and actually coached David Skara in his one year at a local prep school. Skara would put in a good word for him with the players. The players would love Tonagel.
Yes he can. At the NAIA D2 level. My guess is that the kids he gets are very strong Christians who want a small school, very religious environment. Hoe many were/are D1 material? Maybe 1 or 2? Granted Bryce was great at recruiting Christian kids but, with the expectation of playing D1 basketball for a guy who played for the Bulls. Not sure Greg's success carries over to Valpo. I would think Powell might be a better choice.
Seems like everyone is limiting the coaching search to Powell, Tonagel, and Gore, for obvious reasons.
Any outside the box candidates without program ties if AD Mark LaBarbera decides to go that route that people would like to get interviews?
If we don't go back to Homer, I wonder if there's a scenario where Bryce returns after a few years away?
Farfetched, perhaps.
If few years means 10-15-20years? maybe. You never know. If he has success at Vandy (I think he will), I could see him pulling a Scott Drew (Baylor) type of run at that program. Vandy seems to be pretty loyal to their basketball coaches if they have some success. Kevin Stallings was the head coach there for 17 years! (1999-2016) But you never know how things shake out.
Paul Oren's latest article: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/sources-valpo-men-s-coach-bryce-drew-to-leave-for/article_467c2328-ab49-5dd4-8b94-634d4739f49c.html
So my wife mentioned this to me and it is really interesting at least on an Xs and Os end:
What about Billy Donlon? If we can retain Powell, Lottisch for recruiting, Donlon is a damn good coach.
Very interesting idea to entertain.
Quote from: vu72 on April 04, 2016, 02:36:16 PM
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 04, 2016, 01:22:54 PM
It would NOT be too big of a transition for Tonagel. He knows the school, he knows the league. He can recruit.
If he's interested and gets the job, I'd say a great assistant for him would be Chris Artis. He's a VU guy with Chicago connections and actually coached David Skara in his one year at a local prep school. Skara would put in a good word for him with the players. The players would love Tonagel.
(1) Yes he can. At the NAIA D2 level. My guess is that the kids he gets are very strong Christians who want a small school, very religious environment. Hoe many were/are D1 material? Maybe 1 or 2? Granted Bryce was great at recruiting Christian kids but, with the expectation of playing D1 basketball for (2) a guy who played for the Bulls. Not sure Greg's success carries over to Valpo. I would think Powell might be a better choice.
Remember,
(1) Greg played D-I basketball for Homer for 6 years (he was granted two extra years of eligibility due to redshirting or something ). He then was MBB Director of Basketball Operations at VU before going to IWU. In that time I'll bet he got a great education on D-I recruiting-- might even have had to back off some going down to IWU. And (2) Greg has two national championships under his belt - Bryce never won a NCAA post season game nor a non-NCAA post season championship. That against being a pro player could be a wash in terms of recruiting appeal.
Quote from: ProudValpoAlum705 on April 04, 2016, 02:53:57 PM
So my wife mentioned this to me and it is really interesting at least on an Xs and Os end:
What about Billy Donlon? If we can retain Powell, Lottisch for recruiting, Donlon is a damn good coach.
Very interesting idea to entertain.
(http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/319316/slide_319316_2966249_free.gif)
Billy Donlon is a great x's and o's coach but just didn't get the job done recruiting. And I don't think see Powell or Lottisch staying unless Powell gets the job. Plus Lottich took a salary cut just to be a coach under Bryce and learn, so see him following Bryce to Vandy and getting a nice pay raise and for Powell, I don't think he'll stay unless he gets the HC job. Plus Donlon would want his own assistants. I don't think they have any connection. I don't see Donlon getting the job. But you never know.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 04, 2016, 02:42:23 PM
Any outside the box candidates without program ties if AD Mark LaBarbera decides to go that route that people would like to get interviews?
Dan Dakich
Dan Dakich would be a lot of fun as a HC but I don't see it. He's said multiple times he's done with coaching because its too much work. He has a sweet gig with ESPN. I know he's from Indiana but I think probably makes slightly less then what Bryce was getting paid to just talk about basketball instead of having to do all the coaching and grind of recruiting.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 04, 2016, 02:42:23 PMSeems like everyone is limiting the coaching search to Powell, Tonagel, and Gore, for obvious reasons. Any outside the box candidates without program ties if AD Mark LaBarbera decides to go that route that people would like to get interviews?
Bryce and Scott's sister
"There also remains the question of Alec Peters. The star junior is set to graduate this spring and will likely have a long line of suitors vying for his services. Graduate students can transfer and have immediate eligibility." -Paul Oren
I didn't know he was already graduating this Fall.... makes me a little more nervous about a grad transfer.
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/sources-valpo-men-s-coach-bryce-drew-to-leave-for/article_467c2328-ab49-5dd4-8b94-634d4739f49c.html
I will say that if he even considers a Butler transfer, he will be dead to me :)
One interesting question in all this that we'll never know...who's actually making this decision? One of the Marks? A "Search Committee"? I imagine it'll be a collaboration but I would think the final call would be the Prez.
Quote from: ProudValpoAlum705 on April 04, 2016, 02:53:57 PM
So my wife mentioned this to me and it is really interesting at least on an Xs and Os end:
What about Billy Donlon? If we can retain Powell, Lottisch for recruiting, Donlon is a damn good coach.
Very interesting idea to entertain.
So Valpo can be a perennial 150 RPI team with bad recruiting and the world's most boring offense. Sign me up!
When Roger Powell led the large prayer circle at center court after the final home game, and rumors of offers to Bryce were already circulating, I commented to those around me that we might be witnessing the symbolic passing of the baton from Drew to Powell. I wouldn't mind if that were to come true.
Outside the box but in the family if we are doing interviews -- Chris Ensminger.
I believe Roger Powell is ready and should be the #1 option, but I haven't been called for my opinion.
Fred Hoiberg also might be available soon. Actually, if he were interested David Blatt!
Geno Auriema. He's done enough at UConn. Time to coach men.
Dane Fife might be worth a look - Michigan State's done enough damage poaching the league's players, so how about an assistant?
Dane Fife -- NO. Was a head coach at IPFW. Now an assistant. Johnny Dawkins would be a better selection.
Quote from: valpopal on April 04, 2016, 03:33:55 PM
When Roger Powell led the large prayer circle at center court after the final home game, and rumors of offers to Bryce were already circulating, I commented to those around me that we might be witnessing the symbolic passing of the baton from Drew to Powell. I wouldn't mind if that were to come true.
Having mentioned my preference for Powell, an out-of-the-box candidate would be Brian Gregory, who served as an assistant to Izzo at Michigan State, coached Dayton to the NCAA a couple of times and won the NIT over North Carolina with Dayton, coached Georgia Tech in the NIT this year, and is from the area (Mt. Prospect, IL). On the other hand, he was a point guard at Oakland.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 04, 2016, 12:13:26 PM
I believe it's considered bad form to take players with you to a new school. Or at least it used to be. Can't remember a situation where it's happened recently.
Someone followed Bobby Hurley to ASU last year.
You want outside the box? OK, here goes. Woo Danny Kaspar away from Texas State.
Package deal, Mike Davis at Southern and Derrick Griffin
Info...Dan D went to the same high school as our Nick Davidson, Gary Andrean
this one is clear cut...roger powell, jr has to be our next coach. he has a similar "bryce-like" presence and is a tireless recruiter. he's right up there w bryce drew as far as being able to wow families on the recruiting trail with his character alone. not to mention, the continuity aspect of keeping powell on as the head coach. this day was inevitable we are lucky to have a guy like roger available.
If we want any chance of a sense of continuity, it has to be Powell. Anyone else, no matter how great they are will basically be a rebuild job.
I know many rue Butler but in this instance we must follow the Butler, Xavier model. 2 smaller, private schools (like Valpo) who proves this model works and hire from within. Small schools like Valpo have developed an identity and have to build on that. Just like Butller and X before them. They continue to breed success as they hold true to that model. Eventually your success on the court will breed a translation into dollars and truly build a program that can compete Nationally. Powell is ready, has a resume worthy of HL coaching job, carries high Christian values and morals, has a professional pedigree and can go into any kid's house and sell himself on the recruit and thier parents.
This is not a job to test a DII successful coach, or a retread who has failed elsewhere in Brian Gregory. We are more worthy than that. Archie Miller has done far more at Dayton than Gregory. It is a job to promote a worthy accolite who paid his dues, the students and players love and will instill and grow on what Bryce did. Typically what a good mid major does, see Butler and X for history, is expediently hire from within as to not let the scavengers get our recruits, possible transfers or graduate transfers. Peters at lead thinks twice before leaving Valpo if Powell is the man. Powell gives us the opportunity to sustain the winning and despite facilities, winning attracts recruits more than anything.
Hopefully we have a Powell announcement as soon as Bryce bails on Valpo. My gut tells me that he takes Gore and Lottich with him, and Powell stays to build out his staff. Everyone comes back and stays committed (Bradford), but Peters bails as some Power 5 coach gets in his ears at any NBA workouts he attends, and then average 8-9 ppg at said school (a la Wood)
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 10:38:29 PM
Hopefully we have a Powell announcement as soon as Bryce bails on Valpo. My gut tells me that he takes Gore and Lottich with him, and Powell stays to build out his staff. Everyone comes back and stays committed (Bradford), but Peters bails as some Power 5 coach gets in his ears at any NBA workouts he attends, and then average 8-9 ppg at said school (a la Wood)
Tex, I'm in line with your prediction up to the bold pieces. Alec is a smart kid, and I think he will see through the BS from the Power 5s and recognize that he will, indeed, probably not reach the savior status that most of the Power 5s will portray. He will understand that he will not be the same go-to player at Mega State U. He will be the preseason POY, HL POY, Lead Valpo to the 2017 NCAAT, and finish 2017 as the all-time scoring leader in Valpo history
I have no knowledge on what Alec will do next year, but there's not a school in the country where he'd only average 8 or 9 points a game. That's just silly. This kid is 3 times the player of Brandon Wood. He averaged nearly 19 a game this year for the team that finished with the 31st best RPI in the country.
A new coach :( Alec returns ???
And now all we can do is wait..... and wait.... and wait.
If Alec has a bachelor's degree this spring, he also has to consider the graduate education opportunities other schools like Vanderbilt provide.
In Alec's case, if we look at things logically and objectively, it's probably in his best interest to go elsewhere. As a fan, I really hate to say that and I'd love for him to stay, but let's look at it from his point of view. I don't know what his professional aspirations are, but I would imagine his dream/goal is to play professionally, preferably at the highest level (NBA). Based on that conclusion, consider the following. If ML stays in the VU family for Bryce's replacement, as we all assume he will, then Alec will be coming back to play for a coach with zero head coaching experience (Powell or Gore) or zero D1 head coaching experience (Tonagel). All of those guys may indeed have the potential to become very effective and successful D1 head coaches, but they are all going to be learning on the job from day one and unfortunately Alec only has 1 year left. If I'm Alec, I'm not sure playing for a brand new D1 Head Coach who is feeling his way through his first season in that role puts me in the best position for my professional aspirations. Now, if he was a freshman or sophomore, then he could afford to be a little more patient.
The other major factor is the current sad state of the Horizon League. We've all acknowledged that it is in serious decline and while there are some potential signs it may be on a slight road to recovery with all of the coaching turnover, it is definitely not going to be any better next season. It actually may get a little worse before it gets better as all of these new head coaches settle into their new roles.
So given all that, the question is does Alec want to enure all of that in his final season or is it in his best interest to transfer to another school and play for an experienced coach in a better league that can potentially position him better for that next career step. If Bryce had stayed, I would've advised him that staying at VU was his best move, but now, I don't really think that's the case. As much as I hate to say this, the only thing that would keep Alec at VU is a sense of loyalty but the major piece that would fuel that loyalty is no longer going to be there.
Should be very interesting to see what unfolds.
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[tweet]717183572164157440[/tweet]
Regardless of who they pick -- Powell, Tonagel, or someone else -- the administration MUST do everything in their power to make his first year a success in building on the momentum Bryce has created. Salary is salary and doesn't come into play. It will be what it will be. But in addition to the already publicized initiatives (endowed recruiting budget, practice gym upgrade and locker room upgrade) they need to give Coach ?X? the budget to hire excellent assistants, make at least a token effort to somehow upgrade the ARC (if only just cosmetically) and support whatever else the next HBBC identifies as his immediate needs to keep current players and attract great new talent. Without that surge of support to offset Bryce's departure, I worry that the next coach will not be as successful initially as we all want him to be. And if we falter, it will be that much more difficult to regain and surpass what we've achieved to this point.
I really hope our next HC is Powell, I think it would be the best transition. He's proven to be a great recruiter, has that pipeline in Chicago and was a big reason why guys like KC and Alec Peters went to Valpo.
I don't know but I kinda hope Bryce doesn't have anywhere near the success at Vandy that he did at Valpo; especially if guys like Peters and Tevonn leave. This is the most important off-season for the basketball program. If things go well we should be alright for the future and Bryce was simply a stepping stone but if they go South, thanks for nothing Bryce.
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 11:13:41 AM
I love Tonagel, but it's a large step up from NAIA D-2 to NCAA D-1. The dude is extremely smart, and I assume that he can recruit at this level as well, but would Peters stay?
It wasn't a big step up for Homer? Give the guy a break.
Quote from: historyman on April 05, 2016, 09:13:27 AM
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 11:13:41 AM
I love Tonagel, but it's a large step up from NAIA D-2 to NCAA D-1. The dude is extremely smart, and I assume that he can recruit at this level as well, but would Peters stay?
It wasn't a big step up for Homer? Give the guy a break.
All due respect to Homer's career, but we're not looking to go 36-103 in the next 5 years.
Quote from: Kyle321n on April 05, 2016, 09:27:24 AM
Quote from: historyman on April 05, 2016, 09:13:27 AM
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 11:13:41 AM
I love Tonagel, but it's a large step up from NAIA D-2 to NCAA D-1. The dude is extremely smart, and I assume that he can recruit at this level as well, but would Peters stay?
It wasn't a big step up for Homer? Give the guy a break.
All due respect to Homer's career, but we're not looking to go 36-103 in the next 5 years.
This is also what I had in mind, when I made my comment. We need someone that can come in year 1 and continue the momentum. I believe Powell can do that, because most, if not all of the team probably stays. If Tonagel comes in, as an unknown to everyone on the team, someone ends up leaving. He can be a solid D-1 coach, but it would be a few year project.
Tonagel needs a step between NAIA and Valpo. I think that he will be a great D1 coach in 5 years or so, but he needs to go to a low D1 prior to a move to a place like Valpo. Valpo is one of the top 25 or 30 programs outside of the six power conferences.
Quote from: chef on April 05, 2016, 12:30:22 AM
I have no knowledge on what Alec will do next year, but there's not a school in the country where he'd only average 8 or 9 points a game. That's just silly. This kid is 3 times the player of Brandon Wood. He averaged nearly 19 a game this year for the team that finished with the 31st best RPI in the country.
I agree with Chef. While I strongly prefer that Peters stay at Valpo, one example is that he would make a great replacement for one year for Perry Ellis at Kansas. With his skill, size at the 4, versatility and maturity, he would average 12 to 14 points per game and play 25 to 30 minutes per game. And the only reason that he would not score more is that he would share scoring with the other good scorers at the three guard spots.
http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/photos/college-sports/who-replaces-bryce-drew/collection_64cadf58-bff7-597a-9da6-a166ee83e87f.html#1
Quote from: VU2014 on April 05, 2016, 10:04:38 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/photos/college-sports/who-replaces-bryce-drew/collection_64cadf58-bff7-597a-9da6-a166ee83e87f.html#1
Nice set of bios and commentary on possibilities. Interesting speculation that Diebler will wind up in Nashville along with Gore. Powell seems to be favored, but the Tonagel speculation seems to put him right behind Roger if I read this correctly.
In the meantime NO NEWS >:( So we continue to wait.... and wait
So far UDM and UWM have been taking their time filling the slots of their fired head coaches. In that time players and recruits are left hanging -- not a good feeling. I'm hoping for the continuity of the VU program that Mark 1) stays in the Valpo family and 2) has his replacement in the wings all ready to go once the Vandy announcement is official and Bryce is introduced as the next Vandy coach.
So it's not official yet..... :)
When do you guys think we'll know who the new coach is? Clearly after Bryce's press conference announcing him as the new Vandy coach. In a couple days? A week? 2 weeks?
If Powell does get the job, I'm curious as to who his assistants would be. My guess is Lottich and Gore follow Bryce. Would Powell bring in someone from his UofI connections? Bring in a primary assistant who could recruit the inner city? I would bring back Chris Sparks who was Valpo's old assistant who was their main scout for finding international players. He's the assistant who recruited Broekhoff who wasn't even a starter on his team in Australia on the Australian Institute of Sport team. He was the assistant at Utah Valley State and now is the North American Director of the Australia Basketball Travelers.
I'd have to think the AD Mark LaBarbera has had a short list of candidates that were qualified replacement targets for when Bryce left. We all knew the last 2-3years this was coming in the near future and I sure hope he's done his due diligence.
Quote from: historyman on April 05, 2016, 09:13:27 AM
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2016, 11:13:41 AM
I love Tonagel, but it's a large step up from NAIA D-2 to NCAA D-1. The dude is extremely smart, and I assume that he can recruit at this level as well, but would Peters stay?
It wasn't a big step up for Homer? Give the guy a break.
Having HC experience at any level is a plus. Homer was at Bethel for many years, and one year at IUSB, both less than NCAA division 1. He did okay. I think with some assistance in recruiting, Greg would do fine
Quote from: VU2014 on April 05, 2016, 10:04:38 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/photos/college-sports/who-replaces-bryce-drew/collection_64cadf58-bff7-597a-9da6-a166ee83e87f.html#1
A Big Ten assistant like Dane Fife is much more plausible than Jake Diebler... I think they'll at least interview some outside guys.
I wouldn't be opposed to a Dane Fife interview. It seems like everyone of the forums are really pushing an in house candidate. To be honest the only two in house guys that I would consider is Powell and Tonagel who is an alumn and had success at the D2 level (i know a lot people have concerns with the transition). Everyone wants to follow the Butler and Xavier model. Following that model of passing the torch doesn't guarantee any success at all. It would maintain "stability" and give comfort and hope possibly for hold onto guys like Peters, etc. but we need to look at whats for the programs best interest for the next 5-10 years not just the next 2 years. I really like powell and he's a good coach and I trust LaBarbera to look at everything from X's/O's, quality of recruiter, to leadership for candidates. I just hope that the AD and Administration give a every tool possible in expanding the recruiting budget/salary for assistants to help the next coach hit the ground running. The AD will probably have to grow the resources and give more financial help for whoever the next candidate is.
Quote from: a3uge on April 05, 2016, 11:31:48 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on April 05, 2016, 10:04:38 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/photos/college-sports/who-replaces-bryce-drew/collection_64cadf58-bff7-597a-9da6-a166ee83e87f.html#1
A Big Ten assistant like Dane Fife is much more plausible than Jake Diebler... I think they'll at least interview some outside guys.
Not sure where Dane Fife comes in. He had his shot at IPFW. If you want outside guys, another to look at is Pat Kelsey at Winthrop. He has many of the same qualities as Tonagel and is D1 coach, had experience as a Wake Forest and X assistant. Shoot, if you want a Big 5 Conference assistant, look at Hubert Davis at UNC or Jon Scheyer, Duke (who is from Chicago area). Roger Powell and Greg are the best candidates to start.
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 05, 2016, 11:01:50 AM
So it's not official yet..... :)
It's official. Word is that Bryce just signed the contract for a six-year deal. :(
What's the source Pal?
