I will be staying off twitter the entire game :-X
Not even sure what to say about this game. Hoping for a win (like always), but just want to see a good basketball game.
Looking to improve my game thread record to 3-1 with this one. Come on Crusaders, don't let me down!
https://twitter.com/Pg_Benson/status/956638004902350848
What the heck is with the 9pm start time? Are we playing this game on the West Coast or something?
Edit: I just realized this game is on ESPN2 so it probably has to do with the TV time slot. Let's hope Valpo ends it's losing streak of national TV games.
Illinois State's press conference previewing the Valpo game. Illinois State makes both Coach Muller and a few players available to the media. I wish Valpo would record these midweek media availabilities.
http://goredbirds.com/watch/?Archive=6597&type=Archive
https://twitter.com/Valpo_Hoops/status/956656387848900608
Ill State 73
Valpo 62
Good news is yet another loss improves our draft pick for next year.
On the road, IL ST struggling to some degree, let's be realistic
Valpo 49
Illinois State 71
I'll take 73 to 58. And sadly I think that will include an improved performance on our part and include a late comeback in garbage time.
They will be fired up at home for ESPN2 and the crowd will probably fired up with some "spirits" at that hour of the night.
Not sure when we will right the ship, but I still hold out hope we can run off two in a row soon.
For any fans making the trip, I think you'll enjoy Redbird Arena. Really nice place to watch a game.
Quote from: bbtds on January 26, 2018, 08:58:00 AM
On the road, IL ST struggling to some degree, let's be realistic
Valpo 49
Illinois State 71
Not sure how we would lose by 22 even on the road. IL ST is however all over the place on wins and losses. I think we could be in this one but we fall in a tight one, 71-66
We are not playing well (understatement). We need to finally play a good away MVC game. As frustrated as the fan base is, just image what the players and coaches are going through. The first six (Division I) games the team played very well. Since then, we've only played two good games and an OK game at Santa Clara. From the stats in MVC play, we are getting beat on the boards and with fouls. Our seniors should not be leading the team in rebounding, even though they are getting more minutes per game. Hit the boards hard and anticipate position on defense. Set some screens on offense.
We can't let Illinois St have any long runs - someone needs to step up with defensive effort or find the open man for a bucket.
If we play well...
Valpo 75
Ill St 73
Since this could be a close game, we need to hit our FTs - they're free, right?
Quote from: covufan on January 26, 2018, 11:28:54 AM
We are not playing well (understatement). We need to finally play a good away MVC game. As frustrated as the fan base is, just image what the players and coaches are going through. The first six (Division I) games the team played very well. Since then, we've only played two good games and an OK game at Santa Clara. From the stats in MVC play, we are getting beat on the boards and with fouls. Our seniors should not be leading the team in rebounding, even though they are getting more minutes per game. Hit the boards hard and anticipate position on defense. Set some screens on offense.
We can't let Illinois St have any long runs - someone needs to step up with defensive effort or find the open man for a bucket.
If we play well...
Valpo 75
Ill St 73
Since this could be a close game, we need to hit our FTs - they're free, right?
No, they seem to be costing us this year... ;)
Prediction:
Valpo 58
IL State 67
The last 8 points are all scored by Golder and Evelyn in guardbage time to make it seem closer than it was.
I'm starting to think I know why our student section isn't filling up... :-[
Kenpom:
61 Loyola
90 Missouri State
116 Bradley
122 Indiana State
124 Northern Iowa
139 Southern Illinois
144 Evansville
166 Drake
168 Illinois State
169 Valparaiso
https://twitter.com/Pg_Benson/status/957060322539556864
ISU cutting back rotation against Valley newcomer Valparaiso
Jim Benson jbenson@pantagraph.com
4 hrs ago
........
Valparaiso might be more desperate for a win than the Redbirds. The Crusaders have lost four straight, including the last two at home to Loyola (70-54) and Evansville (75-65).
After winning three straight Horizon League regular-season titles, and five of the last six, Valpo has found the Valley to be more challenging.
It didn't help the Crusaders that 6-foot-6 junior forward Joe Burton, a transfer from Oklahoma State who was averaging 11.5 points in the first 10 games, was dismissed from school for academic reasons in late December.
