5th times the charm?
Let's break this losing streak. It will be a tough task against ISUr team that is finding it's groove. It makes all the sense in the world to assume we'll lose tomorrow but we're due for a game where the Basketball Gods bless us. Anything can happen tomorrow if we play stout defense and guys start knocking down shots. No Fazekas on Tuesday.
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1092466369549996032
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1092466963186630656
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1092468878733725702
https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/1092469675244564480
First to 55 wins.
I don't usually drink during weeknight games, but I have a feeling I'll be making an exception.
The Illinois State Game Thread: https://www.redbirdfan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1392
Sorry, but I don't see the Crusaders winning another game until Ryan comes back. In fact, an argument could be made that we're the worst team in the MVC right now. We at least have the most dysfunctional offense.
ILSU 75 Valpo 55
BTW the O/U is 132. To win at that number, we would have to score a minimum of 67 points. I would bet a lot of money against that happening.
So, if we continue to go without Ryan and lose out, are we deeming that acceptable and OK with saying "just wait until next year" ...? Honestly asking to get a pulse on your thoughts.
Maybe I have too high of expectations. To me, it's about more than Ryan going down. I have a hard time chalking all this up to the loss of one player.
Why? Because there are common denominators at play and we're seeing patterns that point towards a downward trajectory. But, again I could be way off base and am honestly asking. Not trying to be Mrs. Negative here.
I think we can win without Ryan but it requires two things to happen. 1. Bakari starts shooting more like he did last year. 2. We need everyone else to be back to full movement strength.
The problem with missing Ryan is more that we were supposed to have 2 shooters but Bakari disappeared after his surgery and seems to struggle mentally. So when Ryan went we basically lost all outside shooting. Which has minimized the damage Smits has shown he is capable of doing if he has some space. Without Shooters we need another offensive threat and that's where Golder came in. If he's not moving as best he can and Smits is not moving as best he can all of our best offensive weapons are either gone diminished, or easier to neutralize.
Sackey and Javonn are working on picking up the slack but they are still Freshman. Kiser is hustle and Mileek can be but he can also be a foul machine.
2010,
Just speaking for myself, but I think expectations were unreasonably raised with the 4-0 start. Taking the whole season into consideration, this is a mediocre basketball team without an offensive identity. With the remaining schedule, it will be very hard to avoid Thursday night.
That being said, I do think this team should have a better record than the talent indicates, especially considering the noncon schedule. That's on the coaching staff. Lottich deserves a chance to see this team through to the end of next year and see what they can do together. But I do have this fear we'll pull a Bradley and give him an extension this off season. The Dorow contract is too fresh in my mind.
Yes, it's fair to see the glass half empty right now even though we are tied for both #4 and #7. That loss to Mo State will haunt us in that pile of 5-5 teams. We are tied now with them in the top two tie breakers; split head-to-head and best wins: (us - Illinois St) (them-Loyola). So that loss could very well cost us a Thursday bye.
But.......if we can get Ryan back a week before the tourney and get all healthy at once maybe we sneak into the 6 seed and catch #3 in quarters. I don't see a shallow team like ours reaching the Saturaday semifinals from a Thursday start. Ryan's endurance and rusty shooting will still be x factors.
Quote from: crusader05 on February 05, 2019, 07:19:59 AMThe problem with missing Ryan is more that we were supposed to have 2 shooters
Sure thing, but this is D1 basketball, one would assume that ALL our players could be reasonably expected to make some shots. Here are some scary facts: Ex-Ryan, the TEAM is shooting 68.8% from the free throw line and 29.5% from the 3. You don't win game shooting like that, regardless of defensive effort.
What I witnessed last Saturday was a hesitancy to even shoot the 3. Lots of driving in the lane and throwing up floaters, not using the glass, just hoping the shot falls. With only one big in the game and four guards, rebounding was, and will in all likelihood, continue to be a struggle.
