Didnt do anything last year while peters was here. Suspensions last year. JB fiasco this year. The team is getting worse....undisciplined, no passing on offense, sloppy, hardly ever a play out of a timeout. The team is very hard to watch. We dont play smart at all. Is Lottich the guy to lead Valpo??
I dont believe he is.
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I'm not calling for his job yet, but I miss when our inbounds plays under the hoop we're designed for a quick score.
I said in another post that he needs to instill some fire and passion in this team. He has zero personality on the sideline and hasn't shown he's willing to fight for his players. Refs seem to consider him a pushover and don't give him the time of day.
I won't call his job, but I will ask that he take a look in the mirror and see if he has the personality to make these changes.
Lottich made a comment to the sideline reporter at the half about the team's effort and being ready to play. Something to that effect. Does anyone remember exactly what he said? It struck me as the type of comment from someone who is very frustrated with his team.
WAY to early to be having this conversation.
It's fair to criticize but think this is way to premature. Give the man at least 4 years.
Important Factors to consider:
-look at the amount of roster turnover from last season to this season
-After losing Joe we are one of the least experienced rosters in the Nation
-He lost 1 NBA player and 2 other pros and another senior
-4 true freshman (it's fair to criticize if he recruit to many raw/non-contributors)
-Lost a former Top 100 recruit midseason and is when thing started to slide. Joe was arguably the most talented player on the team.
-His arguably best player went down with mono for 4 games and we all know mono is a lingering sickness that saps energy. Tevonn probably hasn't been playing 100%
-Kiser goes down with a bad ankle injury for 6 games
-1st season in a brand new conference
It's fair game to be critical but this is just too much for me. I don't even want to have this conversation till after at least the 2018-2019 season and even then I would never advocate to fire a guy before 4 years. Plus that will never happen at Valpo. This is a unfair conversation, especially given the circumstances.
I have been a supporter of Matt Lottich, and I am not going to change yet; however, as I said in a previous post: "I have said it before, Lottich is too passive with the officials. The terrible foul call on Joseph followed by the quick technical foul call should have been enough to trigger Lottich. Hell, maybe he would even ignite the team by showing them he has their backs." Now, I just watched the postgame conference, and I was very disappointed in Matt's passive response to a question by Paul about the fouls called on Joseph. Matt refused to question the official where Max got "hammered" (to use Paul's description) but was the one called for the foul, and he then suggested Max was to blame for the quick technical call by the official, though Matt didn't know why the T was called. ("My guess is Max said something, but I don't know," Matt speculated.) He certainly didn't have Max's back with those comments.
For the record, I'm not calling for Lottich job. I think be should be given at least 3, if not 4, before a decision likes that should be considered. However, I think it's perfectly fair to wonder if the right man is sitting in the chair. I hope he is the right man. But i don't know if he is.
There have been plenty of challenges. However, the team is not improving and the team is just not playing smart. That falls on coaching. We just got ran over by a team with the same record as us, on our home court. We are not adapting and every team figures us out. In retrospect, did that happen last year too when we played teams 2,3 times? I shudder to think what happens when we lose walker.
He's still getting his coaching feet wet-- hope we stop treading water.
Quote from: valpopal on January 24, 2018, 10:39:23 PM
I have been a supporter of Matt Lottich, and I am not going to change yet; however, as I said in a previous post: "I have said it before, Lottich is too passive with the officials. The terrible foul call on Joseph followed by the quick technical foul call should have been enough to trigger Lottich. Hell, maybe he would even ignite the team by showing them he has their backs." Now, I just watched the postgame conference, and I was very disappointed in Matt's passive response to a question by Paul about the fouls called on Joseph. Matt refused to question the official where Max got "hammered" (to use Paul's description) but was the one called for the foul, and he then suggested Max was to blame for the quick technical call by the official, though Matt didn't know why the T was called. ("My guess is Max said something, but I don't know," Matt speculated.) He certainly didn't have Max's back with those comments.
In addition, why didn't Matt insist the officials look at the monitor to see if there was a flagrant foul when Max was tackled around the head and poked in the eye?
[tweet]956368100349407232[/tweet]
Having watched the tape of the call on Max, I cannot believe coach Lottich didn't go ballistic on the referee to protect his player. I'm not sure what his strategy is regarding establishing himself in the league this year but my sense is that he wants to be a "nice guy" to the officials. Unfortunately what that translates to is there are no consequences to them if they blow a call that adversely impacts Valpo.
Might it not be better, since the team is going nowhere anyway this year, to send a message that he is not going to let his players be abused without a demonstrative reaction? Living in the Cincinnati area for many years I've seen the effect Bob Huggins had on referees in terms of getting favorable calls for his team. Yes, Huggins was and probably still is a jerk in a lot of ways, but he was effective when it came to protecting his players. Coach Lottich could use a little of that.
