Wardle & Co. are coming into the ARC 0-2 in Valley play and hungry for a W. This is the first game students will be back on campus for! Hopefully the positive vibes over the last week or so will carry into the game on Tuesday. Bradley is a much more talented team than their record suggests. They play stout defense which we will need to overcome. We can't go on any prolonged scoring droughts like we did in the ISUr game.
Bradley's star, Darrell Brown dropped 32 against Indiana State in a 65-60 loss the other day. We'll need our backcourt to contain him in this game like UNI managed to do the previous game. elijah Childs is having somewhat of disappointing year but even when he's not scoring, he still manages to have an impact on the game with his rebounding. The battle of the Bigs will be another key match up. Koch Bar averages 5.5 Rebs per game. We need our guys to crash the glass and fight for every board against this Bradley team.
I have a feeling this is going to be a gritty/physical game if the refs let the guys play. I see this one being a close game and neither team gets over 70 points.
Looking at the ratings, with the home court advantage Valpo should be favored by about 4 points. However, that is the same spread that favored Missouri State, and we saw what happened there. Need to win the home games; otherwise, Valpo's away victory at Missouri State is basically negated.
1: Valpo starting line up?
2: Final Score?
3: Attendance?
4: 3 point percentage for Valpo? Over/Under 30%?
5: How many Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs will we see in the stands?
1. Hasn't changed in last 3 games, (will it Tuesday?)
2. Bradley has only won 2 of 7 games since Dec.1 (don't let that fool anybody)
3. I believe students are back can we surpass last weeks home game crowd of 3,818?
4. Valpo has won all but 1 game when completing over 30% 3's (exception, lost to WV @ 45%) - Lost all games when under 30% (exception, win to UNLV 27%) Averaging 33% 3 pt % on the road and at home.
5. Make those signs vibrant and bright (gold and brown) so I can see them on TV!!!
1. Same, why change it?
2. 76-71 Victory
3. 3200
4. Over
5. Hopefully just the one - don't be a follower let the original reign!
I'm going to add #6. This is the first game the students will be back on campus. Something to keep in mind is Greek Life recruitment will have begun, particularly for sororities.
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 06, 2019, 04:12:11 PM
1: Valpo starting line up?
2: Final Score?
3: Attendance?
4: 3 point percentage for Valpo? Over/Under 30%?
5: How many Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs will we see in the stands?
6: What will student attendance look like? (% full student section)
They should recruit at games. Let them have time/tables before at halftime and after the games to do their recruiting/fundraising/events/whatever they need to do.
I'm hoping for a massive crowd. Like near sellout. 4000+. Come on students and community. Show up and support this team! They've earned it! They need you!
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 06, 2019, 04:12:11 PM
1: Valpo starting line up?
2: Final Score?
3: Attendance?
4: 3 point percentage for Valpo? Over/Under 30%?
5: How many Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs will we see in the stands?
6: What will student attendance look like? (% full student section)
1. Same for the last 2 games. If it ain't broke, don't mess with it.
2. 64-61 Valpo win, I'm not feeling very confident about us winning because we haven't played well at home this season and Bradley's defense is tough. I'm a little worried about us scoring if we aren't shooting well from 3. Bradley could certainly walk into the ARC and pick up the W if we don't show up to play.
3. 3,150
4. 33.3%
5. 2
6. 70%
Well let's hope Valpo can cheer some folks up on Tuesday after that Bears loss.
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 06, 2019, 04:38:59 PMI'm going to add #6. This is the first game the students will be back on campus. Something to keep in mind is Greek Life recruitment will have begun, particularly for sororities. Quote from: VALPO LI on January 06, 2019, 04:12:11 PM1: Valpo starting line up? 2: Final Score? 3: Attendance? 4: 3 point percentage for Valpo? Over/Under 30%? 5: How many Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs will we see in the stands? 6: What will student attendance look like? (% full student section)
My Gritty sign was going to be a one and done, But I guess I'll bring it back at least one more time. It would be awesome if a few more showed up. It would be even more awesome if the crowd would also chant "We are Gritty (stomp) (stomp) (stomp)" with me. (Stomp) = stomping your feet or kicking the bleachers.
We have been moaning about game day experience and atmosphere being dull and drab. It's not much and won't change anything dramatically but it might be little fun to make a CHANT that is totally ours. I figure if no one else is going to try to spice things up, why not me (or us) try something.
So is anyone else up to it, or are you going to leave me hanging all by myself.
I for one plan on having a little fun with this, even if I get a little embarrassed.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 06, 2019, 07:44:27 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 06, 2019, 04:38:59 PMI'm going to add #6. This is the first game the students will be back on campus. Something to keep in mind is Greek Life recruitment will have begun, particularly for sororities. Quote from: VALPO LI on January 06, 2019, 04:12:11 PM1: Valpo starting line up? 2: Final Score? 3: Attendance? 4: 3 point percentage for Valpo? Over/Under 30%? 5: How many Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs will we see in the stands? 6: What will student attendance look like? (% full student section)
My Gritty sign was going to be a one and done, But I guess I'll bring it back at least one more time. It would be awesome if a few more showed up. It would be even more awesome if the crowd would also chant "We are Gritty (stomp) (stomp) (stomp)" with me. (Stomp) = stomping your feet or kicking the bleachers.
We have been moaning about game day experience and atmosphere being dull and drab. It's not much and won't change anything dramatically but it might be little fun to make a CHANT that is totally ours. I figure if no one else is going to try to spice things up, why not me (or us) try something.
So is anyone else up to it, or are you going to leave me hanging all by myself.
I for one plan on having a little fun with this, even if I get a little embarrassed.
haha I'll look for you on the ESPN feed!!! Best of luck!
Go all out and paint Gritty on your chest. When the team needs a big boost (or the opponent needs to be distracted while at the line) that shirt comes off and GRITTY appears.
Quote from: M on January 06, 2019, 08:50:01 PM
Go all out and paint Gritty on your chest. When the team needs a big boost (or the opponent needs to be distracted while at the line) that shirt comes off and GRITTY appears.
Be like Puddy and paint your face: "You gotta support the team!"
I really wish the frat and sorority system would assimilate their events with the basketball team rather than making it a bogus excuse for low attendance.
1: Same
2: Valpo 68 | Bradley 62
3: 3,450
4: 36.4% (8/22)
5: 1
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
In that case I'll say 2,949
There seems to be nothing like the Valpo community to let down the VUMBB team with their midweek attendance. Expect massive disappointment.
As mentioned Valpo needs to contain Brown. He reminded me of Loyd. Powerful body at about 5'8". He was able to breakdown ISUb's defense and score and/or get fouled down the stretch. May want to zone him a bit to keep him from driving lane. Valpo also has to reduce empty possessions. Need to make sure ball is moving vertically as well as horizontally.
They lost at Indiana State (road game) because the refs called a tight game that gave ISU 40 free throw attempts. AKA-- Bradley plays super aggressive defense. If we get refs that let the kids play we may be in for a rough night because we have trouble scoring against a good defense.
That said our defense has been better lately too and Bradley has struggled even more than we have at getting the ball in the bucket.
I think this will be an ugly low scoring game with both teams struggling to score and it may just come down to who can hit their free throws.
Wardle's teams are notorious for fouling. Not a big fan of Wardle. Hope he finds some ice to slip on while in Valpo.
Quote: My Gritty sign was going to be a one and done, But I guess I'll bring it back at least one more time. It would be awesome if a few more showed up. It would be even more awesome if the crowd would also chant "We are Gritty (stomp) (stomp) (stomp)" with me. (Stomp) = stomping your feet or kicking the bleachers.
I appreciate VUBB's commitment and willingness to be a sign bearer. Perhaps we can also help by chanting "Let's Get Gritty" when the team needs a reminder. Instead of Let's Go Valpo, it becomes Let's Get Gritty.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
Kids are back in school. Not as easy to keep them out past 9 on a school night.
If attendance is over 3,000 that has to be considered decent.
What, only three days into the new semester? They probably haven't even gone to all their classes yet!
He's talking about the families in the community outside the university. Personally I think it's a bit of a poor potential excuse. The games don't end THAT late.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
I'll say 2830. With 5 minutes remaining against Illinois St I was close to marching out and writing off our MVC prospects and only 45 minutes of play have passed since. If we can somehow win 2 of the next 3 (Bradley, at SIU, at Loyola) it should sink in that we are a good team in a better league.
