Thought I might as well start a new thread for Arch Madness. I can't wait to make the trip down to St. Louis next year!
The Conference picked up the option to host the Tournament at the Scottrade Center for 2 additional years: 2019 & 2020.
http://www.valleyhoopsinsider.com/arch-madness-staying-in-st-louis/
MISSOURI VALLEYArch Madness Staying in St. Louis
By: Harry Schroeder
Date: August 18, 2017
.........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1daACacX2m4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do6JxUMI-P0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts7FrqT_Hh8
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/898243962200354823
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/898244303981621249
https://twitter.com/THefferman/status/898246115081961474
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPt82UyftMI
A very interesting in depth radio interview (30min) with Associate Commish Jack Watkins talking about the extension and how crucial it was to get the Scottrade Center renovations done to convince the MVC to stay in St. Louis. Also talks possible expansion to 12 members.
http://www.ktrs.com/the-big-sports-show/
I'm also planning a short trip to watch the team play. Can't wait!
A little more information on the latest Scottrade Center dispute.
St. Louis dispute gives Valley pause with long-term deal (http://thesouthern.com/sports/college/salukimania/hefferman-st-louis-dispute-gives-valley-pause-with-long-term/article_268a11dd-8110-5ec2-a9ad-19986f21e0d5.html)
maybe just maybe theres a chance of bringing it to Detroit. ;D
Fort Wayne? Quad Cities? Maybe rotate to Sheboygan and St. Louis as well, and have a theme of former NBA cities.
I thought the racial issues were over in St Louis but this new problem with a St Louis City white police officer shooting a black man and being found not guilty of planting a gun on the dead body has brought up all the old issues. This shooting goes back to 2011. It was the summer of 2014 when Michael Brown was shot. I really hope this is over by the beginning of March.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/heated-protests-follow-stockley-acquittal/article_c7ee91ad-e65b-5da6-84cb-0b478078c8cb.html
http://www.stltoday.com/read-the-verdict-in-the-jason-stockley-murder-case/pdf_57b2d12c-83d8-53a0-ba1f-18b659a7e569.html
http://www.stltoday.com/news/multimedia/special/the-jason-stockley-case-a-timeline-of-events/html_c7de8887-421d-5fbc-91d0-d11615ffe480.html
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/st-louis-reacts-to-not-guilty-verdict-in-jason-stockley/collection_398c09a5-41fc-52f1-96b5-f4e77c259a44.html
http://video.foxnews.com/c80b26bd-1c35-47c3-94b8-1e32d16e1117
Yes, let's hope it will have blown over. Cold weather and time passage probably will probably work in favor of Arch Madness.
That city really seems snake bit on this issue. In reality Stockley looks like an understandable frustration trigger for public outcry. The prosecutor went for First degree murder and allowed Stockley to be found not guilty. That "walk away free" outcome just inflamed the public perceptions and anger. Seems the prosecutor should have pursued manslaughter 1 or murder 2. But that's hindsight.
Unlike the Michael Brown facts, the Stockley case seems to be a very tough call. It' a real shame that the Ferguson case had already ignited the St. Louis violence in 2015 because the "hands up don't shoot" narrative was locked in so quickly by the national media (and by our U.S. President and Atty General) before the whole story was fully known. Once viewed fairly, the Michael Brown fact set was not even a close call.
I truly wonder if the Ferguson fiasco compounded the state population's irritation with Mizzou's campus protests. When the Mizzou administration caved, the public decided that the campus protesters and some loud-mouthed faculty were falsely building on the implausible Ferguson "cause." They probably decided that the leaders were weak and the faculty had no grasp on reality. Hence the massive enrollment drop by 35% over two years. There were other good in-state choices.
This topic warrants discussion but lets not go down a rabbit hole on this basketball thread. Lets hope the unrest blows over by the time Arch Madness roles around in March, but lets keep the discussion about basketball, at least on this specific forum.
A new jumbotron at the Scottrade Center.
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/910168892261191680
https://twitter.com/StLouisBlues/status/910168604850753537
Quote from: VU2014 on September 20, 2017, 04:02:09 PM
A new jumbotron at the Scottrade Center.
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/910168892261191680
https://twitter.com/StLouisBlues/status/910168604850753537
They may have a bigger jumbotron but the Blues are the major sport team with more playoff appearances (83%) in their 49 years of existence and yet have never won a championship (Stanley Cup). A truly awful playoff streak. A record setting 41 futile playoff appearances. Nobody in any major sport has anywhere near that record in the playoffs (0-41).
https://champsorchumps.us/team/nhl/st-louis-blues
Wow, that is an interesting fact that I never thought about. They have always been successful, so you would think they would have a Stanley Cup.
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/938802196556271616
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/938802833742278656
http://www.mvc-sports.com/news/2017/12/7/arch-madness-tickets-on-sale-dec-8.aspx
ARCH MADNESS TICKETS ON SALE DEC. 8
The 2017-18 season has been an historic one for Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball as the league is in the midst of one of its best starts in the past half century. Six teams enter the second week of December in the Top 100 of the RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), and Loyola's win at No. 5 Florida on Dec. 6 marked the first Top-5 road win by a league member since 1967.
Arch Madness Tickets on Sale (PDF): http://www.mvc-sports.com/documents/2017/12/7//Tickets_On_Sale.pdf?id=1182
The Missouri Valley Conference will conduct its 28th St. Louis-based postseason men's basketball championship when the State Farm MVC Tournament takes the hardwood at Scottrade Center, on March 1-4, 2018. The State Farm MVC Tournament, also known uniquely as "Arch Madness" to Valley fans, will be played at Scottrade Center for the 24th time. With 28-straight years at the same neutral site, Arch Madness is the second-longest neutral site tenured collegiate tourney in the nation.
2018 State Farm MVC Basketball all-session tournament tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 8. There is a new seating configuration in the lower bowl at Scottrade Center, so please act fast in securing your tickets.
• 10 a.m. CT at the Scottrade Center box office
• 12 noon CT on TicketMaster (www.ticketmaster.com) or (800-745-3000)
• All-session tickets (9 games) start at $155.
MVC fans can also contact their institutional ticket offices to purchase discounted tickets prior to Jan. 15.
Tournament Game Times (All times CST):
Session I --- Thursday, March 1 --- 6 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Session II --- Friday, March 2 --- 12 p.m. & 24 minutes after Game 3 ends.
Session III --- Friday, March 2 --- 6 p.m. & 24 minutes after Game 5 ends.
Session IV --- Saturday, March 3 --- 2:30 p.m. & 24 minutes after Game 7 ends.
Session V --- Sunday, March 4 --- 1 p.m.
Qualifying-round pairings to be announced February 25. Times subject to change.
The MVC Fan Hangout will be at Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis (open before and after games)
Additional details and fan information can be found at ArchMadness.com
Hope we don't play on Thursday... and play in the first game on Friday. ;D
Have there been any details from VU?
I assume there will be single day tickets available at some point.
Not sure I can manage going for the whole tournament, without the family.
Quote from: agibson on December 07, 2017, 12:34:39 PMHave there been any details from VU?I assume there will be single day tickets available at some point.
According to Arch Madness. The best way to guarantee seating within your school's section at Scottrade Center is one of three ways:
1. Complete ticket application and return it with payment to your institution's ticket office by January 15, 2018
2. Buy tickets in person at your school's box office on campus.
3. Place a credit card order by calling your institution's ticket office.
Of course this is for the discount ticket price for all sessions, but is cheaper than buying single sessions if you go to more than 2.
Price $155 before Jan 15, after that date $175. Single game prices for last 2 sessions are $60 each.
Quote from: talksalot on December 07, 2017, 10:41:09 AM
Hope we don't play on Thursday... and play in the first game on Friday. ;D
If we don't play Thursday that will be good but I'm beginning to have reality sink in and see our team as 5th or even lower in the conference standings by the end of the year. The talent must come out every game and can't disappear en mass during the conference season. The top of the conference is simply too tough and the bottom of the conference won't be easy.
https://twitter.com/ValpoAlumni/status/963089327499685888
Some interesting conversation here about tiebreakers scenarios. StlVUFan use to be a frequent contributor on this board.
https://twitter.com/KirkWessler/status/964317799966564353
https://twitter.com/KirkWessler/status/964528067011121154
https://twitter.com/KirkWessler/status/964535952080285696
https://twitter.com/KirkWessler/status/964537628556132352
https://twitter.com/KirkWessler/status/964544989320613889
Arch Madness ticket sales are way down this season. Not to surprising considering the conference lost a huge fan-base in Wichita State that would always show up big because they were a dominate program.
https://twitter.com/bradleyhoops/status/964550213443641344
MVC tournament ticket sales down significantly
By Dave Reynolds
Journal Star sports reporter
Posted at 11:06 AM
All-session ticket sales for individual schools to the Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball tournament are down by 31 percent from last year's total.
.......
Each university is obligated to buy 225 all-session tickets. If they sell this minimum allotment, more can be ordered from the MVC office.
......
Bradley: 275 (225)
Drake: 225 (225)
Evansville: 225 (225)
Illinois State: 475 (580)
Indiana State: 225 (225)
Loyola: 225 (225)
Missouri State: 225 (225)
UNI: 300 (320)
Southern Illinois: 250 (358)
Valparaiso: 225 (N/A)
Total: 2,642
2017 -- 3,847 (Wichita State sold 1,354 last year)
The Valley is hopeful that several ticket promotions
http://www.pjstar.com/sports/20180216/mvc-tournament-ticket-sales-down-significantly?rssfeed=true&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social
The departure of Wichita State is the main factor, but I think the wide-open nature of the conference this season is probably also having an effect. Who, besides maybe Loyola, is confident enough in their team's chances to make it through to Sunday to buy an all-session pass?
Loyola likely isn't going to draw well at Arch Madness even with their success this season. They barely drew over 2,000 fans to Gentile when we played them on Wednesday. I saw Valpo fans in the crowd that night.
I think the Arch Madness ticket sales decline puts more pressure on the Conference to expand to 12 to boost ticket sales at the event. It sounds like Murray State travels well and sounds like a obvious add. Belmont is another favorite among fans because of their basketball success but they aren't drawing very many fans to their own games in Nashville, so it seems unlikely they'd be willing to travel to St. Louis.
I think most MVC schools largest alumni base (outside of their schools towns) would probably be Chicago.
With all due respect, adding teams just to sell a few more tickets for a three-day event is NOT a reason to expand, at all.
Unless expansion practically guarantees a multiple bid league or a significantly larger TV contract, it makes zero economic sense to split the meager pie into smaller segments.
Obviously you don't just add teams to sell more tickets but they've openly admitted its a consideration.
I'm not sure how the TV rights contracts are structure. If they add 2 more teams does that mean the conference gets paid for that additional content or does the conference only receive a flat rate regardless of how many teams are in the conference and we'd have to divvy up the revenue to 2 more teams.
I doubt MVC teams are making a killing off of TV rights. I'd imagine most, if not all MVC athletics departments are running into the red.
I was running the numbers and looking at the matchups and it might actually be better for Valpo to be a #10 seed instead of #8 or #9 so we wouldn't have to face Loyola on Friday in the 2nd round. I'd much rather us play the likely #2 seed in SIU. I just think we're a better matchup against SIU. We could have won that SIU game on the road if the Free Throw differential wasn't so extreme.
Two teams that I think we're a bad matchup against is Loyola and Missouri State. We are just too inconsistent at the 4 and the Alize Johnson matchup is a problem with this current roster.
(http://mvc.sidearmsports.com/images/2017/7/3/2018_ArchMadness_Bracket.jpg)
Quote from: VU2014 on February 19, 2018, 01:16:54 PM
I was running the numbers and looking at the matchups and it might actually be better for Valpo to be a #10 seed instead of #8 or #9 so we wouldn't have to face Loyola on Friday in the 2nd round. I'd much rather us play the likely #2 seed in SIU. I just think we're a better matchup against SIU. We could have won that SIU game on the road if the Free Throw differential wasn't so extreme.
Two teams that I think we're a bad matchup against is Loyola and Missouri State. We are just too inconsistent at the 4 and the Alize Johnson matchup is a problem with this current roster.
(http://mvc.sidearmsports.com/images/2017/7/3/2018_ArchMadness_Bracket.jpg)
Would be nice to have that Evansville home game back.
ILSU fan here. I bought all session tickets and will not be going till Friday. 2 tickets in section 103. $25 a piece.
So... As the 10-Seed, we get #7... who will it be... I think I got this... but we'll know a lot more in about 18 hours
6 MISSOURI STATE 7 - 9 Bradley @ UNI RPI 116 VS Indiana state 2-0, Vs. Evansville 1-1, VS UNI 1-0
7 EVANSVILLE 6 - 10 @ Indiana State Southern Illinois RPI 129 VS Indiana State 0-1, VS Missouri State 1-1
7 INDIANA STATE 6 - 10 Evansville Bradley RPI 186 VS MoST 0-2, VS Evansville 1-0
9 NORTHERN IOWA 6 - 11 Missouri State RPI 146 Vs. Indiana State 0-2, VS Missouri State 0-1, Vs. Evansville 1-1
SO...
If Missouri State loses both, 7-11, would win the tie breaker with IndSt; and the RPI would be close with Evansville
If Missouri State wins tonight, their RPI would probably become unreachable, and clinch the 6 seed, holding all tie breakers
If Evansville wins tonight, they lock #8, and would probably get the #7 with a win over Southern Illinois with a higher RPI
If Evansville wins tonight and Saturday and Missouri State loses tonight and beats UNI, both ending at 8-10, the RPI would be close for the #6 seed
If Indiana State wins tonight, they lock #8, and would get the #7 with a win over Bradley
If Indiana State wins tonight, and loses on Saturday to Bradley, looks like Evansville would take the #7
If Indiana State loses tonight, and loses on Saturday to Bradley, They fall to #9 if UNI beats Missouri State
Where does that leave UNI?
If UNI wins on Saturday at home over Missouri State, they become 7-11, and win the tiebreaker with Indiana State, moving up to #8
so... we could play either Missouri State, Evansville or Indiana State... wearing our road uniforms, at 8:35pm March 1st on ESPN3.
Dust is settling down for the Rambler Invitational at the Scottrade Center...