If the coach doesn't show any passion, why should his players?
I think most agree that pulling the chair out from underneath him is premature but it does look like it should be going in that direction. And we stated the reasons why. I don't have new reasons but will remind everyone that he was our 3rd choice and with little experience.
Good nights sleep tells me to make judgements at seasons end. If coach has the goods, we will continue to see more consistent competitive games.
I don't think we earned another Drew level coach in year 2. We aren't a coaches destination gents, we are a middle of the road team. In mid major realm, we are on an upward trajectory but HARDLY at a place where we can expect a winning season in a premier conference line the MVC.
I'm patient but guaranteed if I posted last night this wouldn't have been so patient of a post!!!!
A thread questioning the head coach's job less than two seasons in.
Congrats, guys. With the Drews gone we have officially become every other fan base in the country.
It has been happening among the fans in the stands at the ARC long before this thread ever started.
My estimation of the quality of Bo Boroski as an NCAA ref went down about half after last night. He seems to have been moved down among the refs on the NCAA ladder of refs. He seems to be adjusting but not in a good way. These refs do pay attention to the media.
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11792191/college-basketball-referees-disciplined-accessing-unauthorized-information-per-sources
It would be great to see some progress. Even if you lose, it would be great to see the team getting a little bit better each game. I'm not seeing this. Everyone who has a professional job has a ongoing performance evaluation given at different time intervals. The purpose is to look at strengths and weakness and to determine a plan of action for improvement. It would be premature to say that Matt is not the guy at this point. Give him time to improve. Perhaps he will, perhaps he won't or can't. But it is every coach's responsibility to show some progress in preparing the team to play better each game, win or lose regardless of the inexperience or youth of the team. I think Matt needs to find out how to do that because I just don't see it happening at this time. That might change, but not overnight. He shouldn't have to fear losing his job. He feels just as badly as the fans about losing and I'm sure he's trying his best to solve the problem. If this lack of progress continues for a couple of more years, then it's probably time to make a change.
Might this help with some perspective?
Matt - Year 1 = Overall 24-9, HL 14-4, Tied for 1st regular season
Bryce - Year 1 = Overall 19-16, SEC 10-8, 7th of 14 teams
Matt - Year 2 = Overall 11-11, MVC 2-7, Last of 10 teams
Bryce - Year 2 = Overall 7-13, SEC 2-6, Last of 14 teams
This is a good visual. How about Bryce year 1 and 2 at Valpo?
I'm sure Bryce is drying his tears on the print outs of his yearly budget.
This thread should either be ignored or removed.
If we were still in the Horizon, this may not of even come up. There I'm sure we would have had a little more success.
Still this is a young team that lost a veteran Player (and position). Next year will primarily be a Junior class with a few more good additions. The year after will be a senior class. That is when we should really be looking for accountability. If we are still struggling at that point, then we can start this conversation in earnest.
Quote from: FWalum on January 25, 2018, 12:34:30 PM
This thread should either be ignored or removed.
Why?
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 25, 2018, 02:25:23 PM
Quote from: FWalum on January 25, 2018, 12:34:30 PM
This thread should either be ignored or removed.
Why?
I truly believe you already know the answer to your question.
Quote from: FWalum on January 25, 2018, 02:59:17 PM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 25, 2018, 02:25:23 PM
Quote from: FWalum on January 25, 2018, 12:34:30 PM
This thread should either be ignored or removed.
Why?
I truly believe you already know the answer to your question.
I see nothing wrong with fans discussing on an open message board how they see the performance, good or bad, of players and coaches. People's thoughts shouldn't be censored. Both players and coaching staff and anyone else should have thicker skin, or perhaps they do already and it's it those who perceive otherwise who don't give them credit for being able to handle some tough criticism. I'm guessing most players and staff don't even come to this message board anyway and couldn't care less about being criticized, constructively or otherwise.
I refuse to join in this questioning of Lottich at such an early point. Smits is improving under Gore, just a lot more slowly. His natural ability just makes it more annoying. The guards play hard for Lottich. Sometimes too hard (and not smart) as some have noted.
Being a New York Giants fan, I can say sometimes a removing a coach less than two years in is more than warranted. When you see a sinking ship and a team going the wrong direction fast, it is more than appropriate to make a move quickly. And I am one to give coaches A LOT of leeway in most cases.
Now, I in no way think that this is the case with Lottich. He needs to improve sure, but much of the issues with this team are due to the team being young and issues outside of his control. The team plays hard and they are in most games, even if the final score doesn't always show it.