Paul Oren just tweeted he has some news coming.... https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/717422342859833344
Quote from: VU2014 on April 05, 2016, 02:15:55 PM
Paul Oren just tweeted he has some news coming.... https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/717422342859833344
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/717422936173494273
Talksalot scooped him on the Vashil string ;D
Now we wait for the official presser.... and wait.... and wait.
I would think that ML has a game plan already in place, maybe even a new coach, since I believe it is normal protocal, that when wanting to speak to a coach currently under contract, the contacting school first asks the current AD for permission to speak to the candidate.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/15140517/vanderbilt-commodores-hire-bryce-drew-valparaiso-crusaders-new-coach
Vanderbilt posters reporting the Bryce Drew contract is for 6 years at $16.3 million. If accurate, not a bad salary hike for Bryce!
funny article http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso (http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso)
We lost a mid-major legend this week as Bryce Drew finally left his alma mater for a gig at SEC member Vanderbilt. The Crusaders are now on the hunt for their first head coach since 2011 and for their first head coach without the last name Drew since 1988.
Her is a short list of names to keep an eye on for the Crusaders:
Billy Donlon: Wright State seemed to be the only member of the Horizon League who had Valpo's number this past year but the Raiders dispatched their head coach despite a 22 win season. Donlon could step in tomorrow and begin his revenge tour in an area and conference he knows well.
Luke Gore: Gore might be the frontrunner right now as Bryce Drew's right-hand man. Gore has been on the Crusaders staff for the last 14 years.
Greg Tonagel: Tonagel is the had coach at Indiana Wesleyan where he has won two NAIA national titles. He is a Valpo alum and spent time as the team's Director of Basketball Operations way back in the early 2000s. If Valpo is looking for an outside the box home run then Tonagel may be the guy.
Brian Gregory: If the Crusaders are looking to make a bit of a splash then Brian Gregory might be a guy to look out for. The former Georgia Tech and Dayton bench boss obviously knows the area well and could be a beast if he lands a gig in the Horizon League.
Rex Walters: Walters recently lost his job at San Francisco and has been a nearly .500 level head coach at the Division I level. He started his college coaching career at Valpo before heading out to eventually be the head coach at Florida Atlantic.
I am enjoying this Powell vs Tonagel debate. Wanted to think it over a few days before I posted. So I will make an argument for both.
Tonagel has taken NAIA level recruits and has been fairly dominate against other programs recruiting the same NAIA level recruits. So he has out recruited and out coached most everyone else at that level. To think that he somehow won't be able to recruit D1 talent or coach them seems rather absurd. He was a 6 year D1 player, it is not like he has never been around D1 basketball. Hiring him seems like a can't miss. He basically is Bryce Drew with a different name. All he does is win, which is what we are trying to do here...
Powell is arguably the best recruiter we have ever had. He is also extremely passionate and players seem to adore him. He has been in the Final Four as a player, which is a huge recruiting plus, especially since it was at the flagship program of the state we recruit most heavily. Even if he ends up being a poor X's and O's guy, being a great recruiter can make up for a lot of that. I am thinking he is probably a good X's and O's guy in addition to his recruiting ability. So once again, hiring him seems like a can't miss.
So, I don't think we need to argue about this. They both can win here! :)
I would add that in Tonagel there would be a personality change in the office of the HBBC. From reading about him, I sense that Greg is more intense and demanding than Bryce. And that seems to be one of the reasons that he wins -- he squeezes the last ounce of effort out of his kids. While the Valpo players loved Bryce, we on the board at times were frustrated by the lack of player intensity in some games and the "he or they didn't show up" nature that led to unexpected losses. It could be that that is not acceptable to Tonagel and his teams come out and punch you in the mouth every game. Much like Donlon's crew (but with a Christian approach ;) )
A couple people mentioned there was no way that Tonagel would come back as an assistant. I understand hes a head coach but he could earn more money as a assistant at Valpo? He would get to come back and enjoy some of the better qualities of DI basketball compared to NAIA div ii.
I know its a slim chance but would be a dynamite package to have both Powell and Tonagel on staff.
Quote from: vu84v2 on April 05, 2016, 09:50:12 AM
Tonagel needs a step between NAIA and Valpo. I think that he will be a great D1 coach in 5 years or so, but he needs to go to a low D1 prior to a move to a place like Valpo. Valpo is one of the top 25 or 30 programs outside of the six power conferences.
Well, there are some head coaching jobs open at the other HL member schools.
There is a job posting at Vandy... "Assistant Men's Basketball Coach"
Here's the job description:
Vanderbilt University
Assistant Coach - Men's Basketball - VU in Nashville, Tennessee
Responsible for providing coaching and administrative assistance to the Head Coach of a designated sport.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Promotes the philosophy and objectives of the intercollegiate athletics program, to include adhering to all Departmental policies and procedures, as well as the rules and regulations of the University, the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA.
Assists with the scouting and recruitment of student-athletes, including on-campus visits of prospective student-athletes.
Assists in coaching student-athletes, which includes evaluating their performance in both practice and competition, and providing leadership and instruction in areas of deficiencies, as required.
Monitors the conditioning and training of student-athletes, in conjunction with the Strength and Athletic Training staff. Assist in the planning and administering of the off-season training program, as requested.
Counsels team members in academic, disciplinary and personal matters, to include consulting with the Director of Academic Support in Athletics, the Director for Compliance and other University administrators to resolve problems.
Participates in the collection and analysis of tactical and statistical data of opponent teams and assists in designing game plans and strategies. Attend coaches' preparatory meetings and implements strategies resulting from these meetings
Advises and counsels with student-athletes regarding their obligations to comply with all rules and regulations related to financial aid and eligibility, as well as personal conduct and appearance.
Assist in monitoring the academic progress and eligibility status of student-athletes, to include both class and study hall attendance.
Assist in maintaining statistics, as requested
Interfaces with game officials, as requested
Participates in public relations activities, as approved, to include granting interviews with newspaper, radio and television media, attending press conferences and making public appearances.
Assist with planning and coordinating approved fund raising activities, as assigned.
Assists with budget preparations, as requested. Operates within approved budget allocations.
Assists with the development of schedules for practice and competition, as assigned.
Assists in coordinating team travel arrangements, as requested. Travels with the team and monitors the conduct of student-athletes.
Interface with the Equipment Manager to ensure that necessary athletic equipment is available for scheduled practices and competitive events.
Monitor the condition of equipment. Request repairs or replacement, as necessary.
Participate in clinics, exhibitions and camps, as approved.
Represents the Department at professional, civic, charitable, and alumni events, as requested.
Coordinates team transportation needs that require University and/or Departmental vehicles.
Performs other duties and assists with special projects as assigned by the Head Coach.
Understands and signs Academic Admission Policy Form.
Comply with NCAA and SEC rules and regulations.
Job requires Bachelor's and 2 years of experience or the equivalent.
All of you who are not totally sold on Tonagel are nuts. He would be able to step in right away and build on what Bryce and Homer have done, and maybe even surpass what has been accomplished already. Someone talked earlier about him being tough on his players - isn't that what has been missing (at least in view of the public) under Homer and Bryce? The early key for Greg would be retaining as much of the current roster as possible. I think after getting to know him, the players would love him and have a chip on their shoulders going into next year - with or without Alec.
We need a private investigator to shadow Mark wherever he goes in the next two weeks and report back to us ;)
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 06, 2016, 09:26:44 AM
All of you who are not totally sold on Tonagel are nuts. He would be able to step in right away and build on what Bryce and Homer have done, and maybe even surpass what has been accomplished already. Someone talked earlier about him being tough on his players - isn't that what has been missing (at least in view of the public) under Homer and Bryce? The early key for Greg would be retaining as much of the current roster as possible. I think after getting to know him, the players would love him and have a chip on their shoulders going into next year - with or without Alec.
Has nothing to do with Tonagel, but IWU just announced on April 1 that they are starting varsity football with the first season to commence the Fall of 2018. They will select an on-campus site and build new locker, training and performance facilities along with beginning construction on a turf playing field and 2500-4000 seat stadium. Quite an investment this the future -- similar to the immediate renovation of the ARC that will start this summer. NOT.
http://www.iwuwildcats.com/article/4783.php
If Tonagel wasn't a Valpo alum and had no previous connection to the program I think people would be a lot less optimistic or open to the idea of Tonagel being the next head coach and taking over. From everything I've heard Tonagel is a very good X's/O's coach, great character, leader and has a connection to the Valpo community because he played here, but and its a huge BUT. Will he be able to recruit? I've heard people say well he's recruited at Indiana Wesleyan so he could do it here. D1 and D2 are completely different ball games. Recruiting D1 athletes there is more competition and Bryce/Powell have really made a in roads in the inner city of Chicago making Valpo's name known to high school coaches and kids. Can Tonagel sit down and connect with kids and sell them on Valpo? Does Tonagel have assistants who can recruit? Recruiting is my only issue with Tonagel. He's just unproven, but that doesn't eliminate him from job. He'll just have to convince ML he has the recruiting chops and hopefully ML can give him the resources he needs to succeed.
I'm assuming news people are on it, but I'd be watching the Porter County Airport and see who's arriving from certain areas to get an idea how far we are broadening the search.
http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso
That link was posted by Oklahomamick yesterday about 11 posts below/above.
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 05, 2016, 06:55:14 PM
funny article http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso (http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso)
We lost a mid-major legend this week as Bryce Drew finally left his alma mater for a gig at SEC member Vanderbilt. The Crusaders are now on the hunt for their first head coach since 2011 and for their first head coach without the last name Drew since 1988.
Her is a short list of names to keep an eye on for the Crusaders:
Billy Donlon: Wright State seemed to be the only member of the Horizon League who had Valpo's number this past year but the Raiders dispatched their head coach despite a 22 win season. Donlon could step in tomorrow and begin his revenge tour in an area and conference he knows well.
Luke Gore: Gore might be the frontrunner right now as Bryce Drew's right-hand man. Gore has been on the Crusaders staff for the last 14 years.
Greg Tonagel: Tonagel is the had coach at Indiana Wesleyan where he has won two NAIA national titles. He is a Valpo alum and spent time as the team's Director of Basketball Operations way back in the early 2000s. If Valpo is looking for an outside the box home run then Tonagel may be the guy.
Brian Gregory: If the Crusaders are looking to make a bit of a splash then Brian Gregory might be a guy to look out for. The former Georgia Tech and Dayton bench boss obviously knows the area well and could be a beast if he lands a gig in the Horizon League.
Rex Walters: Walters recently lost his job at San Francisco and has been a nearly .500 level head coach at the Division I level. He started his college coaching career at Valpo before heading out to eventually be the head coach at Florida Atlantic.
Jon Scheyer would be an outstanding choice IMO.
Paul's reporting on twitter that Powell is on the flight to Vandy with Drew and wasn't at Team meeting yesterday.
:o now its time to worry
Tonagel now the front runner. Regardless, let's get 'er done.
I would think being the head coach of Valpo would be a better gig than an assistant at Vandy. I wonder the salary difference.
I get leaving Valpo for a bigger school. But shouldn't Bryce leave this program in the best possible position for future success? This most recent news makes it seem as though he's pulling the rug out from under us....
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 06, 2016, 11:09:34 AM
I would think being the head coach of Valpo would be a better gig than an assistant at Vandy. I wonder the salary difference.
I would think head assistant at Vandy makes more than the head coach at Valpo.
Hopefully all it means is that Valpo already has a guy in mind and it isn't Powell.
The institution's financial/strategic support for the program is one obvious question mark. But I really am starting to wonder if other factors existed that have created a push out the door in addition to the pull of Vandy's bigger program and $.
I hope this gets some serious reporting. I'm not ready to move onto the next chapter. An autopsy is in order first.
That's terrible news, and we're about to see how many steps ahead our admin planned. Peters, Bradford, maybe Carter....there's too many moving pieces here to wait 2-3 weeks to get this done. Time to move on to plan B.
Quote from: valpo4life on April 06, 2016, 11:17:23 AM
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 06, 2016, 11:09:34 AM
I would think being the head coach of Valpo would be a better gig than an assistant at Vandy. I wonder the salary difference.
I would think head assistant at Vandy makes more than the head coach at Valpo.
It could also mean that Powell sees being a
Power 5 Chief Assistant as being a better stepping stone to being the next HBBC at Illinois than staying at Valpo.
Quote from: mj on April 06, 2016, 11:15:42 AM
I get leaving Valpo for a bigger school. But shouldn't Bryce leave this program in the best possible position for future success? This most recent news makes it seem as though he's pulling the rug out from under us....
I have been trying not to feel this way as well. Hopefully it just means that Powell doesn't view himself as ready to be a HC, and not that Bryce actively convinced him to follow him/not try for the Valpo HC job. If Bryce did such a thing, he is leaving the cupboard bare, and essentially telling Peters to go elsewhere.
Bryce could really f*&^ over his alma mater here. He has a solid team returning at Vandy, and should not be actively trying to get Peters to follow him, unless Peters says that he is leaving Valpo regardless. I would lose a lot of respect for Bryce, if he gets in Peters ear about leaving.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 06, 2016, 10:03:37 AM
If Tonagel wasn't a Valpo alum and had no previous connection to the program I think people would be a lot less optimistic or open to the idea of Tonagel being the next head coach and taking over. From everything I've heard Tonagel is a very good X's/O's coach, great character, leader and has a connection to the Valpo community because he played here, but and its a huge BUT. Will he be able to recruit? I've heard people say well he's recruited at Indiana Wesleyan so he could do it here. D1 and D2 are completely different ball games. Recruiting D1 athletes there is more competition and Bryce/Powell have really made a in roads in the inner city of Chicago making Valpo's name known to high school coaches and kids. Can Tonagel sit down and connect with kids and sell them on Valpo? Does Tonagel have assistants who can recruit? Recruiting is my only issue with Tonagel. He's just unproven, but that doesn't eliminate him from job. He'll just have to convince ML he has the recruiting chops and hopefully ML can give him the resources he needs to succeed.
Also, it's not D1 vs D2... It's D1 vs NAIA D2. Indiana Wesleyan has mostly local kids, guys that have no aspirations of playing pro either internationally or in the NBA. Can Tonagel recruit guys that have these aspirations when he hasn't gone through that process? Does he have ties to numerous AAU coaches and teams? Does he have ties internationally to continue getting hidden gems like Kevin Van Wijk or Ryan Broekhoff?
With an NAIA coach, you're starting from scratch, assuming Powell and Gore both leave. With Powell, Valpo can at least maintain a strong Chicago AAU circuit connection, and he can point to past success with international projects that have been alongside him in the program.
Overreact Much?
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 05, 2016, 06:55:14 PM
funny article http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso (http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso)
We lost a mid-major legend this week as Bryce Drew finally left his alma mater for a gig at SEC member Vanderbilt. The Crusaders are now on the hunt for their first head coach since 2011 and for their first head coach without the last name Drew since 1988.
Her is a short list of names to keep an eye on for the Crusaders:
Billy Donlon: Wright State seemed to be the only member of the Horizon League who had Valpo's number this past year but the Raiders dispatched their head coach despite a 22 win season. Donlon could step in tomorrow and begin his revenge tour in an area and conference he knows well.
Luke Gore: Gore might be the frontrunner right now as Bryce Drew's right-hand man. Gore has been on the Crusaders staff for the last 14 years.
Greg Tonagel: Tonagel is the had coach at Indiana Wesleyan where he has won two NAIA national titles. He is a Valpo alum and spent time as the team's Director of Basketball Operations way back in the early 2000s. If Valpo is looking for an outside the box home run then Tonagel may be the guy.
Brian Gregory: If the Crusaders are looking to make a bit of a splash then Brian Gregory might be a guy to look out for. The former Georgia Tech and Dayton bench boss obviously knows the area well and could be a beast if he lands a gig in the Horizon League.
Rex Walters: Walters recently lost his job at San Francisco and has been a nearly .500 level head coach at the Division I level. He started his college coaching career at Valpo before heading out to eventually be the head coach at Florida Atlantic.
Powell wasn't on this list. Perhaps now we know why.
No way Rex Walters.
Does anyone know how Peters views Gore? Assuming that Powell is at Vandy as well, we lost the only guy that has shown consistent success in recruiting Chicago/IL at Valpo.
All valid points a3uge. In Tonagle's case, his roster shows regional distribution but no urban kids: 8 IN, 3 OH, 1 KY, 1 IL. 1 TN. Hopefully, his previous VU experience can get him back quickly to a D-I mindset. Key to ANY new HC will be the recruiting tenacity of the assistants that are brought in. Roger was not just a good recruiter, he also symbolized Bryce's commitment to diversity in terms of players and coaches. That tells recruits, especially from urban locations, a lot.
Now that it is officially official, I would look to MLB to have an immediate release about initiating a nation-wide search blah, blah, blah. It's important to indicate a proactive stance here.
Officially official:
http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040616aab.html
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 06, 2016, 09:26:44 AM
All of you who are not totally sold on Tonagel are nuts. He would be able to step in right away and build on what Bryce and Homer have done, and maybe even surpass what has been accomplished already. Someone talked earlier about him being tough on his players - isn't that what has been missing (at least in view of the public) under Homer and Bryce? The early key for Greg would be retaining as much of the current roster as possible. I think after getting to know him, the players would love him and have a chip on their shoulders going into next year - with or without Alec.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 06, 2016, 10:03:37 AM
If Tonagel wasn't a Valpo alum and had no previous connection to the program I think people would be a lot less optimistic or open to the idea of Tonagel being the next head coach and taking over. From everything I've heard Tonagel is a very good X's/O's coach, great character, leader and has a connection to the Valpo community because he played here, but and its a huge BUT. Will he be able to recruit? I've heard people say well he's recruited at Indiana Wesleyan so he could do it here. D1 and D2 are completely different ball games. Recruiting D1 athletes there is more competition and Bryce/Powell have really made a in roads in the inner city of Chicago making Valpo's name known to high school coaches and kids. Can Tonagel sit down and connect with kids and sell them on Valpo? Does Tonagel have assistants who can recruit? Recruiting is my only issue with Tonagel. He's just unproven, but that doesn't eliminate him from job. He'll just have to convince ML he has the recruiting chops and hopefully ML can give him the resources he needs to succeed.
Such an interesting discussion and such diverse views about Tonagel. Maybe I am crazy. I don't mean to be disrespectful to Greg or any of the posters on this board that support him, but
NAIA D2 is a far cry from a NCAA D1 Top 100 program. Greg is a great coach, I know that first hand. However, the two levels are members of a completely different fraternity with different recruiting, transfer and scholarship rules. My concerns with Greg have nothing to do with basketball, it has to do with the administration of the program.
Who will be assistant coaches? Does Greg bring his part time IWU assistants (guys who make a minimal BB salary while working for the school in some other capacity) with him to VU or do any of our current assistants stay on a staff with an unknown coach with out any D1 connections or credibility? That kind of defeats that whole reason to be a D1 assistant. If they leave can Greg attract similar caliber assistants?
What happens with salaries? Typically program salaries are tied somewhat to the head coach salary. Will Greg be paid the same or more than Bryce therefore keeping salaries comparable to current levels.
We think Bryce had trouble getting good games and teams on the schedule? What connections does Greg have to even hold the schedule at the current level much less improve on it. I fear more NAIA type games at the ARC for the OOC games.
Just managing something 10 times bigger than what you are familiar with is huge. Suddenly you become your own business with employees that rely on you for their families income, if you don't succeed then they don't make as much money or are fired. Lots of personal changes.
