[tweet]519150775000637441[/tweet]
If this is true, it's a great way to start the season...and this is for next year, 2015?
Looking at Smits twitter page on verbalcommits, Valpo is where he will be calling home for 4 years!
Outstanding! Welcome, Derrik!
Welcome, Derrik...you'll look good in brown and gold.
YESSSSSSSSSS
[tweet]519141104227463168[/tweet]
From verbal to official on Nov. 12th
http://www.nationalletter.org (http://www.nationalletter.org)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on October 06, 2014, 12:14:07 PM
YESSSSSSSSSS
[tweet]519141104227463168[/tweet]
I wonder if this will bring zville back.
Great news! I told you losing to Marist with good sportsmanship would work. We're used to losing with good sportsmanship.
(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/737a45e7e48b8098de8b8e3233a790529646fde0/c=4-0-2000-1500&r=x383&c=540x380/local/-/media/Indianapolis/Indianapolis/2013/11/25//1385384689000-11-spHSZION15191148.jpg)
In battle against Hamilton S.E. at the Eagles' Nest. Unfortunately Zionsville lost this one 64-51 and were 13-7 last season.
The Eagles did only lose to Carmel by 4 in their sectional game at the "toughest in the state" sectional site.
EDIT: I've realized that is Derrik at HSE in 2012 his sophomore year.
(http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/268394/ecac_20se_20corner_20view.jpg)
I'd love to see Zionsville start out with a win at CHS on Nov.26th, the day before Thanksgiving, against the Greyhounds. If I can find the time before seeing Valpo in Nashville, I may find my way to Round-a-bout town that Wednesday.
The Greyhounds gym is almost 4,000 and doesn't hold the whole student body.
http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/boyslogs381.htm (http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/boyslogs381.htm)
Zionsville's farthest north games at Logansport Berries on Dec. 13th, Saturday 7:30 p.m. EST / 6:30 p.m. CST
and at Frankfort Hot Dogs on Jan. 24th, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. CST
FYI, the Bob Wettig Tournament is in Richmond, IN.
(http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/296/922/6_2922296.jpg)
7'0" and 7'4" Just think if Mrs Smits had been over 5 foot. ;)
Perhaps Smits can become the next Alec Brown, a 7 footer that can shoot. Wouldn't mind that at all.
BUT WITH MOAR TOUGHNEZ
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on October 06, 2014, 02:09:25 PM
BUT WITH MOAR TOUGHNEZ
You got that right. Brown, I'm sure, learned how to be humiliated.
The NBA connections at Valpo are multiple. That probably means more than anything.
Going to have to beat every team with Miller/Smits in NBA Jam TE in his honor.
Quote from: valpo64 on October 06, 2014, 11:30:22 AMWelcome, Derrik...you'll look good in brown and gold.
Shucks! I really had my heart set on us finding yet another outside player. Well maybe if he commits to doing some remedial work on his perimeter game I will soon be able to forget that he is 8 or 9 feet tall.
Quote from: bbtds on October 06, 2014, 12:55:36 PM
I wonder if this will bring zville back.
I never left ... just haven't been posting much. Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere, but Zionsville's coach Shaun Busick was also Seth Colclasure's HS coach, so he is certainly familiar with Valpo and the Drews. Congrats to all!
Quote from: zvillehaze on October 06, 2014, 02:16:46 PM
Quote from: bbtds on October 06, 2014, 12:55:36 PM
I wonder if this will bring zville back.
I never left ... just haven't been posting much. Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere, but Zionsville's coach Shaun Busick was also Seth Colclasure's HS coach, so he is certainly familiar with Valpo and the Drews. Congrats to all!
Gotcha. Good to have you posting.
The Busick/Cloclasure connection was one I didn't know about. Thanks!
Now that I look I see Busick spent one year at Crown Point but he like the Columbia City/Valpo guy just couldn't get in with the Region Rats.
http://coach.homestead.com/files/Shaun.Busick.htm (http://coach.homestead.com/files/Shaun.Busick.htm)
From the Indy Star:
http://www.indystar.com/story/recruiting-central/2014/10/06/zionsvilles-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso-decatur-central-guard-makes-visits/16807945/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/recruiting-central/2014/10/06/zionsvilles-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso-decatur-central-guard-makes-visits/16807945/)
"He absolutely loves it," Zionsville coach Shaun Busick said of Smits' impression of Valparaiso following the visit. "Valparaiso is a great fit for Derrik, and he is excited to become a Crusader."
Found a brief article.
http://www.prephoopsindiana.com/news_article/show/427502?referrer_id= (http://www.prephoopsindiana.com/news_article/show/427502?referrer_id=)
Quote from: justducky on October 06, 2014, 02:15:46 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on October 06, 2014, 11:30:22 AMWelcome, Derrik...you'll look good in brown and gold.
Shucks! I really had my heart set on us finding yet another outside player. Well maybe if he commits to doing some remedial work on his perimeter game I will soon be able to forget that he is 8 or 9 feet tall.
He is known for his shooting touch, hitting 54 percent from the field and 71 percent from the free-throw line last season.There you go. It's a shorter distance to the rim from beyond the arc for a seven-footer.
Brad Stevens offered Derrik long ago. He also had offers from Clemson and Xavier among others. There is lots of chatter from Purdue and Indiana fans who wanted him. This could lead to others coming who want to be teamates. GREAT NEWS!!
This is great news! Congrats to Derrik and the VU Basketball staff! The picture of Rik with Bryce at the football game, with Rik in his Marist sweatshirt, was very fitting. Hopefully, a new sweatshirt was delivered to Rik today - one that he can wear with VU Pride!
Quote from: bw12 on October 06, 2014, 02:28:20 PM
Found a brief article.
http://www.prephoopsindiana.com/news_article/show/427502?referrer_id= (http://www.prephoopsindiana.com/news_article/show/427502?referrer_id=)
From the article:
They don't grow them much bigger than 2015 center Derrik Smits. Standing 7-foot tall and with his pedigree, his ceiling is still a ways away.
Here's a scary thought. From what I can tell Derrik went from 6-9 to 7 foot over the past year. He could still be a growing boy. :o
ESPN has him rated as the 11th best player in Indiana and the number 2 center.
http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/state/indiana/class/2015/view/state (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/state/indiana/class/2015/view/state)
Dad talks about son:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130504/SPORTS/130509829/1002 (http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130504/SPORTS/130509829/1002)
As for wh's comment about him still growing, here is part of an article written when he was 15. Not that he isn't still growing an probably is, but imagine growing 6 inches in a year!:
Perhaps most significantly, the younger Smits is also rapidly growing into his father's rather sizable shoes, quite literally; in the past year, the teenager has grown six inches to his current height of 6-foot-9 (though the News-Sentinel reported that the teen claims he is already 6-foot-10) and seen his feet grow to a size 16 sneaker.
From my Fleer basketball card-collecting days I seem to remember his father is 7'4" but just 228. Definitely he could have a few more inches in him, but the struggle will.
The good part is his father wants him developed by a pro big man, so Roger Powell won't be going anywhere for fear of angering someone TEN INCHES TALLER THAN HE IS
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/30308691-556/mens-basketball-big-man-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso.html#.VDNFPEvTUkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/30308691-556/mens-basketball-big-man-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso.html#.VDNFPEvTUkE)
MONEY QUOTE
Quote"His name got him a lot of attention early on, but his play on the court put it over the top," Busick said. "People are intrigued by a skilled big man, and you don't see many 7-footers doing the things he does. He's a future pro. It would not surprise me if Derrik was drafted into the NBA at some point in the future."
STOP THAT YOU ARE SALIVATING ALL OVER YOUR COMPUTER KEYBOARD
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on October 06, 2014, 08:54:30 PM
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/30308691-556/mens-basketball-big-man-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso.html#.VDNFPEvTUkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/30308691-556/mens-basketball-big-man-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso.html#.VDNFPEvTUkE)
MONEY QUOTE
Quote"His name got him a lot of attention early on, but his play on the court put it over the top," Busick said. "People are intrigued by a skilled big man, and you don't see many 7-footers doing the things he does. He's a future pro. It would not surprise me if Derrik was drafted into the NBA at some point in the future."
STOP THAT YOU ARE SALIVATING ALL OVER YOUR COMPUTER KEYBOARD
Let me get that for you. As you know keyboards are supposed to be dry.
(http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thumb/8/8c/WipeKeyBoard-Step-2.jpg/670px-WipeKeyBoard-Step-2.jpg)
VALPARAISO STRIKES ON TRAIL WITH DERRIK SMITS
Trevor Andershock — Contributing Editor - NY2LASPORTS.COM
http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=2482 (http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=2482)
My brother lives in Zionsville and follows the team. His thoughts are fine young man, fine family, nice skills, good hands, good shooting touch, good footwork, not aggressive, doesn't play with a high motor.
Paul
From the NWI Times:
Son of Indiana Pacers star Rik Smits commits to the Crusaders
VALPARAISO | Derrik Smits, the son of former Indiana Pacers star Rik Smits, has verbally committed to play basketball at Valparaiso University.
Smits, who will be a senior at Zionsville and plays for the Grassroots Indiana AAU Program, will enroll at Valparaiso next fall and is expected to sign his National Letter of Intent next month.
"I'm excited to say I've found my future home," Smits tweeted Monday morning. "For the next four years I will be attending Valparaiso University."
Smits is the latest Valparaiso player whose father played in the National Basketball Association. Valparaiso landed the sons of former NBA players Geert Hammink (Shane) and Cliff Levingston (Chandler) this summer.
Both Grassroots Indiana coach Jim Reamer and Zionsville coach Shaun Busick confirmed Smits' commitment later Monday. Smits chose Valparaiso over offers from Clemson, Ball State, Indiana State and UNC-Greensboro among others. Programs such as Indiana, Butler and Purdue had also expressed interest throughout the recruiting process.
"Valparaiso is getting one of the most skilled big men in the state," Busick said. "Derrik has been getting better every year. He's finally starting to grow into his body."
Smits is currently 7-feet tall, some four inches shorter than his father, and is 230 pounds. Reamer suggested the plan for Smits will be to get up to 260 pounds when he begins playing for the Crusaders.
"When he gets up to 260 or 270 pounds and is a force inside, people are going to regret missing out on Derrik," Reamer said.
Smits hit his growth spurt in eighth grade when he grew four inches in five months. The Zionsville product averaged 10.6 points and 3.6 rebounds while blocking 1.8 shots per game as a junior last season. Smits finished the season shooting 54 percent from the floor and 71 percent from the free-throw line.
"He's his fathers' son in terms of skill development," Reamer said. "Turning that weight into muscle and getting into the college workout plan is going to do wonders for him."
Smits should be able to earn immediate playing time as a freshman as the Crusaders are losing their only proven big man (Vashil Fernandez) along with David Chadwick after this season. Valparaiso appears to have one open scholarship remaining for the 2015-16 season.
Rik Smits played his entire 12-season NBA career with the Pacers, debuting in 1988-89.
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/son-of-indiana-pacers-star-rik-smits-commits-to-the/article_defb3990-5199-5348-b92d-d521ba30f94a.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/son-of-indiana-pacers-star-rik-smits-commits-to-the/article_defb3990-5199-5348-b92d-d521ba30f94a.html)
Quote from: 78crusader on October 06, 2014, 11:50:27 PM
My brother lives in Zionsville and follows the team. His thoughts are fine young man, fine family, nice skills, good hands, good shooting touch, good footwork, not aggressive, doesn't play with a high motor.
Paul
He's a young kid who, because of his height and lack of comparable opponent size, has not had to be that aggressive in order to excell. In my opinion, and in our supportive environment he will have time to mature and develop that killer instict while still getting significant minutes.
Side note to my conversation with our admissions director: The Smitts expressed a desire for a family-like, supportive environment for Derrick. The admissions department simply told them: Walk around campus. Ask strangers questions. Find out for yourself. that startegy was a great expression of confidence in the school we are, and apparently they did do that and they found the true Valpo.
Awesome news! Now, let's get that Lithuanian to get a big man rotation over the next 4 years!
We have some really good recruits in our program right now. I am excited to see how we do this season, but especially 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 :).