Yep, all of that.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 07, 2019, 01:13:03 PM
He's talking about the families in the community outside the university. Personally I think it's a bit of a poor potential excuse. The games don't end THAT late.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 07, 2019, 12:45:56 PM
What, only three days into the new semester? They probably haven't even gone to all their classes yet!
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 07, 2019, 11:22:49 AM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
Kids are back in school. Not as easy to keep them out past 9 on a school night.
If attendance is over 3,000 that has to be considered decent.
I agree that 9pm kids out late is a lame excuse since that is when most games end.
For other community folk w could start the beer debate again by wondering why you don't see groups of 3-4 guys going to a game. Look around some time and see how many groups of men are attending who are not regular chairbacks? I don't see many. Beer tends to perk up the crowd up a bit too.
Quote from: justducky on January 07, 2019, 01:46:22 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
I'll say 2830. With 5 minutes remaining against Illinois St I was close to marching out and writing off our MVC prospects and only 45 minutes of play have passed since. If we can somehow win 2 of the next 3 (Bradley, at SIU, at Loyola) it should sink in that we are a good team in a better league.
I was also writing off this conference season during the end of the Illinois State game. Thank God ISUr let us back into that game by making mistake after mistake in those last few minutes.
It has become pretty obvious that this Valpo MBB team is very hit and miss. When we play well, which has usually been on the road (UNLV, GW, MO St) we hit shots, rebound, play better defense and work the ball inside for a touch if not a score. The athleticism of guys like Freeman, Sackey, Lavender, Fazekas, sometimes Evelyn etc. finds it's way into the game. When this team is playing poorly, they miss shots, dribble too much around the perimeter, ball movement is minimal, there are weak passes inside, they fall back on defense instead of offensively rebound, are slow on defense, let the opposition out hustle them to defensive rebounds and commit too many fouls. Which team shows up at the home games always seems to be a mystery.
Quote from: bbtds on January 07, 2019, 02:52:55 PM
Quote from: justducky on January 07, 2019, 01:46:22 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
I'll say 2830. With 5 minutes remaining against Illinois St I was close to marching out and writing off our MVC prospects and only 45 minutes of play have passed since. If we can somehow win 2 of the next 3 (Bradley, at SIU, at Loyola) it should sink in that we are a good team in a better league.
I was also writing off this conference season during the end of the Illinois State game. Thank God ISUr let us back into that game by making mistake after mistake in those last few minutes.
It has become pretty obvious that this Valpo MBB team is very hit and miss. When we play well, which has usually been on the road (UNLV, GW, MO St) we hit shots, rebound, play better defense and work the ball inside for a touch if not a score. The athleticism of guys like Freeman, Sackey, Lavender, Fazekas, sometimes Evelyn etc. finds it's way into the game. When this team is playing poorly, they miss shots, dribble too much around the perimeter, ball movement is minimal, there are weak passes inside, they fall back on defense instead of offensively rebound, are slow on defense, let the opposition out hustle them to defensive rebounds and commit too many fouls. Which team shows up at the home games always seems to be a mystery.
Interesting observation and this is semi-toungue-in-cheek: Maybe Matt should have the players stay in a hotel the night before, have them do their school work/studying in their hotel rooms, have a shoot around in the morning, go back to the hotel, have a team meeting and meal together off campus, and stay together up to the point where they all go to the locker room for pre-game. Just like a road trip. Sure would put the focus on the game that day. We have the budget for that, right? ::)
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 07, 2019, 12:45:56 PMWhat, only three days into the new semester? They probably haven't even gone to all their classes yet!
Classes Start on Wednesday the 9th.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 07, 2019, 01:13:03 PM
He's talking about the families in the community outside the university. Personally I think it's a bit of a poor potential excuse. The games don't end THAT late.
Based on your 1314 handle, I'm guessing you've never had kids in elementary or middle school.
When a kid has to get up at 6:30 or 7 a.m., a game ending at 9 p.m. is pretty late.
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 07, 2019, 02:28:50 PM
I agree that 9pm kids out late is a lame excuse since that is when most games end.
For other community folk w could start the beer debate again by wondering why you don't see groups of 3-4 guys going to a game. Look around some time and see how many groups of men are attending who are not regular chairbacks? I don't see many. Beer tends to perk up the crowd up a bit too.
My college buddies try and get back to the ARC every year. We always head to bar after the game. Definitely wouldn't mind giving my $ to the University instead.
Selling alcohol at college events isn't as taboo as it use to be. A few of our fellow conference mates sell beer at games now. Hopefully the University follows suit and at least entertains the idea.
Disappointed not to hear the word "Gritty" in this interview. ;)
I miss the Bradley under Dick Versace. he reminded me of Bobby Heenan.
The sorority recruitment schedule has been the same schedule since the late 90s so it's really not a factor and fraternity recruitment doesn't start until the second week.
The reality is that greek life is only 30% of campus so even if every single organization was unavailable there is not reason our student section isn't packed on any given night
Quote from: talksalot on January 07, 2019, 04:07:24 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 07, 2019, 12:45:56 PMWhat, only three days into the new semester? They probably haven't even gone to all their classes yet!
Classes Start on Wednesday the 9th.
:o
Quote from: crusader05 on January 07, 2019, 06:20:59 PM
The sorority recruitment schedule has been the same schedule since the late 90s so it's really not a factor and fraternity recruitment doesn't start until the second week.
The reality is that greek life is only 30% of campus so even if every single organization was unavailable there is not reason our student section isn't packed on any given night
Respectively disagree, Greek life and athletics account for a larger than normal % of sports fans at a school like VU.
For conversation sake Greek life + athletes = 30-35% of student body as a very rough estimated.
The remainder consist of many "academics first" students who likely don't have the same social aims that a b-ball game has to offer. My four years at VU was mostly fellow athletes and the Greek community combined with the band.
Geez, there's about a 300-500 student population that I never saw at VU outside of Sunday breakfast coming back from the chapel. Doubtful they represent well at the ARC...
1: Valpo starting line up? Same
2: Final Score? 57-53. Valpo with the win.
3: Attendance? 2,786
4: 3 point percentage for Valpo? Over/Under 30%? Over
5: How many Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs will we see in the stands? 5
6: What will student attendance look like? (% full student section) 60%, including the band.
Valpo starting to hit its stride in the Valley
By Dave Reynolds
of the Journal Star
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20190107/valpo-starting-to-hit-its-stride-in-valley
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2019, 05:39:31 AM
Valpo starting to hit its stride in the Valley
By Dave Reynolds
of the Journal Star
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20190107/valpo-starting-to-hit-its-stride-in-valley
The Journal Star's coverage of Bradley's game tonight contrasts with The Times coverage which I only noticed with wh's post about Fazekas in the MBB 2018-19 thread: "Fazekas, who attended Marquette Catholic and transferred to Valparaiso from Providence, and the Crusaders play host to Bradley at 7 p.m. Tuesday."
It's hard to attract a crowd when people don't know (or aren't reminded) about the game.
Hard game to predict tonight. Bradley is as desperate as desperate gets for a win as their last 5 game stretch is about as dismal as it gets for what should be a very talented team. Literally a must win situation for them.
Last year vs. Bradley we won at home 77-64 and lost on the road 71-80.
Both teams return most of their players from last year and I would argue Valpo got better upgrades in Fazekas/Freeman/Lavender.
Despite the bad 5 game stretch for Bradley they still had much better quality wins in the non-con than we did.
So as usual I have no idea what to think. I still have no clue who we really are or how good we can or can't be. Same goes for my evaluation of them.
I will go pessimistic view. A desperate Bradley team pulls out the win and then we find a way to win a road game at SIU or Loyola in a big upset to offset the home loss.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:24:52 AMthey still had much better quality wins in the non-con than we did.
Not to sure I agree on this. Their quality wins are against SMU and Penn State. SMU is 10-4 with their only quality win being against Georgetown (neutral site). Penn State is 7-8 again on a neutral site.