Recruiting is perhaps the biggest issue if we can not hold onto or attract high level assistants. Recruiting at the NAIA D2 level completely different than what goes on even at the mid-major level. Been there done that, sure we got to meet and casually talk to some of the big boys but we didn't share much of anything or talk to many of the same people. There will be a learning curve and this really concerns me. We know why players would come and play for Bryce, ask yourself what would motivate a player to play for Greg?
I think that Greg could become a D1 head coach but this jump is just too big, there may be someone, but I don't remember anyone making the leap from NAIA D2 to our level.
If Powell is gone we need to make a really bold move to retain what little momentum we can under the current circumstance. VU probably just lost millions of dollars in free advertising and actual donations.
I thought Bryce was building something special. He assembled a solid staff and proved to be a great X's & O's guy since the beginning. His shift in philosophy post Homer was evident from the start, leading a quasi-talented team (compared to now) to back to back Regular season titles.
I am a bit heartbroken (Ok way more than a bit). I really want more details (solid reporting) before I make judgments. On one hand, you could tell after Valpo did not get an at large while having potentially the best team in the History of the program, fear took over. A lot of work went into getting Valpo to this point, but it still was not enough. With obvious obstacles of difficulty of non-conference, and playing in a conference not committed to aggressive schedule practices, there seemed no end in site to the problem he faced. On the other hand, there is still a pretty talented team left if he would have stayed: Jubril, Peters (under an assumption he would return to Bryce), Smits, Bradford, Tavon, Skara, Hammink, and the possibility to fill perceived weaknesses with 3 available roster slots.
Now that Bryce is officially gone, I feel angry. I feel he left at a critical juncture of a Butler like development. Maybe I held him at too high of regard their, but it is impossible to deny the change in culture. Leaving now while leaving 3 scholarships open, while opening the door for players wanting the leave seems like a disrespectful move for a person I believed held his Alma Matter to a higher regard. Additionally, if Roger Powell has been convinced to go along, this hurts Valpo's recruiting to the highest degree, as he opened the door to the Chicago market.
I need facts to deter me from the rollercoaster of emotions I feel at this moment. Until their is some clarity, it is hard not to feel terrified for what is to come.
Quote from: ProudValpoAlum705 on April 06, 2016, 12:25:41 PM
I thought Bryce was building something special. He assembled a solid staff and proved to be a great X's & O's guy since the beginning. His shift in philosophy post Homer was evident from the start, leading a quasi-talented team (compared to now) to back to back Regular season titles.
I am a bit heartbroken (Ok way more than a bit). I really want more details (solid reporting) before I make judgments. On one hand, you could tell after Valpo did not get an at large while having potentially the best team in the History of the program, fear took over. A lot of work went into getting Valpo to this point, but it still was not enough. With obvious obstacles of difficulty of non-conference, and playing in a conference not committed to aggressive schedule practices, there seemed no end in site to the problem he faced. On the other hand, there is still a pretty talented team left if he would have stayed: Jubril, Peters (under an assumption he would return to Bryce), Smits, Bradford, Tavon, Skara, Hammink, and the possibility to fill perceived weaknesses with 3 available roster slots.
Now that Bryce is officially gone, I feel angry. I feel he left at a critical juncture of a Butler like development. Maybe I held him at too high of regard their, but it is impossible to deny the change in culture. Leaving now while leaving 3 scholarships open, while opening the door for players wanting the leave seems like a disrespectful move for a person I believed held his Alma Matter to a higher regard. Additionally, if Roger Powell has been convinced to go along, this hurts Valpo's recruiting to the highest degree, as he opened the door to the Chicago market.
I need facts to deter me from the rollercoaster of emotions I feel at this moment. Until their is some clarity, it is hard not to feel terrified for what is to come.
VU is at a crossroads at this point.
For 28 years it has relied on the Drew family to shore up its basketball program via their loyalty and sacrifice. Despite MBB being the featured vehicle for publicity and public exposure, the university, it would seem, hoped that this would continue without the needed investment necessary to grow the program and keep apace with leading mid-majors. Going back to Homer's plea for ARC improvements and the obstacles that Bryce had to overcome, it is understandable why Bryce might have said to himself, "enough is enough." Vanderbilt's environment will allow him to recruit and coach without the handicaps he dealt with at Valpo.
The next steps are going to be illuminating. Do we go the cheap route and maintain the status quo OR does the university wake up and realize that if we want to play in D-I we must BE D-I?
Very interesting points. I think we all knew Bryce would leave at some point but to me there's more to this than money. Sure that's a HUGE part of it, but the timing on this just feels a little funny. There was a lot of rumbling in the chairbacks this year that Bryce was pushing the admin very hard on ARC improvements behind the scenes. Don't know if that's true, and if so don't know what that means. But this is going to be a critical juncture for this program. I truly believe that in ten years from now we'll be in a much better conference or we'll be beginning our move to D2 or D3. Complacently and consistent 4-6 place finishes in this conference would kill the program.
I was hoping Powell stayed. The moment Bryce signed the contract with Vanderbilt, he is focused on himself and building the best staff for him to succeed And win big time at his new job. Bringing along as much of your staff as possible makes sense. Your new success > your old teams success. Hopefully he schedules us once his recruits are out of the program.
If Bryce is 2.5+ mil a year, his top asst will be making more money than whoever the new mbb coach is here.
Its important not to rush this. While the NIT run pushed everything back and some names are off the table now, we can still get it done. If wsu can hire who they did, we should more than able to hire a quality replacement for the HC.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 06, 2016, 12:38:54 PMThere was a lot of rumbling in the chairbacks this year that Bryce was pushing the admin very hard on ARC improvements behind the scenes. Don't know if that's true, and if so don't know what that means.
Interesting. First I've heard of that.
I'd love for Bryce to explain his though process, but it doesn't seem his style to do it publicly.
I'm very curious what kind of proposal Valpo might have made to Bryce (maybe not significantly more $$, but maybe something about facilities, or conference aspirations, or....). But, I don't know if we'll ever get that kind of detail.
It'll be very interesting to see if we get more on the Valpo coaching situation in the next days, or if this becomes a long wait...
Again, what the Drews accomplished/were accomplishing didn't matter enough to the university admins. Guessing they'll figure it out once the $$$ stops flowing in. Frustrating and embarrassing. >:( >:(
I'm seriously concerned for the future of both VU basketball and athletics. The commitment simply isn't there. I'm not so naive to think that we could've kept Bryce forever, but the university could've done more to keep him here longer and at least give him the chance to build VU into a Butler.
Quote from: Vinny on April 06, 2016, 01:07:34 PM
Again, what the Drews accomplished/were accomplishing didn't matter enough to the university admins. Guessing they'll figure it out once the $$$ stops flowing in. Frustrating and embarrassing. >:( >:(
I'm seriously concerned for the future of both VU basketball and athletics. The commitment simply isn't there. I'm not so naive to think that we could've kept Bryce forever, but the university could've done more to keep him here longer and at least give him the chance to build VU into a Butler.
So I take it you don't have a spare $16 million hanging around for a coach or $40 million for a new facility?
Quote from: humbleopinion on April 06, 2016, 11:35:30 AM
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 05, 2016, 06:55:14 PM
funny article http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso (http://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso)
We lost a mid-major legend this week as Bryce Drew finally left his alma mater for a gig at SEC member Vanderbilt. The Crusaders are now on the hunt for their first head coach since 2011 and for their first head coach without the last name Drew since 1988.
Her is a short list of names to keep an eye on for the Crusaders:
Billy Donlon: Wright State seemed to be the only member of the Horizon League who had Valpo's number this past year but the Raiders dispatched their head coach despite a 22 win season. Donlon could step in tomorrow and begin his revenge tour in an area and conference he knows well.
Luke Gore: Gore might be the frontrunner right now as Bryce Drew's right-hand man. Gore has been on the Crusaders staff for the last 14 years.
Greg Tonagel: Tonagel is the had coach at Indiana Wesleyan where he has won two NAIA national titles. He is a Valpo alum and spent time as the team's Director of Basketball Operations way back in the early 2000s. If Valpo is looking for an outside the box home run then Tonagel may be the guy.
Brian Gregory: If the Crusaders are looking to make a bit of a splash then Brian Gregory might be a guy to look out for. The former Georgia Tech and Dayton bench boss obviously knows the area well and could be a beast if he lands a gig in the Horizon League.
Rex Walters: Walters recently lost his job at San Francisco and has been a nearly .500 level head coach at the Division I level. He started his college coaching career at Valpo before heading out to eventually be the head coach at Florida Atlantic.
Powell wasn't on this list. Perhaps now we know why.
I can only surmise that Paul Oren was out of his head from a high fever when he put Donlon on our short list. It's amazing how little some people think of our standing as a program that they think that we should seriously consider a lower-rated HL program's just-fired coach. Think of the parallel. 5 years ago Billy Donlon inherited a program left in great shape by an excellent x&o's coach and recruiter, who was so impressive he landed a job in a Power-5 conference. Unfortunately, Donlon proved to be a terrible recruiter and numerous players quit on him, as well. Yes, he did a great job with who he had, but that only goes so far. If you can't recruit (and Donlon can't), you're never going to be an elite conference team. So, like WSU 5 years ago here we are trying to replace an excellent x&o's coach and recruiter who was so impressive he landed a job in a Power-5 conference... Need I say more about how utterly missuited Donlon would be for head men's basketball coach at Valparaiso University?
That list has nothing to do with Paul Oren. Read closer.
Quote from: vusupporter on April 06, 2016, 01:11:47 PM
That list has nothing to do with Paul Oren. Read closer.
If it's not his list whose is it? He doesn't so much as suggest that it's the university's short list.
Speaking of PO, I think he does a fantastic job covering this team and Vu as a whole. Problem is he's just about the only one who does without official ties (ie a student reporter or PR person). At a lot of other schools, even mid majors, there's a larger number of people who cover the team and more insiders looking to have a voice through those people. And while I don't always agree with that in principle, it keeps the admin honest throughout their thought process and keeps the fans in the loop.
PS If i'm missing someone I apologize, just going off what I see on local papers sites and social media.
PPS Paul, don't know if you read this board, assume you do. Don't know you, love your reporting, and based on your twitter feed....do you ever sleep?
Quote from: wh on April 06, 2016, 01:17:55 PM
Quote from: vusupporter on April 06, 2016, 01:11:47 PM
That list has nothing to do with Paul Oren. Read closer.
If it's not his list whose is it? He doesn't so much as suggest that it's the university's short list.
It was the author's short list - complete trash writing.
Parks Smith was the author not Paul. http://twitter.com/RVAparks
Quote from: a3uge on April 06, 2016, 01:09:49 PMSo I take it you don't have a spare $16 million hanging around for a coach or $40 million for a new facility?
I did til some Bernie Madoff guy made it disappear. ;)
What I'm able to give per year may cover a couple team meals but that's it. Mrs. Vinny and I helped put two kids through college.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 06, 2016, 01:28:31 PMhttp://www.midmajormadness.com/horizon-league/2016/4/5/11369896/coaching-carousel-who-replaces-bryce-drew-at-valparaiso
Paul had a list too. I think he also included five names, but said on the nice hour-long WVLP radio program last night that Jon Diebler as the 5th was more about round numbers than an idea that he'd be a legit HC candidate at this point. Was it as simple as Roger, Luke, Lottich, Tonagel, and Diebler?
Bryce leaving should be no surprise. So obviously we should now be implementing our succession plan.
Wait! We don't have one! :o
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 06, 2016, 01:21:29 PM
Speaking of PO, I think he does a fantastic job covering this team and Vu as a whole. Problem is he's just about the only one who does without official ties (ie a student reporter or PR person). At a lot of other schools, even mid majors, there's a larger number of people who cover the team and more insiders looking to have a voice through those people. And while I don't always agree with that in principle, it keeps the admin honest throughout their thought process and keeps the fans in the loop.
PS If i'm missing someone I apologize, just going off what I see on local papers sites and social media.
PPS Paul, don't know if you read this board, assume you do. Don't know you, love your reporting, and based on your twitter feed....do you ever sleep?
Paul does post here now and then.
As for ties, there are the complications that any beat writer, especially at a small school must have. But, also,
http://www.valpo.edu/communication/about/faculty-and-staff/paul-oren/
I definitely admire his work too. He seems to do it without a lot of resources from the paper, to boot (small town paper, maybe no surprise). Sounds like he was crashing at a relatives in NYC, you wonder if the Times even paid for his plane ticket, etc. We're lucky to have him.
Hopefully he doesn't pull a Bryce (or a Mark Lazerus) any time _too_ soon!
Quote from: justducky on April 06, 2016, 01:54:06 PM
Bryce leaving should be no surprise. So obviously we should now be implementing our succession plan.
Wait! We don't have one! :o
Patience. I've got patience until at least Friday. Maybe Monday.
Quote from: justducky on April 06, 2016, 01:54:06 PM
Bryce leaving should be no surprise. So obviously we should now be implementing our succession plan.
Wait! We don't have one! :o
Because every d1 program names a new coach the same day the former coach leaves... Have you watched an off-season before?
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 06, 2016, 11:09:34 AM
I would think being the head coach of Valpo would be a better gig than an assistant at Vandy. I wonder the salary difference.
I would think if Vandy has $2.7M for a HC, the top assistant is in the $5-600k range.
Quote from: vusupporter on April 06, 2016, 01:11:47 PM
That list has nothing to do with Paul Oren. Read closer.
The author was Parks Smith, not Paul Oren.
Fixed it for you.
I thought I was in the anger phase of grief. I suppose it's a mix of denial and bargaining, because I'm looking for reasons Bryce might have wanted to leave and/or reasons to give me hope.
Athletics strategic plan from 2013: http://www.valpoathletics.com/media/miscellaneous/2012-13/Valparaiso%20Athletics%20Strategic%20Plan.pdf
Updated plan from 2015-2016: http://files.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/CB8F2A67-4E55-4190-BD0F-543E226D34F7/ValparaisoAthleticsStrategicPlan-2015-16.pdf
New to this year's plan...
Action Step 2.C.i: Develop program and preliminary design for a new Recreation Center
and Athletic Field on the former Porter Hospital property.
Action Step 2.C.ii: Develop and execute a funding model to construct the new
Recreation Center and Athletic Field.
Action Step 2.C.iii: Identify and prioritize additional investments in athletics facilities
that will assist in meeting Objective 3.4 of the current University Strategic Plan
Action step 2.C.iv: Develop and execute a funding model to construct those facilities.
On the plus side: That sounds like a brand new facility--not just a major upgrade.
On the negative side: Sounds like it's still in the early early planning stages.
I wish the updated plan had tracked progress on the original plan. It's possible to suss things out, but so much better if updates were included.
Ah, wasn't aware he worked for Vu. Still does great work. So we really have no one without formal ties reporting on the team.
Quote from: Vinny on April 06, 2016, 01:07:34 PM
Again, what the Drews accomplished/were accomplishing didn't matter enough to the university admins. Guessing they'll figure it out once the $$$ stops flowing in. Frustrating and embarrassing. >:( >:(
I'm seriously concerned for the future of both VU basketball and athletics. The commitment simply isn't there. I'm not so naive to think that we could've kept Bryce forever, but the university could've done more to keep him here longer and at least give him the chance to build VU into a Butler.
This hand wringing is getting pretty old. Just what do you think the University could have done to keep Bryce here longer? I have said it before, and it came from a very reliable source,that part of Bryce's contract made him the highest paid coach in the Horizon. He was at a reported $377,000 three years ago. Let's say for this purpose that he was making $500,000. Do you think another $100,000 would have kept him here? Really? If we had announced that the new Rec Center would break ground this fall and after completion the ARC would be renovated with new concessions stands, added bathrooms and seat reconfiguration to take on a more bowl like setting, all to be done in a five year period. Would Vanderbilt's offer of $2.5 and the chance to coach at a private school in the SEC be ignored? Nonsense.
Many seem to think they have knowledge of just how committed the administration is to athletic success at Valpo. Others seem to know how much is being spent to accomplish various goals. Please tells us!! The fact is that there is a pretty strong "woe is me" attitude among some posters with zero knowledge of the facts.
WE WILL NOT BECOME YOUNGSTOWN STATE!!! Back away from the ledge!! Give Mark a chance to hire a successor and then listen to what that coach has to say about the program and its needs. The world will not come to an end without a Drew in charge.
http://aroundthesec.libsyn.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-bryce-drew
Quote from: Vale O. Paradise on April 06, 2016, 02:09:59 PM
I thought I was in the anger phase of grief. I suppose it's a mix of denial and bargaining, because I'm looking for reasons Bryce might have wanted to leave and/or reasons to give me hope.
Athletics strategic plan from 2013: http://www.valpoathletics.com/media/miscellaneous/2012-13/Valparaiso%20Athletics%20Strategic%20Plan.pdf
Updated plan from 2015-2016: http://files.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/CB8F2A67-4E55-4190-BD0F-543E226D34F7/ValparaisoAthleticsStrategicPlan-2015-16.pdf
New to this year's plan...
Action Step 2.C.i: Develop program and preliminary design for a new Recreation Center
and Athletic Field on the former Porter Hospital property.
Action Step 2.C.ii: Develop and execute a funding model to construct the new
Recreation Center and Athletic Field.
Action Step 2.C.iii: Identify and prioritize additional investments in athletics facilities
that will assist in meeting Objective 3.4 of the current University Strategic Plan
Action step 2.C.iv: Develop and execute a funding model to construct those facilities.
On the plus side: That sounds like a brand new facility--not just a major upgrade.
On the negative side: Sounds like it's still in the early early planning stages.
I wish the updated plan had tracked progress on the original plan. It's possible to suss things out, but so much better if updates were included.
Actually it is the
2016-2021 Athletics Strategic Plan.. That means the action steps have 5 years to get done. And the action steps do not include actually building a facility. >>> From the Plan:
A STRATEGIC PLAN VALPARAISO ATHLETICS 2016‐2021
The Strategic Plan identifies six categories of Goals followed by a series of recommended Strategies and specific Action Steps that should be undertaken to achieve those goals. Strategies and Action Steps to be implemented within the next twenty‐four months of the Plan are listed herein along with more long term Strategies and Action Steps (highlighted in italics) that are recommended for implementation in years three through five of the Plan.
The initial Athletics Strategic Plan was created through a comprehensive process involving all areas of the Athletics Department. Feedback and comment was solicited from all areas of University community. The original plan was endorsed by the University Board of Directors in October 2012.
The Athletics Strategic Plan 2016‐2021 is the updated and revised version of the original plan created in 2012. Revisions have been made Categories 1 and 2. Additional categories will be reviewed and during the coming year. Completed action steps were removed and new action steps added. The revision process was conducted by a broad group of Athletics Department staff directly involved in the implementation and management of the plan and reviewed by the head coaches.
We are about to find out if the Drews were good for Valpo or if Valpo was good for the Drews. I'm going to be watching 1. how much Bryce takes with him and 2. how much support the admin throws behind our new coach.
We were very very lucky to have the Drews but at the same time, having our entire past almost 30 years be dedicated to one family is not a good strategy overall. I don't know what the other options are but Homer built, not just a team, but a platform that was very very helpful to his sons. Bryce is still a Valpo Alum and could always be a positive voice for our program out there even if he is a coach elsewhere. If this is the last we ever hear of the Drew family though I will be disappointed and feel very much like Valpo was used more than it was helped.
Quote from: a3uge on April 06, 2016, 01:09:49 PM
Quote from: Vinny on April 06, 2016, 01:07:34 PM
Again, what the Drews accomplished/were accomplishing didn't matter enough to the university admins. Guessing they'll figure it out once the $$$ stops flowing in. Frustrating and embarrassing. >:( >:(
I'm seriously concerned for the future of both VU basketball and athletics. The commitment simply isn't there. I'm not so naive to think that we could've kept Bryce forever, but the university could've done more to keep him here longer and at least give him the chance to build VU into a Butler.