We were pegged as a middle of the pack team. I think we could still pull that off but it's gonna take stealing at least one game we, on paper, shouldn't win (either tonight or loyola at home) and not dropping any more that we shouldn't.
The fits and starts of this team are so emotional because we get to build up a head of steam and then it's like getting banged around with the flaws shoved in your face over and over. If we're gonna to .500 then I'd rather we space out the wins and loses a bit to help with the perspective.
I will stand by my comments from earlier this year. With or without Fazekas this team needed to be an 11-7 team (2 games over .500) based on the roster we had returning from last year and the influx of talent we had coming in. Anything less would be highly disappointing.
Look to Drake for everything you need to know about anything. Lost their best player and still finding ways to win. Lost almost their entire roster from a year ago and started winning immediately. Brand new coach getting it done right away. I could go on and on.
We have won with some of the guys missing but to say we won't win another game until everyone is back is ridiculous. We should have won 2 or 3 of these recent games but were unable to close them out. The Evansville, Mo State, Drake and IN St I think were all winnable games. Even when the guys are back it will take a game or 2 for them to get the feel back of having the starting 5 together again. Then in the game when both our bigs fouled out we still competed. Sure we are down and short-handed and maybe lacking some confidence but let's give these guys a break. While some criticism is deserved there is room for some credit for performances under less than desirable circumstances If there is any brighter side to our problems it is that some guys are getting experience they perhaps wouldn't get under normal conditions. I think we will pull off a surprise or two before this season is over. This is a very competitive league this year with many surprises like when Loyola got beat 70-35. Could another happen tonight? Maybe Sunday? A win would be some real good medicine for our guys, including Coach L and staff.
Quote from: crusader05 on February 05, 2019, 07:19:59 AMSo when Ryan went we basically lost all outside shooting. Which has minimized the damage Smits has shown he is capable of doing if he has some space. Without Shooters we need another offensive threat and that's where Golder came in. If he's not moving as best he can and Smits is not moving as best he can all of our best offensive weapons are either gone diminished, or easier to neutralize.
The difference between a crippled Valpo team and a healthy one would approximate to 80-120 RPI places. Having a critical mass of outside shooting compounds the value that Smits could provide. It is very difficult to space the floor properly with only 3 outside shooters. It is impossible to do with only 2.
I see some parallels with Feb 2012. That team had no contributing seniors, bunches of juniors, and high hopes for the future. They finished 2012 with a RPI in the 90's. ??? Other than the late season Van Wijk incident that team was pretty healthy. With Kevin at 60%, Detroit boot stomped us at the ARC leading to the infamous McCallum ESPN camera dance. What if Broekhoff had gone down for 9 games? Where would they have been?
Longer term, I like our position today better than our going forward prospects in 2012.
Quote from: justducky on February 05, 2019, 01:01:46 PM
The difference between a crippled Valpo team and a healthy one would approximate to 80-120 RPI places. Having a critical mass of outside shooting compounds the value that Smits could provide. It is very difficult to space the floor properly with only 3 outside shooters. It is impossible to do with only 2.
I see some parallels with Feb 2012. That team had no contributing seniors, bunches of juniors, and high hopes for the future. They finished 2012 with a RPI in the 90's. ??? Other than the late season Van Wijk incident that team was pretty healthy. With Kevin at 60%, Detroit boot stomped us at the ARC leading to the infamous McCallum ESPN camera dance. What if Broekhoff had gone down for 9 games? Where would they have been?
Longer term, I like our position today better than our going forward prospects in 2012.
I like the guys who have been hurt on the floor a lot better than on the bench, but 80-120 spots is probably more than what they're worth. For instance, when Fazekas went down in the Bradley game, Valpo was 184th in kenpom. Since his and the other injuries, the team has fallen about 30 spots. Significant, but they've still been competitive for the most part in these games because the defense has been solid.
Overall, despite the injuries, Valpo's in a very positive spot. Sackey and Freeman's development and additional playing time are really going to set the team up well for next year and down the road. As for this season, moreso for weary legs than anything else it would be helpful to get some depth back in the lineup.