Derrik reminds me of Chris Ensminger, late growth spurt, thin but big frame to grow into. Trying to temper enthusiasm, but when someone down the hall at work (Purdue fan) breaks the news, it's really, really tough.
By the way, looking forward to the father-son game....
Given the fact that most of our true big men have come from overseas, I suspect that the fanfare for Derrick is bigger than just about any other American Big other then Kenny Harris. We were getting a 5 star in Moussa Gueye before he decided to move on to Alabama. I suspect Derrick will be better then our stone handed friend.
Rik. Derrik. Rik. Derrik. There are no c's.
Nor on his report card, either.
If anyone puts a C in their names, I will smites them.
Quote from: Pgmado on October 07, 2014, 07:00:19 PM
Rik. Derrik. Rik. Derrik. There are no c's.
Oh yes, the spelling police! Guilty as charged. I have had 24 hours to get it right. Be careful--the spelling /grammar police will be monitoring your columns!! :(
Kenny Harris would have been great his JR/SR years. I remember Brad Daugherty commenting on one of our games that he had such soft hands for a big man, and would do great things for us.
This service has Derrik (no c!) ranked as the 8th best in the state and number 2 center. With a strong senior year I would think he would be a lock for the All Star Team.
http://247sports.com/Season/2015-Basketball/RecruitRankings?State=IN (http://247sports.com/Season/2015-Basketball/RecruitRankings?State=IN)
Was making a general PSA there, for myself included. Trying to convince my mind not to add a C. Not trying to be the spelling police.
Very optimistic about Derrik's upside. 7' tall and left handed is a great base to build upon. After watching some video, the aforementioned deficiencies of strength, rebounding and tenacity are pretty evident, but so are the nice touch, soft hands and passing ability. I think this get could also have some affect in the stands and on the recruiting trail. Very very happy. :dance:
Here are a few videos taken by local media when Rik and Derrik have come to the Fort for Speice events.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFlYEpyRBjY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFlYEpyRBjY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYqQa1zzmTg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYqQa1zzmTg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i410q3HLaqQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i410q3HLaqQ) In case you can't tell, the interviewer, Tom Davis News Sentinel Sports Editor, is a Butler Grad. We get more Butler c%@p in his paper than we do articles on IPFW. Check this out http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/125453/sports-editors-advice-to-basketball-recruit-called-unprofessional-if-not-unethical/ (http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/125453/sports-editors-advice-to-basketball-recruit-called-unprofessional-if-not-unethical/) I am surprised he hasn't gone after Derrik.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9povGsAd4w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9povGsAd4w)
Quote from: Pgmado on October 08, 2014, 09:18:54 AMWas making a general PSA there, for myself included. Trying to convince my mind not to add a C.
luckily bryce convinced him, and added a C
I tweeted to Tom Davis, News Sentinel Sports Editor and Butler Grad, about Derrik committing to VU and this was his slightly backhanded reply to me.
[tweet]519883096779657217[/tweet]
Quote from: FWalum on October 08, 2014, 12:40:48 PMI tweeted to Tom Davis, News Sentinel Sports Editor and Butler Grad, about Derrik committing to VU and this was his slightly backhanded reply to me.
Fortunately the opinion of a Fort Wayne columnist has less than zero impact on anything.
Regarding FW alum's comments about Tom Davis of the FW News-Sentinel, he is absolutely correct. I have personally spoken to him and also had several e-mail conversations with him over the past couple of years. This guy is a jerk. It is because of people like him newspaper readership continues to decline. The comment questioning his ethics is spot on. He must keep plenty of Butler Kool-Aid in his refrigerator. He told me that Butler has the best Div. 1 program in the State. If you ask him about any controversial things regarding the BU program, he knows nothing about those things, including recruiting. When talking to him about the VU program, he didn't think it was relevant. Doesn't every good prospect want to attend Butler??? You may be correct FW, we might see a comment about Mr. Smits in the future.
Quote from: FWalum on October 08, 2014, 12:40:48 PM
I tweeted to Tom Davis, News Sentinel Sports Editor and Butler Grad, about Derrik committing to VU and this was his slightly backhanded reply to me.
[tweet]519883096779657217[/tweet]
Not sure he had any "high major" offers. Butler, Clemson and Xavier managed to think he was worth an offer! Maybe those are "High Mid-Majors" or is that "Low High-Majors" ?? :crazy:
Wow, what a hack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guV7u5JPNVk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guV7u5JPNVk)
Interesting that Derrik emphasizes the shooting while his dad and coach busick want him to play more with his back to the basket. What will Bryce emphasize when he gets to Valpo?
If Coach Powell is still at Valpo he'll have a huge impact on Derrik.
Let's throw in a Smits dunk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-YYno5kcjk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-YYno5kcjk)
Mr. Davis of Fort Wayne apparently knows the high-major coaches. I would be interested in knowing who he considers "high-major." It is very possible that IU, UK, UNC and their ilk were not heavily recruiting Smits, but I can't imagine that they all told Mr. Davis. I have never met any high-major coaches, although I am friends with the best friend of one of the highest of them all. I will have to ask my friend if he can ask his best friend to confirm Mr. Davis' comment. ::)
At least Mr. Davis was courteous enough to reply to the question asked of him. He's certainly correct that Smits will be a good fit at Valpo.
Well, compared with his ethics violation you mentioned above, this is nothing.
Quote from: atkins on October 08, 2014, 04:38:12 PMHe's certainly correct that Smits will be a good fit at Valpo.
And Mr. Davis fits in with most of the current Butler fans.
QuoteTom Crowley back at Butler
http://butlersports.com/genrel/crowley_returns (http://butlersports.com/genrel/crowley_returns)
I recall when he left to be AD at Niagara, which was only 2 years ago. I obviously wasn't keeping close tabs on his career in the interim, so I Googled him, and it sounds like he had a bit of a mysterious departure from Niagara after less than 1 year on the job. From there he came back to be "special assistant to the commissioner of the Horizon League," which sounds like a totally made up position some corporate type gets when he loses his job and needs to fill a gap on the resume.
Quotelf an ass like Bobby Petrino can always find a job there was no reason Couture couldn't----maybe she will have better luck back in the south where her brand of crap had traction before coming to Butler.
Couture=Butler women's BB coach fired for "questionable" moves.
QuoteI will be surprised if the Big East doesn't decide to follow in basketball the same rules as the Big Five football schools. It seems to be the only route to go and probably makes sense financially too.
Live Hinkle cam: http://hinklecam.butler.edu/view/viewer_index.shtml?id=5085 (http://hinklecam.butler.edu/view/viewer_index.shtml?id=5085)
QuoteThis has been downhill from the beginning...
Last unoriginal Twitter update was May 30th. I guess the July recruiting period didn't exist for him. No way 18 yr olds use Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Butler might want to get control of that account...
https://twitter.com/BUCoachMiller (https://twitter.com/BUCoachMiller)
MBB coach Brandon Miller took a medical LOA during the summer and has not returned
Wow, that stirred the pot a little. Nothing like a little Butler love to get the VU faithful going. I am not a Tom Davis fan, he does let his Butler bias show in his reporting and in the articles he places in his sports section. While I will admit that national attention has been more focused on BU since their big run, he has been force feeding us well before that time. You would think that Butler's birthplace was Fort Wayne instead of VU's.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on October 07, 2014, 09:16:25 PM
Nor on his report card, either.
If anyone puts a C in their names, I will smites them.
Derrick-------please don't scmites me!
High school basketball Preseason Fab 15: No. 10, Zionsville
http://www.indystar.com/story/recruiting-central/2014/11/04/high-school-basketball-preseason-fab-15-no10-zionsville/18479779/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/recruiting-central/2014/11/04/high-school-basketball-preseason-fab-15-no10-zionsville/18479779/)
Comments about Derrik:
Zionsville, which was 11-2 through January last season, will have one of the most experienced teams in Central Indiana. Derrik Smits, a 7-foot Valparaiso recruit, is the top returning scorer (10.6 ppg) and also averaged 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots. The left-handed Smits shot 54 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free-throw line last season.
Smits, the son of former Indiana Pacer Rik Smits, has battled injuries throughout his career, but can be one of the best players in the state when healthy and motivated.
"We need to keep Derrik healthy the whole year," Busick said. "Number two, Derrik has to be assertive and ready to go. He can be really tough to stop. But at times he'll coast. He can't coast if we're going to be a great team. He has to go hard all the time."
For his part, Smits said he's ready for his senior season. With the recruiting piece now behind him, he's fully focused on trying to help the Eagles to their first sectional title since 1995. Smits was left off the IndyStar Indiana Junior All-Stars, adding a bit to the personal motivation for this season.
Comments about Derrik's cousin Cassius Smits-Francisco
Zionsville will get a significant boost with the return of Cassius Smits-Francisco, a 6-8, 225-pound sophomore who should be back in mid-December as he recovers from surgery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee. Smits-Francisco, the cousin of Smits, is receiving early recruiting interest from Ball State, Indiana State, Ole Miss, Purdue and Valparaiso.
"He's progressing nicely," Busick said. "He's been working hard in the weight room and is putting on a lot of muscle. He's going to have to get back into a rhythm and back into a flow, but he's going to help us."
Didn't know that he is left-handed! A left-handed 7'0" post player can be hard to stop.
Quote from: wh on November 09, 2014, 04:52:43 PMZionsville will get a significant boost with the return of Cassius Smits-Francisco, a 6-8, 225-pound sophomore who should be back in mid-December as he recovers from surgery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee. Smits-Francisco, the cousin of Smits, is receiving early recruiting interest from Ball State, Indiana State, Ole Miss, Purdue and Valparaiso.
Derrik, we need you to start getting the basketball law firm to Valpo!
(http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/sites/cms.zcs.k12.in.us.zhs/files/images/eaglewz.png)
Show Derrik you are loyal!
Looking for another Greyhound mishap in Carmel!
(http://kaysgreys.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/kays-greys_ban-greyhound-racing-now.png)
Why do you think they have so many round-a-bouts?
What's to come by going round and round
By Anna Yee
May 30, 2012
Updated May 30, 2012 at 9:49 PM CST
CARMEL, IN --
Z. Davis Coots used to live in Peoria.
Now he lives in Carmel, Indiana, the unofficial capital of roundabouts in the US.
He, and many others, were skeptical about roundabouts at first, but now embrace the more than 80 of them around the city.
"They save fuel," said Coots. "They save expense to operate intersections, no stoplights."
"The flow, it just flows right around," said Mary Ellen Frye, who works in Carmel." There's no waiting."
Barbara Beachnau also travels to Carmel for work.
"Anyone can learn. It's very easy," said Beachnau. "It made my life so much easier."
Peoria city officials are getting a closer look at these modern roadways, five of them likely coming to our area.
Jim Brainard, Mayor of Carmel, says roundabouts are cheaper than stop lights and safer.
"It's pedestrian safety. It's vehicular safety. It's bicycle safety," said Mayor Brainard. "You eliminate left hand turns and everyone's going slower. We've heard people speed up at yellow lights, but that's when tragic accidents happen."
Mayor Brainard says the data speaks for itself. After building the roundabouts, car accidents have dropped by roughly 40%, collisions involving injuries, down nearly 80%.
And the roadways are designed to accommodate large vehicles like fire trucks, a worry Peoria Fire Division Chief Melanie Anderson had before visiting Carmel.
"I think our fire apparatus will be able to handle the roundabouts," said Anderson. "There's definitely going to have to be a collaboration with the design of them, because there are different options. I think a bigger challenge is going to be our learning curve."
Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says the trip to Carmel will help get Peoria drivers ahead of that learning curve.
"We've already made plans to get a number of their videos and take them back with us," said Mayor Ardis. "We'll post those on public access channels. So, a lot of this is driving people towards those places where they can get information and understand roundabouts better."
Mayor Ardis says drivers may get some practice on a mock roundabout before the projects are completed.
Details have yet to be finalized, but city officials seem to be looking more confidently down the road.
Isn't today (Wednesday) the first day of the early signing period?