Our best win was at UNLV (on the road) UNLV lost to Cincy by 5 and Illinois by 3. We both had a few bad losses. So, I sure wouldn't say they had "much better" non-con wins. :twocents:
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1082703587757776896
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2019, 07:15:17 AM
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2019, 05:39:31 AM
Valpo starting to hit its stride in the Valley
By Dave Reynolds
of the Journal Star
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20190107/valpo-starting-to-hit-its-stride-in-valley
The Journal Star's coverage of Bradley's game tonight contrasts with The Times coverage which I only noticed with wh's post about Fazekas in the MBB 2018-19 thread: "Fazekas, who attended Marquette Catholic and transferred to Valparaiso from Providence, and the Crusaders play host to Bradley at 7 p.m. Tuesday."
It's hard to attract a crowd when people don't know (or aren't reminded) about the game.
It is very frustrating. I've gone from an era where every men's and women's game received a preview/feature leading up to it and every road game within driving distance was covered in person. The women's coverage started falling off several years ago when the team started to struggle in Freeman's final years. Now barely all of the home games are covered. I'd write preview/features for every men's game if I was asked. The numbers (page clicks) apparently aren't there or perhaps there is another reason. My guess is that a Lowell/Griffith high school game would get more clicks than a Valpo preview story. Perhaps that's why we don't write as much. I don't know.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:24:52 AMA desperate Bradley team pulls out the win and then we find a way to win a road game at SIU or Loyola in a big upset to offset the home loss.
This could certainly happen. With Jay and the team now rounding into form we should be able to compete at SIU and Loyola. On the other hand a letdown tonight wouldn't shock me. I see almost no chance that we sweep or get swept in these 3 games. I also view tonight as only slightly better than 50-50. Chaos theory tells me that your coin tosses should be as good as mine and I will leave it at that. ???
Ok my :twocents:
1. Line up - it ain't broke why try to fix it!
2. Score - grrrr I hope I'm right! 69-64 Valpo
3. Attendance - 3,398
4. 3pt% over! 33% I hope that ball goes through the iron tonight.
5. Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs - 5 signs, 1, banner over the railings and 1 painted body, - "yeah, that's right".
6. Student section 66% full but students will still be sitting.
7. Running out of programs? I sure hope not. If you see "wh" empty handed please be so kind to give him yours. ;D
8. Ticket table will be moved after the game.
9. Gritty, grit, get gritty chant will be started by Al :thumbsup:
10. No mic will be provided to the press for questions at the post game interview. - PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG!!! :-[ such an easy fix.
-Go Valpo!!!!
Quote from: vu72 on January 08, 2019, 11:40:27 AM
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:24:52 AMthey still had much better quality wins in the non-con than we did.
Not to sure I agree on this. Their quality wins are against SMU and Penn State. SMU is 10-4 with their only quality win being against Georgetown (neutral site). Penn State is 7-8 again on a neutral site.
Our best win was at UNLV (on the road) UNLV lost to Cincy by 5 and Illinois by 3. We both had a few bad losses. So, I sure wouldn't say they had "much better" non-con wins. :twocents:
Bradley's wins against SMU (84) and Penn State (61) are better than Valpo's win against UNLV (157), even though it was on the road. Having said that, Valpo has one bad loss (High Point), whereas Bradley has more bad losses. The numbers next to each team are their kenpom rankings, which are typically a better judge of teams (Vegas lines are typically very close to his) than a pure record will tell you.
Either way, should be a pretty evenly matched game.
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 08, 2019, 01:10:34 PM
Ok my :twocents:
1. Line up - it ain't broke why try to fix it!
2. Score - grrrr I hope I'm right! 69-64 Valpo
3. Attendance - 3,398
4. 3pt% over! 33% I hope that ball goes through the iron tonight.
5. Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs - 5 signs, 1, banner over the railings and 1 painted body, - "yeah, that's right".
6. Student section 66% full but students will still be sitting.
7. Running out of programs? I sure hope not. If you see "wh" empty handed please be so kind to give him yours. ;D
8. Ticket table will be moved after the game.
9. Gritty, grit, get gritty chant will be started by Al :thumbsup:
10. No mic will be provided to the press for questions at the post game interview. - PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG!!! :-[ such an easy fix.
-Go Valpo!!!!
LOL! Between the Jumbotron and live stats, programs aren't as important as they once were. That said, programs provide roster info that the others don't, such as players' heights, home towns, year in school, etc. It even gives you a feel about the opposing program's recruiting - balance among classes, recruiting radius, etc.
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 08, 2019, 01:10:34 PM5. Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs - 5 signs, 1, banner over the railings and 1 painted body, - "yeah, that's right".6. Student section 66% full but students will still be sitting.7. Running out of programs? I sure hope not. If you see "wh" empty handed please be so kind to give him yours.
I don't think I would still recognize "wh" so if he could stand shirtless in the student section with "Gritty" painted on his chest and "wh" painted on his belly while enthusiastically waving a program I might go over and join him. :thumbsup:
Would it be bad form to sit across from Wardle with a "Ryan Bross says hello" sign?
I'm kidding, of course. Probably.
Quote from: Pgmado on January 08, 2019, 12:58:18 PM
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2019, 07:15:17 AM
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2019, 05:39:31 AM
Valpo starting to hit its stride in the Valley
By Dave Reynolds
of the Journal Star
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20190107/valpo-starting-to-hit-its-stride-in-valley
The Journal Star's coverage of Bradley's game tonight contrasts with The Times coverage which I only noticed with wh's post about Fazekas in the MBB 2018-19 thread: "Fazekas, who attended Marquette Catholic and transferred to Valparaiso from Providence, and the Crusaders play host to Bradley at 7 p.m. Tuesday."
It's hard to attract a crowd when people don't know (or aren't reminded) about the game.
It is very frustrating. I've gone from an era where every men's and women's game received a preview/feature leading up to it and every road game within driving distance was covered in person. The women's coverage started falling off several years ago when the team started to struggle in Freeman's final years. Now barely all of the home games are covered. I'd write preview/features for every men's game if I was asked. The numbers (page clicks) apparently aren't there or perhaps there is another reason. My guess is that a Lowell/Griffith high school game would get more clicks than a Valpo preview story. Perhaps that's why we don't write as much. I don't know.
Maybe it's time for the Valpo communications people to BUY an add the two days before each home game in the Times and Trib. An attractive 1 column by 4" to 6" ad or a banner ad in the electronic version as well as the hardcopy version of those papers would ensure visability.
Quote from: justducky on January 08, 2019, 01:40:30 PM
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 08, 2019, 01:10:34 PM5. Gritty, Grit, Get Gritty signs - 5 signs, 1, banner over the railings and 1 painted body, - "yeah, that's right".6. Student section 66% full but students will still be sitting.7. Running out of programs? I sure hope not. If you see "wh" empty handed please be so kind to give him yours.
I don't think I would still recognize "wh" so if he could stand shirtless in the student section with "Gritty" painted on his chest and "wh" painted on his belly while enthusiastically waving a program I might go over and join him. :thumbsup:
Im afraid my shirt-shedding days are long in the rear view mirror. ;)
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 08, 2019, 01:58:11 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on January 08, 2019, 12:58:18 PM
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2019, 07:15:17 AM
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2019, 05:39:31 AM
Valpo starting to hit its stride in the Valley
By Dave Reynolds
of the Journal Star
https://www.pjstar.com/sports/20190107/valpo-starting-to-hit-its-stride-in-valley
The Journal Star's coverage of Bradley's game tonight contrasts with The Times coverage which I only noticed with wh's post about Fazekas in the MBB 2018-19 thread: "Fazekas, who attended Marquette Catholic and transferred to Valparaiso from Providence, and the Crusaders play host to Bradley at 7 p.m. Tuesday."
It's hard to attract a crowd when people don't know (or aren't reminded) about the game.
It is very frustrating. I've gone from an era where every men's and women's game received a preview/feature leading up to it and every road game within driving distance was covered in person. The women's coverage started falling off several years ago when the team started to struggle in Freeman's final years. Now barely all of the home games are covered. I'd write preview/features for every men's game if I was asked. The numbers (page clicks) apparently aren't there or perhaps there is another reason. My guess is that a Lowell/Griffith high school game would get more clicks than a Valpo preview story. Perhaps that's why we don't write as much. I don't know.
Maybe it's time for the Valpo communications people to BUY an add the two days before each home game in the Times and Trib. An attractive 1 column by 4" to 6" ad or a banner ad in the electronic version as well as the hardcopy version of those papers would ensure visability.
Is that standard practice these days? I know I've seen for paid articles at major national newspapers but not at the local level. Is the juice worth the squeeze to do something like that?