So I take it you don't have a spare $16 million hanging around for a coach or $40 million for a new facility?
So what if he doesn't have that kind of money? It still doesn't change the fact that major ARC renovations were excluded during the last three capital campaigns.
Personally I do not have $16 mil. I may, however, have a few K that i would be willing to donate if I knew every cent of it went to the ARC.
Speaking of which, Proud to Be Valpo kicks off on April 12
You can watch there press conference at 3:30 central today
http://vanderbilt.edu/coachdrew/
I am a recent Valpo Alum and I remember when they came out with this new strategic plan about 3-4 years ago. I remember going to one of the presentations on campus they were giving to students/alum/community members in the Library and they showed models and the rendering of potential future buildings and all. I was getting pretty excited and one of the alumni there whispered to me, "Don't get too excited kid. They come out with strategic plans every 10-15 years to get alum excited and donating." He said it sarcastically but somewhat serious too. Any alums know if his statement is true or not?
It seems like Valpo for about 2 decades or so decided to not invest too much into the campus, buildings, etc. and just in the last 8-10years we've slowly been getting the new union and the Library (loved the library at VU), visitors center, etc. We finally got a real track for the track team, so our athletes didn't have to run on asfalt track and get injured anymore. Correct me if I'm wrong but all the buildings other then the 'College of Arts & Sciences' building(fund with bonds), were donated by some extreme generous alumni? I know Valpo has been extremely conservative with the endowment and taking on debt. It just blows my mind that a Basketball program like Valpo is still playing in the ARC! I love the ARC because its a great place to watch a game and has a ton of character, it is a not D1 arena or a big selling point to recruits. The players locker rooms look a like a glorified custodians office with make due lockers in it compare to most D1 school locker rooms. It is truly amazing what Homer, Scott, and Bryce were able to all these years with a tight budget, and not great administrative financial support. For the sake of being able to raise donations from alum they really need to build upon what the Drews built and actually invest in the program with resources. The ARC was built in 1939. (( http://www.valpo.edu/150/timeline.php ) skip to 1939). Academics always comes first but the athletic programs, specifically Basketball (the Breadwinner) needs to become a priority.
...
I agree with you, vu72. It is hard to believe some postings that think that Bryce's leaving means he should not take an asst. coach or 2 with him, that he shafted VU, etc. Get a life folks! This the way these things happen. And now our program will go to hell in a hand-basket? The program will continue on with or without the Drew Family. Remember when Bryce got our job some said it was a poor choice, nepotism, etc because he had no head coaching experience, etc. Sure some adjustments will take place, but some of your postings are unreal! I find it hard to believe that some of you seem to be bashing BD after all that he and his family have done for our school. Good for Bryce! Now let's move on! Be positive and back our next coach! Like "Annie" sang, the sun will come up, tomorrow. Alot of you want us to be "big time"...well, this is big time...a young successful head coach advances to a bigger and better job., This is the way it works!
Watching it now. I hope that he doesn't cater to the media there and talk up Vandy over Valpo...
We definitely kind of hit a perfect storm at the university with the combination of the Recession and a lack of building maintenance. Our Past president would not build unless a project was fully funded which resulted in less building and settling for smaller than what we should have (I'm looking at you VUCA Theater) to come in at budget. The new President has been addressing this but it now means a tighter financial situation at a time when people are increasing skeptical about college really being worth the cost and changing demographics.
The purchase of the hospital grounds is definitely a step in the right direction but I'd imagine that there will be a desire on the University to find a way to make the new rec center possibly a community joint project to help alleviate the cost. I know the President has been vocal that he thinks the community could use a nice swimming facility and this could be a way to bring that to both the campus and the community.
Progress is slow and plodding right now at a time when people are hostile to any money being spent with the focus on student debt. I personally also blame the for-profits who are a large driver in student debt as well as state schools increasing their out of state student caps and fees making it harder for in state students to get in/afford and driving the need for potentially more need based loans at private schools as students who then lose more tuition money
Losing Powell seems to imply to me that there are bigger issues at play than just the HC taking a better job and the star player grad transferring. I have it from several good sources that the university is struggling with some major debt issues right now related to Heckler's building spree. Budgets have been slashed across the board...that kind of institutional instability is the type of thing that would scare me away if I was a highly regarded coaching prospect with plenty of other options (like Powell).
I read quickly through this entire thread and don't recall seeing Chris Sparks mentioned by anyone. It keeps things in the Valpo family, we know that he can recruit (the big issues scaring people away from Donlon), and he has the legit D1 experience (the big issue scaring people away from Tonagel). Has the bridge between Sparks and the university been so thoroughly napalmed at this point that there is no hope for reconciliation?
Quote from: crusader05 on April 06, 2016, 02:29:54 PMWe are about to find out if the Drews were good for Valpo or if Valpo was good for the Drews. I'm going to be watching 1. how much Bryce takes with him and 2. how much support the admin throws behind our new coach. We were very very lucky to have the Drews but at the same time, having our entire past almost 30 years be dedicated to one family is not a good strategy overall. I don't know what the other options are but Homer built, not just a team, but a platform that was very very helpful to his sons. Bryce is still a Valpo Alum and could always be a positive voice for our program out there even if he is a coach elsewhere. If this is the last we ever hear of the Drew family though I will be disappointed and feel very much like Valpo was used more than it was helped.
Do we then scrape Homer's name off the floor?
Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 03:37:12 PMWatching it now. I hope that he doesn't cater to the media there and talk up Vandy over Valpo...
You're kidding?
Not saying that, But family dynasty's are tricky and is maybe not the most stable way to hope to maintain your basketball programs success.
Quote from: crusader05 on April 06, 2016, 04:05:21 PMNot saying that, But family dynasty's are tricky and is maybe not the most stable way to hope to maintain your basketball programs success.
I'm in agreement with you. I was just having a bit of a giggle.
Quote from: VU2624 on April 06, 2016, 04:04:19 PM
Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 03:37:12 PMWatching it now. I hope that he doesn't cater to the media there and talk up Vandy over Valpo...
You're kidding?
Not kidding at all. I meant talk up Vandy over Valpo, by putting Valpo in a bad light. He didn't do that, and handled it well when they tried to get him to do so.
Quote from: crusader05 on April 06, 2016, 03:38:22 PM
We definitely kind of hit a perfect storm at the university with the combination of the Recession and a lack of building maintenance. Our Past president would not build unless a project was fully funded which resulted in less building and settling for smaller than what we should have (I'm looking at you VUCA Theater) to come in at budget. The new President has been addressing this but it now means a tighter financial situation at a time when people are increasing skeptical about college really being worth the cost and changing demographics.
The purchase of the hospital grounds is definitely a step in the right direction but I'd imagine that there will be a desire on the University to find a way to make the new rec center possibly a community joint project to help alleviate the cost. I know the President has been vocal that he thinks the community could use a nice swimming facility and this could be a way to bring that to both the campus and the community.
Progress is slow and plodding right now at a time when people are hostile to any money being spent with the focus on student debt. I personally also blame the for-profits who are a large driver in student debt as well as state schools increasing their out of state student caps and fees making it harder for in state students to get in/afford and driving the need for potentially more need based loans at private schools as students who then lose more tuition money
Thanks for pointing that out. In all the moaning about commitment to athletics, I don't recall anyone mentioning that acquisition before. How many millions was that? A bunch. What possible other use for the property then athletics? Look at the 20 year plan. That property will greatly enhance Valpo's overall athletic posture as well as allow for the proper retrofit of the ARC.
What happened between Chris Sparks and the University? I know he sort of left abruptly but never really knew why. Sparks could flat out recruit and worked his tail off on the recruiting trail. He's the one who discovered Ryan Broekhoff and Vashil I believe. I would hope the next coach would reach out to him and make him the lead international recruiter again because he truly did a great job in that category. But what happened with Sparks?
The purchase of the Hospital property was huge. I've seen the plans for area of the campus. Still... the administration (past admin) still deserves to get an ear full for the lack of investment for decades. We're on the right path though (I hope). I would love to be a fly on the wall hear the Board of Directors meetings pertaining to the 20 year plan and financing and actually taking a peak at the books.
but, Crusader05: I was not aware of the heavy amount of debt load that recently took on. I knew the 'Arts & Sciences' building was financed with bonds, but I assumed that most of the recent additions were donations. The addition to Chapel (donated), Engineering addition 'Fites Center'. I hear we're building a new science building and i'm not sure how that will be funded. I'm told science buildings are extremely expensive on college campuses.
I believe the science building, beacon, sorority houses and Arts and Sciences are all financed from the same bond pull. The vibe I've gotten from what people have said is that while the debt is an issue the larger issue is that as we work to pull a higher level of students we are competing against schools with bigger endowments which means more money to lure them which means yearly budgets aren't as great as we'd like. Basically, we're trying to push up into another bracket of quality but that means significant financial investment in both buildings and scholarships at a more trying financial time.
I hear men's basketball is a great marketing tool.....just sayin.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 06, 2016, 03:25:32 PMThe ARC was built in 1939.
The ARC was built in 1984. We had that school about 55 miles ENE of Valpo in for the dedication game. Since 1984, both schools have the same number of NCAA final four appearances.
The Hilltop Gym was built in 1939, and is still used by the University.
Any reason to think that Valpo might be interested in either Jack Owens or Greg Gary of Purdue?
Here's somebody no one has brought up: Billy Gillespie. Former A&M, Kentucky, & Texas Tech coach now at Ranger JC. I know he left under pretty bad terms at Tech, but I'd love for LaBarbera to pursue Gillespie since he has the head coaching experience and is somebody we potentially could get.
What about Greg Paulus of Ohio State?
Quote from: rogerwilco on April 06, 2016, 05:57:22 PM
What about Greg Paulus of Ohio State?
Paulus would be a good hire IMO. Him or Jon Scheyer would be fine with me.
With Powell leaving to me the next logical coach if we are staying with someone in the current staff is Matt Lottich. He's played pro and had a great college career. Somewhere I read recently that he relates really well with the players. He has the trust of the players and any of our current recruits out there.
I'm putting my money as Lottich as the next coach. If so we need to support him fully. I'd love to see the next coach beat a T25 team or win a game in the tourney. Just maybe the next coach can get us over that hump we have had for 15+ years.
If our top recruiting assistant coach follows Bryce to Vandy and thereby passes on a chance to be HC at Valpo, shouldn't we be looking at other schools best recruiting assistant coaches particularly those who recruit Chicago well? Sure, look in house first but don't restrict it. There must be at least a few assistant coaches at other D1 schools who are ready and would be interested in being a head coach here. Maybe we would lose some current players who would transfer but it might be better in the long run to take the hit this year if we could pick up a potential star who can rebuild the program quickly. Just a thought.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 04, 2016, 03:10:41 PM
Dan Dakich would be a lot of fun as a HC but I don't see it. He's said multiple times he's done with coaching because its too much work. He has a sweet gig with ESPN. I know he's from Indiana but I think probably makes slightly less then what Bryce was getting paid to just talk about basketball instead of having to do all the coaching and grind of recruiting.
I would quit Valpo basketball if they hired Dan Dakich as head coach! Period! He's an A-1 jerk!
Quote from: VU2014 on April 06, 2016, 04:22:58 PM
What happened between Chris Sparks and the University? I know he sort of left abruptly but never really knew why. Sparks could flat out recruit and worked his tail off on the recruiting trail. He's the one who discovered Ryan Broekhoff and Vashil I believe. I would hope the next coach would reach out to him and make him the lead international recruiter again because he truly did a great job in that category. But what happened with Sparks?
He was a color commentator on the American Sports Network this past season and did the Valpo/Wright St game in Dayton, I believe. I'm not sure he would be interested in the Valpo job. He seemed to be the odd man out when Bryce was put in charge and wanted Powell instead of Sparks. I believe it showed a change in recruiting from internationals to Chicago area talent.
Quote from: crusader05 on April 06, 2016, 02:29:54 PM
If this is the last we ever hear of the Drew family though I will be disappointed and feel very much like Valpo was used more than it was helped.
This is crazy talk.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 06, 2016, 02:43:06 PM
Personally I do not have $16 mil. I may, however, have a few K that i would be willing to donate if I knew every cent of it went to the ARC.
Here is the link for funding the Pep Band for the NIT. Click on the 'Edit' next to Selected Designations; unclick the pep band, expand the Athletics Crusader Fund for specific sports, or click on 'other' and designate your funds to ARC expansion (whatever you desire).
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1347/giving/index.aspx?sid=1347&gid=1&pgid=463&cid=1166&dids=72
Quote from: VU2014 on April 06, 2016, 03:25:32 PM
It seems like Valpo for about 2 decades or so decided to not invest too much into the campus, buildings, etc. and just in the last 8-10years we've slowly been getting the new union and the Library (loved the library at VU), visitors center, etc. We finally got a real track for the track team, so our athletes didn't have to run on asfalt track and get injured anymore. Correct me if I'm wrong but all the buildings other then the 'College of Arts & Sciences' building(fund with bonds), were donated by some extreme generous alumni? I know Valpo has been extremely conservative with the endowment and taking on debt.
For many years the university didn't take loans - they had fundraising campaigns before building buildings. Under Heckler there's been a greater willingness to issue bonds to fund buildings. I think the first was around ten years ago. Arts and Sciences, Beacon Hall, and the new science building were funded in part through these bonds. Off hand, I'm not sure about the Union or Christopher Center/library. There have also been partnerships with private companies e.g. the Uptown East student housing.
QuoteThe players locker rooms look a like a glorified custodians office with make due lockers in it compare to most D1 school locker rooms.
Didn't they upgrade the basketball locker room, specifically, some years ago? I've not been inside, but I thought there were photos, and that it was modern. Anyone else share these memories?
Some of the general locker rooms in the ARC are high school locker rooms circa 1960, no question.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 06, 2016, 02:11:29 PM
Ah, wasn't aware he worked for Vu. Still does great work. So we really have no one without formal ties reporting on the team.
Osipoff, for the Post Tribune, has no formal connection to the university as far as I know.
Jon Scheyer would be an interesting coaching selection.
For me, Tonagel is the answer. I simply do not buy the argument about a "recruiting gap" and it being "too big of a transition", and "he needs to go to D2 or a low major D1 first". That is all BS. Saying that he can't coach D1 athletes (when he was one) and can't recruit more talented players is an insult to the man's intelligence. I will take a dominant coach from the NAIA/D2 level over a guy with D1 coaching experience who has struggled to stay above .500 any day of the week. Retreads DO NOT WORK and I am not interested in a high major assistant coach with no ties to the program and no previous coaching record.
Homer did not have Tonagel's resume and Valpo was a mess back then. We are in great shape right now. He is a Valpo guy, has a state title in HS, and a winning resume that kids will like. There is enough talent on this team that he will have an entire year to adjust to D1 recruiting, which is more than enough time.
One more thing. Remember that Tonagel was a very good player that chose to go to Valpo. What better person to sell the school? Valpo is a very unique recruiting situation. We currently have a niche that is getting us recruits. Tonagel fits in that niche and has proven baketball IQ. High major assistants are very much hit or miss. Many of them simply never have successful careers and retreads have already failed elsewhere or we wouldn't be getting them. Neither makes sense for our niche market!
I have no issue with Valpo taking out bonds/debt to fund buildings. Many companies are doing the same right now, because debt has never been cheaper. My company is buying back a lot of its stock with its positive cash flow, but also by taking out/buying more debt. It is best to take advantage before rates increase to what it used to be 10+ years ago.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 06, 2016, 08:16:08 PM
One more thing. Remember that Tonagel was a very good player that chose to go to Valpo. What better person to sell the school? Valpo is a very unique recruiting situation. We currently have a niche that is getting us recruits. Tonagel fits in that niche and has proven baketball IQ. High major assistants are very much hit or miss. Many of them simply never have successful careers and retreads have already failed elsewhere or we wouldn't be getting them. Neither makes sense for our niche market!
With Powell potentially out of the picture, I would rather have Tonagel versus a non-Valpo hire. He is extremely smart, based on the classes I had with him, and he was a very sought after basketball player. He essentially saved us his last year at Valpo. He was just supposed to be a coach, but he ended up 'coming out of retirement' to run the point midway through the season.
Quote from: vu72 on April 06, 2016, 02:12:20 PM
Quote from: Vinny on April 06, 2016, 01:07:34 PM
Again, what the Drews accomplished/were accomplishing didn't matter enough to the university admins. Guessing they'll figure it out once the $$$ stops flowing in. Frustrating and embarrassing. >:( >:(
I'm seriously concerned for the future of both VU basketball and athletics. The commitment simply isn't there. I'm not so naive to think that we could've kept Bryce forever, but the university could've done more to keep him here longer and at least give him the chance to build VU into a Butler.
This hand wringing is getting pretty old. Just what do you think the University could have done to keep Bryce here longer? I have said it before, and it came from a very reliable source,that part of Bryce's contract made him the highest paid coach in the Horizon. He was at a reported $377,000 three years ago. Let's say for this purpose that he was making $500,000. Do you think another $100,000 would have kept him here? Really? If we had announced that the new Rec Center would break ground this fall and after completion the ARC would be renovated with new concessions stands, added bathrooms and seat reconfiguration to take on a more bowl like setting, all to be done in a five year period. Would Vanderbilt's offer of $2.5 and the chance to coach at a private school in the SEC be ignored? Nonsense.
Many seem to think they have knowledge of just how committed the administration is to athletic success at Valpo. Others seem to know how much is being spent to accomplish various goals. Please tells us!! The fact is that there is a pretty strong "woe is me" attitude among some posters with zero knowledge of the facts.
WE WILL NOT BECOME YOUNGSTOWN STATE!!! Back away from the ledge!! Give Mark a chance to hire a successor and then listen to what that coach has to say about the program and its needs. The world will not come to an end without a Drew in charge.
Not sure who you or ml are referring to relative to not knowing the facts about the university's commitment to the mens bb program, but since I stated in an earlier post that when Homer was coach he mentioned on multiple occasions that the ARC was a recruiting disadvantage and that changes needed to be made, I think I should respond to your comment.
Homer absolutely did say that and he absolutely raised it more than once. More than that he was open to several options, including an upgraded facility, a new facility, and even a shared facility. Anyone - and I mean anyone - inside the university or out who says he didn't say the ARC was a recruiting liability or anyone who says he didn't raise this issue with certain university officials either has no clue about what went on back then or is "misremembering." That's about as fair as I can be. I have no axe to grind with anyone and no reason to make it up.
The bottom line is this. The university may offer up a hundred reasons why the ARC has never been upgraded, but what they cannot claim is that they were not made aware of this as a pressing need by the Drews. They were made aware and they didn't act. Now, if we come to learn that something has been in the works for the past 3 years (which I highly doubt), I'll be the first to correct the record.
Quote from: agibson on April 06, 2016, 01:57:03 PM
Quote from: justducky on April 06, 2016, 01:54:06 PM
Bryce leaving should be no surprise. So obviously we should now be implementing our succession plan.
Wait! We don't have one! :o
Patience. I've got patience until at least Friday. Maybe Monday.
Inevitable events invite detailed preparations. I have to assume that if Bryce, ML, and Homer have all been doing their jobs then communications have been clear and continuous. So I fully expect a replacement to be quickly named with the goal of keeping the core team intact. With that in mind I'll try to be patient even if that runs counter to my basic nature.