You are correct, sir:
http://www.nationalletter.org/signingDates/ (http://www.nationalletter.org/signingDates/)
Derrik tweeted the following:
Can't wait to officially be apart of the Crusader family today
[tweet]532514248367169536[/tweet]
OH NO!!!! he's LEAVING US!?!?!
what did we DOOOOO
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 12, 2014, 12:01:58 PM
[tweet]532514248367169536[/tweet]
OH NO!!!! he's LEAVING US!?!?!
what did we DOOOOO
"We" offended him by poking fun at his grammar...
Hey, I purposely did NOT point out that it's "apart from", not "apart of"! ;)
Any other recruits signed?
Quote from: valpo64 on November 12, 2014, 02:29:21 PM
Any other recruits signed?
The other recruit, and last one for this period as there are no other scholarship opennings, is Daniel Relvao. No news on him as of yet.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 12, 2014, 12:50:50 PM
Hey, I purposely did NOT point out that it's "apart from", not "apart of"! ;)
If you really want to embarrass the young man send that tweet to his teachers and coach.
http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/zhs/index.php?q=node/67 (http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/zhs/index.php?q=node/67)
http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/zhs/index.php?q=node/146 (http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/zhs/index.php?q=node/146)
Busick, Shaun 62101 sbusick@zcs.k12.in.us
Did he really send that tweet out??(http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/sites/cms.zcs.k12.in.us.zhs/files/images/cbusick.png)(http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/sites/cms.zcs.k12.in.us.zhs/files/images/busicks.png)
Mr. and Mrs Busick, English teachers, at ZCHS. Shaun Busick also happens to be Derrik's coach.
I know you were kidding, as was I, but before I report a tweet with a grammatical error, I'd probably report the sexist and crude tweets others are sending (NOT thankfully Derrik, least that I've seen) first.
I bet Mr. and Mrs. Busick would be appreciative of your keeping an eye on his grammar. Derrik may even have to run an extra lap in practice this week.
Just because some other house has already burned down doesn't make it vitally important to stop the fire before it reaches your house.
Daniel Relvao:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLHZd7odBFw&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLHZd7odBFw&feature=youtu.be)
Quote from: valpopal on November 12, 2014, 05:47:44 PM
Daniel Relvao:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLHZd7odBFw&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLHZd7odBFw&feature=youtu.be)
Whoa! Why no Valpo gear?
That's pretty cool to watch, other than the awkward pauses :)
Congratulations to Daniel!
Now, where's Derrik's signing video?
My guess is we'll be seeing a video from Derrik once school gets out here soon.
2:20 p.m. CT/3:20 p.m. ET
http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/zhs/index.php?q=node/12 (http://cms.zcs.k12.in.us/zhs/index.php?q=node/12)
My guess is around 4:00 p.m. ET
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPYZpwSpKmA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPYZpwSpKmA)
I was thinking, "why didn't history man take the S out of https so it could embed?"
and then i clicked
and kind of got a lil mad at you instead :)
(http://dailypicksandflicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Tee-Hee-Hee-Dog.jpg)
He can Rickroll us any time, as long as Rik's kid signs :)
In case any of the players pull a Clay Yeo>>>>>>>>>>>>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgZ7gMze7A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIgZ7gMze7A)
should we be getting nervous?? :crazy:
Valpo Basketball @ValpoBasketball 3h3 hours ago
Happy to officially welcome Derrik Smits to the Crusader basketball family! #GoValpo #HLMBB
0 replies 14 retweets 13 favorites
(http://www.keepcalmandposters.com/posters/9284.png)
GO ZIONSVILLE EAGLES! BEAT CARMEL!!!!!
Derrik Smits
@SmitsDerrik
Just got my acceptance letter in the mail for Valpo! #crusaders #finally
5:47 PM - 21 Nov 2014
Wait...so Smits signed his NLI a few weeks ago, but he hadn't officially been admitted yet? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?
Quote from: valporun on November 23, 2014, 08:05:19 AM
Wait...so Smits signed his NLI a few weeks ago, but he hadn't officially been admitted yet? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?
(http://www.equisearch.com/content/content/20820/asset_upload_file321_3476.jpg) (http://www.teacherwear.com/tw/images/word%20problems.gif)
Sometimes you have the horses necessary already
Here are some photos from Zionsville's scrimmage with Lawrence North, including several of Derrik.
http://www.tommarronphotography.com/Sports/Zionsville-Sports/ZCHS-Boys-Varsity-Bball-vs-Westf/ (http://www.tommarronphotography.com/Sports/Zionsville-Sports/ZCHS-Boys-Varsity-Bball-vs-Westf/)
Quote from: zvillehaze on November 24, 2014, 09:21:15 PM
Here are some photos from Zionsville's scrimmage with Lawrence North, including several of Derrik.
http://www.tommarronphotography.com/Sports/Zionsville-Sports/ZCHS-Boys-Varsity-Bball-vs-Westf/ (http://www.tommarronphotography.com/Sports/Zionsville-Sports/ZCHS-Boys-Varsity-Bball-vs-Westf/)
Good pictures. I wonder what life is like at that altitude? :)
Zville - Not trying to put you on the spot, but as a former D-1 player and someone who has presumably seen Derrik play, what are your thoughts about his potential for a high level of success at Valpo?
Quote from: wh on November 24, 2014, 09:35:57 PM
Quote from: zvillehaze on November 24, 2014, 09:21:15 PM
Here are some photos from Zionsville's scrimmage with Lawrence North, including several of Derrik.
http://www.tommarronphotography.com/Sports/Zionsville-Sports/ZCHS-Boys-Varsity-Bball-vs-Westf/ (http://www.tommarronphotography.com/Sports/Zionsville-Sports/ZCHS-Boys-Varsity-Bball-vs-Westf/)
Good pictures. I wonder what life is like at that altitude? :)
Zville - Not trying to put you on the spot, but as a former D-1 player and someone who has presumably seen Derrik play, what are your thoughts about his potential for a high level of success at Valpo?
No problem, wh. I haven't seen him that much, but I know his HS and AAU coach very well and trust the comments they've made about him. Now that all my kids are done with HS/college athletics, I'll try to take in a few more games this year and report back.
My son was in town a few weeks ago to watch a practice and had nice things to say. The impression I come away with is that Derrik can be as good as he wants to be. Like most kids his age, he needs to grow into his body and get stronger. He also needs to show consistent effort/focus/competitiveness. But his ceiling is extremely high, IMO.
Derrik tweeted that their upcoming game is going to be on TV. He wondered what channel. Somebody find it and give us a report--Please!! ;)
Quote from: vu72 on November 25, 2014, 08:59:04 AM
Derrik tweeted that their upcoming game is going to be on TV. He wondered what channel. Somebody find it and give us a report--Please!! ;)
I don't see the game on channel 40's WHMB listings. WHMB is covering the football state championships on Friday and Saturday. The only other broadcast group I could think of is if the local Carmel cable system might show the game live. Or maybe a cable sports station such as Fox Sports One, Comcast Sports Network or other sports station.
moved this comment from Ball State game thread.
Quote from: valpopal on December 14, 2014, 01:46:41 AMPS: As a bonus, I noticed that Derrik Smits had a great game tonight with 27 points as his team beat a tough Marion squad, 67-65.
Unfortunately I'm sure Coach Busick would tell you all is not well with the Eagles. On Friday night they lost to an athletic and part of a resurgence in IPS basketball, Indy Shortridge (2A-they were a middle school up till about 5 years ago when they became a HS again) team, 49-47. Crispus Attucks is #4 in 2A also. The Big O must be watching that development with such glee. I heard that the Blue Devils of Shortridge were able to control most of the game with athleticism that Zionsville doesn't have. Derrik is doing his best.
Marion lost their third in a row to Zionsville and are currently 2-3. I'm afraid there is a letdown in HS basketball in the Muncie-Marion-Kokomo(James Dean) section of the state as the only highly rated team is Northeastern (Howard Co) as #2 in 2A. Although losing to Lawrence North by 11, WL Harrison by 6 and Zionsville by 2 isn't all that bad.
http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/sports/giants-rally-falls-short-against-eagles/article_ff75fa36-8345-11e4-af7a-e3a534cf85e6.html (http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/sports/giants-rally-falls-short-against-eagles/article_ff75fa36-8345-11e4-af7a-e3a534cf85e6.html)
(got to have subscription for the rest of the story)
Here are the state rankings before this weekend's games.
http://usatodayhss.com/2014/this-weeks-associated-press-boys-basketball-rankings (http://usatodayhss.com/2014/this-weeks-associated-press-boys-basketball-rankings)
This upcoming Bob Wettig Tournament at Richmond HS and Earlham College looks to be interesting.
http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/tny61.htm (http://indianahsbasketball.homestead.com/files/tny61.htm)
Both Valpo High and Portage are participating along with Zionsville, Bedford-NL, FW Dwenger and Hamilton Heights. And, of course, Richmond. With a lot of luck maybe the Z-Eagles and the Valpo Vikes get to the championship game.
Oooops! Missed the Columbus North Bulldogs, currently #5 in 4A. Always detest teams with Bulldog nickname.
side note--games 23 & 24 are winners bracket games not losers bracket
Derrik Smits and his Zionsville Eagles head up to Anderson to take on the Indians.
Tonight's game in Anderson against Muncie Central got pretty heated as a fight broke out.
Anderson was 0-5 going into the contest with the Muncie Central Bearcats.
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/fight-breaks-out-at-anderson-vs-muncie-high-school-basketball-game (http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/fight-breaks-out-at-anderson-vs-muncie-high-school-basketball-game)
http://fox59.com/2014/12/19/ten-juveniles-arrested-after-fight-breaks-out-at-anderson-basketball-game/ (http://fox59.com/2014/12/19/ten-juveniles-arrested-after-fight-breaks-out-at-anderson-basketball-game/)
Both Anderson and Muncie police were able to quickly restore order in the stands after the fight broke out, with no one suffering injury. I wonder if Erik Estrada had still been serving with the Muncie Police if he would have risked bodily injury to stop this fight.
http://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/local_news/fight-halts-anderson-muncie-central-game/article_f5222fec-87ef-11e4-a827-93628ec1a9fb.html (http://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/local_news/fight-halts-anderson-muncie-central-game/article_f5222fec-87ef-11e4-a827-93628ec1a9fb.html)
Anderson ended up winning their first game of the season 58-51 after a 30 minute delay to restore order.
Derrik Smits scored 33 points tonight as Zionsville beat Anderson 74-60! Can't wait to see him teamed with Alec Peters! :thumbsup:
Just back from an exciting night in Ft Wayne. Great to see Alec and company power us to a win in close contest with IPFW shooting lights out in the 1st half.
http://www.heraldbulletin.com/sports/smits-happens--footer-leads-zionsville-past-tribe/article_64ac598a-88c4-11e4-b381-0f38be5abb2c.html (http://www.heraldbulletin.com/sports/smits-happens--footer-leads-zionsville-past-tribe/article_64ac598a-88c4-11e4-b381-0f38be5abb2c.html)
"Anytime a big man (Smits) has good footwork like he does, he's going to be a problem for you in high school basketball," Indians coach Joe Nadaline said. "He's very smart, he has a good feet, he has good court awareness and he has a nice jumpshot. We tried to make him take that jumper, and he hit the ones he took."
Smits was 14-of-18 from the floor, leading an Eagles team that shot 70 percent (14-of-20) in the second half and 66.7 percent (28-of-42) overall. Smits also had a game-high eight rebounds — Zionsville (4-2) won the battle of the boards 30-19 — and three blocked shots.
The Indians pulled within 62-48 with less than three minutes to play before Smits put an end to the bleeding with six points to fuel an 8-0 Zionsville run.
I would imagine some high major programs are kicking themselves now for not going after Smits earlier!
Zionsville takes on the 3A Bishop Chatard Trojans at the Eagles Nest at ZCHS on Monday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Chatard is 1-2 having lost to Scecina Memorial and Heritage Christian.
It should be a good test for the soaring Eagles.
P.S. Indiana Speaker of the House and a former Lutheran, Brian Bosma, sends his kids go to Heritage Christian.
Derrik scored 16 points last night to lead Zionsville to a 55-29 victory over Indianapolis Chatard.
