I want to kick this off before most of you disappear for the next 6 months. This and recruiting are typically our biggest off season topics of discussion.
By my memory we will be hosting Indiana St, Chicago St, Ball St, and Rhode Island while we travel to Missouri St and IPFW. At this point I believe we will remain a top 80 program with slim but not unrealistic at large type potential. Once again we will need to compile an at large quality list of opponents.
It looks to me that inclusion in the right exempt tournaments is the key to our OOC SOS. I would think being an excluded bubble team with NIT success might crack open a few doors that had previously been manned by armed guards.
We can go out and schedule Stanford (and then Cal and Saint Mary's while we're out in California), Baylor (and hit up Texas Southern while we're down there) and Vanderbilt (and Austin Peay while we're there). That should boost our RPI a little bit.
Exempt tournaments would be great. A trip to Hawaii for three games would be awesome.
Valpo didn't do itself any favors by winning home games against Florida State and Saint Mary's in the NIT. Now Power-5 schools have evidence of why they won't play in the ARC.
Quote from: Valpo89 on April 08, 2016, 04:21:38 PM
Exempt tournaments would be great. A trip to Hawaii for three games would be awesome.
Valpo didn't do itself any favors by winning home games against Florida State and Saint Mary's in the NIT. Now Power-5 schools have evidence of why they won't play in the ARC.
They won't play in the ARC anyways - we could have lost by 60 and they still wouldn't have come.
I still think Baylor should play Vanderbilt on Homer Drew Court... and we could schedule a second game of that as a double-header with St. Mary's to ensure a sell out.
http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2015/11/30/9810744/2016-17-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE-neutral-site
Scroll about 1/4 down the page. I think everyone will like what they see. :)
Wait a second, you were in the NIT Championship game and don't get invited to next year's preseason NIT?? >:(
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 08, 2016, 05:46:29 PM
http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2015/11/30/9810744/2016-17-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE-neutral-site
Scroll about 1/4 down the page. I think everyone will like what they see. :)
If it's for real, it'd be a good start!
Last year:
http://mgm.bdglobalsports.com/
So, potentially a four team bracket with BYU, Alabama, and Minnesota - including a consolation game. Don't know how they look next year. And, maybe it's not quite at-large material. But, I'd look forward to a crack at two of the three: decent SEC? quality WCC? not-so-good B1G? I suppose, resumee wise, this doesn't come close to @Oregon and @Oregon State. But, I'll admit I love the idea of P5 teams, even if they're only decent teams, on a neutral court.
Is it a third (and fourth?) game against teams, probably at the ARC, from the middle-weight division? I only glanced at it.
Odd note: Paradise Jam (St. Thomas, USVI) lists Loyola of Chicago Rams representing the Horizon League
Quote from: SanityLost17 on April 08, 2016, 05:46:29 PM
http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2015/11/30/9810744/2016-17-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE-neutral-site
Scroll about 1/4 down the page. I think everyone will like what they see. :)
For anyone wanting to extend their stay, Vandy will be playing in Vegas on the 24th and 25th.
We are planning on traveling to Vegas for the games. Should be a lot of fun :thumbsup:
Quote from: bsmith21 on April 08, 2016, 09:03:20 PM
Man you guys got me excited for a second. That's at best 2 okay games. I'm not entirely sure what everyone thinks has changed for us. We had a decent run in the NIT and should be pretty good next year. Playing us is still a no win scenario for most major programs. I'm not sure what part of the equation people think has so drastically changed one way or another. I think a lot of people are overestimating the value and affect of getting runner up in the NIT.
The fact it's in Vegas is awesome. Couple that with neutral court games against BYU and/or Alabama - that's two top 100 games on a neutral floor. That doesn't even include other decent mid majors who might also be in the field. I don't know if the NIT had anything to do with it, but it really doesn't matter.
I believe this field was set back in the fall. It was just released recently.
Heavyweight Bracket (Hosts)
Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC) (BD Global Sports on YouTube)
BYU Cougars (WCC)
Minnesota Golden Gophers (Big Ten)
Valparaiso Crusaders (Horizon)
... the family of our former coach will have decisions... not only is Vandy in Vegas... Baylor is at the Virgin Island Classic ... on the same days...
But Who Cares???
Quote from: zvillehaze on April 08, 2016, 08:34:39 PMFor anyone wanting to extend their stay, Vandy will be playing in Vegas on the 24th and 25th.
I would probably be broke long before our second game rolled around so an extended stay likely isn't in the cards.
Wait! Maybe we can get Todd to teach us some basic Vegas survival tips. :thumbsup:
Quote from: bsmith21 on April 08, 2016, 09:03:20 PM
Man you guys got me excited for a second. That's at best 2 okay games. I'm not entirely sure what everyone thinks has changed for us. We had a decent run in the NIT and should be pretty good next year. Playing us is still a no win scenario for most major programs. I'm not sure what part of the equation people think has so drastically changed one way or another. I think a lot of people are overestimating the value and affect of getting runner up in the NIT.
Subtle change is better than no change. Oregon gave us a game and still were a #1 seed. Oregon St lost a home game to us and still got in as a #7. Maybe ND or Purdue or Butler will figure out that losing to the 2016 NIT runner up might not be a guaranteed prescription for disaster and might provide them with OOC SOS and RPI boosts? Small steps. Maybe another A-10 program inquires about a home and home? Small steps. Maybe Illinois St. forgives us for stealing Alec and agrees we can bring him over for the benefit of Washington Ill area fans? Small steps. Small scheduling improvements. You have to start somewhere.
Seems like a chance to rack up some more P5 wins. I don't care who it is against, but we need more wins against schools that people have heard of, even if they aren't basketball schools.
I would like one buy game. Would be nice to get one pay day. Oakland does it all the time and we bash it. I bash it. But one pay day would be good. I don't think this was answered when I last asked, but did Oregon pay us?
Quote from: oklahomamick on April 09, 2016, 07:13:42 AMI would like one buy game. Would be nice to get one pay day.
If we can find them, 2 buy games might be better. The untouchable status we held in 15-16 shouldn't be quite as bad now. We do not need the complete top 50 making inquiries, just having a couple of them returning our phone calls would be a good start. I am not expecting the floodgates to suddenly open but a simple buy game or 2 might now be almost doable.
That Scott Drew guy that has been ducking us for years no longer has an excuse. :o
No matter what, games against these schools boost RPI as they play tough teams through January and February and give us a reason to root for some p5 schools we normally wouldn't root for, especially if we win those games. It also gives us some TV exposure which is always good as thes tourneys are televised nationally somewhere. And lastly, it gives current kids excitement going to someplace warm or exotic to play and helps recruiting as well.
