I guess that I haven't seen an aircraft carrier in person for about 25 years, but I just can't picture a basketball game with 7,000 spectators on the flight deck!
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6793377/deal-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-michigan-state-spartans-november-aircraft-carrier-game-signed (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6793377/deal-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-michigan-state-spartans-november-aircraft-carrier-game-signed)
What will they do when Zeller swats the ball into the sea? That would be quite an experience to play on an aircraft carrier.
Quote from: valpotx on July 22, 2011, 03:38:24 PM
I guess that I haven't seen an aircraft carrier in person for about 25 years, but I just can't picture a basketball game with 7,000 spectators on the flight deck!
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6793377/deal-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-michigan-state-spartans-november-aircraft-carrier-game-signed (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6793377/deal-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-michigan-state-spartans-november-aircraft-carrier-game-signed)
I think an aircraft carrier has a deck that is about 3.5 to 4 acres. I would think that is more than enough for a basketball court and 7k temporary seats.
Quote from: covufan on July 22, 2011, 06:06:51 PM
Quote from: valpotx on July 22, 2011, 03:38:24 PM
I guess that I haven't seen an aircraft carrier in person for about 25 years, but I just can't picture a basketball game with 7,000 spectators on the flight deck!
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6793377/deal-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-michigan-state-spartans-november-aircraft-carrier-game-signed (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/6793377/deal-north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-michigan-state-spartans-november-aircraft-carrier-game-signed)
I think an aircraft carrier has a deck that is about 3.5 to 4 acres. I would think that is more than enough for a basketball court and 7k temporary seats.
From http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/carriers.htm (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/carriers.htm)
"The Navy likes to call the big Nimitz class carriers "4.5 acres of sovereign and mobile American territory" ".
Maybe I was remembering the JFK, which may have had smaller deck.
that'd be awesome. :thumbsup:
Michigan State has had an innovative Athletic Department, for several years. In 2001 their hockey team hosted Univ. of Michigan in an outdoor game played in Spartan Stadium, with a world record attendance of over 74,000. In 2003 the Basketball team hosted Kentucky in a game played at Ford Field, in Detroit, in front of 78,130 (the most attended basketball game). And now basketball on an aircraft carrier. I'll bet B Wood never dreamed he'd be doing that.
How cool is that going to be. Will Mr. Wood and family be able to attend?
Potential looks for venue. Each player gets 3/4 tickets for "immediate" family only. Names will be printed on tickets along with background checks for obvious security reasons. Brandon's mom, sister and I will be enjoying this one.
That is too cool! Thanks for sharing!
Is this going to be their theme song?
I'm on a Boat (http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/digital-short-im-on-a-boat/1037221/)
Quote from: valpofan56 on July 23, 2011, 02:40:31 PM
Is this going to be their theme song?
I'm on a Boat (http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/digital-short-im-on-a-boat/1037221/)
:lol: :thumbsup:
I was reading Uni-Watch (http://www.uni-watch.com/) this morning and came across this...
Basketball player inadvertently confirms the design of jerseys(http://www.spartanjerseys.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/brandonwood3.jpg)
QuoteValparaiso transfer Brandon Wood tweets daily about his life and how proud he is to be a new Spartan. On July 21, he tweeted (https://twitter.com/#!/BrandonWood32/status/94117923601391616) that he had a photo shoot. Later that day, he posted this image (http://www.spartanjerseys.com/images/pages/blog/brandonwood2.jpg) and changed his twitter profile picture to this (http://www.spartanjerseys.com/images/pages/blog/brandonwood1.jpg).
Why care so much about three tweets? Because Wood inadvertently confirmed that the Spartan basketball team will be wearing the same jerseys for this season as they did last year.
Wood is wearing last year's jersey in both photos, which leads me to believe that we will be starting the season in the same jerseys as last year. Why else would they have a new jersey made for Brandon Wood with his name on the back for a photo, only to change the style before the season?
There is a possibility that the style may change halfway through the season, which is how the 2010 jerseys were introduced. Illinois followed our lead of the midseason-style-switch when they introduced their new jerseys last year.
http://www.spartanjerseys.com/blog/michigan-state-basketball/basketball-player-inadvertently-confirms-the-design-of-jerseys/ (http://www.spartanjerseys.com/blog/michigan-state-basketball/basketball-player-inadvertently-confirms-the-design-of-jerseys/)
Whoever wrote the jersey article jumped to a conclusion.
:)
No name on back and everybody wore that jersey for headshots.
It just happened to be Brandon's #
Two cool videos:
It Floats: College Basketball on a Carrier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u9qsYLBhrA#ws)
Edited time lapse of USS Carl Vinson's flight deck (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGgK-9IbIJ4#ws)
Wow, impressive how it all came together. Will be an interesting game if they keep it on the top of the carrier, seeing what possible wind can do. I remember they had an NBA game outside a few years ago at a tennis complex that led to some poor shooting for the same reason.
Brandon Wood getting the start tonight!
i think this is such a cool concept, and would like to see it done every year, maybe rotating carriers.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on November 11, 2011, 06:58:05 PM
i think this is such a cool concept, and would like to see it done every year, maybe rotating carriers.
It is going to be repeated. MSU is going to be playing in it again in 2013. I think there's also a women's game scheduled at some point.
Quote from: valpofan56 on November 11, 2011, 07:35:01 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on November 11, 2011, 06:58:05 PM
i think this is such a cool concept, and would like to see it done every year, maybe rotating carriers.
It is going to be repeated. MSU is going to be playing in it again in 2013. I think there's also a women's game scheduled at some point.
This year? I was wondering why they had a women's 3 point line painted on the floor.
Quote from: valpo04 on November 11, 2011, 07:42:26 PM
Quote from: valpofan56 on November 11, 2011, 07:35:01 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on November 11, 2011, 06:58:05 PM
i think this is such a cool concept, and would like to see it done every year, maybe rotating carriers.
It is going to be repeated. MSU is going to be playing in it again in 2013. I think there's also a women's game scheduled at some point.
This year? I was wondering why they had a women's 3 point line painted on the floor.
Not sure, but I was wondering about the women's line too since didn't the women's line move back to the same one the guys use?
Quote from: valpofan56 on November 11, 2011, 08:49:07 PM
Quote from: valpo04 on November 11, 2011, 07:42:26 PM
Quote from: valpofan56 on November 11, 2011, 07:35:01 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on November 11, 2011, 06:58:05 PM
i think this is such a cool concept, and would like to see it done every year, maybe rotating carriers.
It is going to be repeated. MSU is going to be playing in it again in 2013. I think there's also a women's game scheduled at some point.
This year? I was wondering why they had a women's 3 point line painted on the floor.
Not sure, but I was wondering about the women's line too since didn't the women's line move back to the same one the guys use?
yeah, i think they did move it back this year. so why would they keep the extra line down? it just clutters up the floor.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on November 12, 2011, 06:23:29 AM
Quote from: valpofan56 on November 11, 2011, 08:49:07 PM
Quote from: valpo04 on November 11, 2011, 07:42:26 PM
Quote from: valpofan56 on November 11, 2011, 07:35:01 PM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on November 11, 2011, 06:58:05 PM
i think this is such a cool concept, and would like to see it done every year, maybe rotating carriers.
It is going to be repeated. MSU is going to be playing in it again in 2013. I think there's also a women's game scheduled at some point.
This year? I was wondering why they had a women's 3 point line painted on the floor.
Not sure, but I was wondering about the women's line too since didn't the women's line move back to the same one the guys use?
yeah, i think they did move it back this year. so why would they keep the extra line down? it just clutters up the floor.
Not to mention that the men's line was so hard to see and the old women's line was as bold as could be.
I watched the game last night, (had the Valpo game video feed on my lap! and the MSU game on the TV) What I saw was Brandon playing well, and hit a bomb early in the game but finished with maybe 5 or 6 points. His role is so different than at Valpo. He moves around trying to get the ball but in general once it goes inside it is all over one way or another. His playing time was limited as well.
If he wants to showcase his game, I think it will be difficult at MSU. Their style looks more like the NBA than a college team. Lots of one-on-one efforts. I hope it changes for the good of Brandon who is a fine young man. I wish him nothing but the best.
I want to echo vu72's sentiments on the subject.
While I wish Brandon nothing but the best, except against mid-major competition, it's not inconceivable that he's made a terrible mistake.
Terrible mistake?
Lets see. Last night, the VU basketball team was in Statesboro, Ga. It took a flight to Atlanta followed by a 3-hour bus ride to get to Statesboro. After the game, they took the long ride back to Atlanta, spent the night and caught an 8 a.m. flight back to Chicago. The game was against one of the worst teams in Division I basketball last year.
Brandon Wood shook the hand of president Obama last night. He got to play a high-level college basketball game in one of the most unique venues of all time. He is starting for a Big 10 team. He is traveling in style.
Ultimately, I don't think it matters tremendously if he stayed at VU or transferred as far as his NBA potential is concerned. He's either good enough or he's not. He will get more exposure at MSU and play against better players not only in games but also in practice. Also, maybe he will be "exposed" which could be a problem. That's the chance he was willing to take, and I don't blame him at all for taking advantage of this opportunity. As a matter of fact, I say congratulations for chasing after his dream in the best possible manner in his mind.
For one night, at least, it was an awesome decision.
Nice photo of Brandon diving for a ball
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/56/2567aefe-7b7c-5435-8eed-693143430d93/4ebe7ceab2c48.image.jpg (http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/56/2567aefe-7b7c-5435-8eed-693143430d93/4ebe7ceab2c48.image.jpg)
His line was
3-9 1-4 0-0 0 1 1 1 7 1 0 0 0 22
At least I'm 90% sure that's his - the box score up at MSU's page has him listed... at center?
http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/nc-msu.html (http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/nc-msu.html)
Started, played 22 minutes (4th high on the team - one player of the bench had a couple more). 1-4 from beyond the arc, with other players at 1-4, 0-5, and the team at 2-20. 2-5 from inside. From the box score, a relatively quiet game. But, starting, and playing significant minutes, in the Big 10.
The whole team shot abysmally. 2-20 from beyond the arc, 22-72 for 30.6% overall. Another guard went 6-19, 0-2 in 38 minutes (oh yeah, with 18 rebounds!).
Quote from: vu72 on November 12, 2011, 08:34:17 AM
I watched the game last night, (had the Valpo game video feed on my lap! and the MSU game on the TV) What I saw was Brandon playing well, and hit a bomb early in the game but finished with maybe 5 or 6 points. His role is so different than at Valpo. He moves around trying to get the ball but in general once it goes inside it is all over one way or another. His playing time was limited as well.
If he wants to showcase his game, I think it will be difficult at MSU. Their style looks more like the NBA than a college team. Lots of one-on-one efforts. I hope it changes for the good of Brandon who is a fine young man. I wish him nothing but the best.