HHR - Jim Reamer @HHR_Reamer · Dec 20
Looks like @SmitsDerrik owns the NCC
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HHR - Jim Reamer retweeted
ZionsvilleBasketball @ZvilleBball · Dec 20
Varsity BBB Final: Zionsville 74 Anderson 60. Smits with 31 points
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Derrik named Indiana Player of the Week by Prep Hoops Indiana:
POTW - DERRIK SMITS (2015)
The week four Player of the Week has been awarded to Zionsville senior Derrik Smits. Smits is the #10 ranked prospect in the Prep Hoops Indiana 2015 rankings. The 7-0 center has committed to play at Valparaiso next season.
Smits had a great game last week, putting up 33 points as Zionsville defeated Anderson 74-60. This performance followed a 27 point outing last Saturday in a 67-65 win over Marion. The son of former NBA player Rik Smits is starting to play at a very high level, and he is showing glimpses of what his game will look like as he keeps progressing. The mobile big man is off to a fantastic start to the season averaging 19 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. Along with this fast start, Derrik has also helped lead the Eagles to a 5-2 record.
http://www.prephoopsindiana.com/news_article/show/460046?referrer_id=1283384 (http://www.prephoopsindiana.com/news_article/show/460046?referrer_id=1283384)
I just noticed that most of the games from the Bob Wettig Tournament in Richmond are going to be broadcast live on the internet.
Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Bob Wettig Tournament 1/1/2015 to 1/3/2015 (http://www.ihigh.com/reddevilmania/broadcasts.html?mode=school&schoolid=8548)
This will include
January 1st, Thursday
Hamilton Heights vs Valpo HS 2:30 p.m. EST from Richmond HS Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Hamilton Heights vs Valpo 2:30 p.m. Eastern time 1/1/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95104)
Franklin Central vs Portage 4:00 p.m. EST from Richmond HS Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Franklin Central vs Portage 4:00 p.m. Eastern time 1/1/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95107)
Zionsville vs Norwell 8:30 p.m. EST from Richmond HS Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Zionsville vs Norwell 8:30 p.m. Eastern time 1/1/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95110)
There will be two other games played by each team on January 2nd and 3rd but they may not be broadcast depending on the results of the previous games.
Zionsville boys carry momentum into break
http://www.timessentinel.com/sports/local_sports/zionsville-boys-carry-momentum-into-break/article_fdd05263-615a-5e2a-8963-2eda4217b586.html (http://www.timessentinel.com/sports/local_sports/zionsville-boys-carry-momentum-into-break/article_fdd05263-615a-5e2a-8963-2eda4217b586.html)
"He is definitely being assertive and demanding the ball. He is starting to play inside a lot and not floating as much. When he seals off down low he is pretty much unguardable."
Quote from: wh on December 27, 2014, 12:08:22 AMHe is starting to play inside a lot and not floating as much.
I can't TELL you how happy that makes me. If there's one thing that grinds my gears (besides heresy and bad grammar), it's everyone 6'9" and taller that thinks they are Dirk Nowitzki and want to float around the outside taking the 3 ball.
Remember the Maddux/Glavine "chicks dig the long ball" commercial? That's how the 3 has gotten, which, understandable, but not from the PF/C set.
Atlanta Braves Glavine & Maddux "Chicks Dig the Long Ball" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKAJIvQRSzE#)
LAA, you're correct on this matter. So many teams give up offensive rebounds and 2nd chance points because the offensive motion requires that the PF and C are floating around the perimeter, instead of criss-crossing the rectangle from the rim to about 5' from the rim. So many easy lobs inside for a layup or short jump shot. Instead, a team loses rebounds and has unnecessary fouls because they are playing too far out from the rim. The higher percentage layups and 5-foot shots decrease deficits more than jacking up three pointers in desperation.
While not advocating for our center to play at the perimeter, I could see advantages for our team. If the center pulls the defending center to the outside we have the potential for Alec to post up which should work in our favor.
Yeah, but the key is he has to be enough of a 3-threat that the other center bothers going out there in the first place...
Valpo HS loses 58-53 in OT to Hamilton Hts at Richmond HS. It was probably the first time I watched the alma mater HS in 20-25 years. I spent 2 years at Valpo HS. Valpo now takes on Greenfield (who luckily wears blue) at 10:30 a.m. EST, tomorrow, 1/2/2015.
It was interesting that the announcers were together for the first 2 games at Richmond HS then were supposed to split up for one game at Richmond and one game at Earlham College. The Valpo/HHHS game goes into OT. So one announcer gets in his car and the first quarter is almost over before he gets through town to Earlham. The Columbus N / Connersville game went announcer-less for most of that first quarter. He opened by saying I know your enjoying this game and you know more about it than I do.
Portage is losing to Franklin Central and Zionsville and Derrik Smits play Norwell at 8:30 p.m. EASTERN time tonight at Richmond HS.
If you're looking for the Zionsville vs Norwell game from Richmond the Red Devils game against Indy Tindley is just coming to an end and the Z-Eagles vs Norwell game will be on the same court soon. (8:32 p.m. Eastern)
EDIT: 1:45 to go in 4th quarter at 8:36 p.m. Eastern.
2nd EDIT: Richmond wins over Tindley and the Zionsville game broadcast will start showing the warm-ups. (8:39 p.m.)
3rd EDIT: game has started. Smits is #24. 8:52 p.m. EASTERN
So TD, will the Valpo High-Greenfield game be online at 9:30 a.m. Central time Friday?
Link?
Quote from: bbtds on December 26, 2014, 12:51:02 AM
I just noticed that most of the games from the Bob Wettig Tournament in Richmond are going to be broadcast live on the internet.
Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Bob Wettig Tournament 1/1/2015 to 1/3/2015 (http://www.ihigh.com/reddevilmania/broadcasts.html?mode=school&schoolid=8548)
This will include
January 1st, Thursday
Hamilton Heights vs Valpo HS 2:30 p.m. EST from Richmond HS Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Hamilton Heights vs Valpo 2:30 p.m. Eastern time 1/1/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95104)
Franklin Central vs Portage 4:00 p.m. EST from Richmond HS Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Franklin Central vs Portage 4:00 p.m. Eastern time 1/1/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95107)
Zionsville vs Norwell 8:30 p.m. EST from Richmond HS Richmond Red Devil broadcasts Zionsville vs Norwell 8:30 p.m. Eastern time 1/1/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95110)
There will be two other games played by each team on January 2nd and 3rd but they may not be broadcast depending on the results of the previous games.
Derrik's game is on!
Derrik scored a bucket and committed 2 fouls in the first 3 minutes. He is now on the bench. His 6-9 sophomore cousin came in for him.
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 01, 2015, 07:46:43 PM
So TD, will the Valpo High-Greenfield game be online at 9:30 a.m. Central time Friday?
Link?
According to the broadcasters,
YES they will be doing the Valpo/Greenfield game at 10:30 a.m. EASTERN
They have not shown any of the links for tomorrow's games as of yet.
UH OH, both Smits are in foul trouble!!! Add your own emphasiseseses.
Both huge guys out now but Z-Eagles have pushed out to 1 point lead with 2nd quarter with 2 minutes to go.
EDIT: 25-24 at half with Zionsville in lead. Derrik sat out whole 2nd quarter with 2 fouls.
ANOTHER EDIT: Derrik commits 3rd foul on questionable call and sits while his cousin Smits-Francisco comes in. Then S-F commits 3rd foul. Zville down by 3. End of 3rd quarter.
EDIT AGAIN: Derrik back in in 4th quarter--with 3 fouls--multiple points.
ANOTHER EDIT: Zville up by 6 with 4:19 left in 4th quarter. Derrik has 13 points, I believe. He is by far making a huge difference in the game.
EDIT AGAIN: Derrik leaves the game for his cousin up by 11 with 1:07 left.
FINAL SCORE: Zionsville 55, Norwell 42. Smits had 17 points.
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 01, 2015, 07:46:43 PM
So TD, will the Valpo High-Greenfield game be online at 9:30 a.m. Central time Friday?
Link?
I'm not sure if it is a mistake but the website (Richmond Red Devils Wettig Tournament) is showing the Greenfield Central/Valpo game at 10:30 p.m. EASTERN time for 1/2/2015. They are showing the 9:00 a.m. Connersville vs East Central game and the 12:00 p.m. Portage vs Ft Wayne North game. All games are at Richmond HS so I believe the Valpo game will be played at 9:30 a.m. CENTRAL. The John Harrel website shows the Greenfield/Valpo game at 9:30
a.m. CENTRALRichmond Red Devil broadcasts Team 1 Sports Greenfield Central vs Valpo 10:30 p.m. EST 1/2/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95697)
Richmond Red Devil Team 1 Sports Bob Wettig Tournament 2015 Broadcast Schedule (http://www.ihigh.com/reddevilmania/broadcasts.html?mode=school&schoolid=8548)
Richmond Red Devil Team 1 Sports Richmond vs Zionsville 8:30 p.m. Eastern time 1/2/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95703)
I watched on that link for 5 minutes. He seemed pretty pedestrian, and didn't appear to be a high-motor player. My opinion is based on 5 minutes of watching D4 high school basketball, the longest amount of time my body could take.
Quote from: a3uge on January 01, 2015, 11:38:50 PMdidn't appear to be a high-motor player
i would agree, but i would add that most 7-footers, especially at that age, seem that way. they're kind of like an 8-year old wearing his father's suit, you know? it'll take 'em a little longer to get where they're going.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on January 02, 2015, 12:40:26 AM
Quote from: a3uge on January 01, 2015, 11:38:50 PMdidn't appear to be a high-motor player
i would agree, but i would add that most 7-footers, especially at that age, seem that way. they're kind of like an 8-year old wearing his father's suit, you know? it'll take 'em a little longer to get where they're going.
He was in constant foul trouble. He sat out all but 3 minutes of the first half with 2 fouls and sat again in the 3rd quarter after picking up his 3rd foul. He left the game with a little more than a minute left. Despite never seeming to have been in the game he still managed to score 17 points somewhere along the way. I like the way he clears space and calls for the ball in the box. Unlike most white 7-footers, he has good lift. I see a lot of potential in that young man.
Quote from: bbtds on January 01, 2015, 11:04:53 PMI'm not sure if it is a mistake but the website (Richmond Red Devils Wettig Tournament) is showing the Greenfield Central/Valpo game at 10:30 p.m. EASTERN time for 1/2/2015.
It got corrected to a.m.nstead of p.m.
Quote from: wh on January 02, 2015, 03:44:05 AMI like the way he clears space and calls for the ball in the box. Unlike most white 7-footers, he has good lift. I see a lot of potential in that young man.
Yes his defense within the zone was not particularly impressive and I foresee a lot of foul trouble for his rookie season. On the other hand his contributions on offense might exceed Vashil by the late part of next year and continue to head north from there.
There will be some games in 15-16 where we will wish we still had Vashil but I think that I will be able to accept those disappointments and take the longer term view that "WE GOT OURSELVES A CENTER!!!" :dance:
Thanks for the links TD. Just watched VHS hold on for a 45-43 win over Greenfield Central, after dropping the heartbreaker on Thursday.
Valpo HS barely wins over Greenfield (blue) after almost blowing an 11 point 4th quarter lead, 45-43.
The Vikings advance to play Connersville at 7:00 p.m. EASTERN at Earlham College. That game will also be on live on the internet. Check this schedule Richmond Red Devil Team 1 Sports Bob Wettig Tournament Schedule (http://www.ihigh.com/reddevilmania/broadcasts.html?mode=school&schoolid=8548)
The next Zionsville game is 8:30 p.m. EASTERN against the home team Richmond. Richmond Red Devil Team 1 Sports Zionsville vs Richmond 8:30 p.m. EASTERN 1/2/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95703).
I will be out until the 7:00 p.m. Valpo at Oakland game so I will not be posting game times or links the rest of the evening.
Quote from: a3uge on January 01, 2015, 11:38:50 PMI watched on that link for 5 minutes. He seemed pretty pedestrian, and didn't appear to be a high-motor player.
Smits did seem to be laboring in the games on Thursday and Friday, though he still scored a combined 36 points in those games; however, it should be noted that Derrik apparently was playing despite having the flu.
