I'll try another, last game I said Golder had to have 15+ for us to win and that was obviously incorrect, but we did win so here I am. J got a dunk which was a long time coming. We need to keep AJ GREEN IN CHECK, maybe put Golder on him? I thought about/am still thinking about making the 3 hour drive down from Minneapolis, but the weather is supposed to questionable and I don't want a 3 hour drive turning into 6. Valpo by 4.
No idea. I think all our predictions are mere farts 💨 in a skillet 🍳 at this point.
We have to steal one of these road games (UNI/Bradley) and beat Evansville in order to avoid Thursday.
Win all 3 = 4 seed
Steal 1 road / Win @ Home = Likely a 5 seed
Lose both road games / win at home = 7 seed
Lose all 3 = 9 seed
Both teams are defense 1st. Obviously that will cause problems with our struggling offense. However, when we are at our best we are also engaging in tough hard-nosed defense. So, who knows. Not sure who we matchup better with and I don't think it matters which one we win/lose as long as we steal one.
Golder being healthy would really help. I think we have 3 guys functioning at less than 75% right now (Golder/Bakari/Fazekas) and Smits fluctuates as you can see it in the warmup when his back is stiff.
I would add a wish in this and the other two remaining games: in crunch time, please do not put the ball in Bakari's hands. His playing window should be between minutes 18 and 4 in the first half and the same in the second half. :twocents:
Quote from: VULB#62 on February 22, 2019, 07:56:51 AM
I would add a wish in this and the other two remaining games: in crunch time, please do not put the ball in Bakari's hands. His playing window should be between minutes 18 and 4 in the first half and the same in the second half. :twocents:
Seriously, why do the coaches allow him to do this? Do they see something in practice that we don't see. He has had a dreadful season from a offensive production standpoint. I was literally ripping my hair out watching him go iso and drain the shot clock. I'm still baffled by how far Bakari has declined this season. I have to think it's health or shooting mechanics in his jumpshot. But at those end of game scenarios you can't let him do that. Give it to Javon to take it to the hoop or kick it out to an outside shooter.
I thought our freshmen did a good job on their stud freshmen...I know he wound up with quite a few points, but I think switching screens and trying to keep Sackey or Freeman on him as much as possible will make it difficult for him to score. As long as they limit the rest of the team, Valpo can survive a 25 point night from Green.
With Golder missing last game I'm just not sure he'd be able to keep up and fight around all the screens Green is going to be running/dribbling off of. If he is in the game though I'm sure he will get his shot. I think the other thing is you have to make Green defend on the other end. His guy has to be aggressive and run him off screens and look to attack when the opportunity presents itself. Wear him out a little more on the defensive end and it could payoff later in the game.
The collective fan reaction at the ARC vs SIU when Bakari did that was priceless. Instant reaction from the crowd as folks all gasped and quickly followed suit in a synchronously befuddled belaboring call of anguish.
One of these times, he's going to hit the shot if he keeps getting the opportunity. Not sure that would make up for anything but is bound to happen. If for no other reason, because it's that weird of a season in the valley. And that weird of a season for us specifically.
Hey Valpo friends, dropping by to wish you guys good luck. BIG game tomorrow, very high stakes, I can't wait!
Would prefer to see Valpo avoid the play in game, but not at UNI's expense. Green is an obvious threat, but watch for Haldeman who has been red hot behind the arc, Lohaus is coming off a huge performance at MSU, and Berhow is capable of putting on a 3 point shooting or rebounding clinic. Whoever matches up with Isaiah Brown is going to have their work cut out for them, he's as good a defender as any in the Valley.
Whatever the result, looking forward to a high quality contest!
Quote from: UNIfan on February 22, 2019, 03:20:54 PM
Hey Valpo friends, dropping by to wish you guys good luck. BIG game tomorrow, very high stakes, I can't wait!
Would prefer to see Valpo avoid the play in game, but not at UNI's expense. Green is an obvious threat, but watch for Haldeman who has been red hot behind the arc, Lohaus is coming off a huge performance at MSU, and Berhow is capable of putting on a 3 point shooting or rebounding clinic. Whoever matches up with Isaiah Brown is going to have their work cut out for them, he's as good a defender as any in the Valley.