Tom Izzo does not coach one on one basketball. He has many, many set plays that the team runs.
valpo89....well said.
This one experience should have been well worth it...aircraft carrier, Commander in Chief, Magic Johnson.
Let's get over the whole Brandon Wood thing and wish him nothing but success.
lowposter
Quote from: agibson on November 12, 2011, 11:53:45 AM
Nice photo of Brandon diving for a ball
http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/56/2567aefe-7b7c-5435-8eed-693143430d93/4ebe7ceab2c48.image.jpg (http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/56/2567aefe-7b7c-5435-8eed-693143430d93/4ebe7ceab2c48.image.jpg)
Maybe once he gets used to shooting on an aircraft carrier deck, his shot will come around. :thumbsup:
His line was
3-9 1-4 0-0 0 1 1 1 7 1 0 0 0 22
At least I'm 90% sure that's his - the box score up at MSU's page has him listed... at center?
http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/nc-msu.html (http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2011-2012/nc-msu.html)
Started, played 22 minutes (4th high on the team - one player of the bench had a couple more). 1-4 from beyond the arc, with other players at 1-4, 0-5, and the team at 2-20. 2-5 from inside. From the box score, a relatively quiet game. But, starting, and playing significant minutes, in the Big 10.
The whole team shot abysmally. 2-20 from beyond the arc, 22-72 for 30.6% overall. Another guard went 6-19, 0-2 in 38 minutes (oh yeah, with 18 rebounds!).
Quote from: Valpo89 on November 12, 2011, 11:40:32 AM
Terrible mistake?
Lets see. Last night, the VU basketball team was in Statesboro, Ga. It took a flight to Atlanta followed by a 3-hour bus ride to get to Statesboro. After the game, they took the long ride back to Atlanta, spent the night and caught an 8 a.m. flight back to Chicago. The game was against one of the worst teams in Division I basketball last year.
Brandon Wood shook the hand of president Obama last night. He got to play a high-level college basketball game in one of the most unique venues of all time. He is starting for a Big 10 team. He is traveling in style.
Ultimately, I don't think it matters tremendously if he stayed at VU or transferred as far as his NBA potential is concerned. He's either good enough or he's not. He will get more exposure at MSU and play against better players not only in games but also in practice. Also, maybe he will be "exposed" which could be a problem. That's the chance he was willing to take, and I don't blame him at all for taking advantage of this opportunity. As a matter of fact, I say congratulations for chasing after his dream in the best possible manner in his mind.
For one night, at least, it was an awesome decision.
That's a great explanation ... hard to argue with Brandon's decision when it's explained that way. He'll also be playing in the NCAA tournament, which is something every college player wants to experience.
The only issue that I'll ever have with this whole thing was when I asked Brandon what he would be studying at Michigan State when he decided to enroll there and he said he didn't know. The reason for the rule that allows graduated student-athletes to transfer is that the student can only transfer if they want to enroll in a graduate program that isn't offered at their former institution. I don't think there is a question that MSU is far superior in every aspect to VU in basketball, but the integrity of the rule was violated if he chose MSU for basketball instead of the graduate program. I know I'm being nit-picky, but I think this rule is a horrible rule and I still think that even after watching Will Bogan lead VU to victory on Friday night and I still think that even after purchasing my Russell Wilson Wisconsin jersey.
All that said, I am cheering for Brandon this year. He's a great kid, I enjoy my conversations with his father. I just don't like the rule.
Definitely was not for school, but there are loopholes to just about any rule out there, as you can see from people with millions of dollars not paying any taxes :-)
Quote from: Valpo89 on November 12, 2011, 11:40:32 AM
Lets see. Last night, the VU basketball team was in Statesboro, Ga. It took a flight to Atlanta followed by a 3-hour bus ride to get to Statesboro. After the game, they took the long ride back to Atlanta, spent the night and caught an 8 a.m. flight back to Chicago. The game was against one of the worst teams in Division I basketball last year.
Brandon Wood shook the hand of president Obama last night. He got to play a high-level college basketball game in one of the most unique venues of all time. He is starting for a Big 10 team. He is traveling in style.
I'm still on the fence about the rule that creates this opportunity, but Brandon is definitely getting opportunities he would never have at Valpo. Adding to everything Valpo89 posted, Wood's first two regular season games are on ESPN... not just ESPN3.com or ESPNU, the freakin' mothership itself as some call it. Game one is on an aircraft carrier. Game two is at MSG against Duke with Coach K trying to surpass his former coach as a player and assistant Bobby Knight for the DI wins record. That is some great national exposure for B-Wood, and given MSU's status, all of his games will likely end up on ESPN, BTN, and other big outlets.
I am grateful for his two years of service here, and while I would love to have him here at Valpo, I understand the benefits to going elsewhere and I would love to see him get into the NBA some day.
This transfer certainly has worked out well so far for Brandon. Shaking the President's hand, chatting it up with Magic Johnson, playing on an aircraft carrier, Madison Square Garden, playing in an historic game, and shaking and chatting with Coach K (the alltime winning coach of mens college basketball).
Can we now declare that BW is the "Forest Gump" of college basketball? At least in 2011?
I hope he has a big scrapbook.
good luck on the rest of the season.
lowposter
Pretty decent game against Duke for Brandon who shot 50% from the field was 2 of 2 from the line and played 26 minutes. His 15 point night was second in scoring for the Spartans. I hope he continues to play like he did tonight. :thumbsup:
Quote from: FWalum on November 16, 2011, 12:28:32 AM
Pretty decent game against Duke for Brandon who shot 50% from the field was 2 of 2 from the line and played 26 minutes. His 15 point night was second in scoring for the Spartans. I hope he continues to play like he did tonight. :thumbsup:
This sounds a lot more like the Brandon we know. As others have pointed out he is going through a heck of an adjustment - new team, new coach, new teammates, different offensive and defensive schemes, different level of competition, etc. As time goes on, I would not be surprised to see numbers like these on a fairly regular basis.
Quote from: wh on November 16, 2011, 07:42:24 AM
Quote from: FWalum on November 16, 2011, 12:28:32 AM
Pretty decent game against Duke for Brandon who shot 50% from the field was 2 of 2 from the line and played 26 minutes. His 15 point night was second in scoring for the Spartans. I hope he continues to play like he did tonight. :thumbsup:
This sounds a lot more like the Brandon we know. As others have pointed out he is going through a heck of an adjustment - new team, new coach, new teammates, different offensive and defensive schemes, different level of competition, etc. As time goes on, I would not be surprised to see numbers like these on a fairly regular basis.
I don't know if it means anything or not, but Brandon was absent from the floor for most of the last 5 minutes of the game when MSU was trying to make a comeback.
@BrandonWood30 "Coach K said great game Brandon and you had a great coach at Valpo in Homer Drew
This was Brandon's tweet shortly after the game last night. Thought that was pretty cool of both Coach K and Brandon after such an important game.
Nothing against Brandon on this...but is it normal these days for this much info by twitter. Is it normal to report such details right after a game?
Perhaps this is the new form of communication and that is normal. It seems to me one could state some things that really arent for public consumption. Didnt he break the news on Coach and Mrs. Drew's cancer?
Slightly different topic, but there sure were considerable number of Indiana natives on the floor last night. Basketball is alive and well in the high schools in the state. Obviously the Plumlees didnt play at Warsaw, but are natives.
lowposter
Quote from: lowposter on November 16, 2011, 04:47:28 PM
Nothing against Brandon on this...but is it normal these days for this much info by twitter. Is it normal to report such details right after a game?
Yes, absolutely. Anything and everything is par for the course these days.
Twittering is a fact of life with college hoops players. They tweet on everything. It has flowed to HS players too, who emulate college and pro players. One HS player, now college, was nicknamed "Tweety" because he was literally 24/7 tweeting, JT Terrell, now transferred to USC. They tweet about their lives, their recruiting, their college choice, their practices and games. BWood is doing what everyone else is doing. Interesting story from last year or year before's ACC Tourney was that Coach Hewitt banned phones from all meals during the practices leading up to and during the Tourney. The team communicated and bonded and went on a run in that tourney. Heck, even the ValpoAD has an account and tweets about games. It's today's media and communications.
Watching the MSU and FSU game right now, and both Mike Tirico and the other announcer are talking about Brandon Wood and the FSU player who transferred in for his 5th year as well. Both are saying it is a terrible rule for mid-major basketball, as it allows programs to be on the watch for players at mid-majors who are high performers, and then essentially steal them away for a year if they graduate before eligibility is exhausted. I like these announcers :).
On another note, Wood is lighting up FSU with 10 pts in the first 10 minutes.
Quote from: valpotx on November 30, 2011, 07:02:25 PM
On another note, Wood is lighting up FSU with 10 pts in the first 10 minutes.
On ESPN, in fact.
As for the rule specifically being detrimental to mid-majors. It's not a freebie, except maybe for redshirts, or people who have already transferred once before. Otherwise, players have to manage to graduate in three years. Presumably high performers at mid-majors aren't likely to have red shirted. So, maybe, the losses from mid-majors would mostly be serial transfers? Like, in fact, Brandon.
Missed the alley-oop! But, he has a chance at his best numbers of the season, which otherwise come in the last outing, against Duke (50% shooting for 15 points), unless you like other bits of the box score (6 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 pts against Milwaukee).
Brandon has a season high tonight and gave VU a tremendous amount of press.
Double-double no less with 16 pts and 10 rbs. The announcers mentioned VU quite a bit throughout the game
I didn't think that it would be easy for B Wood, mostly because of Izzo's somewhat complicated system.
However, I am happy to admit that my concerns were unfounded.
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
I will always be one to support the student-athlete side of situations such as these given my history of being on that end. While I was not happy/still am not happy he is not in a Valpo jersey, I believe that athletes should have the ability to better themselves if they complete their commitment to a university in completing their degree. I still believe this rule hurts mid-major basketball as a whole, but it helps those players who were not given an initial shot with the big boys because of what recruiters thought of their skills as a 14-18 year old kid. Since the NCAA's mission is to technically promote the 'student' athlete, as long as they complete their Bachelor's degree, they are completing their initial commitment, much like a coach not getting rid of a scholarship player at a moment's notice would be completing the university's commitment. Many schools rescind their scholarships to players that aren't cutting it, leaving them out to dry. Only fair that athletes have the same opportunity to better themselves however they see fit, especially with the money some of these schools are making off the athletes. Again, I understand that is not the case with mid-majors for the most part, but it should be applied across the board.
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
How was he disloyal? I still don't get that term. I understand the disappointment. Did he tell VU that he would be in a VU uniform after graduation? How many of us have cheered for a VU graduate when they no longer played for VU. Granted, all of the previous cases were at the pro level - Bryce in the NBA, others in Europe or elsewhere - but shouldn't we support all VU graduates? I would leave the question of loyalty to those closest to the situation - the coaches and players. If you think Brandon was disloyal, go ask Homer. I'm sure he'll tell you that Brandon gave everything to VU, on the court, at practice and in the classroom. Brandon transferred twice, and was still able to meet VU graduation requirements in two years.