Now that being said, I see no issue with this thread, raising the question and having a healthy debate on the subject. Maybe some do feel we have a sinking ship and Lottich needs to go. We can all disagree but silencing an opinion just because you don't agree with it is not the answer. I mean were not democrats (sorry I had to)...
I'd like to steer this thread in a slightly different direction. I hope you guys will join in.
This is a second trying year for a rookie coach (and he can still be considered a rookie, especially when you factor in the conference switch). I won't repeat the adversity history and the unstable, changing environment he is dealing with. Many veteran coaches would go bonkers with what Matt has had to deal with. He is a fine human being. He has a genuine love for his players and he, by all accounts last year, demonstrated that he could coach.
Why not spin this thread away from the negative and, just like in business, focus on opportunities and suggestions for improvement to HELP him rather than tear him down?
My first suggestion: Matt has got to ditch that somber face in interviews and regardless of the result at least not look like a deer in the headlights. In his weekly with Todd lately, he looks like he does not want to be there. Those are things his players pick up on. He has got to be more positive even as things go south, otherwise the kids take that on as well. And that impacts play.
Second suggestion: i agree with other posters. No more Mr. Nice Guy on the game floor. As a player he was a fire brand. Coach the same way. And maybe carry that over to the practice floor as well. A little tough love every now and then goes a long way and is often appreciated.
Amen, FW.....I guess we have alot of impatient people on here....and yes, Lottich is the Man!
Someone suggested it for Bradford on one thread but I think it might be a good thing for all involved: Get a GOOD sports psychologist.
The last season and a half has been like a one two gut punch on everything. There is no way it isn't hurting morale of both players and coaches. I still think a majority of what we're seeing is mental. The entire team and coaching staff has the yips and I think, after last year, losing Burton probably took a big toll on the players. I think Joseph even said it felt like last year but even worse.
This is something a good pep talk isn't going to fix, they need real work on team building and mental resiliency. God help us if there are any big transfers after this season. They really do just need a break.
A quick google search of a few Sports Performance Physiologists in Indiana. Micah's performance has been horrendous and it can't just be skills. If I had to take a guess it's mental. Look at Micah's face when he goes to shoot free throws.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sports-performance/in/dyer
Continuing to play Micah in his current state is like throwing someone who's scared of water in the deep end, and watching them sink to the bottom every time. Whatever his issues, he and the coaching staff need to work together in private to address them. If/when he shows sustainable improvement, reinsert him in the rotation. That may not be this year, by the way. At the end of the day, minutes should be earned, and he's not earning them right now.
I also think that seeing a psychologist would be helpful ... can somebody recommend one for me?
Quote from: wh on January 26, 2018, 01:35:40 PM
Continuing to play Micah in his current state is like throwing someone who's scared of water in the deep end, and watching them sink to the bottom every time. Whatever his issues, he and the coaching staff need to work together in private to address them. If/when he shows sustainable improvement, reinsert him in the rotation. That may not be this year, by the way. At the end of the day, minutes should be earned, and he's not earning them right now.
I wouldn't mind the Coaches giving Micah the Parker Hazen treatment for the foreseeable future. Make him earn it or only put him when there is foul trouble. It becomes a little easier with Kiser coming back from injury but Kiser isn't going to light it up and isn't capable of running the point. When Bakari goes out I'd slide Max to PG and play Kiser as a swing guy. That's not ideal for offense but Micah deserve ZERO minutes. I feel bad saying that because I've heard he's a gym rat and puts in the work but he playing like a D2 end of the bench player most of the time he's on the court other then a few games of being a solid distributor.
This isn't a great backcourt after losing Joe Burton... Coach Lottich is playing with flawed roster right now. It's BADLY missing a reliable shooter.
Grade Valpo's Backcourt:Good:
-Tevonn Walker (great defender, great athlete, not true a #1 scoring option)
-Bakari Evelyn (strong shooter when open, not a great defender yet, still developing but is talented and can create his own shot)
-Markus Golder (he's more of a swing Forward imo, but future is bright. He's just inconsistent game to game. But you can always rely on him for energy off the bench.)
Solid Reserve Quality:
-Max Joseph (not a strong shooter, good defender, can run the point if needed, solid depth but shouldn't be relied upon as a starter)
-John Kiser (not flashy but he can eat minutes, not a good scorer, solid defense, maybe you can put him in this category?)
BAD:
-Micah Bradford (he's bordering on bust but he has two years of eligibility left. Those could potentially 2 long seasons...)
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 26, 2018, 02:04:31 PM
I also think that seeing a psychologist would be helpful ... can somebody recommend one for me?
I'd take you over Bradford right about now.