Whatever the result, looking forward to a high quality contest!
Our guys are good to.
https://twitter.com/thereal_mg3/status/1099041732610703360?s=21
Quote from: VU2014 on February 22, 2019, 03:54:24 PM
https://twitter.com/thereal_mg3/status/1099041732610703360?s=21
Here's to hoping! I'm not holding my breath, this team "should" have enough depth to compete with or without a recovering Markus.
I firmly believe we are capable of winning against most conference foes down a man (Loyola withstanding). Need to execute at a level (defensively) that we haven't consistently and please make more FT...
Quote from: UNIfan on February 22, 2019, 03:20:54 PM
Hey Valpo friends, dropping by to wish you guys good luck. BIG game tomorrow, very high stakes, I can't wait!
Would prefer to see Valpo avoid the play in game, but not at UNI's expense. Green is an obvious threat, but watch for Haldeman who has been red hot behind the arc, Lohaus is coming off a huge performance at MSU, and Berhow is capable of putting on a 3 point shooting or rebounding clinic. Whoever matches up with Isaiah Brown is going to have their work cut out for them, he's as good a defender as any in the Valley.
Whatever the result, looking forward to a high quality contest!
Hello UNIFan. In our first matchup, Derrik Smits had 21 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes. Our other 7-footer Jay Sorolla added 4 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes. Collectively, they dominated play inside on both ends. I'm guessing your coaches will make some major adjustments there. Conversely, I was looking forward to watching Green and he didn't disappoint with 25 points, despite our 2 quick, highly athletic freshmen Javon Freeman and Daniel Sackey draped all over him. I'm sure there will be a major effort to do a better job of fighting through those multiple moving picks. ;) The biggest difference in game-1 was bench scoring, where Valpo held a huge 25-7 advantage. That will probably be hard to duplicate. Good luck tomorrow. :thumbsup:
Quote from: vu72 on February 22, 2019, 03:30:00 PM
Quote from: UNIfan on February 22, 2019, 03:20:54 PM
Hey Valpo friends, dropping by to wish you guys good luck. BIG game tomorrow, very high stakes, I can't wait!
Would prefer to see Valpo avoid the play in game, but not at UNI's expense. Green is an obvious threat, but watch for Haldeman who has been red hot behind the arc, Lohaus is coming off a huge performance at MSU, and Berhow is capable of putting on a 3 point shooting or rebounding clinic. Whoever matches up with Isaiah Brown is going to have their work cut out for them, he's as good a defender as any in the Valley.
Whatever the result, looking forward to a high quality contest!
Our guys are good to.
I think they saw that in the first game. They'll see more of the same tomorrow.
Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on February 22, 2019, 06:46:34 AMmere farts 💨 in a skillet 🍳 at this point.
I need to start using this phrase so I can see the quizzical look on people's faces.
If an emoji can officially be a former word of the year, idk by this phrase couldn't become the new replacement for grit or grittiness. I'd rather have a bunch of players flying around out there like farts in a skillet than being gritty. Turnover City. We'd be like West Virginia at their best with a full court press whistle to whistle farting around that court! Before you know it, poof we'd be gone for the long ball dunk.
Quote from: bbtds on February 22, 2019, 10:30:43 PM
Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on February 22, 2019, 06:46:34 AMmere farts 💨 in a skillet 🍳 at this point.
I need to start using this phrase so I can see the quizzical look on people's faces.
Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo introduces "Fart in a Skillet" and his former player, Tim Bograkos, relates how Izzo used the phrase to describe his moves on the court:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxZJuVLBPfQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxZJuVLBPfQ)
UNI favored by 5.
Gotta wait til 7 for this game? Uggg.
Let's get this one and take another step toward avoiding Thursday! Go Valpo!
Crusader Grit
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbEbjioqiNOem7B5dk3DW_eFrqsnMQpFwnoce-yGUmuY6taK4z)
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 23, 2019, 10:05:59 AM
Crusader Grit
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbEbjioqiNOem7B5dk3DW_eFrqsnMQpFwnoce-yGUmuY6taK4z)
Nothing more dangerous than a lefty Crusader.
All season I've predicted we could be a very strong team for the stretch run. Are we healthy enough to make that happen? If so it is time to kick into high gear.