Idk about y'all but I am not OK with our current rating of .... 219! If you are alright with that, you've got some loooooooooowwwwwwww expectations.
On the bright side, we're 219! Which is ironic because of the whole 2-1-9 thing. Bahaha
There's a difference between being "alright" with it and being actively angry or upset about it. I think a lot of us are not alright with where we are and have voiced frustrations etc but I also think that there are people who look at some of the mitigating factors to help process the whole situation.
I think everyone here wants us to be better and thinks we can be better than we are (is there a fan base out there that doesn't?) and gets super annoyed with coaches and individual players. But I also think that there is nothing wrong either with people finding acceptance with where we are and positives. It's not making excuses or lowering the bar, it's just how you process and handle disappointing seasons.
Quote from: IrishDawg on February 05, 2019, 02:15:55 PMI like the guys who have been hurt on the floor a lot better than on the bench, but 80-120 spots is probably more than what they're worth. For instance, when Fazekas went down in the Bradley game, Valpo was 184th in kenpom. Since his and the other injuries, the team has fallen about 30 spots. Significant, but they've still been competitive for the most part in these games because the defense has been solid.
I'll state it a bit differently. Had Bradford and Sorolla been healthy for the non-con and were Fazekas, Golder, Evelyn (?) consistently near 100%; is this not a team with top of the Valley numbers potential? I referenced the theoretical RPI instead of NET or KP or Sag or WN for a reason (more volatility) Thoughts?.
Quote from: justducky on February 05, 2019, 03:09:44 PM
I'll state it a bit differently. Had Bradford and Sorolla been healthy for the non-con and were Fazekas, Golder, Evelyn (?) consistently near 100%; is this not a team with top of the Valley numbers potential? I referenced the theoretical RPI instead of NET or KP or Sag or WN for a reason (more volatility) Thoughts?.
Perhaps, I can't really say one way or another for sure. What I can say is that all the teams ahead of Valpo are losing some major pieces, and Valpo
should be significantly better with the additions of Gordon and Robinson and an offseason of development for Sackey and Freeman. I do think as long as they're healthy and have some time to play as a unit before Arch Madness, they've got as good a shot as anyone to make a run in the MVC tourney.
Decisions decisions!
Tonight I can watch the game while I lie to myself about the bright future for Valpo basketball. Or------I can watch the president and followup color commentators lie to me about everything not basketball related.
Hmmm -----I trust my vision better than that of Trump----So----I'll cast my vote for ESPN+ :thumbsup:
Quote from: IrishDawg on February 05, 2019, 05:11:56 PM
Quote from: justducky on February 05, 2019, 03:09:44 PM
I'll state it a bit differently. Had Bradford and Sorolla been healthy for the non-con and were Fazekas, Golder, Evelyn (?) consistently near 100%; is this not a team with top of the Valley numbers potential? I referenced the theoretical RPI instead of NET or KP or Sag or WN for a reason (more volatility) Thoughts?.
Perhaps, I can't really say one way or another for sure. What I can say is that all the teams ahead of Valpo are losing some major pieces, and Valpo should be significantly better with the additions of Gordon and Robinson and an offseason of development for Sackey and Freeman. I do think as long as they're healthy and have some time to play as a unit before Arch Madness, they've got as good a shot as anyone to make a run in the MVC tourney.
Solid point, though I believe we will miss Lavender much more than is obvious right now. He is one of a few that gets to the rim with a high finishing % in doing so. Also his handles (low'ish TO) will be sorely missed.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2019, 06:42:19 PMSolid point, though I believe we will miss Lavender much more than is obvious right now. He is one of a few that gets to the rim with a high finishing % in doing so. Also his handles (low'ish TO) will be sorely missed.
Also Deion's rebounding has been critical. I believe he is #2 in rebounding next to Derrik.