"The Horizon League was just different philosophies at times," said second-year Valpo coach Matt Lottich. "Teams wanted to shoot quick and play offense. That's just not the case (in the Valley). Every team in this league prepares similarly to the way we have."
....... http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/article_e8a04ae6-1bcf-59b7-904a-d05689eb5b0b.html
The Illinois State game thread: https://redbirdfan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=546&p=13924&hilit=valpo#p13924
I'm seeing betting lines of Illinois St. -3.
I'm not feeling confident in pulling off the win tonight. Illinois State isn't world beaters but this is a National TV game which we haven't performed well in recent history.
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/957329437305004032
If you have any questions shoot him a tweet.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/957425198562729985
Is Bruniga still getting major minutes? If so I hope he doesn't rub salt in our wounds. :'(
Quote from: justducky on January 27, 2018, 08:05:41 PM
Is Bruniga still getting major minutes? If so I hope he doesn't rub salt in our wounds. :'(
He's been forced into early playing time this season because of their roster situation. He's been getting a sizable amount of minutes.
Starters:
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/957436758957940738
Quote from: justducky on January 27, 2018, 08:05:41 PM
Is Bruniga still getting major minutes? If so I hope he doesn't rub salt in our wounds. :'(
For spelling and recognition purposes
http://goredbirds.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5389
Taylor Bruni
nga
A pretty cool thing from the Illinois Redbirds team. Wouldn't mind Valpo trying this but I would be worried about some kind of freak accident happening is the guys came down the student section bleachers.
https://twitter.com/Pg_Benson/status/957447812018593793
Bakari dribbles way too much. He kills possessions with how much of the clock he burns. SMH
This offense has no flow.
Agreed, offense has no flow. Appears there is no strategy. Look at our screens, very seldom do we get open from a screen
Mileek is getting his lunch eaten on defense.
So many defensive breakdowns so far for Valpo. Easy baskets for Illinois St
If our offense drops off at all, this game will get ugly in a hurry.
Are we sure Sorolla can actually jump?
We were not ready to join this league.
We won the hL 5 of 6 years. Program was ready, not this group
We cannot defend any half decent big.
Oh, and we can't shoot either.
Otherwise we at least competed for a while.
Quote from: bbtds on January 26, 2018, 08:58:00 AM
On the road, IL ST struggling to some degree, let's be realistic
Valpo 49
Illinois State 71
11 points down this half, 11 points in the second half and Valpo loses by 22. Not too unrealistic.
We're lucky to be down 11 at the half. Absolutely no interior defense. No rebounding. 3s aren't falling.
First half: no positives inside or outside. It is bad enough that we are 0-8 outside from the three-point line, but inside isn't any better. The inside defense is absent, plus Valpo is losing on rebounding, 24-13, and they have given up 6 offensive rebounds.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 27, 2018, 09:49:19 PM
We were not ready to join this league.
With this roster without Joe Burton yes we are missing weapons. It will be interesting to see how the recruitment changes the next few years. We're going to need to start recruiting athletes with length and that aren't complete liabilities with their shooting abilities.
Valpo is getting it's @ss kicked on the boards. Smits, Sorolla, and Mileek need to be better on the boards.
Its Marty time
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 27, 2018, 09:49:19 PM
We were not ready to join this league.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 27, 2018, 09:52:27 PM
We won the hL 5 of 6 years. Program was ready, not this group
So cheesehead might have been talking about this group. Although the conference switch was pretty much based on the program as a whole and not on last year's team.
Just don't have the athletes yet. Can't get open off these screens, when one is actually set. Also as mentioned earlier we can't seem to defend anybody with any size.
Bakari gonna get his 15 points when we are down and out of it.
On the plus side only 30 minutes til Will Ferrell and SNL.
Lucky to be down only 11. Offense is non existent again. This is likely going to get ugly in the second half.
Smits inspires no fear on the defensive end. Remember when a forward would catch the ball in the post, pivot, see Vashil standing there and pass the ball back out? This is the opposite of that.
National TV curse with this team.
You have got to be $$$$ing kidding me with us always fouling a 3 pt jump shot each game! We are a terrible team this year, but how in the hell do we have one of these EVERY GAME??