I do get the disappointment, and wish he were still in a VU uniform. I also wish him the best, as I know he gave everything he could while wearing the VU uniform.
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
Agreed.
Quote from: hoopfan22 on December 01, 2011, 09:41:51 AM
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
Agreed.
Agreed x 2.
We hear players talk all the time about their team as a family or brothers...he had an opportunity to stay with VU and stick with his alma mater and his family, but he chose to go somewhere "better." It remains to be seen if this will play off for him in the longrun. I do wish him the best, but he left Valpo. We need to move on and talk Valpo hoops.
This thread should be deleted IMO.
No reason to delete it. As we discussed earlier, it could well be moved to "Sports Talk". Or we could argue that it belongs here, just the same as if we started a Shawn Huff or, heck, a Sam Haanpaa or Bryan Bouchie thread.
Shawn Huff ended his career here. He used all his college eligibility here. It's not just the same. Those other two names I may as well be German to me.
No one made any of you open this thread and read it. There are plenty of people on here that would like this thread right where it is, if you're not one of those people don't read it.
Quote from: valpofan56 on December 01, 2011, 03:18:44 PM
No one made any of you open this thread and read it. There are plenty of people on here that would like this thread right where it is, if you're not one of those people don't read it.
Agreed :). It surprises me how some people feel Brandon owes us anything past his graduation. Athletes are brought to universities to get their degrees, and he received his. If he feels that MSU presents a better opportunity to his preferred destination of the NBA, so be it. It's kind of funny, here you have a conservative Texan supporting the rights of an individual over the 'company,' whereas I imagine there may be a few Liberals here who are supporting the 'company' over the individual. :lol:
1. The off topic part that tweaked 04 was about my rant about abbreviations, not whether or not we should talk about Brandon Wood (right?). I think his judgment is absolutely correct on that one.
2. I'm a liberal, and I support the rights of an individual (Brandon Wood) over the 'company' (VU) ;)
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
What is your take on Bogan? I assume you hope he fails here or is this a one way street. I don't remember but I assume you were against Boggs and Capabianco coming as they were disloyal as well. I also don't remember your indignation when Brandon transferred here. He was disloyal to SIU after all.
What he did was within the rules. No one, other than a few on this board are complaining. How loyal are college programs to their athletes, their communities, their students, etc?
lowposter
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 01, 2011, 11:07:19 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
What is your take on Bogan? I assume you hope he fails here or is this a one way street. I don't remember but I assume you were against Boggs and Capabianco coming as they were disloyal as well. I also don't remember your indignation when Brandon transferred here. He was disloyal to SIU after all.
That's ridiculous. Bogan, Boggs and Capabianco play for VU. Wood left. I'm not necessarily saying Wood is disloyal, but he is no longer in the same category as those other three guys.
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 02, 2011, 08:15:42 AM
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 01, 2011, 11:07:19 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
What is your take on Bogan? I assume you hope he fails here or is this a one way street. I don't remember but I assume you were against Boggs and Capabianco coming as they were disloyal as well. I also don't remember your indignation when Brandon transferred here. He was disloyal to SIU after all.
That's ridiculous. Bogan, Boggs and Capabianco play for VU. Wood left. I'm not necessarily saying Wood is disloyal, but he is no longer in the same category as those other three guys.
now you guys are starting to compare apples and oranges. the only one in the same situation as bwood is will bogan, who left ole miss after completing his undergraduate studies, had eligibility left, and opted to use his last year while working towards an advanced degree. boggs and capobianco transferred in as undergrads. they have their reasons for having left their respective schools, but should not be brought up in this debate.
the fact is, brandon gave us two incredible years. he graduated, wanted to use his last year of eligibility, and chose a highly visible program. per the spartan media guide online, he's going after a master's degree in advertising, which i'm pretty sure vu doesn't offer. whether that's still the case or not, i have no idea. but in any case, enjoy the time that he gave us and be grateful that we got him in the first place. he made the team a lot better, which has been used to generate further improvements.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on December 02, 2011, 09:55:04 AM
Quote from: Crusader03 on December 02, 2011, 08:15:42 AM
Quote from: IndyValpo on December 01, 2011, 11:07:19 PM
Quote from: 78crusader on November 30, 2011, 10:19:27 PM
I am in a minority of one on this issue, that much is clear.
I felt earlier this year this guy was disloyal to VU in leaving. I still feel that way, and I don't care how many times he plays on an aircraft carrier, or shakes the president's hand, or gets to play on ESPN. As noted on Nov. 13 on this board by pgmado, when asked what graduate program he was going to pursue at MSU -- which of course is the reason he could leave the Crusaders in the first place -- he said he did not know. This despite the fact we were all assured that he was leaving VU to pursue a graduate degree. So what if VU gets mentioned on TV -- it's always in the context of a very good player leaving the program. Am I the only one in the world who thinks that puts VU in a bad light? And I don't care how many nice things he says about Valpo -- actions speak louder than words.
Loyalty matters.
I think we should talk about our current players, not one who was disloyal to VU and no longer plays here. Let me paraphrase what Norman Dale said in Hoosiers: You should cheer for the guys who went out for the team, not for the guys who didn't.
Paul
What is your take on Bogan? I assume you hope he fails here or is this a one way street. I don't remember but I assume you were against Boggs and Capabianco coming as they were disloyal as well. I also don't remember your indignation when Brandon transferred here. He was disloyal to SIU after all.
That's ridiculous. Bogan, Boggs and Capabianco play for VU. Wood left. I'm not necessarily saying Wood is disloyal, but he is no longer in the same category as those other three guys.
now you guys are starting to compare apples and oranges. the only one in the same situation as bwood is will bogan, who left ole miss after completing his undergraduate studies, had eligibility left, and opted to use his last year while working towards an advanced degree. boggs and capobianco transferred in as undergrads. they have their reasons for having left their respective schools, but should not be brought up in this debate.
the fact is, brandon gave us two incredible years. he graduated, wanted to use his last year of eligibility, and chose a highly visible program. per the spartan media guide online, he's going after a master's degree in advertising, which i'm pretty sure vu doesn't offer. whether that's still the case or not, i have no idea. but in any case, enjoy the time that he gave us and be grateful that we got him in the first place. he made the team a lot better, which has been used to generate further improvements.
In the past, 78crusader has also mentioned his dislike of VU accepting transfers, both JUCO and from other 4-year institutions. So, the Boggs, and Capabianco transfers would be compared to Wood transferring away from SIU, and to VU from a JUCO. If Wood is disloyal (not my opinion), then everyone else that transferred into VU from 4-year schools would be disloyal to their original school. It is a slippery slope, but the comparison is just.
Where would VU basketball be without transfers - Redmon, Schmidt, Wood, Johnson, just to name a few - have all been assets to VU basketball. Wood was an asset, both on the court and in the classroom. Homer helped Wood in the process. Is Homer then also disloyal? Not in my opinion.
I wish Wood the best. I also wish he were still in a VU uniform.
Quote from: valpotx on December 01, 2011, 05:14:54 PM
Quote from: valpofan56 on December 01, 2011, 03:18:44 PM
No one made any of you open this thread and read it. There are plenty of people on here that would like this thread right where it is, if you're not one of those people don't read it.
Agreed :). It surprises me how some people feel Brandon owes us anything past his graduation. Athletes are brought to universities to get their degrees, and he received his. If he feels that MSU presents a better opportunity to his preferred destination of the NBA, so be it. It's kind of funny, here you have a conservative Texan supporting the rights of an individual over the 'company,' whereas I imagine there may be a few Liberals here who are supporting the 'company' over the individual. :lol:
I agree that this should be all about the student. Have we forgotten that these are suppose to be STUDENT athletes? My proudest moments as a coach were when a young man with marginal academics dedicated himself to the classroom so that he could play ball... and succeeded. There is nothing better than watching a mother cry her eyes out as she sees her son become the first person in the family to graduate from college. As Dan Dakich said the other night, this is about the only NCAA rule that actually benefits the academically motivated athlete. While I am not sure all the evidence is in when it comes to what level of programs this rule hurts or helps, I am for any rule that would be a motivation for academic achievement.
Quote from: FWalum on December 02, 2011, 11:52:17 AM
Quote from: valpotx on December 01, 2011, 05:14:54 PM
Quote from: valpofan56 on December 01, 2011, 03:18:44 PM
No one made any of you open this thread and read it. There are plenty of people on here that would like this thread right where it is, if you're not one of those people don't read it.
Agreed :). It surprises me how some people feel Brandon owes us anything past his graduation. Athletes are brought to universities to get their degrees, and he received his. If he feels that MSU presents a better opportunity to his preferred destination of the NBA, so be it. It's kind of funny, here you have a conservative Texan supporting the rights of an individual over the 'company,' whereas I imagine there may be a few Liberals here who are supporting the 'company' over the individual. :lol:
I agree that this should be all about the student. Have we forgotten that these are suppose to be STUDENT athletes? My proudest moments as a coach were when a young man with marginal academics dedicated himself to the classroom so that he could play ball... and succeeded. There is nothing better than watching a mother cry her eyes out as she sees her son become the first person in the family to graduate from college. As Dan Dakich said the other night, this is about the only NCAA rule that actually benefits the academically motivated athlete. While I am not sure all the evidence is in when it comes to what level of programs this rule hurts or helps, I am for any rule that would be a motivation for academic achievement.
Until this very moment I have never stopped to consider his point. I'm still not completely sold on it being a good rule, but it is interesting food for thought.
Isn't it time for this thread to end.....most of us wish Brandon all the best, but lets concentrate on what we do have, not what we don't.....
Quote from: rlh on December 02, 2011, 06:28:53 PM
Isn't it time for this thread to end.....most of us wish Brandon all the best, but lets concentrate on what we do have, not what we don't.....
:thumbsup:
I agree that this post should end. Brandon is gone. He had a couple good years here. (I think incredible is a bit much.) I don't keep up on him now just as I never looked up Oumar Sylla, Paul Guede, Kareem Jr., or any of the rest after they left. Let the Spartan fans cheer him on. I have my own team to root for.
To any player who choose to transfers in, welcome to the team and let's go to battle. To all those who choose to leave, don't let the door hit you on the way out!
Yeahhhhhhhh! Let it end! Stop posting to this thread now!!!!
Is this a good time to bring up Logan Jones?
Oooops!
Thoughts and prayers to the Wood family. Article regarding Brandon and the Michigan game today.
