Lots of chatter out there involving Bryce if they let their coach go....
Quote from: Chairback on March 13, 2013, 10:10:27 AM
Lots of chatter out there involving Bryce if they let their coach go....
I think it would take a LOT of money for Bryce to leave a stable job (that he has as long as he wants) coaching an NCAA tourney team for Northwestern, a team whom has NEVER been to the dance, and is a perennial bottom feeder.
-a lot more cash
-big ten
-low pressure, low expectations
-close to home and mom and dad
Quote from: Chairback on March 13, 2013, 10:37:19 AM
-a lot more cash
-big ten
-low pressure, low expectations
-close to home and mom and dad
And it would be "his" program if he could get them to the dance. Since they've never been there before...all because of Bryce!
If cash were what he were really after, fine.
But one of the differences between Scott and Bryce is that Bryce made about 8 million in the pros, so Scott could certainly not be blamed for taking more salary, and Bryce has thus far shown he's not chasing money (or he'd be wrapping up a European career this spring). Another is that Bryce is a Valpo kid through and through, while Scott came to Valpo as an adult.
How many of us would not take the chance to do what we're doing except make 5 times more at it?
Bryce is a little different, because while he is exceptionally competitive, he has always been concerned with "what does the Lord want of me?"
Another note people often don't think of, and I didn't either--until I heard Mrs. Nick Saban on the subject--is "what does *my wife* want?" (She has family as well, while we're on the subject.)
Northwestern would be one of the few places I would fear him going; certainly the only place in the B1G. But how would the ivory-tower-intelligentsia there and elsewhere feel about an unabashed Christian? (And the flip side--how would he feel about soft-pedaling who he is there?)
There is one school that Valpo has a leg up on facilities. Northwestern basketball is a joke. No chance Bryce goes there, IMO. Now if Matt Painter gets the axe...
As long as a small school like Valpo is successful, there will be people who want to hire the coach away. To be honest, we should be happy that we have had this discussion each of the last two seasons. Bryce is a terrific coach and a better man. Should he choose to move on, it will not be without considerable thought, prayer and discussion and it will be the decision he feels is best for himself and his family. I hope he's like Homer and is happy, comfortable and content coaching at Valpo for his entire career, but I also know that at some point, we are likely to lose him.
Part of the life of a mid-major...
If bryce were to stay his entire career could he take us beyond a mid major like stevens did at butler
I could easily see Bryce being a successful high major coach. He is an extremely competitive person. Money might not drive him but his competitive nature does. That is the reason I see him possibly moving on one day.
Ya know, in a few years time, I really wouldn't mind having Coach Diebler running the sidelines if Bryce discerned it was time to move on. Even as a player he seemed to be part coach.
Quote from: MattCarter on March 13, 2013, 10:57:53 AM
There is one school that Valpo has a leg up on facilities. Northwestern basketball is a joke. No chance Bryce goes there, IMO. Now if Matt Painter gets the axe...
Totally agree. If Bryce moves on it will not be Northwestern for all of the reasons mentioned by Carter and Apostle.
I still don't see Bryce leaving until he sees what he has next year. If these recruits bond and play well together, he will stay at least 2-3 more years to see them out
After reading the USAToday article in the other post, I can't help but agree that it would take a special combination of incentives to get him to move on right now. One of those incentives, IMO, would have be related to his strong Christian faith.
Quote from: truth219 on March 13, 2013, 11:10:32 AM
If bryce were to stay his entire career could he take us beyond a mid major like stevens did at butler
Let's be real, there are a lot of built in advantages that Butler has that Valpo does not.
Indianapolis vs. Valparaiso
Hinkle vs. ARC
MyIndyTV vs. crickets
What Butler did was great, but being honest, they had too many other things in place when they decided to upgrade their status. Bigger market, better facility, and regional television coverage. What more could you ask for? When presented with the opportunity to upgrade their program, they ran with the opportunity. Valpo had that chance once, and they let it slip past them. 4 years ago would you have ever imagined Butler in the Big East? It's about to happen...
Quote from: govalpogo on March 13, 2013, 11:23:52 AM
Ya know, in a few years time, I really wouldn't mind having Coach Diebler running the sidelines if Bryce discerned it was time to move on. Even as a player he seemed to be part coach.
Hmm, I've never seen college basketball games in the teens...that should be interesting at least. Haha :lol:
All kidding aside, I'd way rather see Greg Tonagel!
I think you meant
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 13, 2013, 02:32:07 PM4 years ago would you have ever imagined Butler in the "Big East"? It's about to happen...
An additional point on Bryce and conference expansion: WH had just about convinced me recently that (just like my wife with the house recently) we shouldn't be looking to upgrade to another neighborhood as much as improve the one we're currently in.
But if we could get in to the Missouri Valley--for MBB, as good a one as we could in all probability hope to join--would that make Bryce want to stick around longer?
Look at a certain coach who is a hot commodity even though he's lost 3 straight to Bryce--rather than jump to a new team, his team keeps moving up, and so he never needs to leave.
The recent Katz piece
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9049737/valparaiso-win-reach-ncaa-tourney-not-only-good-news-drew-family-college-basketball (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/9049737/valparaiso-win-reach-ncaa-tourney-not-only-good-news-drew-family-college-basketball)
made me feel as much as anything I've read that Bryce _might_ move on some day, perhaps even in the next few years.
Katz is explaining why it made good sense to stay. But, mostly why it made good sense to stay... for one more year!
So, Katz throws out "He might not stay long, but he knew what he needed to do." (And, one could infer, that went well, he did what he needed to do, and now might be thinking about moving on...)
I probably shouldn't read too much into the piece, or into one throw away comment. But, it is from someone who spent a certain amount of time with Bryce and the family, etc. Of course it may also be from someone that can't imagine why you'd really want to hang around a mid-major...
