Someone on another thread noted that they had received a tentative home schedule (sent to season ticket holders), but if I recall correctly did not break down the games. There are 17 games:
10/29 Hillsdale College (Exh)
11/3 Augustana College (Exh)
11/18-20 2K Sports Classic (Four team round-robin, two games each day)
TBA Holy Cross (Ind)
12/10 Bowling Green
12/17 Oakland
12/29 Milwaukee
12/31 Green Bay
1/12 YSU
1/14 CSU
2/2 WSU
2/4 Detroit
2/14 UIC
2/21 Loyola
2/25 Butler
Butler February 25th... the students will actually be on campus!
Do we know the teams for the "Classic"? I guess this is sort of the designated loser's bracket that we're hosting? The "regionals" are two weeks before with the "championship round" at MSG featuring St. John's, Arizona, Texas A&M, and MS State.
So, we should have a road game against one of those, I think, somewhere Nov 7-11.
So, anyway, a road game against a good team. And, we get to host a four team tournament (round robin?) of the mid-majorish participants.
If the HL begins league play before 12/29, I take it we will open on the road yet again?
Cue the conspiracy theorists.
Quote from: crusaderjoe on August 09, 2011, 10:19:38 PM
If the HL begins league play before 12/29, I take it we will open on the road yet again?
Cue the conspiracy theorists.
There is a 1 in 32 chance that by pure coincidence we were scheduled to open on the road for 5 consecutive years - the same probability of flipping 5 heads or 5 tails in a row. How many years does it take to change "conspiracy theory" into "conspiracy fact?"
"TBA Holy Cross (Ind)"
Holy Cross has the game on their schedule listed as November 28.
Quote from: agibson on August 09, 2011, 08:27:31 PM
Butler February 25th... the students will actually be on campus!
i'd check a campus calendar before getting too excited. the university has a ridiculous tendency to start spring break in february... :crazy: god forbid they should push it back a week the start the first week in march like at least some other schools. i wouldn't be surprised at all if that's the last saturday in february and the first day of spring break.
Quote from: vuweathernerd on August 10, 2011, 01:34:42 AM
Quote from: agibson on August 09, 2011, 08:27:31 PM
Butler February 25th... the students will actually be on campus!
i'd check a campus calendar before getting too excited. the university has a ridiculous tendency to start spring break in february... :crazy: god forbid they should push it back a week the start the first week in march like at least some other schools. i wouldn't be surprised at all if that's the last saturday in february and the first day of spring break.
It appears that school will still be in session:
http://www.valpo.edu/reslife/ (http://www.valpo.edu/reslife/)
If this home schedule is true, my opinion is that the non-conference home schedule is pretty mediocre. Only one really interesting game (Oakland), and that is certainly not a marquee opponent. I realize last year was an outstanding schedule and that the switch from home to away for the bracketbuster is very impacting, but it would be much better to see another strong mid-major in November or December.
The other unfortunate thing is that two of the nine conference games are during the week between Christmas and New Years. So when you break it down, the number of good games while school is in session is seven (since the Oakland game is Dec. 17th) and the first good game is Jan. 12th. Far more difficult to build excitement on campus with this home schedule.
I was going to point to the 2K Sports Classic as a potential source of a good game or two, maybe even a good mid-major match-up.
But, the first day of that event is the last day of classes before Valpo's week-long Thanksgiving break...
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 10, 2011, 09:41:14 AM
If this home schedule is true, my opinion is that the non-conference home schedule is pretty mediocre. Only one really interesting game (Oakland), and that is certainly not a marquee opponent. I realize last year was an outstanding schedule and that the switch from home to away for the bracketbuster is very impacting, but it would be much better to see another strong mid-major in November or December.
The other unfortunate thing is that two of the nine conference games are during the week between Christmas and New Years. So when you break it down, the number of good games while school is in session is seven (since the Oakland game is Dec. 17th) and the first good game is Jan. 12th. Far more difficult to build excitement on campus with this home schedule.
I will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the schedule as a "mediocre" one. I would hope your opinion changes once you see the 3 opponents coming in as part of the 2K Sports Classic. That field includes two teams that played in the postseason last year (one NCAA team and one CBI team, both with RPIs in the top 125). I believe that this schedule, comprised of 17 home games, is one of the best we've had in the last 5 or 6 years. For one, the home games are a big boost to the team and take an investment on the part of the University to pull off. Second, although it lacks a "big name" school, there are two NCAA teams from last year on the non-con schedule and only one non-DI regular season game. As a whole, I think this schedule stacks up well with any we've put together since 2003-04 when USF, Cincy, Indiana St., Milwaukee, and Loyola visited the ARC and is similar to any you'll see from other schools in our conference this year.
With all that said, I look forward to seeing many of you at the games this fall/winter and am looking forward to another exciting year of Valpo Basketball!
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 10, 2011, 09:41:14 AM
If this home schedule is true, my opinion is that the non-conference home schedule is pretty mediocre. Only one really interesting game (Oakland), and that is certainly not a marquee opponent. I realize last year was an outstanding schedule and that the switch from home to away for the bracketbuster is very impacting, but it would be much better to see another strong mid-major in November or December.
The other unfortunate thing is that two of the nine conference games are during the week between Christmas and New Years. So when you break it down, the number of good games while school is in session is seven (since the Oakland game is Dec. 17th) and the first good game is Jan. 12th. Far more difficult to build excitement on campus with this home schedule.
I will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the schedule as a "mediocre" one. I would hope your opinion changes once you see the 3 opponents coming in as part of the 2K Sports Classic. That field includes two teams that played in the postseason last year (one NCAA team and one CBI team, both with RPIs in the top 125). I believe that this schedule, comprised of 17 home games, is one of the best we've had in the last 5 or 6 years. For one, the home games are a big boost to the team and take an investment on the part of the University to pull off. Second, although it lacks a "big name" school, there are two NCAA teams from last year on the non-con schedule and only one non-DI regular season game. As a whole, I think this schedule stacks up well with any we've put together since 2003-04 when USF, Cincy, Indiana St., Milwaukee, and Loyola visited the ARC and is similar to any you'll see from other schools in our conference this year.