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/02/michigan_states_brandon_wood_r.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+msu-spartans+%28MSU+Spartans+Impact+-+MLive.com%29 (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/02/michigan_states_brandon_wood_r.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+msu-spartans+%28MSU+Spartans+Impact+-+MLive.com%29)
Now this would be an interesting match-up. ;D
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology)
Quote from: crusaderdad on February 10, 2012, 05:15:25 PM
Now this would be an interesting match-up. ;D
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology)
Personally I don't like it when MSU & VU play one another. It happened a few years ago, and it wasn't fun for me.
Quote from: crusaderdad on February 10, 2012, 05:15:25 PM
Now this would be an interesting match-up. ;D
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology)
This would be an almost odd case of deja vu. It was only in the 2000 NCAA tournament that we went to Cleveland to play the Spartans at the Wolstein/Convocation Center.
While getting our butt kicked 65-38 or so that year
Quote from: valpotx on February 10, 2012, 10:00:04 PM
While getting our butt kicked 65-38 or so that year
Yes, and at that, we were the only team to hold Michigan St. under 70 points on their way to the National Championship.
Quote from: valporun on February 11, 2012, 08:06:01 AM
Quote from: valpotx on February 10, 2012, 10:00:04 PM
While getting our butt kicked 65-38 or so that year
Yes, and at that, we were the only team to hold Michigan St. under 70 points on their way to the National Championship.
Key words here are "National Championship".
An exerpt from an article in the Detroit Free Press, about MSU's beatdown of OSU (Tom Izzo had invited Brandon into his office last week for a 90 min. chat about basketball and life and how best to get everything out of both) :
The Spartans don't get the lead in the first place, however, without the defensive effort of Wood, who hounded Ohio State's best shooter, William Buford, into a 2-for-12 night.
Izzo said Wood made the commitment in East Lansing during their long talk last week.
"The greatest thing in coaching or parenting is when you give a kid a challenge and he doesn't sulk," Izzo said. "I love when people reach down and meet challenges."
He could say the same thing of his entire team.
Brandon Wood? Turns out that, if he gets to a conference tournament championship game? He can play a little bit of basketball.
Quote from: agibson on March 11, 2012, 04:33:54 PM
Brandon Wood? Turns out that, if he gets to a conference tournament championship game? He can play a little bit of basketball.
He not only got to a conference tournament game, he scored 21
in M.S.U's victory over OSU.
Congradulations BW...just watched him snip a bit of net. Quite a year for the young man. That was quite a game today.
Coach Izzo does a great job at MSU. Let's hope the Spartans make a big run in the NCAA's along with Purdue and Detroit.
lowposter
watching bwood pile it onto ohio state was purely awesome. hope to see him light it up in the dance.
I watched as well, and he was definitely on today. Good game, and best of luck to him in the tournament.
Great game by Brandon - helped earn MSU a #1 seed. Good luck to BW in the tournament!
Quote from: agibson on March 11, 2012, 04:33:54 PM
Brandon Wood? Turns out that, if he gets to a conference tournament championship game? He can play a little bit of basketball.
Game-high 21 points on 4-8 shooting from beyond the arc (8-14 overall). And a couple of assists. All-tournament team. Not bad!
From the press release:
Quote
Wood's dramatic turnaround in the six months since his transfer from Valparaiso, and the last few weeks in particular, has been a key development. Not known for playing defense in the Horizon League, according to Green, Wood's transformation into a lock-down defender has been nothing short of remarkable.
Buckeye guard William Buford, who sunk MSU with 23 points a week earlier, had just 11 this time, and only one point after halftime thanks in large part to Wood's defense.
"Coach has put me in a good situation, and Draymond believed in me and my team believed in me," Wood said. "They just wanted me to stay aggressive on offense and play as good defense as I can. What I've been trying to take pride on is actually wanting to play defense because it's really a mindset to play defense, and I'm started to enjoy it.
"I think that's what made me successful."
And, a chance to beat up on Long Island (?) in the opening round. Followed by Memphis/St. Louis, and then e.g. Louisville.
Kinda nice having more than one pony in the race (Robbie, Brandon, VU in NIT). It would have been much better for VU to have been in the NCAA, but this has been a great transition season.
lowposter
And so ends the aircraft carrier type career of BWood.
And the B1G is now down to 2. Badgers and Spartans get the big bounce.
Good luck, Brandon! You will be successful at whatever you decide to do. But I wouldn't suggest teaching right now.
Brandon was a stud tonight!
Minus that airball
BW certainly had a good year. It worked out well for all parties involved.
He can finish up that Masters Degree, work on his game and hopefully make a couple $$$ playing professional.
lowposter
Quote from: bbtds on March 22, 2012, 08:55:40 PM
And so ends the aircraft carrier type career of BWood.
And the B1G is now down to 2. Badgers and Spartans get the big bounce.
Good luck, Brandon! You will be successful at whatever you decide to do. But I wouldn't suggest teaching right now.
:'(
B-Wood back in the news, giving us some "post-aircraft carrier" info. Found him in a lengthy USA Today article about the grad student transfer exception. Here's the link to the article http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/story/2012-04-26/college-basketball-transfers-brandon-wood-bo-ryan/54557224/1, (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/story/2012-04-26/college-basketball-transfers-brandon-wood-bo-ryan/54557224/1,) as well as his piece of the story if you'd prefer not to wade through the whole thing:
QuoteThe Big Ten has dominated this trend in basketball, too. Michigan State reached the Sweet 16 with Valparaiso transfer Brandon Wood as its third-leading scorer. Illinois had Sam Maniscalco, a Bradley transfer, who contributed 6.1 points a game. Northwestern recently acquired Louisville senior Jared Swopshire, who left because the Cardinals didn't have an available scholarship. Swopshire will be eligible to play in 2012-13 as a graduate student.
Wood explained the process, saying once he found out about the graduate student exemption, it opened up a new recruiting period for him. He chose Michigan State over Purdue and Tennessee to work on his defensive skills under coach Tom Izzo's guidance. Wood enrolled in MSU's advertising program after two years at Valparaiso (which was preceded by stops at Southern Illinois and Highland Community College in Illinois).
"I did everything my first four years that each school asked me to do on and off the court," Wood said. "I feel like once I graduated ... If I had the opportunity to transfer and better my family and myself on and off the court by networking, meeting a whole different group of people, then that's what I feel like I needed to do.
"Sometimes, in life you have to make selfish decisions. ... I don't think it's a bad rule. If players handle their business and do what they have to do in the classroom and have the opportunity to do this, take advantage of this rule to better themselves, then I think it's something people should look into doing."
On a more positive note, he shared an email he received in 2010 from a talent evaluator w/ his Twitter followers. Stated he was not, and probably would not ever be, ready to play in the NBA. I enjoyed still seeing his motivation to play ball at the highest level and I'm looking forward to seeing where he ends up in a couple months.
Good luck to him in his pursuit, but I think he will have to try the Ron Howard approach to attempting the NBA try. I doubt he is viewed as one of the 60 best players to get drafted in going against college and international players, so it would have to be the D-League or undrafted free agent route.
Brandon has signed with an agent. Don't know about his NBA prospects but Brandon and his work ethic are things you probably shouldn't bet against.
I was a little cynical of this move a year ago, but it really worked out for all parties involved. BW had one heck of a year...didnt he? These life experiences are outstanding for him. Interesting evaluation regarding his NBA prospects, but I wouldnt make the mistake of underestimating him. His point of playing by the rules is spot on. He followed rules, worked hard, graduated and took advantage of what was legally offered.
Let's take another look at this...his exposure to the MSU program gives him great leverage down the road in his life when the basketball stops bouncing. Being an MSU grad and basketball player will give him opportunities he might not have received at VU.
MSU received a solid player and VU did quite nicely in the "player to be named later" deal. Win, win, win. Everyone should be content and happy.
Great season BW and work hard.
lowposter
Just heard on Detroit radio that BWood got arrested in Chicago this weekend for slapping a woman after a party.
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/04/former_michigan_state_basketba.html (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/04/former_michigan_state_basketba.html)
nicely done...just a little faster than me.
so much for the draft.
Jeez! What goes through 23 year old minds (at 3:30AM)?
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 30, 2012, 12:09:52 PM
Jeez! What goes through 23 year old minds (at 3:30AM)?
I know that I did my best thinking at 3:30 AM on Friday and Saturday nights!
Hopefully this is all a big mistake caused by a jealous women. If not it could be tragic for Brandon as teams might shy away from him.
As we all know: "Nothing good ever happens after 2 a.m."
Or another version: "The only thing you can find after 2 a.m. is a bad reputation."
This certainly
Quote from: vu72 on April 30, 2012, 12:31:47 PM
Hopefully this is all a big mistake caused by a jealous women. If not it could be tragic for Brandon as teams might shy away from him.
Hopefully he slapped the woman because she's jealous?
PS. He wasn't/isn't getting drafted anyway.
Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 30, 2012, 01:01:40 PM
This certainly Quote from: vu72 on April 30, 2012, 12:31:47 PM
Hopefully this is all a big mistake caused by a jealous women. If not it could be tragic for Brandon as teams might shy away from him.
Hopefully he slapped the woman because she's jealous?
PS. He wasn't/isn't getting drafted anyway.
OK smart guy, let me clarify what I meant. "Hopefully Brandon's arrest was a big mistake caused by a women who was seeking Brandon's attention and when she didn't get it she decided to try and get him in trouble by making up a story about him hitting her"
As for the draft--just wait and see.
Quote from: vu72 on April 30, 2012, 01:05:44 PM
Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 30, 2012, 01:01:40 PM
This certainly Quote from: vu72 on April 30, 2012, 12:31:47 PM
Hopefully this is all a big mistake caused by a jealous women. If not it could be tragic for Brandon as teams might shy away from him.
Hopefully he slapped the woman because she's jealous?
PS. He wasn't/isn't getting drafted anyway.
OK smart guy, let me clarify what I meant. "Hopefully Brandon's arrest was a big mistake caused by a women who was seeking Brandon's attention and when she didn't get it she decided to try and get him in trouble by making up a story about him hitting her"
As for the draft--just wait and see.
Okay i understand your first point. 2nd one? There's no way in h*ll he's getting drafted. None. Zilch.Zero.Zip.Nada. I'll put my last dollar on that.
an unfortunate incident, to say the least. the only thing you can possibly get into at that time of the morning is trouble. but i also don't see him getting drafted. he's gonna have to work for it. and that was likely the case even before this took place.
Here is the second story:
CHICAGO, IL -- Brandon Wood's father, Anthony Wood, was with his son at the time of his arrest after he allegedly struck a woman and threatened another.
Mike Naiditch, Brandon Wood's agent, said the elder Wood was spending the weekend with his son as he prepares in Chicago for the NBA Draft and a professional basketball career.
"I could just tell you this much, that Brandon was accompanied the whole weekend by his father, Anthony," Naidtich said. "And that I'll sit down and talk to Brandon and his father and get more details when we all get a chance to sit down together."
"I don't have a whole lot more to say because I wasn't there and I haven't had a chance to sit down with Brandon and his father. All I can say is that Brandon was with his father at all times, including when this incident was reported."