Quote from: VU2014 on January 08, 2019, 03:28:52 PMMaybe it's time for the Valpo communications people to BUY an add the two days before each home game in the Times and Trib. An attractive 1 column by 4" to 6" ad or a banner ad in the electronic version as well as the hardcopy version of those papers would ensure visability.Is that standard practice these days? I know I've seen for paid articles at major national newspapers but not at the local level. Is the juice worth the squeeze to do something like that?
They do run ads for the games, at least in the Times. Don't know about the Trib. I only see the Times. Problem is I'm one of the few, who gets the daily paper now adays and it's really not even mine.
I'm seeing valpo -2.5 on most books
Hard copy newspapers are not worth the squeeze. Our Athletics marketing department needs to be digital marketing. Hit people's phones with BOGOs and other offers. Blast emails. I've received 4 emails from one University for games this week just today. MSG hit my email for Knicks tickets yesterday and I'm 8 hours from there and it's the knicks. There's a bad basketball team 30 mins away I don't want to watch, and I'm a season ticket holder. I digress. Another sports team hit my email today with special offers for a season that starts in 3 months and yesterday they had a special bobblehead day email for their bobble games. Blast email or text to young alums in NW Indiana with deals.
A number of modern day marketing questions are raised here. The Valpo website has all the information and pregame stories, why do you need a newspaper story? What's a program have that isn't available on your phone? Although, I do like a sheet of paper with the rosters on it and if we make them available they should have sufficient quantities, but information is readily available in multiple media formats today. Have a nice "media guide" program and sell that and just change the insides for a clean scorecard and roster. Season ticket holders of a certain level should get a media guide in the mail or a link to the online guide (some programs do that). Then, you can bring it to all games.
Aaron--chop chop.
Quote from: valpo84 on January 08, 2019, 04:30:46 PMThe Valpo website has all the information and pregame stories, why do you need a newspaper story? What's a program have that isn't available on your phone?
The newspaper previews are important to pique interest; the website is for those who already have interest.
I guess my reading of the paper doesn't count, as I actually get a print copy (I don't want to have to print out my daily sudoku). I would only click on the e-version when I am impatient for my newspaper to arrive in the morning.
Paul, I certainly wasn't blaming you for the editor's decisions. I just get frustrated when the local newspaper doesn't support the biggest basketball program in its distribution area.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 08, 2019, 04:05:54 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 08, 2019, 03:28:52 PMMaybe it's time for the Valpo communications people to BUY an add the two days before each home game in the Times and Trib. An attractive 1 column by 4" to 6" ad or a banner ad in the electronic version as well as the hardcopy version of those papers would ensure visability.Is that standard practice these days? I know I've seen for paid articles at major national newspapers but not at the local level. Is the juice worth the squeeze to do something like that?
They do run ads for the games, at least in the Times. Don't know about the Trib. I only see the Times. Problem is I'm one of the few, who gets the daily paper now adays and it's really not even mine.
From the paper's perspective, for the article to be worth writing, the readership interest (clicks, subscriptions) needs to be there unless the ad revenue makes up for the cost. And if the ad or article draws no interest then Valpo is effectively just paying to have an article with no discernible return. If the ad carries a reward to the reader, such as discounted tickets or concession items, say, by clicking the ad to get a scannable code and presenting it upon purchase (or even old-fashioned coupon clipping, given the age of the some of our attendees) it might benefit both parties. The concession stand could even post a link to check the publication's game preview page for discounts and drive mobile-device traffic.
What kinds of ads does Valpo currently place? What call to action do they make?
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 08, 2019, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: valpo84 on January 08, 2019, 04:30:46 PMThe Valpo website has all the information and pregame stories, why do you need a newspaper story? What's a program have that isn't available on your phone?
The newspaper previews are important to pique interest; the website is for those who already have interest.
I guess my reading of the paper doesn't count, as I actually get a print copy (I don't want to have to print out my daily sudoku). I would only click on the e-version when I am impatient for my newspaper to arrive in the morning.
Paul, I certainly wasn't blaming you for the editor's decisions. I just get frustrated when the local newspaper doesn't support the biggest basketball program in its distribution area.
I agree that digital is the way to go (just covering the Luddite sector of our popuation with the hardcopy part). Let me add, though, that the Valpo website is fine for those who have that site as a favorite or who take the time to go to it. But we are after people who aren't keyed into Valpo athletics. That's why these two news services have to have up-to-date ads that shout "There's a Valpo (uh, NCAA Div-I) game on [day/time} at the ARC! Tickets are 1/2 price!". Visual ads on the digital site (as well as the paper one) might, just might, trigger a response that fills a seat for a game. And maybe, just maybe, if that casual fan enjoys the expereience, they will come back.
Oh Jeez, this just came full circle. It means we would have to have a game day arena experience that people would want to come back to.
Quote from: Valpower on January 08, 2019, 05:05:39 PM
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 08, 2019, 04:05:54 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 08, 2019, 03:28:52 PMMaybe it's time for the Valpo communications people to BUY an add the two days before each home game in the Times and Trib. An attractive 1 column by 4" to 6" ad or a banner ad in the electronic version as well as the hardcopy version of those papers would ensure visability.Is that standard practice these days? I know I've seen for paid articles at major national newspapers but not at the local level. Is the juice worth the squeeze to do something like that?
They do run ads for the games, at least in the Times. Don't know about the Trib. I only see the Times. Problem is I'm one of the few, who gets the daily paper now adays and it's really not even mine.
From the paper's perspective, for the article to be worth writing, the readership interest (clicks, subscriptions) needs to be there unless the ad revenue makes up for the cost. And if the ad or article draws no interest then Valpo is effectively just paying to have an article with no discernible return. If the ad carries a reward to the reader, such as discounted tickets or concession items, say, by clicking the ad to get a scannable code and presenting it upon purchase (or even old-fashioned coupon clipping, given the age of the some of our attendees) it might benefit both parties. The concession stand could even post a link to check the publication's game preview page for discounts and drive mobile-device traffic.
What kinds of ads does Valpo currently place? What call to action do they make?
There is also a dark secret in the media (digital or paper). If you are an advertizer, you get coverage proportional to your advertizing budget. The more you advertize the more coverage you get.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 08, 2019, 05:09:44 PM
There is a dark secret in the media. If you are an advertizer, you get coverage proportional to your advertizing budget. The more you advertize the more coverage you get.
And if your coverage has readership, it may actually be worth something to the advertiser. ;)
Agreed, butler, notre dame, and any away school I purchase tickets to all hit me up for tickets the week/day of the game, usually by text or email, or both. I feel a part of the problem has been the low attendance figures. People know they can walk up and buy a ticket the day of without a hassle, and wait to buy tickets closer to gameday only for something to pop up that causes them to miss. If there is a relationship with the times, could even send times subscriptioners free/greatly reduced tickets to a game to get more fans in the stands
22 minutes before starting lineups are announced. Exactly ZERO students in the student section.
They have xeroxed extra copies of the program. There should be plenty.
Quote from: wh on January 08, 2019, 06:33:03 PM
22 minutes before starting lineups are announced. Exactly ZERO students in the student section.
:-X >:(
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:24:52 AM
Hard game to predict tonight. Bradley is as desperate as desperate gets for a win as their last 5 game stretch is about as dismal as it gets for what should be a very talented team. Literally a must win situation for them.
Last year vs. Bradley we won at home 77-64 and lost on the road 71-80.
Both teams return most of their players from last year and I would argue Valpo got better upgrades in Fazekas/Freeman/Lavender.
Despite the bad 5 game stretch for Bradley they still had much better quality wins in the non-con than we did.
So as usual I have no idea what to think. I still have no clue who we really are or how good we can or can't be. Same goes for my evaluation of them.
I will go pessimistic view. A desperate Bradley team pulls out the win and then we find a way to win a road game at SIU or Loyola in a big upset to offset the home loss.
I'd agree, Bradley needs the win and if we are even slightly off in shooting we are in trouble.
If memory serves these guys are solid as it gets on D and they have a rim protector?
Where IS EVERYBODY?! A half court shot and a convincing road win isn't enough to get this place rocking? Very disappointed in the locals AND the students. The weather is perfect AGAIN too. Epic Fail by the community unless people start streaming in during these final 15 minutes. Our student section sucks since I graduated. This isn't a "get off my lawn" alum moment. It's sad and terrible. Guess we have to keep winning to convince everyone. So be it. Go Valpo!