With all that said, I look forward to seeing many of you at the games this fall/winter and am looking forward to another exciting year of Valpo Basketball!
This is exactly the type of schedule many of us have been saying we want for a long time now - competitive games - both home and away - against good mid-majors as opposed to slaughters on the road to Top 10 Majors mixed in with meaningless home games against non - D-1 teams. Personally I am very happy. 3 consecutive days of basketball against good MM opponents at the ARC - what could be better? Add Bowling Green and Oakland to the mix, and I am one happy season ticket holder!
Quote from: wh on August 10, 2011, 05:29:03 PM
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 10, 2011, 09:41:14 AM
If this home schedule is true, my opinion is that the non-conference home schedule is pretty mediocre. Only one really interesting game (Oakland), and that is certainly not a marquee opponent. I realize last year was an outstanding schedule and that the switch from home to away for the bracketbuster is very impacting, but it would be much better to see another strong mid-major in November or December.
The other unfortunate thing is that two of the nine conference games are during the week between Christmas and New Years. So when you break it down, the number of good games while school is in session is seven (since the Oakland game is Dec. 17th) and the first good game is Jan. 12th. Far more difficult to build excitement on campus with this home schedule.
I will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the schedule as a "mediocre" one. I would hope your opinion changes once you see the 3 opponents coming in as part of the 2K Sports Classic. That field includes two teams that played in the postseason last year (one NCAA team and one CBI team, both with RPIs in the top 125). I believe that this schedule, comprised of 17 home games, is one of the best we've had in the last 5 or 6 years. For one, the home games are a big boost to the team and take an investment on the part of the University to pull off. Second, although it lacks a "big name" school, there are two NCAA teams from last year on the non-con schedule and only one non-DI regular season game. As a whole, I think this schedule stacks up well with any we've put together since 2003-04 when USF, Cincy, Indiana St., Milwaukee, and Loyola visited the ARC and is similar to any you'll see from other schools in our conference this year.
With all that said, I look forward to seeing many of you at the games this fall/winter and am looking forward to another exciting year of Valpo Basketball!
This is exactly the type of schedule many of us have been saying we want for a long time now - competitive games - both home and away - against good mid-majors as opposed to slaughters on the road to Top 10 Majors mixed in with meaningless home games against non - D-1 teams. Personally I am very happy. 3 consecutive days of basketball against good MM opponents at the ARC - what could be better? Add Bowling Green and Oakland to the mix, and I am one happy season ticket holder!
That's the spirit WH! I love hearing this response and wish everyone else will get on board! The opportunity to host the sub-regional is great for our team and the University and the group of teams is certainly better than what we saw the last two years when we were on the road:
2009-10 :
@ Georgia Southern (RPI 288)
vs. Troy (RPI 109)
vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (RPI N/A-Non-DI)
2008-09 Paradise Jam:
vs. San Diego (RPI 193)
vs. Iona (RPI 213)
vs. La Salle (RPI 112)
Quote from: wh on August 10, 2011, 06:47:04 AM
Quote from: vuweathernerd on August 10, 2011, 01:34:42 AM
Quote from: agibson on August 09, 2011, 08:27:31 PM
Butler February 25th... the students will actually be on campus!
i'd check a campus calendar before getting too excited. the university has a ridiculous tendency to start spring break in february... :crazy: god forbid they should push it back a week the start the first week in march like at least some other schools. i wouldn't be surprised at all if that's the last saturday in february and the first day of spring break.
It appears that school will still be in session:
http://www.valpo.edu/reslife/ (http://www.valpo.edu/reslife/)
wow - somebody finally had the intelligence to accept that spring break has been starting to early and to actually do something about it. :thumbsup: :clap:
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 05:41:59 PM
Quote from: wh on August 10, 2011, 05:29:03 PM
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 10, 2011, 09:41:14 AM
If this home schedule is true, my opinion is that the non-conference home schedule is pretty mediocre. Only one really interesting game (Oakland), and that is certainly not a marquee opponent. I realize last year was an outstanding schedule and that the switch from home to away for the bracketbuster is very impacting, but it would be much better to see another strong mid-major in November or December.
The other unfortunate thing is that two of the nine conference games are during the week between Christmas and New Years. So when you break it down, the number of good games while school is in session is seven (since the Oakland game is Dec. 17th) and the first good game is Jan. 12th. Far more difficult to build excitement on campus with this home schedule.
I will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the schedule as a "mediocre" one. I would hope your opinion changes once you see the 3 opponents coming in as part of the 2K Sports Classic. That field includes two teams that played in the postseason last year (one NCAA team and one CBI team, both with RPIs in the top 125). I believe that this schedule, comprised of 17 home games, is one of the best we've had in the last 5 or 6 years. For one, the home games are a big boost to the team and take an investment on the part of the University to pull off. Second, although it lacks a "big name" school, there are two NCAA teams from last year on the non-con schedule and only one non-DI regular season game. As a whole, I think this schedule stacks up well with any we've put together since 2003-04 when USF, Cincy, Indiana St., Milwaukee, and Loyola visited the ARC and is similar to any you'll see from other schools in our conference this year.
With all that said, I look forward to seeing many of you at the games this fall/winter and am looking forward to another exciting year of Valpo Basketball!
This is exactly the type of schedule many of us have been saying we want for a long time now - competitive games - both home and away - against good mid-majors as opposed to slaughters on the road to Top 10 Majors mixed in with meaningless home games against non - D-1 teams. Personally I am very happy. 3 consecutive days of basketball against good MM opponents at the ARC - what could be better? Add Bowling Green and Oakland to the mix, and I am one happy season ticket holder!