Oakland has set their OOC schedule already. Away at Michigan State. Georgia on the Blacktop. The rest of the schedule is pretty much mid-majors plus a preseason tournament. Kampe has indeed backed off from the 8 killer body bag games of the past.
[tweet]730151854689128452[/tweet]
As for us: We know URI will be at the ARC. We also know we are playing at the Las Vegas tournament. Indiana State is on the schedule for a home game, right?? Anybody know of any others right now?
Body bags. Love it. I do agree wtih the desire to beat some P5 teams who people know at a glance. Let's seek out some ACC games and take a pay day.
In case this hasn't been mentioned: Valpo will play Alabama in their opening game of the Las Vegas tournament on 11/21. BYU plays St. Louis in the other "heavyweight bracket" opening game. Results determine the second game match-ups on 11/23.
Cool! Bama was 18-15 last season and lost in the first round of the NIT to Creighton.
Notable OOC Losses: Dayton (by 32-away), Xavier (by 19-neutral), Oregon (by 4 at home)
Notable OOC Wins: Wichita State (by 4-neutral), Notre dame (by 1-neutral), Clemson (by 1-away)
Quote from: justducky on April 08, 2016, 03:48:31 PMBy my memory we will be hosting Indiana St, Chicago St, Ball St, and Rhode Island while we travel to Missouri St and IPFW.
Add in Kentucky and that puts us at 7 games.
Quote from: valpopal on July 27, 2016, 06:47:43 PMIn case this hasn't been mentioned: Valpo will play Alabama in their opening game of the Las Vegas tournament on 11/21. BYU plays St. Louis in the other "heavyweight bracket" opening game. Results determine the second game match-ups on 11/23.
That puts us at 18 HL plus 9 OOC for 27 total. Looks like we still have a couple openings. Did I forget any? Do we have any hot rumors?
Quote from: justducky on July 29, 2016, 08:37:53 PM
Quote from: valpopal on July 27, 2016, 06:47:43 PMIn case this hasn't been mentioned: Valpo will play Alabama in their opening game of the Las Vegas tournament on 11/21. BYU plays St. Louis in the other "heavyweight bracket" opening game. Results determine the second game match-ups on 11/23.
That puts us at 18 HL plus 9 OOC for 27 total. Looks like we still have a couple openings. Did I forget any? Do we have any hot rumors?
I expect Valpo to play two home games that are part of the Las Vegas tourney. Alabama hosts Ball State and Coastal Carolina as part of the Vegas event.
We are not playing IPFW this year.
Any chance Nebraska transfer Bakari Evelyn scores huge points by netting us his former teammate and NE grad transfer Andrew White!?!?
6'6" Guard whose name was in the draft, but pulled out.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on July 30, 2016, 09:26:08 PM
Any chance Nebraska transfer Bakari Evelyn scores huge points by netting us his former teammate and NE grad transfer Andrew White!?!?
6'6" Guard whose name was in the draft, but pulled out.
I suspect there is zero chance. Andrew White is drawing interest from the cream of the crop in college basketball. I don't think he'd settle for Valpo. We will have to make it through the season with only one potential NBA first rounder.
Mans gotta dream big!
Missouri State has Valpo coming to Springfield on Saturday Dec. 10. Of course they have announced their schedule but not us...
Valparaiso will visit on Saturday Dec. 10 after a 30-7 campaign that included a trip to the NIT championship game. The Crusaders will celebrate their 100th season of men's basketball with one of the nation's top returning players in 6-foot-8 standout Alec Peters who logged team bests with 18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in addition to converting 85 percent of his free throws.
The Oregon game is now official.
Santa Clara at Valpo 12/22 per Paul Oren on twitter. Coached by Herb Sendek. Another WCC opponent after playing St Mary's and BYU in NIT.
This could be our strongest non-conference schedule ever--at least in terms of name recognition. :thumbsup:
Win a few games in the post season and amazing things happen!
Quote from: Pgmado on August 01, 2016, 01:05:56 PMThe Oregon game is now official.
Thats great but I hadn't even heard the unofficial rumor! :o
Quote from: vufan75 on August 01, 2016, 02:07:55 PMSanta Clara at Valpo 12/22 per Paul Oren
They finished with a 2016 RPI of 249. I wonder who they have recruited and what they are returning.
Quote from: FWalum on July 30, 2016, 04:43:23 PMWe are not playing IPFW this year.
Thats alright as long as they are replaced by a stronger team. I don't want to see them permanently gone from the schedule but every year might be a bit too much. Last year they actually helped our RPI. :thumbsup:
Ranking the Best In-Season College Basketball Tournaments in 2016-17 Season
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2654727-ranking-the-best-inseason-college-basketball-tournaments-in-2016-17-season/page/11
10. Men Who Speak Up Main Event
10 of 19
Dates: November 21, 23
Location: Las Vegas
Semifinals: Alabama vs. Valparaiso, BYU vs. Saint Louis
Dream Championship: Valparaiso vs. BYU
Not much is expected this year from Alabama or Saint Louis. The former lost three of its top four scorers, while the latter lost three of its top five and will likely face one more rebuilding year before resurfacing as a potentially nationally relevant program in 2017-18.
But the other two participants in the Men Who Speak Up Main Event should be two of the better mid-major teams in the country this year—and would give us a rematch from the 2016 NIT semifinals.
Of its top nine scorers from last season, Valparaiso lost four to graduation and a fifth (David Skara) as a transfer. Normally, that would be grounds for significant concern, but the Crusaders still have Alec Peters, who is one of the most unstoppable forces in the nation—mid-major or otherwise. And with the addition of redshirt freshman Derrik Smits—son of the Dunkin' Dutchman, Rik Smits—they might have a starting five that dominates the Horizon League en route to a third consecutive season with at least 28 wins.
BYU also lost some crucial pieces in Kyle Collinsworth and Chase Fischer. But the additions of freshmen T.J. Haws and Payton Dastrup, graduate-transfer L.J. Rose and the return of big man Eric Mika should put the Cougars in a position to compete in what may be the best West Coast Conference season ever. Gonzaga is a legitimate title contender, and Saint Mary's should open the season ranked in the AP Top 25, so a solid year from BYU would boost the tournament resumes of all three of those teams.
This game won't hold a candle to some of the others being played on Nov. 23 (Maui Invitational championship and Battle 4 Atlantis quarterfinals, in particular), but a showdown between BYU and Valparaiso could be massive for both teams come Selection Sunday.
Quote from: Pgmado on August 01, 2016, 01:05:56 PMThe Oregon game is now official.
Nov 17- there again- and its on a Thursday. Might we include a second game on this swing?
I still have hopes for Illinois St. Last I checked their OOC schedule is also unannounced.
You guys make any corrections need be.