Getting better. 10 min to go - 21 students. Can we get to 50?
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 08, 2019, 06:41:27 PMQuote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:24:52 AMHard game to predict tonight. Bradley is as desperate as desperate gets for a win as their last 5 game stretch is about as dismal as it gets for what should be a very talented team. Literally a must win situation for them. Last year vs. Bradley we won at home 77-64 and lost on the road 71-80. Both teams return most of their players from last year and I would argue Valpo got better upgrades in Fazekas/Freeman/Lavender. Despite the bad 5 game stretch for Bradley they still had much better quality wins in the non-con than we did. So as usual I have no idea what to think. I still have no clue who we really are or how good we can or can't be. Same goes for my evaluation of them. I will go pessimistic view. A desperate Bradley team pulls out the win and then we find a way to win a road game at SIU or Loyola in a big upset to offset the home loss.
I'd agree, Bradley needs the win and if we are even slightly off in shooting we are in trouble. If memory serves these guys are solid as it gets on D and they have a rim protector?
Bradley still has to put the ball in the basket which is something they've struggled with for awhile. Win the rebounding battle. Shoot well. Play solid defense. Contain Childs and we'll be okay. Go Valpo!
Looks like we were way off on those attendance predictions. :(
Quote from: VU2014 on January 08, 2019, 07:04:04 PM
Looks like we were way off on those attendance predictions. :(
If there was anything to predict with relative confidence, I'd think sub-par attendance is amongst the most assured. Why are we surprised?
Fazekas done for the night-
Ankle
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 08, 2019, 07:33:59 PM
Fazekas done for the night-
Ankle
Was a relatively quick decision to shut him down for the night. Hope it's minor, the poor kid hasn't had a full healthy season yet....
Kids are not backing off. There is some intensity out there on every play. Some of the plays wind up being a bit out of control, but that often goes with intensity. I'll take that over a lack thereof.
Attendance improved in the last 7-10 minutes We may have made 3500+ Definitely 3000+
As for the game Excellent defense and rebounding. Lost our offensive flow in the last 4 minutes or so and Fazekas is a tough loss (hope he's not out for too long). Hopefully we can get it back but it's hard to complain too much about a double digit lead at the half. Let's come out strong and put this away! Go Valpo!
Offense last 4 min.... :snore: :snore: :snore:
+4 on the boards 10 assists +13 on the scoreboard Not too shabby. Fazekas came out in a boot. Not good. Hope that's just precautionary.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1082819901683888133
Up double figures and the students are sitting...
I don't think I have ever wanted to turn off the TV so badly (disgust) with a double-digit lead
We've done this thing where we take the air out of the ball too early since the Drew days. Looks like we'll hold on today but a stronger opponent would've made us pay.
Barring any major comebacks, Valpo will be all alone in first place in the MVC after tonight.
Quote from: IrishDawg on January 08, 2019, 08:49:41 PM
Barring any major comebacks, Valpo will be all alone in first place in the MVC after tonight.
:o
Done deal. I just checked the standings, and there we were, 3-0 alone atop the MVC. 4 game win streak also leads the MVC.
Gutsy win without Fazekas. Some good play by Bakari after they cut the lead to 5.
Hope the Fazekas ankle isn't too bad.
Quote from: hailcrusaders on January 08, 2019, 08:44:00 PM
We've done this thing where we take the air out of the ball too early since the Drew days. Looks like we'll hold on today but a stronger opponent would've made us pay.
Bingo! I suppose the idea (besides running clock) is to limit our opponents easy transition buckets if we press unnecessarily. But man it's annoying to watch as a fan.
Home run ball!!!!! Has Wardle ever seen that play? :crazy:
Announcers were bragging on Wardle's record.
What is his record against Valpo?
I always though he under achieve with a Green Bay roster that had two NBA draft picks.
Sit back relax and enjoy guys! It took us until game 11 vs Indiana State to get our third conference win last year. This year we did it 8 games earlier. The defense was outstanding. We hit our free throws down the stretch and the offense made the plays it had to late in the game. This is a time for joy and optimism. Every team has its flaws so I'd say we're doing all right for ourselves right now. Go Valpo!
Let's celebrate folks, things are looking up. Valpo students need to quit the wine and cheese attitude and support these guys
How about our freshman Freeman!!!!! He was almost 20% of our points tonight. So glad he chose Valpo. Our other freshman Sackey is playing well too.
This team has played real well on defense the last 3 games. Offense comes and goes and that will need some attention, willing to give tonight a pass since Fazekas went down. Congratulations on a great start and a nice mid season turn around by the team and coaching staff. Keep the winning going!
https://twitter.com/dannyd_53/status/1082838742417793024
Complain when we lose complain when we win, some people are never satisfied. I don't care, I'm happy with any win pretty or ugly.
Gritty signs undefeated. Ya!!
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1082840312094117894
Who is complaining?
Side note: really enjoyed listening to the radio guys interview Coach Gore. They did a real nice job not only with the interview but also with analysis!
8 signs and 5 students painted brown and gold! :thumbsup: :thewave: :thewave:
Attndance: 2535
Quote from: M on January 08, 2019, 09:32:42 PM
Who is complaining?
Side note: really enjoyed listening to the radio guys interview Coach Gore. They did a real nice job not only with the interview but also with analysis!
Agreed Danny and Will do a hell of a job. They are a great radio duo and do a good job on the radio call. If you guys ever get a chance to listen to the post game show I'd highly encourage it. Coach Gore does about a 5 minute radio post game interview and he is very candid and give great insight into the game. It's on WVUR.
Paul Oren commented he thinks Freeman is likely the guy looking to replace some of Fazekas offense in the short term (paraphrased). I guess I've never thought of Freeman filling that roll on a junior laddened team.
Arguments could be had for Freeman, Evelyn and Golder to pick up the torch. Nice to have 3 options when an all world shooter is sidelined for a minute.
AND if Smits can watch foul trouble he's just as capable depending on the opponent. He and Jay are going to be more pedestrian in MVC (an opinion) because not many play with a traditional big that he can move well against. I really thought this was going to be the game Smits showed up again (15+ points), because Koch for Bradley is not as mobile as Krutwig, Fayne etc etc
Really hope that Fazekas is only out a few games, but a boot is never a good sign.
Good to gut out this win, without a key player for much of the game. Can't complain about a 3-0 start!
I feel terrible for the sideline reporter, as she totally choked talking to Lottich at the beginning of halftime. You could tell that she was losing her question while speaking, but you know what, she did show some grit in apologizing and throwing it back to Todd :).
Quote from: VU2014 on January 08, 2019, 09:42:28 PM
Quote from: M on January 08, 2019, 09:32:42 PM
Who is complaining?
Side note: really enjoyed listening to the radio guys interview Coach Gore. They did a real nice job not only with the interview but also with analysis!
Agreed Danny and Will do a hell of a job. They are a great radio duo and do a good job on the radio call. If you guys ever get a chance to listen to the post game show I'd highly encourage it. Coach Gore does about a 5 minute radio post game interview and he is very candid and give great insight into the game. It's on WVUR.
Agreed, I have TuneIn radio for post game during all home games. They made a plea to students listening to fill the bleachers which was nice. Candid and maybe embarrassing to admit it's a problem, but I suppose ignoring the problem like it doesn't exist is asanine.
Any word on final overall attendance?
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 08, 2019, 09:04:41 PMWhat is his record against Valpo?
NOW, it's 6-9 overall.... 1-2 with that Peoria School... 5-7 with that "team from the tundra"
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on January 08, 2019, 09:49:17 PMAny word on final overall attendance?
2.535 in the box score Aaron just posted.
Here's the final box...
http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/boxscore/2018-19/7282/bradley-vs-valpo-01-08-2019/
Onward to Carbondale ... just booked the train tickets for the 26-hour quickie trip. Worst part? The name of the Amtrak train is "The Saluki"...
This was a fun and great team win even it was ugly at times, but this Fazekas injury is a pivotal point in our season. He was just starting to find his groove and he is clearly our best scorer. We need Ryan. Fingers crossed it's a minor sprain and a speedy recovery.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 08, 2019, 09:41:56 PMAttndance: 2535
Pathetic. The game was over at 9. The community needs to step up. This team deserves better than a half full ARC school night or not.