Loyola 75 SIU 56
Illinois State 89 Drake 81, Overtime
Bradley 82 Missouri State 78
Indiana State 58 Evansville 53
With one game left on everyone's schedule...standings with RPI and current streak
Loyola 14-3 34 6 Wins hosts Illinois State #1 Seed
Sou Ill 11-6 85 1 Loss at Evansville
Ill St 10-7 86 2 Wins at Loyola
Drake 10-7 136 1 Loss hosts Valpo
Bradley 9-8 95 1 Win hosts Indiana State
Mssr St 7-10 125 3 Losses at Northern Iowa
Ind St 7-10 179 1 Win at Bradley
Evansvl 6-11 141 4 Losses hosts Southern Illinois
Nor Ia 6-11 145 1 Win Hosts Missouri State
Valpo 5-12 185 1 Loss at Drake #10 Seed
We could have a 3-way tie at 11-7
We could have a 3-way tie at 10-8
We could have a 4-way tie at 7-11
The only thing I can say for sure...
Valpo plays in the last game on Thursday.
Loyola plays at noon on Friday.
The top 5 teams now will be the top 5 teams on Sunday
I would like to avoid Missouri state because I think it's a bad match-up. Any team with a good 4 is trouble for us. We struggle against teams who have a good center or power forward.
I think we want to avoid Northern Iowa and Missouri State at all costs. I think we lose both of those games.
Personally, I would like to see us play Evansville again. We should not have lost to them twice.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 22, 2018, 10:01:25 AM
I think we want to avoid Northern Iowa and Missouri State at all costs. I think we lose both of those games.
Personally, I would like to see us play Evansville again. We should not have lost to them twice.
I think we can beat Northern Iowa, even if we're 0-2 against them this season.
A healthy Illinois State, Missouri State and Loyola are the 3 worst matchups, imo. I think Drake, SIU, and Indiana State are the "best" matchups.
The only way Valparaiso is playing Evansville or UNI is in the title game.
Valparaiso is playing either Indiana State or Missouri State in the first round (likely Indiana State). Then either Southern Illinois or Illinois State in the second round (likely Southern Illinois).
Don't think we should be overly worried about matchups.
Bottom line: A win and a close loss to the #2 would be a really nice lift going into the offseason. A double digit loss in the first round would make this a long summer with a lot more questions than answers.
I am going for the whole tournament just to experience it. I've been told not to expect much with WSU gone, as they occupied much of the building in recent years. But it's bound to be a much better experience than Detroit, and St Louis has done so much with their downtown in the last 10-15 years.
If the weather is decent I won't have to set foot in a car for 3 and half days. Worth it for that alone! (Ok, so i'll take an Uber to the AB Brewery.)
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 22, 2018, 11:25:25 AM
Don't think we should be overly worried about matchups.
Bottom line: A win and a close loss to the #2 would be a really nice lift going into the offseason. A double digit loss in the first round would make this a long summer with a lot more questions than answers.
The things is depending on who the matchups are could determine the difference from a win and a loss. We simply aren't a good matchup with some teams which makes it somewhat ok to "worry" about in my book.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 21, 2018, 10:51:51 PM
I would like to avoid Missouri state because I think it's a bad match-up. Any team with a good 4 is trouble for us. We struggle against teams who have a good center or power forward.
Smits/Sorolla have been effective this season against undersized centers. When they face a legit center such as Koch they just look terrible out there.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 22, 2018, 11:52:22 AM
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 21, 2018, 10:51:51 PM
I would like to avoid Missouri state because I think it's a bad match-up. Any team with a good 4 is trouble for us. We struggle against teams who have a good center or power forward.
Smits/Sorolla have been effective this season against undersized centers. When they face a legit center such as Koch they just look terrible out there.
Koch is pretty undersized and is more of 4. Smits/Sorolla were taken to the woodshed against Phil Fayne, who is leaps and bounds more athletic than them. Sorolla is less of a liability on defense, while Smits is more effective on offense, barring any silly turnovers he's making.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 22, 2018, 12:23:03 PM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 22, 2018, 11:52:22 AM
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 21, 2018, 10:51:51 PM
I would like to avoid Missouri state because I think it's a bad match-up. Any team with a good 4 is trouble for us. We struggle against teams who have a good center or power forward.
Smits/Sorolla have been effective this season against undersized centers. When they face a legit center such as Koch they just look terrible out there.
Koch is pretty undersized and is more of 4. Smits/Sorolla were taken to the woodshed against Phil Fayne, who is leaps and bounds more athletic than them. Sorolla is less of a liability on defense, while Smits is more effective on offense, barring any silly turnovers he's making.
If we think back a few years to Cory Johnson, we also had an undersized center who played the five out of necessity. Cory would school guys like the kid from Butler, Andrew Smith (God rest his soul) who was way bigger but also way slower. We need to continually work to find plays that take advantage of our size, not just have 7 footers running screens at the top of the key.
Welllllll.... about that Missouri State - Drake Game...this past SUNDAY
https://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/college/msu/2018/02/19/six-msu-players-and-superfan-were-ejected-sundays-game-heres-why/351354002/
Here's the MOSt storyline on their game Wednesday against Bradley
SPRINGFIELD – On a night dedicated to Missouri State's five seniors, it was junior Jarred Dixon who stole the spotlight. The lanky guard scored a career-high 24 points and dropped in six 3-pointers against a visiting Bradley club that rallied from behind in the final two-and-a-half minutes to defeat the Bears, 82-78, here Wednesday.
MSU (17-13, 7-10 MVC), which dropped its third straight narrow decision, also got 20 points from senior Jarrid Rhodes, just one shy of his career high. Freshman Mustafa Lawrence added 11 points for the home side.
All five starters scored in double figures for Bradley (19-11, 9-8 MVC), including Nate Kennell who scored 20 points behind six treys of his own. The Braves also capitalized on an abundance of foul shots, converting 25-of-31 (.806) at the stripe.
Missouri State shot 100-percent at the free throw line but got there just nine times on the evening.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 22, 2018, 12:23:03 PMKoch is pretty undersized and is more of 4.
Koch is listed at 6' 10" and I believe that to be reasonably accurate. His shifty pivot moves and shooting range remind me more of a KVW only better (slightly). Admittedly the total number of UNI games I have watched with him participating might be 12 or less but when he is on he can hurt anybody.
Indiana State has done the math on the Bottom of the seeding charts...
"Indiana State's victory coupled with Bradley's win at Missouri State tonight sets up a huge regular season finale on Saturday. Sycamores will need to capture their fourth MVC road victory of the season against the Braves and UNI will need to hold serve at home against Missouri State to give the Sycamores the No. 6 seed at Arch Madness and avoid Thursday's opening round."
so I gather that The Sycs lose the tie breaker to Missouri State; and win the tie-breaker over Evansville... so if Indiana State loses to Bradley OR UNI beats Missouri State, we get Indiana State on Thursday night...
I'm hoping someone at the MVC office will put together all of the options for Saturday outcomes...
Quote from: vu72 on February 22, 2018, 03:04:36 PMWe need to continually work to find plays that take advantage of our size, not just have 7 footers running screens at the top of the key.
I have thought almost all season that we never really get the ball to the 2 bigs on the block. 70% of the time our bigs were 20+ feet from the basket setting screens, hard to score and maybe more importantly rebound from that position. I realize that the high ball screen offenses are all the rage, and these screens were originally designed to create driving situations for our perimeter players, strengths for Max, Tevonn and Joe. In this offense, when he gets the ball, Derrik is almost always 10 to 12 feet from the basket and after holding the ball for a few seconds either passes or attempts a move to the basket, many times, in my opinion, this is too late. I guess I am old school, but I would prefer an approach more like what Cameron Krutwig showed against our bigs in the recent game with Loyola, deep, explosively quick moves or dropsteps to the basket. Rarely did you see a player like Kevin Van Wijk hold the ball the way Derrik does, primarily because he got the ball very deep with the defender on his back or hip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s042JxAsQHo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s042JxAsQHo)
Looks like we'll get either Missouri State or Evansville in the play in game. We went 0-4 against these teams but the only one we truly had no chance in was the first meeting with the Bears. In the road meetings with these two teams we absolutely could have, even should have, won. I expect a close hard fought game no matter who we play with a legitimate chance of a Valpo victory. Go Valpo!
I hope it's not Missouri state. The 4 position kills us
Check out how close Evansville and Missouri State are in the RPI rankings. :o I'd rather play Evansville. Better matchup for us.
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/967557702842011648
As of right now according to Real Time RPI we are going to face Missouri State. Missouri State is 131 and Evansville is 132 on the RPI rankings.
I'm personally hoping we some play Evansville. The Alize Johnson matchup at the 4 is a serious concern. Also Obediah Church is a tough matchup (a former Valpo recruit).
Missouri State is riding a 4 game losing streak. They are 2-9 since their last win over us back in mid-January. They are scuffling so maybe they are a "better" matchup. Regardless it won't be easy.
Valpo will be playing the Missouri State at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Even if we win on Thursday it will be a brutal path. If we win then we play the next day on short rest and not much time for the guys to recover for a team with fresh legs in SIU.
I want to beat them, if nothing more than to just shut their announcers up about the step up in play, as if we couldn't have competed against MVC schools in the past...even though we beat MoSt every time during those years. All other announcers were great, but MoSt was pitiful.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 25, 2018, 12:47:52 AM
Valpo will be playing the Missouri State at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.
In VU's two games against Missouri State, Alize Johnson scored 35 points and had 29 rebounds. In those games Johnson averaged about 30 minutes but only had two fouls. If he does that again, I am not sure how the Crusaders win. I don't know if Valpo could go at Johnson early hoping to get him in foul trouble (his history shows he usually doesn't get called for fouls much against anyone) or if a defensive adjustment could be made. In Johnson's two games against Bradley, he averaged only 6.5 points, and in one of those games he got in early foul trouble so only played 15 minutes. That is the only conference team to have such success against him. If I were Lottich, I'd be watching video of those games.
(Drake did have one game where Johnson was held to only 2 points on 0-9 shooting, and I would watch tape of that game as well.)
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/967768843581100038
Kenpom seeding predictions for Arch Madness.
https://twitter.com/kenpomeroy/status/967864111676588033
E'Ville and UNI are a tossup for their Thursday match up. MO State has a 13.6 gap on us in our game. But you know what they (whoever "they" are) say -- the hardest thing to do is win three in a row. Interesting that if we beat MO State, we are seen to have a better chance to get to the semis than either E'Ville or UNI. Am I reading this right?
Quote from: vu72 on February 22, 2018, 03:04:36 PM
If we think back a few years to Cory Johnson, we also had an undersized center who played the five out of necessity. Cory would school guys like the kid from Butler, Andrew Smith (God rest his soul) who was way bigger but also way slower. We need to continually work to find plays that take advantage of our size, not just have 7 footers running screens at the top of the key.
Cory, along with Brandon Wood, Ryan B. and Peters put up some of the best individual offensive stats in the Horizon League. No wonder that Valpo dominated the Horizon for so many years.
They'll need to find their next big superstar to climb to the top of the MVC. I don't know if that player is on the roster yet ... maybe Fazekas is that guy.
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 25, 2018, 04:09:29 PM
E'Ville and UNI are a tossup for their Thursday match up. MO State has a 13.6 gap on us in our game. But you know what they (whoever "they" are) say -- the hardest thing to do is win three in a row. Interesting that if we beat MO State, we are seen to have a better chance to get to the semis than either E'Ville or UNI. Am I reading this right?
On the bright side we're playing better basketball since the last time we player Missouri State.
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 25, 2018, 05:50:58 PM
Quote from: vu72 on February 22, 2018, 03:04:36 PM
If we think back a few years to Cory Johnson, we also had an undersized center who played the five out of necessity. Cory would school guys like the kid from Butler, Andrew Smith (God rest his soul) who was way bigger but also way slower. We need to continually work to find plays that take advantage of our size, not just have 7 footers running screens at the top of the key.
Cory, along with Brandon Wood, Ryan B. and Peters put up some of the best individual offensive stats in the Horizon League. No wonder that Valpo dominated the Horizon for so many years.
They'll need to find their next big superstar to climb to the top of the MVC. I don't know if that player is on the roster yet ... maybe Fazekas is that guy.
In the meantime, Marcus?
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 25, 2018, 07:20:17 PM
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 25, 2018, 05:50:58 PM
Quote from: vu72 on February 22, 2018, 03:04:36 PM
If we think back a few years to Cory Johnson, we also had an undersized center who played the five out of necessity. Cory would school guys like the kid from Butler, Andrew Smith (God rest his soul) who was way bigger but also way slower. We need to continually work to find plays that take advantage of our size, not just have 7 footers running screens at the top of the key.
Cory, along with Brandon Wood, Ryan B. and Peters put up some of the best individual offensive stats in the Horizon League. No wonder that Valpo dominated the Horizon for so many years.
They'll need to find their next big superstar to climb to the top of the MVC. I don't know if that player is on the roster yet ... maybe Fazekas is that guy.
In the meantime, Marcus?
Marcus and Bakari can play. Though I give the edge to Marcus because he's an all around player.
If Fazekas plays as well as either of those players we should be Top 5 next year with all the graduation of seniors in the league. I'm dreaming anyway!
With Marcus, Bakari and Fazekas we have three of the pieces. IMO, our continued success is dependent on (1) the development of Derrik and Jay. Without them as offensive threats, rebounders and rim protectors, we are just OK. Somehow for 2019/20 we need to sign a 6'10"+ Vashil/ KVW. (2) finding a great PG from among our new recruits. I wonder where Jevon will fit in all this. This team needs a Buggs or Keith. Oh, and BTW we need another Alec. ;)
So you're saying there's a chance!
Yeah. If dreams come true.
Strength in the paint @ the 5 (both on O and D ::) ) [that can happen with a lot of weights and work]
+
A good 3 pt threat [Ryan is in the wings waiting]
+
Scoring from the 2 [Bakari]
+
Great athleticism and scoring from our 3 [Marcus]
+
A true PG who distributes, drives and dishes, and scores outside when left open [TBD]
And Great D by everyone [not an issue, that is the Valpo Way].
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 25, 2018, 08:19:50 PM
With Marcus, Bakari and Fazekas we have three of the pieces. IMO, our continued success is dependent on (1) the development of Derrik and Jay. Without them as offensive threats, rebounders and rim protectors, we are just OK. Somehow for 2019/20 we need to sign a 6'10"+ Vashil/ KVW. (2) finding a great PG from among our new recruits. I wonder where Jevon will fit in all this. This team needs a Buggs or Keith. Oh, and BTW we need another Alec. ;)
Um, have you been paying attention?? ???