Quote from: bbtds on February 05, 2019, 06:46:59 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 05, 2019, 06:42:19 PMSolid point, though I believe we will miss Lavender much more than is obvious right now. He is one of a few that gets to the rim with a high finishing % in doing so. Also his handles (low'ish TO) will be sorely missed.
Also Deion's rebounding has been critical. I believe he is #2 in rebounding next to Derrik.
Well said, I had forgotten just how prolific he Rebounds from the G position.
Missed the start of the game. I figured we'd be down 4 or 5 when I got the ESPN+ broadcast on and my God we are up by double digits.
"I don't usually drink during weeknight games, but I have a feeling I'll be making an exception."
Hold off on pouring that drink Native Cheese Head!
Would really really like to have that Smits block not called and the redbird 3 that moved them from 18 to 21 points called for the illegal screen. Both huge calls. Thought it was an obvious clean block and a no brainer illegal screen call.
Just my thoughts at the half:
1. Good perimeter passing.
2. The first 5 minutes proves this team needs to run.
3. McMillan looks like he still hasn't grown into his frame. He looks like a newborn deer.
4. Freeman!!
5. Freeman!!!
COACH!!!
DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!! DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!
Javon Freeman is now the leader of this team.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 05, 2019, 07:45:39 PM
COACH!!!
DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!! DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!DON'T PUT THE BALL IN BAKARI'S HANDS TO END HALVES!!!!
Have we EVER actually scored on an Evelyn iso at the end of a half?
Quote from: mj on February 05, 2019, 07:45:46 PM
Javon Freeman is now the leader of this team.
My question is, you may have noticed that it was Bakari that was given the ball at the end of the half, and I think SanityLost has an opinion on that :-), why?
Matt keeps trying to have Bakari be a leader. As a result his sub pattern puts us at a disadvantage.
Great first half. Let's bury these 1st place guys!!!
Quote from: SanityLost17 on February 05, 2019, 07:38:17 PM
Would really really like to have that Smits block not called and the redbird 3 that moved them from 18 to 21 points called for the illegal screen. Both huge calls. Thought it was an obvious clean block and a no brainer illegal screen call.
Smits got a ton of body on the block. He was REALLY out of position and had to jump/lunge into the guy which is why it was called I believe. I can't speak to the moving screen, I was texting fellow alumni back and forth with glee!
Even Oklahomamick was positive, this is truly uncharted territory!!!
As I was unable to watch the entire first half and didn't realize what was happening until five minutes ago I am going to remove myself from the situation and hope that my lack of attention is spurring them on to greatness and that dominate the second half as well. Good Luck Men!
lol this is comical to watch at this point. We can put that orange thing inside of that red round thing with white things hanging off of it. Who knew????
I'm hoping this is really happening and not a dream!
It's a good thing nobody is doing a plus/minus calculation on this game because Evelyn's calculation would be very negative while Freeman's would be very positive.
This is crazy. Up 56-33. Huge point of the game when they came back to 25-18 and then we pulled away again. Shooting is awesome but so is defensive hustle. This is impressive.
Freeman having the break out game a lot of us envisioned. If he begins shooting well, he will be a very dynamic go-to scorer because he can get to the rim quickly.
Uh...are we gonna be able to finish this game. Where did the offense go??
Valpo playing tight in the last 10 minutes of the game. They let them get back in the game...
Game getting closer and Bakari is in the game. Time to put Sackey back in to run the offense?
I don't care what the result is, but we are terrible for much of each game. How can you lose a 23 point lead with 8-9 minutes left? You make a bunch of bone-headed plays, which is basically our calling card. Golder needs to learn how to pass when taking on 2-3 defenders, especially when the guy is wide open next to him.
We knew he would be a star and he is. Javon!
sorry it was me. I started peeking at the twitter feed and then we went cold so I walked away and and they recovered.
I'm no longer allowed to watch Valpo games which is going to make Feb 10th difficult as I told my son we were going to watch Valpo play that day. If you see someone standing with their face in the corner that's me, come say hi
Just....Wow!! They let them back within 7 at the 5-6 minute mark but then we methodically pulled away. Very impressive.
