I was waiting for someone to start this, but I guess I'll go ahead. Here's a quick overview from the website ... http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/14076/what-you-need-to-know-valpo-mens-basketball/#.VFpVD2d0yfA (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2014-15/14076/what-you-need-to-know-valpo-mens-basketball/#.VFpVD2d0yfA)
I'd be surprised if Nickerson is 100% since he was just recently cleared for practice. I'll say the starters are Fernandez, Peters, Adekoya, Carter and Walker (hedging my bets with that one). Everyone will likely get plenty of playing time, since these games are usually pretty one-sided. I'll also be watching closely to see if Hammink plays or not ... he's the wild card that could take a good team to a great one.
*(Post modified to correct game date ... I don't want to take the blame if the game doesn't sell out). :thumbsup: ;)
I suspect Nickerson won't even suit up. No need to rush him in. I think you are right about the starting five. Yes, my guess is that a guy named Walker will be in the starting lineup!
Several days back I read that GVS is picked 1st or 2nd in their division (too lazy to look confirm which) in a 16-team league. They also had a player picked for preseason 1st team and another for 2nd team. Given our youth, infusion of new players, experimenting with rotations, etc., i think the game will stay close throughout.
http://www.gvsulakers.com/news/2014/11/5/MBB_1105143107.aspx?path=mbball (http://www.gvsulakers.com/news/2014/11/5/MBB_1105143107.aspx?path=mbball)
The Lakers first exhibition game also.
Wesley returns eight of his top nine scorers, including leading scorer Ryan Sabin. The senior guard was a Preseason All-GLIAC North Division First Team pick, as he averaged 14.2 points per game and knocked down 69 three-pointers last season. He was on the court for 36.0 minutes per game the second-most of any player in the GLIAC.
While Valparaiso returns 48.3 percent of its scoring from last season, Grand Valley State brings back 81.6 percent of its scoring from 2013-14. Of the Lakers' 1,985 points scored last year, GVSU returns 1,620 of those points, as graduate Rob Woodson's 13.1 points per game comprised most of the missing total.
While this may be an exhibition game, GVS will be prepared to give Valpo everything they have. This is not a gimme. Massey has GVS at #345 in all of NCAA, which is right at 1000 teams this year. Valpo is at 161. This team could beat many Division I teams.
http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?s=cb2015&sub=12801 (http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?s=cb2015&sub=12801)
Valpo - 75
GVS - 63
This is a D II team we're playing. We return 3 of our starters and most of our scoring we should win by 20 or 25. GVS might not be a good D II, so it'll technically still be a game at half time (up by 12-15) but we should win easily. It probably won't be an 88-38 blowout like against the IU-SB, Goshen, or Trinity.
Valpo - 91
GVS - 68
historyman, I just wanted to let you know I also changed the subject line in your honor. good catch, as always.
(it's also good because i don't know that i could wait another 10 days for b-ball.)
I hate missing games, but if I'm going to miss one I'm glad it's a exhibition. Cheer them on good folks! I'll be at my mom's "Influencial Women" awards ceremony.
Let's not be too quick to call this an easy exhibition game. Grand Valley returns nearly everyone from a 19-8 team that plays in the same league as Hillsdale. Remember them? A two point exhibition win just 3 years ago when we had Broekoff, Van Wyck and others on a team that lost in the HL title game on our floor. Not saying Grand Valley will be as good as us over 25 games, but this game will give them a lot of motivation that we may not have, especially will lots of substitutions as the coaches try to get minutes for a lot of new faces we'll need significant contributions from this season. Should be a meaningful exhibition.
Quote from: sliman on November 05, 2014, 06:07:40 PM
Let's not be too quick to call this an easy exhibition game. Grand Valley returns nearly everyone from a 19-8 team that plays in the same league as Hillsdale. Remember them? A two point exhibition win just 3 years ago when we had Broekoff, Van Wyck and others on a team that lost in the HL title game on our floor. Not saying Grand Valley will be as good as us over 25 games, but this game will give them a lot of motivation that we may not have, especially will lots of substitutions as the coaches try to get minutes for a lot of new faces we'll need significant contributions from this season. Should be a meaningful exhibition.
Agreed. This is their "super bowl" but for us, playing before a small crowd, it may be a difficult game to be excited about.
Quote from: Kyle321n on November 05, 2014, 04:19:11 PM
I hate missing games, but if I'm going to miss one I'm glad it's a exhibition. Cheer them on good folks! I'll be at my mom's "Influencial Women" awards ceremony.
Congrats to your mom!
Quote from: wh on November 05, 2014, 06:41:17 PM
Quote from: Kyle321n on November 05, 2014, 04:19:11 PM
I hate missing games, but if I'm going to miss one I'm glad it's a exhibition. Cheer them on good folks! I'll be at my mom's "Influencial Women" awards ceremony.