Nov. 11 Coppin St. @ Valpo
Nov. 17 Valpo @ Oregon
Nov. 21 Alabama vs. Valpo @ The Men Who Speak Up Tournament in Las Vegas (Heavy Weight Semi-Final)
Nov. 23 BYU/St. Louis vs. Valpo @ The Men Who Speak Up Tournament in Las Vegas
Dec. 7 Valpo @ Kentucky
Dec. 10 Valpo @ Missouri St.
Dec. 17 Indiana St. @ Valpo
Dec. 22 Santa Clara @ Valpo
TBA Ball St. @ Valpo
TBA Chicago St. @ Valpo
TBA Rhode Island @ Valpo
Indiana State announced nonconferemce schedule shows Sycamore's at Valpo December 17th.
Where did you see Rhody at Valpo that day?
Since Ball St is already included in the Middleweight Bracket of the Men Who Speak Up Tournament might our game with them become part of the event? They are already listed as a tournament opponent of Alabama who will host them.
Quote from: justducky on August 02, 2016, 07:44:20 PM
Since Ball St is already included in the Middleweight Bracket of the Men Who Speak Up Tournament might our game with them become part of the event? They are already listed as a tournament opponent of Alabama who will host them.
http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2015/11/30/9810744/2016-17-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE-neutral-site#MGM
has Coppin State at Valpo and Ball State at Alabama, so I guess not.
Coppin State is an historically black college and university (HBCU) in Baltimore.
Talk about a tough schedule.
Nov. 14 at Valpo
Nov. 16 at Coastal Carolina in Conway, SC (guess what? It's near the coast by Myrtle Beach.)
Nov. 17 at BYU in Provo, UT
Nov. 18 at Utah in Salt Lake City (not part of the Men Who Speak Up Event)
Nov. 21 vs Ball State in Las Vegas
Not sure anyone mentioned this but I'm assuming this can only be good news and also probably gives the Athletic Department annual cash-flow boost with the recent success of the Men's Basketball team (our main bread-winner sport).
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/761617813635235841
"Valparaiso Athletics Signs New Five-Year Contract With Nike
Friday, August 5, 2016
The partnership between the Valparaiso University athletic department and Nike will continue through at least the 2020-21 school year, as the two entities announced today that they had reached an agreement to make Nike the official provider of Crusader uniforms and apparel for the next five years.
"We are excited to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Nike," said Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera. "As our programs continue to improve and continue to compete for championships, the ability to provide them with top-quality gear is critical. It is a strong indication of the quality of our coaches and student-athletes that the top global creator of athletics products and services would increase their investment in our program."
Nike became the official provider for Valparaiso University athletics beginning with the 2009-10 school year, providing uniforms and apparel for all 21 Crusader programs. The new five-year contract between Valpo and Nike represents a significant increase in value to the Valpo athletic department. BSN Sports will serve as the supplier of Nike products to Valpo.
"I'm pleased that our program's association with Nike will be continuing for the next five years," said Crusader men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich. "Nike is known nationally and internationally for being the leader in basketball shoes and apparel, and our players are most comfortable and feel their performance is best in Nike shoes. In addition, our affiliation continues to pay dividends on the recruiting trail when prospects look at Valpo Basketball and see Nike.""
Just a week ago, Nike announced it was discontinuing it's golf equipment line.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 06, 2016, 07:09:19 PM
Not sure anyone mentioned this but I'm assuming this can only be good news and also probably gives the Athletic Department annual cash-flow boost with the recent success of the Men's Basketball team (our main bread-winner sport).
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/761617813635235841
"Valparaiso Athletics Signs New Five-Year Contract With Nike
Friday, August 5, 2016
The partnership between the Valparaiso University athletic department and Nike will continue through at least the 2020-21 school year, as the two entities announced today that they had reached an agreement to make Nike the official provider of Crusader uniforms and apparel for the next five years.
"We are excited to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Nike," said Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera. "As our programs continue to improve and continue to compete for championships, the ability to provide them with top-quality gear is critical. It is a strong indication of the quality of our coaches and student-athletes that the top global creator of athletics products and services would increase their investment in our program."
Nike became the official provider for Valparaiso University athletics beginning with the 2009-10 school year, providing uniforms and apparel for all 21 Crusader programs. The new five-year contract between Valpo and Nike represents a significant increase in value to the Valpo athletic department. BSN Sports will serve as the supplier of Nike products to Valpo.
"I'm pleased that our program's association with Nike will be continuing for the next five years," said Crusader men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich. "Nike is known nationally and internationally for being the leader in basketball shoes and apparel, and our players are most comfortable and feel their performance is best in Nike shoes. In addition, our affiliation continues to pay dividends on the recruiting trail when prospects look at Valpo Basketball and see Nike.""
Does anyone know how partnerships like this work? Is it simply a quid pro quo (free uniforms for free advertising), or is there more to it than that?
Shouldn't our Mens b-ball schedule be finalized by now? Are we close to getting it done?
Not sure about Valpo's deal, but this site has details about many contracts. Big schools get their gear free and get paid. Smaller schools have purchase requirements and get the gear at reduced rates.
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/threads_and_laces/2015/09/nike-adidas-under-armour-ncaa-apparel-deals-2015.html
Quote from: RedHawk on August 08, 2016, 01:45:11 PM
Not sure about Valpo's deal, but this site has details about many contracts. Big schools get their gear free and get paid. Smaller schools have purchase requirements and get the gear at reduced rates.
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/threads_and_laces/2015/09/nike-adidas-under-armour-ncaa-apparel-deals-2015.html
Pretty informative. The table that breaks down agreements by school by conference are anything but one size fits all.
Quote from: oklahomamick on August 02, 2016, 12:11:35 PMNov. 11 Coppin St. @ Valpo
From the Coppin State website, this game is November 14th
Quote from: talksalot on August 13, 2016, 02:11:54 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on August 02, 2016, 12:11:35 PMNov. 11 Coppin St. @ Valpo
From the Coppin State website, this game is November 14th
Terrible RPI game. They finished 334 out of 351 D1 teams in the Sagarin rankings. Their conference was ranked 33rd out of 34. :(
Should not hurt too much (??) With Kentucky, Oregon and URI on schedule along with Bama and BYU/SLU...I hope.
Quote from: talksalot on August 13, 2016, 02:11:54 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on August 02, 2016, 12:11:35 PMNov. 11 Coppin St. @ Valpo
From the Coppin State website, this game is November 14th
I guess I assume people saw the schedule in my post
Quote from: bbtds on August 06, 2016, 11:52:31 AMNov. 14 at Valpo
Nov. 16 at Coastal Carolina in Conway, SC (guess what? It's near the coast by Myrtle Beach.)