Down the stretch Smits was the player we all wanted to see. Got his own rebound and scored at times. Got into position and attacked the hoop.
Everyone played well. Smits and Freeman have so much upside. This is a big turning point.
To give up a big lead on the road two different times and regain the margin!!
Doctor Jekyll, please don't Hyde.
I have said it 100 times but I will say it again. I don't care about injuries. Anything less than 11-7 in league play this year would be ridiculously disappointing.
We should have won the Missouri State game NO MATTER WHAT... No excuses.
I am ok with the Drake game. Top 3 scorers out and we kept it close.
It is disappointing because we should either be in sole possession of 2nd place now having beat ILLSt twice or tied for 1st with Loyola coming to town in another 1st place showdown at the Arc. Bad luck against Drake. Bad effort against MSU.
They need to come out hot and fast because that's been the secret to them surviving their cold spells. When they come out slow and timid they keep it too close and when the yips sneak in which they seem to every game they can't recover. Easy to maintain a 21 point lead than a 5 point one when you have stretches like this.
Thought we were going to blow it when they got it down to 7, but kudos to the team for not folding. Great game by Freeman and clutch play by Smits when we had to to have it. Nice unexpected (by me at least) win.
Much credit is due after on two occasions the lead melted to 4 points but we then turned it around and built the lead back up. Great performance by Freeman and Smits. This is what we have been waiting for, more effort and coming strong out of the gates and MUCH better 3-point shooting. You can see they are playing with more confidence now that the revised lineup has played more minutes together. I hope we see a great crowd Sunday vs. Loyola. GO VALPO!
Enjoy the ride! I would not have predicted that we would be 2-0 against Illinois State after the High Point debacle. Conference wins on the road in any conference should be relished.
Quote from: bbtds on February 05, 2019, 08:08:07 PM
It's a good thing nobody is doing a plus/minus calculation on this game because Evelyn's calculation would be very negative while Freeman's would be very positive.
I would call this Evelyn's worst game with Deion also below normal. Despite that we won on the road!
I'm still thinking something is wrong with Bakari. This is not the same guy we were watching last February.
A heads up message to Matt.-------------------When Fazekas returns the inside will really start to open back up for our centers. All of our outside players need work on their entry passes to the post. When the ball gets inside cleanly good things happen. :thumbsup:
As I predicted in mid-January this team will be streaky this year and tonight's result falls into that pattern
Quote from: bbtds on January 29, 2019, 10:36:29 PMI made this prediction before the Northern Iowa game which we won.
Quote from: bbtds on January 18, 2019, 12:52:23 PM
QuoteI'm afraid the team will be very streaky this year and we are going to be on a downward streak. Grittiness only goes so far. It was good for a turn around but is not sustainable all conference season. Poor shooting and lack of confidence will do us in.
Just looked at the box score.
Unsung hero was John Kiser.
7 rebounds
3 steals
and 36 minutes played!!!
So when I said I was going to drink during the weeknight game, CLEARLY I meant that I had so much faith in my team that I didn't need to stress a game we'd win easily.
Was that not clear?
A couple of interesting comments on the Illinois State fan forum. One poster commenting on Javon and how the Redbirds should try to recruit Chicago more and then stated that Freeman tried to get out of the Valpo commitment. Another called him a complete showboat and not like a typical MVC player and one he will hate the rest of his career. Sour grapes on both? Did anyone watch the game and think Javon was show boating? Freeman is an exceptional freshman and leave it at that.
He was celebrating those 3s more than you generally see in Valley play, especially from the visiting team. That said, it wasn't egregious. He also stared down the Redbird who fouled him on the breakaway dunk, but it was a bad foul, too late to affect the shot, so that was definitely justified.
I think it's more sour grapes than anything.
On another note, I'd like to see Kiser keep a lot of his minutes when Fazekas returns. His play tonight was outstanding.