Congrats to your mom!
What is really amazing is that she won the award despite having a schlub for a son. His words, not mine. ;)
Ever since the NCAA has changed the rules requiring D-I teams to play NCAA or NAIA teams in the exhibitiions, instead of the international select teams or Athletes In Action teams, I've watched the exhibition games more closely. We have had tougher exhibitions because of this. Better than the days of Valpo opening against a team of guys who were thrown together a week prior just to play against a college team a couple of years younger than they are. The select teams might come in that night having little practice time together, if any at all, and the coaching wasn't very strong. Changing the rules for scheduling exhibition games has made for some better games, as the teams have practiced together, and know each other well, instead of just meeting for the first time that night.
Valpo will be an interesting watch tomorrow night. They should pull this game out, but I don't expect a blowout with all the question marks we have about who will be our 2 guard, what Nickerson will be like, how Chadwick does, and if Hammink will be on the court either.
:(
:( reposted for the old guys ;)
[tweet]530105507055665152[/tweet]
plenty of other good newsy tweets at
https://twitter.com/NWIOren
f'r instance:
[tweet]530165153770139648[/tweet]
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 05, 2014, 03:47:41 PMhistoryman, I just wanted to let you know I also changed the subject line in your honor. good catch, as always. (it's also good because i don't know that i could wait another 10 days for b-ball.)
Well, then I am honored.
A little history lesson on Grand Valley State (2007):
http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110307aae.html (http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/110307aae.html)
A more relevant history lesson:
QuoteDoes anyone remember Grand Valley State 91, Valparaiso 0?
http://valpofans.proboards.com/thread/2794/why-scholarships-football?page=2 (http://valpofans.proboards.com/thread/2794/why-scholarships-football?page=2)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Valley_State_Lakers_football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Valley_State_Lakers_football)
Let's beat the ever-loving snot outta them. No mercy.
Quote from: bbtds on November 05, 2014, 06:57:24 PM
Quote from: wh on November 05, 2014, 06:41:17 PM
Quote from: Kyle321n on November 05, 2014, 04:19:11 PM
I hate missing games, but if I'm going to miss one I'm glad it's a exhibition. Cheer them on good folks! I'll be at my mom's "Influencial Women" awards ceremony.
Congrats to your mom!
What is really amazing is that she won the award despite having a schlub for a son. His words, not mine. ;)
Hah! Thanks guys. I expect a full report from here after the game.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 05, 2014, 08:42:02 PM
:( reposted for the old guys ;)
[tweet]530105507055665152[/tweet]
I realize that I don't know all the particulars of this situation, but from the outside this just really ticks me off.
QuoteFormer LSU point guard Anthony Hickey will be immediately eligible to play for Oklahoma State for the 2014-15 season, according to the school. LSU coach Johnny Jones confirmed last week that LSU signed off to make that possible.
The former LSU point guard was told last month that he would not play in 2014-15 after three successful seasons on the court, but rocky ones off of it. Hickey's scholarship would have been honored and he could've remained in school and completed his degree, but he would not have been part of the basketball program.
Hickey is eligible under the NCAA's run-off rule that gives a player the possibility of immediate eligibility instead of sitting out a season like most transfers.
In order for that rule to take effect, the player must be in good academic standing and the school he is transferring from must provide a statement that verifies he was not invited to remain in the program.
QuoteHickey, a Hopkinsville, Ky. native, started 85 games in his three-year career. He averaged 9.4 points and had 360 career assists while leading the Southeastern Conference in assist-to-turnover ratio in 2013.
He was suspended indefinitely from the team in 2012 by Jones, then in his first season at the helm, and was subsequently reinstated before a road swing to Boise State and UC Irvine.
Hickey was also suspended for the team's game against Houston Baptist later that season.
So the kid that gets run off because of behavior problems gets rewarded, but the kid that got run off just to open a roster spot has to sit, at least that is the way it looks to me. See my earlier rant on this subject.
http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=1916.msg47940#msg47940 (http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=1916.msg47940#msg47940)
Quote from: FWalum on November 06, 2014, 08:49:21 AMSo the kid that gets run off because of behavior problems gets rewarded, but the kid that got run off just to open a roster spot has to sit, at least that is the way it looks to me. See my earlier rant on this subject.http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=1916.msg47940#msg47940 (http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=1916.msg47940#msg47940)
Sadly, it certainly appears that you are correct. Even if Hammink were with some other team, I'd still feel the same way.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on November 05, 2014, 08:42:02 PM
:( reposted for the old guys ;)
[tweet]530105507055665152[/tweet]
It looks like we have 11 in the rotation, with Hammink, Lexus and Levingston (Simon?) out this season. For practice purposes, at least Levingston and Hammink will be able to participate.