That's the spirit WH! I love hearing this response and wish everyone else will get on board! The opportunity to host the sub-regional is great for our team and the University and the group of teams is certainly better than what we saw the last two years when we were on the road:
2009-10 :
@ Georgia Southern (RPI 288)
vs. Troy (RPI 109)
vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (RPI N/A-Non-DI)
2008-09 Paradise Jam:
vs. San Diego (RPI 193)
vs. Iona (RPI 213)
vs. La Salle (RPI 112)
Don't worry about the naysayers....there are some here who will never be satisfied....this is exactly what most have been asking for....so kudos
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 05:41:59 PM
That's the spirit WH! I love hearing this response and wish everyone else will get on board! The opportunity to host the sub-regional is great for our team and the University and the group of teams is certainly better than what we saw the last two years when we were on the road:
2009-10 :
@ Georgia Southern (RPI 288)
vs. Troy (RPI 109)
vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (RPI N/A-Non-DI)
2008-09 Paradise Jam:
vs. San Diego (RPI 193)
vs. Iona (RPI 213)
vs. La Salle (RPI 112)
I find it interesting that when those previous schedules came out I'm sure you were saying that the tournaments were a "jewel" on those schedules. Now you pretty much say that they were "of poor quality."
Quote from: historyman on August 11, 2011, 09:24:41 AM
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 05:41:59 PM
That's the spirit WH! I love hearing this response and wish everyone else will get on board! The opportunity to host the sub-regional is great for our team and the University and the group of teams is certainly better than what we saw the last two years when we were on the road:
2009-10 :
@ Georgia Southern (RPI 288)
vs. Troy (RPI 109)
vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (RPI N/A-Non-DI)
2008-09 Paradise Jam:
vs. San Diego (RPI 193)
vs. Iona (RPI 213)
vs. La Salle (RPI 112)
I find it interesting that when those previous schedules came out I'm sure you were saying that the tournaments were a "jewel" on those schedules. Now you pretty much say that they were "of poor quality."
I'm not sure what you're trying to imply, but I didn't work for Valpo either of the two years I referenced. All I did was present some facts backing up my argument that I believe this year's home schedule is one of the best we've put together in recent memory. Do you disagree? If you do, I'd be happy to listen to your reasoning and try to understand your point of view.
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 11, 2011, 10:24:45 AM
Quote from: historyman on August 11, 2011, 09:24:41 AM
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 05:41:59 PM
That's the spirit WH! I love hearing this response and wish everyone else will get on board! The opportunity to host the sub-regional is great for our team and the University and the group of teams is certainly better than what we saw the last two years when we were on the road:
2009-10 :
@ Georgia Southern (RPI 288)
vs. Troy (RPI 109)
vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (RPI N/A-Non-DI)
2008-09 Paradise Jam:
vs. San Diego (RPI 193)
vs. Iona (RPI 213)
vs. La Salle (RPI 112)
I find it interesting that when those previous schedules came out I'm sure you were saying that the tournaments were a "jewel" on those schedules. Now you pretty much say that they were "of poor quality."
I'm not sure what you're trying to imply, but I didn't work for Valpo either of the two years I referenced. All I did was present some facts backing up my argument that I believe this year's home schedule is one of the best we've put together in recent memory. Do you disagree? If you do, I'd be happy to listen to your reasoning and try to understand your point of view.
No, I agree the schedule is better. I found it "interesting" that you noticed the "poor quality" of previous years' schedules to make your point. You certainly can't be held accountable for schedules that you were not part of promoting.
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 05:41:59 PM
Quote from: wh on August 10, 2011, 05:29:03 PM
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on August 10, 2011, 04:15:56 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 10, 2011, 09:41:14 AM
If this home schedule is true, my opinion is that the non-conference home schedule is pretty mediocre. Only one really interesting game (Oakland), and that is certainly not a marquee opponent. I realize last year was an outstanding schedule and that the switch from home to away for the bracketbuster is very impacting, but it would be much better to see another strong mid-major in November or December.
The other unfortunate thing is that two of the nine conference games are during the week between Christmas and New Years. So when you break it down, the number of good games while school is in session is seven (since the Oakland game is Dec. 17th) and the first good game is Jan. 12th. Far more difficult to build excitement on campus with this home schedule.
I will respectfully disagree with your assessment of the schedule as a "mediocre" one. I would hope your opinion changes once you see the 3 opponents coming in as part of the 2K Sports Classic. That field includes two teams that played in the postseason last year (one NCAA team and one CBI team, both with RPIs in the top 125). I believe that this schedule, comprised of 17 home games, is one of the best we've had in the last 5 or 6 years. For one, the home games are a big boost to the team and take an investment on the part of the University to pull off. Second, although it lacks a "big name" school, there are two NCAA teams from last year on the non-con schedule and only one non-DI regular season game. As a whole, I think this schedule stacks up well with any we've put together since 2003-04 when USF, Cincy, Indiana St., Milwaukee, and Loyola visited the ARC and is similar to any you'll see from other schools in our conference this year.
With all that said, I look forward to seeing many of you at the games this fall/winter and am looking forward to another exciting year of Valpo Basketball!
This is exactly the type of schedule many of us have been saying we want for a long time now - competitive games - both home and away - against good mid-majors as opposed to slaughters on the road to Top 10 Majors mixed in with meaningless home games against non - D-1 teams. Personally I am very happy. 3 consecutive days of basketball against good MM opponents at the ARC - what could be better? Add Bowling Green and Oakland to the mix, and I am one happy season ticket holder!
That's the spirit WH! I love hearing this response and wish everyone else will get on board! The opportunity to host the sub-regional is great for our team and the University and the group of teams is certainly better than what we saw the last two years when we were on the road:
2009-10 :
@ Georgia Southern (RPI 288)
vs. Troy (RPI 109)
vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (RPI N/A-Non-DI)
2008-09 Paradise Jam:
vs. San Diego (RPI 193)
vs. Iona (RPI 213)
vs. La Salle (RPI 112)
I think the two seasons you referenced above were years where the roster wasn't as experienced as what we had in 2010-2011. Those tournaments/games were "jewels" because we could use these games as confidence builders and getting experience playing together in winnable games.