Nov. 17 at BYU in Provo, UT
Nov. 18 at Utah in Salt Lake City (not part of the Men Who Speak Up Event)
Nov. 21 vs Ball State in Las Vegas
4,324 miles... Baltimore to valpo to Conway to Ogden to Las Vegas... hopefully no flight delays
Quote from: vufan75 on August 13, 2016, 05:52:34 PM
Should not hurt too much (??) With Kentucky, Oregon and URI on schedule along with Bama and BYU/SLU...I hope.
In absolute terms, it hurts the same regardless of who our opponent is. In relative terms, it may not sink us if we have otherwise strong scheduling, but when have we ever had that, especially when you consider our conference? We live on the edge as far as RPI, and that's why we get upset about every low RPI game.
Las Vegas tournament now finalized, per Blogging The Bracket. Valpo's 4th game is Southern Utah at the ARC on November 11.
http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2015/11/30/9810744/2016-17-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE-neutral-site#MGM (http://www.bloggingthebracket.com/2015/11/30/9810744/2016-17-college-basketball-early-season-tournaments-events-MTE-neutral-site#MGM)
Quote from: zvillehaze on August 15, 2016, 02:51:40 PMLas Vegas tournament now finalized, per Blogging The Bracket. Valpo's 4th game is Southern Utah at the ARC on November 11.
Correct me if I am wrong but it looks to me like one more game could be added before we are done. Any D-1 rumors afloat or might we add a local non D-1 home game? That trip to Oregon (11-17) followed by a 3 day gap before playing at Las Vegas (11-21 and 11-23) still has me wondering.
Quote from: justducky on August 15, 2016, 07:14:03 PM
Quote from: zvillehaze on August 15, 2016, 02:51:40 PMLas Vegas tournament now finalized, per Blogging The Bracket. Valpo's 4th game is Southern Utah at the ARC on November 11.
Correct me if I am wrong but it looks to me like one more game could be added before we are done. Any D-1 rumors afloat or might we add a local non D-1 home game? That trip to Oregon (11-17) followed by a 3 day gap before playing at Las Vegas (11-21 and 11-23) still has me wondering.
This from Paul Oren:
http://www.twitter.com/NWIOren/status/765284825104261120
Sounds like possibly we're still trying to find a D-1 opponent with Trinity being a fallback.
Let's put a nice beat down on SUU. They have been in the cellar of the Big Sky since joining that conference. We will forever owe them a beat down, due to Jeff Monaco and Fred House stealing our NCAA bid in 2001.
Quote from: valpotx on August 16, 2016, 11:59:17 AM
Let's put a nice beat down on SUU. They have been in the cellar of the Big Sky since joining that conference. We will forever owe them a beat down, due to Jeff Monaco and Fred House stealing our NCAA bid in 2001.
I still have some memories of a competitive rivalry but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since its heyday. Their RPI for the last 3 years has been 346, 304, and 336. It may be difficult for the team to not take them lightly. Nobody in the ARC (except our elderly fan base) will remember when they were considered a real challenge.
The only thing I can recall about SUU is that we had an eight-point possession against them one year at the ARC.
Quote from: justducky on August 16, 2016, 12:50:37 PM
Quote from: valpotx on August 16, 2016, 11:59:17 AM
Let's put a nice beat down on SUU. They have been in the cellar of the Big Sky since joining that conference. We will forever owe them a beat down, due to Jeff Monaco and Fred House stealing our NCAA bid in 2001.
I still have some memories of a competitive rivalry but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since its heyday. Their RPI for the last 3 years has been 346, 304, and 336. It may be difficult for the team to not take them lightly. Nobody in the ARC (except our elderly fan base) will remember when they were considered a real challenge.
Can we take a poll here and see how many remember the competitive rivalry with SUU and
don't consider themselves part of the elderly fan base. I'm in that group.
I don't see myself as elderly. ButAARP thinks otherwise.
Who remembers Fred House the guard who led them to the MidCon title that year in Fort Wayne when half the VU team was sick or injured? He got a tryout with the NBA and then farmed out somewhere, right? They had another really good player that year, but I forgot his name. They always seemed to knock out ORU or maybe it was just once. Also, the road trip from Valpo was a nasty long bus ride to O Hare, fly to Las Vegas, then bus a good ways to Utah.
[/quote]
I still have some memories of a competitive rivalry but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since its heyday. Their RPI for the last 3 years has been 346, 304, and 336. It may be difficult for the team to not take them lightly. Nobody in the ARC (except our elderly fan base) will remember when they were considered a real challenge.
[/quote]
This elderly fan remembers SUU, but since I am elderly, not many details.
Quote from: ValpoHoops on August 16, 2016, 01:29:38 PMThe only thing I can recall about SUU is that we had an eight-point possession against them one year at the ARC.
Thats it! We need an
Eight-Point Possession Commemoration Night. We will need players from the game, snippets of newspaper and or available video coverage, maybe Todd can give us a replication of his call. Bring Homer in for the Commemoration post game interview.
Think BIG!!! Action, Action, Action. Put them in a special 3 game ticket package with Indiana St and Rhode Island! How else are we going to get any non regulars sucked in for this event??? Wait a minute! I don't remember any eight- point possession game. Are you sure any of this really happened? Is it your alzheimer's kicking in or is it mine? ;)
Quote from: crusadermoe on August 16, 2016, 08:38:39 PM
I don't see myself as elderly. ButAARP thinks otherwise.
Who remembers Fred House the guard who led them to the MidCon title that year in Fort Wayne when half the VU team was sick or injured? He got a tryout with the NBA and then farmed out somewhere, right? They had another really good player that year, but I forgot his name. They always seemed to knock out ORU or maybe it was just once. Also, the road trip from Valpo was a nasty long bus ride to O Hare, fly to Las Vegas, then bus a good ways to Utah.
Remember that game very well. I had to sit next to Milo Stovall who was out with Mono and man was that a treat... NOT
Quote from: crusadermoe on August 16, 2016, 08:38:39 PMThey had another really good player that year, but I forgot his name.
Jeff Monaco, the fiery point guard. See, I'm not that elderly that I can't remember.
Valpo should ask Tom Douple to visit from Elmhurst and be its guest at the game. IIRC, he was the AD at SUU before he became Mid-Con commissioner, so both schools have a history with him. If nothing more, this would at least give Rick from the old message board the opportunity to complain in person about Tulsa and ORU hosting the Mid-Con tournament 10 years ago.
Sasha Stefanovic is rated 3 stars by Rivals:
http://www.rivals.com/content/prospects/172600
Quote from: wh on August 18, 2016, 05:19:24 PM
Sasha Stefanovic is rated 3 stars by Rivals:
http://www.rivals.com/content/prospects/172600
Am I reading it right that we have not made an offer to him yet?