Yes. Every recruit is an IF until the season starts and the ball hits the hardwood. Cases in point: two really good players on our roster who turned out not to be that true PG that we really needed. Jevon might be capable of lighting it up, but will he do so at D-I and where do you play him and still get the balance you need? The Canadian kid might be the role filler that makes a difference. It all has to play out until November. Now, if Jevon is the next Alec, all bets are off.
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 25, 2018, 08:19:50 PM
With Marcus, Bakari and Fazekas we have three of the pieces. IMO, our continued success is dependent on (1) the development of Derrik and Jay. Without them as offensive threats, rebounders and rim protectors, we are just OK. Somehow for 2019/20 we need to sign a 6'10"+ Vashil/ KVW. (2) finding a great PG from among our new recruits. I wonder where Jevon will fit in all this. This team needs a Buggs or Keith. Oh, and BTW we need another Alec. ;)
Vashil made significant improvement between his sophomore and junior seasons. If one or both of our 5s improve anywhere near as much we will be ok there. We will need a big improvement from our 4s both on offense and defense and a great point guard to really compete with the top teams. Fingers crossed that the kid from Canada can fill that bill. A lot to hope for in a freshman.
I am not sure of the Vegas odds of winning the conference tournament, but if the odds for Valpo is 20-1 or higher I would take it. Valpo can beat anyone in the Valley and strange things happen in conference tournaments.
Found this on the Valpo Athletic site. THE ULTIMATE SPIN!!
The Crusaders are the 10th seed for Arch Madness after posting a 6-12 record in their first season of MVC play, matching the most wins by a 10th-place team since the conference expanded to 10 programs.
thats a nice warm fuzzy coimpliment
I think they call it putting lipstick on a pig.
Or more politely, damning with faint praise.
Tickets still available Make me an offer. Live in Champaign IL. Can meet me on your way down to Arch Madness
I will take the tickets if you also give me $25. ;)
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 25, 2018, 08:19:50 PM
With Marcus, Bakari and Fazekas we have three of the pieces. IMO, our continued success is dependent on (1) the development of Derrik and Jay. Without them as offensive threats, rebounders and rim protectors, we are just OK. Somehow for 2019/20 we need to sign a 6'10"+ Vashil/ KVW. (2) finding a great PG from among our new recruits. I wonder where Jevon will fit in all this. This team needs a Buggs or Keith. Oh, and BTW we need another Alec. ;)
I'm not sure which is more likely, a facilities upgrade planned in the next 5 years or getting all those recruits in the next 5 years.
Quote from: bbtds on February 26, 2018, 11:28:31 AM
I'm not sure which is more likely, a facilities upgrade planned in the next 5 years or getting all those recruits in the next 5 years.
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DefensiveGrandioseAustralianfurseal-size_restricted.gif)
Don't expect Micah to be on this trip.
Make that 2 open scholarship for next season.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/VbvjcQp6cYYYE/giphy.gif)
Is he hurt? Sick? Contemplating a transfer?
And it just got even tougher
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 26, 2018, 01:19:06 PM
Is he hurt? Sick? Contemplating a transfer?
See for yourself on nwi.com
Oh dear...
My guess is the two felony charges get dropped pretty easily. If he's never been in any trouble those seem like annoyance charges. IE they pissed the police off so they hit them with a couple other charges for the extra hassle.
He'll probably end up with a possession of marijuana misdemeanor and hopefully a life lesson. I'd hate to see this get him kicked off the team for something like this.
Wow... That headline really made it sound worse than it is... I do hope that he is able to remain on the team if it's really not that serious He was really starting to turn it around on the court. But if not I'm sure there's a future starting role waiting for him with Coach Kampe.
Throwing your bag of weed out the window to avoid getting caught is a felony? Seems a little harsh for a recreational drug that is less harmful than alcohol.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 26, 2018, 01:43:19 PM
Wow... That headline really made it sound worse than it is...
The folks at NWI.com want their clicks...
Not a good look for the Program or the University. I honestly don't care much about the pot but he needs be smarter then this. When you're caught you are caught. Just open the door and own it. He made it worse for himself by forcing them to get a warrant to search the apartment. Kids will be kids and make mistakes but I'm just disappointed.
The cherry on top of a disappointing season or last 2 seasons.
Not good. porter county doesn't play
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 26, 2018, 01:47:33 PM
Throwing your bag of weed out the window to avoid getting caught is a felony? Seems a little harsh for a recreational drug that is less harmful than alcohol.
They were probably pissed that they made them get a warrant and trying to hide the weed by throwing it out the window. The felony will get dropped in court. Just dumb.
Quote from: Valpo89 on February 26, 2018, 01:10:17 PM
Don't expect Micah to be on this trip.
https://twitter.com/nwi/status/968209387172003842
My guess is that he will plead to some lesser charge, do community service and be suspended for 5 games--if he comes back to Valpo. Just dumb, really dumb.
Jeebus, what the &*%$ else can possibly go wrong with this team? The last 12 months have been a complete dumpster fire of injuries and stupidity.
Well we now know why Coach Lottich missed his media teleconference call today...
At what point do we start sincerely questioning the way this team operates? Too many excuses. Coach L seems like a super good guy. Seriously a good man.
But, there are too many excuses floating around. First, the transfers. Then, Jubril. Then, Sarolla. Then, Joe. Now, Micah.
Just sad. Keep hearing to "trust the process" and such. But, there are thousands of other D-1 athletes (including plenty of freshmen) who aren't making these mistakes. It's starting to become a trend.
What kind of team gatherings are there? What's the chemistry like? Do they want to play together? Idk. Not an insider. Do they see the value of not letting each other down? What's the accountability like?
Maybe it's just kids being kids. I don't know. But, there needs to be something done about this.
It's not like there's 85 guys on scholarship, like football. There's 13. That's manageable. People make mistakes, and we have to help them through it. But, there also needs to be changes made in how things are managed... I would think.
Sad. Very sad. 😢
I hope Micah doesn't even make the trip. If he isn't excused from the team, the suspension should start at Arch Madness. He doesn't deserve to play and represent our school at the Conference Tournament, imo.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/968210775998386176
Looks like Kampe found his point guard for next year.
Quote from: VU2010 on February 26, 2018, 02:38:12 PM
At what point do we start sincerely questioning the way this team operates? Too many excuses. Coach L seems like a super good guy. Seriously a good man.
But, there are too many excuses floating around. First, the transfers. Then, Jubril. Then, Sarolla. Then, Joe. Now, Micah.
Just sad. Keep hearing to "trust the process" and such. But, there are thousands of other D-1 athletes (including plenty of freshmen) who aren't making these mistakes. It's starting to become a trend.
What kind of team gatherings are there? What's the chemistry like? Do they want to play together? Idk. Not an insider. Do they see the value of not letting each other down? What's the accountability like?
Maybe it's just kids being kids. I don't know. But, there needs to be something done about this.
It's not like there's 85 guys on scholarship, like football. There's 13. That's manageable. People make mistakes, and we have to help them through it. But, there also needs to be changes made in how things are managed... I would think.
Sad. Very sad. 😢
= Life
You going to start a task force to stop kids from making mistakes?
The higher up we go in conferences (Summit to HL to MVC) the more high level players we have to recruit to stay winning. The announcer from Drake said it best, "there are only so many 7' tall men walking around on earth" in reference to how few are in the MVC over the years. Take that concept and apply it to the pool we have to pull from that is eligible high level D1 b-ball recruits without a record, that have high enough grades, high enough test scores etc etc etc
My thoughts are NEXT. Let it shake out and see what comes from it.
Please stop this better than thou "changes made now" bs.
Ya got me going, now I'm on my soap box!!!
I'm not going to make excuses for foolishly breaking the rules at a critical point in the season but I will echo the sentiment that two felony counts for dropping some weed out the window seems excessive. Valparaiso city police have the reputation of being pretty nasty to college students.
As others have mentioned, one has to start wondering if Lottich controls the team as well as the Drews did. This off-the-court rulebreaking has been far too common recently.
I'm curious about a few details involving the Bradford situation. The news article stated Bradford was not in public but in a private apartment and the police were called to it. Who called the police and what was the reasoning given for summoning them? Also, the police activity happened Saturday evening with the arrest time being 9 p.m. Therefore, the university must have known about this either that night or early Sunday morning. I heard rumors about this Monday morning. The news story was released early Monday afternoon. Yet, we are approaching Monday evening and there has been no official statement from the university, the Athletics department, or Coach Lottich. All we have is that the university spokeswoman has declined to comment. I'm surprised. Normally, the advice is to get out ahead of a bad news story as quickly as possible.
I think we have to be careful what we lay at Lottich's feet
In the last four years or so:
Jubril and Shane got arrested under Bryce
The academic stuff happened under Bryce,
With Lottich it's been:
Burton, Bradford with weed and Jaume with alcohol who's charges got dropped.
So I'd say if we see it continue for another year or two it's an issue.
As far as the University saying something, it's never been the habit of the AD to blast out stuff about their students. They probably generally, and rightly, feel it just feeds the rumor mill. Micah will have a consequence and we will know about that. I'm not sure we're entitled to too much else. Sounds like the kid was smoking week and a neighbor smelled it and called the cops.
I would suggest maybe some more random drug testing though just to put a little bit more fear in the guys.
Quote from: valpopal on February 26, 2018, 04:05:14 PM
I'm curious about a few details involving the Bradford situation. The news article stated Bradford was not in public but in a private apartment and the police were called to it. Who called the police and what was the reasoning given for summoning them? Also, the police activity happened Saturday evening with the arrest time being 9 p.m. Therefore, the university must have known about this either that night or early Sunday morning. I heard rumors about this Monday morning. The news story was released early Monday afternoon. Yet, we are approaching Monday evening and there has been no official statement from the university, the Athletics department, or Coach Lottich. All we have is that the university spokeswoman has declined to comment. I'm surprised. Normally, the advice is to get out ahead of a bad news story as quickly as possible.
Surprised? You shouldn't be.
The university never wants to confront the truth. Why do you think Lottich didn't attend the conference call this morning?
Everyone is paranoid and afraid of the truth.
They just need to be up front with the truth in all cases, good and bad.
And, if you look at the arrest on the Porter County Sheriff web site, he wasn't booked until 3:19 a.m. I'm guessing Micah's first call was not to anyone associated with the university.
Booking time doesn't really tell you anything. If anything he might not have been able to make a call until he was booked. They probably just made him sit in the Drunk tank while they brought in the usual from the night and got them all in the system later.
Quote from: hailcrusaders on February 26, 2018, 03:39:44 PM
I'm not going to make excuses for foolishly breaking the rules at a critical point in the season but I will echo the sentiment that two felony counts for dropping some weed out the window seems excessive. Valparaiso city police have the reputation of being pretty nasty to college students.
As others have mentioned, one has to start wondering if Lottich controls the team as well as the Drews did. This off-the-court rulebreaking has been far too common recently.
Hold on a minute! The Drew's had their problem children as well:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/vu-basketball-player-arrested-suspended/article_c1654cd0-ec6b-5c7e-8d97-a963e42b3f6c.html
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/vu-basketball-player-jailed-on-theft-charge/article_cfb6c8b1-7c2a-57db-b376-3a1e88f3ac78.html
And how about:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/former-vu-basketball-player-bouchie-arrested/article_81694b1d-ee08-51c7-bedf-efca4d340713.html
Definitely not saying there were never any issues under the Drews. And I'll admit it's easier for the average fan like myself to overlook the occasional incident when the team wins regularly.
That said, if you told me at the beginning of the year that neither Burton nor Bradford would be playing in Arch Madness (granted, this has not been announced for Bradford but I'd be surprised if he gets off with nothing) for separate off-court disciplinary issues, I'd wonder what was going on.
I believe Sorolla got arrested last season but didn't serve the 2 game suspension until the beginning of this season.
I thought the same thing about Lottich teams vs. the Drew teams. I honestly think the kids playing for both represent the general population fairly closely.
If these kids were key D-1 prospects who had an ACT of 32 and a rack of Boy Scout Medals they would have been signed by Duke or Notre Dame or Stanford.
QuoteI'm not going to make excuses for foolishly breaking the rules at a critical point in the season but I will echo the sentiment that two felony counts for dropping some weed out the window seems excessive. Valparaiso city police have the reputation of being pretty nasty to college students.
Police in Valpo and Porter County have a LOOOOONG history of doing stuff like this, and not just to VU students. They are famous for tacking on the largely made-up charge of "fleeing" to people charged with underage drinking if they made any effort to leave out the back door of the party when the cops pulled up out front, and know of a guy who was threatened with additional charges for asking that a cop produce a breathalyzer rather than just submit to the cop's judgment that he was intoxicated (the guy wasn't drunk).
Vindictive policing and over-charging is s.o.p. in Porter County and has been so for a good 20 years.
I guess that the team must have flown to Drake? Even at that, the timeline is pretty tight. 2PM game ending at 4PM, after game media obligations and post game player trainer activities, and then trip to airport for a 380 mile flight back to Valpo and then going back to the ARC to get vehicles. I think he would be lucky to get to the apartment by 7:30PM. I don't know that we should automatically think that Micah is the guilty party, who knows who was there toking up after the game and could have left before the cops got there???
How much will losing Bradford impact the game. He was playing a little better of late as the backup PG.
Bradford's production in the previous 2 meetings with MSU this season:
Sun, Dec 31 - L 67-50: 2pts (FG: 1-6), 3pt: 0-4, FT: 0-1, REB: 2, AST: 1, TO: 0, Min: 22
Wed, Jan 17 - L 64-57: 5pts (FG: 2-5), 3pt: 1-3, FT: 0-0, REB: 3, AST: 3, TO: 3, Min: 25
I think the team will suffer more from another tough gut punch, and in crunch time, more so than just losing Bradford and what he could have brought to the tourney.
And to answer a prior question, your own apartment is private but an apartment complex is public. If you are using the apartment to conduct criminal activity, i.e. smoking pot, then you are maintaining a common nuisance. Any neighbor can call the police and if they smell pot from your apartment they have probable cause. This isn't minor consuming where the typical disposition is pretrial diversion if it's your first offense like sorolla...