Marketing is improving
The competition is consistently good
The team is winning
There's no excuse.
The region needs to fan up and get behind this team.
https://twitter.com/rwweinstein/status/1082848395482591234
Golder and the bigs were solid. Was nice to see McMillan pour in a 3 as well. Rebounding was great. How about Jay hitting that 3? Clutch shot by Bakari right when they were making a run. Sackey continues to bring great energy and is progressing as a distributor. Lavender did a good job stabilizing things and hit some big shots. But Javon was the MVP. He had an amazing night on both ends of the floor. I hope he continues to play well. We'll need him to lead the offense if Fazekas misses time.
https://twitter.com/rwweinstein/status/1082860989257838593
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1082859089955307520
Most amazing stat I see...
Golder played for 30 minutes and everybody else played less than him. So it is not like we had to wear our best players down to get the victory with Fazekas out. I think that helps us keep defensive intensity when most everybody is only playing 11-15 minutes a half.
2nd most amazing thing...
Bakari is being selective on his 3 point shots. He passed up at least 4 or 5 low percentage threes tonight he would have let fly a month ago. Not all his open 3's went in but aside from trying to beat the shot clock his shot selection is so much better and the offense moves better now that he is being smarter.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:51:58 PMMost amazing stat I see... Golder played for 30 minutes and everybody else played less than him. So it is not like we had to wear our best players down to get the victory with Fazekas out. I think that helps us keep defensive intensity when most everybody is only playing 11-15 minutes a half. 2nd most amazing thing... Bakari is being selective on his 3 point shots. He passed up at least 4 or 5 low percentage threes tonight he would have let fly a month ago. Not all his open 3's went in but aside from trying to beat the shot clock his shot selection is so much better and the offense moves better now that he is being smarter.
Good points but don't you have a letter to write? ;)
Look at those smiles. I see a happy team that believes in each other. I think good things could really be in store for us going forward.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 08, 2019, 09:29:53 PM
Complain when we lose complain when we win, some people are never satisfied. I don't care, I'm happy with any win pretty or ugly.
Couldn't agree more. Intense, unrelenting defense won this game. Who thought we'd be saying that 2 or 3 weeks ago?
Cool stat (posted before the Bradley game) and something to watch going forward.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1082743492676411394
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 08, 2019, 11:08:45 PMQuote from: SanityLost17 on January 08, 2019, 10:51:58 PMMost amazing stat I see... Golder played for 30 minutes and everybody else played less than him. So it is not like we had to wear our best players down to get the victory with Fazekas out. I think that helps us keep defensive intensity when most everybody is only playing 11-15 minutes a half. 2nd most amazing thing... Bakari is being selective on his 3 point shots. He passed up at least 4 or 5 low percentage threes tonight he would have let fly a month ago. Not all his open 3's went in but aside from trying to beat the shot clock his shot selection is so much better and the offense moves better now that he is being smarter.
Good points but don't you have a letter to write? ;)
:whiteflag: :whiteflag: :thumbsup:
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 08, 2019, 11:57:43 PM
Cool stat (posted before the Bradley game) and something to watch going forward.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1082743492676411394
Since the Scott Drew foreign-recruiting era, Valpo has had a good record of recruiting two solid centers and developing them remarkably well (e.g., Vilcinskas/Viskovic, Grafs/Nikkila). Our best centers probably wouldn't have been as good without practicing and competing against a solid stablemate and when both have developed well together (either similarly or complementarily), the impact has been great. Derrik and J play similarly enough to not have to change the offensive or defensive scheme too much when one substitutes for the other, but they differ enough in their strengths to add a complex, two-headed-monster element to the 5 position. I really hope both stay next year. It's fun when the opposition struggles against big men and realizes there will be no relief.
I think someone posted on twitter that Wardle is 1-8 at ARC since 2011. #ARCmagic
https://valpoathletics.exposure.co/valpo-61-bradley-50
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 08, 2019, 06:42:38 PM
Where IS EVERYBODY?! A half court shot and a convincing road win isn't enough to get this place rocking? Very disappointed in the locals AND the students. The weather is perfect AGAIN too. Epic Fail by the community unless people start streaming in during these final 15 minutes. Our student section sucks since I graduated. This isn't a "get off my lawn" alum moment. It's sad and terrible. Guess we have to keep winning to convince everyone. So be it. Go Valpo!
Quote from: bbtds on January 07, 2019, 06:34:02 AM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 06, 2019, 07:42:10 PM
I think some of you are being overly conservative with your attendance guesses. In light of the buzzer beater and the performance against Missouri State anything less than the Illinois State number which was also a midweek game would be a massive disappointment and the community would be the ones to blame.
In that case I'll say 2,949
There seems to be nothing like the Valpo community to let down the VUMBB team with their midweek attendance. Expect massive disappointment.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 08, 2019, 09:41:56 PM
Attndance: 2535
And the Valpo fans come through as predicted. Fans in general don't turn on to a team that quickly.
I hate being off by 4,014. That's way too many to the negative side.
Quote from: valpo84 on January 09, 2019, 06:23:03 AM
I think someone posted on twitter that Wardle is 1-8 at ARC since 2011. #ARCmagic
From the Times. A nice backhanded compliment from Wardle:
"Give them credit: They had some guys who aren't shooters make shots from 3 today," Bradley coach Brian Wardle said. "They had some back-breaking shots that went in for them at the end of the shot clock."
Yep, exactly how I would characterize the reason we won - luck. Just like the lucky game-winning shot Ryan hit to win the 2013 HL tournament against his stacked GB team. Never mind that he was left completely unguarded while dribbling all the way down the court before launching that lucky shot.
Quote from: wh on January 09, 2019, 09:11:13 AM
Quote from: valpo84 on January 09, 2019, 06:23:03 AM
I think someone posted on twitter that Wardle is 1-8 at ARC since 2011. #ARCmagic
From the Times. A nice backhanded compliment from Wardle:
"Give them credit: They had some guys who aren't shooters make shots from 3 today," Bradley coach Brian Wardle said. "They had some back-breaking shots that went in for them at the end of the shot clock."
Yep, exactly how I would characterize the reason we won - luck. Just like the lucky game-winning shot Ryan hit to win the 2013 HL tournament against his stacked GB team. Never mind that he was left completely unguarded while dribbling all the way down the court before launching that lucky shot.
To be fair wh, he was right considering Daniel made a 3 while shooting 20% from there all season and then there was Jay's first 3 in his career. As for his "stacked" GB team, we had beaten them on the road only 7 days earlier by 19 points! We were the team that was "lucky" that night by even having a chance at the winning shot.
Although he wasn't Scott's recruit, Vashil was a big man that changed the game for opponents. We have not had a more athletic big man than Vashil.
Really enjoyed the game last night. Team overcame some mistakes and difficulties to outplay the other team, which is what winning teams do.
Just to turn to something negative for a moment: in other threads, we have commented on student apathy, and some of us, including me, have suggested that it is a generational culture issue, not a university culture issue. I saw something over the last two games that suggests that I am wrong. When the Chesterton High School band was here, they were very enthusiastic, and I think they helped the atmosphere. Just an opinion. Last night, in contrast, in the waning moments of the game, at least half of the university pep band (which I assume should be somewhat peppy) was sitting down playing on their phones. They weren't even watching the game. The other half was yelling and cheering. Big difference in game-time engagement between the two bands. Can't blame apathy on the younger generation if an even younger generation was more enthusiastic, and it wasn't even their school.
I think we need to give Coach Gore a lot of credit in the development of our big men over the years. He has been the one constant from the Scott Drew season to the present. He's really developed these guys. Each have different skill sets. Vashil, Sorolla, and Smits are all very different players.
Another consistent theme is that it takes time to develop bigs which can be really frustrating when you don't have a upperclassman to lean on and pass the torch on. That's why I thought Bediako not picking Valpo was bigger than people originally thought. Maybe we have a chance with skogman but that seems like a long shot at this point. Once Smits & Sorolla graduate (hopefully not transfer) we don't want to hand the reigns back over to a freshman, IMO.
I read the Bradley forum to better understand how other fans see our team. They are in the same spot Valpo fans were a week ago. Funny how a week changes everything. Negative Nancy here predicts a loss Saturday on the road. I think we are getting tired and I expect Ryan to be out. Winning on the road is never easy either.