But my patience can be limited and should this devolve into a chaotic scramble with mass defections, you may want to cover your ears. ;)
I have to assume we have our coach. Valpo going radio silent and not mentioning a "search" for a new head coach says a lot.
It's going to be Matt Lottich
Valpo64 nailed it. This is how the coaching market goes now. VU has just been insulated from this in MBB due to Drew longevity coaching and passing of batons. Who of us in similar circumstances would not take a job paying 5 or 6 times what we were earning? Calm down and let MLB do his job now in finding a qualified replacement to carry the torch. An era has passed, time to now start a new one.
Reading the posts in this thread, some expressing disappointment and others somewhat negative, I am reminded that just one week ago tonight we were all celebrating a victory in the NIT final four and looking forward to the championship game. Much of the conversation focused on the positive publicity coming from Valpo's presence at Madison Square Garden and on national television, especially with the hope that the exposure could be influential in obtaining recruits for next year and beyond. The current situation displays what a difference a week makes!
Consequently, I am determined to be a little patient, not to react much until some time passes and we discover what decisions are made in hiring a new head coach or by Alec about his future, as well as seeing what recruits might be arriving. In addition, one can still wish that Carter gets another year and that Derrik's red-shirt year means he will be more mature and have an even more productive first year on the court.
Also, I'd like to think that the university's administration will still try to exploit the NIT finals appearance to gain new followers through wise promotion of the program. As well, I'd appreciate it if the university could build on the full-house crowds seen in the home NIT games for a greater local fan base. As some posters have suggested, there apparently was not a comprehensive and efficient plan to take advantage of the Sweet Sixteen bonanza in 1998, and I hope the lesson from that has been learned.
Therefore, I'd like to believe this time Valparaiso will fully support the basketball program with more concrete progress toward an ARC renovation, at least with a projected plan and tangible timeline for fans to anticipate, as well as for conferences like the MVC to note. Perhaps moving forward from the Drew era should be seen as an excuse for complete renewal. I will wait and watch to see what the situation looks like as the new season comes closer. We have just witnessed how much of a difference a week could make, and this period of time before the beginning of next season provides an opportunity to test the university's commitment, as well as indicate the direction this basketball program will take. Time will tell, but it can't be too long since—as some already have shown in their posts—the patience of fans has a limit.
Quote from: valpopal on April 06, 2016, 09:37:07 PM
Reading the posts in this thread, some expressing disappointment and others somewhat negative, I am reminded that just one week ago tonight we were all celebrating a victory in the NIT final four and looking forward to the championship game. Much of the conversation focused on the positive publicity coming from Valpo's presence at Madison Square Garden and on national television, especially with the hope that the exposure could be influential in obtaining recruits for next year and beyond. The current situation displays what a difference a week makes!
Consequently, I am determined to be a little patient, not to react much until some time passes and we discover what decisions are made in hiring a new head coach or by Alec about his future, as well as seeing what recruits might be arriving. In addition, one can still wish that Carter gets another year and that Derrik's red-shirt year means he will be more mature and have an even more productive first year on the court.
Also, I'd like to think that the university's administration will still try to exploit the NIT finals appearance to gain new followers through wise promotion of the program. As well, I'd appreciate it if the university could build on the full-house crowds seen in the home NIT games for a greater local fan base. As some posters have suggested, there apparently was not a comprehensive and efficient plan to take advantage of the Sweet Sixteen bonanza in 1998, and I hope the lesson from that has been learned.
Therefore, I'd like to believe this time Valparaiso will fully support the basketball program with more concrete progress toward an ARC renovation, at least with a projected plan and tangible timeline for fans to anticipate, as well as for conferences like the MVC to note. Perhaps moving forward from the Drew era should be seen as an excuse for complete renewal. I will wait and watch to see what the situation looks like as the new season comes closer. We have just witnessed how much of a difference a week could make, and this period of time before the beginning of next season provides an opportunity to test the university's commitment, as well as indicate the direction this basketball program will take. Time will tell, but it can't be too long since—as some already have shown in their posts—the patience of fans has a limit.
Well said.
Quote from: valpotx on April 06, 2016, 08:22:21 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 06, 2016, 08:16:08 PM
One more thing. Remember that Tonagel was a very good player that chose to go to Valpo. What better person to sell the school? Valpo is a very unique recruiting situation. We currently have a niche that is getting us recruits. Tonagel fits in that niche and has proven baketball IQ. High major assistants are very much hit or miss. Many of them simply never have successful careers and retreads have already failed elsewhere or we wouldn't be getting them. Neither makes sense for our niche market!
With Powell potentially out of the picture, I would rather have Tonagel versus a non-Valpo hire. He is extremely smart, based on the classes I had with him, and he was a very sought after basketball player. He essentially saved us his last year at Valpo. He was just supposed to be a coach, but he ended up 'coming out of retirement' to run the point midway through the season.
And forego a national search? No way. You either follow the Butler model or you don't. If you're not going to hire immediately from within, then why limit your potential applicant pool so severely by going straight to Tonagel? I'd rather Valpo put Tonagel on the short list but open it up and see who's out there. This is D-I, not D-III.
2 more names to think about for national search Cuonzo Martin and from the B1G assistant pool with Valpo ties (former assistant during Homer phase 1) Todd Foster.
Osipoff breaking some news, it seems
Quote
Sources said assistant Roger Powell was considered their top choice, but the key recruiter is expected to join Drew's Vanderbilt staff.
Attention has shifted to three-year assistant and former Stanford standout Matt Lottich, according to sources.
The Powell news not surprising, but interesting to have "sources" confirming it. And, as maybe I mentioned, it's seemed to me that Oren and Osipoff are more conservative than some national reporters before running with these anonymously soured items.
I still don't get why Powell wouldn't have been in a team meeting, especially if he already knew that he is leaving for Vandy. Maybe he will have a separate team meeting to say goodbye, once he is confirmed? He recruited most of our team, and he is a high character guy, so I have to think that he will do such a thing eventually.
Wondering aloud, since Bryce's picture has been removed from the coaching page, why is Rodger's picture still there if they are a package deal as speculated by almost all the reports? Surely you let your 16.3 million dollar man hire the assistant that he wants and if Powell is that man then I would think this would already have happened, so what is up with this delay?
Quote from: FWalum on April 06, 2016, 10:48:16 PM
Wondering aloud, since Bryce's picture has been removed from the coaching page, why is Rodger's picture still there if they are a package deal as speculated by almost all the reports? Surely you let your 16.3 million dollar man hire the assistant that he wants and if Powell is that man then I would think this would already have happened, so what is up with this delay?
Bryce's picture wasn't removed until there was an official announcement, as far as I recall. No such announcement yet for Powell, so there's that.
Quote from: agibson on April 06, 2016, 10:18:48 PM
Osipoff breaking some news, it seems
Quote
Sources said assistant Roger Powell was considered their top choice, but the key recruiter is expected to join Drew's Vanderbilt staff.
Attention has shifted to three-year assistant and former Stanford standout Matt Lottich, according to sources.
The Powell news not surprising, but interesting to have "sources" confirming it. And, as maybe I mentioned, it's seemed to me that Oren and Osipoff are more conservative than some national reporters before running with these anonymously soured items.
As if Bryce leaving isn't bad enough, now we learn that he has poached our top assistant, best recruiter in program history, and top choice for new head coach. Why do I suddenly get the feeling that Alec Peters may be wearing a different VU uniform next year?
Quote from: Valpower on April 06, 2016, 10:59:48 PMBryce's picture wasn't removed until there was an official announcement, as far as I recall. No such announcement yet for Powell, so there's that.
It was down 5-30 minutes before thenVandy and Valpo announcements. Not sure how much more than that (not something I check regularly).
Quote from: Valpower on April 06, 2016, 10:59:48 PM
Quote from: FWalum on April 06, 2016, 10:48:16 PM
Wondering aloud, since Bryce's picture has been removed from the coaching page, why is Rodger's picture still there if they are a package deal as speculated by almost all the reports? Surely you let your 16.3 million dollar man hire the assistant that he wants and if Powell is that man then I would think this would already have happened, so what is up with this delay?
Bryce's picture wasn't removed until there was an official announcement, as far as I recall. No such announcement yet for Powell, so there's that.
My point exactly, no official announcement when there should have been one already. Bryce has more power right now at Vandy the he will ever have unless he makes an elite 8 or final 4 run, and if he wants Powell there should be no delay in announcing it, unless Powell and Bryce are waiting to see what else may happen for Rodger. If I am Powell and Bryce knows that I want to follow him to Vandy and he hasn't made it happen yet then well.....
If Valpo didn't roll out a good-enough red carpet for Roger Powell, then I'm concerned.
Maybe they fear that he's job-jumper candidate in two years. Not a long-term hire. That fear I can understand.
Tonagel IMO would not be a wise choice. A huge part of coaching at Div. 1 is recruiting, which obviously much different than NAIA Div. 2.
ML and the search and hiring process.
Mark has many connections in the NCAA Div-I world. He has also demonstrated his loyalty to our university on numerous occasions, especially given the limitations that go along with being charged to be the best steward of the funds the BOD has authorized annually for the athletics program. He has a close working relationship with President Heckler and understands the President's agenda. If the way he went about hiring Dave Cecchini to replace Dale Carlson as the HFBC is any indicator
(1) he already had a plan in place for Bryce's replacement long before this whole thing came down -- heck, was there anyone that thought Bryce would stay forever as evidenced by his flirtations with the likes of MSU, ISU and DePaul?
(2) He developed a possible candidates list through his network, solicited trustworthy opinions, narrowed his short list and then went through a thorough vetting process with Cecchini and sold him on Valpo.
(3) He did all of this without a lot of fanfare or public gyrations. Valpo is unique in many ways, one of which is the athletic culture and environment. It requires a certain type of coach to be compatible with and succeed in that environment. Mark understands this, and it will be one guiding parameter among many that he will use to select Valpo's next HC.
Having said this, my personal belief is that Roger Powell was plan A. But it takes two to make a deal. For whatever reason, Roger has chosen to follow Bryce to Nashville and pass on the opportunity to become a mid-major D-I HC. Roger, certainly was not going to command Bryce's vacated salary right off the bat. As an insider, he also was very familiar with the limitations that come with being the VU HC (facilities, budget, relatively small and narrow alumni base, scheduling headaches, etc., etc.). It is what it is.
So, it's on to Plan B. Whoever ML selects and courts to be the next HC of the MBB program, you can be sure that he will be technically qualified (recruiting as well as Xs and Os), will be compatible with the Valpo culture, and will fit into the athletic department and the Valpo community as a whole.
Valpo has actually been left in an enviable position, though question marks still remain -- most prominently Alec's return. Valpo is not replacing a coach fired because of a losing program. There is much that is attractive to good coaches about coaching MBB here. In this regard ML is working from a position of relative strength. Of course he doesn't have millions to throw around, but MBB is the school's flagship sport, and I'm confident that both he and the president understand that. Like a previous poster suggested, this is the ideal time to take the program up a notch. Although its a shame that course changes like this have to occur after a significant event like this rather than before, let's let him do his job.
I find it a little strange that there has been no announcement that "an immediate national search will begin to find Coach Drew's replacement", or some such thing. Perhaps because the plan has always been to look within rather then outside the family. Unfortunately first we must determine who in the family wants to stay.
As for Powell jumping ship to go with Bryce, the answer may be that it was made clear that seniority would indicate that the job would first be offered to Luke, who apparently didn't go on the plane to Nashville. If Luke isn't the guy then it would have to be a national search where many very qualified candidates exist.
[tweet]718073439089721344[/tweet]
I completely forgot that Bryce's agent is his sister.
Not every assistant coach has aspirations of being a head coach. Perhaps Powell loves recruiting and interacting with the players on a more personal level than most head coaches have the freedom to do. He will get paid very well at Vandy without having to deal with all the stress of being a head coach. Also, he and Bryce may be great friends and want to make it to a final 4 together. To me, Powell leaving does not say anything about our program, it just says that Powell's aspirations are different than what we, as fans, expect his aspirations to be.
So what would we think of Lottich? Haven't seen much discussion on him.
His VU Bio:
Matt Lottich joined the Valparaiso men's basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach in the summer of 2013, and is entering his third season in 2015-16.
During his first two seasons on the Crusader bench, Lottich has helped lead Valpo to 46 victories, highlighted by a school-record 28 wins in 2014-15. The Crusaders have gone to the postseason in each of Lottich's two years at Valpo, including an NCAA Tournament appearance last season after capturing the Horizon League regular season and tournament titles. In his two years, Valpo has boasted a pair of First Team All-Horizon League honorees and three Horizon League All-Freshman Team recipients.
Lottich played professionally most recently in Japan in the bj League, spending eight years in Japan in two separate stints. Lottich suited up for the Oita Heat Devils from 2009 through 2012, serving as team captain all four years and earned league All-Star recognition in 2011. He also helped Osaka Evessa to three league championships in a four-year period from 2005 through 2008, three times earning All-Star honors en route to titles.
Lottich also played in the Bundesliga for the Dusseldorf Giants during the 2008-2009 campaign. Prior to his start in the bj League, Lottich spent the summer of 2004 with the New Jersey Nets' summer league squad, and then played in New Zealand for the Harbor Heat of the NBL.
Off the court, Lottich comes to Valpo from the National Collegiate Scouting Association, where he started in January of 2013. Lottich ascended to the position of Head Scout during his time with the NCSA, which helps high school athletes navigate the world of college recruiting. Lottich also co-founded the TEAM Life Skills basketball camp in 2004 and has helped manage and develop the camp over the last nine years.
Lottich played collegiately at Stanford University, where he was named to the Wooden Award midseason candidates list as a senior in 2004. Lottich would go on to be named an NABC All-Star, awarded to the top-15 college basketball seniors, as he helped guide Stanford to the Pac-10 title.
Lottich earned Honorable Mention All Pac-10 accolades as a senior and earned a spot on the conference's All-Tournament Team. Lottich, who totaled 891 points for the Cardinals over his four-year career, also was a part of their conference championship squad in 2000-2001 as a freshman. He ranks among Stanford's single-season and career best in 3-pointers made as well.
Prior to his collegiate career, he played his prep basketball at New Trier [Ill.] H.S., where he became and still remains the program's all-time leading scorer. Lottich was named the 2000 Chicago Tribune Athlete of the Year as well following his senior season.
Lottich and his wife, Kylan have four children: Grace, Matthan, Christian and Landon.
I grew up around Stanford University and frequently went to Stanford basketball/football games with my dad, went to basketball camps in the summers. So when I heard Matt Lottich was going to be an assistant coach, I was pumped because Stanford basketball under Mike Montgomery was a fantastic show.
In fact, the last couple years of Valpo basketball looked a lot like Stanford teams in the 1990s/early 00s where you had guys buying into a system willing to play roles. Whether that was Keith Carter playing like Brevin Knight/Art Lee/Mike Mcdonald, Alec Peters playing like Adam Keefe/Bart Lammersen/Peter Sauer(RIP), Vashil being a force in the middle ala Tim Young/Collins twins or some of our shooting guards filling it up like Dion Cross/Kris Weems/Lottich.
I'm not sure how much influence Lottich had on the program the last couple years, but I can't help but think he had a lot to do with the on-court success. We certainly could do a lot worse with him as head coach -- Stanford educated and well versed on the kind of basketball I like to watch.
Echoing a comment made by another, no announcement by the university has been made about a wide search, which would indicate a candidate for new head coach has already been identified. The fact that MLB has had a few years to consider the possibility of Bryce leaving and that VU will not be using a search firm leads me to believe a decision will be made quickly, which should be good for continuity and resuming recruiting.
Starting to sound more and more that the hire has been on the Valpo staff for a while. To me a hire from within is the best thing regarding next season; with the amount of talented seniors and juniors who are already comfortable playing for Coach X.
Like many others it sounds more and more like it'll be Lottich or Gore at the helm next season. Can't complain about that a whole heck of a lot.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2016, 10:03:36 AM
Lottich and his wife, Kylan have four children: Grace, Matthan, Christian and Landon.
Four kids! Wow. How would he have time to be the VU basketball coach on top of that?
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 07, 2016, 11:18:33 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2016, 10:03:36 AM
Lottich and his wife, Kylan have four children: Grace, Matthan, Christian and Landon.
Four kids! Wow. How would he have time to be the VU basketball coach on top of that?
Do we have room for 4 assistants?
New coach will be named today.
Any info on streaming of the press conference?
I think that Vandy set the bar pretty high on how this type of announcement should be handled. Would love to see something similar from our VU.
Quote from: valpopal on April 07, 2016, 11:53:16 AM
New coach will be named today.
Given the speed, my guess is Luke Gore.
Quote from: FWalum on April 07, 2016, 12:27:40 PM
I think that Vandy set the bar pretty high on how this type of announcement should be handled. Would love to see something similar from our VU.
Me too, but the other VU had days to prepare - our VU not so much. Was the Crusader at Porter County Airport to greet the new coach flying in on the Valpo corporate jet?
Quote from: vu72 on April 07, 2016, 12:30:24 PM
Quote from: valpopal on April 07, 2016, 11:53:16 AM
New coach will be named today.
Given the speed, my guess is Luke Gore.
Hedging bet.... or Lottich
Long shot Tonagel.
[In the words of Em Bauer: "When the count is full, you can expect a fastball, curveball... or something else."]
Oren tweeting it's not Tonagel...
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 07, 2016, 08:54:26 AM
[tweet]718073439089721344[/tweet]
I don't have any inside information, but it is possible that Vanderbilt can pay assistant coaches more than a head coach might make at Valpo. Roger and Bryce seem to have a great relationship by all accounts, so it should not be all that surprising they would stay together at the other VU.
VULB62 loved the Emory quote. Still use "delay and be quick."
On that quote, I think either John Wooden copied Emory Bauer or vice-versa.
I think Em stole it from Yogi Bera
I hope that it is Lottich over Gore. I believe that Lottich would have more pull with solid Valpo recruits, due to playing at Stanford and professionally. Gore seems like a great guy, but his athletic background is not as impressive, past his Valpo coaching experience.
Quote from: valpotx on April 07, 2016, 01:07:25 PM
I hope that it is Lottich over Gore. I believe that Lottich would have more pull with solid Valpo recruits, due to playing at Stanford and professionally. Gore seems like a great guy, but his athletic background is not as impressive, past his Valpo coaching experience.
Just keep Matt as the first asst for recruiting purposes. Luke has been the guy who is interviewed pre and post game as has been the pattern for a long time with the senior most assistants. It's Luke.
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
I get why it would make sense, but I am more thinking about from a kid in HS being recruited by Valpo. How involved has Gore been in getting these awesome recruits over the last 4-5 years? It seems like the real up-tick was once Powell and Lottich came on board. We always had some talented under-the-radar guys before these two, so I am sure Gore can do it, but a Stanford/pro-playing coach seems that much more impressive.
Again, I think you will be satisfied with the explanation of who they choose. Everyone is on board.
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:36:25 PM
Again, I think you will be satisfied with the explanation of who they choose. Everyone is on board.
Homer is coming back!! You heard it here first!! ;)
Streaming on facebook:
facebook.com/ValpoAthletics 3:30 Central Time
Oren says Lottich has been confirmed by "sources"
More I read on Lottich, more people I talk to about him, more convinced this is the right hire.
Oren just tweeted Lottich was primary recruiter behind Bradford.
Seems like a players coach and honestly, when you're a mid major that can't spend the money to woo away the type of coach that keeps people on name alone, why risk a personality clash for the remaining teams. Relationships are what's going to keep this team on it's feet since we know the talent is there.