Wood, 23, was arrested about 3:30 a.m. Sunday in a neighborhood some six miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Police say he slapped an 18-year-old woman, and verbally threatened the 32-year-old homeowner when she asked him to leave her house.
Wood, who finished his college career this past season after transferring to Michigan State, and several people he knew were at the house for a gathering, according to Chicago police. He was told to leave which led to an altercation. Wood exited the house and stood outside, refusing to leave.
Wood is charged with battery, assault and criminal trespassing of a residence. All three charges are misdemeanor offenses.
Wood's mother, Laronda Wood, tweeted about 1:30 p.m. Monday: "things are not always how it appears........"
Some 20 minutes later, she tweeted: "instead of talking about people try praying for them......"
Naiditch said he doesn't know the particulars of the incident.
"I'm trying to assemble all the pieces and I'm not really trying to be an investigator, either," he said. "Just trying to see where they were.
"From my angle, I'm not quite as interested in the details of what happened. From my angle, being a sports agent, my concern is the guys I represent, Brandon, understand at this time to focus on their basketball and not on anything else. So certainly, anything surrounding a player is disappointing... I prefer my guys to stay home and watch the game on TV and play video games every single day and just workout. Eat, drink, sleep, play basketball."
Naiditch advised both Woods against commenting publicly on the matter.
Wood, a native of Kokomo, Ind. had been staying with a friend in Chicago. He is moving into an apartment Monday, Naidtich said.
Wood posted bond Sunday, according to Chicago police. He is set to appear in Cook County misdemeanor/ordinance court on June 1.
MLive.com reporter Graham Couch contributed to this report.
I thought Wood was going to MSU in order to get a graduate degree. This article makes is sound like he's no longer in school.
Paul
Quote from: 78crusader on April 30, 2012, 03:28:40 PM
I thought Wood was going to MSU in order to get a graduate degree. This article makes is sound like he's no longer in school.
Paul
He dropped out prior to finishing his degree to pursue his basketball employment. He will make a bunch of money whether it is in the NBA or Europe. He then can go back to finish up some missing credits. Remember, he was only at MSU for one year. Hard to get a Master's degree in one year.
The 2am rule is a good one, except it should be modified to "midnight".
What in the heck was Mr. Woods (his dad) doing? Should have had his son outta there.
MSU program going thru a little drama this spring with Nix (weed) and Wood being arrested.
Really sorry to hear this occurred. Just a shame.
lowposter
I saw him tweeting up a storm about being with dad then nothing. Oh well. I agree he wasn't getting drafted before this occurred and this probably didn't help his odds any. Europe will be nice for him.
If Lubos Barton and Raitis Grafs did not get drafted, neither will BWood. I too hope that these charges are not correct. He will have a good/lucrative career overseas regardless
RUMOR has it that B. Wood had similar problems at VU with either a" townie" or a "campus queen." Hence, little opposition to his transferring to MSU. True or false? ???
Quote from: setshot on April 30, 2012, 06:40:09 PM
RUMOR has it that B. Wood had similar problems at VU with either a" townie" or a "campus queen." Hence, little opposition to his transferring to MSU. True or false? ???
first i've heard of it. and i was a student the whole time he was.
I'm just wondering now what crusaderdad will have to say about this incident and him and Brandon being out at 3:30 a.m. in a Chicago neighborhood. Very interested indeed.
"Just got back from Chicago and Brandon's NBA tryouts. I can't tell you what a wild time Brandon and I had. But of course you already know about that." ::)
Quote from: bbtds on April 30, 2012, 08:28:03 PM
I'm just wondering now what crusaderdad will have to say about this incident and him and Brandon being out at 3:30 a.m. in a Chicago neighborhood. Very interested indeed.
"Just got back from Chicago and Brandon's NBA tryouts. I can't tell you what a wild time Brandon and I had. But of course you already know about that." ::)
i would hope that he follows the advice of brandon's agent and doesn't say anything.
Quote from: 78crusader on April 30, 2012, 03:28:40 PM
I thought Wood was going to MSU in order to get a graduate degree. This article makes is sound like he's no longer in school.
Paul
Has Brandon completed or is he completing his second semester classwork? If not then the intent of this grad-school transfer rule would seem to have been completely perverted. Either way I believe the NCAA might want to rethink this whole issue and perhaps add even more rules towards its application.
LOL at the people really wondering about his grad school work...or thinking he transferred for school anyway. and a BIG lol for the one(s) thinking he's going to the NBA. Great quotes by BWood though.
Battery victim's cousin: Brandon Wood said, 'Don't you know who I am? I'm the best player at Michigan State!'
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/05/victim_brandon_wood_said_dont.html (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/05/victim_brandon_wood_said_dont.html)
Especially given the USA Today article with Brandon from earlier in this thread, it would be completely ludicrous to imagine that he went to MSU solely for the academic advantages. I wouldn't be surprised if he never thought about his grad. program until declaring for MSU.
From what the articles have said and his activity via Twitter, I'm sure he's out of school now. I still don't hold a grudge at Wood for leaving Valpo to play for the Spartans because I understand how much better a move this could be for his career. What does hurt me though is that he completely abused the system that is designed to create both better academic and athletic opportunities for graduating student-athletes. If the NCAA can't keep cases like this from happening, I think they should scrap this rule altogether.
Quote from: valpo04 on May 01, 2012, 09:34:08 AM
Battery victim's cousin: Brandon Wood said, 'Don't you know who I am? I'm the best player at Michigan State!'
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/05/victim_brandon_wood_said_dont.html (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/05/victim_brandon_wood_said_dont.html)
I know his agent told him to keep quiet, but he needs to issue a public apology to Draymond Green ... IMMEDIATELY.
After reading the latest account (I'm somewhat surprised the 32-year-old's woman talked so much to the reporter), I'm very disappointed that Brandon put himself in that situation and for his behavior.
Pct of US population arrested in a given year = 3%
Pct in 20-24 age group =7%
Pct in 20-24 age group while being chaperoned by their father = 0.0001%
Brandon's been gone for a year now. Maybe it's time to untie the rope on the aircraft carrier and say bon voyage.
That was one side of the story. It didn't sound good but I'd also like to hear Brandon & his dad's side of the story. These younger cousins of Soria were not cited in the M-Live piece and there may be some further circumstances between Brandon and these cousins of Soria.
Great point...Brandon has left the aircraft carrier.
I am sure it was a warm reception back in Kokomo. This story gets better and better.
lowposter
http://www.freep.com/article/20120501/SPORTS07/120501041/Report-Brandon-Wood-exclaims-he-s-the-best-player-at-Michigan-State-during-Chicago-altercation?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports (http://www.freep.com/article/20120501/SPORTS07/120501041/Report-Brandon-Wood-exclaims-he-s-the-best-player-at-Michigan-State-during-Chicago-altercation?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports)
Quote from: valpo04 on May 01, 2012, 09:34:08 AMBattery victim's cousin: Brandon Wood said, 'Don't you know who I am? I'm the best player at Michigan State!'
Sigh...three years there and he still never learned how to pronounce "
Valparaiso" correctly...
This has just gotten so hilarious, from the fact that his dad/Brandon were at a house party together, on to leaving with girls together, and then claiming to be the best player at MSU ::). I mean really, what was his dad doing there, expecting to get with some 20 year olds as well? lol
Edit: Obviously, I don't find hitting women funny. If all of the article is true in regards to that part, he deserves to be in prison. Just because you get turned down for some nooky, doesn't mean you get to hit someone.
It's definitely a bizarre story, but, knowing him personally, this just doesn't seem like something he would do (not saying that he didn't but it definitely does not fit his character) so with that being said we should probably give him the benefit of the doubt, after all it wouldn't be the first time a woman has taken advantage of an athlete for publicity etc...
plus, the more info that comes out, the more holes in the (supposed) victim's argument... her story is definitely sketchy
alcohol + wee small hours = plenty of things we wouldn't otherwise do
Quote from: mp91 on May 01, 2012, 05:45:06 PM
It's definitely a bizarre story, but, knowing him personally, this just doesn't seem like something he would do (not saying that he didn't but it definitely does not fit his character) so with that being said we should probably give him the benefit of the doubt, after all it wouldn't be the first time a woman has taken advantage of an athlete for publicity etc...
plus, the more info that comes out, the more holes in the (supposed) victim's argument... her story is definitely sketchy
couldn't agree more.
Quote from: EddieCabot on May 01, 2012, 09:59:40 AM
Quote from: valpo04 on May 01, 2012, 09:34:08 AM
Battery victim's cousin: Brandon Wood said, 'Don't you know who I am? I'm the best player at Michigan State!'
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/05/victim_brandon_wood_said_dont.html (http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/05/victim_brandon_wood_said_dont.html)
I know his agent told him to keep quiet, but he needs to issue a public apology to Draymond Green ... IMMEDIATELY.
Absolutely. And to coach Izzo, too.
Izzo recruits Wood, uses him to help win a B10 championship and No.1 seed and now comes out against the rule, calling it a loophole that the NCAA should close. What a load of crap. Either he's a complete hypocrite or he just graduated from the Obama school of "evolving opinion". I don't like the rule either, but the last person I want to hear preach agains is the first guy in college basketball to use it to gain a significant competitive advantage over the rest of the B10.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo reiterates stance against graduate transfer rule and transfer culture Diamond Leung | dleung@mlive.com 05/18/2012 11:42 AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- Michigan State coach Tom Izzo might have benefited from the graduate transfer rule that enabled guard Brandon Wood to play his senior season without sitting out a year and help the Spartans win a Big Ten championship.
But Izzo has also come out against the rule that enables players who graduate with eligibility remaining to seek waivers to transfer to another school and be able to play by enrolling in a graduate program not offered at the former school.
Izzo said last week after attending the National Association of Basketball Coaches meetings in Indianapolis that as the NCAA examines the issue, he hoped the loophole would be closed.
"I don't like that rule," Izzo said. "I'm worried that for every one that there's really something for it, I'm worried that we're going to start recruiting people off people's campuses.
"The more success Wisconsin has in football, now they have another quarterback from Maryland (Danny O'Brien). Is that going to start happening? That's what worries me, and that wouldn't be good for us or for the profession to be honest with you."
O'Brien signed with the Badgers in March and is eligible to play in the fall, using the graduate transfer rule that allowed quarterback Russell Wilson to play at Wisconsin last season without sitting out a year and lead the program to the Rose Bowl after a win in the Big Ten championship game against Michigan State.
Izzo, who started Wood and saw him average 8.8 points, does not support the transfer culture in college sports.