Quote from: valpopal on January 03, 2015, 01:20:11 AM
Quote from: a3uge on January 01, 2015, 11:38:50 PMI watched on that link for 5 minutes. He seemed pretty pedestrian, and didn't appear to be a high-motor player.
Smits did seem to be laboring in the games on Thursday and Friday, though he still scored a combined 36 points in those games; however, it should be noted that Derrik apparently was playing despite having the flu.
Zionsville vs Bedford 9:30 a.m. EASTERN Richmond Red Devil Team 1 Sports Zionsville vs BNL 9:30 a.m. EST 1/3/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95759)
Derrik seems to be laboring greatly in this game.
EDIT: Stars get it to OT as Derrik committed foul with about 40 secs left and then Zville could not get there shot to go after running the clock down. Derrik didn't touch the ball in Eagles last possession.
FINAL: Zionsville 51, Bedford 45 OT
Derrik nailed 2 FT's easily with seconds remaining to ice the game. He also corralled the final rebound.
Zionsville will play one more game at Richmond HS against either HHHS or FWDwenger at 4:30 p.m. EASTERN.
Richmond Red Devil Team 1 Sports Broadcasts Zionsville vs Hamilton Heights 4:30 p.m. EST 1/3/2015 (http://www.team1sports.com/index.php/videoPlayer/view?broadcast=95772)
Valpo HS will play at 3:30 p.m. EASTERN against Norwell at Earlham College. I don't believe that game will have live video but you can check broadcast schedule to see.
It will be interesting to see if Derrik has anything left in the tank in the 4th game of the 3 day tournament. I wonder if Busick will play him since he was so lethargic against Bedford. Although he still easily made the difference in the game. Derrik even when he could hardly move a Bedford player except by putting his head on the player's chest and then backing off to make space to catch a pass.
Zionsville beat Noblesville last night 55-41. Derrik scored 21 points, 4 over his season average.
Quote from: wh on January 17, 2015, 05:28:20 PM
Zionsville beat Noblesville last night 55-41. Derrik scored 21 points, 4 over his season average.
Zionsville was playing at tough Columbus North tonight and I haven't heard that result yet.
Another important game tonight was the Marion County tournament semi-final as Indy Pike beat Southport in 4 OTs 92-86. That was a heck of a finish on channel 40 here in Indy.
Derrik is one of 21 Indiana players nominated for the 2015 McDonald's All American team. Only 3 states - California, Florida and Texas - have more nominees than Indiana.
http://www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com/content/aag/en/MediaCenter/2015-game-materials/2015-Nominee-List/_jcr_content/featuredcontent/everything/file.res/2015%20Nominee%20List%20(Boys_Girls)%20FINAL%20as%20of%201.14.pdf (http://www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com/content/aag/en/MediaCenter/2015-game-materials/2015-Nominee-List/_jcr_content/featuredcontent/everything/file.res/2015%20Nominee%20List%20(Boys_Girls)%20FINAL%20as%20of%201.14.pdf)
I think this is what they call "playing above the rim" (from last night's game against Hamilton Southeastern):
http://twitter.com/TomMarronPhoto/status/558830708769443840/photo/1 (http://twitter.com/TomMarronPhoto/status/558830708769443840/photo/1)
And 1!
Quote from: wh on January 24, 2015, 08:00:34 AM
I think this is what they call "playing above the rim" (from last night's game against Hamilton Southeastern):
http://twitter.com/TomMarronPhoto/status/558830708769443840/photo/1 (http://twitter.com/TomMarronPhoto/status/558830708769443840/photo/1)
haha. Will we be throwing the same alley hoops as we do Vashil?
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 25, 2015, 01:20:03 PM
Quote from: wh on January 24, 2015, 08:00:34 AM
I think this is what they call "playing above the rim" (from last night's game against Hamilton Southeastern):
http://twitter.com/TomMarronPhoto/status/558830708769443840/photo/1 (http://twitter.com/TomMarronPhoto/status/558830708769443840/photo/1)
haha. Will we be throwing the same alley hoops as we do Vashil?
If he made that basket it was the difference in the game. Final score Z 38, HSE 37.
[thought this post should be in this thread too]
Speaking of the 7 footer from Zionsville, the Z-Eagles haven't lost since the tournament in Richmond. They have beaten HSE, Pike Twp (home of the Teagues), Brownsburg (Hayward's school & where Nored coached) and Decatur Central (the game in my backyard). Unfortunately I missed that game on Saturday because my wife had me going to one of her company dinners where I played on my phone all night.
BTW, Brownsburg beat Carmel in Hamilton Co. earlier.
in all of this recruiting, I think something should be said--not only does Bryce & Co. not miss outright on players, they have that important "chef" sense of what the recipe needs.
Calipari et al. just wave a wand and get 5-stars, without much if any thought given to how they work together...that's not really a concern.
but the guys we bring in--whether HS or transfer--really complement one another well.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on February 09, 2015, 11:25:05 AMCalipari et al. just wave a wand and get 5-stars, without much if any thought given to how they work together...that's not really a concern.
I like to calibrate this to "waits for 5 star recruits to line up at his front door and sits there in his easy chair sipping pina coladas while they make their pitch".
Quote from: StlVUFan on February 09, 2015, 06:13:48 PM
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on February 09, 2015, 11:25:05 AMCalipari et al. just wave a wand and get 5-stars, without much if any thought given to how they work together...that's not really a concern.
I like to calibrate this to "waits for 5 star recruits to line up at his front door and sits there in his easy chair sipping pina coladas while they make their pitch".
Wow! Pina colada breaks instead of coffee! I worked in the wrong profession!
Quote from: justducky on February 09, 2015, 06:47:50 PM
Quote from: StlVUFan on February 09, 2015, 06:13:48 PM
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on February 09, 2015, 11:25:05 AMCalipari et al. just wave a wand and get 5-stars, without much if any thought given to how they work together...that's not really a concern.
I like to calibrate this to "waits for 5 star recruits to line up at his front door and sits there in his easy chair sipping pina coladas while they make their pitch".
Wow! Pina colada breaks instead of coffee! I worked in the wrong profession!
I believe mint juleps would be a more appropriate beverage down here!
Zionsville knocked off the black & gold Lebanon Tigers last Thursday at the Eagles Nest, 46-29. I'm afraid a contact at work that helped me report on the Z-Eagles has been off work for a while. I don't have much info lately. Maybe zvillehaze?
On Friday Z takes on the red & white Fishers Tigers in Hamilton County. Fishers is 11-9 but play some tough competition. Z and Fishers are both 5-0 in the Hoosier Crossroads Conf and tied for first. The Eagles, 17-4, have still not lost since the Richmond tournament.
from Recruiting 2015 thread:
QuoteButlerHoops recruiting thread has a lot more information on Derrik and followed him for more than 2 years. Much more info than we have had on our site. Very interesting stuff.
http://butlerhoops.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-146.html (http://butlerhoops.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-146.html)
It really sounds like the departure of Brad Stevens to the Boston Celtics is what turned things for the Smits to look at other schools besides Butler. Especially after the issues with Brandon Miller happened.
This tweet from Derrik came just after the Stevens to Boston announcement:
Derrik Smits@SmitsDerrik1h
Everytime I visit a new school I realize how much tougher its gunna be to pick in a few years. So many great schoolsFrom Indy Star:
Caught up with Zionsville 6-10 junior Derrik Smits, who recently picked up offers from Butler and Xavier recently. Smits said he talked with Butler coach Brandon Miller on Tuesday and Miller told him his offer was still on the table.
"He told me my offer was still there and they still feel the same about me," said Smits, who rolled his left ankle in Spiece Indy Heat's 65-34 win over the Dallas Mustangs.
Smits said Butler is still one of his "favorite schools" despite Brad Stevens leaving for the Boston Celtics.
"Obviously I'm not a fan that he left, because I love Brad Stevens and he's a great coach and wish him the best at Boston," he said.Irishdawg:
I feel like if Stevens were still here, Butler would be in a really good position with Smits. Don't have much of a feel for where Miller's at with him, but he's going to have to really work to get him.ButlerGoalie:
I know that there's animosity between various factions on the site, but this is one thing that is a no-brainer. Low cost, all upside. I understand all that tradition stuff, but hey, you're in the Big East now. It's time to accept some of the razzle-dazzle that entails. You get a pretty good indication of which recruits are serious based on who shows up.
That being said, I think it might be time to punt on Smits. I think our biggest hook to him anyway was Stevens. The fact that he'd rather spend Friday night in Cincy tells you all you need to know I think.Smits attended the Xavier/Butler game in his junior year
bumba:
I mean Jesus Christ the kid comes to see a game, even though BM and company have cooled on him...yet no communication. Not even a hello or anything. Nicely done.
That's kind of the ultimate "FU" to a recruit. I suppose (and I guess have to trust) that the staff doesn't want him. Because, like, size wouldn't help us at all.
It only goes on to say "Smits has been watched by Butler, Xavier, Clemson, and Purdue recently" but not much context of details. I agree with you, if a recruit comes to a game then have the courtesy to acknowledge the effort.There were other statements about Brandon Miller's lack of enthusiasm for his job at this time.
Some other quote from the ButlerHoops Smits thread after Derrik commited to VU.
butlerfan:
10-04-2014, 09:11 PM
Offer from Valpo
Derrik Smits @SmitsDerrik · 7h 7 hours ago
Official to Valpo this weekend been fun
ButlerGoalie:
10-06-2014, 11:05 AM
Apparently, it was more than just fun.
Derrik Smits @SmitsDerrik
I'm excited to say I've found my future home. For the next four years I will be attending Valparaiso university #Crusaders #valpo
BUcheer:
10-06-2014, 11:59 AM
Another reminder of how much I HATE the ARC. Thank goodness I never have to go there again.
Quote from: FWalum on February 17, 2015, 11:25:32 AMBUcheer:
10-06-2014, 11:59 AM
Another reminder of how much I HATE the ARC. Thank goodness I never have to go there again.
Fantastic!
No details on how Smits did against Fishers or Indy Tech.
The battle for the Hoosier Crossroads Conf crown goes to Fishers Tigers by 13, 68-55.
Zionsville goes down a second time in 2 days as they drop a 63-53 decision to Indy Arsenal Tech (located just east of the I-70/65 corridor between 10th St and Michigan St).
http://www.timessentinel.com/sports/local_sports/fishers-claims-hoosier-crossroads-title-over-zionsville/article_d2bea79d-2f51-5656-ac03-5ee4b3e5aac8.html (http://www.timessentinel.com/sports/local_sports/fishers-claims-hoosier-crossroads-title-over-zionsville/article_d2bea79d-2f51-5656-ac03-5ee4b3e5aac8.html)
Big play when Derrik's cousin, Cassius Smits-Fransisco is called for a foul and then a technical that sent Fishers into the lead. I'm afraid there is nothing in the online story about Darian Derrik Smits. There is more to the story in the Zionsville Times print edition so that may have something on Derrik.
Derrik had 10. The next night he had 12 against Indianapolis Tech. The last time I looked he is averaging 16 ppg for the season.
FB Guy here. I am ecstatic that Derrik is gonna be our 5 for the next 4 years. CAUTION: But Because of his frame (he is very lean and long) IMO it will not be until his sophomore/junior year that he will be dominant in the middle -- he needs those 1-2 years to add a little bulk, some strength and, with that, killer confidence. By his sophomore year (and Alec's senior year and Skara's junior year), and with all the great PGs we have we will be awesome across all 5 positions.
It's Friday night and VU and CSU are gonna bang heads: Go Valpo!
[tweet]580141440879083520[/tweet]
Move over, Chocolate Thunder!
Is this at the house? I hope that he did not hurt himself!
Here's some of the story
http://heldenonline.nl/rubrieken/helden-in-het-nieuws/the-other-dunking-dutchman (http://heldenonline.nl/rubrieken/helden-in-het-nieuws/the-other-dunking-dutchman)
or it translates tolerably well from the Dutch.
Maybe this link will take you directly to the google.com/translate translation
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fheldenonline.nl%2Frubrieken%2Fhelden-in-het-nieuws%2Fthe-other-dunking-dutchman&edit-text= (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fheldenonline.nl%2Frubrieken%2Fhelden-in-het-nieuws%2Fthe-other-dunking-dutchman&edit-text=)
This tweet was also good, today
[tweet]580409754788474880[/tweet]
Derrik selected as a second team all state player by American Family Insurance, as announced by USA Today. The first team center was Mr. Basketball.