After it was clear Powell was moving to Vandy with Bryce, all indications were that Matt Lottich would be the choice. Matt has a strong background as a player, but more importantly he has recruiting connections in the Chicago region from his New Trier roots and overseas (both Europe and Australia/New Zealand) from his time abroad. In addition, during all the times I have seen him off the court interacting with the players, fans, and his family, he has revealed himself to be a personable presence. In fact, I would suggest his comfort with media could be greater than that of Bryce, who at times still seems a bit reluctant as a public figure.
I see this as a possible Bryce 2.0 hire. Hopefully he vaults the Crusaders to higher heights. Both played under extremely cerebral and excellent head coaches in college, both have made a big shot (one a little played than the other), both have played abroad professionally, both seem to have held or still hold Valpo in very high regard. The main difference is one is here and the other is not. #UGottaLoveTheOneYou'reWith
Homer, Scott and Bryce have something in common at Valpo...
All three of them lost their first and last games as head coach here.
Tom Smith won both his first and last games as head coach here.
I like Jerry Palm's post on FB:
At 3:30, Valpo will announce that it has promoted assistant coach Matt Lottich to head coach. Lottich was a star at New Trier and Stanford. In related news, Homer Drew announced he has adopted Lottich.
Micah Bradford's dad just posted 40 min ago. This could be a positive sign of Micah staying with the team. https://twitter.com/barrybradford3/status/718161128099094528
Isn't it a bit odd that there is no announcement about the news conference on either Valpo Athletics or Valpo.edu?
My guess is they are putting the streaming on Facebook to grab more traffic to the facebook page and hopefully get people to like the page.
I like that Gore is staying on staff. I am very surprised that Bryce isn't taking him with him, but it shows even more continuity that will keep players around (hopefully).
Didn't Smith lose in the MidCon tourney in his last game?
But he also lost a buttload of game in between!
Quote from: valpopal on April 07, 2016, 02:49:35 PM
After it was clear Powell was moving to Vandy with Bryce, all indications were that Matt Lottich would be the choice. Matt has a strong background as a player, but more importantly he has recruiting connections in the Chicago region from his New Trier roots and overseas (both Europe and Australia/New Zealand) from his time abroad. In addition, during all the times I have seen him off the court interacting with the players, fans, and his family, he has revealed himself to be a personable presence. In fact, I would suggest his comfort with media could be greater than that of Bryce, who at times still seems a bit reluctant as a public figure.
At the press conference and Matt did not disappoint. Excellent first impression as head coach. I especially appreciated the sincere nod to Luke Gore!
Guy is funny, competitive, passionate and I don't think he said "um" or "ya know" once! Welcome, Coach Lottich go "get after it!"
I thought that was a great press conference, and it was fantastic to see that he gave Gore his recognition, as I am sure that Luke was disappointed to not be selected. That is a class act thing to do, and I am fully onboard the Head Coach Lottich train, as he keeps our team intact!!
Congratulations, Matt! We are all looking forward to next season.
Onward and upward! Coach Bruce now nothing but a distant memory.
I appreciated the realistic goal articulated by our new coach as part of the announcement -- i.e., To win at least a couple of games in the NCAA tourney (which he acknowledged we have not done for a long time).
Contrast that with Bryce's goals at Vandy -- i.e., To make it to the Final Four and "We will play in the national championship game." According to Vandy's AD, Bryce made the latter statement during his job interview, and it apparently had quite an effect on the AD!
Who is more likely to achieve his goal? With all due respect to Bryce, he might want to lower his sights a bit, perhaps on winning an NCAA tourney game or two before aspiring to the national championship game. Brad Stevens made it look easy, but he caught lightning-in-a-bottle, which is unparalleled in the sport.
I enjoyed the comment about the time outs. As well as his seeming focus on competitiveness and drive. A common woe has been what has seemed a lack of a killer instinct in the team at moments that matter. It will be good to see if Lottich can pull that out in a way that doesn't challenge team cohesiveness.
Truth be told, I would expect Bryce to make a Final Four before Lottich makes a Sweet Sixteen...we have had two legit opportunities to make the sweet sixteen since moving up to D1. Each time it took a once in a generation type talent. Bryce is a great coach with a power 5 budget behind him at a university known for giving its coaches a long leash.
Depending on what happens with Peters and Carter, we could be looking at a pretty big rebuild over the next couple of years.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I see Matt handing over the reins to one of his sons one day. #ValpoDynasty #LottichistheNewDrew
Here's a video off of youtube. "Miracle at Maples". Notice who is giving the pregame speech at the beginning...
https://youtu.be/4Vt_mxgmMY8
That is amazing and assures me the right guy got the job.
Just watched the press conference. Very impressive. It was especially encouraging to hear Matt indicate that the players are committed to staying together.
Congratulations to MLB for his quick and decisive announcement! I believe he has made a fine choice. Matt Lottich also provided an excellent first impression as head coach. In addition, I appreciate the loyalty of Luke Gore.
However, I was disappointed that President Heckler's comments at the press conference, on the Athletics website, and in a long e-mail distributed to the university community praising Lottich did not include a single word of concrete support to the basketball program or even a hint about the future of the physical facilities. This would have been an ideal situation for the administration simply to indicate it would build on the momentum of the NIT run and the team's new leadership by examining with the new head coach how the basketball program could be strengthened further for a more prominent national profile. It just seems another opportunity in a spotlighted moment for a public pledge of administrative support that would be welcomed by fans, alumni, and financial supporters was missed. This is the kind of thing that reminds me of missed opportunities in the period following the 1998 Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Can we expect a Coach Childress to show up in the next few seasons? His NBA career didn't pan out, so why not try coaching at Valpo? ;D
I don't want to be a jerk and will obviously give the new coach a try. Why didn't Bryce want to take him?
Maybe it was the other way around, and he didn't want to go, rather wanting to try and make his own way as a head coach at Valpo ;)
Quote from: valpopal on April 07, 2016, 08:17:45 PMdid not include a single word of concrete support to the basketball program or even a hint about the future of the physical facilities.
I was thinking the same thing. Would have been a perfect time for it. I assume there is none then because you couldn't have a better time to say something.
My favorite quote from Matt was that it's been a long time since Valpo won a game in the tourney and let's win one. To me he was framing and put our past level of success in perspective. We were comfortable with the Drew's but there's a huge hump this program was never able to get over. T25 wins and a recent NCAA win was the big black cloud that has hung over the programs head.
Also, where was Todd Ickow? If Todd left I think I would be more upset than Bryce leaving.
Ickow went with Bryce and Powell. Package deal, contract was just too good to pass up. :lol:
Mick, he just saw his HC and top,assistant get major pay days from Vandy. He watched a peer, who I assume knows and trusts, get a bump up. Lottich I am sure just got a major jump in salary as did Luke as he is now the Top Assistsnt. If he is seeing big picture, he is seeing that he is a BIG opportunity in front of him to develop his coaching acumen and provide himself a bigger out someday in the future, like is still a baby, despite his years here, in coaching circles. Plus, he may say, I really like Valpo and all it did for me and I don't want to leave them high and dry. Either way, he helps the continuity and works to our advantage.
Either way, if Luke stays and Matt leaves a few years down the road (due to high on court success we all hope) guess whose program this is? If we keep what we're doing and Luke stayed and is passed up next time, I'd be highly disappointed in the admin. Until we become a Butler, who always kept the job in house, we really are better served by promoting from within.
Excellent hire. Great job by the AD. Very impressed by the interview. The most important part of it for me occurred around the 5:49 mark when Lottich referred to the team as "my team" when speaking in the context of change. A very subtle reference, and one that easily could have been missed because it was quick, but the comment itself spoke volumes. That was the line of demarcation which officially closed the Drew era. This is his program now.
As an addendum to my last statement, Homer was part of the athletic administration. My guess is it would be Lottich or Powell who got passe the baton. Obviously Roger didn't want it. There was a succession plan in place behind closed doors I am sure and it include one or the other and not both. Bryce was taking one of them with home. That being said, Bryce would be a fool if he didn't keep one or two of the current Vandy assistants on staff to help with the tansitition, especially when they have so much returning. That means he could only take so many. Leaving us Lottich and Gore means our cupboard is far from bare from a coaching perspective and gives Matt an opportunity to bring in some guys he knows. Given his time in Chicago, at Stanford, playing for a top ranked team his time there, and overseas, I'm sure he made some GOOD connections that would wet him in Valparaiso, IN.
CrusaderJoe, I liked that too. Time to really close the chapter. I've only been around the program for a few years but always loved the vibe and atmosphere that made up Valpo U. The Drews only went so far in creating that vibe. This is Matt's team for worse or more likely better. I love his attitude and the fact the kids all like him. If he can sell all,these kids to,stay, I trust he can sell a recruit. What Micah Brsdford's dad said spoke volumes as well. I'll tell you this, living in Illlinois and knowing some guys in the recruiting game, Micah will be. A steal for us. Think Keith Carter 2.0
I'm feeling good today with the Lottich hire and Presser, and the new Star Wars Rogue One Trailer came out today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wji-BZ0oCwg
So,what you're saying VU2014 is Matt Lottich is Rogue One!! ::) ::) ;D
Men's basketball
Valparaiso's players endorse Lottich
Paul Oren Times Correspondent Updated 5 min ago
VALPARAISO — The members of the Valparaiso men's basketball team read social media just as much as anyone else, so when word came down that Bryce Drew was departing for Vanderbilt, the players came together and a made a decision.
"It was about unity for us," Valparaiso junior Shane Hammink said. "We knew that Coach Drew was about to leave so we wanted to meet and we wanted to make sure this team stayed together."
Hammink, Tevonn Walker and David Skara all talked Thursday afternoon following Matt Lottich's introductory press conference as Valparaiso's new basketball coach that keeping the team together was of utmost importance. The players ranged in their answers from "very confident" to "nearly 100 percent" when asked if they would all be returning to Valparaiso next season. What was abundantly clear was that the current players were thrilled for Lottich.
"I'm very happy for him," Walker said. "It was a good decision. We had a meeting today and we're all excited."
Keeping the current roster together has become job one for Lottich and assistant coach Luke Gore. If Thursday's press conference is any indication, Lottich will play well with the community and with future recruits, but keeping the current players happy will be what helps Valparaiso keep the positive momentum going forward from this season's National Invitational Tournament run.
"This is great because we already know Coach Lottich," Skara said. "It's easier when you know the person and you they know who you are. This was important, the hiring of Coach Lottich."
The players met by themselves on Monday and then met with Drew and Lottich on Tuesday afternoon when Drew announced he was leaving for Vanderbilt. Valparaiso director of athletics Mark LaBarbera met with the players Wednesday to walk the team through the process and Lottich held his first team meeting 30 minutes before he was introduced as the new head coach.
"This is one of the closest teams I've ever been around," Lottich said. "This team loves each other. This team wants to play with one another. This team actually had a team-only meeting talking about how they wanted to stay together. That shows their character and shows their commitment to this university."
With Alec Peters' status up in the air for next season, Hammink, Walker and Skara are expected to be three key leaders on the team along with Jubril Adekoya. The late signing period is right around the corner and Lottich will be looking to fill his staff quickly as the Crusaders have at least three open scholarships remaining. Lottich served as incoming freshman Micah Bradford's primary recruiter and all signs point to the Bradley-Bourbonnais point guard honoring his commitment to Valparaiso and arriving on campus this summer.
I still don't get why Powell was not involved in any team meeting. I assume that he will return to Valpo to say goodbye eventually, but why not be involved in that Tuesday meeting?
That is a great question tx. I am going to honest if Drew left, which he did, Powell was my 1A and Lottich my 1B. Powell had more experience in my book but he didn't want the job apparently. His loss, Matt's gain. BUT I thought it was his when we beat St. Marys at the ARC. When the students swarmed to the court and he came out and addressed the crowd and prayed with the students in a full court prayer circle, I thought a proverbial baton was being passed as Drew normally did that. I figured Drew knew he was going elsewhere...Apparently Bryce had premonitions about Vandy...
Since he recruited a lot of these kids, the noble thing to do would be to man up and address them. I am sure there are many of them with hurt feelings. For gosh sakes they are young men but mere young men!!! Maybe that's why earlier my daughter mentioned Tevonn and Jubril looking else where as they felt they were slighted. But in any fashion, he gave an impassioned speech but like I heard from Drew, it really didn't mean much as they both talked about the future here and both are gone. Meanwhile, guys in the MBB locker room who came based on their words are left.
The return flight from Nashville didn't arrive until almost 7pm tonight. I assume that Powell left on the flight with Bryce to interview, not knowing if he had the job at that point. I'm sure he'll meet with the team soon.
Also worth noting, a round-trip flight on Thursday from Porter County to Ohio State?
Jake Diebler, come on down!!! Or, is it Greg Paulus? My bet is on the former...
Another one to South Bend. I'm not sure if that's a coincidence or if we're going to snag someone from Mike Brey's staff.
Then again, I see that exact same plane has a flight from Ohio State to Nashville scheduled for today.
Is Drew adding Diebler or Paulus to his Vanderbilt staff? I'm so confused...
Quote from: rogerwilco on April 08, 2016, 12:44:03 AM
The return flight from Nashville didn't arrive until almost 7pm tonight. I assume that Powell left on the flight with Bryce to interview, not knowing if he had the job at that point. I'm sure he'll meet with the team soon.
Also worth noting, a round-trip flight on Thursday from Porter County to Ohio State?
Jake Diebler, come on down!!! Or, is it Greg Paulus? My bet is on the former...
Another one to South Bend. I'm not sure if that's a coincidence or if we're going to snag someone from Mike Brey's staff.
Good detective work.
I have been a long time visitor to this board, Valpo season ticket holder, and greatly admire the passion on this board. The one thing I have never done is post on this forum for a myriad of reasons.
I did want to lend some clarity to a topic that keeps being discussed. Coach Powell missed the team meeting Tuesday because he was still with his family in Houston at the final 4 and no personal decision had been made. In fact, he returned to Valpo late last night I believe (essentially he has been gone for 11 straight days, since the team left for NY).
If you know coach Powell or anyone else that was on the staff this season, then you know how much they love each other and their players. These transitions are never easy for anyone involved: players, fans, or coaches. Both the Valpo and Vandy programs are in great hands and are now led by great individuals with Valpo roots. Changes such as this don't always end up that way!
[tweet]718289548011249665[/tweet]
Between 99's post and Pauls tweet, we have a good picture of what has transpired regarding Roger. Wish the guy well in Nashville. In retrospect, ML had three really good guys to choose from. Roger opted out, but listening to Lottich yesterday convinced me that we will be fine. I think he will bring a lot more intensity to practices and each game.
So now it's Friday -- seems like Monday was a month ago. I'm already missing the almost second by second posts swirling around the Drew departure, the interminable wait for his replacement to be announced and the speculation over who it would be. I'm thinking the 2016 Recruiting thread is gonna be the new hot spot on this board for a least the next month along with continued speculation on Alec's eventual decision.
Anyway, best wishes Coach Lottich, good luck Alec at the NBA combine, and GO VALPO!
Just being real, but one cannot judge by a press conference. I've seen really good coaches who are terrible at PR and I've seen bad coaches be a fan favorite because they good public speakers and say the right things.
I'm not saying one way or another, but please don't look too much into a press conference. The 1st press conference.
While I've been outspoken in my criticism of the university and administration, Valpo hit a home run with this hire. Excellent job!!
With the departure of Bryce and Roger that leaves two coaching slots to fill. Matt was the "O" Assistant from what I could ascertain. I don't know what Roger's technical/bench responsibilities were. I would assume Luke will continue to do what he was doing previously. Anyway, Matt has to find two assistant coaches. What kind of coaches will he be looking for to ensure that he and his staff have all the playing positions covered as well as overall O and D?
I would like a big man coach who can work with Derrick (I know Luke has had that responsibility but Luke isn't really a big man). Wished that Vashil had learned a drop step move at some point!
Other coach needs to be a recruiter type.
Recruiter type: Chris Artis.
Quote from: VUOR63 on April 07, 2016, 05:15:19 PM
Here's a video off of youtube. "Miracle at Maples". Notice who is giving the pregame speech at the beginning...
https://youtu.be/4Vt_mxgmMY8
Great video! Tiger Woods... what a sweater!
Fiery speech from Lottich pre-game, rebound! Great steel, and solid defense on the pivotal possession.
That is some band they've got.
Quote from: Chairback on April 07, 2016, 09:00:15 PM
Also, where was Todd Ickow? If Todd left I think I would be more upset than Bryce leaving.
[tweet]718462624086810624[/tweet]
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 08, 2016, 09:58:42 AMI'm already missing the almost second by second posts swirling around the Drew departure, the interminable wait for his replacement to be announced and the speculation over who it would be.
I'm not.
Ohio State assistant coach Jeff Boals will be the next head coach at Stony Brook.
We shall see what that means for the VU staff per Jake Diebler and possibly Greg Paulus.
Valpo84, Derrick has the best big man coach we could ask for, his dad. The Crusaderettes (who my daughter is part of) practice in the "old gym" knows Derrick as well. She said, they held off a practice for about 15-20 minutes while Derrick amd Rik worked on things about a month ago. Finally her coach is like sir, we have to practice.
All the talk about Greg Tonagel has made one thing abundantly clear, if Greg ever has any desire to be the HC at VU as long as Mark L is here Greg better get his butt on the staff. I think he would make an excellent assistant, but I really don't think he has any desire to leave IWU. I don't pretend to know Greg other than casually meeting him a few times on the bench so if someone has other knowledge I will stand corrected. Would be interesting to know how much Greg maintained his relationship with Homer and the Drew family and if his presence at VU would have made him known to Coach Lottich .
Eric Reveno just got fired from the University of Portland and is a great big man coach. Could Lottich use the Stanford connection and lure him to Valpo?
Valpodad89, then maybe we should add Rik to the staff 8-)
http://news-sentinel.com/sports/columns/Valpo-AD-drops-the-ball-in-ignoring-Tonagel?platform=hootsuite
Interesting article. I have no problem with hiring from within, but I think an interview would have been nice, just for due diligence. Hopefully there was at least some phone conversation between the two camps talking about what it would take to ever be a head coach here, because I do think Tonagel has something special about him.
The author has a lot of "opinion" in there. He should have gone to Paul Oren's tweets or how about seeking an interview with the AD about whether there was mutual interest and what, if any, discussions transpired. A quote from Greg about the process may have also been helpful. Frankly, it's shoddy reporting and best left for fish wrap.
There were reports about contact between Tonagel's camp and VU. It seems that the possibility was considered.
Leave it to Tom Davis to give his 2 cents worth. He finally puts something in his paper, other than news service articles, about Valpo and then it is criticism. Isn't it funny that he never mentions anything about Butler's problems, and never criticizes them.
In the article, Tom Davis says:
===
And in such, the Crusader leadership sent a strong message to any non-Division I coach – regardless of their success – that there is indeed a daunting – if not insurmountable - wall to climb if they ever aspire to coach at that level.
===
Does anyone see any thing wrong with sending such a message?
If you want to ever be a D1 coach, join someone else's staff and prove that you can recruit/coach at that level, otherwise, PEACE!
Amazing how Valpo follows the Butler model and he still finds a way to criticize. So far up Butler's...
Quote from: valpo84 on April 09, 2016, 11:43:43 AM
The author has a lot of "opinion" in there. He should have gone to Paul Oren's tweets or how about {FIRST} seeking an interview with the AD about whether there was mutual interest and what, if any, discussions transpired. A quote from Greg about the process may have also been helpful. Frankly, it's shoddy reporting and best left for fish wrap.
Agreed. And it is not reporting - pure opinion.