Quote from: FWalum on August 18, 2016, 05:33:46 PM
Quote from: wh on August 18, 2016, 05:19:24 PM
Sasha Stefanovic is rated 3 stars by Rivals:
http://www.rivals.com/content/prospects/172600
Am I reading it right that we have not made an offer to him yet?
First, let me apologize for posting the Rivals 3-star comment on the wrong thread. I think the doctor called it early onset dementia ;). In answer to your question, the Rivals list is incomplete. Verbal Commits has the whole list, and his top 5 (including Valpo).
It also doesn't mention NIU, or Loyola or SJU as even in the mix, but they are in his top five along with us and Evansville. I think WH was focusing on the 3* more than the rest of the stuff. If he listed Valpo in his top five, we can be pretty sure an offer has been extended, don'tcha think?.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/sasha-stefanovic
Click on "Open" to see his final 5. Click on "Closed" to see his other 17 offers.
FYI, Rhode Island released their non-conference schedule last week... and they will be coming to the ARC on Tuesday, November 29.
http://www.gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20160815l3pm2s
I will say that I am excited that they are indeed coming to the ARC, but the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday doesn't scream "well attended game" to me. Given the Tuesday night time after the college football regular season and decent matchup, I would hope that this gets ESPN coverage and that would help things out. But, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for a Friday or Saturday Night game for Rhody and I already know I cannot make the trek for a Tuesday night game... :(
Updated Non-Conference Schedule:
Friday, November 11: Southern Utah at Valparaiso (Home Opener/MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Saturday, November 12: Trinity International at Valparaiso ("Tentative")
Monday, November 14: Coppin State at Valparaiso (MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Thursday, November 17: Valparaiso at Oregon
Monday, November 21: Alabama vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Heavy Weight Bracket Semi-Final)- 11pm CT
Wednesday, November 23: BYU or Saint Louis vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Final/Consolation)- 8:30 or 11pm CT
Tuesday, November 29: Rhode Island at Valparaiso
Wednesday, December 7: Valparaiso at Kentucky
Saturday, December 10: Valparaiso at Missouri State
Saturday, December 17: Indiana State at Valparaiso
Thursday, December 22: Santa Clara at Valparaiso
Missing: Home vs. Ball State? (Was Saturday after Thanksgiving last year in Muncie... Date still available this year...)
Home vs. Chicago State?
(Making for 13 Non-Conference plus 18 Conference for 31 Regular Season Games... we had 31 last year.)
Personal Thoughts: Very tough Non-Conference schedule for a first year head coach, and a schedule that some would have loved to see last year with more power conference teams. The thing that is missing is a team like Belmont last year, a strong mid-major that will compete for their conference championship. (No the A-10 is not a mid-major for those that believe that Rhody can win the A-10 with E.C. Matthews back.) A strong mid-major would be a great way to compare how we stack up to last year and of course with other good mid-majors this year. So...If we can still somehow ditch Trinity International for something the likes of an Akron, Ohio, Kent State, or similar team I would like that, but that's probably wishful thinking at this point.
Quote from: HailVU2014 on August 21, 2016, 01:44:43 AMI will say that I am excited that they are indeed coming to the ARC, but the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday doesn't scream "well attended game" to me. Given the Tuesday night time after the college football regular season and decent matchup, I would hope that this gets ESPN coverage and that would help things out. But, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for a Friday or Saturday Night game for Rhody and I already know I cannot make the trek for a Tuesday night game...
We played a Tuesday morning(?) game there last year so a return of like kind does not surprise me.
Even with our recent success Rhode Island still holds an advantage in scheduling power and more of their valuable weekends will be spent at home than us. Should our success continue I would anticipate an eventual return of occasional 2 for 1 or home and aways with the likes of Northwestern, Butler, Purdue, even ND. If or when these do return you could bet that our game would be mid week and they would host us for their choice of maximizing revenue. All of this assumes that we can maintain the highest level of mid major respectability.
Monaco was player of the year during that season. I am 35, and very much remember SUU bringing competitive games under Bill Evans. I taped that game on ESPN, and ended up on TV yelling some 'not nice things' towards Monaco and House lol. In addition to Milo being out with illness, Kikas Gomes was injured and did not play.
Quote from: HailVU2014 on August 21, 2016, 01:44:43 AM
FYI, Rhode Island released their non-conference schedule last week... and they will be coming to the ARC on Tuesday, November 29.
http://www.gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20160815l3pm2s
I will say that I am excited that they are indeed coming to the ARC, but the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday doesn't scream "well attended game" to me. Given the Tuesday night time after the college football regular season and decent matchup, I would hope that this gets ESPN coverage and that would help things out. But, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for a Friday or Saturday Night game for Rhody and I already know I cannot make the trek for a Tuesday night game... :(
Updated Non-Conference Schedule:
Friday, November 11: Southern Utah at Valparaiso (Home Opener/MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Saturday, November 12: Trinity International at Valparaiso ("Tentative")
Monday, November 14: Coppin State at Valparaiso (MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Thursday, November 17: Valparaiso at Oregon
Monday, November 21: Alabama vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Heavy Weight Bracket Semi-Final)- 11pm CT
Wednesday, November 23: BYU or Saint Louis vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Final/Consolation)- 8:30 or 11pm CT
Tuesday, November 29: Rhode Island at Valparaiso
Wednesday, December 7: Valparaiso at Kentucky
Saturday, December 10: Valparaiso at Missouri State
Saturday, December 17: Indiana State at Valparaiso
Thursday, December 22: Santa Clara at Valparaiso
Missing: Home vs. Ball State? (Was Saturday after Thanksgiving last year in Muncie... Date still available this year...)
Home vs. Chicago State?
(Making for 13 Non-Conference plus 18 Conference for 31 Regular Season Games... we had 31 last year.)
Personal Thoughts: Very tough Non-Conference schedule for a first year head coach, and a schedule that some would have loved to see last year with more power conference teams. The thing that is missing is a team like Belmont last year, a strong mid-major that will compete for their conference championship. (No the A-10 is not a mid-major for those that believe that Rhody can win the A-10 with E.C. Matthews back.) A strong mid-major would be a great way to compare how we stack up to last year and of course with other good mid-majors this year. So...If we can still somehow ditch Trinity International for something the likes of an Akron, Ohio, Kent State, or similar team I would like that, but that's probably wishful thinking at this point.
According to the season ticket order form in the mail, the price for bleacher seats is $10 higher than last year. That leads me believe that we may have 1 additional home game over last year. If so, your tentative schedule is missing 1 home opponent. Of course, the other possibility is that simply raised the price.
Read somewhere recently we host Ball State this coming season. Maybe that fills late November and early December schedule gap. Hoping it falls on Saturday. Much easier selfishly to make games on weekend.