Anyhow, it makes me nervous in a way other discussion hasn't. But, hopefully we get at least a few more good seasons out of Bryce - and hopefully more than that!
I felt the exact same way after reading that.
Which is why I have moved the needle slightly in that direction and am like HELP ABANDON CONFERENCE
Do not forget ML's comment last year about a succession plan being in place. I took it as its just a matter of time.
Not to worry relative to the Northwestern job. The #1 candidate appears to be Collins of Duke.
Setshot is correct.
Also, Bryce wants to WIN. No chance of that at Northwestern.
Wouldn't surprise me much if part of a contract extension was to take a year or two off from fishing for other jobs. Maybe not, but it wouldn't surprise me.
The Drews have a lot of allies in the national media who would gladly crank up the rumor mill on their behalf this spring.
Quote from: Chairback on March 14, 2013, 03:22:11 PM
Do not forget ML's comment last year about a succession plan being in place. I took it as its just a matter of time.
Any athletic director WITHOUT a succession plan and short list (for AT LEAST their top sport, usually most of them) is a very poor athletic director.
Talk of his moving up is a good thing if it provides the incentives to fast track things like facility upgrades.
Quote from: VU75 on March 14, 2013, 04:50:40 PM
Talk of his moving up is a good thing if it provides the incentives to fast track things like facility upgrades.
Excellent.
The TV camera shots during the title game showed a great following in the jammed stands. Actually, friends out here commented on the size and atmosphere of the ARC -- you guys out there are more familiar with the warts. Upgrading and modernizing that atmosphere (especially creating super student sections at the baselines and popping out the area over the chair backs + the redo of concessions, lavatory facilities, etc.) is a great way to say to Bryce: "Stick around a couple more years -- enjoy the ride." It also creates a bit of an obligation, and Bryce's conscience might now allow him to ignore that.
Yep. Bubbling up the coach vacancies is good leverage to get some more facilities. If there was ever a time to raise athletics money for VU in the community, this is it. Don't miss this train like we did in 1998.
I'm seeing a southern job in Bryce's future down the line and I'm not sure which one. He met his wife in Louisiana and I think his low key family-values Christian worldview blends better in the south.
Since he flirted with Mississippi State, I would look for him to look south. Maybe Vanderbilt, LSU, Alabama, SMU or Rice. Ole Miss would just be too ironic.
Of those, Vandy or Rice would be my bets. Both great schools with great academic reps and tremendous commitments to athletics. And I just noticed that Vandy begins with "V" Imagine that?
We've got an opening at Ga. Southern. Good conf.(Davidson),great weather and a state funded school. Come on Down!
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 14, 2013, 05:35:46 PM
Of those, Vandy or Rice would be my bets. Both great schools with great academic reps and tremendous commitments to athletics. And I just noticed that Vandy begins with "V" Imagine that?
uh, "tremendous commitment to athletics" ? Well, commitment is one thing, results quite another. Rice: 5-26 Vandy: 14-16. We even have a Rice transfer on the team who apparently wanted to escape their "commitment"! ;)
Quote from: setshot on March 14, 2013, 06:37:46 PMGood conf.(Davidson)
(http://oi49.tinypic.com/4hrur9.jpg)
(http://oi49.tinypic.com/4hrur9.jpg)
[/quote]
Not arguing your point at all.
On a side note though, regardless of what the formula is, or who put the list together, I have a hard time taking seriously a conference ranking list that puts the Mountain West Conference above the Big Ten. That just does not pass the eye test.
It's RPI, so no crazy formula.
And I was skeptical too, but I was shocked by clicking on the MWC.
http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/B10.html (http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/B10.html)
http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/MWC.html (http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/MWC.html)
There's only 9 in the MWC as opposed to the 12 in the B1G. The 8th team in the B1G is even with the 7th in the MWC.
Average RPI of the top 1/3 of each conference:
MWC 13 B1G 10
Middle 1/3:
MWC 47.7 B1G 46.5
Bottom 1/3
MWC 125 B1G 142.7
Average RPI
MWC 61.9 B1G 66.42
Let's put it this way: the weakest team in the MWC (9th) would be equal to UIC (our 5th), and the next worst (8th) would be better than Wright (our 3rd!!!).
And the team average in the MWC is almost as high as we are. gulp.gif
So they're close every step of the way, but it's the bottom 1/3 that pulls the B1G below, because in OOC record:
B1G: 121-31 (79.61%)
MWC: 87-26 (76.99%)
Seriously--I crunched the numbers and I still hardly believe it!
As a3uge would say "rpi is weird."
Quote from: walldozer on March 14, 2013, 08:44:48 PMOn a side note though, regardless of what the formula is, or who put the list together, I have a hard time taking seriously a conference ranking list that puts the Mountain West Conference above the Big Ten. That just does not pass the eye test.
I'm no huge defender of the RPI. But, don't forget, here we're looking at conference average numbers.
The Big Ten have Purdue, Nebraska, Northwestern, and Penn State dragging them down (4 of 12). The Mountain West only has Fresno State and Nevada (2 of 9).
(But, indeed, by Sagarin the Mountain West is 5th to the Big Ten's #1.)
OK, point taken on the computer number crunching.