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/16/indiana-high-school-basketball-all-state-team-2015/25876361/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/16/indiana-high-school-basketball-all-state-team-2015/25876361/)
Here's an article discussing the selection of the Indiana All-Star team. http://usatodayhss.com/2015/taking-a-closer-look-at-the-potential-indiana-allstar-roster (http://usatodayhss.com/2015/taking-a-closer-look-at-the-potential-indiana-allstar-roster) It's very competitive given that Indiana typically sends 30+ kids to D-I schools every year. As I've stated before, the selection is somewhat subjective because they try to get representation from all areas of the state and they use the last few spots to fill in positions of need. Remember, this isn't necessarily picking the best 12-14 players, but also putting together a team best equipped to compete against Kentucky. Best of luck to Derrik!
The IN All-Star team aside, zville, I think I recall you saying you watched several Valpo games this year so presumably you know about as much about us as anyone. As you know we have 1 slot to fill and it happens to be Derrik's position. Oh, how I would love to have a 7 foot freshman waltz in and contribute from the get-go. Or, is it more likely IUO that Derrik will need a lot more time to adjust to the rigors of playing against bigger, quicker, far more physical competition?
Derrik scored 8 in the North-South All Star game:
http://usatodayhss.com/2015/standouts-impress-as-south-sweeps-north-in-indiana-all-star-games (http://usatodayhss.com/2015/standouts-impress-as-south-sweeps-north-in-indiana-all-star-games)
Derrik has been selected for the Indiana Senior All-Star team. The full roster in linked article: http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/20/indiana-senior-boys-all-stars-2015-high-school-indiana-all-stars/26069547/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/20/indiana-senior-boys-all-stars-2015-high-school-indiana-all-stars/26069547/)
Quote from: valpopal on April 20, 2015, 10:45:00 AM
Derrik has been selected for the Indiana Senior All-Star team. The full roster in linked article: http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/20/indiana-senior-boys-all-stars-2015-high-school-indiana-all-stars/26069547/ (http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2015/04/20/indiana-senior-boys-all-stars-2015-high-school-indiana-all-stars/26069547/)
That is wonderful news! I believe the last Indiana All Star for Valpo was Matt Kenney.
Quote from: wh on April 19, 2015, 09:08:42 PM
The IN All-Star team aside, zville, I think I recall you saying you watched several Valpo games this year so presumably you know about as much about us as anyone. As you know we have 1 slot to fill and it happens to be Derrik's position. Oh, how I would love to have a 7 foot freshman waltz in and contribute from the get-go. Or, is it more likely IUO that Derrik will need a lot more time to adjust to the rigors of playing against bigger, quicker, far more physical competition?
My guess is that both Smits and Relvao will be brought along somewhat slowly. I'm not saying those guys wouldn't be able to contribute right away, but it's really driven by all the depth that Valpo is returning. Assuming Williams is back to 100%, I could see some 3 guard lineups just to get all those guys some minutes, as well as Nickerson moving back to his natural small forward spot. A reasonable guess on minutes might be Carter (25), Williams (20), Walkers (25x2), Peters (30), Skara (20), Nickerson (20) and Adekoya (20). That leaves only 15 minutes for Hammink/Smits/Relvao, and I'd think that Hammink has an advantage there given his experience with two years in the SEC and a full year with the Valpo program.
Just my :twocents: . I do know it will be very difficult for Bryce to get everyone the minutes they want. If he can convince everyone to play as hard as they can for 15 to 25 minutes per game, Valpo could use a rotation very similar to what Kentucky did this year.
Quote from: zvillehaze on April 21, 2015, 08:44:56 AMMy guess is that both Smits and Relvao will be brought along somewhat slowly. I'm not saying those guys wouldn't be able to contribute right away, but it's really driven by all the depth that Valpo is returning. Assuming Williams is back to 100%, I could see some 3 guard lineups just to get all those guys some minutes, as well as Nickerson moving back to his natural small forward spot. A reasonable guess on minutes might be Carter (25), Williams (20), Walkers (25x2), Peters (30), Skara (20), Nickerson (20) and Adekoya (20). That leaves only 15 minutes for Hammink/Smits/Relvao, and I'd think that Hammink has an advantage there given his experience with two years in the SEC and a full year with the Valpo program.
The cap to what the 15-16 team can achieve will be defined by its contributions from the center position. Could a greatly improved Adekoya help lift this team to an at large quality level? If that answer is no then expect a fast track development pace giving Smits more early season playing time than he might otherwise deserve.
Derrik is going to receive a first class trial by fire education. I hope he can pass.
Per FW Journal Gazette yesterday, VU is reportedly recruiting 6'7" forward Brachen Hazen from Columbia City, IN. He was quoted as saying other schools recruiting him the hardest are Creighton, Central Michigan and Ball State. He plays for Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit. He also has a brother, Parker, a 6'5" swingman who is a year behind Brachen. Sorry, this post probably belongs in another topic area.
Quote from: valpo64 on May 04, 2015, 10:30:06 AMPer FW Journal Gazette yesterday, VU is reportedly recruiting 6'7" forward Brachen Hazen from Columbia City, IN. He was quoted as saying other schools recruiting him the hardest are Creighton, Central Michigan and Ball State. He plays for Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit. He also has a brother, Parker, a 6'5" swingman who is a year behind Brachen. Sorry, this post probably belongs in another topic area.
Is his high school coach the one who was at Valpo HS for a couple of years and then went back to Columbia City?
May have been, but I'm not sure.
Quote from: historyman on May 06, 2015, 07:00:19 AM
Quote from: valpo64 on May 04, 2015, 10:30:06 AMPer FW Journal Gazette yesterday, VU is reportedly recruiting 6'7" forward Brachen Hazen from Columbia City, IN. He was quoted as saying other schools recruiting him the hardest are Creighton, Central Michigan and Ball State. He plays for Spiece Indy Heat on the AAU circuit. He also has a brother, Parker, a 6'5" swingman who is a year behind Brachen. Sorry, this post probably belongs in another topic area.
Is his high school coach the one who was at Valpo HS for a couple of years and then went back to Columbia City?
Yes, Chris Benedict was head coach at Columbia City HS then coached at Valpo HS for two years (2007-08 & 2008-09) and then went back to CCHS and is Brachen Hazen's high school coach.
http://coach.homestead.com/files/Chris.Benedict.htm (http://coach.homestead.com/files/Chris.Benedict.htm)
Derrik Smits had a very good game, scoring 12 pts. on 6-10 shooting, and he added 8 rebounds, plus 2 blocks and a steal, in only 18 minutes of play for the Indiana All-Stars in their win against the Indiana Junior All-Stars tonight.
Smits has Big Game in All Star Tuneup (http://www.nwitimes.com/conferences/duneland-conference/valpo-s-smits-has-monster-game-to-lead-indiana-all/article_8ab7b59f-7c5d-576c-abd0-3d77100fff5a.html)
Audio of a nice radio interview with Derrik: https://soundcloud.com/sports1430/derrik-smits?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter (https://soundcloud.com/sports1430/derrik-smits?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter)
The Indiana Junior All-Stars came back to upset the Senior All-Stars tonight, 103-89. Derrik had 6 pts. & 4 rebs. in only 12 minutes of play limited by an ankle injury :( but apparently not serious. :)
Derrik had a good game tonight in 88-77 win by Indiana All-Stars over Kentucky All-Stars. He had 8 pts (3-6 fg, 2-2 ft), 5 rebs, 3 blocks, a steal, and no turnovers in just 18 minutes of play. Next stop Valparaiso! :thumbsup:
Based on Derrik's tweet, there may be a small adjustment to playing D1 basketball!
First workout ✅
First time puking during practice ✅
Welcome to college 😂
...and he's officially redshirting [emoji22]
Really quite here about this major development. Liked what I saw from Derrick on the Canadian trip, He has skills and will be tough to handle in the future. Sad that the four month recovery will not give him a lot of time to practice against Vashil considering his and Bryce's statements about how much better he had become because of practicing against the big guy.
Tradeoff is freshman year Smits verse 5th year senior Smits; good tradeoff in my mind. Unfortunate that he does lose this season but in the long run this could be beneficial.
Had the chance to meet him while on campus during homecoming. I really fine young man. It was with mixed emotions that I read the news. Sorry for him and for Valpo that he has to sit this one out but at the same time thinking that an extra year to mature and grow into his very tall body will help him prepare for basketball beyond college. All the best to Derrik. :thumbsup:
I thought he was a bit raw to immediately contribute significantly, especially on the defensive end. At least, that's what I'm telling myself to cope with the news.
This was reported by Bryce and Derrick in the postgame press conference. It will be tough not having two 7-footers to rotate in during conference play, but knowing that the team and Vashil can adjust to being without someone is going to be very nice come the important stretch of February games that lead to the HL Tourney.
To be honest, after seeing some of his numbers after games last season, I wasn't expecting this season to be anything more than a year of growth for Derrick. I wasn't looking to put a lot of pressure on him because he still has skills and a body to develop for the college game.
Quote from: FWalum on November 19, 2015, 08:13:54 AMSad that the four month recovery will not give him a lot of time to practice against Vashil considering his and Bryce's statements about how much better he had become because of practicing against the big guy.
That would be a shame, for sure. I don't know exactly _how_ important Gueye was in Vashil's development, but he seems to get a lot of credit.
Heal well, and quickly, Derrik!
Saw the Smits family at last night's game sitting in the front row of the chair backs (ample leg room for a guy 7-4 ;)). I think it speaks well of them that they drove up from Zville to cheer the team on in a mismatch game that Derrik was not going to play in. I also noticed Rik moving around at half time and stopping to talk to a lot of people.
Quote from: wh on November 19, 2015, 12:21:08 PMSaw the Smits family at last night's game sitting in the front row of the chair backs (ample leg room for a guy 7-4 ).
Could be tough to keep his feet out of the game!
Derrik will bring an entirely different game then Vashil. I'm sure Derrik will block some shots but his real strength, and something we don't get much of from Vashil, will be his ability to step back and hit the 12 foot jump shot.
He also seems to have soft hands for pick and rolls to the basket.
Quote from: agibson on November 19, 2015, 11:53:18 AM
Quote from: FWalum on November 19, 2015, 08:13:54 AMSad that the four month recovery will not give him a lot of time to practice against Vashil considering his and Bryce's statements about how much better he had become because of practicing against the big guy.
That would be a shame, for sure. I don't know exactly _how_ important Gueye was in Vashil's development, but he seems to get a lot of credit.
Heal well, and quickly, Derrik!
It's been about three months since it was announced that Derrik's would red shirt, correct the issue with his foot and rehab. Does anyone have any new information on his progress? My curiosity kind of centers on a few things:
What was done to correct the condition?
Has he been using this time to hit the weights and at least build up his upper body and abdominal strength?
Has he been able to continue to shoot and work on the parts of his game that are not dependent on his foot -- whatever that could be (could just be free throws ???)?
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 06, 2016, 07:55:00 AM
Quote from: agibson on November 19, 2015, 11:53:18 AM
Quote from: FWalum on November 19, 2015, 08:13:54 AMSad that the four month recovery will not give him a lot of time to practice against Vashil considering his and Bryce's statements about how much better he had become because of practicing against the big guy.
That would be a shame, for sure. I don't know exactly _how_ important Gueye was in Vashil's development, but he seems to get a lot of credit.
Heal well, and quickly, Derrik!
It's been about three months since it was announced that Derrik's would red shirt, correct the issue with his foot and rehab. Does anyone have any new information on his progress? My curiosity kind of centers on a few things:
What was done to correct the condition?
Has he been using this time to hit the weights and at least build up his upper body and abdominal strength?
Has he been able to continue to shoot and work on the parts of his game that are not dependent on his foot -- whatever that could be (could just be free throws ???)?
No visible limp or anything. He doesn't take part in warmups but that may be because we're trying to avoid another broken knee cap.
As a redshirt, he can't dress for games, even in warmups. I don't know about any specific progress, as I don't live close enough to Valpo to sneak any looks at practice.