Sorlla's main contribution tonight has been offensive fouls.
He's pretty good at it too.
Remember how bad our offense looked last year when Alec went down with the injury?
We said, "give him some slack, he's missing his best player"
This year it looks the same.
We say, "give him some slack, we lost a good player and we are young"
Valpo gets no respect from players or refs. Treated like pushovers. Glaringly obvious. Perhaps they deserve the derision.
Can somebody explain to me how they can have 16 guys when they're playing defense and we only get 3?
At least that's what it seems like to me.
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 27, 2018, 10:28:11 PM
Valpo gets no respect from players or refs. Treated like pushovers. Glaringly obvious. Perhaps they deserve the derision.
What's also glaringly obvious is the talent gap and athleticism with these 2 teams. Specifically from the wings. They're team actually can shoot the ball and ours can't.
Very difficult to watch. Sad. When is the last time we didn't score a 3? No confidence. Team is getting worse and worse. Not seeing growth. Let them play. Mix it up. Do something different ...
we should be down by 40
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
We are lucky that Illinois State couldn't buy a 3 today as well. This team should be embarrassed of itself, as they are single-handedly setting back our program with just 1 conference season. Recruits are looking at our offense and wondering why they would want to come here.
Someone please challenge me again on our current team being able to beat our Mid-Con championship teams, as one of our posters tried to do when we were 8-0. Our 2001-2002 team would beat this current team by 30-35...
It's been said about sorolla before, but maybe we should check most of the team for low testosterone or send them testosterone boosters.
There's absolutely no improvement from game to game. If anything we continue to get worse. We can't even make one three, you gotta be kiddin me
You normally would think that Valpo being 0-12 from 3-pt. line would be the difference in the game. However, Ill. St. has missed 17 and is only 3-20 from the 3-pt. line. The main difference is almost totally the inside play.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 27, 2018, 10:26:18 PM
Remember how bad our offense looked last year when Alec went down with the injury?
We said, "give him some slack, he's missing his best player"
This year it looks the same.
We say, "give him some slack, we lost a good player and we are young"
I remember Valpo playing pretty well against a good NKU team on the road and took the game down to the wire. Not all bad. Missing 2 of his best players and then also never had Skara last year. The MKE game Hammink was ill.
This team doesn't have anyone who can shoot. Tevonn has been exposed in Conference play. A good player but not a guy you want to lean on as a leading scorer.
Leek got destroyed and hasn't played well tonight...but at least he tried to stop the guy unlike the other 4 guys in yellow jerseys. No excuse for not running back on defense. Just another disappointing night.
Plus my thread record is going to fall to a very average 2-2 it looks like.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 27, 2018, 09:49:19 PM
We were not ready to join this league.
And we weren't "ready" to join the Horizon. Valpo finished .500 with a pretty experienced team, then finished 9th in conference the next year. It took time to adapt to the conferences style of play, which at the time was pretty bruising.
Valpo eventually got the right recruits, figured the league out, and started competing. They got bruisers like Capo and KVW. Then, once Butler left, and the entire league got new coaches, the style of play changed drastically to way more up-tempo. Valpo dominated that by recruiting decent athletes that could run up and down the court and really defend. The defensive-based teams worked well because they had a future NBA player to score points, and, well, a bunch of opponents that didn't play any defense.
So we have a bunch of guys that would do pretty well vs more up tempo teams (and we've seen Valpo play really well when they can control the tempo), but we're playing in a league full of teams that slow the pace down. Valpo will adjust, but it may take a few years just like the last conference switch.
Nope...i recall a lot of standing around on offense
Valpo is down almost 20 points, there are only 5 minutes left, plus McMillan, Sorolla, and Kiser all have 0 points inside, yet Linssen and Hazen haven't seen the floor at all. ???
Again, that 2008-2009 team was bad because we lost Bouchie and Haanpaa, who were stout players. It was not the step up to play in the HL that caused that season.
I would say this team has better players than our mid-con teams. However I would put money on the mid-con teams because they played better as a team. Seems like they had an idea on offense....each player had a role and they ran plays.
Amazing. We finally hit a 3.
Yippee
Like clock work. Garbage time run.