Now the eye test
B1G Mountain West Conference
#3 Indiana 14-4 -- 26-5 #15 New Mexico 13-3 -- 27-5
#8 Michigan State 13-5 --24-7 Colorado State 11-5 -- 25-7
#10 Ohio State 13-5 --23-7 UNLV 10-6 -- 24-8
#6 Michigan 12-6 --26-6 San Diego State 9-7 -- 22-9
#22 Wisconsin 12-6-- 21-10 Boise State 9-7 -- 21-10
Iowa 9-9-- 20-11 Air Force 8-8 -- 17-13
Illinois 8-10-- 22-11 Fresno State 5-11 -- 11-19
Minnesota 8-10 --20-12 Wyoming 4-12 -- 19-13
Purdue 8-10 -- 15-17 Nevada 3-13 -- 12-19
Nebraska 5-13 -- 15-17
Northwestern 4-14 -- 13-18
Penn State 2-16 -- 10-21
OK, I do not want want to derail the subject of this thread, so back to the regular programming. I am trying to take my mind off the subject of this thread (Bryce possibly leaving). It makes me sad :-(
Quote from: crusadermoe on March 14, 2013, 05:28:39 PM
Yep. Bubbling up the coach vacancies is good leverage to get some more facilities. If there was ever a time to raise athletics money for VU in the community, this is it. Don't miss this train like we did in 1998.
I'm seeing a southern job in Bryce's future down the line and I'm not sure which one. He met his wife in Louisiana and I think his low key family-values Christian worldview blends better in the south.
Since he flirted with Mississippi State, I would look for him to look south. Maybe Vanderbilt, LSU, Alabama, SMU or Rice. Ole Miss would just be too ironic.
Oh lord, if he left for SMU, you would not be able to stop me from laughing. Yes, they have been investing heavily in athletic facilities over the last 5 years, but they will hardly ever be a player in Dallas among the fan base. SMU is one of the most hated schools among the DFW population. They are the snobby DFW school, whereas TCU (my MBA alma mater) is the beloved one. Now, if the former LSU coach at TCU left in the future, I wouldn't mind if Bryce left for the good guys (if he is leaving regardless) :)
The job we should be watching that would be very enticing to Bryce may be the Wake Forest job. Their fan base has been putting ads in the paper to have Bzdelik fired. He's won 1, yes 1, conference road game in 3, yes 3, years. They have not got out of the first round of their tourney in 3 years under him. When Dino was exited, Scott's name was mentioned frequently. The President is a former ND provost. The ACC is one of the top 3 leagues, period. That's the one this year that should scare us (also former Baptist school).
Oh crap, that would scare me as well. It is an excellent academic institution (like Valpo), private, but not large enough where the whole state will be asking for his head if he has a bad season.
I was going to say, "but you'll top out at the 4th best team in your own state!" and then I thought, well, um.
yeah. glass housinge.
Wow. I forgot Wake Forest.
That would be the Baylor of the ACC. Perfect fit as Baptist rather than stuffy (Vandy). Cross our fingers the WFcoach stays for a good while.
Quote from: valpo84 on March 15, 2013, 09:15:56 AM
The job we should be watching that would be very enticing to Bryce may be the Wake Forest job. Their fan base has been putting ads in the paper to have Bzdelik fired. He's won 1, yes 1, conference road game in 3, yes 3, years. They have not got out of the first round of their tourney in 3 years under him. When Dino was exited, Scott's name was mentioned frequently. The President is a former ND provost. The ACC is one of the top 3 leagues, period. That's the one this year that should scare us (also former Baptist school).
i wonder if any of their fan base might also be kansas city chiefs fans - they were doing similar stuff this season in an attempt to get rid of their senior leadership, including going so far as to get a plane flyover over arrowhead with a banner saying "fire pioli."
Don't know Bryce personally but from what I do know it seems like VU is a good fit for him. I just don't see him as a coach that is "all about winning" or "all about the money".... I think he likes Valparaiso - that's why he came back. He could have been an assistant coach anywhere - he stayed at VU. He could have kept playing ball in Europe but wanted to be closer to home. (I also think VU knows how good it is to have him here...)
All this talk just distracts him from the current hurdle - winning in the dance.
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 14, 2013, 09:01:27 PM
It's RPI, so no crazy formula.
And I was skeptical too, but I was shocked by clicking on the MWC.
http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/B10.html (http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/B10.html)
http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/MWC.html (http://www.rpiforecast.com/confs/MWC.html)
There's only 9 in the MWC as opposed to the 12 in the B1G. The 8th team in the B1G is even with the 7th in the MWC.
Average RPI of the top 1/3 of each conference:
MWC 13 B1G 10
Middle 1/3:
MWC 47.7 B1G 46.5
Bottom 1/3
MWC 125 B1G 142.7
Average RPI
MWC 61.9 B1G 66.42
Let's put it this way: the weakest team in the MWC (9th) would be equal to UIC (our 5th), and the next worst (8th) would be better than Wright (our 3rd!!!).
And the team average in the MWC is almost as high as we are. gulp.gif
So they're close every step of the way, but it's the bottom 1/3 that pulls the B1G below, because in OOC record:
B1G: 121-31 (79.61%)
MWC: 87-26 (76.99%)
Seriously--I crunched the numbers and I still hardly believe it!
As a3uge would say "rpi is weird."
I don't know where MWC was the last 20 years in the conference rankings, but I'd say that having the MWC in the top 3 in most conference rankings is odd, but more reflective of how good those programs are right now.
Carmody has been fired.
Here's the ESPN.com link:
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9059284/northwestern-wildcats-fire-coach-bill-carmody-sources-say (http://espn.go.com/chicago/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9059284/northwestern-wildcats-fire-coach-bill-carmody-sources-say)
Duke and Lehigh guys rumored to be targets
I wonder if Tubby Smith will be soon to follow...
Quote from: humbleopinion on March 16, 2013, 11:30:14 AM
I wonder if Tubby Smith will be soon to follow...
Minnesota reportedly will give Tubby a 100k (no, there's not an extra zero, that's 100k) just for making the NCAA Tournament. Somehow, firing him after that kind of bonus would seem odd. Then again, I'm not sure why he would get a bonus like that....it seems a bit shocking that he could get that for doing something that half or more of the teams in his conference do annually.