Quote from: valporun on February 06, 2016, 12:02:26 PM
As a redshirt, he can't dress for games, even in warmups. I don't know about any specific progress, as I don't live close enough to Valpo to sneak any looks at practice.
So Lexus was just standing on the side of the court and got his knee cap broken while red shirting?
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 06, 2016, 07:55:00 AM
Quote from: agibson on November 19, 2015, 11:53:18 AM
Quote from: FWalum on November 19, 2015, 08:13:54 AMSad that the four month recovery will not give him a lot of time to practice against Vashil considering his and Bryce's statements about how much better he had become because of practicing against the big guy.
That would be a shame, for sure. I don't know exactly _how_ important Gueye was in Vashil's development, but he seems to get a lot of credit.
Heal well, and quickly, Derrik!
It's been about three months since it was announced that Derrik's would red shirt, correct the issue with his foot and rehab. Does anyone have any new information on his progress? My curiosity kind of centers on a few things:
What was done to correct the condition?
Has he been using this time to hit the weights and at least build up his upper body and abdominal strength?
Has he been able to continue to shoot and work on the parts of his game that are not dependent on his foot -- whatever that could be (could just be free throws ???)?
Wow! That is weird, as I was thinking the same thing. How is his rehab going? A good subject for an article by Brandon Vickery or Paul Oren.
It would be a good article, if Rod and Bryce allow any information to be released about it.
My thought was that "when you get lemons, make lemonade." Derrik's was handed a bad situation but the bright side is a great opportunity to develop some bulk and greater strength. He's gonna be pounded on next season down low when he tries to post up as well as when opponents try to post him up.
I don't think Lexus had redshirted officially when he got hurt the second time. I was at that game and while not in warm ups he was wearing shorts and running on the sideline during shoot around
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Quote from: Kyle321n on February 06, 2016, 11:20:43 PM
I don't think Lexus had redshirted officially when he got hurt the second time. I was at that game and while not in warm ups he was wearing shorts and running on the sideline during shoot around
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
I may be mistaken but hadn't Lexus redshirted when he tore his ACL in summer work outs? I believe he was in the middle of redshirting when he later broke his knee cap during conference season.
Lots of updates on Derrik's twitter page. He is shooting a bunch of shots!
https://twitter.com/smitsderrik
He already had a good midrange jumper, I bet it's only better next season because of this. Where he's missing out with the injury is the ability work on his post up skills against Vashil and work on the defensive end of the game. Hopefully we sign someone who is 6-10 or bigger so Derrik can have practice buddy next season.
[tweet]696908594592219136[/tweet]
[tweet]712731659544596480[/tweet]
Hopefully this means a couple of months of informal practice with Vashil and company. And maybe even a few real practices.
My daughter is a Freshmen (and on the Dance team!!!!) but she and Derrick are buds and Derrick told her that his foot fracture was initially misdiagnosed by his initial Doctor and they in turn went to a specialist who said he had more "damage" to his foot than originally diagnosed. I believe this doctor did surgery in November and told him that the best would be to sit out this year and let it heal properly with no aggravations that basketball would bring. He said within 6 MOnths he would be good to go so it appears he is in line to heal. In talking with Rik after one of the games, he's glad his son chose Valpo, and cannot wait for him to get on the court so he can finally see him.
If anyone has "noticed" Rik (and many times his wife) are at EVERY game. They are BIG fans of VALPO and anyone with a right mind would be as well!!!!
I am still thinking Derrick will be a bit of a project early but I think he will definitely pay off. (Forgot one other thing - watching him with the team .... he looks like the kind of kid that is good for a team)
I sat by Rik for one of the games - just glad I was not sitting behind him.... haha
Go Valpo!
I don't think Derrick will be a project. I think he'll have an impact from day 1 next season.
Did anyone watch him play on the Canadian tour?
Really looking forward to seeing Derrik on the court next year. If there was one thing I saw lacking in high school with Derrik it was intensity. He has some very good offensive skills, lefty with decent range, good passer and able to catch the ball, he should be a much bigger offensive threat than Vashil. The test will be on the defensive side of the court. Hopefully he has learned somethings from the Defensive Player of the Year.
Love this tweet. apparently he has used his year off to put on some weight and muscle!
My goal was always to go in to freshman year 7'0 235, didn't make it. Thanks to this year, I'll be going in 7'1 250 #Blessings
Dan Dakich seemed to indicate that 7'0" or 7'1" was a large stretch for Smits. He indicated that he was closer to 6'10". Do we have any confirmation that he is a true 7-footer?
He looks to easily be 3-4 inches taller then Vashil and Alec...but I'm usually sitting pretty high up.
Quote from: valpotx on March 25, 2016, 06:57:15 PM
Dan Dakich seemed to indicate that 7'0" or 7'1" was a large stretch for Smits. He indicated that he was closer to 6'10". Do we have any confirmation that he is a true 7-footer?
Derek tweeted a response to Dan Dakich's comment on his height. I'd have to say from seeing him many time up close that he a legitimate 7fter
If he's 6-10, Vashil is 6-7. Ignorant comment with no constructive purpose. A picture's worth a thousand words:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/roster/#5.VvXsCSm9Kc0
Quote from: wh on March 25, 2016, 09:22:48 PM
If he's 6-10, Vashil is 6-7. Ignorant comment with no constructive purpose. A picture's worth a thousand words:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/roster/#5.VvXsCSm9Kc0
Dakich probably hasn't seen Derrik since he left ZCHS , the same HS that Dakich's son attended.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 25, 2016, 10:09:21 AM
Did anyone watch him play on the Canadian tour?
Yes, he's pretty good defensively, but was constantly going against much smaller players. He's outstanding on the offensive side of the ball and has a great midrange jumper. If they play him tight on the elbow he has the ability to drive past his man.
Quote from: historyman on March 25, 2016, 09:55:39 PM
Quote from: wh on March 25, 2016, 09:22:48 PM
If he's 6-10, Vashil is 6-7. Ignorant comment with no constructive purpose. A picture's worth a thousand words:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/roster/#5.VvXsCSm9Kc0
Dakich probably hasn't seen Derrik since he left ZCHS , the same HS that Dakich's son attended.
They way he broadcasts games, you would think that, but he was at the game last Thursday.
I can say this, when you have to against your dad who is 7'4" or so and had a great NBA career in your driveway, plus you get his insight to hoops, you'll be ready day 1. Plus he won't be coming to us a "true" freshmen either. I like the potential upside he brings. Adds a new dimension to the offense and while no Vashil defensively, will make opponents BIGS earn it and tire them out when we have the ball.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on March 30, 2016, 12:14:23 AM
I can say this, when you have to against your dad who is 7'4" or so and had a great NBA career in your driveway, plus you get his insight to hoops, you'll be ready day 1. Plus he won't be coming to us a "true" freshmen either. I like the potential upside he brings. Adds a new dimension to the offense and while no Vashil defensively, will make opponents BIGS earn it and tire them out when we have the ball.
In the past we commented on how his injury reduced the amount of competition time against 6' 10" Vashil in practice might be a factor in his development, but you are right, Dad, to remind us that he has to work even harder against his 7' 4" father.
I just hope his foot injuries are not a chronic thing.
Quote from: valpo64 on March 30, 2016, 12:39:55 PM
I just hope his foot injuries are not a chronic thing.
Probably one of the main reasons his father retired.
But he "retired" after 14 seasons in the NBA and 14 damn good ones I may add. When you're that tall, back and feet problems will befall you. It's the nature of being that big. Rik's back looks good and feet, well I can say this, he went to one of the most prominent Indy foot Specialists during Thanksgiving break and had surgery right after Winter break. That will definitely buy him 3-4 years of college of not more. Plus he's so young and the youth heals faster at a better rate than us old timers
!!!!
[tweet]716845247813259264[/tweet]
[tweet]716834474143522817[/tweet]
Should be a great learning experience playing in international competition. Only could make him better.
Hope his repaired foot stands up to the summer grind :-\
Was he not born in the US?
He probably has duel citizenship
Or maybe not, but he is the son of a Dutch citizen who has duel citizenship, and European federations do not look at citizenship the way the US does.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 04, 2016, 09:11:44 AM
Or maybe not, but he is the son of a Dutch citizen who has duel citizenship, and European federations do not look at citizenship the way the US does.
A passport from the appropriate country might be required, but his dad's almost certainly good enough. A grandparent often suffices.
Anyone know what games these are? U23 or something? Not sure what European national teams might be up to this summer, apart from the Olympics.
A Paul Oren tweet says that Derrik has grown another inch and is now 7-2.
4 years ahead with a 7-2 center. A 3-star HS player with likely 4-star ability now. Wow!
Not sure growing another inch gives him 4-star recruit ability. But either way I'm very optimistic about Smits future. 7-2 is some major size. Still has 2 inches to catch his dad haha. (side note: just watch some old highlights of Smits dad. Wow. I forgot how good of a player he was. If his dad was in the NBA now days, he'd probably be arguably Top 5-7 big man in the league at the center position these days. Small mans league).
Another side note: Apparently Derrick has been taking max credits in each semester and including summers and his degree is a 3-year sports management degree I believe and he sat out last year so red-shirted so he probably will be able to graduate very very early and have a few years of eligibility to boot if he wanted to transfer early. Makes me a little nervous. Hopefully he loves Valpo and plays a big role the next few years so he'll want to stick around.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 06, 2016, 06:49:00 PM
Another side note: Apparently Derrick has been taking max credits in each semester and including summers and his degree is a 3-year sports management degree
No "C" in Derrik's name.
Quote from: VU2014 on August 06, 2016, 06:49:00 PM
Not sure growing another inch gives him 4-star recruit ability.
Not thinking as much about an extra inch as an extra year. Guys that big often take longer to "grow" into their own bodies. Knowing that, I was just speculating that he's probably better prepared physically and mentally to make a bigger splash this year than last. Then - add to that the fact that he has grown 3" since the start of his senior season and is 1 of the tallest players in college basketball (probably top 5). For what it's worth thats the collective rationale behind my 4-star vs. 3 quip. :)
I second the hope that he doesn't leave after his second year of basketball, due to the accelerated class load. Hopefully Peters gets drafted, to show Smits that if he dominates, he can get drafted at Valpo too.
ValpoTx, great point. Here is the thing about Derrik and Rik for that matter, they love Valpo. To what extent and the extent they want to stay beyond his draft prognostications is up to them to decide but he could've played last year if the staff wanted. He worked his ass off and his dad was an integral part of that. They utilized the auxiliary gym in the ARC and they played against while the dance team practiced. My daughter shared with me, and she sucks as an evaluator of talent but said he made Rik pissed off at times that he was able to beat him to the rim and spun around him in the post. Now Rik is in his 40's and Derrik much younger but again, RIk was an NBA great with some serious size and knows how to position himself well.
Quote from: ValpoDad89 on August 25, 2016, 12:27:15 AMValpoTx, great point. Here is the thing about Derrik and Rik for that matter, they love Valpo. To what extent and the extent they want to stay beyond his draft prognostications is up to them to decide but he could've played last year if the staff wanted. He worked his ass off and his dad was an integral part of that. They utilized the auxiliary gym in the ARC and they played against while the dance team practiced. My daughter shared with me, and she sucks as an evaluator of talent but said he made Rik pissed off at times that he was able to beat him to the rim and spun around him in the post. Now Rik is in his 40's and Derrik much younger but again, RIk was an NBA great with some serious size and knows how to position himself well.
.
Rik turned 50 two days ago.
I stand corrected but he looks damn good for a guy in his '50's!!! And let me say this, I was 18-19 years old and I used to play pick up basketball at Vittum Park in Chicago. Now I am 6'2" and was young but there was this guy Wayne Molis who was in his late '50's and would out position out rebound me for every ball and I got frustrated. Came to find out Wayne played a few years in the NBA for the Knicks and a couple other teams. A guy we played with told me, you can never teach experience.