Quote from: FWalum on February 26, 2018, 05:57:54 PM
I guess that the team must have flown to Drake? Even at that, the timeline is pretty tight. 2PM game ending at 4PM, after game media obligations and post game player trainer activities, and then trip to airport for a 380 mile flight back to Valpo and then going back to the ARC to get vehicles. I think he would be lucky to get to the apartment by 7:30PM. I don't know that we should automatically think that Micah is the guilty party, who knows who was there toking up after the game and could have left before the cops got there???
I heard they got back in town at 6:30.
I thought the same thing. If they had to take a 7 hour bus ride, maybe Micah stays out of trouble.
Quote from: Valpo89 on February 26, 2018, 07:28:10 PMI heard they got back in town at 6:30.
I thought the same thing. If they had to take a 7 hour bus ride, maybe Micah stays out of trouble.
Which brings up that famous song by the lisp syncers Smilli Vanilli
Blame it on the Plane.
Quote from: vu72 on February 26, 2018, 02:11:19 PM
My guess is that he will plead to some lesser charge, do community service and be suspended for 5 games--if he comes back to Valpo. Just dumb, really dumb.
Normally just two games, isn't it? And, as we've seen before, the penalty can potentially be served later.
Quote from: Valpo89 on February 26, 2018, 07:28:10 PM
Quote from: FWalum on February 26, 2018, 05:57:54 PM
I guess that the team must have flown to Drake? Even at that, the timeline is pretty tight. 2PM game ending at 4PM, after game media obligations and post game player trainer activities, and then trip to airport for a 380 mile flight back to Valpo and then going back to the ARC to get vehicles. I think he would be lucky to get to the apartment by 7:30PM. I don't know that we should automatically think that Micah is the guilty party, who knows who was there toking up after the game and could have left before the cops got there???
I heard they got back in town at 6:30.
I thought the same thing. If they had to take a 7 hour bus ride, maybe Micah stays out of trouble.
Regardless if it was a bus ride or a plane ride, it doesn't matter. He made a poor decision and should face some form of consequences. I think since the felony charges will likely get dropped, it won't lead to getting kicked out of school. I don't think smoking pot should lead to someone getting kicked out of school or even off the team, but he shouldn't be playing in Arch Madness, imo. I don't care if it leads to us having a disadvantage and being a man down. If you do the crime you need to do the time and face the consequences. This suspension shouldn't start next season given the circumstances.
Quote from: agibson on February 26, 2018, 10:30:31 PM
Quote from: vu72 on February 26, 2018, 02:11:19 PM
My guess is that he will plead to some lesser charge, do community service and be suspended for 5 games--if he comes back to Valpo. Just dumb, really dumb.
Normally just two games, isn't it? And, as we've seen before, the penalty can potentially be served later.
[/b]
Could be. I suggested five because of the seriousness of the incident. You know, a couple of underage beers, two games. A couple of felonies, five games! ;D
This will lead to an interesting shuffle of minutes for the tournament. Assuming that Valpo would do well, and win some games, then it would mean that Bakari would play 40 minutes per game for 4 games in 4 days. That's a lot to ask. It seems that Max (the only other viable point guard) will need to pick up some of that time, which (in my mind) leads to additional minutes by Mileek. I.e., when Bakari is resting, then Max - 1; Walker - 2; Golder - 3; Mileek/Kiser - 4; Sorrolla/Smits - 5. Walker and Golder were going to need to play a lot of minutes anyway. It's just that Max's minutes at the 2/3 has to be reduced (so that he can pick up time at 1), and picked up by someone else (Golder), which means that Golder's time is dedicated to 3, rather than 3/4, which means that Mileek needs more minutes.
Quote from: valpopal on February 26, 2018, 04:05:14 PM
Also, the police activity happened Saturday evening with the arrest time being 9 p.m. Therefore, the university must have known about this either that night or early Sunday morning. I heard rumors about this Monday morning. The news story was released early Monday afternoon. Yet, we are approaching Monday evening and there has been no official statement from the university, the Athletics department, or Coach Lottich. All we have is that the university spokeswoman has declined to comment. I'm surprised. Normally, the advice is to get out ahead of a bad news story as quickly as possible.
Three days later and so far there has been no official statement from the university, which only fuels all sorts of speculation about what happened or what should/will be done as this issue continues to take focus away from the tournament and Valpo's game. Delay in making decisions and declaration of actions often can be more damaging.
QuoteDelay in making decisions and declaration of actions often can be more damaging.
I'd rather everyone have all the facts available before making any decisions or declarations. Especially since it seems like there are some unanswered questions in regards to the conduct of law enforcement and how they magically decided to throw the felony book at Micah for something that is a misdemeanor charge at worst for most kids in town.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on February 27, 2018, 10:01:02 AM
QuoteDelay in making decisions and declaration of actions often can be more damaging.
I'd rather everyone have all the facts available before making any decisions or declarations. Especially since it seems like there are some unanswered questions in regards to the conduct of law enforcement and how they magically decided to throw the felony book at Micah for something that is a misdemeanor charge at worst for most kids in town.
Then simply decide that Micah will not be participating in the tournament and declaration of further actions will be dependent upon the legal process moving forward.
Now you have to play to win and also keep in mind that if you do win, you have another game within 24 hours with a shorter bench. I'd be getting the starters (bakari especially) some rest early in the first half so he's fresher at the end. Take him out at 13 min so he can rest until the under 12 timeout and again around 5 min so he can rest until under the 4 min timeout. Only a min or two of game action (4 possessions) but more like 5 actual minutes of rest.
Nope. Can't be thinking of game 2 in the middle of game 1. Do whatever you have to to win thursday night, worry about friday afterwards.
Since his Dad tweeted that Micah tested negative and that this was not his residence, then perhaps this whole thing has been blown out of proportion by the cops and media. If he did test negative then I see no reason why he should not be with the team.
This has been a HUGE distraction and probably has taken the focus of the team away from what should be a winnable game.
Can't get The Times to print a game preview story but they'll splash this all over the website without asking questions.......
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 27, 2018, 01:17:24 PM
Can't get The Times to print a game preview story but they'll splash this all over the website without asking questions.......
It's the era journalism we live in. It's all about clicks. NWI Times is probably aware the charges were down graded to a misdemeanor but they'll leave up that headline to get as many clicks as possible. They probably won't even issue a edit.
NWI Times would probably rather have the University pay them for advertising then issue a game preview for the only D1 Men's Basketball program in the area...
Ok, some of us were premature to assume that Micah is guilty before getting due process but aren't the rest of you presuming innocence based on one statement from a relative of an aledged perpetrator? We still need to wait for all the facts or at least all the facts that are revealed.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 27, 2018, 01:17:24 PM
Can't get The Times to print a game preview story but they'll splash this all over the website without asking questions.......
Bradford is a sophomore at the school and plays guard on the basketball team.
Valparaiso University spokeswoman Nicole Niemi declined comment on Bradford's arrest.Sure sounds like the paper tried to ask questions.
The Northwest Indiana Times should probably be known as "Northwest Indiana Behind The Times". I would think that the University would let Paul and some others have an earfull about the total lack of, or lousy at best, coverage they give VU atjhletics. It is nlo wonder that we have trouble getting our message out to our fans and potential fans even when we have region athletes involved.
Quote from: Pgmado on February 27, 2018, 03:22:14 PM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 27, 2018, 01:17:24 PM
Can't get The Times to print a game preview story but they'll splash this all over the website without asking questions.......
Bradford is a sophomore at the school and plays guard on the basketball team.
Valparaiso University spokeswoman Nicole Niemi declined comment on Bradford's arrest.
Sure sounds like the paper tried to ask questions.
Paul tell your people at the NWI Times to update the article and the headline... it's a misdemeanor now.
Quote from: valpo64 on February 27, 2018, 03:31:14 PM
The Northwest Indiana Times should probably be known as "Northwest Indiana Behind The Times". I would think that the University would let Paul and some others have an earfull about the total lack of, or lousy at best, coverage they give VU atjhletics. It is nlo wonder that we have trouble getting our message out to our fans and potential fans even when we have region athletes involved.
I think Paul does a great job covering Valpo Basketball but I think the days of getting game previews in the paper for Valpo Basketball are over. I wish they weren't but it seems the paper doesn't want to do that anymore. Valpo would probably need to pay to get advertising in the paper to let the community know when the games are, which is unfortunate.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 27, 2018, 03:51:02 PM
Quote from: valpo64 on February 27, 2018, 03:31:14 PM
The Northwest Indiana Times should probably be known as "Northwest Indiana Behind The Times". I would think that the University would let Paul and some others have an earfull about the total lack of, or lousy at best, coverage they give VU atjhletics. It is nlo wonder that we have trouble getting our message out to our fans and potential fans even when we have region athletes involved.
I think Paul does a great job covering Valpo Basketball but I think the days of getting game previews in the paper for Valpo Basketball are over. I wish they weren't but it seems the paper doesn't want to do that anymore. Valpo would probably need to pay to get advertising in the paper to let the community know when the games are, which is unfortunate.
You guys are right, it's 1990 and the newspapers are flush with cash and staff to write stories. I forgot the time warp we live in...
Paul, when you started with the times how many people staffed the sports desk vs currently?
Quote from: bbtds on February 27, 2018, 02:23:03 PM
Ok, some of us were premature to assume that Micah is guilty before getting due process but aren't the rest of you presuming innocence based on one statement from a relative of an aledged perpetrator? We still need to wait for all the facts or at least all the facts that are revealed.
I don't know that anyone has declared him innocent. I have always used wording that indicated it would require a negative drug test to make me believe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. His father seems more believable than the paper, right now, because the NWI Times certainly made it seem as if the scene of the "crime" was his residence. The tenor of the article would have been different if it were disclosed that this was not his apartment.
If some facts were wrong in the paper, there is this thing called, "libel." From my rapid reading of these posts it seems more likely that the paper just insinuated a lot of things to serve as "click bait."
So many have pointed out how few live photos we see of VU games in the paper and website. Yet, as some have said, they lost no time putting his face right out there and attaching the word, "felony." Pretty pathetic work by the Times, especially given the troubled racial history of the Valparaiso area. Many in the community have worked long and hard to ensure people don't jump to conclusions.
They just changed it. :thumbsup: Thank you to Paul and the NWI Times for the correction.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/968613246122053632
Let's get back to basketball talk and the Missouri State game on this thread.
I don't pretend to know why decisions get made one way or the other in terms of a lot of things. What I can tell you is this, I'm a Valparaiso basketball reporter, not the police reporter. That said, the police reporter wrote the story yesterday that felonies were the charge, because they were. When the charge was changed, a new story was written. Not a correction, because a mistake wasn't made. Yesterday the charges were felonies and the story from yesterday accurately reflects that. Today the charges were changed to misdemeanors and today's story accurately reflects that.
As for some of the other gripes here, you're preaching to the choir. When I started as a correspondent in 05, we had a newsroom that included five full-timers in the Porter County office and one full-time sports photographer. That was just Porter County; our Lake County office had another brigade of reporters and editors. We've lost plenty of people over the years. In all my time as a correspondent, we brought in one new full-time writer in Porter County (former VU beat reporter David Robb). We've lost positions left and right, as has every newsroom across the country.
Talking to the old hacks that are still in the area, they tell me about cash and space in the paper flowing like a river. We don't live in that world anymore. I don't want to get into too much specifics here, because a) it's probably not the right venue and b) I don't want to give any impression that I'm disgruntled, but correspondent reporters have taken three pay cuts since 2005. Imagine being at a job for 13 years and taking three pay cuts. Now why are we taking pay cuts? Because each month there is a budget for how much a newspaper can spend on correspondents and as revenues go down, that number goes down. The need for stories remain the same. There's still the same amount of high schools to cover, the same amount of games to cover, the same amount of stories that need to be written. There's just less money to do it with, and as mentioned above, less full-time staff in the office to do it with as well.
So what do you do? I've been advocating for game previews all year. Each month I've asked and each month I've been apologized to. My editor doesn't want to not have game previews, but as I said before, there's only so many hours a full-timer can work (hours that are now spread across two people doing the job that five once did) and only so much money in the correspondent budget. I get paid $x per story. In order to write more stories, maybe the answer is getting paid half of x for a game preview and half of x for the gamer. That would be a fourth pay cut.
I want to be clear that I don't just view this as a problem with the paper I freelance for, it's a problem across the board with journalism. Newspapers in general haven't figured out a way to get over the insane loss of revenue that has come with the explosion of the web. When I was a kid I looked for a summer job in the paper. That doesn't happen anymore, those job listings are now on a variety of websites. When I was a kid, my stepfather used to buy automobiles and parts out of classified ads he saw in the paper. That doesn't happen anymore, those posts are now on Craigslist. When I was a kid, my mom used to wait for the Sunday paper to see what was going to be on sale at the grocery store. That doesn't happen anymore, those sales now come in emails, or people are ordering their groceries on Amazon.com. When I was a kid, my dad used to get The Milwaukee Sentinel and The Milwaukee Journal. That doesn't happen anymore, mainly because the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sports section looks exactly like the USA Today sports section.
Newspapers lost a ton of revenue when the classifieds and the advertisements went away. The journalism industry couldn't figure out how to charge online. I'm a big part of the problem as well. I really wanted to read an article on the Washington Post website earlier today. The site told me I could pay $1 for unlimited access for the month. I wouldn't do it. About 20 minutes later i went to the vending machine and bought a candy bar for $1.75. Those damn things used to cost 50 cents. Come to think of it, so did newspapers. I wouldn't think anything of paying $1 for a hard copy paper, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to do it online. We're used to getting the information for free online. We don't want to pay. We don't feel we have to pay.
So we've lost revenue from ads and classifieds, we've lost positions at the paper because of that lost revenue and that has ultimately led to less people doing more work, which science (and common sense) tells us will lead to lower quality. No wonder the President is calling all of us fake news. So now journalism isn't as good as it used to be and people are complaining and cancelling their subscriptions (like my dad) and we're making less revenue which is leading to more cuts which is leading to more cancelled subscriptions which is leading to more cuts which is leading to more cancelled subscriptions which is leading to....you see where this is going.
I wish I had the answers for everyone who is disgruntled at "The Northwest Indiana Behind The Times" as someone so eloquently put it earlier today. I'm just a freelance reporter and I genuinely feel bad for those of you who still do pay, those of you who still do contribute to journalism. It's because of you that we're able to keep going, to keep writing stories, to keep checking power.