Quote from: wh on August 22, 2016, 12:17:01 PM
Quote from: HailVU2014 on August 21, 2016, 01:44:43 AM
FYI, Rhode Island released their non-conference schedule last week... and they will be coming to the ARC on Tuesday, November 29.
http://www.gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2016-17/releases/20160815l3pm2s
I will say that I am excited that they are indeed coming to the ARC, but the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving holiday doesn't scream "well attended game" to me. Given the Tuesday night time after the college football regular season and decent matchup, I would hope that this gets ESPN coverage and that would help things out. But, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for a Friday or Saturday Night game for Rhody and I already know I cannot make the trek for a Tuesday night game... :(
Updated Non-Conference Schedule:
Friday, November 11: Southern Utah at Valparaiso (Home Opener/MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Saturday, November 12: Trinity International at Valparaiso ("Tentative")
Monday, November 14: Coppin State at Valparaiso (MGM Grand Main Event Undercard Game)
Thursday, November 17: Valparaiso at Oregon
Monday, November 21: Alabama vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Heavy Weight Bracket Semi-Final)- 11pm CT
Wednesday, November 23: BYU or Saint Louis vs. Valparaiso in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Main Event Final/Consolation)- 8:30 or 11pm CT
Tuesday, November 29: Rhode Island at Valparaiso
Wednesday, December 7: Valparaiso at Kentucky
Saturday, December 10: Valparaiso at Missouri State
Saturday, December 17: Indiana State at Valparaiso
Thursday, December 22: Santa Clara at Valparaiso
Missing: Home vs. Ball State? (Was Saturday after Thanksgiving last year in Muncie... Date still available this year...)
Home vs. Chicago State?
(Making for 13 Non-Conference plus 18 Conference for 31 Regular Season Games... we had 31 last year.)
Personal Thoughts: Very tough Non-Conference schedule for a first year head coach, and a schedule that some would have loved to see last year with more power conference teams. The thing that is missing is a team like Belmont last year, a strong mid-major that will compete for their conference championship. (No the A-10 is not a mid-major for those that believe that Rhody can win the A-10 with E.C. Matthews back.) A strong mid-major would be a great way to compare how we stack up to last year and of course with other good mid-majors this year. So...If we can still somehow ditch Trinity International for something the likes of an Akron, Ohio, Kent State, or similar team I would like that, but that's probably wishful thinking at this point.
According to the season ticket order form in the mail, the price for bleacher seats is $10 higher than last year. That leads me believe that we may have 1 additional home game over last year. If so, your tentative schedule is missing 1 home opponent. Of course, the other possibility is that simply raised the price.
Quote from: vufan75 on August 22, 2016, 06:04:23 PM
Read somewhere recently (not on this message board) we host Ball State this coming season? Maybe that fills late November and early December schedule gap. Hoping if true the game falls on a Saturday. Much easier selfishly to make games on weekend.
Quote from: vufan75 on August 22, 2016, 06:04:23 PMRead somewhere recently we host Ball State this coming season.
The Ball St game is not in question only the date. I suspect that this unnamed date and the Chicago St date are not finalized to supply us some flexibility for pursuing a much higher priority target. In a pinch either of these teams could be slotted in somewhere for a week night. Should this targeted opponent not be signed then Trinity will become a regular season game and Ball St and Chicago St will fill in the best available weekend slots.
I personally think whatever we are pursuing could be significant. I have trouble imagining us delaying our final schedule just because we are scrounging for another 300 RPI opponent. But -- Who knows! I am purely speculating!
Dare I ask, is anyone going to the Kentucky game? I have a friend whose daughter goes there and if she can't get us tickets we are still going. I already told him I am solid on Valpo gear is he? because he always roots for the underdog. Lets face it fellas and gals we are the underdogs. I already put the time off from work because no matter what we need repping and I will be there with full regalia on!!! Playing a young ULTRA talented team in their arena is tough but with what we have if there was ever an upset to be had it is then. I don't want to miss that opportunity. And if we lose so be it, I will take a beating like a man but I think if we don't win we play them solid for 40 minutes.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on August 24, 2016, 11:38:05 PMAnd if we lose so be it, I will take a beating like a man but I think if we don't win we play them solid for 40 minutes.
I'll certainly agree with this sentiment that Valpo will give UK a solid 40 minutes. I think it will be difficult to be so developed as a team at this point in the season that Valpo will be able to beat UK in a talent vs talent competition. We have Alec Peters and that is a lot to be leaning on but UK will have talent where one player could takeover the game and Valpo will not have enough defensive talent to stop that one player.
Weather permitting, it is only 5:23 from the chapel to Rupp. Planning to make a day of it.
Just have to remember the time change.
talkslot, remember that hour brother!!!!
And bbtds, we are more than Alec Peters. We will have Jubril back, Tevonn Walker healthy, Shane Hammink (who played at LSU KUs conference). Smits will hopefully be who we hope. We have talent and more to that experience. KU will have TONS of talent but chemistry, I don' know that early in December and if somehow Valpo, with their experience jumps on them early, how do they respond? See the thing about KU, is they are super talented but they recruit kids that are so major that they don't know how to lose or how to respond when they are down because most of their basketball lives they dominated.
If we keep this game tight early or jump on them early, we are in this to the finish. If we don't, oh well we are just a Horizon team that KU beat the hell out of (that is to the national scope and not what us here know). I will go out on a limb and say we keep this tight throughout. Will we win? I hope so but my pick is Kentucky wins this game by no more than 7.
I Applaud the staff and admin for setting up this game. This is game that can put you on the map. This is game that recruits stop and watch and play close attention to you. We lose by 30, we are another Stetson, we play it close, we get some exposure and a RPI boost.
One only has to look at another sport for the blueprint: Women's Olympic soccer. The Swedish WNT made the USA play a different game than they were used to playing by playing very tough defense and not committing errors. They then used the same approach to smother a very skilled Brazilian WNT side to advance. In both situations experience, solid team play and selflessness, as well as sticking to Pia Sundhage's game plan worked against teams with superior talent. Add the inexperience of KU's one-and-done freshmen who will not take Val;po seriously despite Calipari's repeated warnings and we have the makings of an upset at best but certainly a very close finish.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on August 25, 2016, 10:36:08 PMAnd bbtds, we are more than Alec Peters.
Certainly don't truly believe Valpo = Alec. Just being facetious.
Ball State @ Valpo slated for Sunday, November 27, per BSU Athletics. Time TBA.
T
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on August 25, 2016, 10:36:08 PM
talkslot, remember that hour brother!!!!