"I don't think it's bad that kids transfer," Izzo said. "I think too many people are making bad decisions. You know, Jud Heathcote used to say when I was here way back when I first started (as an assistant), 'Every freshman wants to transfer.' Because none of them get what they got in high school -- 40 points and this and that. Morris Peterson I always get back to. I think he wanted to transfer. Now he's made (millions in the NBA) and has got his jersey hanging (at Breslin Center). You've just got to have some patience. I think too many people don't want to have patience in this day and age. I feel sorry for the kids more than the coaches."
Izzo also took note of the controversy created when Wisconsin originally denied a request for four schools to contact freshman Jared Uthoff, who had decided to transfer. Wisconsin eventually lifted the restrictions.
"What (coach Bo Ryan) was saying with too many kids transferring is kids should have some obligation, too," Izzo said. "There's too many middlemen getting in the way of all this stuff, so that part he was right on. But I've never held a kid back. If the kid doesn't want to be there, I don't want him there."
Izzo also took on the issue of transfers in March, tying it to the sadness he felt when his 11-year-old son asked if Washington Wizards guard John Wall might be traded in order to get to a better team. Izzo said the cause of that way of thinking is a society that "has screwed the world."
"Then you wonder if some kid is upset because he hasn't played, is he going to transfer?" Izzo said. "If I got one kid who is upset about his minutes and he transfers, I'm fine with it. I'm perfect with it, because he's not going to win, OK? If it's my kid and you're seeing him in three years playing in junior high broom ball or something and he wants to transfer, you grab him by the back of the throat and tell that little SOB that, 'You know what, that's not the way it works.' Just because we've got some role models doing it, that's not the way it is.
"Why shouldn't these guys think like they think? Half of these kids we've recruited have been to three different high schools. Not satisfied here, move there. We've caused some of that. You've caused some of that, and so do we. So I'm taking the blame too."
I don't see how this is an example of the Romney etch a sketch philosophy, nor is it hypocritical. Izzo has a fiduciary obligation to put the best possible team on the court under the rules of the NCAA. He breaks that obligation if he fails to take advantage of a rule because he is personally against it.
Quote from: wh on May 20, 2012, 03:31:09 PMIzzo recruits Wood, uses him to help win a B10 championship and No.1 seed and now comes out against the rule, calling it a loophole that the NCAA should close. What a load of crap. Either he's a complete hypocrite or he just graduated from the Obama school of "evolving opinion". I don't like the rule either, but the last person I want to hear preach agains is the first guy in college basketball to use it to gain a significant competitive advantage over the rest of the B10.
I don't see this as evolving opinion. I seem to remember him remarking against this rule while useing it to his advantage, but Brandon was leaving Valpo either way so why shouldn't he have been the beneficiary? We can argue with nothing that he said, so I for one am glad that he has stepped forward and said it. With the Bogan transfer and his 2 years of elligibility it is arguable that this rule might have been a net positive benefit to VU also. So would this mean that Bryce should also stand aside and say nothing? I would hope that coach Drew would also step forward and join the call for change.
Even if 85% of these transfers are not for the stated reason this rule still has some legitimacy and should not be completely abolished. I know that in todays america compromise of any kind has become a dirty word, but what if the NCAA just met in the middle and changed the rule to read that a transferred graduate would in all cases not be elliglble until say Jan 05th of the next season? I would think that both the player and the receiving coach would have to give such a rule a lot of thought.
I dont think it is a bad rule.
Colleges, witness what has happened on the Hilltop, churn their rosters in order to find the best possible team. Players come, players go. Now, there is an added incentive for a player to actually graduate. Further, most D1's require the players be on campus during summer. "We own you".
Why not use that time to load up on extra classes and graduate ahead of time and explore the options.
The NCAA rules are tilted against the players in most instances. This is one that can actually benefit the player. Let them make the choice if they fulfill their academic requirements.
lowposter
Quote from: lowposter on May 21, 2012, 06:46:26 AMPlayers come, players go. Now, there is an added incentive for a player to actually graduate.
The rule maybe needs a little tweaking about how and when recruitment of these students should be allowed, but I agree with lowposter on this. Name me one other NCAA rule that actually rewards academic achievement and rewards the STUDENT athlete. Remember that scholarships are only guaranteed by the school for ONE year, no penalty is given to the school if they pull a scholarship, but heaven forbid that the student decides the situation is not right for him or her.
It was refreshing to hear that Andrew Luck was not in the Colts camp this past week, like most of the others in this draft class, because he was actually finishing up his degree at Stanford, when was that last time you heard anything like that?
Quote from: wh on May 20, 2012, 03:31:09 PMIzzo also took note of the controversy created when Wisconsin originally denied a request for four schools to contact freshman Jared Uthoff, who had decided to transfer. Wisconsin eventually lifted the restrictions.
"What (coach Bo Ryan) was saying with too many kids transferring is kids should have some obligation, too," Izzo said. "There's too many middlemen getting in the way of all this stuff, so that part he was right on. But I've never held a kid back. If the kid doesn't want to be there, I don't want him there."
Maybe Izzo should look at his colleagues before saying kids have obligations. How many coaches jump at better opportunities (or simply jump before sanctions are levied) and leave the school and current students to pay the price?
You mean to tell me that coaches contracts don't mean anything?? :o
Quote from: FWalum on May 21, 2012, 07:47:47 AMIt was refreshing to hear that Andrew Luck was not in the Colts camp this past week, like most of the others in this draft class, because he was actually finishing up his degree at Stanford, when was that last time you heard anything like that?
Sorry to get off topic some but when replacing a Peyton Manning the best you could get is probably Andrew Luck. It's at least very exciting to see how it all works out for the Colts. It could also be that Luck is "NO LUCK" for the Colts and a complete bust. We shall see.
Yikes! Those Pacers gave one of their better performances yesterday and fell to an overwhelming talented Heat team. No doubting the Pacers made multiple mistakes but it was one of their better games through the playoffs. If only we could get Hansbrough to learn how to anticipate a pass and be ready to dribble before heading to the basket.
Of course this whole thread is kind of getting away from the Brandon Wood situation.
bbtds, you mean the Brandon Wood situation that lost its nuance after the game was played, but yet no one made a new thread to focus on how the "Graduate Player Rule" is really working for some schools? It would be nice to have a list of all the players who took advantage of this rule, and how it worked out for them.
Quote from: valporun on May 21, 2012, 11:37:11 AM
bbtds, you mean the Brandon Wood situation that lost its nuance after the game was played, but yet no one made a new thread to focus on how the "Graduate Player Rule" is really working for some schools? It would be nice to have a list of all the players who took advantage of this rule, and how it worked out for them.
Yes, I was pointing out the obvious. I'm guilty of throwing the thread off topic at least 2 or 3 times. ;)
The title aside, everyone has been using this as the "anything and everything related to Brandon Wood" thread. IMO it's served it's purpose pretty well.
So anybody know what's up with the charges?
Quote from: valpo04 on May 21, 2012, 08:09:22 AM
Quote from: wh on May 20, 2012, 03:31:09 PMIzzo also took note of the controversy created when Wisconsin originally denied a request for four schools to contact freshman Jared Uthoff, who had decided to transfer. Wisconsin eventually lifted the restrictions.
"What (coach Bo Ryan) was saying with too many kids transferring is kids should have some obligation, too," Izzo said. "There's too many middlemen getting in the way of all this stuff, so that part he was right on. But I've never held a kid back. If the kid doesn't want to be there, I don't want him there."
Maybe Izzo should look at his colleagues before saying kids have obligations. How many coaches jump at better opportunities (or simply jump before sanctions are levied) and leave the school and current students to pay the price?
Some of his colleagues may be be jumpers, but Tom Izzo is not, and not because there haven't been opportunities.
BW's agent says Brandon's story different than accuser's:
http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2012/05/former_basketball_player_wood039s_agent_talks_about_legal_troubles (http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2012/05/former_basketball_player_wood039s_agent_talks_about_legal_troubles)
Well of course it would be. No one in their right mind would claim to have done what was stated in the original story, let alone someone that is going to play a professional sport in Europe
Cook County Courthouse (Daley Center) now has the Picasso sculpture. northeast corner of Washington & Clark. 6 blocks west of the Walgreens at Michigan & Washington.
I was only there to testify as a witness. But the case was similar to Brandon's. If Anthony is reading this it will cost about $32 to $38 to park all day downtown and you may need to go back another time. Good time to learn to use the Southshore. You may need the cash for Brandon's fine. The lawyer is not going to be cheap either. Are you using a Valpo law grad? You know, just in case the basketball thing doesn't work out. :P
FWIW, the verdict is in. http://www.freep.com/article/20120601/SPORTS07/120601049/brandon-wood-arrest-michigan-state (http://www.freep.com/article/20120601/SPORTS07/120601049/brandon-wood-arrest-michigan-state)
I'll leave it up to you guys to determine if this is good or bad.
He's not as decision challenged as I once thought. Brandon has learned a lesson, I hope, that alcohol impairs decision making and one must always know one's tolerance. Also that there is no tolerance for driving while under the influence and you don't make the correct kind of friends if you must use alcohol to make those friends.
Quote from: bbtds on June 03, 2012, 08:08:34 PM
He's not as decision challenged as I once thought. Brandon has learned a lesson, I hope, that alcohol impairs decision making and one must always know one's tolerance. Also that there is no tolerance for driving while under the influence and you don't make the correct kind of friends if you must use alcohol to make those friends.
From an earlier article:
Soria said Wood did not appear intoxicated and she did not smell alcohol on him throughout the incident. She added one of her cousins said he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages that evening.
knowing Brandon a little and knowing his dad, I would venture an opinion that he was drinking apple juice that night. Brandon is on a mission, whether anyone thinks he can or not. That mssion is to make it to the NBA and a night of partying isn't in the plan...
Quote from: vu72 on June 03, 2012, 10:13:11 PM
knowing Brandon a little and knowing his dad, I would venture an opinion that he was drinking apple juice that night. Brandon is on a mission, whether anyone thinks he can or not. That mssion is to make it to the NBA and a night of partying isn't in the plan...
So it was all about ego and libido?
Quote from: bbtds on June 04, 2012, 04:28:45 AM
Quote from: vu72 on June 03, 2012, 10:13:11 PM
knowing Brandon a little and knowing his dad, I would venture an opinion that he was drinking apple juice that night. Brandon is on a mission, whether anyone thinks he can or not. That mssion is to make it to the NBA and a night of partying isn't in the plan...
So it was all about ego and libido?
not entirely. gotta build up that stamina.
Enough on Brandon Wood!
Some of his colleagues may be be jumpers, but Tom Izzo is not, and not because there haven't been opportunities.
Of course he has been given 3,200,000 reasons not to jump.
Oh man, Brandon Wood isn't the big story at (hopefully) the end of this thread that started in November.
It's BK registering to post!
Quote from: bbtds on June 04, 2012, 04:28:45 AM
Quote from: vu72 on June 03, 2012, 10:13:11 PM
knowing Brandon a little and knowing his dad, I would venture an opinion that he was drinking apple juice that night. Brandon is on a mission, whether anyone thinks he can or not. That mssion is to make it to the NBA and a night of partying isn't in the plan...