Yes, the "guarantee games" were good for overall exposure and alumni donations, but they didn't help with building confidence in the team, especially when we were being taken to task by 30-40 points.
The lack of non-conference home games is a factor in Bracketbuster setups of home-and-away rematches, tourneys, and having available dates that opponents could come in, or didn't conflict with finals week, where we traditionally don't have a home game after Saturday reading day and Friday night end of the semester.
I'll want to see the rest of the schedule before I can really have a balanced opinion of how this scheduling factors into what our team can do.
I had definitely assumed that the regional Valparaiso is hosting in the 2k tournament will have three teams that finished in the middle or bottom of a smaller conference (or even non-Division 1). If what the marketing guy is saying is true and these are indeed better teams, then my opinion will change somewhat. However, I should point out that Valparaiso has a full week off for Thanksgiving and both of those games (Nov. 18th and 20th) will have minimal student attendance because of Thanksgiving break.
Valparaiso serves three different fan segments: students, alumni, and local. However, it is the students that generate most of the enthusiasm. It is this enthusiasm combined with good opponents that draws the other two (certainly the alums). If you think alums come out for non D1 or low D1 opponents, you are kidding yourself.
So lets make this comparison:
(Assume that all Horizon League games are quality - result of a great move)
2010-2011: Two quality non-conference games all when school was in session (Purdue, Missouri State plus all nine conference games while school was in session. Total: 11
2011-2012: No quality non-conference games when school is in session plus only seven conference games when school is in session. Total 7.
That dropoff of four is pretty significant and hence my mediocre rating compared to last year which, in my opinion, was very very good. Some here know me and know that I am a good longtime fan - so please know that I only make these comments as a strong fan and committed alum.
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 12, 2011, 12:19:58 PM
I had definitely assumed that the regional Valparaiso is hosting in the 2k tournament will have three teams that finished in the middle or bottom of a smaller conference (or even non-Division 1). If what the marketing guy is saying is true and these are indeed better teams, then my opinion will change somewhat. However, I should point out that Valparaiso has a full week off for Thanksgiving and both of those games (Nov. 18th and 20th) will have minimal student attendance because of Thanksgiving break.
Valparaiso serves three different fan segments: students, alumni, and local. However, it is the students that generate most of the enthusiasm. It is this enthusiasm combined with good opponents that draws the other two (certainly the alums). If you think alums come out for non D1 or low D1 opponents, you are kidding yourself.
So lets make this comparison:
(Assume that all Horizon League games are quality - result of a great move)
2010-2011: Two quality non-conference games all when school was in session (Purdue, Missouri State plus all nine conference games while school was in session. Total: 11
2011-2012: No quality non-conference games when school is in session plus only seven conference games when school is in session. Total 7.
That dropoff of four is pretty significant and hence my mediocre rating compared to last year which, in my opinion, was very very good. Some here know me and know that I am a good longtime fan - so please know that I only make these comments as a strong fan and committed alum.
I guess your definition of "quality" needs some analysis. So Bowling Green, Oakland, Iona or Ball State don't qualify? You are dreaming if you expect only the top of the Valley or Big Ten teams to come to the ARC on a regular basis.
All of the teams I mentioned have good name recognition and or local ties. If we can schedule the Northern Illinois', Oaklands, IUPUIs or Evansvilles of the world on a regular basis, I think the fans should be happy and, we can expect to beat all of them! (well, almost all) ;)
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 12, 2011, 12:19:58 PM
That dropoff of four is pretty significant and hence my mediocre rating compared to last year which, in my opinion, was very very good. Some here know me and know that I am a good longtime fan - so please know that I only make these comments as a strong fan and committed alum.
I wish more alums like you were
committedUhhhhhh, invested in the basketball team.
Quote from: vu72 on August 12, 2011, 02:29:25 PM
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 12, 2011, 12:19:58 PM
I had definitely assumed that the regional Valparaiso is hosting in the 2k tournament will have three teams that finished in the middle or bottom of a smaller conference (or even non-Division 1). If what the marketing guy is saying is true and these are indeed better teams, then my opinion will change somewhat. However, I should point out that Valparaiso has a full week off for Thanksgiving and both of those games (Nov. 18th and 20th) will have minimal student attendance because of Thanksgiving break.
Valparaiso serves three different fan segments: students, alumni, and local. However, it is the students that generate most of the enthusiasm. It is this enthusiasm combined with good opponents that draws the other two (certainly the alums). If you think alums come out for non D1 or low D1 opponents, you are kidding yourself.
So lets make this comparison:
(Assume that all Horizon League games are quality - result of a great move)
2010-2011: Two quality non-conference games all when school was in session (Purdue, Missouri State plus all nine conference games while school was in session. Total: 11
2011-2012: No quality non-conference games when school is in session plus only seven conference games when school is in session. Total 7.
That dropoff of four is pretty significant and hence my mediocre rating compared to last year which, in my opinion, was very very good. Some here know me and know that I am a good longtime fan - so please know that I only make these comments as a strong fan and committed alum.
I guess your definition of "quality" needs some analysis. So Bowling Green, Oakland, Iona or Ball State don't qualify? You are dreaming if you expect only the top of the Valley or Big Ten teams to come to the ARC on a regular basis.
All of the teams I mentioned have good name recognition and or local ties. If we can schedule the Northern Illinois', Oaklands, IUPUIs or Evansvilles of the world on a regular basis, I think the fans should be happy and, we can expect to beat all of them! (well, almost all) ;)
I agree with both of you, if that's possible? I think there's validity each perspective. No, there aren't any games on the schedule (other than Butler) where an average fan can say...yep, I really want go go to that game (ie Purdue, Notre Dame). However, the opponents on the schedule are good teams and they don't have many local YMCA teams on the schedule anymore either.