And bbtds, we are more than Alec Peters. We will have Jubril back, Tevonn Walker healthy, Shane Hammink (who played at LSU KUs conference). Smits will hopefully be who we hope. We have talent and more to that experience. KU will have TONS of talent but chemistry, I don' know that early in December and if somehow Valpo, with their experience jumps on them early, how do they respond? See the thing about KU, is they are super talented but they recruit kids that are so major that they don't know how to lose or how to respond when they are down because most of their basketball lives they dominated.
If we keep this game tight early or jump on them early, we are in this to the finish. If we don't, oh well we are just a Horizon team that KU beat the hell out of (that is to the national scope and not what us here know). I will go out on a limb and say we keep this tight throughout. Will we win? I hope so but my pick is Kentucky wins this game by no more than 7.
I Applaud the staff and admin for setting up this game. This is game that can put you on the map. This is game that recruits stop and watch and play close attention to you. We lose by 30, we are another Stetson, we play it close, we get some exposure and a RPI boost.
Valpo will be fine up front with Peters and a combination of Smits, Adekoya, etc. at the 5 and subbing at the 4. The big issue of whether Valpo can play with teams like Kentucky and Oregon and can have an overall successful season is going to come down to point guard. It is difficult at this point to be confident in any option - hopefully that will change.
Looks like VU conference home opener will be against Oakland on Jan. 6, which is unfortunate because students do not return for spring semester until the following week.
Schedule is out:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15676/valpo-mens-basketball-announces-2016-17-schedule/#.V9BP3ZgrLNO
As someone that has been critical in the past about scheduling, I would say that this is a very good schedule for a mid-major team like Valpo. Lots of non-conference home games including Rhode Island. A neutral site tournament with quality opponents. One three non-conference road games, with two of them against marquee opponents. To everyone with the program that was involved in scheduling...thank you and nice job!!
By way of background, I clipped the following from the newest CRUSADER REPORT that headlines MLB's description of how the 2016-17 schedule was assembled:
As we put the final touches on our men's basketball schedule, I wanted to take some time to explain why we chose to play the non-conference opponents on this year's slate. Excitement for our participation in the MGM Grand Main Event in Las Vegas continues to grow, and I want you to know our participation in this event was very intentional. Keeping in mind the end-goal of winning games in the NCAA tournament, we utilized strategic scheduling methods to not only set ourselves up for a successful season, but also put ourselves in the best post-season position possible by establishing ourselves as an "at-large" team.
We first look to maximize exposure and play high-major opponents in multi-team events (MTEs). MTE's are a convenient venue for us to expand our schedule beyond the NCAA's 27 game regular season limit. A number of these events allow us to tackle top-tier teams on a neutral court, giving us the opportunity to earn significant wins against teams that will not come to the ARC. It is certainly a reflection of what the program has achieved thus far; that we can secure invitations to MTE's that include high-major neutral court games.
Continuing to arrange home-and-home series against strong RPI teams will also allow us the opportunity to improve our chances of receiving an at-large bid come tournament selection time. This strategy gives us the chance to beat other strong mid-majors; and in many cases allows us to continue in-state and long standing rivalries. With these factors in mind, we look for every chance to secure "good wins" against high ranking teams preceding conference play.
10 critical match ups for Valpo men's hoops
http://www.nwitimes.com/blogs/sports/inside-vu-sports/critical-matchups-for-valpo-men-s-hoops/collection_15d055de-95e0-51ee-bdad-ad18be10d8ce.html?utm_content=buffer97a5d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=LEEDCC#1
For those of you who want a web version in an actual calendar I'm here to provide it once again!
This is the web version you can bookmark to check out whenever (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=tcsv0ao2lh890uf6j2u3oqako4%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Chicago)
If you click this link you'll download the calendar so you can put it in your Outlook Calendar, Google Calendar and whatever Apple calls their calendar (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/tcsv0ao2lh890uf6j2u3oqako4%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics) <<<THIS LINK WILL AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOAD, JUST AN FYI. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT NOT DOWNLOAD AUTOMATICALLY.
I read this forum every day, but I obviously don't post much. I do enjoy reading it. After reviewing the schedule, I felt compelled to write a short note. I am really pleased with the schedule. It has a good combination of tough games and easy games. It's back down to two non-D1 home games. It also shows geographic breadth, which I assume will help with recruiting (given that Lottich went to Stanford, he may be looking more in the West - just a hunch). It also exhibits a real confidence in this year's team. Given the uncertainty of the team relative to last year, the team could have scheduled some real creampuffs. That would have destroyed RPI, but at the end of the year, they would have had a much better W/L record, which helps in marketing and recruiting. Again, I think that there is a real show of confidence in this year's squad. If I had to nitpick, it would simply be this: the final two games are away games. Since the Horizon League tournament is no longer in Valpo each year, it shortens our season by about 2 weeks. This is now several years in a row that the final games are away. When we reasonably expected to host the tournament each year, that wasn't a problem. Now it is. Seems that there should be a rotation.
Thanks to everyone who posts regularly. I enjoy reading. Now I'm just looking forward to the Commissioners annual pre-season analyses.
I agree with 4throw that there should be some way to rotate the home-road games so that a team that opens the conference season at home one year, does so on the road the next; the team the closes the season on the road one year should be at home the next. I'm sure this is complicated by facility availability, TV adjustments, etc. but surely there is a way to at least come close to making this happen. Similarly, it seems very unfair when any conference team has an imbalance of road/home games monthly. A team that might get 6-8 conference games at home in the final four weeks would seem to have a greater chance of building momentum for the tournament than a team on the road for a similar number of games in that period. I would be interesting to hear the problems that make this difficult if not impossible.
Quote from: sliman on September 09, 2016, 07:22:15 PM
I agree with 4throw that there should be some way to rotate the home-road games so that a team that opens the conference season at home one year, does so on the road the next; the team the closes the season on the road one year should be at home the next. I'm sure this is complicated by facility availability, TV adjustments, etc. but surely there is a way to at least come close to making this happen. Similarly, it seems very unfair when any conference team has an imbalance of road/home games monthly. A team that might get 6-8 conference games at home in the final four weeks would seem to have a greater chance of building momentum for the tournament than a team on the road for a similar number of games in that period. I would be interesting to hear the problems that make this difficult if not impossible.
To be sure, I have zero idea about how the schedule is determined. I do wonder if there isn't a bit of NFL thinking that goes into the mix. I the NFL, the better you do the harder the next year's schedule will be. It is a way to "level" the playing field. Just a guess and probably not a very good one. :crazy:
Misstatement from the Wright State athletic website:
February will feature five home games with Northern Kentucky, Milwaukee, defending League Champion Green Bay, Valparaiso and UIC and three road games at Youngstown State, Cleveland State and Northern Kentucky.
