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Currently, there are 17 jobs either open or that have interim coaches in place. The number will undoubtedly increase over the next 48+ hours. There were 60 openings last year & 57 the year prior.

Expect an additional ~40 spots open up. Some programs, like Georgetown, make it clear they will not accept what's below their standard - no matter who you are, if it's your alma mater, or how "big" of
a name you are ... 5/6 seasons will a losing record = Patrick Ewing being fired a day after a blowout loss to Villanova (80-48). All-American, 2-time Olympic gold medalist, Rookie of the Year, 11-time All-Star, and one of the all-time best centers (despite not winning an NBA championship).

Allegedly, if Georgetown were to fire Ewing, here is the buyout total owed to him during each year.

21-22: $18.455 million

22-23: $14.9 million

23-24: $11.25 million

24-25: $7.5 million

25-26: $3.75 million

Point being - what's the standard Valpo sets for its basketball expectations?

[DEAR VALPO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS,]

DEAR VALPO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS,

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Valpo legends Bryce and Homer Drew. Our discussion reminded me how fortunate I am to be aligned with an institution that has a rich history of promoting virtues of courage and love. Specifically, I am grateful for the blessing of being associated with an athletic department that has a legacy of promoting excellence, family and teamwork. I am enjoying Scott's book, "The Road to Joy." As a father of boys ages four and six, I am inspired by the stories of Homer taking Scott on recruiting trips. I love reading about the bond between Bryce and Scott.

The theme of "Valpo Family" has repeatedly been mentioned when I ask constitutes what makes our community, University and athletic department special. I am tremendously thankful that the campus community has welcomed my family with open arms during this first year as your Director of Athletics. We truly appreciate your support and commitment to Valpo Athletics.

Go Valpo!

-------------

Personally, I feel people (like me) will read into this statement and apply our preferred context to it. Ex: As one who is pessimistic about the direction of the Valpo MBB program and who admittedly hopes that the program moves on from ML as its head coach, I can read into this statement as an indication that Dr. Small respects what this program once was and recognizes its in need of restoration. Thus, moving on from ML.

Someone who would prefer to see ML be given another year or two could easily read into this statement and draw reasonable conclusions about it providing a case for Valpo being different ... a family-oriented place where we'll continue building around ML and his program.

Others could easily say there's no correlation between these sentiments and the Valpo MBB program's embarrassment of a season and overall sustained decline. 

11-20 Overall
5-15 in Conference (.250 win %)
8-7 Home Record
2-12 Away Record
1-1 Neutral Record
5 wins in 2023

Before the loss to Murrary State, Valpo came in at 283 NET. 
0-2 in Quad 1 wins
1-7 n Quad 2 wins (James Madison)
0-6 in Quad 3 wins (0-7 after loss to Murray State)
9-4 in Quad 4 wins

272 Ken Pom ranking

22-23 Combined Team Stats: https://cdn.streamlinehosting.net/valpoathletics/6BB84E97-3CBB-47F9-A0CA-84F86E9D55D3/MBBSeasonStats_022623.pdf

Just curious ... at this point, what are the benefits to VU private? I bring it up since many of the woes stem from a lack of funding, right?

As enrollment continues dwindling, programs are canceled, layoffs ensue, and so forth - the university seems to lack an identity. What is Valpo, in 2023, known as and known for?

I attended Valpo because of the following:

A) Wanting to be known as a "Division 1" athlete. I chose Valpo over D2 & D3 programs. At the time, I thought this distinction would make a tangible difference in my life. In short, I ended up quitting.

B) Wanting to go to Valpo Law School (no longer an option)

C) Wanting to be part of what I thought was a socially conservative-leaning institution.

D) Location. Not only would I be able to attend a school close to home, but that would mean I could be an active alumnus and be proud of the school I attended.

Since graduating from VU, I have attended public post-grad institutions. When I return, the things that made Valpo special aren't there. At the time, I never thought that would be a possibility 15-20 years later. But, alas, I'm disinterested.

Just curious what the benefits are, at this point, of being a private institution. Not that there's anything that can be done about it at this point. I suppose I'm just curious how Valpo basketball fits into the future of this institution. I remain hopeful because of the new administration.

But ... then I think about things like What's Valpo known for? What's "the thing" now? The Drew days are over. The Law School is gone. Most of the faculty I had are no longer there. The mascot changed, so my gear isn't applicable any longer. You get the point.

Am I missing something, or was there not even a post made for this game? Hopefully, I'm mistaken. If not, perhaps it's because people are ... over it? Or, are we satisfied with another close game ending in another defeat?

I'm curious to know what your collective thoughts are here. I ask because of the promotional email I received concerning Saturday's game v. Drake:

The Indiana Pacers Power Pack Dunk Squad will provide halftime entertainment during the men's basketball game vs. Drake on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

The Power Pack powered by AES Indiana are high-energy dunkers who entertain fans on game night. They can spring off a trampoline and their acrobatic dunks are a fan favorite.

While I'd likely find this enjoyable, is it worth $15 + fees for a ticket?...

While watching the Belmont Bruins come to the ARC to take on the Beacons on this spring-like day in January of 2023, the score started getting out of hand. Belmont went on a run during the 1st half, and Todd Ickow verbally articulated the record-setting start to Valpo's season.

On the ESPN+ broadcast, an image was shared that showed some startling numbers encapsulating broken records.

A 0-6 start is the worst MVC start in team history.

The 1989-90 team started 0-10 in AMCU.

Last conference win: February 21, 2022, vs. Evansville (74-69).

Is this rock bottom? Will we finally see changes to the Valpo MBB program?