Sports Performance Physiologists in Indiana, do they make house calls to fans in Indiana? :o
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 26, 2018, 02:04:31 PM
I also think that seeing a psychologist would be helpful ... can somebody recommend one for me?
Nope. You are well beyond hope. ;)
Quote from: EddieCabot on January 26, 2018, 02:04:31 PM
I also think that seeing a psychologist would be helpful ... can somebody recommend one for me?
carsasm?
FWAlum - these comments are not in appropriate or obscene - why should they be censored? Let's not go back to the Steinbrenner era in the 80s when they were masters at buffing a turd.
Give Matt at least 4 years and let's see what happens. Cripe, they gave Carlson four years who may be the worst coach in Valpo history.
IMO this thread does a disservice to the program. I have little doubt that our players and recruits and their families and friends follow the board to some degree. There's no reason to think otherwise. As a proponent of free speech, I'm not suggesting the thread be closed, but I do think that our second year coach that won the HL last year despite losing Jubril early and Alec late, and who started his 2nd season 8-0 before losing his highest rated player deserves a lot more respect than the premise of this thread gives him.
Where would Homer be after his second, third and fourth seasons
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WH, I agree for the most part. He deserves a heck of a lot more respect for the job he and the staff have done. Last season that team faced a ton of adversity all season and he still manage 24 wins and tied for 1st place in the regular season. This season the 8-0 start was impressive even if it wasn't pretty at times but we should have been expecting it to be a bumpy season after all the roster turnover and replacing most of the core of the team from last season. This is a lot of inexperience on one team. Expectations were raised after the 8-0 start and then things started come off the rails with Tevonn getting mono and Joe Burton letting down the team by not making grades. We should give him credit but it's fair game if someone wants to question Coaching decisions, imo. Nobody is above criticism. But it does seem completely silly to think we can judge a Coach after 1 1/2 seasons, when he hasn't been able to get a full 4 year recruiting cycle of his recruits in here and joining a new conference. This season has been frustrating for a lot of reasons that don't have to do with the coaches. I'd be for changing the title of this thread personally.
Lottich should be around for awhile, but critiques should not be erased from this board.
I also agree that criticism should not be silenced, but I will add my voice to the comments that everyone should give Matt Lottich a chance. He is a very good coach leading a team that is having a bad run right now.
I'm not saying Lottich should be fired. But you gotta look at what's happening on the court. Burton leaves the program, so and so gets injured. I get that. :censored: happens. But you look at the product on the floor right now and you can only think....there's something lacking. No fundamentals. No semblance of running an offense. This is stuff that Lottich can control right now.
Also Micah should not be playing. He has no confidence to shoot, which he shouldn't be doing, he's not making good passes, all he does is pass the ball around the arc.
WE MADE TWO FREE THROWS IN A ROW!!!!!
The player taunting Mileek that led to a technical was a perfect representation of the lack of respect for Valpo's interior defense. Lottich needs to show video of that over and over again to the big men before the next game.
Smits, Tevonn, and max are Bryce's players, everyone else is Lottich's?
Time out was just called after a 6-0 Illinois st run. All of which we easy buckets.
Let's see what coach draws up out of the timeout
Mileek appeared to be the only one that decided to play defense that time down the court and unfortunately will prob end up on sports center now. Not sure what the other 4 Valpo players were doing.
The coaches need to light a fire under this team. They are flat each and every game. Not a good look.
These games aren't even competitive.....
Quote from: mj on January 27, 2018, 10:02:02 PM..there's something lacking.
Talent. It's right in front of everyone but no one wants to see it.
So Lottich hasn't recruited very well....big big part of college coaching. If you have better players you have a very good chance of winning.
None of the freshman he recruited can get on the court...besides mileek getting very little. I guess freshman should redshirt in the mvc? Do freshman play at other mvc schools?
Now the sophomore that coach recruited. Sorrola blah...Bradford bust.
Good thing coach has been able to get some transfers....
But I would even question the transfers. Not ability but attitude. One has been dismissed. Golder and Evelyn comduct themselves much different than max and Tevonn....I'll just say that
Quote from: valpopal on January 27, 2018, 10:13:22 PM
The player taunting Mileek that led to a technical was a perfect representation of the lack of respect for Valpo's interior defense. Lottich needs to show video of that over and over again to the big men before the next game.
Valpo needs to earn respect in the MVC to avoid this from happening in the future:
[tweet]957468353093947392[/tweet]
Earlier in the season coach predicted we would be a better team in March. For the most part, we've looked like a deer caught in the headlights the first time we play conference opponents. Let's see how we do the second time around the league in terms of competing.