Quote from: valpotx on January 27, 2018, 10:49:26 PM
Again, that 2008-2009 team was bad because we lost Bouchie and Haanpaa, who were stout players. It was not the step up to play in the HL that caused that season.
True, but the Horizon was really strong. Gordon Hayward, Norris Cole, Matt Howard... Then Shelvin Mack, Eli Hollman came in the next year. Those are much better players than what we left behind in the Summit, and probably better players than what we just left in the Horizon.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 27, 2018, 10:56:15 PM
Like clock work. Garbage time run.
I don't understand why it takes the last 2 minutes to trap and play up tempo.
This final score doesn't tell how poorly Valpo played. >:(
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/957479241649676288
Valpo plays better in the second half and nail more free throws than normal, hit more shots and draw the second half and only lose by 11. Bravo, I guess.
I just don't understand why we wait until 2 minutes left to press and play with a sense of urgency. Hopeful for next season, but changes need to be made.
Despite the poor inside play, Linssen never got in the game with his hustle and energy. Also, although Hazen was a starter most of the non-conference schedule, once again he doesn't even get a single minute of play during garbage time.
It is sad to see that our run of 8 straight postseason appearances will end this year, as well.
The game plan for the remaining games is simple. Guys, offensively, play the entire game and every play as if there are two minutes left and we are down by 12.
Other than Smits showing some continued improvement on offense, the only other good thing about this game was that Bradford didn't miss a three or a free throw.
Quote from: valpopal on January 27, 2018, 11:11:05 PM
Despite the poor inside play, Linssen never got in the game with his hustle and energy. Also, although Hazen was a starter most of the non-conference schedule, once again he doesn't even get a single minute of play during garbage time.
The issue didn't seem to be effort tonight. Everyone was playing hard, right until the end. Perhaps that would be an easier fix. If effort was the problem, I'm not sure putting in an anemic Hazen would be a good solution.
I thought that Golder, if anyone, should have gotten more minutes. He needs the practice for next year and has the highest ceiling on the team.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 27, 2018, 10:42:06 PMThis team doesn't have anyone who can shoot. Tevonn has been exposed in Conference play. A good player but not a guy you want to lean on as a leading scorer.
There's not a lot to choose from.
I've reached the point where I can't even get upset or frustrated anymore. We won't be playing in any postseason tournaments this year so don't worry about that. I'll still watch and go to games because that's what you do when you're a fan but my mind has officially made the transition to hoping for better results next year. I hope Lottich uses the final month for development purposes. At 2 games +head to head behind Evansville we're locked into a play in game anyway so let's play the younger players more try some new lineup combos and see what works and who has a future in the program. I appreciate the effort this team gives especially on the defensive end until the lack of offense destroys their confidence but it's time to punt and play for 2018-19 and beyond. I just hope the fanbase\community have the patience to see this process through and won't start hurting the program by not showing up. As critical as I've been I still think there is hope for Lottich and this program and that we will be competing in the MVC sooner rather than later. Go Valpo!
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/957479304207749120
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/957489389239758848
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/957489944997580801
I have so many mixed emotions after these games. Part of me is angry, frustrated & totally disappointed but another part of me comes up with a list of "excuses" (there are some legit excuses). But I'm going to be real honest I'm tired of watching this product. This is a bad team. I'm just sick of watching them but as a fan I'm so invested in them emotionally.
Too many players aren't contributing or even playing. That falls on the coaches for recruiting too many busts or freshman non-contributors. Parker can't even earn a minute. Marty is no where to be found and it's not even like Sorolla has been killing it. Mileek seems like a nice project who can get some minutes but still is a liability out there. Micah blows. And I'm sorry but it's pathetic that John Kiser is getting big minutes. He's a sophomore former walk-on who struggles to score but the other guys stink so we have to play him! John Kiser has played 71 total minutes in the last 3 games and hasn't scored a damn point!! Are you F'ing kidding me!!?
Quote from: VU2014 on January 28, 2018, 12:36:35 AMJohn Kiser has played 71 total minutes in the last 3 games and hasn't scored a damn point!! Are you F'ing kidding me!!?
You forgot that John is just coming off injury--that fits in your legitimate excuse file--doesn't it?