With the number of new faces, guards and SF's, I'd like to see some up tempo situations with the smaller lineups, especially if we can take advantage of match-up situations before their defense gets in position.
Can't remember where I predicted that Trevon Walker would start at the 2, but I was correct! ;D Paul Oren just confirmed it via Twitter.
Just home from the game. Game was rather sloppily played. Everyone got a chance to play extended minutes with many of the starters playing very little in the first half. Very impressed with David Skara. 9 points and 8 rebounds in 14 minutes. good hands and a good feel for the game. Darian Walker also had an excellent second half and his string of 7 straight points gave Valpo the breathing room it needed to win the game. Bryce played many combinations and what may look disturbing in that we shot 4 for 21 on 3 point attempts I hope was just a case of first game jitters. Grand Valley was a good exhibition test for VU. Passing the ball and shot selection can be much improved though. As a side light sat behind the Smits who were at the game, Derrik will definitely be a needed addition next year with his size
Quote from: vu72 on November 06, 2014, 06:28:39 PMCan't remember where I predicted that Trevon Walker
probably has to do with spelling search terms correctly ;)
Quote from: RS on November 06, 2014, 09:58:43 PM
As a side light sat behind the Smits who were at the game, Derrik will definitely be a needed addition next year with his size
When I saw Rik walk by, I mentioned that I would definitely not want to be sitting behind him.
Other than D. Walker and Skara, there was very little to cause me to feel encouraged last night. Last night was an exhibition game, but I wondered what was on exhibition -- certainly not great basketball.
Overall I'm not too concerned with a sloppy looking exhibition game. We've had those in the past, last year versus Hillsdale and few years before that during the 11/12 season that took home the conference title.
Drew typically goes with an 8 man rotation so not everybody who saw ample playing time will play as much as they did. I wasn't at the game so I can't say much about how players played other than looking at the stat line and reading a few articles in the paper.
KC - had a poor shooting performance but he proved that he's a good player last season so no need to worry.
Darien Walker - Didn't start but probably will after he had a big game, which had him go 6-8 for 16 points and outplayed Tevonn
Alec - Not his best shooting night but had 17 points, 10-13 from the charity stripe, 1 TO to 3 Assists
Jubril - Strong game as well not many points but was very productive
Vashil - Didn't attempt a shot but he proved himself last season
___
EVN - Played well from what it sounds like after being sidelined this offseason, I'm sure it'll take a bit until he's fully 100% but I'm encouraged from what I saw and heard yesterday. Definitely gonna be a spark off the bench.
Skara - If this is a sign of things to come, I like what I see from Skara, as he filled up the stat line going 3-5 from the floor 3-3 from the FT line, had 8 boards and only 1 TO and 1 PF in 14 minutes of play. With lacking depth at the 4/5 if he can produce this will be huge down the line
That just leaves the 8 open for one of the guards to fill. Joseph had 0 TOs in 12 minutes of play which is very promising from a PG. My guess is it'll either be Joseph of Tevonn to be the eight man off the bench. Seems like both Davidson and Chadwick were rather quiet and didn't do a whole lot.
Yes, we had a poor shooting performance in the first half, 26% but shot much better in the 2nd at 45% and pulled away in the 2nd half. Overall, this is an exhibition, Drew wanted to get everyone in the game and experiment with lineups that we might never see again. Overall, I'm not concerned about this team but encouraged at some of the play, especially from Skara.
Bryce started off his postgame press conference by acknowledging the game was a terrible one to watch from a spectator's standpoint. Clearly, there are a number of facets of the game that need work, most prominently the lack of shooting accuracy. The number of turnovers (20) was also a problem again. In addition, I was troubled by the fact Vashil took no shots at all. I thought this game should have been his to dominate.
On the positive side, Darien Walker looks as if he will work his way into the starting lineup, and Skara showed his ability to contribute. Alec is still a force for other teams to face, and it was good to see Nickerson on the court, though he admitted in the press conference to being very rusty and tired. In fact, he was jokingly carried off the court and back to the locker room by Hammink and Levingston-Simon at the end of the game. Also, Jubril seemed to display more confidence.
Below are a couple of my photos—Adekoya at the basket and Nickerson getting his first points as a Crusader.
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2dp7go.jpg)
(http://i57.tinypic.com/1180dit.jpg)
I agree with most of the post-game observations, but I haven't seen any references to defense. I thought we showed a better team defense than we've typically shown at this time of the year, certainly from the freshmen. Skara and the two Canadians seemed to understand the basic concepts of good defense and showed the quickness to implement them. I believe Skara and T. Walker spent much of the time guarding GV's leading scorer. While Darien Walker had a great stretch where his offense gave us the lift we needed to win, his creativity and explosiveness on offense may make him a good man to come off the bench. Nickerson showed more athleticism and greater ability to run the floor than I expected and may be the key to a successful season; hopefully his turnovers are something that can be chalked up to the emotions of playing for the first time in ages. We may not win all the games we think we should this year, but the play of the freshmen and sophomores gave further reason to think the future is bright.