Thank you for reading and sorry for preaching. So much for not going into specifics.
I'd prefer not to have this thread hijacked by this conversation, but I needed to get this out there. Should you want to discuss this further, please email me at pgmado@gmail.com.
We'll have a tourney preview in the paper on Thursday and a new episode of Union Street Hoops coming tomorrow featuring an interview with Missouri State beat report Wyatt Wheeler. I'll be in St. Louis all weekend. Come say hi if you're in town.
Quote from: FWalum on February 27, 2018, 03:56:19 PM
Quote from: bbtds on February 27, 2018, 02:23:03 PM
Ok, some of us were premature to assume that Micah is guilty before getting due process but aren't the rest of you presuming innocence based on one statement from a relative of an aledged perpetrator? We still need to wait for all the facts or at least all the facts that are revealed.
I don't know that anyone has declared him innocent. I have always used wording that indicated it would require a negative drug test to make me believe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. His father seems more believable than the paper, right now, because the NWI Times certainly made it seem as if the scene of the "crime" was his residence. The tenor of the article would have been different if it were disclosed that this was not his apartment.
I'm sure Mr. Bradford is glad to hear that you believe he is more believable than the NWI Times. I will stop reading the Times now including Paul Oren...........NOT!
Quote from: VU2014 on February 27, 2018, 04:44:01 PM
Let's get back to basketball talk and the Missouri State game on this thread.
Game 3 against Mizz St. The off court distractions may make the team more focused.
Valpo 71
Mizz St 67
Book it!
Nobody has had the courage to open a game thread so lets just buck tradition and not do it. This group needs to go out on a high note to properly set the stage for the 2018-19 season. I am expecting us to win or to die trying.
In honor of setshot, I will quote covufan with
Quote from: covufan on February 27, 2018, 06:52:59 PMBook it!
Let's change this to the tourney game thread. 2014, if you go to your intital post to start this thread, you can modify it to be a game thread icon.
All BS aside Paul, I wish there was another outlet for you for your Valpo stories. You're too good a writer for that place.
Pleased to see the official statement by Lottich and LaBarbera. Best guess is Micah will appeal his two-game suspension and play in the tournament.
Where? Link?
Edit. Never mind saw Oren tweets
I hope the guys are focused. This was a huge distraction and Coach Lottich even admitted it took time away from game prep.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/968669441176285189
My official prediction for Valpo @ their first Arch Madness.
Missouri State beats us by double digits. 12-13 point loss. The get up early and it is never really a game.
That said. I think if we would have drawn Evansville we would have beaten both Evansville and Southern Illinois before running out of gas and getting blown out on Saturday. I realize Evansville beat us twice during the season, but I think we would have gotten them this time around. And as I stated before, we match up really well with SIU and if not for some really questionable calls putting our bigs in foul trouble early I think we would have swept them this year.
Quote from: Pgmado on February 27, 2018, 05:28:46 PM
I don't pretend to know why decisions get made one way or the other in terms of a lot of things. What I can tell you is this, I'm a Valparaiso basketball reporter, not the police reporter. That said, the police reporter wrote the story yesterday that felonies were the charge, because they were. When the charge was changed, a new story was written. Not a correction, because a mistake wasn't made. Yesterday the charges were felonies and the story from yesterday accurately reflects that. Today the charges were changed to misdemeanors and today's story accurately reflects that.
As for some of the other gripes here, you're preaching to the choir. When I started as a correspondent in 05, we had a newsroom that included five full-timers in the Porter County office and one full-time sports photographer. That was just Porter County; our Lake County office had another brigade of reporters and editors. We've lost plenty of people over the years. In all my time as a correspondent, we brought in one new full-time writer in Porter County (former VU beat reporter David Robb). We've lost positions left and right, as has every newsroom across the country.
Talking to the old hacks that are still in the area, they tell me about cash and space in the paper flowing like a river. We don't live in that world anymore. I don't want to get into too much specifics here, because a) it's probably not the right venue and b) I don't want to give any impression that I'm disgruntled, but correspondent reporters have taken three pay cuts since 2005. Imagine being at a job for 13 years and taking three pay cuts. Now why are we taking pay cuts? Because each month there is a budget for how much a newspaper can spend on correspondents and as revenues go down, that number goes down. The need for stories remain the same. There's still the same amount of high schools to cover, the same amount of games to cover, the same amount of stories that need to be written. There's just less money to do it with, and as mentioned above, less full-time staff in the office to do it with as well.
So what do you do? I've been advocating for game previews all year. Each month I've asked and each month I've been apologized to. My editor doesn't want to not have game previews, but as I said before, there's only so many hours a full-timer can work (hours that are now spread across two people doing the job that five once did) and only so much money in the correspondent budget. I get paid $x per story. In order to write more stories, maybe the answer is getting paid half of x for a game preview and half of x for the gamer. That would be a fourth pay cut.
I want to be clear that I don't just view this as a problem with the paper I freelance for, it's a problem across the board with journalism. Newspapers in general haven't figured out a way to get over the insane loss of revenue that has come with the explosion of the web. When I was a kid I looked for a summer job in the paper. That doesn't happen anymore, those job listings are now on a variety of websites. When I was a kid, my stepfather used to buy automobiles and parts out of classified ads he saw in the paper. That doesn't happen anymore, those posts are now on Craigslist. When I was a kid, my mom used to wait for the Sunday paper to see what was going to be on sale at the grocery store. That doesn't happen anymore, those sales now come in emails, or people are ordering their groceries on Amazon.com. When I was a kid, my dad used to get The Milwaukee Sentinel and The Milwaukee Journal. That doesn't happen anymore, mainly because the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sports section looks exactly like the USA Today sports section.
Newspapers lost a ton of revenue when the classifieds and the advertisements went away. The journalism industry couldn't figure out how to charge online. I'm a big part of the problem as well. I really wanted to read an article on the Washington Post website earlier today. The site told me I could pay $1 for unlimited access for the month. I wouldn't do it. About 20 minutes later i went to the vending machine and bought a candy bar for $1.75. Those damn things used to cost 50 cents. Come to think of it, so did newspapers. I wouldn't think anything of paying $1 for a hard copy paper, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to do it online. We're used to getting the information for free online. We don't want to pay. We don't feel we have to pay.
So we've lost revenue from ads and classifieds, we've lost positions at the paper because of that lost revenue and that has ultimately led to less people doing more work, which science (and common sense) tells us will lead to lower quality. No wonder the President is calling all of us fake news. So now journalism isn't as good as it used to be and people are complaining and cancelling their subscriptions (like my dad) and we're making less revenue which is leading to more cuts which is leading to more cancelled subscriptions which is leading to more cuts which is leading to more cancelled subscriptions which is leading to....you see where this is going.
I wish I had the answers for everyone who is disgruntled at "The Northwest Indiana Behind The Times" as someone so eloquently put it earlier today. I'm just a freelance reporter and I genuinely feel bad for those of you who still do pay, those of you who still do contribute to journalism. It's because of you that we're able to keep going, to keep writing stories, to keep checking power.
Thank you for reading and sorry for preaching. So much for not going into specifics.
I'd prefer not to have this thread hijacked by this conversation, but I needed to get this out there. Should you want to discuss this further, please email me at pgmado@gmail.com.
We'll have a tourney preview in the paper on Thursday and a new episode of Union Street Hoops coming tomorrow featuring an interview with Missouri State beat report Wyatt Wheeler. I'll be in St. Louis all weekend. Come say hi if you're in town.
New York Times CEO: Print journalism has maybe another 10 yearshttps://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/12/print-journalism-may-last-another-10-years-new-york-times-ceo.html
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'Bob Dylan
We're going to need to step up our game at least defensively against Alize Johnson at the 4. We're going to need Mileek and Markus to rise to the occasion in defending him. Mileek actually did a solid job at points during the first matchup. Alize had a quiet game. The second game at there place he absolutely erupted in the 2nd half and finished the game with 24 points and 17 rebounds.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/968672306120806400
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/968683526026653697
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/968910532957954048
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIdBTfssCYw&feature=youtu.be
Quote from: wh on February 28, 2018, 11:07:43 AMNew York Times CEO: Print journalism has maybe another 10 years
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/12/print-journalism-may-last-another-10-years-new-york-times-ceo.html
Just to be clear, the NYT CEO is saying that the _Times_ may last another 10 years in print. They've been one of the most successful, in the world as far as I can tell, at selling digital subscriptions.
I'd be nostalgically sad to see the print edition go. I remember reading it in the library (filling out the crossword! originally with guilt...) in high school. And subscribing in print for years.
I've now subscribed digitally for years (even if I don't love their app), and haven't bought a print copy of that paper in maybe a decade. There was a time when the print subscription would have been cheaper, and even have included the digital, but I decided to pass in order to save paper.
I am concerned that my kids are missing out - that they'd be a lot more likely to read stray articles if the physical paper was laying around. I think it was formative for me as a kid (although the NYT doesn't have the hook of comics...).
I did subscribe to one of the local Valpo papers (probably the NWI Times? not 100% sure) for a couple of years. But, didn't read it all that regularly. I absolutely value it from to time. I've considered subscribing digitally, even if I'm not a regular reader, just as a show of support. But, I've never quite pulled the trigger (shame on me?). I obviously value Paul's coverage - and there's other good local stuff besides.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969018026090778624
Crusaders aim to salvage disappointing season
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Feb 28, 2018
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/crusaders-aim-to-salvage-disappointing-season/article_8e10b2b4-3cc4-50d9-9891-02c234b4ff23.html
I wonder if Marty will be dressing?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Quote from: VU2014 on February 28, 2018, 07:17:49 PM
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969018026090778624
Crusaders aim to salvage disappointing season
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Feb 28, 2018
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/crusaders-aim-to-salvage-disappointing-season/article_8e10b2b4-3cc4-50d9-9891-02c234b4ff23.html
As to the likely rival, I voted for Evansville. It goes back to the days of Jerry Sloane. Paul picked this game from 1974:
Notable game: Evansville 74, Valparaiso 73, Feb. 2, 1974
Valparaiso entered the game with a 6-0 record in the Indiana Collegiate Conference and a chance to knock off the highly-touted Purple Aces who were nationally ranked at the time. Valparaiso's loss started a streak of five losses over the next seven games, including a pair of defeats to Evansville. Valparaiso failed in its quest to win back-to-back ICC titles, leaving 1972-73 as the only year the Crusaders won the conference.
It could be this game as an example of the rivalry or perhaps others from that era. I'm sure I am not the only one who remembers a Evansville player hitting a turn-a-round jumper from well beyond the current three point line to beat us at the buzzer. Hilltop was rockin. Not sure when it exactly happened but could have been either Feb 27, 1969, losing 83-82 (pretty sure this is the game I had in mind) or perhaps Feb 9, 1972 losing 74-71 in OT.
Obviously this rivalry goes back a long time with many close games against an often National Champion.
Quote from: truth219 on February 28, 2018, 07:39:52 PM
I wonder if Marty will be dressing?
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/968672921001525248
78-60 Valpo Victory....
Johnson gets tackled on a screen by Mileek and takes exception to it, winds up getting ejected, and Valpo rolls to the W 🤷♂️
Missouri State has been such an enigma. Early in the year, they looked like the best team by far.
As late as a couple weeks ago, there was a Vegas prediction sheet that had them a clear 2nd choice behind Loyola 2nd to win the tournament.
But boy have they dropped off. Typically teams like that either roar back when the get in the spotlight or they melt down even faster when things start wrong. Attack them by pressing mercilessly with our short line up and maybe we run out to a lead?
I only hope for near even free throw attempts by both teams. Then we have a game....
For those who are not daunted by the difficult task of ending this season on a high note and claiming a few victories in person in St. Louis, here are a few tips to enjoy Arch Madness. Downtown St. louis is pretty compact and walkable. Ballpark Village is a good option to hang out with other sports fans when not in Scottrade Center. For a more local scene a few steps away from the arena, try Maggie O'Briens. Or try Missouri Bar and Grille a few blocks away. To avoid any parking issues or costs, find a Metrolink station a few stops away from downtown, park for free, then take Metrolink and get dropped off at the front door of Scottrade Center. Things to do in downtown when not at the game: National Blues Museum-showcasing one of the best genres music has to offer. City Museum-not going to try and explain it but will be one of the most interesting places you will visit anywhere in the world. Union Station-when rails were king, not too many places more elegant than here to house the trains and travel from. Citygarden-outdoor garden and art. Keiner Plaza-in the middle of everything and the kids can play outside. Flamingo Bowl-yes, bowling can be fun again here. Washington Avenue-a good street for walking with a wide variety of things to see. The Arch-locals don't go too often but an obvious choice for visitors. Part of the Arch grounds would be the very compelling Old Courthouse(Dred Scott Decision) and the Old Cathedral. Also, good views can be had of the Mississippi River from the foot of the Arch. The cobblestone streets of The Landing are on the north side of the Arch. Let's say Alize fouls out and Valpo plays on Friday, then what? Go a mile south and go to the Soulard neighborhood. It is there that you can go into any corner bar and get reasonably priced food and local beer plus many of these places have some of the best live Blues and Jazz. During decent weather, the Soulard Market is as good as it gets for an outdoor food market experience. I'd go for Mike and Min's if you're not adventurous enough to walk around and explore and just want to get in somewhere quickly. And if you thought City Museum was unique and want to continue the same vibe for an intimate place for music, food, and drink, you'd better go to The Venice Cafe. A new,small, local brewery trying to get their name out to the world, ha!, Anhueser-Busch is close by to Soulard. If Southern Illinois forfeits and you find yourself still there on Saturday, get out of the Downtown area and explore some cool neighborhoods. I'd go to Layfayette Square for vintage architecture, South Grand for ethnic restaurants and one of the best city parks around-Tower Grove Park. Can't go wrong with the Central West End-walk around Maryland Plaza, yes, but DO NOT miss The New Cathedral. Also in the Central West End is possibly the most beautiful city neighborhood in the country-Portland Place/Westmoreland Place. I'm not kidding on that one. If you married for money and are lodging at the incredible Chase Park Plaza Hotel, you are within a few blocks of this unbelievable neighborhood. Midtown might satisfy the Arts Lover in you as well as getting to see St. Louis University (according to many dreamers on this forum, the future Missouri Valley addition). The Grove would be a good bet for those of you who want a hip area while the Delmar Loop is the more established cool spot. The Hill is one of the most authentic Italian areas this side of Florence-try Zia's if pasta is the solution. If Illinois State is banished from the tourney for trying to steal the iconic sports name of the local MLB baseball team and you are still there on Sunday, try these world class destinations(many are free). Forest Park-home to the 1904 World's Fair and the second modern day Olympics. It is there that you will go to the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Science Center, or the St. Louis Zoo. It is also there that you will have the best outdoor Ice Skating experience of your life. If Loyola picks up a food virus from Imo's Pizza and you celebrate a conference championship with too much Busch or Schlafly beer and you still find yourself in St. Louis on Monday, please do not tell your significant other that is not with you there that you read this post and are now moving to St. Louis permanently. If you get a hall pass and they allow you to stay for just one more thing without changing back to their maiden name or changing the front door lock, you should go get a concrete frozen custard at Ted Drewes on Chippewa. It is only then that you can tell people you visited St. Louis. Go Valpo!