Is there any guarantee Minnesota will make the tourney? They sure seem to be making a pretty good argument against it.
Quote from: humbleopinion on March 16, 2013, 12:12:20 PMIs there any guarantee Minnesota will make the tourney? They sure seem to be making a pretty good argument against it.
74 brackets out of 74 have them down...current avg 9 seed.
http://www.bracketmatrix.com/ (http://www.bracketmatrix.com/)
Quote from: ValpoHoops on March 16, 2013, 11:51:20 AMMinnesota reportedly will give Tubby a 100k (no, there's not an extra zero, that's 100k) just for making the NCAA Tournament. Somehow, firing him after that kind of bonus would seem odd. Then again, I'm not sure why he would get a bonus like that....it seems a bit shocking that he could get that for doing something that half or more of the teams in his conference do annually.
Are performance bonuses not common for NCAA coaches? In some sports they're common enough.
Even if you expect them to hit a milestone, you might put it into their contract as a benchmark. Both sides might think of it, more or less, as a likely to be realized part of the compensation. But, it provides some extra incentive for the coach, perhaps, and a little discount for the school if it's a disappointing season.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 16, 2013, 11:15:52 AMHere's the ESPN.com link:
Duke and Lehigh guys rumored to be targets
The Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-northwestern-bill-carmody-fired-2013,0,2953949.story (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-northwestern-bill-carmody-fired-2013,0,2953949.story)
says it's not clear if he was fired or resigned. (?)
And says
Quote
Duke associate head coach Chris Collins, Bucknell coach Dave Paulsen, Valparaiso's Bryce Drew and Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobson are among those expected to receive consideration from Phillips [the NU AD].
Very common. 100k is quite high, however.
Bryce's name was mentioned on the 2 main Chicago sports radio stations within the past 90 min. as someone whose name will come up as a possible candidate for the NW vacancy. One of the talking heads said he may be actually beyond a job like NW after 2 excellent seasons at Valpo in addition to his "pedigree." They talked about the struggle IL had last year getting high profile candidates interested, even though it is considered a much better job than NW.
Quote from: agibson on March 16, 2013, 12:58:29 PM
The Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-northwestern-bill-carmody-fired-2013,0,2953949.story (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-northwestern-bill-carmody-fired-2013,0,2953949.story)
says it's not clear if he was fired or resigned. (?)
And says
Quote
Duke associate head coach Chris Collins, Bucknell coach Dave Paulsen, Valparaiso's Bryce Drew and Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobson are among those expected to receive consideration from Phillips [the NU AD].
There is a side bar poll: Bryce is on it. Everybody vote for any candidate EXCEPT Bryce. Maybe we can swing the sentiment away from him ::) :crazy:
If I am taking a job in Chicago, it's going to be DePaul, not Northwestern. That being said, there's no reason you can't win at Northwestern. Granted they've never made the tournament, but the have the facilities, conference and local talent to get enough to compete for an NCAA bid every year. I think it just takes the right coach.
Much praise for the 'Xs and Os coach', but biggest slams on Carmody in the Trib were: 1) indifferent recruiting; 2) out of touch with current social media (old school), and 3) abrupt style with NU alumni supporters.
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 16, 2013, 02:35:38 PMbut the have the facilities
Huh. The tribune seemed quick to report that they had the worst facilities in the Big Ten. Don't they play in a gym, more or less?
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 16, 2013, 02:35:38 PMIf I am taking a job in Chicago, it's going to be DePaul, not Northwestern. That being said, there's no reason you can't win at Northwestern. Granted they've never made the tournament, but the have the facilities, conference and local talent to get enough to compete for an NCAA bid every year. I think it just takes the right coach.
I am not sure I agree with this. DePaul has similar problems as Northwestern, and Jean Lenti-Ponsetto, the DePaul AD, is a complete knucklehead. She has no clue in building a big conference college basketball program. They are synonomous to General Motors, where they are still trying to live the good old days of Ray Meyer. Their facilities are also below par, and the Allstate Arena is a generic dump 40 minutes away from campus. Students could care less about the team. The school cannot commit to better facilities. At least Northwestern's AD has had success at a school renown for tough academics.
I cannot understand why Chris Collins or Bryce Drew would consider coaching at Northwestern, as it has been a dead end coaching job for quite a while. Chicago currently is a terrible college basketball town.
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 16, 2013, 02:35:38 PMIf I am taking a job in Chicago, it's going to be DePaul, not Northwestern. That being said, there's no reason you can't win at Northwestern. Granted they've never made the tournament, but the have the facilities, conference and local talent to get enough to compete for an NCAA bid every year. I think it just takes the right coach.
Also, Northwestern has poor facilities for awhile. Recruiting has been difficult because of facilities, tradition and academic restrictions. Recruiting kids out of Chicago is difficult because of the academic restrictions compared to the other Big 10 schools.
Again Collins and Drew would make a big mistake taking that job.
Quote from: usc4valpo on March 16, 2013, 05:13:16 PM
Quote from: milanmiracle on March 16, 2013, 02:35:38 PMIf I am taking a job in Chicago, it's going to be DePaul, not Northwestern. That being said, there's no reason you can't win at Northwestern. Granted they've never made the tournament, but the have the facilities, conference and local talent to get enough to compete for an NCAA bid every year. I think it just takes the right coach.
Also, Northwestern has poor facilities for awhile. Recruiting has been difficult because of facilities, tradition and academic restrictions. Recruiting kids out of Chicago is difficult because of the academic restrictions compared to the other Big 10 schools.
Again Collins and Drew would make a big mistake taking that job.