I like Kiser. I do. He gives everything he's got every minute he's in there. I'm glad for him that he's earned a scholarship. But the fact that he is more than an end of the bench guy is very telling. Let's face it. He isn't big enough to guard a half decent 4 and he isn't quick enough to guard a half decent 3. And he has zero offensive game. Yes he's a "glue guy" but you have to have some talent to glue together and unfortunately I don't think we have that now.
So what does that tell us about the talent level of this team? Not really up to MVC conference level. Can these guys get there in a year or two? Smits might get there on the offensive side. Long way to go on defense though. Sorolla is a tree. So far he has shown no improvement from last year. Maybe in three or four years he might be able to play in one of the lower European leagues. Evelyn maybe. He hasn't shown me he is quick enough at the point yet, and his defense has a ways to go. Golder's game has potential but major holes. He is totally right hand dominant. Bradford either has to show he can hit threes this year as well as free throws, or he doesn't belong. As for the three freshman bigs I'll researve judgement until after their 2nd year. Malik has shown some potential. Linssen has shown desire and hustle. Hazen has shown absolutely nothing.
We are putting a lot of faith in our one commit for next year, even projecting him as our starting 2. I hope he can handle it.
We know our transfer is a shooter, but can he play inside and defend at the 4? I think that if he could he would have gotten enough pt where he was that he wouldn't have transferred. Has he improved enough in these areas in this transfer year? We shall see. I hope so.
I hope we can land a home run with one of our two remaining scholarships for next year. We need to raise the level of all our recruits but we desperately need a Rowdy or Alec level player to move the program up to respectability in the MVC.
Quote from: bbtds on January 28, 2018, 01:27:47 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 28, 2018, 12:36:35 AMJohn Kiser has played 71 total minutes in the last 3 games and hasn't scored a damn point!! Are you F'ing kidding me!!?
You forgot that John is just coming off injury--that fits in your legitimate excuse file--doesn't it?
If someone is healthy enough to get 71 minutes they're out of excuses. He should even have fresh legs and by tonight should have been able to shake the rust off by now. If you want to be a scholarship player you need to be better then that. He's no longer a "cute story". But it's sad how much we need to depend on a sophomore former walk-on in the first place. I hate to dog on the kid because a good dude and exceptional student and seems to be a very well respected teammate in that locker-room but those stats are unacceptable he's far from the only one on this team underachieving.
Crusaders lose fifth straight game for first time since 2008
Paul Oren Times Correspondent 2 hrs ago
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/crusaders-lose-fifth-straight-game-for-first-time-since/article_e1138186-7c4a-5b8f-a480-47ec9e42c185.html
Bruce and powelll always out recruited the rest of the league. They were able to do that without facilities.....I know recruiting is a big part of the job and my first question about Lottich was his recruiting ability. Basically I was told to pipe down that he was going to be a good recruiter. After all He recruited Alec to stay...no the nba scouts told him to stay. I must be in one of those moods but it looks like I was spot on in regards to recruiting and Bradford. I have not posted my discontent with th sophomore guard because I did last year and knew it was going to be like this.
I don't know if having the right recruits is 100% of the answer. Most are saying we currently don't have the talent. Regardless, they are never in the right place on defense or offense. I have seen teams less talented but also have an identity or objective.
Quote from: valpopal on January 27, 2018, 11:11:05 PM
Despite the poor inside play, Linssen never got in the game with his hustle and energy. Also, although Hazen was a starter most of the non-conference schedule, once again he doesn't even get a single minute of play during garbage time.
I could not agree more. Linssen is a much more aggressive interior defender and rebounder than either Derrik or Jay. We are way too invested in those 2 guys for the future IMO. As to Hazen, I will be amazed if he doesn't announce he's transferring the minute the season's over.
Quote from: wh on January 28, 2018, 08:45:09 AM
Quote from: valpopal on January 27, 2018, 11:11:05 PM
Despite the poor inside play, Linssen never got in the game with his hustle and energy. Also, although Hazen was a starter most of the non-conference schedule, once again he doesn't even get a single minute of play during garbage time.