As I often state, every good Lutheran should spend 3 years in STL. Have a strawberry concrete at Drews for me, which was a Friday night staple when we were there. Good luck in STL and Go Crusaders!
I thought it was impossible to get anything more then a 30 minute shootaround at these things. ;)
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969233755385815041
So I guess Tundra either is a St. Louis guy or is a really enthusiastic travel agent?
Valpo 69
Missouri State 65
I think Mileek steps up tonight and contains Alize Johnson. Mileek will get into foul trouble but I think he does a solid job tonight.
Missouri State's 'All-Bench' player Reggie Scurry will not play in tonight's game.
Reggie Scurry's production in the 2 previous games this season:
Sun, Dec 31: PTS: 9 (FG: 1-6), 3PT: 0-3, FT: 7-8, REB: 6, Min: 15
Wed, Jan 17: PTS: 7 (FG: 3-9), 3PT: 0-1, FT: 1-3, REB: 5, Min: 19
https://twitter.com/StavaonSTL/status/969244727181758464
https://twitter.com/StavaonSTL/status/969245569473540098
Prediction Time:
My head tells me:
Missouri State 67
Valpo 62
My heart tells me:
Valpo 70
Missouri State 67
I do think we have a real shot at winning this game but it basically hinges on if we can slow down Alize Johnson at the 4. Can Mileek not foul so much and play solid D? Maybe. I'm sure they'll be switching Golder on him also. It will also depend on the Smits and Sorolla manning up and grabbing boards and limiting MSU second chance points. Also depends on Valpo finding some offensive flow.
I'm expecting a competitive game with a patented Valpo 4-7 minute scoring drought.
If anyone has Snapchat and doesn't follow the university now would be a good time to do so as the Pep Band has taken over and is posting about traveling to Arch Madness. There definitely seemed to be more members on the bus than were ever at a game but I'm glad the University is having them travel down there to support the team
I'd love to see us win and get on a run, but that would require everyone playing at a high level at the same time - and - sustain that high level over 4 games. That's a tall order for a team that hasn't demonstrated that level of consistency this entire year. That said, they don't have to win 4 tonight, just 1, and Missouri State is only a 1-point favorite. We're playing better of late; the other guys worse of late. I kind of like our chances.
Quick viewing note, drawing on the game notes. The thread title says ESPN3. That should be true outside the MVC regional area. Inside that area (IL, IN, IA, MO) it's MVC TV Network - and apparently blacked out on ESPN3. In the Valpo area that means NBC Sports Chicago; other places that could apparently be FOX Sports Midwest, FOX Sports Indiana, Fox Sports Kansas City.
For me, in Valpo, Comcast SD that seems to be channel 37.
Just one win tonight, swimming upstream in the river known as the MVC, will do wonders for this program. I am hoping our kids can do it. Despite our #10 standing, it will prove that, in year one, we belong in the top eight if not the top six.
MSU 72
Valpo 54
We have a hard time with adversity or dealing with distractions. I bet we have wild forced drives to hoop and struggle scoring early.
If Walker's shot is actually on and he is hitting this all changes. Streaky shooter, he's either on or completely off.
Ugh, I got nervous when the first game was blacked out. 😡. Guess no game for me.
https://twitter.com/DPBogle/status/969396443906703362
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/969395609298964481
SMITS IS SO Soft.......!!
I'm guessing there isn't a separate game thread?
Anyway if our game plan consists solely of trying to pound it inside to the bigs, we're going to have a long game and a short tournament.
We're not even playing that well but we're only 5 points down. We're limiting the TOs
tevon cant score
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
It's apparent it's hurting us not having a reliable PF out there...
HANGING TOUGH. Micah will get open looks. Let him shoot over the zone.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 01, 2018, 09:20:07 PM
It's apparent it's hurting us not having a reliable PF out there...
Or a center without descended juevos...
MSU Coach: "Bradford's not a good shooter..." Ouch!
We're only down 6... but a bad 1st half. They are dominating on the glass. We're small out their compared to their team.
Bakari NEEDS to get going and be more assertive.
Quote from: VUSL98 on March 01, 2018, 09:30:01 PM
MSU Coach: "Bradford's not a good shooter..." Ouch!
Harsh but honest. If I were the MSU coaches I'd let him take shots all day. That's what teams have been doing all season and he hasn't been making jumps shot.
Unfortunately going about the way I was afraid it would. Johnson killing us on the boards. McMillan picks up two quick fouls. Sorolla picks up his third right before half on a stupid touch foul. Walker can't hit the water if he fell out of a boat.
Still, amazingly we're still in the game. If we can avoid the usual post halftime scoring drought and limit Johnson's offensive rebounds just a little there could be a chance.
QuoteIf we can avoid the usual post halftime scoring drought
Lol... I don't think any Valpo team in 20 years has avoided that.
If you don't think the new team in the conference is getting jabbed by the officials, let that last play be your proof.
That was a bs call on McMillan.
Lottich's passive response to the officials on that bogus flagrant foul call on McMillan is exactly what some of us complain about. >:(
Ref explaining call to McMillan: "You're a freshman. Alize's a senior."
Quote from: jloose128 on March 01, 2018, 09:45:02 PM
If you don't think the new team in the conference is getting jabbed by the officials, let that last play be your proof.
Absolutely ridiculous that ref should be ashamed of himself, how hard must it be to watch that replay and realize you as a ref got jobbed.
As an Indiana State fan, I feel for you with this officiating. This is how we feel pretty much every game.
Pollard is awful. Rewards Johnson's fake elbow flop, calls a weak foul out top and then misses Alize holding Mileek right in front of him as the ball bounced (in what was like slo-mo) in front of him.
Kiser trying to guard Johnson is just brutal to watch. I feel for the kid. He's giving everything he's got but he has no chance.
Quote from: valpopal on March 01, 2018, 09:48:09 PM
Lottich's passive response to the officials on that bogus flagrant foul call on McMillan is exactly what some of us complain about. >:(
I normally try and give Lottich the benefit of the doubt but I want to see him blow up on the refs. That call was pure bull$hit.
Same old same old. You can't speed up the process, as we're told time and time again. Look at Missouri State's record as of late. Yet, they look like Duke tonight same poor rotations. Same passivity. And, why not set the message straight by benching Micah? But, no. Sad. Feel for Tevonn and Max.
Quote from: nkvu on March 01, 2018, 10:06:16 PM
Kiser trying to guard Johnson is just brutal to watch. I feel for the kid. He's giving everything he's got but he has no chance.
Of course it's not like anyone else is doing any better.
Coach Lottich needs to either man up and start standing for his players or go back to being an assistant coach.
I would love to see what would (Lansing/Simmons/Wardle/etc...) do if that Flagrant 1 BS of a call was called on one of their players. >:(
It is &^%$ed up that Max Joseph is defending Alize Johnson in this game... seriously what gives with this?
Idk how people logically think this team is honestly markedly better than they were. Where have they improved? Boxing out? On the boards? Hustle plays? Idk. But, it's the process. I see a few players hustling. But, again, Parker doesn't get a lick of playing time. Who knows why.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 01, 2018, 10:18:20 PM
It is &^%$ed up that Max Joseph is defending Alize Johnson in this game... seriously what gives with this?
Johnson is an nba caliber player. We have no one close to that level. Somebody has to take the beating trying to guard him. It's just Max's turn.
Quote from: nkvu on March 01, 2018, 10:22:41 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on March 01, 2018, 10:18:20 PM
It is &^%$ed up that Max Joseph is defending Alize Johnson in this game... seriously what gives with this?
Johnson is an nba caliber player. We have no one close to that level. Somebody has to take the beating trying to guard him. It's just Max's turn.
Johnson is great but in no world should he be the primary defender on him. We have no answer on this roster for him but I'd try switching Golder on him instead. This is a flawed roster... and it became even more flawed when Burton left.
put Marty on him
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Quote from: truth219 on March 01, 2018, 10:27:02 PM
put Marty on him
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Foul. Foul. Foul. Foul. Foul. Bench.
Very very questionable that we didn't decide to foul without running clock...
How about the fact he has Micah finish the game off instead of Max? No respect...
Well it was closer than I ever thought it would be given the way we played for most of the game. Never thought Bakari would clank all three free throws. We had our chances but once again couldn't get there. Give them credit for not quitting. And give Walker lots of credit for a great second half.
That bu11$#itt 5 point play cost us this game. That ref should not be assigned another game in this conference.
There were moments where it felt like we shouldn't have been as close and there were moments (irresponsible intentional call on Mileek/Bakari missing all 3 free throws) where the game should've been closer. What can you do about it really?
Thank you Tevonn and Max.
Quote from: FWalum on March 01, 2018, 10:46:48 PM
That bu11$#itt 5 point play cost us this game. That ref should not be assigned another game in this conference.
+1 :thumbsup: I try to keep a level head on bogus calls but as I have reffed sports and sometimes you miss things. But then to go watch the replay and act like it wasn't a bad call. Lottich may not get too animated during the game but he could sure get vocal for the team in a post game presser.
I gotta find video of this Mileek foul...^^first comment I've seen calling out Mileek and not the officials^^..
This three missed foul shots were pretty shocking, I can only imagine how Bakari is feeling right now. I really don't eat why we didn't use a timeout a bit earlier when we were jacking up 3s to try and tie it when it wasn't necessary.
Oh well. Lots to learn for everybody who plans on returning next year. Hats off to Walker for going out in style in that second half.
I can understand not picking up a T there...still close in an elimination game, got a ref puffing his chest probably itching to hit a T to get more air time.
I hope (though am not holding my breath) that he lights up that guy in the post game.
We had our chances down the stretch. How the F does Evelyn go 0/3 from the line in clutch time like that?? Why did we jack up 3-3 pointers on that 1 key possession, when only down 3 with 1:30 left?
I see some promise, but who becomes our primary scorer next season? Who leaves? Smits showed some progress on offense, but his defense and rebounding won't get him to a P5, if he decides to leave. Hopefully none of our key players.
Thanks for the memories Tevonn and Max...onwards and upwards for our program next season!
Not the outcome we wanted but I thought our guys fought hard tonight. If a few breaks went our way maybe momentum sways our way in this game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKnR9Znm42w
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969447470253125632
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969447899577896962
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969448562357653504
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969448714543693826
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969449031217876992
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969449238198390789
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969449351989940224
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969449928425603072
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62wlm6RBmvM
Lottich was passive in his reaction to the officials' horrible call of a flagrant foul on McMillan during a crucial part of the game, when it was obvious Mileek was upset by the bogus call; but given a second chance by Paul during the news conference to have McMillan's back, Lottich instead says: "I guess Mileek was being physical...." I'm sorry, Lottich has to be more forceful in standing up for his players. ???
I have mixed emotions concerning coach Lottich this year. Part of me wants to say his strategy is to not show up the referees this first year in conference in order to build good will for the future. Take the first year hazing in hopes of cashing in later. The other part of me wants to slap him upside his head and say "grow some balls and defend your players when they get jobbed"! Getting a T is not the end of the world. Heck, even Homer, the nicest guy anyone will ever know got an occasional T.
Now I can't see what coach does on the sidelines as the tv camera is not on him all the time. Maybe he is more demonstative than what comes through the tv. But my sense is if you don't stand up for yourself and your players you are gonna get run over. Maybe living in the Cincinnati area for a long time and watching the Xavier and UC coaches over the years have given me a more jaded sense of what a successful college coach's demeanor should be. But the success of those programs speak for themselves. I watch Mick Cronin on the sidelines of games and I got to say that little dude looks like he could chew nails and spit them through you. He looks like a bulldog that thinks someone is going to steal his food. Our coach could use a little of that.
I'm willing to give coach a pass this year, but I am concerned that next year if he isn't willing to show he has his players backs the program could be in trouble.
Quote from: nkvu on March 02, 2018, 01:33:33 AMI have mixed emotions concerning coach Lottich this year. Part of me wants to say his strategy is to not show up the referees this first year in conference in order to build good will for the future. Take the first year hazing in hopes of cashing in later. The other part of me wants to slap him upside his head and say "grow some balls and defend your players when they get jobbed"! Getting a T is not the end of the world. Heck, even Homer, the nicest guy anyone will ever know got an occasional T.
I think a lot of this can be attributed to both Matt's lack of experience and the conference change, as you said. The other thing, as I watch this on replay, is that at the time of the press conference I doubt Matt has seen a slo-mo replay of the play. The positioning of the players in relationship to the benches probably made Johnson's acting more believable. The reverse angle that we saw on video really showed how egregious that call was. I am sure that Matt and Mark will be talking to the league about the call that really changed the complection of the game. It was HUGE getting that stop with the possibility of being down only 4 or 3 and then instead being down 11. How that sequence changed the game can not be understated. I am almost surprised with how demoralizing that must have been, that we had the character and will to stay in the game.
As far as the McMillan play goes. He probably fouled Johnson 4 or 5 times on that play and should have been called for a foul earlier in the possession. However, there was no flagrant foul. Should have been a common foul. McMillan had his hands all over him.
So they may have still come out of that possession with 2 points instead of 5. Couple that with the 3 missed free throws and we had a chance to make something happen.
If the three missed FTs by Bakari weren't a perfect encapsulation of the entire season, I don't know what is.
Too weak on the glass, like the rest of the season. Bad rotations and matchups allowing wide open looks from the perimeter. Pillow soft play from our bigs. Tevonn and Golder trying to will us to victory but ultimately falling short.