Quote from: sliman on November 07, 2014, 09:56:56 AM
I agree with most of the post-game observations, but I haven't seen any references to defense. I thought we showed a better team defense than we've typically shown at this time of the year, certainly from the freshmen. Skara and the two Canadians seemed to understand the basic concepts of good defense and showed the quickness to implement them. I believe Skara and T. Walker spent much of the time guarding GV's leading scorer. While Darien Walker had a great stretch where his offense gave us the lift we needed to win, his creativity and explosiveness on offense may make him a good man to come off the bench. Nickerson showed more athleticism and greater ability to run the floor than I expected and may be the key to a successful season; hopefully his turnovers are something that can be chalked up to the emotions of playing for the first time in ages. We may not win all the games we think we should this year, but the play of the freshmen and sophomores gave further reason to think the future is bright.
Good comments about play on the defensive end. GVS's 52 points tied their lowest point total from last season (against Michigan State).
One more comment - GVS was an excellent opponent to help prepare our guys for regular season play. They have 3 or 4 guys that IMO could play and contribute at the D-1 level. More than that they play very physical, hard-nosed D and scrap for every rebound and 50/50 ball. They are so much better than an IUN, for example, where everyone scores at will and feels better about themselves than they should. Instead, I'm guessing that a few of our guys found last night to be a somewhat humbling experience, which hopefully in turn becomes a teachable moment.
I appreciate all of the comments about last night's game vs. GVSU. We were not there but we look forward to next week's game vs. ETSU. Can we call one of the Walker boys "Walker's Deluxe"?
The new player intro video was unveiled last night. It's basically last year's video with this year's players inserted. IMO it did a good job of energizing the crowd last year, so I'm glad they decided to stay with it.
Quote from: valpo64 on November 07, 2014, 01:28:56 PM
Can we call one of the Walker boys "Walker's Deluxe"?
(http://files.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/7D47FFD2-C7C9-4100-8ED9-44BF6576375E/9361L.jpg)(https://img1.etsystatic.com/032/0/7550801/il_340x270.505585111_9q7v.jpg)(http://files.streamlinetechnologies.com/valpoathletics/7D47FFD2-C7C9-4100-8ED9-44BF6576375E/9350L.jpg)
You could call them both Walker's Deluxe. Just say "make it a double."
Of course Tavonn would probably want to be associated with
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Aged_Canadian_Whisky.jpg)
I have uploaded a gallery of more than 25 photos from the game at the following, and I have included a number of images showing the new guys: enjoy! [size=78%]https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157646857333963/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/96208998@N05/sets/72157646857333963/)[/size]
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2iqeqti.jpg)
interesting to read all your comments.
It is an exhibition game and it is just about seeing players in what I usually think of as a open scrimmage (or a practice everyone pays to be able to watch.)
I "try" to remember that just because someone looks good in an exhibition does not mean it will translate to conference play. I don't want to over-hype a player and then have to read all of the disappointment later. (Fun to watch someone "show up to play" but I remember seeing others in early games that could not do it again in the season)
I think we all need to remember that for some reason we play to our competition so this game does absolutely no foreshadowing in my humble opinion. We have talent on this team and it should result in some entertaining games.
I am really looking forward to seeing how this team gels and who becomes the regular players. This should be a fun year as players have more experience to bring into games.
I never expected this game to be easy. I'd rather have a team like this on our schedule and move IUSB, Trinity, and Goshen to the exhibition game.
ICYMI, Memphis lost at home last night to a DII school called "Christian Brothers" - http://mweb.cbssports.com/ncaab/eye-on-college-basketball/24802735/memphis-loses-exhibition-to-division-ii-christian-brothers
Not unheard of for D-II, D-III schools to occasionally beat or play well against D-I schools.
11-12-14 CBU beats Memphis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwitUG8uTSs#ws)
CBU is the oldest college in Memphis. The Buccaneers play in the D-II Gulf South Conference. The Bucs had come close many times against Memphis but they finally got over the hump.
Any word on how we did in the closed scrimmage against Buffalo?
Quote from: valpotx on November 14, 2014, 12:05:07 AMAny word on how we did in the closed scrimmage against Buffalo?
Some would say they just "winged" it. Others that they had a "wild" time. ::)
Unfortunately when you play another D-I team you can't talk about the results of the scrimmage or the NCAA can levy sanctions on your program for too early of a "game."