Quote from: RS on February 05, 2019, 10:04:00 PMA couple of interesting comments on the Illinois State fan forum. One poster commenting on Javon and how the Redbirds should try to recruit Chicago more and then stated that Freeman tried to get out of the Valpo commitment. Another called him a complete showboat and not like a typical MVC player and one he will hate the rest of his career. Sour grapes on both? Did anyone watch the game and think Javon was show boating? Freeman is an exceptional freshman and leave it at that.
I'd say it's sour grapes. Javon doesn't go in your face or heckle like Phil Fayne. I sit close to the floor and Fayne was constantly trash talking and complaining when they played at Valpo. I've never really heard Javon go back at the other team ( if he does, it is done quietly). He just plays hard and dunks. I think if he was trying to get out of his commitment we would have hear about it. So I think it's ISU fans being upset because they lost.
Quote from: RS on February 05, 2019, 10:04:00 PM
A couple of interesting comments on the Illinois State fan forum. One poster commenting on Javon and how the Redbirds should try to recruit Chicago more and then stated that Freeman tried to get out of the Valpo commitment. Another called him a complete showboat and not like a typical MVC player and one he will hate the rest of his career. Sour grapes on both? Did anyone watch the game and think Javon was show boating? Freeman is an exceptional freshman and leave it at that.
Unlike Sean Payton, who decommitted from Illinois State exactly 1 year ago, Javon committed to Valpo early and never wavered.
BHS star Payton decommits from ISU, reopens recruitment
January 24, 2018https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/bhs-star-payton-decommits-from-isu-reopens-recruitment/article_60b07871-496f-59cb-a108-f421e581cc16.amp.html
Quote from: PlumStreetBum on February 05, 2019, 10:14:48 PMOn another note, I'd like to see Kiser keep a lot of his minutes when Fazekas returns. His play tonight was outstanding.
Another plus was Markus. Still looks like maybe 85% but is progressing nicely. Could he be 100% by Sunday?
Dan Muller post game press conference:
https://goredbirds.com/watch/?Archive=9062&type=Archive
Redbird board also has comments how they're above the MVC and need to escape ASAP.
I have no idea what's in the water to make fans of a program who's never been to the Sweet 16 and hasn't played in the NCAA Tournament in decades think they're so special, but they have some clearly deranged posters out of touch with reality.
To be fair, I've never seen one ISUr poster on the MVC board like that. Their low IQ posters seem to be specifically constrained to their fan board.
The wins over ISUr and UNI and the subsequent tears are delicious.
Javon is the most efficient freshman in the league.
ML's achilles heel with personnel all year has been trying to make a certain player happen.
Quote from: may know on February 05, 2019, 11:53:24 PM
The wins over ISUr and UNI and the subsequent tears are delicious.
Javon is the most efficient freshman in the league.
ML's achilles heel with personnel all year has been trying to make a certain player happen.
yes, it's quite evident that putting this team on the back of Javon Freeman and minimizing the role of Bakari Evelyn is a no brainer for the head coach yet Lottich is still trying to make Bakari the leader of the team.
Looks like Freeman is now the man! That's exciting to see. Now Valpo needs to acquire more quality Chitown talent to raise the momentum.
The MVC is one roller coaster of a conference, but at the end I think Loyola will rise from the chaos. They have decent talent and the best coaching in the conference.
They are still bitter that Peters wanted nothing to do with their school
As I did not watch the game last night was there a reason why Lavender only played 10 minutes? was he injured? Was not in foul trouble according to the score sheet. Just wondering.
Fantastic win...concerned that we still had multiple long stretches where the team didn't score. Nice to listen to them get hot from the start and pour in a few more 3 pointers.
Quote from: usc4valpo on February 06, 2019, 06:29:42 AM
Looks like Freeman is now the man! That's exciting to see. Now Valpo needs to acquire more quality Chitown talent to raise the momentum.
The MVC is one roller coaster of a conference, but at the end I think Loyola will rise from the chaos. They have decent talent and the best coaching in the conference.