So it was all about ego and libido?
Probably yes. Being 20 whatever does have its drawbacks! ;)
Quote from: Valpo89 on June 04, 2012, 12:39:46 PMOh man, Brandon Wood isn't the big story at (hopefully) the end of this thread that started in November. It's BK registering to post!
I just couldn't help myself. Saw the post on Brandon Wood and it reminded me of some Scott Drew thread circa 2006, so I had to read the whole thing from aircraft carrier to the Belmont District Station.
http://www.freep.com/article/20120605/SPORTS07/120605056/michigan-state-brandon-wood-delvon-roe-twitter?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports (http://www.freep.com/article/20120605/SPORTS07/120605056/michigan-state-brandon-wood-delvon-roe-twitter?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports)
the headline makes this seem like a dispute, but it's not really.
heck, the headline makes it seem like news.
oh well, read if you've nothing else.
who is this mysterious BK fellow? i'm n00bish...
BK is a proud, local VU alum who has a high-powered job in Chicago and has probably been lurking for a long time but finally caved to register on this "new" board. :)
He actually used to post a lot on the older VU boards, but I would imagine real life has gotten in his way of important things like posting here.
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20120601/GW0201/306010072/Former-Spartan-Wood-accepts-plea-deal-threatens-lawsuit?nclick_check=1 (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20120601/GW0201/306010072/Former-Spartan-Wood-accepts-plea-deal-threatens-lawsuit?nclick_check=1)
Can't say that I blame him for threatening litigation ... it stinks to get accused of stuff when you've done nothing wrong. Unfortunately, that's par for the course when you are a "public figure", and it's pretty hard to argue defamation of character against media outlets who are merely reporting contents of a police report. Not sure what the "police misconduct" might relate to, but I guess we'll see what happens.
Unless I am reading it incorrectly, it doesn't 100% state he didn't do what he was accused of, just merely that he accepted one count to get rid of another. The incident could very well have happened the way it was laid out, but the prosecution maybe didn't want a lengthy trial, and Brandon's side maybe didn't want to risk getting convicted of both accusations...
Quote from: Valpo89 on June 06, 2012, 09:15:07 AMhas a high-powered job in Chicago and has probably been lurking for a long time but finally caved to register on this "new" board. :) He actually used to post a lot on the older VU boards, but I would imagine real life has gotten in his way of important things like posting here.
I do lurk on occasion, but high-powered is a very very relative term. Good to be back though.
Brandon is frustrated that NBA teams did not give him more workouts so he could showcase his talent. Imagine that!
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/brandon-wood-frustrated-by-lack-of-workouts-as-nba-draft/article_1d65b534-8b62-544d-8009-8a68f1879642.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/brandon-wood-frustrated-by-lack-of-workouts-as-nba-draft/article_1d65b534-8b62-544d-8009-8a68f1879642.html)
"I thought I showed enough to deserve more workouts than I got," Wood said. "Everything happens for a reason and I'm blessed to be in a position that I am. I just feel like in my case, I don't know what more I could've done to have a chance to work out for teams."
The Milwaukee Bucks were the only team to have Wood back for a second workout, with the most recent being on Tuesday morning when the Bucks were auditioning potential first-round picks Terrance Ross (Washington) and Jeremy Lamb (UConn).
"When Thursday comes and if I don't hear my name, I'll be disappointed," Wood said. "It's the day I've been waiting for my whole life. Whatever happens, I just know that I'm a success story."
Maybe the fact that Brandon was out at 2:00/3:00 a.m. when he should have been concentrating on his basketball career had something to do with it too.
Part of the politics could stem from Wood's arrest earlier this year for allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old woman in Chicago on April 29. Charges of assault and battery were dismissed by Judge Ann O'Donnell of the Circuit Court of Cook County on June 1, but Wood plead guilty to criminal trespassing. Wood was in Chicago working out with personal trainers for the draft.
"I can't get into too many details, but what was said was not how it happened," Wood said. "I learned a lot from that experience. I feel like no matter what happened in the court, people still probably judged me. The people that really know me, know what type of person I am, they know it wasn't true. The people that talked bad about me probably didn't like me before the incident. I'm assuming that this incident probably had something to do with not getting the workouts that I deserved."
Humble fella isn't he. I still think his best shot would've been staying at Valpo and scoring more then 20ppg and winning the HL POY, but I'm pretty happy with how things have turned out!
BWood is that rare commodity of a 6'3 decent shooter with no real ability to play point or slide down to the 3. So hard to find, I cannot believe NBA teams are not knocking down his door. Damn the politics!!
It is very rare that a third leading scorer of a team gets drafted. That is usually reserved for the national champion at most due to talent. He definitely would have gotten more individual attention at a smaller school his last year. He had to be first or second on his MSU team in scoring to get a shot at being drafted...
Quote from: valpotx on June 28, 2012, 10:18:46 AM
It is very rare that a third leading scorer of a team gets drafted. That is usually reserved for the national champion at most due to talent. He definitely would have gotten more individual attention at a smaller school his last year. He had to be first or second on his MSU team in scoring to get a shot at being drafted...
I agree. I wrote the following on the board in April of 2011: "I have noticed that various projections for the NBA Draft place Norris Cole among the second round selections. I think Brandon could easily be the outstanding player in the Horizon League next year, as Cole was this past year, and that would be the best path for him to follow if he wishes to gain attention by NBA scouts. As a newcomer on a top Big Ten team, Wood most likely would not get the number of touches and achieve the kind of statistics he certainly will with Valpo."
Brandon had a wonderful experience at MSU this past year with lots of good memories he can cherish, but I believe he sacrificed any remote chance of being picked by an NBA team the way Cole was chosen last year.
His best shot at the NBA is either the CBA (or whatever it is after Isiah Thomas) or a top Euro league, and tear them up. He'll need to show scoring, dishing, and defense.
Given the success of Horizon League players in the NBA, you would think that someone will give Wood a look. In '10-'11, Wood earned 1st team all-Horizon (with Norris Cole), ahead of Mack who was picked 34th in the 2011 draft. As he pointed out, Wood basically did everything who could to be recognized.
I don't fully understand his comment about politics, but it does seem like something funny is going on. Izzo is very respected by NBA guys, so you would think he would have done more to get Wood some workout opportunities.
Quote from: EddieCabot on June 28, 2012, 03:47:34 PMI don't fully understand his comment about politics, but it does seem like something funny is going on. Izzo is very respected by NBA guys, so you would think he would have done more to get Wood some workout opportunities.
I don't get the politics angle as well. Almost sounded like he was upset that he didn't get more scoring opportunities. What did he think was going to happen going from the HL to the Big Ten? That his scoring would increase? That Izzo would just keep giving him the ball because he scored well in the HL?
Quote from: EddieCabot on June 28, 2012, 03:47:34 PM
Given the success of Horizon League players in the NBA, you would think that someone will give Wood a look. In '10-'11, Wood earned 1st team all-Horizon (with Norris Cole), ahead of Mack who was picked 34th in the 2011 draft. As he pointed out, Wood basically did everything who could to be recognized.
I don't fully understand his comment about politics, but it does seem like something funny is going on. Izzo is very respected by NBA guys, so you would think he would have done more to get Wood some workout opportunities.
He did everything he could have done...except be a dominant figure on the team and league. I believe only 60 people get drafted each year? That includes all top D-1 players and international. Brandon is not there. He will do well in Europe
In looking at other players who didn't get drafted, Jordan Taylor, a 6-1 guard from Wisconsin, did not get drafted. While Taylor is more of a point guard, he still has very good numbers.
Taylor 14.8 ppg 4.1 apg 1.6 to 3.8 rpg
Wood 8.8 ppg 1.9 apg 1.0 to 2.8 rpg
Taylor's production was down a bit, as in 2010-11 he averaged 18.1 ppg.
If I'm an NBA GM, I'd be taking Taylor over Wood every day of the week.
Taylor was also really good at creating his own shot where Brandon relied more on coming off screens or getting the ball kicked out to him. Maybe he gets a look by some teams, but I think Brandon will be a nice player in Europe somewhere.
Quote from: sectionee on June 30, 2012, 11:52:00 AM
Taylor was also really good at creating his own shot where Brandon relied more on coming off screens or getting the ball kicked out to him. Maybe he gets a look by some teams, but I think Brandon will be a nice player in Europe somewhere.
I saw that Taylor got picked up for Atlanta's summer league team. I haven't seen Wood's name show up anywhere yet ... was sort of surprised he wasn't on the Bucks' summer league roster because I heard his workouts there went pretty well. Anyone hear what Brandon's planning to do next?
Quote from: EddieCabot on July 05, 2012, 02:46:45 PM
Quote from: sectionee on June 30, 2012, 11:52:00 AM
Taylor was also really good at creating his own shot where Brandon relied more on coming off screens or getting the ball kicked out to him. Maybe he gets a look by some teams, but I think Brandon will be a nice player in Europe somewhere.
I saw that Taylor got picked up for Atlanta's summer league team. I haven't seen Wood's name show up anywhere yet ... was sort of surprised he wasn't on the Bucks' summer league roster because I heard his workouts there went pretty well. Anyone hear what Brandon's planning to do next?
take over the twitter-verse, it seems
Brandon will be playing professional ball in Macedonia:
http://www.freep.com/article/20120726/SPORTS07/120726083/michigan-state-brandon-wood-macedonia (http://www.freep.com/article/20120726/SPORTS07/120726083/michigan-state-brandon-wood-macedonia)
Quote from: valpopal on July 26, 2012, 09:58:14 PMBrandon will be playing professional ball in Macedonia
That's the Michigan State Difference for you, right there.
Quote from: valpotx on June 28, 2012, 05:43:17 PM] He did everything he could have done...
including holding someone hostage! I am willing to bet that little incident killed any chance Brandon had in the NBA. At the end of the day, Im glad he did go to MSU though...we are a better team and program for it!
Interesting!
One of course wonders if he could have had the same quality outcome straight out of VU. But, hey, best of luck to him.
They seem to have seven Macedonians, a Serbian, and two Americans on their roster. Plus Brandon, presumably. All-Macedonian coaching squad. The other Americans are Cade Davis ("a leading scorer and rebounder" at Oklahoma), and Noah Dahlman (an "All-American" which actually seems to mean an AP All-American honorable mention; SoCon player of the year, from Wofford, was on the first two Wofford teams to go to the NCAA tournament - presumably in a leading capacity).
The team seems to be coming off their best season ever. They'll play in the top Macedonian league and, because of their championship in Macedonia last season, will also play in the Adriatic League next season (with teams from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro... apparently Israel's also eligible, but not represented this year. I guess a team as invited, but declined.).