I don't mean just looking at final scores because many times we have been blown out for most of the game then rallied furiously in garbage time to make the score respectable. I mean are we actually in the game with a real chance to win in the second half. If we can do that the second time around then I would take that as a sign that coaching is having a positive impact. If we continue to be down double digits at half and 20 - 30 in the second half, then I think the coaches need to take a hard look at themselves in terms of how they can get better, and how they can help the players they have get better.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 27, 2018, 11:43:40 PMSo Lottich hasn't recruited very well....big big part of college coaching. If you have better players you have a very good chance of winning. None of the freshman he recruited can get on the court...besides mileek getting very little. I guess freshman should redshirt in the mvc? Do freshman play at other mvc schools? Now the sophomore that coach recruited. Sorrola blah...Bradford bust. Good thing coach has been able to get some transfers.... But I would even question the transfers. Not ability but attitude. One has been dismissed. Golder and Evelyn comduct themselves much different than max and Tevonn....I'll just say that
I will support the notion that, to this point, the recruited talent under this coach has been significantly underwhelming and that this is a major issue until it is not an issue.
To be fair, these recruits under Lottich have better recruiting rankings than many past classes. It just turns out those rankings appear to be severely flawed for our guys. I hate to say it, but Hazen appears to be a bust...
Sorolla and Bradford committed when Bryce was still head coach, correct? This means the seniors thru sophomores were Bryce recruits. I do get tired of seeing Twitter posts from Micah or Barry about Micah getting into the gym early in the morning, as most gym rats do, but maybe this gym rat needs to get out of the gym for individual work, and only be on the court during team practice for awhile. Might help his head clear a little.
Golder is probably playing too far ahead of what he was at North Idaho, but he'll get where he will be better for this team.
We definitely need a leader, but we don't have anyone on this roster that can take that step, and it might be two or three seasons before we have that real leader in Valpo basketball again. I know, some of you will say Javon will be that leader, and that's why I'm saying two or three seasons from now, and not pressing it today.
Quote from: valpotx on January 28, 2018, 11:03:21 AM
To be fair, these recruits under Lottich have better recruiting rankings than many past classes. It just turns out those rankings appear to be severely flawed for our guys. I hate to say it, but Hazen appears to be a bust...
Not even close to a bust--yet. He has only been present in the box score in 16 games with several of those with less than 5 minutes logged. As I have pointed out on a few occasions there are numerous players who have shown little promise their freshman year only to turn into very productive, even star players by their senior year. He has size and athletic ability and is all of 18. Time will tell.
I would not be surprised if hazen and Micah transfer
Quote from: valpolaw on January 28, 2018, 12:12:35 PM
I would not be surprised if hazen and Micah transfer
Are we any better NEXT YEAR if Micah transfers? Last I checked we had only (1) other PG ball handler for next years team. Honest question, because I'm 50-50 on his future. If he can settle into distributor and stop launching bad 3's I'm actually happy to have him.
This is a general statement intended for all of us. GO GET LAID AND STOP WHINNING about things we can't control. UNI is not in that much better of a position than us as it stands today. Should we expect to be better than a UNI program in our first year in this conference? They are superior in nearly every facet of a program that is measurable.
Kind of like Texas football...great recruiting classes based on rankings, but turns up as duds
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 28, 2018, 12:31:08 PM
Quote from: valpolaw on January 28, 2018, 12:12:35 PM
I would not be surprised if hazen and Micah transfer
Are we any better NEXT YEAR if Micah transfers? Last I checked we had only (1) other PG ball handler for next years team. Honest question, because I'm 50-50 on his future. If he can settle into distributor and stop launching bad 3's I'm actually happy to have him.
This is a general statement intended for all of us. GO GET LAID AND STOP WHINNING about things we can't control. UNI is not in that much better of a position than us as it stands today. Should we expect to be better than a UNI program in our first year in this conference? They are superior in nearly every facet of a program that is measurable.
i dont feel like this team has any future stars, just a lot of role players. Has anyone on this team made strides since last season? IMO Linssen has the most potential on this team and doesn't get to play. Golder has potential but he is so high on himself he isn't the type of player I prefer for valpo to recruit.
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I don't consider it "whining" for those of us on this board to expect more from the team and coaches. Watching this team go out each game and get progressively worse and calling it like we see it isn't whining. It's the truth and the reality is this team hasn't been competitive for majority of these games and something needs to change quick.
Everyone needs to take it easy on the freshman. We haven't seen enough of any of them to declare if they're a bust or even how good they can be. Parker had a rough start to the season but hasn't sniffed playing time since. Disappointing? yes, but I'm far from giving up on him. There have been plenty of freshman who have had rough freshman years and went on to nice careers.