I could not agree more. Linssen is a much more aggressive interior defender and rebounder than either Derrik or Jay. We are way too invested in those 2 guys for the future IMO. As to Hazen, I will be amazed if he doesn't announce he's transferring the minute the season's over.
Why would Hazen give up a D1 scholarship to play D2 or D3 ball?
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 28, 2018, 08:41:48 AM
Bruce and powelll always out recruited the rest of the league. They were able to do that without facilities.....I know recruiting is a big part of the job and my first question about Lottich was his recruiting ability. Basically I was told to pipe down that he was going to be a good recruiter. After all He recruited Alec to stay...no the nba scouts told him to stay. I must be in one of those moods but it looks like I was spot on in regards to recruiting and Bradford. I have not posted my discontent with th sophomore guard because I did last year and knew it was going to be like this.
Before the season we were talking about how this was the highest rated recruiting group in Valpo's history. Burton was 4 stars on some sites, Bakari was 3 stars, Hazen was up to 3 stars, and Golder was one of the top Juco transfers in the country. As Jay Harris infamously taught us: it's not about stars on ESPN's website.
I suspect the team moral is pretty shot. And it is understandable. We just don't have the skills necessary to compete. Joe Burton's loss is turning out to be much bigger than perhaps some of us thought. His departure makes Tevonn and Bakari easier targets from the defense and where else will the scoring come from? Derrik continues to improve but he is having a tough time defending the small much quicker guys playing in the Valley. Mileek is too slow to keep up in a similar way. Given that he was scoreless, perhaps Parker would be a better option right now against Valley opponents. He can't score either but his speed and quickness might help. J has hit the wall it would appear and Kiser and Bradford are not going to shoot us out of trouble.
Very discouraged right now as you may have gleaned from my comments. :(
QuoteValpo will adjust, but it may take a few years just like the last conference switch.
I'm not sure I can be that optimistic. After 30 seasons, the Drew's had developed a system, networks, recruiting pipelines, etc. When they left, that all went with them. There's no "Valpo Way" where you can plug in some coach and don't miss a beat.
So that all has to be developed. In a conference that is much better than the Horizon League. If Bryce has coached a season or two in the MVC, this program would have been much better off. The name on the jersey is the same but make no mistake, this is not the same program we had a few years ago.
This ship is on fire. We need to be concerned.
There is no way that Kiser should be getting more minutes than Golder. This is almost unforgivably short-sighted. Does Lottich project Kiser to be a better player than Golder? And if not, then why invest in Kiser so heavily with the minutes? As pointed out by another poster, Kiser has been given some serious minutes since coming back from injury, but in three games, he hasn't scored a single point. Oh wait, and what is our biggest problem right now? Oh, it's scoring, you say? STOP PLAYING THIS SCRAPPY-DOO LOSER!
And since Kiser came back, Golder's minutes and production have plummeted. Golder has been one of our better scorers this season, has potential, and can actually play basketball right now, as opposed to being at best a "hustle/glue guy." Get a clue, Lottich. Get a clue.
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 28, 2018, 08:41:48 AMMost are saying we currently don't have the talent. Regardless, they are never in the right place on defense or offense. I have seen teams less talented but also have an identity or objective.
The ability to effectively defend is a talent.
Quote from: nkvu on January 28, 2018, 01:36:58 AMMalik
Mileek, let's be correct on all the players.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 28, 2018, 01:52:15 AM
Quote from: bbtds on January 28, 2018, 01:27:47 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 28, 2018, 12:36:35 AMJohn Kiser has played 71 total minutes in the last 3 games and hasn't scored a damn point!! Are you F'ing kidding me!!?
You forgot that John is just coming off injury--that fits in your legitimate excuse file--doesn't it?
If someone is healthy enough to get 71 minutes they're out of excuses. He should even have fresh legs and by tonight should have been able to shake the rust off by now. If you want to be a scholarship player you need to be better then that. He's no longer a "cute story". But it's sad how much we need to depend on a sophomore former walk-on in the first place. I hate to dog on the kid because a good dude and exceptional student and seems to be a very well respected teammate in that locker-room but those stats are unacceptable he's far from the only one on this team underachieving.
Unfortunately, I was using carsasm.