Someone on Chicago ESPN Chicago radio said that Northwestern has the worst basketball venue and practice facilities in the Big 10. It's the old thing - you get what you pay for ---
--- Except for VU of course, which has the Drew family to thank exclusively for its success despite inferior facilities and repeated pleas by Homer for years.
Bryce would not leave Valpo for NW, that would be a career-ending move. If/when he leaves, it will be to a team like Wake Forest, as mentioned in one of the other threads. The Valpo job is a better job than NW...
totally and unbiasedly agree.Northwestern is notshowing the cmmittmentto compete in the Big10. Academics is one factor but not the only factor here. Welsh-Ryan is a renovated dump built off a generic cheaply built McGaw Hall.
I think Valpo can make changes in the ARC, clean it up, expand it, this can expand to be something really, really great. Perhaps bagging football to provide more funding can assist to this - but that is another debate.
Not arguing at all, but went to a review of Welsh-Ryan (8,100 capacity) and their conclusion was that it is the best college BB venue in the Chicagoland area. So, better than UIC, LUC, Chicago State, and DePaul. Is that saying much? I can't say. Can still be the worst in the B1G, though -- although the review points to the intimacy of the place with the fans right on top of the game. With the proper coach and a winning record, playing at home in a band box can be a real advantage (like the UNM Pit). NU went through a couple of joke eras in FB and came back three times as I recall (Ara, Barnett and now Fitzgerald) so it's not an impossible challenge.
http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/welsh-ryan-arena-s783/ (http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/welsh-ryan-arena-s783/)
Also, this a recent (3/16) Tribune article:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-16/sports/ct-spt-0317-haugh-big-ten-tournament-chicago-20130317_1_nu-ad-jim-phillips-northwestern-athletic-director (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-16/sports/ct-spt-0317-haugh-big-ten-tournament-chicago-20130317_1_nu-ad-jim-phillips-northwestern-athletic-director)
Collins from Duke is mentioned as the front runner and a parallel is drawn between him and FB coach Fitzgerald. Bryce is not mentioned. Great quote from the article, however:
"Old buildings have charm when programs win but become excuses when they lose." Hinkle is cited as an example of the former.
Apparently there is a $250 million lakefront megacenter on the boards there.
Welsh-Ryan arena itself is not that nice. Sure it seats 8100, but its old and deteriorating...easily the worst in the B1G (now, there are also some awesome facilities in this league).
You are exactly right, 62, that if you win, an old, beat-up arena is called quaint, historic, etc....but when you lose, its called an excuse.
All of that said, I've seen some drawings of the lakefront plans and they are impressive. If they pull this off, they will jump to the top half/third of the B1G immediately in terms of facilities.
BTW, I then checked out the ARC review for contrast. It's dated (pre Homer Drew Court), but seems to capture the general opinions I see here on teh board. I don't mean to hi-jack the string, so replies should stay in line with the NU job -- this is just FYI stuff. They also review Brown Field -- but I don't want to go there :-[ .
Crusade to Valpo
Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder
The dully-named Athletics-Recreation Center (or the "ARC") has served as the home of Valparaiso basketball since 1984. It is an intimate 5,000-seat arena consisting mostly of bleacher seats.
While there is nothing remarkable about the facility, it does have one important thing going for it- it is located in the great basketball state of Indiana.
Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".
Food & Beverage 2
The ARC has two concession stands, both with few options, but affordable nonetheless. Pizza and soda each go for $2. The pizza is well worth the price and the soda (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew) comes in the original plastic 20 ounce container.
I would advise grabbing a bite to eat in downtown Valparaiso if you want something more substantial, otherwise, a slice of pizza will do nicely.
Atmosphere 3
More historical than the ARC, is the former home of the team, the Hilltop Gym. It is accessible during games and includes the retired numbers of, most notably, Bryce Drew, hero of the 1998 NCAA Tournament. Larry Bird also once played a collegiate game in this tiny gym, so you may want to at least peek your head inside.
I was present for a game against a bad UIC team, and the place was about half full. It was far from being noisy, but I did appreciate that they had a 12-member pep band, and a fairly raucous student section.
Neighborhood 3
Valparaiso is a nice little college town, and there are bars and restaurants within a reasonable walking distance of the game. I chose to drive on this cold night, but on foot it's probably a 20 minute walk from downtown. There are numerous choices including familiar names like Buffalo Wild Wings.
I stopped into Pikk's Tavern. They describe themselves in three words: Steaks. Wine. Friends. Good things in my book. Unfortunately, I had none of those things as I was by myself, stuck with beer, and stayed on the appetizer menu. The good news is that the steaks I saw looked good from a distance, and I really enjoyed my food.
I tried the Scotch Egg, and left wondering why I don't have these things for breakfast more often. In case you don't know, a scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg, encased in sausage and then baked. It's about the size of your closed fist. They also have a good beer selection, and very friendly service.
My second stop was the Franklin House Bar. This was a more typical sports bar, with four big screens in the main bar, and plenty of dudes, sitting around drinking. They do have a nice beer selection and a decent Reuben sandwich.
On the down side, the bar is quite smoky, but if you don't mind that, this could be a good place to spend some time and have a few beers.
Fans 4
Compared to other Indiana basketball experiences, I was a little disappointed with the fans at Valparaiso. That's not to say they were disinterested, just lacked that magic that I felt at Butler and Assembly Hall in Bloomington.
The student section was properly showing homage to Homer Drew, the head basketball coach for more than 2 decades. Most donned shirts that read, "Drew's Crew," and a few fans wore Homer Simpson masks that looked to be incredibly hot.
Access 4
I found parking to be a snap, parking on Brown Street about 2 blocks from the arena, only about 15 minutes before the tipoff. I had heard bad things about the ability to park at Valpo, but found that not to be an issue in the town or at the game.