It's always going to be a disappointing schedule to me unless you can get a BCS team to come here (or the UC). Not looking for a Duke/North Carolina/Ohio State slaughtering, but maybe an Iowa or DePaul? Iona is the better team, but from a fans perspective it's more fun to watch Valpo beat a "name" school.
Valpo plays at Northern Illinois in DeKalb on Tuesday, December 20th according to the NIU men's basketball schedule.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/niu/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/schedule/schedule.pdf (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/niu/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/schedule/schedule.pdf)
Quote from: vu84v2 on August 12, 2011, 12:19:58 PM
I had definitely assumed that the regional Valparaiso is hosting in the 2k tournament will have three teams that finished in the middle or bottom of a smaller conference (or even non-Division 1).
Potential opponents (and last year RPI) in the 2K event include Lehigh (205), William & Mary (228) and Duquesne (106). There will be four more potentials once the schedules for Texas A&M and Miss. State are released.
With the schedules ready to be released, I assume someone at Valpo already knows the teams.
Akron and Duquesne are 2 of the teams in the tourney for sure...the other team has not yet been determined
Quote from: valpo64 on September 01, 2011, 08:58:17 PM
Akron and Duquesne are 2 of the teams in the tourney for sure...the other team has not yet been determined
Excellent opponents. Duquesne from the A-10 - RPI 95 last year. Akron RPI 101
When will the men's schedule be finalized?
Quote from: valpo64 on September 05, 2011, 08:40:20 PM
When will the men's schedule be finalized?
Hopefully before the first game.
Schedule is already done and posted...
Quote from: Mjj on September 06, 2011, 12:29:44 PM
Schedule is already done and posted...
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/schedule/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/schedule/)
I hope to get a group of 6-8 VU grads, to ride over to Statesboro with me and see the Crusaders play at GSU. Georgia Southern gets great coverage from the Savannah newspapers and TV. GO VALPO!
The Crusaders better not take Hillsdale for granted. They have a 7' 1" center named Brandon Crane from Midland, MI who is a redshirt freshman playing his first game for Hillsdale against Valpo.
http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=2354&strBack=%2Fadmissions%2Fnews%2Fnews_archive.asp (http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=2354&strBack=%2Fadmissions%2Fnews%2Fnews_archive.asp)
Averaged more than four blocks per game in each of his last two seasons for MHS, and helped the team double its win total from the year before in 2009-10...Was a team captain for two years and broke school records for most blocked shots in a game (11), season (103) and career (223)...Averaged 10 points per game as a senior, and is among the state of Michigan's all-time best shot blockers.
We don't need a repeat of the U of Indianapolis loss.
Somehow I think we can match his size :o but am concerned about any 7'1" who could average a mighty 10 ppg playing in high school. ;) Funny how they don't list his weight...just a guess...200?? Can you imagine him trying to push Kevin around! Do you think there is a reason why he is at Hillsdale and not a D1??
FYI ... http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/schedule/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/schedule/)
i like that we close the season on a friday night rather than a saturday. though now that i realize it, it's a moot point anyway b/c spring break is starting late (by valpo standards) this year. at least this way there'll be a decent crowd should we manage to get a home game to start the conference tourney out.
Quote from: historyman on September 06, 2011, 01:17:07 PM
The Crusaders better not take Hillsdale for granted. They have a 7' 1" center named Brandon Crane from Midland, MI who is a redshirt freshman playing his first game for Hillsdale against Valpo.
http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=2354&strBack=%2Fadmissions%2Fnews%2Fnews_archive.asp (http://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions/news/news_story.asp?iNewsID=2354&strBack=%2Fadmissions%2Fnews%2Fnews_archive.asp)
Averaged more than four blocks per game in each of his last two seasons for MHS, and helped the team double its win total from the year before in 2009-10...Was a team captain for two years and broke school records for most blocked shots in a game (11), season (103) and career (223)...Averaged 10 points per game as a senior, and is among the state of Michigan's all-time best shot blockers.
We don't need a repeat of the U of Indianapolis loss.
The schedule actually says "Hillside" not Hillsdale". Where the heck is Hillside??
Ending the season by hosting Butler on ESPN U sounds like it could be a very epic time! If the season goes well for both teams...that game could have a lot of impact on the league standings, rpi, postseason berths, etc. Very exciting to speculate! It just makes me wish that I was still on campus. Though I suspect I will find entertainment with the "Cameron Crazies" during my time here at Duke...I suspect that I will always bleed gold.
Quote from: vu72 on September 06, 2011, 01:45:40 PM
Somehow I think we can match his size :o but am concerned about any 7'1" who could average a mighty 10 ppg playing in high school. ;) Funny how they don't list his weight...just a guess...200?? Can you imagine him trying to push Kevin around! Do you think there is a reason why he is at Hillsdale and not a D1??
I know Hillsdale is only DII, but I personally think they'll be a good early season test for Valpo (or any other DI school). They play in a great conference and return their top 4 scorers from last year's 20-6 team (5 of those losses coming to Wayne State and Findlay). Brent Eaton is a very good player (and Indiana kid) who ended up at Hillsdale after spending a season with UWGB.
Quote from: vu72 on September 06, 2011, 03:43:45 PM
The schedule actually says "Hillside" not Hillsdale". Where the heck is Hillside??
Apparently it was a typo, it looks like it's been fixed now.
It seems to be a solid schedule, I can't wait to be back in the ARC! I'm also looking forward to seeing Brent Eaton from Hillsdale play, as we went to the same high school.
i hate to be negative, but only two home games in January???? Gonna be a long month.