Kiser was also one of the only guys who cared to block out and rebound. Everyone else just appeared enamored every time the ball went up, and must have been fascinated by its spinning motion. It seriously looked like a reaction of, 'oh crap, I actually have to move to get this one,' on many of the rebounds...
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 27, 2018, 09:22:38 PM
Agreed, offense has no flow. Appears there is no strategy. Look at our screens, very seldom do we get open from a screen
Our screens don't even look like screens. They just look like big men standing in one spot so visibly that the man being screened can move around the screen. Our screens suck, and that's why we get called for so many illegal screens. We just walk into a screen, instead of making it a screen that really opens up space for a pick and roll.
I watched very little of last night's game. The Golden State-Boston game was much more intriguing in the final minutes.
But I did have the same thought about Kiser, not knowing any of the statistics mentioned on this thread.
My thought: "I know he's a good kid and he tries hard, but if a former walk-on is getting this many minutes on this team, no wonder the record is what it is."
Ya, the only problem is that Kiser is bad at all skill-based aspects of basketball. Over the past three games, in which Kiser had gotten more minutes than Golder in total, Kiser had 15 rebounds. Over the same three games, Golder had 14 rebounds. And their rebounding numbers on the year are effectively indistinguishable. Here are the big differentiators between the two players: Kiser is incapable of scoring points and has no potential. Golder on the other hand can score a bit and has potential.
But let's keep giving minutes to Kiser over Markus...
Quote from: JBC1824 on January 28, 2018, 12:00:57 PM
Ya, the only problem is that Kiser is bad at all skill-based aspects of basketball. Over the past three games, in which Kiser had gotten more minutes than Golder in total, Kiser had 15 rebounds. Over the same three games, Golder had 14 rebounds. And their rebounding numbers on the year are effectively indistinguishable. Here are the big differentiators between the two players: Kiser is incapable of scoring points and has no potential. Golder on the other hand can score a bit and has potential.
But let's keep giving minutes to Kiser over Markus...
I agree - there's a time and place for Kiser; he should be getting 5 minutes when the team isn't trying hard. It's ridiculous that Golder keeps getting benched.
We have enough guys who can't score that we don't need Parker out there not scoring too.
I'm very happy for Lexus Williams and the fact he didn't spend his last eligible collegiate season in this mess. He wouldn't have deserved this. Good for him
Quote from: M on January 28, 2018, 12:19:12 PM
We have enough guys who can't score that we don't need Parker out there not scoring too.
Someone going from starter over multiple games to never playing over multiple games is as far in the dog house as I've ever seen anyone go. For whatever reason, Matt has completely given up on Parker. While Parker had a hard time finishing, he was a lockdown defender and aggressive rebounder. The biggest problem this team has after shooting is interior defense. We have 2 stereotypical white centers (heavy feet, limited athleticism, slow reaction time) and an undersized former walk-on that are getting eaten alive by opposing 4's and 5's, yet Parker sits. Even Linssen as no. 3 on the depth chart at center is getting minutes, yet Parker in the same situation at 4 never gets off the bench. Someone is going to have to come up with a better explanation than just "he can't score" to explain this to my satisfaction.
Quote from: wh on January 29, 2018, 05:33:17 AM
Quote from: M on January 28, 2018, 12:19:12 PM
We have enough guys who can't score that we don't need Parker out there not scoring too.
Someone going from starter over multiple games to never playing over multiple games is as far in the dog house as I've ever seen anyone go. For whatever reason, Matt has completely given up on Parker. While Parker had a hard time finishing, he was a lockdown defender and aggressive rebounder. The biggest problem this team has after shooting is interior defense. We have 2 stereotypical white centers (heavy feet, limited athleticism, slow reaction time) and an undersized former walk-on that are getting eaten alive by opposing 4's and 5's, yet Parker sits. Even Linssen as no. 3 on the depth chart at center is getting minutes, yet Parker in the same situation at 4 never gets off the bench. Someone is going to have to come up with a better explanation than just "he can't score" to explain this to my satisfaction.