We are now a last-place team playing in a subpar, barely-Division I-caliber facility. Our AD better have a plan in place if this ship doesn't get righted quickly. Save "the future is bright" happy talk. The future was stunningly bright our final two years in the HL and we did absolutely nothing with that momentum.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on March 02, 2018, 09:37:08 AM
As far as the McMillan play goes. He probably fouled Johnson 4 or 5 times on that play and should have been called for a foul earlier in the possession. However, there was no flagrant foul. Should have been a common foul. McMillan had his hands all over him.
So they may have still come out of that possession with 2 points instead of 5. Couple that with the 3 missed free throws and we had a chance to make something happen.
Hey! What do you expect from McMillan? We got a solid six minutes from him, only 2 turnovers, zero points, zero rebounds and only 4 fouls! Seriously, we will have to play Ryan at the 4. He will be an Alec Peters type 4 with the size and athleticism to keep up with the smaller quicker 4's in the Valley. If we play him at the 3 we will get the same result next year with continued problems defending the 4. Fortunately Johnson will be gone. The guy averaged 19 points and 16 rebounds against us over 3 games. That is the definition of eating your lunch.
I'll only point out one thing. Nobody doubted that MoSt could beat Valpo 3 times in a year because beating a team for the third time is harder. Absolutely nobody was thinking that.
Quote from: vu72 on March 02, 2018, 10:37:40 AM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on March 02, 2018, 09:37:08 AM
As far as the McMillan play goes. He probably fouled Johnson 4 or 5 times on that play and should have been called for a foul earlier in the possession. However, there was no flagrant foul. Should have been a common foul. McMillan had his hands all over him.
So they may have still come out of that possession with 2 points instead of 5. Couple that with the 3 missed free throws and we had a chance to make something happen.
Hey! What do you expect from McMillan? We got a solid six minutes from him, only 2 turnovers, zero points, zero rebounds and only 4 fouls! Seriously, we will have to play Ryan at the 4. He will be an Alec Peters type 4 with the size and athleticism to keep up with the smaller quicker 4's in the Valley. If we play him at the 3 we will get the same result next year with continued problems defending the 4. Fortunately Johnson will be gone. The guy averaged 19 points and 16 rebounds against us over 3 games. That is the definition of eating your lunch.
Fazekas and Peters are two different players. They both are 6-8 white guys who can shoot the lights out of the ball but Peters frame allowed him to be a bit more versatile and live inside and fight for rebounds. I think we're going to see Ryan live more on the perimeter and be used in the pick and pop situations. I think positionally where he plays will be situational. They aren't exact comps and we shouldn't expect the same results.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on March 02, 2018, 10:33:00 AM
We are now a last-place team playing in a subpar, barely-Division I-caliber facility. Our AD better have a plan in place if this ship doesn't get righted quickly. Save "the future is bright" happy talk. The future was stunningly bright our final two years in the HL and we did absolutely nothing with that momentum.
When Valpo entered the MVC last year, I commented that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. I remarked that VU had squandered the favorable opening available after the Sweet 16 run, and you don't get many opportunities for a do-over. Therefore, it was necessary for Valparaiso University to take extra steps that would create a special initial year in the new conference.
The administration needed to make cosmetic changes to the ARC, beyond the change of conference logo on the court, that would signal a new beginning. To give fans a sense of excitement, the game day experience—including half-time entertainment—needed to be elevated and widespread promotion of the move to the MVC needed to be a priority. With the expected down year on the court after the graduation of Peters, it was even more important to establish game day as an entertaining event, especially for families and younger fans. The university needed to involve student organizations and make the student section a center for game day excitement. The pa sound system, parking, and concession conditions needed immediate improvement. The university had to start specifying long-term plans, perhaps with graphic models, for renovation to the ARC that alumni could observe as concrete commitment to future development and be willing to offer donations.
Unfortunately, none of this happened. Instead, this season saw disappointing results on and off the court, and the spark that should come with a new beginning in a more prominent conference, which would establish momentum going into next year and beyond, never materialized. As I warned nearly a year ago might happen, Valpo repeated history by squandering another opportunity.
Well said Valpopal
Quote from: valpopal on March 02, 2018, 11:16:25 AM
When Valpo entered the MVC last year, I commented that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. I remarked that VU had squandered the favorable opening available after the Sweet 16 run, and you don't get many opportunities for a do-over. Therefore, it was necessary for Valparaiso University to take extra steps that would create a special initial year in the new conference.
Yes the University has a M.O. of squandering opportunities.
Quote from: valpopal on March 02, 2018, 11:16:25 AM
The administration needed to make cosmetic changes to the ARC, beyond the change of conference logo on the court, that would signal a new beginning. To give fans a sense of excitement, the game day experience—including half-time entertainment—needed to be elevated and widespread promotion of the move to the MVC needed to be a priority. With the expected down year on the court after the graduation of Peters, it was even more important to establish game day as an entertaining event, especially for families and younger fans. The university needed to involve student organizations and make the student section a center for game day excitement. The pa sound system, parking, and concession conditions needed immediate improvement. The university had to start specifying long-term plans, perhaps with graphic models, for renovation to the ARC that alumni could observe as concrete commitment to future development and be willing to offer donations.
During ML's USH episode he made it pretty clear that the ARC is not the priority as frustrating as that may sound for us fans. The 1st step is finding donor(s) for the Student Rec Center which is badly needed for both the student body, recruiting potential new students, and to get rec sports/intramurals out of the ARC and dedicate it solely to Athletics.
It wouldn't make much sense to make cosmetic changes without having a plan in place to renovate the ARC first. If we ever do get a renovation of the ARC it's going to get gutted and those temporary cosmetic changes would be $ lost. It would also just be putting lipstick a pig. I think the University could fix the parking situation and PA system over the course of one offseason if it were an actual priority for the University (it doesn't appear it is as of right now.).
It would be nice if the University developed some sort of Long-term plan or graphic models but that seems out of the question till there is a very wealthy alumni willing to pledge tens of millions of dollars to renovate the ARC. The donor would have to want it to go to that specific cause because it sounds like the University isn't pushing for any donors to do that. Loyola had a single donor donate $14 million for a practice facility and it was the same guy who was the lead donor for renovating the Gentile Center. It would be tough for Valpo Athletics to crowd fund that kind of money together.
I've also heard that individuals in the Athletics Department wanted to fundraise off the initial excitement of moving to the MVC but the idea kept getting shot down from higher ups in the University Administration.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 02, 2018, 12:06:31 PMI've also heard that individuals in the Athletics Department wanted to fundraise off the initial excitement of moving to the MVC but the idea kept getting shot down from higher ups in the University Administration.
I suppose you could argue that fundraising for a Rec Center or an ARC upgrade etc. would be a little at odds with the endowment-focused fundraising campaign currently underway.
The gift that we saw for an endowed recruiting budget are maybe more in the character of the campaign.
But, it can't exclude individuals coming forward on their own with ideas and money.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/969680228204335106
Spirited comeback falls short for Valparaiso
Paul Oren Times Correspondent
Mar 1, 2018
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/spirited-comeback-falls-short-for-valparaiso/article_ac288157-457b-5901-880c-38955e46215f.html
No relief from Alize Johnson as Valparaiso loses in conference tourney
Michael Osipoff
Post-Tribune
Match 2, 2018
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/sports/ct-ptb-mens-basketball-valparaiso-missouri-state-0303-20180303-story.html
Loyola 54 UNI 50... so at least that streak continues...
From some of these comments, you'd think Valpo lost by about 30 to a team that wasn't right now favored by 2.5 over the 2-seed in the MVC.
Nah, our kids are OK. We'll be OK too. Wait til next year.
I griped a lot about fans this year.
Smits just befuddlea.me, but I have zero complaints about the effort and drive of our players....especially our two seniors. Glad to see Tevonn go out with a bang.
Did anyone else notice that J seems to cone alive on offense to get open for Bradford bounce passes.. Interesting.
Quote from: crusadermoe on March 02, 2018, 11:03:21 PM
I griped a lot about fans this year.
Smits just befuddlea.me, but I have zero complaints about the effort and drive of our players....especially our two seniors. Glad to see Tevonn go out with a bang.
Did anyone else notice that J seems to cone alive on offense to get open for Bradford bounce passes.. Interesting.
Sadly I don't think that Bakari is a true PG. He clearly has ball handling skills, but he's more effective at the two guard. He doesn't penetrate the lane until late in games when he must to get us out of a scoring drought.
Micah immediately penetrates and dishes. This is why we need Micah to stay OR our Manitoba Express incoming PG to be similarly gifted. Otherwise we are relegated to swinging passes around the perimeter in which our C aren't good at establishing position just yet. Derrik catches too far out and has 50-50 TO to Good Shot (on average). Jay is just plain bad at establishing position other than to screen off his defender for the guards drive OR to pick and roll.
So did anyone on the board actually attend Arch Madness? If so, how were the accommodations, alumni events, game experience etc?
Relieved to see many people are acknowledging the issues right now that we can do something about. If we want to be The Region's team, we have to offer an experience that others want to be a part of. As season ticket holders, we try to get others to come. They often don't take us up on the offer. The players' hustle, despite the season being so much of a downer, never dropped. They deserve better. For the amount of tuition paid, don't tell me we can't afford to renovate the ARC. It's embarassing. Oh, and the handicap parking is nothing short of shameful. Don't tell me we can't afford to put on some decent half time shows. How many arenas are named after companies? Have we ever tried to do so? Get sponsors? The chair backs, for instance, are falling apart. The step from the lower bleachers to the higher sections is dangerous. The set-up with announcers and camera crews not having any space for safety is shameful. They'll film and have to lock-up the entire walkway. We need big time improvements. If other teams will end up playing there even if a facility was built, why is it wasteful spending to upgrade? It's not a D-1 facility. We're in a good league. Even in the Horizon we had one of the worst facilities. Maybe the worst? Look at Oakland... small but nice! Never once, as an alumni, have I been asked to donate for that project. Others? If you want to be the hub of the region, entertain and make it a fun place to be. I'm not trying to whine. I deeply care and want to be part of the solution. I want to be proud of this school. Matt - go and greet the fans. Shake hands. Show energy and excitement - you did as a player. We need you. You're a proven leader on the court. An intelligent man. A great example as a Christian leader. Lead us. We will follow.
I attended the tournament and am still here getting ready for the final game. I went to all the games. First let me say all the games came down to the final minute. The crowds and fans were really into it.
For entertainment, they would start out most of them with a color guard and a very good singer. During timeouts there was this MC doing promotions and games and he was awesome. He really got the crowd into the game. For halftime each school had their dance team and cheerleaders perform.
The Scottrade Center is a good arena and easy to get to. I stayed at the team hotel and took the city trolley which costs $2.00 for unlimited trips per day. Our hotel was really one of the farthest ones, but was still less than a mile away. The area had several nice restaurants and bars within walking distance.
There was a dinner and welcome meeting for VU fans at the hotel that I did not attend but I heard that the alumni maybe looking at hosting something at one of the local venues next year.
Every thing was well organized by the MVC and first class. Each team had good fan turnout. The exception being Valpo. We had the least number of fans granted we are one of the smallest schools but every one else had great turnout. Hopefully next year we have a better turnout. As such I'm going to lay off my comments about students not showing up for games.
The experience, for me was been great not only for the games but the other things around here to do.
I will definitely be back next year, hopefully with a lot more of you.
I
Lot's of good conversation in here and Paul Oren joins the Harry Schroeder again. Some great basketball talk and talks about Valpo basketball.
https://twitter.com/FatherHarry1/status/970341217761419266
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9shbjJoLf0
Loyola dominates. They don't foul. They don't turn the ball over. They execute with near perfection.
Where will they be seeded? I don't know how but I am thinking 10.
So for the first time in several years we are part of a conference that is sending its very best team to the NCAAs! I wouldn't be surprised to see the Ramblers win a game or two. Congrats to them! :clap: :clap:
I caught the second half and could not help but visualizing Valpo instead of either of the two playing. I could actually imagine brown and gold scarves instead of teh maroon and goldes that were quite prominent.
On national (really national) TV.
On a prime Sunday afternoon.
With all the bells and whistles that the MVC brings to the game experience.
Then I snapped out of it. ........
Maybe some day.
Congratulations to Loyola for winning the championship! They were the best team all season and deserved a spot in the NCAA tournament. Having said that, I was very disheartened by the CBS prognostication that Loyola, with an RPI in the 20s, would not have received an at-large bid if they lost in the final, even with a 27-win record, while lesser teams in bigger conferences would have leap-frogged them. The selection process obviously is still stacked against mid-major conferences.
I hope Valpo uses the model of Loyola to move forward in the MVC. Loyola in a number of ways is closest to Valpo in stature, and they have risen in the conference the right way with a good coach, quality players, high academics, and improved facilities. In addition, I'd like to think a greater growth of rivalry between Loyola and Valpo in the future would be good for both programs as well as for the conference.
Furthermore, although I didn't attend the tournament and just watched on television, I was very impressed by the quality and professionalism displayed during the games. The level of play by teams from top to bottom was far superior to that in the Horizon League, and the Arch Madness crowds appeared to have greater enthusiasm and energy than I remember from Motor City Madness. I also appreciated that games from all rounds were available on television. Despite the difficulties for Valpo this season, I am pleased to see the Horizon League in the rear view mirror.
Quote from: valpopal on March 04, 2018, 03:39:04 PM
Congratulations to Loyola for winning the championship! They were the best team all season and deserved a spot in the NCAA tournament. Having said that, I was very disheartened by the CBS prognostication that Loyola, with an RPI in the 20s, would not have received an at-large bid if they lost in the final, even with a 27-win record, while lesser teams in bigger conferences would have leap-frogged them. The selection process obviously is still stacked against mid-major conferences.
I hope Valpo uses the model of Loyola to move forward in the MVC. Loyola in a number of ways is closest to Valpo in stature, and they have risen in the conference the right way with a good coach, quality players, high academics, and improved facilities. In addition, I'd like to think a greater growth of rivalry between Loyola and Valpo in the future would be good for both programs as well as for the conference.