There are not too many restrooms, so if you go when there's a packed house, it may be beneficial for you to sneak away from your seat a minute or so before the halftime buzzer sounds.
Return on Investment 3
I paid $15 total online the day of the game (that included delivery fee and ordering fee). My seat was in the upper mezzanine. A word of warning, if your seat is too low in this section, you will be sitting behind the railing and your view will be obstructed. If you sit too high, then the banners will slightly obstruct your view, and you won't be able to see the scoreboard.
My advice would be to either spring for a lower level seat, or sit somewhere between rows DD and KK. You do get good value on the pizza and the parking, but overall, I think $15 is pushing the limit of what I would pay to experience this venue again.
Extras 2
One bonus point is attributable to head coach Homer Drew, who went out of his way to shake the hand of the singer of the National Anthem- a very classy move. I also reward an extra point to the three guys with the Homer Simpson masks on because I just can't see how they kept those sweaty things on the whole game.
Final Thoughts
I generally do not pass up an opportunity to see college basketball played in the state of Indiana, and would probably return to Valpo for a game against a better opponent. I would also love to see them rename the facility or the floor itself after Homer Drew for his long service to the university, not to mention for being half responsible for the birth of Bryce Drew, the school's best known player.
Quote from: ValpoHoops on March 17, 2013, 11:11:54 AM
Welsh-Ryan arena itself is not that nice. Sure it seats 8100, but its old and deteriorating...easily the worst in the B1G (now, there are also some awesome facilities in this league).
You are exactly right, 62, that if you win, an old, beat-up arena is called quaint, historic, etc....but when you lose, its called an excuse.
All of that said, I've seen some drawings of the lakefront plans and they are impressive. If they pull this off, they will jump to the top half/third of the B1G immediately in terms of facilities.
The release on the $220 million multi-sport facility makes no mention of a new basketball arena -- just a 2,500 seat practice facility. Seems more football oriented. Sounds like they'd have to renovate Welsh-Ryan also if BB was to reap any benefits.
[ They are synonomous to General Motors, where they are still trying to live the good old days of Ray Meyer. Their facilities are also below par, and the Allstate Arena is a generic dump 40 minutes away from campus. Students could care less about the team. The school cannot commit to better facilities. At least Northwestern's AD has had success at a school renown for tough academics. I cannot understand why Chris Collins or Bryce Drew would consider coaching at Northwestern, as it has been a dead end coaching job for quite a while. Chicago currently is a terrible college basketball town.
Couldn't agree more. DePaul could've built an arena a couple miles west of the campus 30 years ago. Instead they're stuck in the dump "Allstate Arena". They probably should be in the Horizon League now. College basketball is indifferent in Chicago unless a team is really good. I do think it is possible for NU to compete better in the Big 10 with the right coach and a updated arena.
Quote from: wh on March 16, 2013, 01:05:19 PMBryce's name was mentioned on the 2 main Chicago sports radio stations within the past 90 min. as someone whose name will come up as a possible candidate for the NW vacancy. One of the talking heads said he may be actually beyond a job like NW after 2 excellent seasons at Valpo in addition to his "pedigree." They talked about the struggle IL had last year getting high profile candidates interested, even though it is considered a much better job than NW.
I totally agree with whoever you heard. NU is, at best, a SIDE STEP from Valpo. NU has NEVER been to NCAA and we are in THIS YEAR. NU's gym is pathetic and their athletic department has NEVER been behind the basketball team...even in years they had a chance to do something. They are in the wrong conference and in the wrong city. Now if Matt Painter woulda gotten fired...
As it pertains to men's basketball NW is the DePaul of the Big 10. Both programs contribute nothing to their respective conferences, but are the first to provide their bank acct. numbers when someone else earns them something. Kind of like the half of American society that pays no federal income tax but gladly takes that monthly check provided by those of us who do.
Quote from: wh on March 18, 2013, 10:05:55 AMKind of like the half of American society that pays no federal income tax but gladly takes that monthly check provided by those of us who do.
We could explore this further over in Off Topic some place. Suffice it to say that this is, at best, an oversimplification.
Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2013, 10:28:29 AM
Quote from: wh on March 18, 2013, 10:05:55 AMKind of like the half of American society that pays no federal income tax but gladly takes that monthly check provided by those of us who do.
We could explore this further over in Off Topic some place. Suffice it to say that this is, at best, an oversimplification.
I agree.
When did WH become "Rick" or am I just catching up?
When did everyone else become the Sensitive Police and freak out over a throwaway line?
Because the truth strikes too close to home?
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 18, 2013, 01:35:24 PMBecause the truth strikes too close to home?
Now you're starting to sound a little like "Rick."
Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2013, 10:28:29 AM
Quote from: wh on March 18, 2013, 10:05:55 AMKind of like the half of American society that pays no federal income tax but gladly takes that monthly check provided by those of us who do.
We could explore this further over in Off Topic some place. Suffice it to say that this is, at best, an oversimplification.
Thanks, but not interested. The redistribution of wealth issue is like the abortion issue - no room for compromise. Let's stick to basketball.
Quote from: wh on March 18, 2013, 09:54:39 PMThe redistribution of wealth issue is like the abortion issue
Well, we can at least agree that it's a moral issue!
Quote from: agibson on March 18, 2013, 09:57:35 PM
Quote from: wh on March 18, 2013, 09:54:39 PMThe redistribution of wealth issue is like the abortion issue
Well, we can at least agree that it's a moral issue!