Derrik has been honored as a member of the MVC Most Improved team. He went from 7.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg last season to 12.5 ppg and 5.7 rpg in 2018-19.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2018-19/18921/smits-named-to-mvc-most-improved-team/
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on October 06, 2014, 08:54:30 PM
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/30308691-556/mens-basketball-big-man-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso.html#.VDNFPEvTUkE (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/30308691-556/mens-basketball-big-man-derrik-smits-commits-to-valparaiso.html#.VDNFPEvTUkE)
MONEY QUOTE
Quote"His name got him a lot of attention early on, but his play on the court put it over the top," Busick said. "People are intrigued by a skilled big man, and you don't see many 7-footers doing the things he does. He's a future pro. It would not surprise me if Derrik was drafted into the NBA at some point in the future."
STOP THAT YOU ARE SALIVATING ALL OVER YOUR COMPUTER KEYBOARD
I'll pick on Zionsville coach Shaun Busick's comment that he thought Derrik Smits would be drafted into the NBA. Just a reminder that Busick coached Seth Cloclasure and also coached at Crown Point. Does anyone now think that Derrik will get drafted into the NBA?
"Does anyone now think Derrik will get drafted...."
(https://media.giphy.com/media/ZqlvCTNHpqrio/giphy.gif)
Smits will announce his decision on Sunday. I'm thinking ASU is the front-runner.
I think whichever fan-base lands him will be somewhat disappointed with the end results once they see him for an entire season. He's a nice player on the offensive end but passable at best on defense. When Smits put up his best numbers, he tends to bog down the rest of the offense. There is just a lot left to be desired from his game. It will be interesting to see if the next coaching staff he plays for can get Smits to change or blend his game to fit the team's needs/offense.
I'm not saying this put down Smits by any means. I just think he's has his plus and minus to how he impacts games.
Quote from: valpopal on April 26, 2019, 10:56:57 AM
Smits will announce his decision on Sunday. I'm thinking ASU is the front-runner.
How exciting
Quote from: VU2014 on April 26, 2019, 11:09:03 AMI think whichever fan-base lands him will be somewhat disappointed with the end results once they see him for an entire season. He's a nice player on the offensive end but passable at best on defense. When Smits put up his best numbers, he tends to bog down the rest of the offense. There is just a lot left to be desired from his game. It will be interesting to see if the next coaching staff he plays for can get Smits to change or blend his game to fit the team's needs/offense.
If he lands on a good 3 point shooting team both he and those shooters could benefit. His assists could skyrocket (outlet passes) and his turn overs plummet (single coverage). If that best case develops then his playing time would depend on his defense. Maybe it improves as well? Any real chance at major pro minutes will depend on his 2019-20 defensive improvement. I wouldn't totally write off his prospects because I sense he needed a hotter fire on his backside than Lottich could provide.
Quote from: justducky on April 26, 2019, 12:04:31 PM
... I sense he needed a hotter fire on his backside than Lottich could provide.
Rik Smits says he will attend all of Derrik's senior home games, which he could not do last year due to the move to Arizona. That should provide more incentive and guidance.
Quote from: valpopal on April 26, 2019, 12:27:23 PM
Quote from: justducky on April 26, 2019, 12:04:31 PM
... I sense he needed a hotter fire on his backside than Lottich could provide.
Rik Smits says he will attend all of Derrik's senior home games, which he could not do last year due to the move to Arizona. That should provide more incentive and guidance.
Maybe Rik should have stayed in Indiana for one more year if watching Derrik play is that important to him.
Smits is transferring to Butler... wish him personally well but I won't be rooting for that team's success.
https://twitter.com/fstearns2/status/1122598824831328257
Whatever. Buck Futler.
LOL
Good luck pal is all I have to say
Don't let the door hit you in the a$$.
Not a bad choice. He won't have to elevate his game at all to fit right in.
I wish this Valpo grad well, but if we happen to meet in a tournament next year, Buck Futler.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I remember our friend / writer Tom Davis trashing Smits telling why Butler was not much interested in recruiting him...and now?
First Butler win over VU since 2011?
So they got our back-up center! Good for them! ;) Actually, Derrik will be THE guy in the middle for them with Fowler graduating and Brunk going to Indiana. Doubt he would have been a starter at the Power 5 schools he thought were interested.
Agree!
Derrik found a spot where he will be the starting center in a major conference. He will have circumstances to show how well he can play against some of the more prominent teams, including Villanova, Marquette, Xavier, etc. He will get greater national exposure and have the chance to appear in network broadcast games at major market locations, including Madison Square Garden. He also will be under pressure to perform as the sole big man on a team that has lost Fowler and Brunk. However, Butler tied for last in the conference; therefore, any improvement will be seen as a positive and could gain him credit. This is a great opportunity for him if he can make the most of it. He appears to have made the right decision, and I wish him well, especially since Butler refuses to schedule Valpo and he won't be an opponent.
Butler has 6'7 Nze who played with Jordan in Milwaukee and 6'9 Golden who can both play the center spot, although not ideally. Smits will get a shot to prove what he can do and can likely be the starting center, but if he doesnt produce they do have others who can play if need be. NCSU and ASU both lost centers, iirc, in the past week so he would have had a chance of playing major minutes at any of the 3 he debated between. I still dont see him being better than average in the best scenario at a P5, but it will be interesting to see how he stacks up and how another coach utilizes him. The indystar article mentioned he chose Butler because of relationships and because how Butler runs their offense (more big involvement). He didnt fit in the offense here, maybe a change of scenery was needed for all parties.
QuoteHe didnt fit in the offense here
A) There's been no evidence of any sort of offensive system the past two years so that seems like a hasty generalization, and...
B) If a 7-1 dude who can score (regardless of any other flaws in his game) doesn't a fit a coach's "offensive system" in a midmajor conference, then that coach is, frankly, a moron. You adjust your damn system for that at this level.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on April 29, 2019, 06:14:26 PM
QuoteHe didnt fit in the offense here
A) There's been no evidence of any sort of offensive system the past two years so that seems like a hasty generalization, and...
B) If a 7-1 dude who can score (regardless of any other flaws in his game) doesn't a fit a coach's "offensive system" in a midmajor conference, then that coach is, frankly, a moron. You adjust your damn system for that at this level.
We did, and it was painful to watch.
Amen! "wh"
Quote from: wh on April 29, 2019, 07:46:42 PM
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on April 29, 2019, 06:14:26 PM
QuoteHe didnt fit in the offense here
A) There's been no evidence of any sort of offensive system the past two years so that seems like a hasty generalization, and...
B) If a 7-1 dude who can score (regardless of any other flaws in his game) doesn't a fit a coach's "offensive system" in a midmajor conference, then that coach is, frankly, a moron. You adjust your damn system for that at this level.
We did, and it was painful to watch.
Someone else said it best, if Butler has shooters to where he can kick it and they have to stay home on the double down ....then he'll be a good get by said program. At the time of course Butler hadn't been named, just _______ program that lands him.
And we ran our offense through him ad nauseam, we just didn't have an offensive threat from outside to keep defenses honest.
It's not so much that Matt doesn't run sets, it's just that he learned real quick that Bakari and crew couldn't sink shots consistently.
This year should be quite telling on whether Matt has X and O chops to put on display. I'm coming around to 2019/20 season after the offseason vote of no confidence by so many players.
What happened to Smits staying near Mommy and Daddy or warm weather or whatever else it was that had it thought he'd end up in Arizona?
Rik still has a home in Indy. It sucks that he's leaving Butler of all places but I don't want to dog the kid too much. It's his choice and if he doesn't want to be here then so be it. It is what it is. Best of luck to him. I'll be following his career and beyond.
Quote from: JD24 on April 29, 2019, 11:23:28 PM
What happened to Smits staying near Mommy and Daddy or warm weather or whatever else it was that had it thought he'd end up in Arizona?
FYI, Rik and Mommy are divorced. Rik and girlfriend moved to Arizona. It was a move most likely for weather but probably also not to shove it in Mommy's face that Rik had moved on from the marriage.
https://www.indystar.com/story/life/home-garden/2017/07/14/hot-property-rik-smits-zionsville/472329001/
Smits and his longtime girlfriend, Donna Jarrett, have listed the property for $2.7 million.
In addition to the court, in the house boasts five bedrooms, 5½ bathrooms, a 14-foot kitchen island, subzero fridge, walk-in shower and movie theater connected to the court.
All the doorways are tall, too, the 7-4 former center pointed out.
Quote from: VU2014 on April 29, 2019, 11:30:19 PMI don't want to dog the kid too much.
Was this an intended Butler-referenced pun?
I wish him well in general, but Buck Futler forever
Quote from: humbleopinion on April 30, 2019, 05:11:49 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on April 29, 2019, 11:30:19 PMI don't want to dog the kid too much.
Was this an intended Butler-referenced pun?
My answer would be yes, it's a lot of bull, dog.
Quote from: wh on April 29, 2019, 07:46:42 PMQuote from: bigmosmithfan1 on April 29, 2019, 06:14:26 PMQuoteHe didnt fit in the offense here
A) There's been no evidence of any sort of offensive system the past two years so that seems like a hasty generalization, and... B) If a 7-1 dude who can score (regardless of any other flaws in his game) doesn't a fit a coach's "offensive system" in a midmajor conference, then that coach is, frankly, a moron. You adjust your damn system for that at this level.
We did, and it was painful to watch.
See point a) above.
They like the Smits name down in Indy.
https://twitter.com/ButlerMBB/status/1130879859469762562
they may like his name but not his performance. he can be a tackling dummy for the Greek Freak...
Quote from: usc4valpo on May 21, 2019, 02:49:12 PMthey may like his name but not his performance. he can be a tackling dummy for the Greek Freak...
He's got a decent jump shot and he has size. His defense was sub par, but in the NBA that's not really something anyone seems too concerned about... so who knows.
Smits plays no defense and would be destroyed by every single big man or even sorta big man in the league. He also can't hit an NBA range 3. Zero chance. Will do fine overseas or maybe G League.
I think he is also slow.
If Alec Brown couldn't make it to the NBA, neither will Smits Jr.
too slow, too turnover prone, and in reality not that huge a loss for Valpo hoops. Move on.
Quote from: usc4valpo on May 23, 2019, 12:25:15 PMtoo slow, too turnover prone, and in reality not that huge a loss for Valpo hoops. Move on.
He was very frustrating. Had so much potential, some great offensive moves at times, decent vision and made some great passes, good jump shot. But was often slow to move around, made some real bad turnovers/sloppy ball handling, went quite for whole half's at a time on the offensive end, and was not aggressive on rebounds.
Not that I think it will happen, but one real good year fixing some of those issues in the right system could at least get him some looks.
Quote from: vuny98 on May 23, 2019, 03:17:23 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on May 23, 2019, 12:25:15 PMtoo slow, too turnover prone, and in reality not that huge a loss for Valpo hoops. Move on.
He was very frustrating. Had so much potential, some great offensive moves at times, decent vision and made some great passes, good jump shot. But was often slow to move around, made some real bad turnovers/sloppy ball handling, went quite for whole half's at a time on the offensive end, and was not aggressive on rebounds.
Not that I think it will happen, but one real good year fixing some of those issues in the right system could at least get him some looks.
To your point, it's not every day that a 7-2 center shows up on your doorstep, so naturally he would be harder to coach up. If only he had had someone closer to his size to learn from, someone who really undersood the intricacies of playing the center position, someone who played the position at a very high level. And, as long as I'm dreaming, how about a former NBA All-Star? If only...
Quote from: vuny98 on May 23, 2019, 03:17:23 PM
Quote from: usc4valpo on May 23, 2019, 12:25:15 PMtoo slow, too turnover prone, and in reality not that huge a loss for Valpo hoops. Move on.
He was very frustrating. Had so much potential, some great offensive moves at times, decent vision and made some great passes, good jump shot. But was often slow to move around, made some real bad turnovers/sloppy ball handling, went quite for whole half's at a time on the offensive end, and was not aggressive on rebounds.
Not that I think it will happen, but one real good year fixing some of those issues in the right system could at least get him some looks.
Not to mention his lack of dunking ability. Too often, IMHO, he missed a layup, when an easy dunk was available.
Outstanding! Welcome, Derrik!
Quote from: antwaundomenic on July 06, 2019, 07:45:51 AM
Outstanding! Welcome, Derrik!
The thread title really should be changed to Derrik FINALLY commits to Butler.