For as down as I have been on Micah maybe he can develop into a useful player as well. Sometimes players need to go somewhere else to get a fresh start to jump start their playing careers. I'm not sure I'd say that is likely but that decision will be up to him at the end of the season. Maybe this can get turned around for Micah. The staff has clearly be targeting adding another PG for next season. They offered Xavier Castañeda and it sounds like we're targeting Daniel Sackey for the class of 2018 with Javon. If we do land Sackey, Micah might be hard pressed for minutes next season if he doesn't significantly elevate his game.
Let's not compare ourselves to any other MVC programs. We should have our own level expectations set for ourselves and it's fair to say we should expect better results and it needs to get better. It should also be acknowledged that this was always going to be a "transition year". It's just been a much rougher transition then we all thought it would be.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 28, 2018, 12:40:24 PM
Kind of like Texas football...great recruiting classes based on rankings, but turns up as duds
My assumption is that you mean UT, and not TX recruits in general. Just about all top football players come from TX ;). Hell, just about 1/2 of OU's team each year is from TX.
That dunk by the ISU kid was spectacular, but the taunting afterwards would have made a tougher or more experienced team take a number and make him feel his next visit into the lane. We did nothing... just took it. THAT lack of fire is a big, big problem right now.
I'll be more specific: if someone pulled that against the 1998 team, one of the Jenkins twins or Vilcinskas would've sent that kid into the fourth row the next trip down the floor. (Ask Brian Cardinal about that if you doubt me).
3 or 4 of our guys on the court never even saw it since they were to busy looking elsewhere instead of stopping the ball.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 28, 2018, 08:52:14 PM
That dunk by the ISU kid was spectacular, but the taunting afterwards would have made a tougher or more experienced team take a number and make him feel his next visit into the lane. We did nothing... just took it. THAT lack of fire is a big, big problem right now.
It would have been nice to have a player like Bobby Capobianco out there who would have done the dirty work and stuck up for his teammate.
(ignore the UDM fan's title of the video, for the record that play wasn't dirty, imo. Good hard clean foul)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w55X1ythAI
Good, clean, hard foul. Went for the ball.
Correct UT. Always high recruiting classes and always poor results on the field.
Some interesting comments:
He thought he'd have different players? I'm assuming he's referring to Joe not being here. Did we miss out on a recruit that he thought would commit or something? Or is he saying he thought the players would be better then they are and would rise to the occasion. A interesting comment to make.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/958025860191326209
Gotta just be talking about Joe...although players is plural so maybe not.
Quote from: M on January 29, 2018, 01:53:44 PM
Gotta just be talking about Joe...although players is plural so maybe not.
Here is his teleconference call: https://soundcloud.com/mvcsports/matt-lottich-valpo
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/958065754204770305
could also mean Tevonn not being at 100% or, going farther back, Lexus would be there
With the seemingly valid questions as to whether or not he has the players backs circulating in many fans' heads I would think Lottich needs to watch it with comments like the one he made about having different players. All it takes is for one or two guys to misinterpret that comment for him to lose the locker room. If he loses the locker room he's done. I think we know what he meant and that he wasn't trying to throw anyone under the bus but still doesn't seem like the smartest or best comment to make right now.
Quote from: M on January 29, 2018, 01:53:44 PM
Gotta just be talking about Joe...although players is plural so maybe not.
It is Tevonn, Kizer and Joe. We "lost" Tevonn for 4 games and John for 6 and then there is Joe. :(
We haven't had the whole team we expected to have since game #11 against Purdue.
And since we now know Tevonn was playing with mono that night, we really didn't have our full team then, either. (Not saying this would have changed the outcome, but maybe we have a bit more respectable showing).
Quote from: wh on January 27, 2018, 03:04:30 PM
IMO this thread does a disservice to the program. I have little doubt that our players and recruits and their families and friends follow the board to some degree. There's no reason to think otherwise. As a proponent of free speech, I'm not suggesting the thread be closed, but I do think that our second year coach that won the HL last year despite losing Jubril early and Alec late, and who started his 2nd season 8-0 before losing his highest rated player deserves a lot more respect than the premise of this thread gives him.
Well said, I was a little more blunt. Going through a similar situation with a high school program I am quasi-connected to, so my patience is running a little thin.
"I like criticism. It makes you strong." --LeBron James
"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism." --Norman Vincent Peale
I think Lottich deserves a fair amount of criticism. Lets look back to Milwaukee last year. They had very little talent and look how well they progressed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Through great coaching they were able to overcome their deficiencies and compete with more talented programs. Lottich has been unable to overcome thus far. We are yet to win a game this season that we were not supposed to win, and that is a problem!