Bradley fans were going down memory lane when they were a very good program. Now they are upset they are last in a bad conference. It's not your grandpa's Missouri Valley with Louisville, Tulsa, Memphis.
They also took digs at Wardle and his inability to produce a good offense or shooters. My response is that has always been the case for Wardle coached team.
Good win Valpo!
Quote from: oklahomamick on January 09, 2019, 09:51:04 AM
I read the Bradley forum to better understand how other fans see our team. They are in the same spot Valpo fans were a week ago. Funny how a week changes everything. Negative Nancy here predicts a loss Saturday on the road. I think we are getting tired and I expect Ryan to be out. Winning on the road is never easy either.
Bradley fans were going down memory lane when they were a very good program. Now they are upset they are last in a bad conference. It's not your grandpa's Missouri Valley with Louisville, Tulsa, Memphis.
They also took digs at Wardle and his inability to produce a good offense or shooters. My response is that has always been the case for Wardle coached team.
Good win Valpo!
Hey Nancy! Two things: First, I would say that Raitis was WAY more athletic than Vashil. Sure, he wasn't up to Vashil's numbers in blocks but could easily step out and hit the 3. Vashil's range was three feet. And second, to say that The Valley is a "bad" conference is just flat out over the top. Sure, we are down from some years but still way ahead of the majority of basketball conferences.
We won 6 games in the MVC last year. We are already at 3 this year. Based on our returning talent and the additions we made 11 victories seemed like a reasonable expectation. Even if we lose the next 2 road games (which I think is likely) I would argue we are on pace for that goal based on our SOS through the 1st 5 games. Good job Lottich, this team is playing much much harder than they were before Christmas. You got through to them somehow.
As far as Fazekas... a bad ankle sprain can be 2-4 weeks so I would expect at least 4 games out since he was in a boot and crutches immediately. All speculation of course. No 1 or 2 players can make up all his scoring, it will have to be made up in the aggregate through 5-6 guys.
Quote from: 4throwfan on January 09, 2019, 09:30:32 AM
Really enjoyed the game last night. Team overcame some mistakes and difficulties to outplay the other team, which is what winning teams do.
Just to turn to something negative for a moment: in other threads, we have commented on student apathy, and some of us, including me, have suggested that it is a generational culture issue, not a university culture issue. I saw something over the last two games that suggests that I am wrong. When the Chesterton High School band was here, they were very enthusiastic, and I think they helped the atmosphere. Just an opinion. Last night, in contrast, in the waning moments of the game, at least half of the university pep band (which I assume should be somewhat peppy) was sitting down playing on their phones. They weren't even watching the game. The other half was yelling and cheering. Big difference in game-time engagement between the two bands. Can't blame apathy on the younger generation if an even younger generation was more enthusiastic, and it wasn't even their school.
I completely agree with this. I commented multiple times to myself and the people around me about how great the Chesterton band did. They were into the game. They started out kinda quiet and timid, but that was quickly gone before halftime.
To expand on this, I know both Chesterton and Valpo High Schools have very involved student sections, for both football and basketball. For example, I know for this last football season, Valpo put out a whole schedule of student section themes for each game before the season even started. (White out, Black out, USA, Beach, PJs, Camo.) They all stand and cheer throughout the games (with many, of course, holding their phones the whole time, but still cheering). VHS's students organized a tailgate before football games, where students paid to join for the season, and then hotdogs/burgers were cooked and provided before each game, with the students then bringing their own snacks and drinks. This is all organized by high school students.
So I call BS on all this generational, time-have-changed talk. VU's student section has a lack of leadership, and possibly a lack of faculty support. Without a real leader, this is what we get. A half full set of bleachers, with no one standing, no one cheering, barely paying any attention to the game.
Quote from: vu72 on January 09, 2019, 09:25:17 AM
Quote from: wh on January 09, 2019, 09:11:13 AM
Quote from: valpo84 on January 09, 2019, 06:23:03 AM
I think someone posted on twitter that Wardle is 1-8 at ARC since 2011. #ARCmagic
From the Times. A nice backhanded compliment from Wardle:
"Give them credit: They had some guys who aren't shooters make shots from 3 today," Bradley coach Brian Wardle said. "They had some back-breaking shots that went in for them at the end of the shot clock."
Yep, exactly how I would characterize the reason we won - luck. Just like the lucky game-winning shot Ryan hit to win the 2013 HL tournament against his stacked GB team. Never mind that he was left completely unguarded while dribbling all the way down the court before launching that lucky shot.
To be fair wh, he was right considering Daniel made a 3 while shooting 20% from there all season and then there was Jay's first 3 in his career. As for his "stacked" GB team, we had beaten them on the road only 7 days earlier by 19 points! We were the team that was "lucky" that night by even having a chance at the winning shot.
I have to give you credit for understanding part of what I said. See how backhanded compliments work? ;)
Let me clarify. I didn't say Wardle lied. Of course, we hit some lucky shots, albeit to a very limited extent. Jay's 3 - complete luck. Daniel's wide open 3 - low pct. probability, but not luck (as in throwing up a prayer). The rest were what they were - we hit some, we missed some.
The larger point is this. This wasn't a repeat of the ISU game. We didn't win because of a lucky shot. We won because we outplayed, outworked, outhustled them on defense. Moreover, if Wardle were a fair minded person, instead of "giving us credit" for hitting "lucky" 3's, he would have credited us for maintaining our poise and not relinquishing our lead despite losing our leading scorer and 3-pt. shooter in the 1st half. But, of course he wouldn't want to do that because that would be sincerely complimentary.
As to your comment about us beating his stacked GB team handily before the Ryan buzzer-beater game, you're supporting my point, not refuting it. GB did in fact have a stacked team that year (and others during his tenure) that played 2nd fiddle to Valpo in large part because of inferior coaching and selfish players (another coaching weakness). That didn't make our wins "lucky," unless you're saying we were lucky Wardle was GB's coach.
Quote from: vu72 on January 09, 2019, 09:25:17 AMThey had some back-breaking shots that went in for them at the end of the shot clock."
How about that Sorolla shot???
He's now ONE for ONE on 3-pointers this year.... and you could see the wind go out of the Bradley sails when that went down...
Gritty, I say... Gritty.
Quote from: talksalot on January 09, 2019, 10:46:36 AM
Quote from: vu72 on January 09, 2019, 09:25:17 AMThey had some back-breaking shots that went in for them at the end of the shot clock."
How about that Sorolla shot???
He's now ONE for ONE on 3-pointers this year.... and you could see the wind go out of the Bradley sails when that went down...
Gritty, I say... Gritty.
Next to the baskets by Evelyn and Freeman to seal the game that shot was my favorite moment. I threw my hands up and looked skyward when that went in. It felt like a sign that we were going to be okay. Jay played really well.
Bottom line: Wardle is an ass.
"Bottom Line: Wardle is an ass."
It's comments like this where I wish I could like more than once.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 09, 2019, 10:06:09 AMBased on our returning talent and the additions we made 11 victories seemed like a reasonable expectation.
Before our December swoon and collapse I was thinking 12-6 wasn't a totally unreasonable expectation. As long as Fazekas isn't badly injured I've returned to that number as our MVC goal. With that said us getting the auto bid in St Louis would probably give us only a 13 seed. :'( Additionally our only path to the NIT would be as the MVC champion. For this year could the MVC regular season champ have a 13-5 record?
Cracker Jack SID staff pointed out the weird stat of the game...
How hard do you have to try to have a game with 16 offensive rebounds (7 for VU 9 for BU)... and the total number of Second Chance points is 0.
https://twitter.com/ValleyHoops/status/1083037604109533185
https://twitter.com/JaumeSorolla/status/1083234656739356672
J posted a video of his 3 pt shot for those that missed it
Loving the new improved Jay! Keep it up!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 10, 2019, 11:50:04 AM
Loving the new improved Jay! Keep it up!
Finally looking healthier and he has a bit more spring in his legs the last few games.
Remember when Wardle won "man of the year" after doing mandatory community service due to abusing his own players? Good times.
Quote from: a3uge on January 10, 2019, 05:14:32 PM
Remember when Wardle won "man of the year" after doing mandatory community service due to abusing his own players? Good times.
I know there was a disgruntled family at GB while he was there but I can't remember what was alleged to have happened.