:)
http://www.sippinonpurple.com/northwestern-basketball-head-coaching-search-bill-carmody-fired/2013/3/19/4122536/bryce-drew-northwestern-basketball-head-coach-valparaiso (http://www.sippinonpurple.com/northwestern-basketball-head-coaching-search-bill-carmody-fired/2013/3/19/4122536/bryce-drew-northwestern-basketball-head-coach-valparaiso)
Just look at all of the incorrect information provided in that article, and it will give you an idea of how relevant it is ;). Bryce isn't dumb enough to go to NW
Quote from: valpotx on March 19, 2013, 10:30:56 AM
Just look at all of the incorrect information provided in that article, and it will give you an idea of how relevant it is ;). Bryce isn't dumb enough to go to NW
First Grantland's "take" on Valpo in the tournament, now Sippin' on Purple... this is how I feel about this kind of "journalism"
Billy Madison - Ultimate Insult (Academic Decathlon)[Forum Weapon][How To Troll][Ignorance Is Bliss] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfYJsQAhl0#ws)
Quote from: KL31NY on March 19, 2013, 11:39:03 AMSippin' on Purple...
i actually did like this one paragraph, with the exception of the edits i had to make :):
QuoteMany speculate that Drew could be the "basketball Pat Fitzgerald" for Northwestern, since he's only 38, and he's exciting to be around and watch. The only hitch: he's already the basketball Pat Fitzgerald for Valpo. Much as Fitz played for Northwestern and is freakishly devoted to his school, Drew chose Valpo over other options, chose to be an assistant coach there, and now has the head job. His whole life has been at Valpo - his dad took the coaching job in 1988, when he was 14 - and if he wants to he can coach at Valpo until he wants to retire, like his father did. His playing career fizzled after he left the place he loves, and there's a decent chance his coaching career could too. Pat Fitzgerald somewhere else would just be any other coach: so much of his fire and drive and what makes him so popular amongst recruits is likely the fact that he's clearly insane about Northwestern University; I'd imagine Drew has a similar effect. Sure, many recruits would be eager to play for an excitable young Bryce Drew at Northwestern, but he might have less success pulling that than he does doing the same schtick at Valpo.
(http://media.lolwall.co/c/2013/01/i-fixed-it-for-you_258263-600x.jpeg)
I didn't think much of the writeup either, but most of my problems were with shallow opinions, not factual errors.
I agree that I am not so worried about Northwestern, but would be worried about Wake Forest. When Skip Prosser was at WFU my daughter, who was a student at Wake Forest and did some kinesiology studies on the basketball team, use to jog occasionally with Skip Prosser and talked to him about Valpo and Homer finding out that they were friends. When Skip passed away I communicated briefly with Homer about Skip and what a loss this was to the coaching fraternity. Wake Forest IMO is exactly the type of school Bryce would find a comfortable fit for his family and faith.
AL HAMNIK: Bryce Drew's heart with the VU Crusaders for nowhttp://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/al-hamnik/al-hamnik-bryce-drew-s-heart-with-the-vu-crusaders/article_4f083938-9cee-538b-a302-0083b7c875f7.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/al-hamnik/al-hamnik-bryce-drew-s-heart-with-the-vu-crusaders/article_4f083938-9cee-538b-a302-0083b7c875f7.html)
QuoteDo you leave a job where the administration loves you, fans love you, recruits want to play for you?
Do you hop the fence for greener pastures?
This was not the time or place to ask, but I had to.
Will you be coaching Valparaiso in 2013-14?
"I love Valpo right now. I haven't even thought about next year," Bryce said. "Our whole focus was trying to get our guys to win this game."
Geez, now these reporters are thinking that NW actually has a chance. They are NOT a better situation than what he currently has, other than $, as you can see by them having 0 NCAA appearances. Bryce is going to get much better offers from programs that can actually do something in their conference. The way he speaks in this article, it doesn't look good that he will be coming back, 'I got to coach...' We will see how it pans out, but my thinking is that he might not want to come back and chance having a losing season with a lot of unknowns at the NCAA level.
Quote from: valpotx on March 22, 2013, 10:28:43 AMThe way he speaks in this article, it doesn't look good that he will be coming back, 'I got to coach...' We will see how it pans out, but my thinking is that he might not want to come back and chance having a losing season with a lot of unknowns at the NCAA level.
I just don't see how the quotes from this article say that Bryce is not coming back.
"I love Valpo. I love this team. I got to coach at Valpo on the same floor named after my dad. (I think this is an acknowledgement that there will be opportunities with other schools and a decision on whether to return to Valpo still has to be made.)
I'm really happy here right now," Bryce told me after the 65-54 loss to Michigan State.
Will you be coaching Valparaiso in 2013-14?
"I love Valpo right now. I haven't even thought about next year," Bryce said. "Our whole focus was trying to get our guys to win this game."Those are honest answers. The decision about next year is not even close to being made. I'm not saying that Bryce is for sure staying at Valpo. Like a wise person who makes wise decisions about his future Bryce will weigh all the options and make the choice that is right for him.
He may leave, but I'd be willing to bet it won't be to Northwestern.
All of this speculation reminds me of the time that Coach K was asked after an NCAA tourney game about the prospects of one of his players jumping to the NBA, and he addressed as more not the appropriate time to discuss or consider it. Bryce seemed to handle this question in the same way, and I respect that. I'm not sure that Bryce should jump just yet.
What I do wonder is how much of the schedule impact was due to the contracts for home-and-home matchups made while Homer was still the coach, plus all of the Bracketbuster matchups that were pushed back, including the Loyola Marymount game that is yet to be played, or the EKU game. Plus, a lot of the scheduling was in those pesky tournaments in November or December, where we were a part of the field regionally, but not in the final four concept, so we were dealt some terrible matchups in those as well. I concede the Oakland, IPFW, and IUPUI games were more for having a close game, travel or not, for the sake of playing a game after a break or tournament. When we initially started playing IPFW, it was in their transitional period, so we contracted them a couple of games, nothing wrong with it. That was always a Homer thing to do, hence all the games against Belmont. Bryce has a favorable record, but let's see how he does next season with a fresh slate of games, even with the home matchups with St. Louis, Murray St., and New Mexico. See what he can do with that before saying he's ready to jump to a better school or bigger money.