Valpo currently has offers to only Morgan Park's Marcus Watson (2020). I'm sure more offers will come to Chicago before all is said and done. Watson is a true PG and floor general for such a young player. He made a name for him last month by having 21 assist game. His only 2 offers are from Valpo and Chicago State.
One name that I've heard the staff is really recruiting hard is Isaiah Rivera out of Geneseo, IL. He's not flying under the radar.
Would also love for us to land Christopher Mantis (Lowell and I believe he's Dave Huseman's nephew or related to him in some way) and Doug Konieczny (VUWBB Nicole Konieczny's little brother). Both guys are going to be studs
Quote from: wh on February 05, 2019, 10:54:03 PM
Dan Muller post game press conference:
https://goredbirds.com/watch/?Archive=9062&type=Archive
Coach Muller seems like a standup guy. He is blunt about his own team and gives credit to opponents when they do well.
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Lavender looked off last night. He seems to struggle against certain teams and defenses, and last night the 2/3 ISUr was running bottled him up. When he committed the foul on the 3 that sent Gassman to the line, he caused me to exclaim to my wife, "get him out of the game." It is rare for me to do say that, but it was maybe his 3d mental lapse in a short spell. The Valpo drought is a common thing. It usually begins when the 2d unit comes in and there are no scorers on the floor. Bakari and Deion are good experienced players but the offense bogs down and bad shot selection takes over. The first 5-6 minutes last night was great ball movement and set up open 3s that were knocked down. This team the past 2 years goes as those first shots go. It is a streaky team in games and over a series of games. BTW Kiser hit 2 open 3s last night. Those are huge because then they can't sag the lane on him and then boom, Sackey, Freeman and DeBakari can get to the basket.
When I broadcast, I often discuss the lost art of the entry pass to the center. It's a finesse pass as you have to judge height, speed, direction and positioning/skill of the defensive player. You can't force it, but you also have to figure out an angle so that you can have the ball move in and out, so when it goes side to side, it's with purpose. The big guys also have to give you a spot to throw to, and it helps if they can catch a bounce pass (Vashii struggled with those). The last 5 mins, the entry passes were much better and the Big Guy could was fed all he could eat.
Quote from: crusadermoe on February 05, 2019, 09:19:35 PMJust looked at the box score. Unsung hero was John Kiser. 7 rebounds 3 steals and 36 minutes played!!!
I agree, he is a good team player and just contributes where ever he's placed or asked to do.
He even volunteered to do the team laundry after games because they couldn't find anybody to do it this year. He really gets down and Gritty.
Quote from: wh on February 04, 2019, 09:22:03 PM
Sorry, but I don't see the Crusaders winning another game until Ryan comes back. In fact, an argument could be made that we're the worst team in the MVC right now. We at least have the most dysfunctional offense.
ILSU 75 Valpo 55
BTW the O/U is 132. To win at that number, we would have to score a minimum of 67 points. I would bet a lot of money against that happening.
Well, at least you were right about the under.
Sackey had a 6 assist 4 TO game... for you folks tracking the O/Us...
One of the categories was more Assists than Turnovers... He needs to reach 18+games...
Through 24...
9 games with more Assists that Turnovers
8 games with more Turnovers than Assists
7 games with the same number of turnovers and assists.
QuoteDid anyone watch the game and think Javon was show boating?
No, he was fine. That was just ISUr fans being salty because we whipped their team on their home floor. Also, it's a rich criticism coming from a team that was selling poster-sized versions of that photo of Williams' soaring dunk over Mileek in Normal last season. (Which is an *awesome* photo, BTW, but you can't then turn around and not expect the team that spent the last year looking at a photo of their teammate being posterized to not respond with some emphasis when they get revenge).
Great team win last night. Everyone played pretty well across the board and contributed even if not on the stat sheet. Gotta figure out how to not give up the 16-2 run in 4 minutes while holding a 21-point lead in the second half, though.