On the other side. We went 9-7 in the Horizon league Alec Peter's freshman year. Imagine we would have been in the MVC that year.... How many conference games would we have won? 3 games? maybe 4? maybe 5? So, perhaps it is a little early to be super hard on Lottich as Bryce would have likely struggled just as much as Lottich is currently struggling.
In conclusion, I think Lottich could still be the man, he just needs some time to figure things out. At the same time I think it is fair to conclude he is not an instant star/sensation where everything he touches turns to gold. (example: Chris Holtmann at Butler/Ohio State --> In both cases previously dominant programs were struggling with their current coaches and he took over and had instant success)
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 30, 2018, 08:48:51 AM
"I like criticism. It makes you strong." --LeBron James
LeBron James is also a guy who congratulates himself on instagram before the accomplishment ever happens. Great player but a poor leader. Just look at the Cavs this season... It's hard to take any quote seriously from someone as petty as LeBron.
https://twitter.com/BarstoolBigCat/status/955831147833028608
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2018, 09:52:12 AM
On the other side. We went 9-7 in the Horizon league Alec Peter's freshman year. Imagine we would have been in the MVC that year.... How many conference games would we have won? 3 games? maybe 4? maybe 5? So, perhaps it is a little early to be super hard on Lottich as Bryce would have likely struggled just as much as Lottich is currently struggling.
Obviously you can't infer too much from one game, but it does add a little context to note that the 13-14 team lost on the road at Evansville. That Evansville team finished in 9th place in the MVC with a record of 6-12. The only team to finish behind Evansville was (current conference leader) Loyola at 4-14. It was the Ramblers first year in the MVC after moving from the Horizon.
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 30, 2018, 08:48:51 AM
"I like criticism. It makes you strong." --LeBron James
"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism." --Norman Vincent Peale
No one is questioning the value of constructive criticism. That said, not all criticism is constructive. Criticizing specific coaching decisions and results is fair game. Publicly questioning whether we have the right coach the first time results head south is not only not constructive, it's potentially damaging for the reasons I mentioned previously. Understanding that difference shouldn't be rocket science.
Quote from: wh on January 30, 2018, 12:58:53 PM
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 30, 2018, 08:48:51 AM
"I like criticism. It makes you strong." --LeBron James
"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism." --Norman Vincent Peale
No one is questioning the value of constructive criticism. That said, not all criticism is constructive. Criticizing specific coaching decisions and results is fair game. Publicly questioning whether we have the right coach the first time results head south is not only not constructive, it's potentially damaging for the reasons I mentioned previously. Understanding that difference shouldn't be rocket science.
I'll 2nd that, resoundingly.
It was/is an honest question. We have been talking about it in my area of section c before it was brought to the board. Hell, this could have been a positive thread if people came here and said Yes! He is the man! I do hope he proves that he is the man. I think it is premature to have a decision one way or the other but think it's certainly worth asking/talking about. As others have said, a mid major' s margin of error is razor thin. And while yes it was a rebuilding year, this team is just so difficult to watch. Once apathy starts setting in on a fan base, it's difficult to overcome. Curious to see what the attendance is like tonight.
I think one has to question the hire as well....Dont attack me yet, hear me out. We were coming off of 5 championships in 6 years with wins over power5 and ranked teams. The program was entering a top 10 league as well. Perfect opportunity to hire a proven-successful coach that will bring an experienced staff? Unwards and upwards. From what I understand, Matt was 2nd or 3rd choice. I get it, the program wanted someone who had been with Valpo (2 years) and Matt had a great playing career. Let's add that Matt is also a stand up guy with great character. Made since..... But maybe a missed opportunity to hire a Scott Naggy or John Brannen.
When we hired Matt we were still in the Horizon League.
This is true. Remember how some folks were arguing last pring we shouldn't leave because the Valley wasn't that much better than the HL? Ha... I think we see how much we were propped up by the HL's soft underbelly the past several years.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 31, 2018, 08:17:10 AMFrom what I understand, Matt was 2nd or 3rd choice. I get it, the program wanted someone who had been with Valpo (2 years) and Matt had a great playing career. Let's add that Matt is also a stand up guy with great character. Made since..... But maybe a missed opportunity to hire a Scott Naggy or John Brannen.
Since it was first reported with any real "confirmation" that Bryce was going to take the Vanderbilt job on April 4th and then officially announced on April 6th, I don't think we really had time to approach anyone other than Roger Powell, since literally the next day on April 7th we announced that Matt was our new head coach. We were always going to stay "in program". If you heard anything else I would be interested to know details.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 31, 2018, 01:38:44 PM
When we hired Matt we were still in the Horizon League.
Matt has had a lot put on his plate.
Hey, Oklahoma, if Matt was our 2nd or 3rd choice, who were the earlier choices? Just curious.