Quote from: Pgmado on April 08, 2016, 11:21:07 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 08, 2016, 09:58:42 AMI'm already missing the almost second by second posts swirling around the Drew departure, the interminable wait for his replacement to be announced and the speculation over who it would be.
I'm not.
Been busy lately? ;D
Quote from: valpo64 on April 09, 2016, 12:49:36 PM
Leave it to Tom Davis to give his 2 cents worth. He finally puts something in his paper, other than news service articles, about Valpo and then it is criticism. Isn't it funny that he never mentions anything about Butler's problems, and never criticizes them.
valpo64 you hit the nail on the head! I am sure that Tom is reading our forum and somehow came up with this brilliant angle of an article based on some of our posts just to kick VU in the shin. I will be asking him if he even talked to Greg or Mark and if he did why there were no comments attributed to either one of them. It really takes guts to write that article completely out of the blue when you haven't lifted one finger to cover Valpo in as long as I can remember. If Paul Oren had written this article I could maybe understand (I am sure he would have at least included some quotes from Greg or Mark), but to be completely unassociated with the program and then to write something this scathing is ridiculous.
I'm just surprised he didn't find some way to shoehorn in that IPFW belongs in the Horizon League.
Quote from: FWalum on April 09, 2016, 04:16:59 PMI am sure that Tom is reading our forum and somehow came up with this brilliant angle of an article based on some of our posts just to kick VU in the shin. I will be asking him if he even talked to Greg or Mark and if he did why there were no comments attributed to either one of them. It really takes guts to write that article completely out of the blue when you haven't lifted one finger to cover Valpo in as long as I can remember.
Next time you spot him holler, wave, smile then strut on over and deliver a sucker punch. This has powers of enlightenment that you can not imagine!
Valpo is one of the top 10 mid major programs in the country. It literally ranks above hundreds of other D-1 programs in standing. Can anyone think of even 1 NAIA D-2 coach that leap frogged hundreds of higher rated non D-1 programs, junior college programs, low major D-1 programs, and the pot full of lesser regarded mid major programs to become the head coach of a program of our stature? I loved Greg as a player, but if not for that fact his name would never have been mentioned, despite his success. Has anyone ever heard his name mentioned in regard to a head coaching vacancy anywhere in D-1? Has he ever been offered an Asst. position anywhere in D-1? Not that I've ever heard. Is he a great recruiter? Well, yeah, in small all white towns in northern Indiana like Bremen, and Plymouth, and Napannee. Would that translate to inner-city Chicago? The answer is anyone's guess since he's never ever done it before. As successful as Homer was he was never able break through that barrier. When Scott was Homer's primary recruiter, he never broke through. It took Bryce, Roger and Matt collectively to finally break that barrier. As hard as it was to establish, why in the world would ML risk losing it by turnimg over the keys to someone with a blank line on his resume for something that important? That article is completely ridiculous and the author is an ignorant :censored: for suggesting that ml somehow unfairly wrote Greg off. By the way, for the same reasons I just gave, I would not consider Greg for one of the Asst. vacancies either. I want to see someone that inner-city kids can relate to and trust. If there's a Roger Powell clone out there somewhere, let's find him.
Wow!! I along with a few other people commented on the Tom Davis article online on the News Sentinel and the comments got deleted by the website!! The comments were critical but completely respectful. That is ridiculous! A very thin skinned publication who doesn't want to get feed back on the article.
I encourage everyone to comment on the News Sentinel article.
I commented. I do wonder how many other head coaching openings gave an interview to an NAIA coach?
That is one of the worst researched articles I have ever read. I am sure that he was considered, but as wh mentioned, Valpo is of a stature that does not need to hire NAIA D-1 or D-2 HCs to the same position at our school. We are a few decades away from the need to do so. Our job would have been a top target for just about any P5 assistant coach, as well as the many mid and lower major HCs below our stature that would love to coach a consistent winner, and that is an obvious launching pad to a P5 HC gig. Greg was a fantastic Crusader during his playing days and when he was on staff. However, he really needs to get experience at an NCAA D-2 or D-1 institution as a HC, before he is going to be considered for our HC job.
Let's get serious about this guys. As much as the Drews did for us, it is the culture of winning that has also helped us be a consistent winner. We have 2 losing seasons in the last 22-23 seasons? How many schools can say that??
To heck with a comment. I'm leaving him a voicemail and encourage all to do the same. Keep in mind, as I will, we represent the fan base of our school but I think a respectful message is in order. I for one think Greg should have been at least interviewed. But this is nothing more than a hit piece disguised as journalism. Complete garbage.
260-461-8240
Email: tdavis@news-sentinel.com
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on April 09, 2016, 07:05:51 PMdisguised as journalism
To be fair, it's labeled as an opinion piece, not a news story, right? Still, particularly if the guy's other use a journalist, you'd hope he's stay on this side of the truth, make it maybe a little clearer what's on firm ground and what's speculation, etc.
Moving from NAIA to D2 is not going to help Greg's resume in any way. Both give scholarships and both have virtually the same caliber of players/athletes. D1 players who don't work out transfer to NAIA schools just as often as D2 schools. Lots of very talented athletes pick NAIA over NCAA because they have different restrictions.
So, with this understanding. The difference between the success of Linc Darner and the success of Greg Tonagel is not as great as this board seems to think.
That said. If it is the desire of Tonagel to be a D1 head coach, he needs to "play the game" and be a low-major D1 head coach or be an mid-major to high major D1 assistant.
Pearl did lots of things that Bryce couldn't do...
Scott, well...that's another conversation. :-X
Not a fear comparison, both Pearl and Ryan were long-time Big Ten assistant coaches prior to becoming head coaches - Pearl at Iowa and Ryan at Wisconsin.
Quote from: justducky on April 09, 2016, 05:33:00 PMNext time you spot him holler, wave, smile then strut on over and deliver a sucker punch. This has powers of enlightenment that you can not imagine
Sounds like a Trump tweet.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 09, 2016, 11:32:05 AM
http://news-sentinel.com/sports/columns/Valpo-AD-drops-the-ball-in-ignoring-Tonagel?platform=hootsuite
Interesting article. I have no problem with hiring from within, but I think an interview would have been nice, just for due diligence. Hopefully there was at least some phone conversation between the two camps talking about what it would take to ever be a head coach here, because I do think Tonagel has something special about him.
Quote from: FWalum on April 09, 2016, 04:16:59 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on April 09, 2016, 12:49:36 PM
Leave it to Tom Davis to give his 2 cents worth. He finally puts something in his paper, other than news service articles, about Valpo and then it is criticism. Isn't it funny that he never mentions anything about Butler's problems, and never criticizes them.
valpo64 you hit the nail on the head! I am sure that Tom is reading our forum and somehow came up with this brilliant angle of an article based on some of our posts just to kick VU in the shin. I will be asking him if he even talked to Greg or Mark and if he did why there were no comments attributed to either one of them. It really takes guts to write that article completely out of the blue when you haven't lifted one finger to cover Valpo in as long as I can remember. If Paul Oren had written this article I could maybe understand (I am sure he would have at least included some quotes from Greg or Mark), but to be completely unassociated with the program and then to write something this scathing is ridiculous.
For another perspective, how about Mike Hutton in the Trib....
[tweet]718936915429441538[/tweet]
Since when has Tom Davis researched any article about Valpo. Funny he never had a problem with his Bulldogs doing it the Butler way by continuing to hire from within, with perhaps the current coach who I believe was a player and asst.coach at BU altho I'm not sure about that. The entire past season he never wrote an article about VU even though I believe we had more Div. 1 wins than any D-1 school in IN. And, he is the Sports Editor.
Davis' column contains presumptions, but at least he has great passion in support of Tonagel. Keep in mind this is just the sports guy for the Fort Wayne local paper, which is not the New York Times or even the (higher circulation and more highly regarded) Times of NW Indiana.
Quote from: atkins on April 10, 2016, 09:11:27 PMjust the sports guy for the Fort Wayne local paper, which is not the New York Times or even the (higher circulation and more highly regarded) Times of NW Indiana.
Huh. Whattaya know?
I'd begun to think of Ft. Wayne as surprisingly a sort of "urban" center. But, I guess Lake and Porter county together are substantial.
Post Tribune might be around 50k circulation, Ft. Wayne's Journal Gazette closer to 60k, and the NW Indiana Times maybe more like 80k or 90k.
That other Times has about 1.5M paid digital subscribers, 600k print. Behind maybe only the Wall Street Journal, among American papers. (The Tribune does about 400k and the Sun Times a bit more.)
From items I've seen in the NWI Times they also cover parts of the South Chicago suburbs.
It appears that the paper has removed all of our comments from the website. I didn't think any of them were that horrible. Papers should welcome that kind of discussion on their website!
Quote from: bsmith21 on April 11, 2016, 06:00:08 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on April 10, 2016, 07:03:57 PMSince when has Tom Davis researched any article about Valpo. Funny he never had a problem with his Bulldogs doing it the Butler way by continuing to hire from within, with perhaps the current coach who I believe was a player and asst.coach at BU altho I'm not sure about that. The entire past season he never wrote an article about VU even though I believe we had more Div. 1 wins than any D-1 school in IN. And, he is the Sports Editor.
Couple things
1.Holtmann went to Taylor University
2. He was the head coach at Gardner-webb then was an assistant coach at Butler for 1 year and then became interim coach after miller took a medical leave
3. Until we win a NCAA tournament (in the near past) we will not get nearly as much press as we think we should
4. We did have more wins but our only good win was against Ore. St.
5. Most important what he says doesn't matter to how valpo ends up doing with our new head coach
I think you're completely missing the point - it's not whether Butler is more relevant than Valpo, or if Valpo should be covered more, or that Valpo didn't have enough good wins because nobody wanted to play us, it's that he literally only writes articles to dump on Valpo. I think it's reasonable to point out his hypocrisy and shoddy journalism (or whatever it's called).
In Indy, Butler is far more relevant but in Chicago, we should capitalize on the irrelevance of DePaul, Loyola, UIC and Northwestern. Chicago has a far better populated area. We have relevance in context to those bumbling schools. How we capitalize on that is up to the university and their marketing department.
Quote from: a3uge on April 11, 2016, 06:31:13 PM
Quote from: bsmith21 on April 11, 2016, 06:00:08 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on April 10, 2016, 07:03:57 PMSince when has Tom Davis researched any article about Valpo. Funny he never had a problem with his Bulldogs doing it the Butler way by continuing to hire from within, with perhaps the current coach who I believe was a player and asst.coach at BU altho I'm not sure about that. The entire past season he never wrote an article about VU even though I believe we had more Div. 1 wins than any D-1 school in IN. And, he is the Sports Editor.
Couple things
1.Holtmann went to Taylor University
2. He was the head coach at Gardner-webb then was an assistant coach at Butler for 1 year and then became interim coach after miller took a medical leave
3. Until we win a NCAA tournament (in the near past) we will not get nearly as much press as we think we should
4. We did have more wins but our only good win was against Ore. St.
5. Most important what he says doesn't matter to how valpo ends up doing with our new head coach
I think you're completely missing the point - it's not whether Butler is more relevant than Valpo, or if Valpo should be covered more, or that Valpo didn't have enough good wins because nobody wanted to play us, it's that he literally only writes articles to dump on Valpo. I think it's reasonable to point out his hypocrisy and shoddy journalism (or whatever it's called).
Tom wrote 2 articles that included Valpo coverage this past year. One was about the IPFW game, (a game he better have written about considering it was a Fort Wayne Team) and the "AD dropped the ball" article. The NIT articles were all AP stories. In my twitter conversation with TD about Derrik Smits (a player TD seemed to be actively recruiting for Butler, interviewing either Derrik or Rik 4 times on then News-Sentinel video channel and YouTube) going to Valpo, TD informed me that Derrik
"didn't continue to progress at a rate that the high-major coaches wanted to see. Valpo good fit for him." Arguably an accurate statement I suppose, but could have been said in a less snarky way. I'm sure Butler wouldn't have kicked him to the curb if he had committed there and that TD quite possibly would have had a different assessment.
Everyone on this board knows that I think the Fort Wayne papers should do a better job of covering VU basketball. I know we aren't nationally relevant like IU, Purdue and perhaps Butler, but in a Lutheran town that quite literally helped birth the current iteration of the school, I don't understand the lack of awareness and almost disdain for Valpo coverage. We can get articles in SI but we are not relevant enough for the local Fort Wayne media. Contrast our article to this one from TD about Butler's transition. Holtmann Takes Unforeseen Route to Coaching Goal (http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/Holtmann-takes-unforeseen-route-to-coaching-goal).
Oh by the way, TD does seem to like Greg Tonagel and has written some very respectful and complimentary pieces about IWU and Greg in the past 12-14 months.
I'm really confused about why people should care about what one turd-burglar newspaper writer from Fort Wayne(!) has to say about anything.
This was probably his most-successful column because all of you clicked on his article (troll bait success).
He'll probably write more of the same because it got so much feedback. Some of you need to learn to not take the bait.
Relax. Who cares? Don't take the bait. Jeez, is this your first rodeo per media trolling? Wake up. It's an honor to be trolled. Don't feed 'em.
Some pisswhistle 1.5 hours east on Route 30 has a shaded opinion? Nah, I'm good. Really, do you care? I sleep well.
Quote from: rogerwilco on April 12, 2016, 01:21:03 AM
I'm really confused about why people should care about what one turd-burglar newspaper writer from Fort Wayne(!) has to say about anything.
This was probably his most-successful column because all of you clicked on his article (troll bait success).
He'll probably write more of the same because it got so much feedback. Some of you need to learn to not take the bait.
Relax. Who cares? Don't take the bait. Jeez, is this your first rodeo per media trolling? Wake up. It's an honor to be trolled. Don't feed 'em.
Some pisswhistle 1.5 hours east on Route 30 has a shaded opinion? Nah, I'm good. Really, do you care? I sleep well.
(https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png)
Quote from: a3uge on April 12, 2016, 06:53:59 AM
Quote from: rogerwilco on April 12, 2016, 01:21:03 AM
I'm really confused about why people should care about what one turd-burglar newspaper writer from Fort Wayne(!) has to say about anything.
This was probably his most-successful column because all of you clicked on his article (troll bait success).
He'll probably write more of the same because it got so much feedback. Some of you need to learn to not take the bait.
Relax. Who cares? Don't take the bait. Jeez, is this your first rodeo per media trolling? Wake up. It's an honor to be trolled. Don't feed 'em.
Some pisswhistle 1.5 hours east on Route 30 has a shaded opinion? Nah, I'm good. Really, do you care? I sleep well.
(https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png)
OMG how did you know I was emailing TD again at 1AM last night. Not Kidding
89 - you have a point, but there has been a long debate to whether Valparaiso is part of Chicagoland, not to mention they are in Indiana instead of Illinois. Many folks in Valpo for strange reasons do not want to be associated with Chicagoland.
College basketball in Chicago is definitely at an alltime low, and it should not be that way.
Quote from: bsmith21 on April 11, 2016, 06:00:08 PM3. Until we win a NCAA tournament (in the near past) we will not get nearly as much press as we think we should
There really is no need to constantly point this out. We all know this depressingly well already.
It would be cool if the Athletic Strategic Plan would list "win at least one freaking NCAA Tournament Game" as an objective. Then, because Department plans emanate from the overall enterprise SP, the BofT will suddenly realize they have to shove funds to the Athletic Department to meet their responsibilities. that's assuming that the BofT assumed that they must have approved the Athletic Departments Plan. :rotfl:
RogerWilco and a3uge nail meet head, spot on. And Usc4valpo, living in Chicago and knowing how frustrated people are every year for the last few, to want a winning college program, despite what the Valpo residents want, sell ourselves to the disenfranchised. DePaul and Loyola will suck for the next few years, Chris Collins cannot get NU going plus he's destined to be another failure from the Coach K tree. Heck, ND is an hour, an hour and a half east of Valpo and they get big time Chicago media coverage. Both football and basketball. We did get some pub on both ESPN and WSCR with our NIT run. Boers and Bernstein talked about Valpo for 15-30 minutes when we were playing in the NIT Championship that night. That is some positive local press.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 12, 2016, 07:41:25 PMBoers and Bernstein talked about Valpo for 15-30 minutes when we were playing in the NIT Championship that night.
I just listened to the entire show from 3/31. Nary a Valpo mention. Which day were you referring to?
I thought it was 3/31, maybe it was 3/30 or even 3/29. It was towards the end of the show when Laurence Holmes comes on right before his show for like the last 10-15 minutes and they spitball stuff. I remember him mentioning Valpo's run and speaking to Bryce a few weeks earlier. he mentioned Valpo's run and they should've made the Tournament in hindsight.
I probably embellished the time of it as sitting in Chicago traffic on I 55 makes one feel like 5 minutes is 15.
And stlVUfan, if I made you listen to a whole day of Boers & Bernstein, my apologies. I owe you a beer or five because of that.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 13, 2016, 07:06:48 PM
I thought it was 3/31, maybe it was 3/30 or even 3/29. It was towards the end of the show when Laurence Holmes comes on right before his show for like the last 10-15 minutes and they spitball stuff. I remember him mentioning Valpo's run and speaking to Bryce a few weeks earlier. he mentioned Valpo's run and they should've made the Tournament in hindsight.
I probably embellished the time of it as sitting in Chicago traffic on I 55 makes one feel like 5 minutes is 15.
And stlVUfan, if I made you listen to a whole day of Boers & Bernstein, my apologies. I owe you a beer or five because of that.
If you don't mention that Valpo hasn't won an NCAAT game since '98 that will make up for it.............oooops!
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 13, 2016, 07:06:48 PM
I thought it was 3/31, maybe it was 3/30 or even 3/29. It was towards the end of the show when Laurence Holmes comes on right before his show for like the last 10-15 minutes and they spitball stuff. I remember him mentioning Valpo's run and speaking to Bryce a few weeks earlier. he mentioned Valpo's run and they should've made the Tournament in hindsight.
I probably embellished the time of it as sitting in Chicago traffic on I 55 makes one feel like 5 minutes is 15.
And stlVUfan, if I made you listen to a whole day of Boers & Bernstein, my apologies. I owe you a beer or five because of that.
I had actually listened to at least one of the segments already. I didn't actually sample the 5th hour yesterday, I just assumed I had already listened to it.
No worries. I do enjoy them at times. Who Ya Crappin' is must listen for me, as well as Friday Fung. I like the way they do the 2nd Half, too.
LOL, just listened to transition all 3 nights. Nary a word about Valpo ;)
No big deal. The last place I crave Valpo attention from is WSCR. When it comes to College Basketball, the afternoon show is on my pay-no-mind-list.
StlVUfan, I have a friend that works over there (WSCR) and I'll see what I can come up with. Apparently Holmes did an interview with Bryce a few weeks earlier and talked about that and Bernstein in particular mentioned how sad a state of affairs Chicago college basketball was in that we recognize Valpo as being a Chicago team. He went onto say how well we were coached and that we should get more recognition had a had a yada. To the point I wanted to hold him to his commentary and do a "who you crappin" back at him. I too love that segment.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 16, 2016, 02:03:02 AM
StlVUfan, I have a friend that works over there (WSCR) and I'll see what I can come up with. Apparently Holmes did an interview with Bryce a few weeks earlier and talked about that and Bernstein in particular mentioned how sad a state of affairs Chicago college basketball was in that we recognize Valpo as being a Chicago team. He went onto say how well we were coached and that we should get more recognition had a had a yada. To the point I wanted to hold him to his commentary and do a "who you crappin" back at him. I too love that segment.
I still have the LoHo interview on my thumb drive, I do remember that. After the interview was over he said he'd changed his mind a bit after talking to Bryce about Valpo's worthiness for an at-large bid.