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on July 27, 2012, 11:22:34 AM
Quote from: valpopal on July 26, 2012, 09:58:14 PMBrandon will be playing professional ball in Macedonia
That's the Michigan State Difference for you, right there.
Now if BW would have averaged 20 points would he be playing in Macedonia next year? And would that also be the Michigan State difference?
I think it's fantastic that he gets to earn some money playing a sport. I also think its fantastic that UIC's Paul Carter made a NBA summer league team and BW did not.
Quote from: sectionee on July 27, 2012, 06:57:16 PM
I think it's fantastic that he gets to earn some money playing a sport. I also think its fantastic that UIC's Paul Carter made a NBA summer league team and BW did not.
Why the bitterness??
Brandon thought he would end up in a better situation, professionally, by leaving Valpo. That didn't happen. I don't think sectionee is bitter...but I don't blame him for taking a little pleasure in how this worked out. Ultimately, none of us should be a fan of stars leaving mid-majors for majors, especially when VU is the one taking the hit.
How could I be bitter when Valpo was a much better team without him? I think it is great he will make some money doing what he loves, if we could all be so lucky. I find it amusing that he was told the best way to the NBA was to leave for MSU and he didn't even get onto a Summer League team while a guy who probably wouldn't have started at Valpo stays at UIC and is invited to a team. I'm still blown away that his people felt it best to leave for better competition so he could show his defensive skills when the only way he even had a shot was to showcase his offensive abilities. Hopefully he will have a long successful basketball career.
Go Valpo
Quote from: sectionee on July 28, 2012, 03:28:33 PM
How could I be bitter when Valpo was a much better team without him? I think it is great he will make some money doing what he loves, if we could all be so lucky. I find it amusing that he was told the best way to the NBA was to leave for MSU and he didn't even get onto a Summer League team while a guy who probably wouldn't have started at Valpo stays at UIC and is invited to a team. I'm still blown away that his people felt it best to leave for better competition so he could show his defensive skills when the only way he even had a shot was to showcase his offensive abilities. Hopefully he will have a long successful basketball career.
Go Valpo
Fair enough but you are wrong about Carter. He was a very good player and one who was a regular part of the rotation at Minnesota before transferring to UIC. He was granted a hardship transfer to be nearer to his sister who had cancer as I recall. He also is 6'8" so that helps!
http://www.uicflames.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092810aaa.html (http://www.uicflames.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092810aaa.html)
Do you really think he is wrong about Carter starting at VU? (That is what he said...he never said Carter wasn't any good.) He would have had to start over Cory or Kevin, and you're a pretty big fanboy of both.
Quote from: SadersofthelostArc on July 28, 2012, 05:46:47 PM
Do you really think he is wrong about Carter starting at VU? (That is what he said...he never said Carter wasn't any good.) He would have had to start over Cory or Kevin, and you're a pretty big fanboy of both.
Let's think back for a moment. Carter played his only year at UIC in 2010-2011. Our starters were Wood, Johnson, Ryan, Little and Buggs. Kevin didn't play as much that year because of back problems. Our leading rebounder was Ryan at 5.2 and was again, playing out of position at the 4. Carter is 6'8", scored 14.7 ppg and 8.0 rebounds. He would have started over Howard Little who was maybe 6'3", not a great shot and a good rebounder for his size. Carter would have put us over the top. The guy played over 15 minutes a game at Minnesota. He was the real deal. No knock on Howard, I just think having Carter on the team would have allowed Homer to use Howard and Ryan in different and more effective ways.
After all Howard did for us....nevermind, I give up.
http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=MKD&Team=612 (http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=MKD&Team=612)
Brandon writes a blog about his first days playing ball overseas:
http://kokomoperspective.com/sports/it-s-almost-like-being-home/article_429ee2c8-ead7-11e1-8ea4-0019bb2963f4.html (http://kokomoperspective.com/sports/it-s-almost-like-being-home/article_429ee2c8-ead7-11e1-8ea4-0019bb2963f4.html)
I think the title of this thread should be changed, because it has been quite a while since the topic of conversation was about Michigan State vs. UNC game on an aircraft carrier. Maybe a title such as "Brandon Wood News" would be more appropriate.
Quote from: vubballfan10 on August 22, 2012, 04:02:38 PM
I think the title of this thread should be changed, because it has been quite a while since the topic of conversation was about Michigan State vs. UNC game on an aircraft carrier. Maybe a title such as "Brandon Wood News" would be more appropriate.
He is no longer going to play on an open air Navy Air Craft Carrier, but in smoke filled Macedonian gyms.
Nice to see the Macedonian fans and the Kokomo friends and family chiming in on the same comment section.
Hopefully the experience is a little humbling for him, but also a good one. He's getting to experience a new culture, living large (living medum, maybe?), and, hey, he's playing basketball for a living.
If you have some talent and play your cards right you can make some decent money in Europe even if you are not playing in the "elite" leagues. One of our Indiana Tech players was the MVP of the Slovakian league this past year and will be playing in Germany this next season. His stats from last year where unreal. 27.7 PPG ( 2FGP 53.7% , 3FGP 53.7% ), 7.1 APG , 3.3 RPG and 2.4 SPG. He was one of the best pure shooters I have ever seen.
Jones MVP in Slovakia (http://elitesummerleague.com/news/item/88-jones-mvp-in-slovakia)
Anthony Jones always said "All I need is an opportunity".
Brandon has gotten the opportunity, I hope he makes the best of it.
Noticed on twitter that Brandon was released. http://www.eurobasket.com/Adriatic-League/basketball.asp?NewsID=288653 (http://www.eurobasket.com/Adriatic-League/basketball.asp?NewsID=288653)
Ouch. Would these have been his first competitive games with the team?
They won the tournament. They seem to start their regular season in about a month.
OK - looks like they played three friendlies before the tournament. Won two, lost one. He doesn't seem to be mentioned in the write-ups of the two latest, just before they let him go.
The other game, the first, has a box score. Looks like Brandon was pretty quiet
http://mztskopjeaerodrom.mk/index.php/novosti-reader/items/prekinat-natprevarot-mzt-skope-aerodrom-cherkasi-mavpi.html (http://mztskopjeaerodrom.mk/index.php/novosti-reader/items/prekinat-natprevarot-mzt-skope-aerodrom-cherkasi-mavpi.html)
The game was apparently canceled in the third quarter, after some kind of incident. (!)
His team put out a press release September 11, when they released him.
Quote
Basketball club MZT Skopje Airport informed that Brandon Wood is no longer a member of our club. After the javascript control games, the club's technical committee and management brought this solution, and his replacement will be additionally informed.
KK MZT Skopje Airport Brandon Wood wishes him much success in his future career.
Uh, so much for google/translate!
You can try the Macedonian yourself at
http://mztskopjeaerodrom.mk/index.php/novosti-reader/items/brendon-vud-zaminuva-od-mzt-skope-aerodrom.html (http://mztskopjeaerodrom.mk/index.php/novosti-reader/items/brendon-vud-zaminuva-od-mzt-skope-aerodrom.html)
Does that show up in Cyrillic in the US too? Or only from Russia, and such places?
Pretty bad when you can't meet expectations of the Macedonian league...
Two guys I never thought would wash out in Europe are Brandon Wood and Matt Howard. Former Crusaders with less talent than either have had successful runs in Europe.
Wow! Brandon has been writing a column in his hometown newspaper and talking at length about his situation and teamates. Big Shock.
Here's the link to his blog--note the date--September 11, the day he was released.
http://kokomoperspective.com/sports/mixing-it-up-can-be-a-real-kick/article_b1379aaa-fc1a-11e1-adfb-001a4bcf887a.html#.UE9PW2Lhvwc.facebook (http://kokomoperspective.com/sports/mixing-it-up-can-be-a-real-kick/article_b1379aaa-fc1a-11e1-adfb-001a4bcf887a.html#.UE9PW2Lhvwc.facebook)
Hilarious thread.
Wrong about Matt Howard. He plays for Chorale Roanne Basket in France. He has not "washed out of Europe" per se. Yes Howard did not make it on a high level Greek team because of an injury and the fact that only 2 foreigners were allowed on that team.
http://www.chorale-roanne.com/ (http://www.chorale-roanne.com/)
Also it should be remembered that there are different levels of play in Europe even in the same country.
Per this article, it looks like Brandon was picked up by a team in Hungary a few days after his release in Macedonia.
http://www.eurobasket.com/Hungary/basketball.asp?NewsID=289025 (http://www.eurobasket.com/Hungary/basketball.asp?NewsID=289025)
He played last night (10/12)...nice line score, in the starting lineup... 6 of 7 2-ptrs, 1-of-4 from 3 pt range and two free throws. 3 rebounds, 5 assists 1 block and one turnover. Led the team with 17 points and they won. The other American College students on the team: Ronald Moore from Siena, Damian Hollis from George Washington
more about the team:... in fact, more than you ever cared to know...
This is the "A" division of Hungary...from a town about 30 miles southwest of Budapest.
http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=Hungary&Team=633&Page=1 (http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=Hungary&Team=633&Page=1)
They play in the Alba-Regia Sportscentrum... capacity: 2,500... if you're planning a trip, set your GPS to: 8002 Székesfehérvár Csíkvári Street 10, Hungary
This team's history:
Hungarian League Champion -98, 99, 00
Hungarian Cup Winner -99, 00
Hungarian League Finalist -06, 11
Hungarian Cup Finalist -04, 05, 11
Wikipedia adds: Albacomp is a Hungarian professional basketball club based in Székesfehérvár, that currently compete Nemzeti Bajnokság I, the premier division of basketball in Hungary. Founded as the successcor of Székesfehérvári MDSE, they took the Hungarian championship title three times and won the Hungarian cup on two occasions. In addition, Albacomp also were crowned as the Central European Basketball League champions in 2009.
Hungarian League Regular Season Runner-Up -05, 11, 12
Hungarian League Semifinals -03, 05, 12
Hungarian Cup Semifinals -06, 07, 10, 12
his whole arrest & subsequent career disgrace just reminds me of the immortal Ko Simpson, onetime Bills safety, who upon being arrested, said, "I'm Ko Simpson of the Buffalo Bills! I'm worth MILLIONS!!!"
And when was the last time you heard of him?
Although, one of my VHS classmates, Sarrah Stricklett, had the (alcohol-fueled) audacity to say to VUPD when found drinking underage at an off-campus party, "Don't you know who I AM!?!?!?"
Nope. Ticket for you.
hubris...
Haha, that is a funny story about Stricklett. Hopefully Wood has been humbled, and uses it to drive him to be successful
Career discrace? That kid got a B1G ring and is playing pro basketball in a pretty decent league. Some disgrace.
Nine games into his Hungarian career he's averaging 20.7 points in 29 minutes per game. Seems to be doing OK for himself.
It does seem like he is doing better in that league, and always seems to be keeping up with Valpo. I noticed he congratulated Buggs on his 15 point effort via Twitter the other day