He's literally been one of the worst D1 players in the country this year. He is bottom 10 in PER and bottom 15 in turnover %. His rebounding is 8th on the team and his defensive rating is last. He has 1 steal and 1 block in 170 minutes. Your assessment of Hazen being a lockdown defender and agressive rebounder is quite wrong, and even if it was correct, there's no way having a decent rebounder would be worth the black hole on offense. He didn't just have "a hard time finishing" - he's made 4 FG total vs D1 opponents, and hasn't hit a 3 pointer. Even his free throw shooting is bad, at 57%.
I'm not saying that Hazen can't turn it around next year, but when a player is contribing so little, it doesn't make sense to keep him in the lineup this year.
Matt to Parker: "You're doing a poor job as a starter, so I'm never going to play you again."
Nice.
Quote from: wh on January 29, 2018, 07:11:02 AM
Matt to Parker: "You're doing a poor job as a starter, so I'm never going to play you again."
Nice.
This should be an indictment on Lottich not cutting off Hazen sooner as a starter. After all, he's been given 25 bench minutes since not starting and has scored 3 total points in that period. It was pretty apparent early that Hazen wasn't ready for D1 basketball.
The only thing I will add is, None of us are in practice so we don't see what coaches see. If Hazen was lighting it up in practice I'm sure he would have gotten another shot at minutes by now, but my guess is he is just as bad in practice as he was early this year on the court.
But then again, Bradford does not look good on the court and he's still out there chucking up air balls, so maybe it is time to start giving the bench guys another look.
Quote from: a3uge on January 29, 2018, 07:32:13 AMThis should be an indictment on Lottich not cutting off Hazen sooner as a starter.
Hazen started in our beginning season eight game winning streak. Hazen must have looked good in practice at that time.
That is baffling. Seeing Hazen on the court is a distant memory now.
But the thing I do recall is his defensive hustle and good reaction to a rebound or loose ball. Never stopped hustling even though he couldn't create a shot to save his life.
That would be one area of improvement over S & S. He's a lot faster down the court than Linssen.
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 29, 2018, 10:42:34 AMThat is baffling. Seeing Hazen on the court is a distant memory now.
Who ???
I think there is a lot more to the Hazen situation than anyone here knows. It is time to quit beating this guy up.
Quote from: valpo64 on January 29, 2018, 11:57:29 AM
I think there is a lot more to the Hazen situation than anyone here knows.
I hope you're right that there's some sort of back story, because on its face what happened to Parker is the basketball equivalent of cruel and unusual punishment, I don't care what anyone says.
Quote from: valpo64 on January 29, 2018, 11:57:29 AM
I think there is a lot more to the Hazen situation than anyone here knows. It is time to quit beating this guy up.
Care to share what's actually happening?
https://deadspin.com/poor-valparaiso-freshman-dunked-out-of-existence-1822493988
^Not a good look for Valpo
Quote from: valpolaw on January 29, 2018, 07:07:49 PM
https://deadspin.com/poor-valparaiso-freshman-dunked-out-of-existence-1822493988
^Not a good look for Valpo
Why weren't Bakari, Max and Derrik at least hustling to make him make a pass? That is the more pertinent question.
Mileek was with his man until he at least attempted to stop the dunk too late. It certainly wasn't on Mileek.
I agree that it wasn't mileeks fault. He was the only one who attempted to stop him while the rest didn't do anything.
Quote from: valpolaw on January 29, 2018, 07:37:27 PMI agree that it wasn't mileeks fault. He was the only one who attempted to stop him
He tried to stop him far enough under the basket that he should have received a blocking foul. No way we can call that blocking attempt good defense. I actually think the taunting call might have been anger at Mileeks' late attempt placing him underfoot in the landing zone.
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/article_a36c19af-7234-5c5e-bcd5-d2d1b9f43c40.html
ISU hopeful defensive mindset will end four-game road losing streak
Jim Benson jbenson@pantagraph.com 52 min ago 0
http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/article_a36c19af-7234-5c5e-bcd5-d2d1b9f43c40.html
I guarantee that taunt wasn't about the landing zone...seriously though, this wasn't even a fast break was it? My power had gone out (saved me from watching most of this debacle) due to a car crash so I'm not 100% sure. Hoping Wednesday brings some much needed heart and hustle from the guys who have some talent.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/958456952018886657
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/958449147002216449
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/958449643603546113
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/958449931777400833
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/958450258492710919