Not sure whether Northwestern would be of interest or not. It obviously is a very highly regarded school in the BIG. Scott went for the money and challenge at the absolutely worst place and has done a great job not only turning the ship but refloating it as well. People who assume he is one of the lowest paid in our conference have no knowledge of the facts and even public annual reports may not show the entire package as Homer, for example, did receive deferred comp on several occasions.
I would think that Bryce would opt for a religious school versus a Mississippi State as an example. It could be any number of high profile schools, like one of the Catholic 9 plus one conference or as fwalum suggests, a private school like Wake Forest, but then, if a high profile academic school has his interest then Northwestern would certainly fill the ticket and be a huge challenge.
Bryce's answer to the New York Times (Tim Rohan) felt slightly more encouraging
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/21/sports/ncaabasketball/now-coach-bryce-drew-is-hoping-valparaiso-makes-another-ncaa-run.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0 (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/21/sports/ncaabasketball/now-coach-bryce-drew-is-hoping-valparaiso-makes-another-ncaa-run.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0)
Quote
Asked this week if he would ever leave Valparaiso, Drew said, "I'm very, very happy being here."
And, the NYT always works hard on clever endings to stories, so maybe it's worth quoting
Quote
One fan, Pat Kelly, watched practice from the front row, wearing a brown Valparaiso sweatshirt.
"They've got a good shooting team, a veteran team," Kelly said. "If things go their way, they can give Michigan State a game."
He shrugged and added, "They might have a shot."
WSCR talked to BTN's Tim Doyle today about a few things, one of which was the Northwestern job. Bryce's name never came up. It was mostly about Chris Collins, Tommy Hammaker, and the coach for Bucknell as conceivable possibilities.
If you're referring to Tommy Amaker, of Hahvid, he's had a stint in the B1G at Michigan. He's proven he can recruit and coach academically qualified, skilled BB talent. Been coaching since 1988 starting, incidentally as a Duke assistant (9 years). HBB coach at Seton Hall (97-01), Michigan (01-07) and Harvard (07 to now).Collins has yet to see an head coaching experience but has a good pedigree.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 22, 2013, 03:56:45 PM
If you're referring to Tommy Amaker, of Hahvid, he's had a stint in the B1G at Michigan. He's proven he can recruit and coach academically qualified, skilled BB talent. Been coaching since 1988 starting, incidentally as a Duke assistant (9 years). HBB coach at Seton Hall (97-01), Michigan (01-07) and Harvard (07 to now).Collins has yet to see an head coaching experience but has a good pedigree.
Yes, sorry for my lame spelling ;)
They talked about that very issue with Collins.
Quote from: StlVUFan on March 22, 2013, 03:14:38 PMTommy Hammaker
He would want to bring his top assistant, Bob Schlammer.
Amaker may look at a better opportunity than NW, especially now that his stock rose big after Harvard win over lost Lobos.
Again, I cannot understand why Collins wants to take a job at NW.
Quote from: usc4valpo on March 22, 2013, 09:35:54 PMAmaker may look at a better opportunity than NW
he's got it already. at harvard.
he flopped on a bigger stage. already.
and harvard can hardly be outbid...
BTW we beat Amaker in 98-99 at Hoosier Classic something at Hoosier Dome. Lubos Barton's 1st weekend and we swept Seton Hall and South Carolina and he went nuts.
One less job to 'worry' about:
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9103538/northwestern-wildcats-duke-blue-devils-chris-collins-deal-source-says (http://espn.go.com/chicago/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/9103538/northwestern-wildcats-duke-blue-devils-chris-collins-deal-source-says)
Didn't realize that Collins was a local Chicago kid and recruited for Duke in the neighborhood. That's great foundation.
His dad, 76ers coach Doug Collins, was an Illinois native too. Collins always liked Illinois and the court at Illinois State University is named after him. Helps Northwestern to have someone that understands the Chicago basketball scene, best of luck to him.
Quote from: VULB#62 on March 27, 2013, 11:38:30 AMDidn't realize that Collins was a local Chicago kid and recruited for Duke in the neighborhood. That's great foundation.
glenbrook north hs in northbrook, il
Doug Collins, as some of us may recall, was on the 1972 Olympic team that got completely hosed by the refs and lost to the USSR, 50-49 (I think) on a last-second shot. If I remember correctly, that was our first-ever loss in the Olympics.
Paul
I believe that was the game where the USSR was given 2 replays of the final few seconds, for complete BS reasons?
Quote from: valpotx on March 28, 2013, 02:42:39 PMfor complete BS reasons
"for complete BS reasons" = "because we hate Truth and Freedom"
don't just take MY word for it though: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/nov/16/usa-ussr-olympic-basketball-1972 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/nov/16/usa-ussr-olympic-basketball-1972)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on March 28, 2013, 02:52:05 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 28, 2013, 02:42:39 PMfor complete BS reasons
"for complete BS reasons" = "because we hate Truth and Freedom"
don't just take MY word for it though: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/nov/16/usa-ussr-olympic-basketball-1972 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/nov/16/usa-ussr-olympic-basketball-1972)
I vaguely recall doing some sort of school report on that game, don't remember exactly when. That quote about 39:57 vs. 40:03 definitely rings a bell with me. I don't think I got it out of the Guardian article though, this being decades before this wonderful invention known as the internet.
Similar matter has already been discussed at yahoo answers. I can post the link if needed