Quote from: vu72 on September 06, 2011, 01:45:40 PM
Somehow I think we can match his size :o but am concerned about any 7'1" who could average a mighty 10 ppg playing in high school. ;) Funny how they don't list his weight...just a guess...200?? Can you imagine him trying to push Kevin around! Do you think there is a reason why he is at Hillsdale and not a D1??
This recruiting website says Crane is 210 lbs. It also says his height is 7' 0". So you were fairly close. As we all know tall doesn't necessarily mean talented.
http://hsmichigan.scout.com/a.z?s=207&p=8&c=1&nid=3774419 (http://hsmichigan.scout.com/a.z?s=207&p=8&c=1&nid=3774419)
It looks like Michigan State took a look at him according to this website but declined. I'm sure Valpo wouldn't have passed up getting a look at any seven footer who averaged 10 points a game in high school.
http://michiganstate.scout.com/a.z?s=175&p=2&c=759214&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fmichiganstate.scout.com%2f2%2f759214.html (http://michiganstate.scout.com/a.z?s=175&p=2&c=759214&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fmichiganstate.scout.com%2f2%2f759214.html)
:hijack:
Ooh - nice smiley!
Back on topic (?), I was a little disappointed to see only one home "day" game on the schedule. Strictly a personal disappointment: I respect that three-year-olds are not the target audience for the Crusaders.
6:00 PM for Butler might be fun. But, a 7:00 PM start would mean a substantially missed bed time.
Just found out that Michigan State also plays Hillsdale! I think its on the BTN but not sure if its before or after our matchup.
Should be fun to see how we do vs. MSU against the same team!
The Hillsdale-MSU game is on November 4th on BTN.com. Our game with Hillsdale is on October 29th. Both are exhibition games, so I'm going to be interested in seeing how this year's team plays before I worry about how we'll do against the team in our schedule.
Wow! I can't believe how much talk there is about a Hillsdale game. Keep in mind that it is an exhibition game and thus the coaches should be experimenting with different combinations, seeing everyone on the floor at different times, etc. I am not saying we should lose, but they play exhibition games for a reason.
I have said this in earlier posts and I will raise it again. While I fully realize that the schedule is in a cycle where every other year there is going to be a less desirable home schedule, this home schedule is not great. That changes some if those tournament games at home have some good opponents, but Bowling Green was 14-19 last year and 14-16 the year before. Oakland is a quality home game - but is school in session on 12/17? Consider that along with two of the nine conference home games also being over Christmas break and then only two homes games in January, it becomes very hard to get energy generated around the program (unless of course they are winning big time - that solves most any problem).
To answer your question, the dorms close down at noon on the 17th, so there likely won't be many students at the Oakland game.
Quote from: valporun on September 07, 2011, 07:52:16 PM
The Hillsdale-MSU game is on November 4th on BTN.com. Our game with Hillsdale is on October 29th. Both are exhibition games, so I'm going to be interested in seeing how this year's team plays before I worry about how we'll do against the team in our schedule.
I'm sure I could have worded my post in a worse fashion but not sure how! What I meant to say is, it will be interesting to see how we do against Hillsdale so we can compare our result to the result of the Michigan State-Hillsdale game.
We then can extrapolate to see how we compare result wise to Michigan State. I think that's better. ???
Quote from: valpo64 on September 01, 2011, 08:58:17 PM
Akron and Duquesne are 2 of the teams in the tourney for sure...the other team has not yet been determined
Rumor I hear is that the third team might be Eastern Kentucky.
All games that we should win I believe?
Revenge for the men's soccer loss to Duquesne this season?
But, I guess Akron and Duquesne will probably be no slouches. Akron coming of a 23 win season and a #15 seed. Duquesne coming off a fourth place A10 finish (the best A10 team not to dance?).
If the Valpo team is what we hope, these should be very good games. But, do we know that they're coming to Valpo? Or just that they're taking part in the larger, overall event?
hopefully this is not too off-topic but does anyone know if there will be another hoopsmania night this year and if so when it will be?
I went last year and it was fun to see the personality of the players before things get too serious.
Quote from: letsgovu on September 18, 2011, 01:51:24 PM
hopefully this is not too off-topic but does anyone know if there will be another hoopsmania night this year and if so when it will be?
I went last year and it was fun to see the personality of the players before things get too serious.
College bb practice officially commences on Oct. 14th - less than 4 weeks away. Every year it seems that this event is announced and profiled at the last minute - as if it's an afterthought. It always has the appearance that someone is questioning whether they really want to do it, whether they want to put in the effort to pull a program together, or whatever. The rule of thumb for lead time for sending out invitations to an event that you're truly interested in people showing is 6 weeks. "Save the Date" announcements should go out a minimum of 4 weeks prior to that. This is event planning 101.
Quote from: letsgovu on September 18, 2011, 01:51:24 PM
hopefully this is not too off-topic but does anyone know if there will be another hoopsmania night this year and if so when it will be?
I went last year and it was fun to see the personality of the players before things get too serious.
There will not be a Hoops Mania this year. It was a unanimous decision made by the administration and coaching staff after recognizing the event has lost steam year after year and was pretty disappointing last year.
A lot of school's have had the same experience and have quit doing it....not a big surprise
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on September 18, 2011, 04:30:40 PM
Quote from: letsgovu on September 18, 2011, 01:51:24 PM
hopefully this is not too off-topic but does anyone know if there will be another hoopsmania night this year and if so when it will be?
I went last year and it was fun to see the personality of the players before things get too serious.
There will not be a Hoops Mania this year. It was a unanimous decision made by the administration and coaching staff after recognizing the event has lost steam year after year and was pretty disappointing last year.
A serious decline in student attendance last year. Now we scrap Hoops Mania. What's next in our journey toward institutional apathy? Hopefully, our players (and our potential recruits) won't take their cues from the lack of enthusiasm being demonstrated by their on-campus support system.
Just win baby....win !!!!