I will say I do not find Bernstein to be a power-conference homer at all. When he grouched about the 2010 title game he was just as dismissive Duke as he was of Butler. He was also pointing out to everyone that Butler was no Cinderella (they spent much of the year in the top 15 and some time in the top 10). He's also a Duke alum who can't stand Coach K (and can tell you insider stories from when he worked for the student newspaper). He likes really high quality basketball and can't stand "bad" basketball. As someone who has no room in his life for the NBA, I just have decided to reside in a different College Basketball universe than he does, which means I change the channel whenever they start talking basketball.
This article by Mike Hutton should inspire further conversation. I wonder if Greg had become Bryce's assistant when asked in 2011 if he would have been hired as the head coach now. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-ptb-mike-hutton-column-st-0424-20160423-column.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-ptb-mike-hutton-column-st-0424-20160423-column.html)
Quote from: valpopal on April 23, 2016, 09:41:00 PM
This article by Mike Hutton should inspire further conversation. I wonder if Greg had become Bryce's assistant when asked in 2011 if he would have been hired as the head coach now. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-ptb-mike-hutton-column-st-0424-20160423-column.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-ptb-mike-hutton-column-st-0424-20160423-column.html)
The article would carry more weight if it was accurate. Beard and Ryan both had over 12 years of D1 assistant coaching experience. Not hard to find...
AD's don't hire from the lower levels out of fear, not because of any data driven research that says that those with a D1 background are more successful. Recruiting channels between the various levels are not nearly as different as many on this board perceive them to be.
If Tonagel was really interested in being a D1 coach, he should have accepted Lottich's invitation to join the staff.
If he can really recruit and things go well, Lottich will move up in a few years and Tonagel will be HC. Otherwise, people will always wonder if he can recruit D1.
Valpo fan, you are a spot on. Unfortunately, guys from NAIA D2 to D1 jobs are not happening anymore. Especially with a team that had Valpo's RPI and run in the NIT. What would behoove them is to step down and assist at a higher level and cut their teeth to be positioned to get a better gig. If Tonegal thought, with Valpo's recent success, he was getting rolled a red carpet for the gig he's terribly shortsighted.
Not sure his career ambitions but had he took an assistant gig here, when Lottich leaves in 4-5 years, he'd be poised to take over the program.
Had Greg accepted Bryce's offer 5 years ago, we'd be referring to Coach Greg right now. He made a different decision; now he has to live with the consequences. He wasnt left out in the cold. He chose to stay outdoors.
Can we stop feeling sorry for him now?
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:28:56 PM
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
So are you saying Skara is staying now???
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 25, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:28:56 PM
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
So are you saying Skara is staying now???
I certainly appreciate your activity on the board, especially with myself being a rare poster, but your quick jump at any completely unfounded rumors or misunderstandings is downright exhausting. Not to mention, the near constant references to DePaul. (Might I suggest a new drinking game where we drink each time ValpoDad refers to DePaul or mentions that his daughter is on the dance team.)
Quote from: cmack on April 25, 2016, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 25, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:28:56 PM
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
So are you saying Skara is staying now???
I certainly appreciate your activity on the board, especially with myself being a rare poster, but your quick jump at any completely unfounded rumors or misunderstandings is downright exhausting. Not to mention, the near constant references to DePaul. (Might I suggest a new drinking game where we drink each time ValpoDad refers to DePaul or mentions that his daughter is on the dance team.)
Everybody's got their quirks. Look at me....................
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--cca6VRwI--/lgjahwhqkizmx6jr9bxh.jpg)
Quote from: cmack on April 25, 2016, 06:45:58 PM
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 25, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:28:56 PM
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
So are you saying Skara is staying now???
I certainly appreciate your activity on the board, especially with myself being a rare poster, but your quick jump at any completely unfounded rumors or misunderstandings is downright exhausting. Not to mention, the near constant references to DePaul. (Might I suggest a new drinking game where we drink each time ValpoDad refers to DePaul or mentions that his daughter is on the dance team.)
Whoa everyone! Let's all take a deep breath. Dad's comments have been valuable and he makes sure to qualify most of his observations. For me, the DePaul references add a context that show us what could be our fate if we do anything close to the stuff DePaul has pulled. The fact that his daughter has an ear into the VU athletic world is a lot more than most of us have. That is part of his qualifications. Face it, most of us are speculators, with few or no sources, on a lot of topics.
There is a vehicle for communicating more personal comments. It's called a PM and it allows for more in depth conversations that should be conducted with a little more privacy.
I have seen a couple of good contributors driven off because of personal comments, that IMO should have been shared privately, but were instead mentioned as a public post.
The fact of the matter is that we have a great group of enthusiastic and thoughtful members. We need to cultivate that asset.
With all due respect, his daughter is 0 for 2, so thus far she has as much insider info as me 12 hours away from campus!
Nonetheless, I do not want anyone to be driven off for any reason. There's no doubt ValpoDad has contributed far more to the board in six months than I have in a decade.
Maybe I am the only one with these thoughts but I'm Just making a suggestion to all to try to avoid jumping too quickly on rumors and innuendo that have no credibility.
My suggestion, and I am pointing fingers at nobody in saying this. CHILL out ladies and gents. This forum s/b a fun thing, not a "he said-she said" type thing. What is a fan message board for other than to exchange ideas, thoughts, and opinions, I would hope in a reasonably civil manner? I love the passion shown by all posters who take the time to contribute. To me it shows just how much Valpo and Valpo Athletics means to us all.
Like 62 said, the overwhelming majority of us (myself included) share what we think we know, hear, or read. Like Dad said, take it for what it is worth. I enjoy following the recruiting game within MBB, and try to share what I can there. As for me, when President Heckler, AD MLB, or the BOD makes an official announcement, then I will believe facility/venue building and renovation will happen and what is timetable envisioned.
As badly as I want to see a renovated ARC for selfishly my passion MBB, I think at a private school like Valpo given $$ involved to renovate, and fundraising needs for that and other projects, things take some time. Do I wish the BOD moved up our Athletics facility needs to higher priority....you bet I do! The FITT Athletics fundraiser began about 10 years ago and took what, about 7-8 years to happen in terms of building, with monies short for completing the track portion until a donor stepped forward. We all either need to wait patiently, or hope a mega million dollar donor (corporate or private party) comes along willing to donate millions toward Valpo ARC reno. #GoValpo
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 25, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:28:56 PM
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
So are you saying Skara is staying now???
Ask your daughter. ;)
Nice bro. But I guess you missed the Skara INSIDER info because he's GONE. I'm sure you make your parents proud being the ArcInsider and whatnot. And CMack what "rumors" did I provide that were unfounded, I posted what I heard and said TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH??? Did I say they were true???? The answer is a resounding NO. I'm 0-2 too by whatever metric you judge my posts. If I insult your intelligence so much skip past what I write, 'nuff said and pretty easy, isn't it? And ArcInsider, are you ticked that Drew was looking for a job while employed by Valpo or are you ticked at those that may be ticked that he left? Your posts paint a conflicting picture. I can't follow man. And being the "insider", how did you not know that Vujic was interviewing and may possibly take Skara with him if he didn't land the job. Inquiring minds want to know but I already know the answer, "ask my daughter." So much for "insider" info.
To those that appreciate what I say, thank you. For those that cannot stand that I invoke who my daughter is, well, take a flying leap. I love her and love the fact she chose this university as her destination for further studies. I loved this school the minute I came for a Game back in 2008. Way to rid me of something that I enjoyed, this board, but oh well. I try and justify my commentary and always caveat it by saying take it for it is for what is worth. I'm not sure who is reading so I try and justify where the info comes from. Valpo is a very tight knit and low student population, my daughter is good people. She hangs out at the trainers table with the athletes, she hangs out with some of these said athletes on campus and at parties. I only comment what she says because I assume many are alumni who aren't as close to the program then when they were on campus. Shoot me.
I invoke DePaul as that is where I came from and grew up with. Comparisons to the Valpo program are justified because they suck at what they're doing, are in the logistics of where Valpo is and Valpo has so much potential and every one of my posts enforces that. They play in a bigger conference that Valpo aspires to be in and it ticks me off that they collect checks for the sake of money rather than developing a program which I hope and think Valpo is doing. I've never said anything that points at DePaul being better than Valpo, Never.
ArcInsider, how can I argue with your great inside information and ability to discourse by saying "ask your daughter", you are truly a men amongst us posting boys. And CMack, you win, I will choose to watch my daughter, talk with her and enjoy Valpo basketball without ever posting a darn thing ever again. Enjoy the ride fellas, I'm out and done with dealing with crap like this. My bad, I just assumed from the people I encountered at this fine institution and had the pleasure to meet that this board (and there are so many darn good Indivduals here) would be much the same but it isn't as it seems some have their own agendas. Peace out, I wish everyone the best, no more words, Valpodad89
Hey pals, things have escalated too much in this thread. We've turned it to 11 when it should be at 6.
Let's take a couple of Brown and Gold chill pills and simmer down. It's the off-season.
Dad89 -
As '62 indicated, the personal criticism directed your way was unfair and unnecessary. That said, if I let a couple of negative comments from other posters run me off the board, I'd have been gone years ago. lol
Here's the truth. You have quickly become one of the best posters on the board - flat out. Don't change a thing. Period. End of story.
Now, get back on that horse. :)
Guys, VD89 is LAA. Thought that was pretty obvious. Glad to see him back though.
Quote from: a3uge on April 26, 2016, 07:01:50 AM
Guys, VD89 is LAA. Thought that was pretty obvious. Glad to see him back though.
No it isn't.
LaPorte Avenue Apostle is not old enough to have a freshman daughter at VU.
I like ValpoDad89 because we share almost the same identification. Don't go, you're entertaining!
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 26, 2016, 08:11:50 AM
Quote from: a3uge on April 26, 2016, 07:01:50 AM
Guys, VD89 is LAA. Thought that was pretty obvious. Glad to see him back though.
No it isn't.
LaPorte Avenue Apostle is not old enough to have a freshman daughter at VU.
I like ValpoDad89 because we share almost the same identification. Don't go, you're entertaining!
LAA has had a variety of alter egos.
Quote from: a3uge on April 26, 2016, 08:42:12 AM
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 26, 2016, 08:11:50 AM
Quote from: a3uge on April 26, 2016, 07:01:50 AM
Guys, VD89 is LAA. Thought that was pretty obvious. Glad to see him back though.
No it isn't.
LaPorte Avenue Apostle is not old enough to have a freshman daughter at VU.
I like ValpoDad89 because we share almost the same identification. Don't go, you're entertaining!
LAA has had a variety of alter egos.
Incorrect...
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 25, 2016, 10:21:05 PM
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 25, 2016, 06:22:38 PM
Quote from: ARCInsider on April 07, 2016, 01:28:56 PM
Very glad this is staying in-house. You all will be happy with the hire when you hear from ml at the presser. Players are staying, looks good for Alec too.
So are you saying Skara is staying now???
Ask your daughter. ;)
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 25, 2016, 11:46:57 PM
Nice bro. But I guess you missed the Skara INSIDER info because he's GONE. I'm sure you make your parents proud being the ArcInsider and whatnot. And CMack what "rumors" did I provide that were unfounded, I posted what I heard and said TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH??? Did I say they were true???? The answer is a resounding NO. I'm 0-2 too by whatever metric you judge my posts. If I insult your intelligence so much skip past what I write, 'nuff said and pretty easy, isn't it? And ArcInsider, are you ticked that Drew was looking for a job while employed by Valpo or are you ticked at those that may be ticked that he left? Your posts paint a conflicting picture. I can't follow man. And being the "insider", how did you not know that Vujic was interviewing and may possibly take Skara with him if he didn't land the job. Inquiring minds want to know but I already know the answer, "ask my daughter." So much for "insider" info.
To those that appreciate what I say, thank you. For those that cannot stand that I invoke who my daughter is, well, take a flying leap. I love her and love the fact she chose this university as her destination for further studies. I loved this school the minute I came for a Game back in 2008. Way to rid me of something that I enjoyed, this board, but oh well. I try and justify my commentary and always caveat it by saying take it for it is for what is worth. I'm not sure who is reading so I try and justify where the info comes from. Valpo is a very tight knit and low student population, my daughter is good people. She hangs out at the trainers table with the athletes, she hangs out with some of these said athletes on campus and at parties. I only comment what she says because I assume many are alumni who aren't as close to the program then when they were on campus. Shoot me.
I invoke DePaul as that is where I came from and grew up with. Comparisons to the Valpo program are justified because they suck at what they're doing, are in the logistics of where Valpo is and Valpo has so much potential and every one of my posts enforces that. They play in a bigger conference that Valpo aspires to be in and it ticks me off that they collect checks for the sake of money rather than developing a program which I hope and think Valpo is doing. I've never said anything that points at DePaul being better than Valpo, Never.
ArcInsider, how can I argue with your great inside information and ability to discourse by saying "ask your daughter", you are truly a men amongst us posting boys. And CMack, you win, I will choose to watch my daughter, talk with her and enjoy Valpo basketball without ever posting a darn thing ever again. Enjoy the ride fellas, I'm out and done with dealing with crap like this. My bad, I just assumed from the people I encountered at this fine institution and had the pleasure to meet that this board (and there are so many darn good Indivduals here) would be much the same but it isn't as it seems some have their own agendas. Peace out, I wish everyone the best, no more words, Valpodad89
ValpoDad89, I think you may have over reacted, just a tad. Yesterday, you quoted a post from prior to Matt Lottich being named coach. At the time Lottich was announced, everything looked great, and all players were happy. This is according to those close to the program, such as chef and Paul Oren. There was no indicator that Skara was unhappy, or would leave Valpo. When indeed that did happen, the two that were most surprised were chef and Oren. Didn't make sense. The "ask your daughter" comment had to do with the silliness of quoting something prior to the Skara situation, not with you directly.
We are all in agreement - we all support Valpo sports!
(http://49.media.tumblr.com/2694edccc3e66194057d9f54b2dec91c/tumblr_mnn50r2s4K1sosawio1_400.gif)
covufan, you're probably right, I may have and probably overreacted. But that comment was directed at ArcInsider as he made some comments in other posts that I thought were condescending, that I ignored and figured since he was the "inside" man, how did he not know Skara was leaving? Childish yeah, Sophmoric, definitely. But his last comment to me hit a sore spot.
Here's who I am, I came on this board in Novemeber and read a lot before I really started posting. I work in downtown Chicago, went to DePaul, was a fan since the late '70's and saw how a good basketball team can improve enrollment and offer so many other opportunities from a cash perspective to improve other campus projects that have nothing to do with athletics. I've also seen how an indifferent administration can turn that once proud program into garbage, which is where DePaul currently sits. I know this U wants to increase enrollment and expand over time. That's a way that's been proven by a school 80 miles ENE. I live near Midway Airport so a ride to Valpo is an hour or just a little more (60 miles to be exact). I went to 14 games BBall games and 5 football games this year so I was at the school a lot. Many of my clients are based in MI and IN so when I'm passing through on my way home a stop at Valpo is on my way. I have dinner and lunch with my kid and while she is a "dancer" she is not a sports geek so to say. She knows I am and parts of our conversations center on that sometimes.
I report what she says because she's tuned in to a degree with athletics, knows I love em and many, are not privy to what is being said or going on from a campus perspective. She's also currently dating a football player who was scout team his first 3 years and found out today that he is "invited" to this year's camp which means he's considered a bigger part of the team. I don't claim to be in the "know" and welcome any contrary opinions. I also have never "attacked" anyone. RogerWilco, who I have to come find out is one funny cat with a great sense of humor, showed me to have a thicker skin. I took exception to something he said and was totally in the wrong, I learned from it. Like I said, I ignored many sarcastic comments directed at me but I felt a couple got a little personal and I'm not going to sit idly by and let them go either, I stand by what I say, just trying to create a discourse during a usually quitter time in college basketball. I can deal with criticism but if I respect your opinions, all I ask is for the same favor in return. That's all.
As mentioned elsewhere, just giving you a hard time ValpoDad. I didn't intend for my comment to be considered "personal." My apologies if you took it that way and, obviously, you should keep posting whatever you'd like to.
:cheers: :cheers:
Arc, it's all good. I sent you a PM. Hopefully you read it.
Now that I'm getting to know others here, I'll vet the info given with some of you that are in the know and get some consensus before I post. I just know people are hungry for info and all I wanted to do is create conversation. I would never want to come across as a rumor monger, especially not with this school. Respect it too much for that.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 26, 2016, 09:25:49 PM
Arc, it's all good. I sent you a PM. Hopefully you read it.
Now that I'm getting to know others here, I'll vet the info given with some of you that are in the know and get some consensus before I post. I just know people are hungry for info and all I wanted to do is create conversation. I would never want to come across as a rumor monger, especially not with this school. Respect it too much for that.
Honestly, for the sake of your daughter, I'd be careful what you share to the board. Past and current players parents both read and post here, our PA announcer, play by play guy, even the AD... You don't want to put her in an awkward situation spreading true or untrue rumors which will come back to her. It's 2016 and with what you've already shared about your life, you're hardly anonymous. Not saying I wouldn't enjoy some juicy rumors (you can always PM me), but just giving you some advice to be careful.
A3huge, very solid points. Very solid indeed. I shared conversations but In this day and age, with media being what it is, can hurt more than help.
There are others who work in and arOund the athletic department lurking here as well besides those mentioned. :-X
Quote from: a3uge on April 26, 2016, 10:02:52 PMHonestly, for the sake of your daughter, I'd be careful what you share to the board. Past and current players parents both read and post here, our PA announcer, play by play guy, even the AD... You don't want to put her in an awkward situation spreading true or untrue rumors which will come back to her. It's 2016 and with what you've already shared about your life, you're hardly anonymous. Not saying I wouldn't enjoy some juicy rumors (you can always PM me), but just giving you some advice to be careful.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on April 26, 2016, 10:27:11 PM
A3huge, very solid points. Very solid indeed. I shared conversations but In this day and age, with media being what it is, can hurt more than help.
ValpoDad89 very glad you are remaining here with us on the board. It is very nice to receive validation from a non-alum as to the virtues of our school. You have put your love for your daughter and now VU on display and as a father and VU alum I appreciate both very much.
I do want to echo a3uge's sentiments on putting too much info out on the board for
all in the VU community to read. I even forget the consequences sometimes and I have been on this and the previous iterations of the VU forum for a long time. ;D
Does anyone know if ValpoDad89 will be back?
This is a very old thread, but I searched for the right one to drop this paste and this was it. Paul found this link and posted it on his twitter account. I urge every forum poster to read the article from Japan to get an even better sense of Matt's make-up and what he brings to the Valpo MBB HC job. This guy will win.
[tweet]805095125647052800[/tweet]
Quote from: Chairback on April 06, 2016, 06:05:37 PM
With Powell leaving to me the next logical coach if we are staying with someone in the current staff is Matt Lottich. He's played pro and had a great college career. Somewhere I read recently that he relates really well with the players. He has the trust of the players and any of our current recruits out there.
I'm putting my money as Lottich as the next coach. If so we need to support him fully. I'd love to see the next coach beat a T25 team or win a game in the tourney. Just maybe the next coach can get us over that hump we have had for 15+ years.
Well, Chairback nailed it.
Actually Valpo U and ML nailed it.
We were all comfortable with the Drew's because they had been here forever and had been successful. This change has been great as a fan.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/847990828811288576
DONT ELEVATE A THREAD LIKE THIS AND SCARE ME SO EARLY IN THE MORNING!!!
(Seriously though thanks for nice quote and it's a great unintentional April fools joke)