I know he kicked a kid off the team at Bradley for off the court stuff and his family was publicly bashing Wardle and accusing him of stuff. I talked to some Bradley people and they said it was for legitimate reasons.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 10, 2019, 05:48:19 PM
Quote from: a3uge on January 10, 2019, 05:14:32 PM
Remember when Wardle won "man of the year" after doing mandatory community service due to abusing his own players? Good times.
I know there was a disgruntled family at GB while he was there but I can't remember what was alleged to have happened.
I know he kicked a kid off the team at Bradley for off the court stuff and his family was publicly bashing Wardle and accusing him of stuff. I talked to some Bradley people and they said it was for legitimate reasons.
High level response and others can supply detail but he drove a reserve center so hard he crapped his pants in a workout and then belittled him for it in front of teammates. I hope this is an accurate summaty. If not please correct it
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 10, 2019, 11:35:34 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on January 10, 2019, 05:48:19 PM
Quote from: a3uge on January 10, 2019, 05:14:32 PM
Remember when Wardle won "man of the year" after doing mandatory community service due to abusing his own players? Good times.
I know there was a disgruntled family at GB while he was there but I can't remember what was alleged to have happened.
I know he kicked a kid off the team at Bradley for off the court stuff and his family was publicly bashing Wardle and accusing him of stuff. I talked to some Bradley people and they said it was for legitimate reasons.
High level response and others can supply detail but he drove a reserve center so hard he crapped his pants in a workout and then belittled him for it in front of teammates. I hope this is an accurate summaty. If not please correct it
Strange to say the least. I've had Coaches push my teammates and I to the point of puking but never that... just sounds like a really bizarre event if that really happened.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2123569
USA Today story on the accusations made by a former UWGB athlete who said Wardle abused him in practices. This led to an investigation by the university which eventually led to a small reprimand, I believe, but not a firing which some of us at the time were expecting.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2013/04/16/second-mistreatment-complaint-brian-wardle/2086837/
USA Today story on a second complaint made against Wardle in 2013 before the details of the first complaint made by Ryan Bross were detailed in the story above.
Guess Missouri State must have hit some lucky shots too.
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=401089270
As a Christian I really try not to wish ill on others. But Lordy does Wardle push that sometimes.
Quote from: bbtds on January 11, 2019, 06:42:59 AM
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2123569
USA Today story on the accusations made by a former UWGB athlete who said Wardle abused him in practices. This led to an investigation by the university which eventually led to a small reprimand, I believe, but not a firing which some of us at the time were expecting.
An interesting fact about Ryan Bross listed in the Concordia-Wisconsin (Mequon) Athletics website:
Related to George Pullman, the manufacturer of the Pullman railroad sleeping car.
Knowing this I'm sure Wardle used this to comment about Bross sleeping through his college athletic career.
As Paul Thorn sings, I don't like half the folks I love.
"In this world we live in
This I guarantee
We all need more tolerance
To get along peacefully.
But I'm not as nice as Jesus,
And I really am fed up.
I don't like half the folks I love.
God knows they're all dear to me
But if the truth be told,
I like it when they come,
But I love it when they go.
I'm sure they've got good qualities
But the bad ones cover them up.
I don't like half the folks I love."
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 07, 2019, 03:28:06 PMInteresting observation and this is semi-toungue-in-cheek: Maybe Matt should have the players stay in a hotel the night before, have them do their school work/studying in their hotel rooms, have a shoot around in the morning, go back to the hotel, have a team meeting and meal together off campus, and stay together up to the point where they all go to the locker room for pre-game. Just like a road trip. Sure would put the focus on the game that day. We have the budget for that, right?
« Last Edit: January 07, 2019, 06:48:54 PM by VULB#62 »
Whatever Coach Lottich is doing and did this team is buying into it and it's working. We may find that this team is streaky but they certainly have the capacity to beat any team in the conference anywhere. Let's prove it by beating Loyola on Tuesday. I'll be there. You?
It must be the new Brown and gold uniforms ! :)
Quote from: valpo64 on January 13, 2019, 11:31:04 AM
It must be the new Brown and gold uniforms ! :)
I may be alone here, but I love the new Browns! Nice gold accents, class not flash. Wear it with pride!
Haha, I beg to differ. Those things are extremely ugly. There's a reason no one else generally wears brown and yellow and we aren't setting a fashion trend by wearing them. Looks like they belong in the bookstore with the rest of the atrocious apparel they sell.
Quote from: valpolaw on January 13, 2019, 04:24:57 PM
Haha, I beg to differ. Those things are extremely ugly. There's a reason no one else generally wears brown and yellow and we aren't setting a fashion trend by wearing them. Looks like they belong in the bookstore with the rest of the atrocious apparel they sell.
I can't stop lol'ing. :thumbsup: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
TBH, I kind of like them. I think they're alright. Probably my favorite jersey's were the white with the gold cursive font from a few years back.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 13, 2019, 04:43:01 PM
Quote from: valpolaw on January 13, 2019, 04:24:57 PM
Haha, I beg to differ. Those things are extremely ugly. There's a reason no one else generally wears brown and yellow and we aren't setting a fashion trend by wearing them. Looks like they belong in the bookstore with the rest of the atrocious apparel they sell.
I can't stop lol'ing. :thumbsup: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
TBH, I kind of like them. I think they're alright. Probably my favorite jersey's were the white with the gold cursive font from a few years back.
I also like them better than the all golds (for example).
I like them as well but the whole kit would look even better if every player wore his gold shoes. So are we brown or gold Tuesday? Whichever carries the best luck is my vote. We won at MO State in gold; at SIU it was brown. Didnt we also win in brown in the OOC portion of the schedule?
Quote from: wh on January 13, 2019, 02:01:52 PMI may be alone here, but I love the new Browns! Nice gold accents, class not flash. Wear it with pride!
I don't think you're alone at all. I think a lot of people around the country like them. Baker Mayfield appears to have already changed the culture and will do wonders for that long suffering fanbase.
Oh you meant Valpo's uniforms! Yes, they're very nice.
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 13, 2019, 05:54:01 PM
I like them as well but the whole kit would look even better if every player wore his gold shoes. So are we brown or gold Tuesday? Whichever carries the best luck is my vote. We won at MO State in gold; at SIU it was brown. Didnt we also win in brown in the OOC portion of the schedule?
A Win @ George Washington in Brown!!! :thumbsup:
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 13, 2019, 09:15:44 PM
Quote from: VULB#62 on January 13, 2019, 05:54:01 PM
I like them as well but the whole kit would look even better if every player wore his gold shoes. So are we brown or gold Tuesday? Whichever carries the best luck is my vote. We won at MO State in gold; at SIU it was brown. Didnt we also win in brown in the OOC portion of the schedule?
A Win @ George Washington in Brown!!! :thumbsup:
Don't be a clown! Wear Brown!?
I love the Brown and gold uniforms and those are our colors so unless you're going to petition to change them we should embrace them and be bold. It's an identity that is unique and can instill pride.
Quote from: crusader05 on January 14, 2019, 03:31:47 PM
I love the Brown and gold uniforms and those are our colors so unless you're going to petition to change them we should embrace them and be bold. It's an identity that is unique and can instill pride.
YES! Embrace and be bold.
I hope this attachment can come over [click to enlarge]. The Milwaukee Bucks have a Nike kit that is way out there. Two different shades of the main color (brown or gold) and a shoulder swatch of the opposite color (gold or brown) with the club name and number in contrast (white for brown and brown for gold).
Remember when McGuire had Marquette in those crazy unis? This would be a statement maker.
Brown is the soil our campus was built on, the earth that allows us to grow the food we eat. Brown is bold and strong, fertile and rich. Brown represents simplicity, friendliness, and dependability. Embrace Brown for this is the color that defines us!
Gold is the light of day, the rays of sunshine that brighten our lives. Gold is knowledge, wisdom and learning. Gold is the light that we follow on this life long journey. Gold is the flame that illuminates our torch! Gold is bold and beautiful!
I feel like that should be a voice over for a Cialis commercial.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 15, 2019, 09:36:37 AM
I feel like that should be a voice over for a Cialis commercial.
How do we work in the two bathtubs?
The difference between distinctive and gaudy uniforms:
http://i.pinimg.com/736x/59/fa/6f/59fa6f69ca127f0986fc2165c385caad--basketball-uniforms-sports-uniforms.jpg