Valpo is the defending league champion - not Green Bay. Green Bay is the defending league tournament champion (by virtue of 1 game where they collectively played out of their minds).
http://www.wsuraiders.com/mobile/ViewArticle.dbml?atclid=211160499&DB_OEM_ID=27000&
I believe the overall schedule does seem pretty good this season, especially considering this is the first year for Coach Lottich. However, as in the past, I find fault with the Horizon League scheduling. Elsewhere, it has been mentioned that there seems to be an imbalance when the same team is scheduled in consecutive years as an away team in games during the first week or final week of the season, although this could be an advantage for Valpo since the last two games of the year would be after classes end for spring break, limiting student attendance, particularly for Senior Night.
What bothers me more about the Horizon League scheduling is the lack of insight when scheduling important games between likely conference leaders or teams with rivalries. The opening home game for Valpo is against Oakland. These two teams are expected to be fighting for the conference championship, and they have developed a strong rivalry with a history of dramatic games. In addition, that game will likely be covered by ESPN for a national audience. Yet, the Horizon League schedules the game a week before spring semester begins, guaranteeing an absence of students and a lessening of the great atmosphere one would expect at the ARC for a Valpo-Oakland game. In addition, the Valpo game at Oakland will be while school is in session, so Oakland gets the advantage of playing in front of its student body.
Sounds too complicated LeCrone
You don't really think that LaCrone knows anything about it,do you? He's probably sitting in his office scratching his head trying to figure out the schedule himself, then trying to see if the entire schedule can be moved to Detroit.
Pac-12 Basketball: Your Complete Non-Conference TV Guide
17: Valparaiso @ Oregon (6pm, Pac-12) - Valpo senior forward Alec Peters could make a run for All-American status. He and UO's Dillon Brooks in the post...get your popcorn.
http://www.pacifictakes.com/2016/9/15/12922448/pac-12-basketball-tv-guide-dillon-brooks-allonzo-trier-bryce-alford
https://www.twitter.com/ToddIckow/status/778240516676780032
Quote from: bsmith21 on September 21, 2016, 04:05:49 PM
I know it's not until next year but it would've been awesome to have gotten into the PK80 field. Would've been 3 good games and at least 2 great games. I think gonzaga, portland and Portland state was the only mid major and that's probably because of location for the Portland schools
In case you were wondering, as was I, what PK80 stood for. It's for Phil Knight, a co-founder of Nike.
http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2016-09-21/college-basketball-espn-announces-pk80-honor-nikes-phil
The PK80, as it will be colloquially known, will be a 16-team tournament in 2017 that honors Nike co-founder Phil Knight. It will be held in Portland, Oregon, during the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
TEN MORE TIMES YOU'LL NEED TO SET YOUR DVR
17. Valparaiso at Oregon – Nov. 17 (9 p.m.): Valpo might be the best mid-major in the country and has a potential All-American in Alec Peters. The Ducks may not have Dillon Brooks for this one, but will still likely be ranked in the top-10.
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/09/26/duke-kansas-kentucky-headline-top-college-baksetball-non-conference-games/
Quote from: wh on September 26, 2016, 07:14:44 PM
TEN MORE TIMES YOU'LL NEED TO SET YOUR DVR
17. Valparaiso at Oregon – Nov. 17 (9 p.m.): Valpo might be the best mid-major in the country and has a potential All-American in Alec Peters. The Ducks may not have Dillon Brooks for this one, but will still likely be ranked in the top-10.
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/09/26/duke-kansas-kentucky-headline-top-college-baksetball-non-conference-games/
This should be a great game. Glad I get the PAC 12 Network.
Quote from: zvillehaze on September 26, 2016, 09:01:56 PM
Quote from: wh on September 26, 2016, 07:14:44 PM
TEN MORE TIMES YOU'LL NEED TO SET YOUR DVR
17. Valparaiso at Oregon – Nov. 17 (9 p.m.): Valpo might be the best mid-major in the country and has a potential All-American in Alec Peters. The Ducks may not have Dillon Brooks for this one, but will still likely be ranked in the top-10.
http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2016/09/26/duke-kansas-kentucky-headline-top-college-baksetball-non-conference-games/
This should be a great game. Glad I get the PAC 12 Network.
A good reason to see if your neighbor, friend or local bar get the Pac 12 Network at this time if you don't.
The top 50 non-conference college basketball games for the 2016-17 season
17. Rhode Island at Valpo, Nov. 29: Credit Dan Hurley for scheduling this game. Valpo will again be on the short list of the best mid-major teams in college hoops this season. Alec Peters bypassed going pro and even still stayed true to the school after Bryce Drew took the Vandy job. A win here would be a huge boost to URI's dossier down the road, while a Valpo loss might well take it out of at-large consideration.
http://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/the-top-50-non-conference-college-basketball-games-for-the-2016-17-season/
As always it's nice to get positive national attention. It bugs me, though, that this makes it sound as if Hurley chose to come to Valpo this year to give his team a chance at a win that will "boost URI's dossier" when in reality this is the back end of a home-and-home series that two coaches worked out.
Does Valpo have a closed scrimmage again this year? I think it was with Northwestern last year.
Quote from: zvillehaze on October 03, 2016, 10:27:51 AM
Does Valpo have a closed scrimmage again this year? I think it was with Northwestern last year.
It was supposed to be with DePaul this year but when the Blue Demons heard that ValpoDad had been converted to being a Valpo fan/parent they cancelled it.
(https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/66976549.jpg) (http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/ncE/4e6/ncE4e6EcA.jpeg)
Oregon Ducks basketball to scrimmage Oklahoma later this month: Oregon rundown
"We just wanted to do a little something different this year to see if it will help us prepare a little bit better for the season," Altman said. "(With) Baylor, Valparaiso and (the Maui Invitation), our November is tougher than it's ever been for the seven years we've been here. I just wanted to try and prepare them a different way."
http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2016/10/oregon_ducks_basketball_to_scr.html
Quote from: wh on October 07, 2016, 04:21:36 PM
Oregon Ducks basketball to scrimmage Oklahoma later this month: Oregon rundown
"We just wanted to do a little something different this year to see if it will help us prepare a little bit better for the season," Altman said. "(With) Baylor, Valparaiso and (the Maui Invitation), our November is tougher than it's ever been for the seven years we've been here. I just wanted to try and prepare them a different way."
http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2016/10/oregon_ducks_basketball_to_scr.html
I think this says something way beyond what some were comprehending. It says Valpo is close to Baylor/elites in many coaches eyes.
Last year's game was an impressive VU showing in Eugene.
If I'm reading the HL schedules correctly, only three teams in the league have three-games-in-five days in league plays such as we're in the middle of today. The other two are Youngstown and Cleveland State. Along with having to play several league games at home when there are no students, this appears to be another imbalance in conference scheduling. Blame it on TV or lack of work to get it better balanced?