I remember that event as being packed when I was in school. I guess it helped that we were making the tournament every year. Almost every game was packed too, sad to see that change.
Quite disappointed to find out there is no "midnight" practice this year. Some awesome times there when I was in school. Seems to me like a lack of interest probably comes from a lack of planning and organization on the part of the administration. Hope to see this come back in future years.
Actually, practice has already started--in a limited manner. I think the team can practice together for two hours a week. Anybody stopped by the ARC to see some action? Any reports? Anything?? :popcorn:
I was considering going this year - could have been a fun event.
But, midnight is past my bedtime!
I wonder if there will be some other "kick-off" event in its place? Either for the start of practices, or the start of games, etc.?
Quote from: agibson on September 19, 2011, 09:47:21 AM
I was considering going this year - could have been a fun event.
But, midnight is past my bedtime!
I wonder if there will be some other "kick-off" event in its place? Either for the start of practices, or the start of games, etc.?
I think the university might have had a kick-off event that was centered around the theme of "Welcome Coach Bryce Drew," and while introducing the new players, they also could have invited folks from Bryce's history in the Valpo community and Valpo high school basketball, beginning the season with some outreach to the local fans that would set a tone for the rest of the season.
QuoteI think the university might have had a kick-off event that was centered around the theme of "Welcome Coach Bryce Drew," and while introducing the new players, they also could have invited folks from Bryce's history in the Valpo community and Valpo high school basketball, beginning the season with some outreach to the local fans that would set a tone for the rest of the season.
Pretty surprised that in Bryce's initial year this type of kick-off event was not planned. Isn't that called sports marketing? Don't we have someone to do that sort of thing? ???
I happened across at least one mini-kickoff event in the church bulletin Sunday. The new director of basketball operations (they called him a new assistant coach) will give a talk to a group of area seniors (as in senior citizens) discussing the upcoming season.
So, there's a certain amount of outreach going on.
Perhaps something bigger is also in the works.
While Hoops Mania/Midnight Madness programs can be fun and entertaining, for many coaches, they want to do away with the glorified light shows and dunk contests of the first practice, and just get to practicing. A lot of coaches have said that one of the problems they have with the public practice to open the season is that it is just basically setup as a street ball session to excite potential fans or season ticket holders, instead of letting this kind of event happen a few days after the season has started. It proves ineffective for some coaches to have to open up their season with a stage show/circus for fans and season ticket holders, instead of just getting the practice unis and shoes on and getting down to the nitty-gritty.
Quote from: valporun on September 19, 2011, 02:24:19 PM
While Hoops Mania/Midnight Madness programs can be fun and entertaining, for many coaches, they want to do away with the glorified light shows and dunk contests of the first practice, and just get to practicing. A lot of coaches have said that one of the problems they have with the public practice to open the season is that it is just basically setup as a street ball session to excite potential fans or season ticket holders, instead of letting this kind of event happen a few days after the season has started. It proves ineffective for some coaches to have to open up their season with a stage show/circus for fans and season ticket holders, instead of just getting the practice unis and shoes on and getting down to the nitty-gritty.
well said valporun. We open the season pretty quickly and with all the new faces on the roster wasting one practice on a dunk contest seems nonproductive. Granted, it may help with student interest and season ticket sales but a quality win will go as far or maybe farther.
Quote from: vu72 on September 19, 2011, 04:16:23 PM
Quote from: valporun on September 19, 2011, 02:24:19 PM
While Hoops Mania/Midnight Madness programs can be fun and entertaining, for many coaches, they want to do away with the glorified light shows and dunk contests of the first practice, and just get to practicing. A lot of coaches have said that one of the problems they have with the public practice to open the season is that it is just basically setup as a street ball session to excite potential fans or season ticket holders, instead of letting this kind of event happen a few days after the season has started. It proves ineffective for some coaches to have to open up their season with a stage show/circus for fans and season ticket holders, instead of just getting the practice unis and shoes on and getting down to the nitty-gritty.
well said valporun. We open the season pretty quickly and with all the new faces on the roster wasting one practice on a dunk contest seems nonproductive. Granted, it may help with student interest and season ticket sales but a quality win will go as far or maybe farther.
We're not talking about a losing program that needs to give people a reason to show up. We had 23 wins last year, we were 12-6 in conference, we were vieing for the conference championship right up until the last week of the season, we had exciting all-conference players, and yet we had dreadful student turnouts at several home games - what clearly seemed to be the worst since before the Bryce Drew era. There were games when school was in session where there were not more than 25-50 students in the student section, depending on the opponent. I don't know what the answer is, but I have a hard time understanding how eliminating the Hoops Mania event fits this scenario. It would seem that logic would dictate that you eliminate it when you no longer need it to generate enthusiasm, not when you do.
Quote from: wh on September 19, 2011, 05:33:02 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 19, 2011, 04:16:23 PM
Quote from: valporun on September 19, 2011, 02:24:19 PM
While Hoops Mania/Midnight Madness programs can be fun and entertaining, for many coaches, they want to do away with the glorified light shows and dunk contests of the first practice, and just get to practicing. A lot of coaches have said that one of the problems they have with the public practice to open the season is that it is just basically setup as a street ball session to excite potential fans or season ticket holders, instead of letting this kind of event happen a few days after the season has started. It proves ineffective for some coaches to have to open up their season with a stage show/circus for fans and season ticket holders, instead of just getting the practice unis and shoes on and getting down to the nitty-gritty.
well said valporun. We open the season pretty quickly and with all the new faces on the roster wasting one practice on a dunk contest seems nonproductive. Granted, it may help with student interest and season ticket sales but a quality win will go as far or maybe farther.