Furthermore, although I didn't attend the tournament and just watched on television, I was very impressed by the quality and professionalism displayed during the games. The level of play by teams from top to bottom was far superior to that in the Horizon League, and the Arch Madness crowds appeared to have greater enthusiasm and energy than I remember from Motor City Madness. I also appreciated that games from all rounds were available on television. Despite the difficulties for Valpo this season, I am pleased to see the Horizon League in the rear view mirror.
Well said valpopal. I hope the Valpo vs Loyola rivalry gets going. We need to up our game on all levels.
Arch Madness and Motor City Dumpster Fire seems like a night and day difference. I'm definitely going to attend Arch Madness next year. I've heard it's a great time.
Congratulations to Loyola. A talented team that plays as a team, plays hard, and is very well coached. They could certainly win an NCAA tourney game (or two) if they get the right matchups.
I made the point in a different thread that there were teams in which their resume' looked a lot like a good Valpo team has been in previous seasons (maybe even a little better). Loyola has one great win (at Florida), one awful loss (Milwaukee), and a fairly low SOS. I would have been shocked if they got an at-large (though they certainly would have deserved it versus a 7th place large conference team). Middle Tennessee is a similar team, so see what happens if they lose in the Conference USA tourney. Their best case is probably the opening round.
Quote from: vu84v2 on March 04, 2018, 03:58:26 PM
Congratulations to Loyola. A talented team that plays as a team, plays hard, and is very well coached. They could certainly win an NCAA tourney game (or two) if they get the right matchups.
I made the point in a different thread that there were teams in which their resume' looked a lot like a good Valpo team has been in previous seasons (maybe even a little better). Loyola has one great win (at Florida), one awful loss (Milwaukee), and a fairly low SOS. I would have been shocked if they got an at-large (though they certainly would have deserved it versus a 7th place large conference team). Middle Tennessee is a similar team, so see what happens if they lose in the Conference USA tourney. Their best case is probably the opening round.
Clearly Loyola was the best team and they put together a great group of players, no doubt. Still, remember that Loyola's success is a relative "flash in the pan" as they have had a total of 3 20 win seasons since about 1985 and also their first appearance since then. They graduate 5 seniors. My guess is that we will be their equal next year, probably not at the top of the league, but their equal. There are several teams loaded with experience coming back.
I am fairly new to this board, but I live in St. Louis, and I attended the game against Missouri State. I have gone to the Valley tournament off and on for years. Here are some random observations for those who may be considering attending next year:
1. While this tourney didn't have the cache of some Valley tournaments in the past, this is still a great event. The Valley tournament is promoted very well in St. Louis for the entire season (ARCH Madness billboards, ads in Post-Dispatch and on local TV). The major sports radio station in St. Louis (KMOX, which has the Cardinals and Blues) has a Missouri Valley update every Sunday. It's fun to hear Valpo mentioned in the St. Louis media every week.
2. Downtown St. Louis is very easy to navigate.
3. The Scottrade Center is undergoing major renovations over a three-summer period. Last year, the new video board were installed, and a lot of "infrastructure" was updated. The updates during the next two summers will be "cosmetic" changes that fans will notice.
4. Good seats are fairly easy to obtain on game day.
5. Many of the Valley schools travel well. I also work downtown, and Friday at lunch, the school colors were on display all over downtown.
6. Valpo does not travel well, nor are Valpo fans easily identifiable. Valpo has to make gold the color of choice, rather than brown. Everybody from Illinois State wears red all weekend. Everybody from UNI wears purple weekend. Everybody from Indiana State wears blue all weekend. etc. You get the point
7. I was unable to make the pre-game function on Thursday, but I talked to a couple of 30-something Valpo grads who attended. They heard that Valpo didn't sell its 250 ticket allotment, and ate those seats. I am going to volunteer my services to the athletic department next year. I'd be happy to recruit locals to the tourament. If Valpo hasn't sold its allotment, why not be proactive and give those tickets to Valpo alums who live near St. Louis. Why not call some high school seniors in the St. Louis area who are admitted to Valpo, but haven't committed, and give their families some tickets (not talking about athletes, so don't go down the recruiting violation avenue). Think outside of the box.
8. The MVC is a big step above the Horizon. That's not to say that Valpo can't compete. I'm beating the drum that the rest of you have been beating for years, but there needs to be a commitment to compete. This is a very good basketball conference, not to mention sports like baseball and women's sports. Competing at a high level in men's basketball in the MVC will raise the profile of the entire unversity.
9. The local walk-up crowd was probably down a little this year, because the SEC tournament will be at Scottrade this week, and the local fan who just loves college basketball will probably be attending those game. I would expect the local crowd to be up next year.
10. Give this tournament a try next year.
Nice to see a Private school win the MVC. I recall some ppl posting on this board saying the MVC forum were not in favor of another private school (Valpo) being added to the MVC.
Announcers in the championship game said Loyola's first year was 10th place, years 2-3 were below 0.500 and year 5 was MVC Championship.
Good for them and nice to see private schools show up the publics.
I would counter that Valpo travels well, but only when our team is good.
Then we need to work on being a fanbase that travels win or lose.
We have been in the past, but that changed over the last 5 years. It ties into the lack of student attendance at home games, as well.
I should probably amend the "Valpo doesn't travel well" statement. That was too broad brush. I think a more accurate statement is "At this point in time, relative to our MVC counterparts, Valpo doesn't travel well." For comparison, I look at 9th place UNI. UNI fans probably out-numbered Valpo fans 10-1.
Quote from: valpotx on March 04, 2018, 08:25:02 PM
We have been in the past, but that changed over the last 5 years. It ties into the lack of student attendance at home games, as well.
Gotta go after the demo that is below gray hair and, like me, on life support. The 30-50 demo is essential to continue the Valpo tradition, whatever that may be now.
Most away games I have attended were clearly attended by more gray hairs than others. Flash: We will all die pretty soon.
But we all remember the exciting Valpo of the 60s and 70s. That's why we show up. Look at the crowd scenes at televised home games today. Pretty Gray. Where are the generations after us? In truth, gray should be the minority at every game.
I believe it goes back to the fact that our previous administrations ( and possibly our current leadership) did not give their students much of anything to be super proud about the university except for their degree. There were great opportunities to build on occasional blips, but they went unrecognized and unacted upon
Do recent Valpo grads leave the campus with a deep love of the university and great memories of all the great experiences as well as the commarderie of a close-knit campus? I wonder.
IMO, Valpo today is not the Valpo from which I graduated in 1966. It is disappointing.
So many great comments here.
Thank you. Love the comments about making gold our official traveling color. Love the comments about not reaching out to people about giving those unsold tickets out. Love the comments about learning from this first year and doing better in the years to come. My only hope is that Admins and coaches listen to us. We want to support them. However, their prices are outrageous when they put events together. We were going to attend the NIT championship and wanted to ride the fan bus, but it was utterly outrageous to do so. Could've flown cheaper. Didn't end up going. Nothing is done to accommodate orus younger alumna. I too would love to help. You're right - the majority of people around us have grey hair. And don't tell me that it's this generation or that there's other things to do now. Excuses! I too like the espn 3 app but for away games! Make an environment where people are willing to pay $12 to go to the game BECAUSE of the game day experience. Involve us in the process. It's a mess right now, and I see little to no effort on their behalves to actually reach out to us and fix it. Nothing. Here's to hoping for change.
I met a few alums from St louis and Texas at Arch Madness so there were Valpo fans from beyond Valparaiso. However, it was sad to hear that Valpo rented a big bus to transport the fans and only 9 showed up.
Our assigned section was mostly in gold but since we were in the club section we were not easily seen. On the plus side, although we were farther away, the seats themselves were supposedly more comfortable.
I encourage anyone who can, to come out next year. MVC fans are very animated and supportive of their teams and that made it, an electric atmosphere for all the games. Also from just a basketball fan's perspective the games are competitive and entertaining in themselves.
Quote from: craftyrighthander on March 04, 2018, 05:46:51 PM1. While this tourney didn't have the cache of some Valley tournaments in the past, this is still a great event. The Valley tournament is promoted very well in St. Louis for the entire season (ARCH Madness billboards, ads in Post-Dispatch and on local TV). The major sports radio station in St. Louis (KMOX, which has the Cardinals and Blues) has a Missouri Valley update every Sunday. It's fun to hear Valpo mentioned in the St. Louis media every week.
Even though Arch Madness wasn't what it has been in the past it was leaps and bounds better than Motor City Madness. The electricity and drive of the tournament comes from the passion of the fans and the majority of the fan bases are very passionate. I expected the Valpo fan base to be down from last year in Detroit because obviously expectations are different when you finish tied for first to finishing last. Talking to the staff at Scottrade Center they said they were very pleasantly surprised that Valpo fans, despite being low in number, were much better behaved than any Wichita State fans that have attended the tournament in the past. Most of the fans from other teams were also pleasantly surprised at how much better the experience is without the Wichita State fans who somehow thought they owned the Scottrade Center and downtown St Louis during Arch Madness. You could tell that the Illinois State fan base had a greater expectation of winning this tournament. They had been in the championship game the last three years but have yet to win it. ISU had the larger group of fans by about another third over the Loyola fans at the championship game. It's also evident that the city of St Louis embraces Arch Madness more than Detroit does the new Motor City Madness because of the history and tradition of the St Louis event.
Quote from: craftyrighthander on March 04, 2018, 05:46:51 PM4. Good seats are fairly easy to obtain on game day.
Agree. In Detroit you could sit closer for less money but the energy that Arch Madness creates since most of the games were so close in score (other than the UNI/Evansville and the championship game) is worth it. St. Louis has a much better set up for getting to downtown St Louis from the outer areas of St Louis County on public transit than Detroit.
Quote from: craftyrighthander on March 04, 2018, 05:46:51 PM3. The Scottrade Center is undergoing major renovations over a three-summer period. Last year, the new video board were installed, and a lot of "infrastructure" was updated. The updates during the next two summers will be "cosmetic" changes that fans will notice.
I noticed that the upgrades to the Scottrade Center have really enhanced it. It is very changed from when it was the Keil Center and Valpo played Rhode Island there in 1998.
Quote from: craftyrighthander on March 04, 2018, 05:46:51 PM9. The local walk-up crowd was probably down a little this year, because the SEC tournament will be at Scottrade this week, and the local fan who just loves college basketball will probably be attending those game. I would expect the local crowd to be up next year.
The talk about the SEC tournament being at Scottrade and that it wouldn't be in St Louis for another 20 years or so was causing great excitement among college basketball fans in the city since Missouri only comes to St Louis once a year to face Illinois and those tickets are extremely hard to get. One radio guy was talking about how a blue haze will fall over St Louis when the Kentucky fans come to St Louis and if Missouri faces Kentucky in the SEC tournament look out, it will be the greatest sports event in St Louis since the Cardinals' World Series games 6 and 7 in 2011.
https://twitter.com/valpoathletics/status/971449951862575106
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6RLgRcLhnk
Speaking of a "blue haze" descending from Kentucky to St. Louis.....does anyone else remember going to the 2002 First Round game vs Kentucky in St. Louis? It was the Jones dome in the earliest Thursday game time (11:30 am?) so I think we lost the very first game that year. In addition to a couple thousand in blue at tip off, Kentucky fans came pouring into the Jones at various points in the game until a couple thousand were added mid-game. I suspect that some lived in the hills with no shot at scoring tickets at Rupp. No blue blood fan is going to be seen in public in the first round. :)
It was Lubos' senior season along with others like Milo and we were a fashionable pick for an upset at #13 vs. #4 because they had faded late in the season. But midway through the 2nd half, their bigs lke Mel Turpin and about six guys of the same size just started to pound us. Lubos could not get off his shots against the long arms of Prince xxxx. I am blanking on his name.
Since that 2002 game, we had several good teams that got killed in the first round or missed the Dance. Then Mo Kone and the guys hit rock bottom in 2006 in Kansas City. The next good game for VU in dance was that game we played vs. Maryland. That was solid!
Just memories. Some good. Some bad. Drawing Michigan State twice in the dance was just not right.
"Lubos could not get off his shots against the long arms of Prince xxxx. I am blanking on his name."
Tayshawn Prince. He went on to a pretty good NBA career I believe. KY also had a guard named Bogans (I think) who was pretty up and down that season who had a good game against us. As I recall Grafs played well for us in that game.
I was the lone Valpo fan in an office full of UK fans during that game. Fortunately they were more gracious than I admit I would have been had the outcome been reversed. I suppose it was because they were more used to winning.
Obviously, the biggest factor in our poor fan showing in St. Louis this year was the extremely poor season we had. Having said that, I see two other factors, one fixable and the other that will take some time/effort:
1. I can count on less than one hand the number of appeals I saw from VU encouraging me to buy tickets for Arch Madness. There didn't seem to be much of a push institutionally to get fans down there. This can be corrected in future years.
2. Valpo has never been part of a conference tournament that is an "event," and thus Valpo fans probably associate the conference tournament with two questions: a) Is Valpo one of the favorites to win? and b) Can I get there and back easily without taking too much time off work? With Arch Madness, you have an entire city rolling out the red carpet and treating it as a major event, with a *weekend* full of activities for fans outside of the games. It's why the fans of teams who were eliminated -- that Paul documented in his article -- stay the whole weekend. Think about VU's past tourney experiences since the program became successful - Quad Cities, Fort Wayne, Kansas City, Tulsa, host sites in the HL, then the Detroit fiasco. All were pretty much "go to the game and that's it" events, most all were weeknights for the semifinals and finals, so you didn't have much in the way of outside fanfare (I remember killing time one year at the old Mid-Con tourney going to... the John Deere Museum, with like six other fans).
All of which is a long-winded way of saying there is a level of education about Arch Madness that needs to go on with our fanbase -- that Valpo is now part of a conference with a very cool signature event that you should plan on attending no matter what, because that's what MVC fans do. Some of this will take time -- a few years of Valpo fans making the trip and then sharing their experience with other VU fans, much like Paul's article. Some of this goes back to my first point -- VU hitting its fans early and often with marketing about Arch Madness and highlighting not just the games but the entire weekend. And maybe even incentivizing fans to attend (build it in as an option on season ticket packages with a gift of some sort, get group rate airfare from Midway for those who prefer to fly in, etc.)
This is something that won't happen overnight, especially if your fans haven't had high expectations about a conference tournament. But it should something the Athletic Dept. should start trying to change perceptions about, because this is something pretty neat. (And if we get the ship righted on the court, we're going to not want to embarrass ourselves with lousy turnout in St. Louis).