From what I understand, Powell then Gore. I could be wrong....correct if so. But the point is why did we have to hire from within? And I totally support Matt but that may change in 2 years....
IMO, to that point, it's a lot easier to "cover" for a new coach in the horizon league as well until they get their feet wet. The coaches in the MVC are head and shoulders better than the coaches in the HL. That's the big difference between a league who doesn't really care about bball and one who invests in bball.
Just looked at conference RPI. The HL dropped all the way down to 26 (out of 32). Gross. The MVC is currently 8th.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 31, 2018, 04:40:21 PM
From what I understand, Powell then Gore. I could be wrong....correct if so. But the point is why did we have to hire from within? And I totally support Matt but that may change in 2 years....
Sure and that is why Luke had that very disappointed yet supportive look on his face when Matt was announced. That is crazy and in addition Luke has said that his goal is to be a head coach. Look, the idea to hire from within is based on the Butler model which has worked very well and in a league even better that the Valley! And don't say the latest coach wasn't from "within". He was a Butler guy and player.
Enough already!
VU72 you going off of facial expressions? You must be a great card player too? You think that was the first time Gore heard Matt was being hired as head coach? That's sweet. But be realistic. Gore has been on campus for a very very long time, hired and endorsed by the Drews. Looking at the coaching tree and hierarchy, Gore was next man up after Powell.
We blame our struggles on youth and inexperience. Well so is coach.
Luke should transition to the Head Coach of Womens Basketball and stay in the Valpo Family. By doing this we can develop synergy between the two programs. Think he can coach the bigs?
Plus his personality is great for recruiting. Just watching and listening to him, and having a daughter who played sports, Luke would be fantastic.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 30, 2018, 09:52:12 AM
I think Lottich deserves a fair amount of criticism. Lets look back to Milwaukee last year. They had very little talent and look how well they progressed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Through great coaching they were able to overcome their deficiencies and compete with more talented programs. Lottich has been unable to overcome thus far. We are yet to win a game this season that we were not supposed to win, and that is a problem!
Fake News! Milwaukee literally didn't win a game in February last year, and lost their last 9 regular season games. It's absurd to say they progressed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 31, 2018, 06:39:36 PM
VU72 you going off of facial expressions? You must be a great card player too? You think that was the first time Gore heard Matt was being hired as head coach? That's sweet. But be realistic. Gore has been on campus for a very very long time, hired and endorsed by the Drews. Looking at the coaching tree and hierarchy, Gore was next man up after Powell.
We blame our struggles on youth and inexperience. Well so is coach.
Not at all. You said that Luke was the second choice. If so, why in the world wouldn't he have taken it? Perhaps you meant to say it was Drew's second choice and he/they were over ruled by Mark?
I think that some of that might have been about whether Luke was going to go with Drew or now when he left. Didn't he ask him?
The reality seems to be that Drew's acceptance of the Vandy job happened quickly and chaotically and there was concern Drew was going to take most of the coaching staff with him. It could be that they offered Matt because Gore wasn't sure if he was going to stay?
I have heard from some people that maybe the announcement and decision to leave wasn't handled well in regards to clear communications. I don't know if the news leaked too early and Bryce wasn't quite ready to talk to the team or he was still having convos with assts about who he'd take with him but I know there were some concerns that there was a bit too much radio silence from Bryce that increased the chaos.
Here is the news conference itself. At 14:38 you will hear Mark LaBarbera discuss the process which had been covered and in place for a few years as Bryce flirted with other jobs. Perhaps as 05 mentioned, Luke wasn't sure he was going to stay as he is from Tennessee. In that case Matt could have been the second choice but I doubt it.
https://youtu.be/qvMfx2qfzps?t=881
it's less important rather Matt was 2nd choice or 3rd choice when considering experience.
I can't believe we are rehashing this midseason. It's not even like the guy has done a horrendous job. I'd actually say far from it. A few years from now we might be looking back at this thread and saying, "what the heck were we thinking?". It's fair to critique coaching decisions but we have to give him time to prove himself.
Yep the frustration of a long or longish period of losing can make folks say crazy and foolish things; and let me say that I am plenty guilty of that myself. It's obvious he has some ability. He coached circles around Lansing last night, and he has landed what appear to be significant recruiting gets for the program in Freeman-Liberty Sackey Fazekas and convincing Peters to stay last year . Also, McMillan looks like a real find and Linssen seems like he could be a real player with some patience and development. Perhaps he is right to ask us to have faith and trust the process. Maybe it's last night's win talking ( although personally I think we're due to get a few more in short order as I really feel like last night something clicked and changed with this team for the better), but that seems like sound advice to me right now.