We're not talking about a losing program that needs to give people a reason to show up. We had 23 wins last year, we were 12-6 in conference, we were vieing for the conference championship right up until the last week of the season, we had exciting all-conference players, and yet we had dreadful student turnouts at several home games - what clearly seemed to be the worst since before the Bryce Drew era. There were games when school was in session where there were not more than 25-50 students in the student section, depending on the opponent. I don't know what the answer is, but I have a hard time understanding how eliminating the Hoops Mania event fits this scenario. It would seem that logic would dictate that you eliminate it when you no longer need it to generate enthusiasm, not when you do.
WH-
You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your critique of the decision. What I failed to mention before is that the traditional Hoops Mania event is being replaced with a different event geared directly towards our student body, with the goal of engaging them on a new level and getting them excited about the upcoming year. We are also planning a separate replacement event that caters to our season ticket holders, recognizing they are another key group who has traditionally attended the Hoops Mania event and would likely appreciate a season ticket holder only version of it. We may not always get things right, but you can be sure there is a ton of thought and hard work being put in to marketing our teams. I hope this clarifies things. More information will be available shortly.
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on September 19, 2011, 06:39:13 PM
Quote from: wh on September 19, 2011, 05:33:02 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 19, 2011, 04:16:23 PM
Quote from: valporun on September 19, 2011, 02:24:19 PM
While Hoops Mania/Midnight Madness programs can be fun and entertaining, for many coaches, they want to do away with the glorified light shows and dunk contests of the first practice, and just get to practicing. A lot of coaches have said that one of the problems they have with the public practice to open the season is that it is just basically setup as a street ball session to excite potential fans or season ticket holders, instead of letting this kind of event happen a few days after the season has started. It proves ineffective for some coaches to have to open up their season with a stage show/circus for fans and season ticket holders, instead of just getting the practice unis and shoes on and getting down to the nitty-gritty.
well said valporun. We open the season pretty quickly and with all the new faces on the roster wasting one practice on a dunk contest seems nonproductive. Granted, it may help with student interest and season ticket sales but a quality win will go as far or maybe farther.
We're not talking about a losing program that needs to give people a reason to show up. We had 23 wins last year, we were 12-6 in conference, we were vieing for the conference championship right up until the last week of the season, we had exciting all-conference players, and yet we had dreadful student turnouts at several home games - what clearly seemed to be the worst since before the Bryce Drew era. There were games when school was in session where there were not more than 25-50 students in the student section, depending on the opponent. I don't know what the answer is, but I have a hard time understanding how eliminating the Hoops Mania event fits this scenario. It would seem that logic would dictate that you eliminate it when you no longer need it to generate enthusiasm, not when you do.
WH-
You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your critique of the decision. What I failed to mention before is that the traditional Hoops Mania event is being replaced with a different event geared directly towards our student body, with the goal of engaging them on a new level and getting them excited about the upcoming year. We are also planning a separate replacement event that caters to our season ticket holders, recognizing they are another key group who has traditionally attended the Hoops Mania event and would likely appreciate a season ticket holder only version of it. We may not always get things right, but you can be sure there is a ton of thought and hard work being put in to marketing our teams. I hope this clarifies things. More information will be available shortly.
I suddenly feel WAY better! Thanks for the clarification.
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on September 19, 2011, 06:39:13 PM
[We are also planning a separate replacement event that caters to our season ticket holders, recognizing they are another key group who has traditionally attended the Hoops Mania event and would likely appreciate a season ticket holder only version of it.
Just received the invitation to season ticket holders for an open practice and light dinner provided by Blackbird Cafe on October 15. I assume this is what Valpomarketingguy is referencing. Sounds like a good event, and I'm looking forward to it.
Quote from: valpopal on September 27, 2011, 06:13:18 PM
Quote from: valpomarketingguy on September 19, 2011, 06:39:13 PM
[We are also planning a separate replacement event that caters to our season ticket holders, recognizing they are another key group who has traditionally attended the Hoops Mania event and would likely appreciate a season ticket holder only version of it.
Just received the invitation to season ticket holders for an open practice and light dinner provided by Blackbird Cafe on October 15. I assume this is what Valpomarketingguy is referencing. Sounds like a good event, and I'm looking forward to it.
Me too!
Quote from: valpopal on September 09, 2011, 12:33:37 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on September 01, 2011, 08:58:17 PM
Akron and Duquesne are 2 of the teams in the tourney for sure...the other team has not yet been determined
Rumor I hear is that the third team might be Eastern Kentucky.
Eastern Kentucky just released their schedule, and apparently they are not the third team.
Southern U?
As per the other thread, Akron and Duquesne are confirmed. And IU Kokomo, a first year team, club this year, NAIA next year, is the third. The other team that will play in the ARC (but not against Valpo) is D2 University of DC.
So I'm thinking our non-conference schedule is pretty good and better than last year.
Using the final Sagarin rankings from last year, we play teams ranked 1,16,58,72,122,133,174,235,282 and 335. This is not counting anyone non-D1.
Last year we played teams ranked 2,13,58,130,146,155,174,302,312 and 333.
These ranking do not include the Bracket Buster or Post Season play.
So we play four teams in the top 100 vs. 3, 7 teams in the top 200 vs. 7 last year, but only 1 ranked in the 300's vs. 3 last year.
By the way, we finished ranked 94, our best finish since 07-08 when we also were ranked 94, but before that you have to go back to 02-03 when we finished ranked 93. Our highest finish was in 01-02 when we were ranked 62, other than our top 25 finish in 97-98.
According to the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, we will be facing 2 nationally ranked opponents: Ohio State 3rd and Arizona 16th.
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings)
Interesting to see that Butler received 25 votes and is essentially ranked #31.
Preview about Ohio State from former player. Fun read.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7123675/why-ohio-state-win-national-championship (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7123675/why-ohio-state-win-national-championship)
Quote from: valpo84 on October 20, 2011, 10:13:11 PM
Preview about Ohio State from former player. Fun read.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7123675/why-ohio-state-win-national-championship (http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7123675/why-ohio-state-win-national-championship)
Did he really need to make the comment about Greg Oden and his genitals? :o