No Excuses-----I want to see us playing to our full potential. If we do that and UNI matches our effort it should be a heck of a game. :thumbsup:
Quote from: justducky on February 23, 2019, 11:11:59 AM
All season I've predicted we could be a very strong team for the stretch run. Are we healthy enough to make that happen? If so it is time to kick into high gear.
No Excuses-----I want to see us playing to our full potential. If we do that and UNI matches our effort it should be a heck of a game. :thumbsup:
Fan base is at a pivotal moment right now. These 2 road games may make or break a lot of them, and the effects may last well beyond this season.
That is how important it is we steal one of these games to ensure we are in the 4-6 discussion and not the 7-9 discussion. End the season 5th and despite not playing to potential we would at least meet our pre-season expectations. Finish 8th and the collective offseason negativity will be suffocating.
So.....No pressure Valpo players.....I mean....Its just a game.....Right?
Something I'll be watching is how AJ Green and the officiating our tonight. Literally more than half the time UNI would just run a high pick and roll for AJ Green and he would get to the basket. What was so frustrating was some of the clear moving screen violations that never got called against UNI. At least the refs were consistent but when that was basically the only thing working for them throughout some stretches of the game it was maddening to see the no call. I'm sure UNI will change up some of their strategy for tonight but I'll be curious if they go back to it.
I think UNI is a better team than when we last faced them and we're not quite as healthy since we last saw them, maybe. Golder says he feels like himself so that is a really good sign.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2019, 11:25:56 AMand we're not quite as healthy since we last saw them,
Fazekas was out when we played them last.
Quote from: vu72 on February 23, 2019, 11:37:05 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2019, 11:25:56 AMand we're not quite as healthy since we last saw them,
Fazekas was out when we played them last.
But if you take into account the whole team is a little nicked up and I don't really think Fazekas is fully healthy. He's just healthy enough to play and contribute, which is still a boost.
Reviewed the 1/19 boxscore and we led tipoff to buzzer with a 34-20 rebound advantage. Smits had 21 points with 5 TOs. Evelyn 14, Golder 13 and Freeman with only 2. :o Green worked hard for his 25 points. We seemed to match up pretty well with them defensively so I'm wondering what Fazekas might add or detract?
Quote from: justducky on February 23, 2019, 12:03:36 PM
Reviewed the 1/19 boxscore and we led tipoff to buzzer with a 34-20 rebound advantage. Smits had 21 points with 5 TOs. Evelyn 14, Golder 13 and Freeman with only 2. :o Green worked hard for his 25 points. We seemed to match up pretty well with them defensively so I'm wondering what Fazekas might add or detract?
This Valpo offense is completely Jekyll and Hyde. When they're "on" they're on, when they're "off" they are really off. We need find some consistency and get back to those strong defensive principals. I do think our 7 footers match up against UNI's bigs nicely.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2019, 12:31:46 PM
Quote from: justducky on February 23, 2019, 12:03:36 PM
Reviewed the 1/19 boxscore and we led tipoff to buzzer with a 34-20 rebound advantage. Smits had 21 points with 5 TOs. Evelyn 14, Golder 13 and Freeman with only 2. :o Green worked hard for his 25 points. We seemed to match up pretty well with them defensively so I'm wondering what Fazekas might add or detract?
This Valpo offense is completely Jekyll and Hyde. When they're "on" they're on, when they're "off" they are really off. We need find some consistency and get back to those strong defensive principals. I do think our 7 footers match up against UNI's bigs nicely.
It seems that the way teams match up has played a big role in the standings in the MVC this year. I'll let others take a look at how many sweeps there have been in conference this year. We swept Illinois State and SIU. UNI is another team against we match up well. I predict that we will sweep UNI.
Quote from: humbleopinion on February 23, 2019, 12:49:22 PMNIU is another team against we match up well. I predict that we will sweep NIU.
Oooo!- Don't say NIU without attaching a smiley face! Even then they may want to throw a bag over your head and cause major disfigurement! :deadhorse:
I am not sold that we match up all that great with UNI. The game we played against them was one of our better games of the season and it was close for the majority of the game. Hope I am wrong.
MoSt is a team I would love to see in the tournament. I think we matchup GREAT with them. Fully healthy we sweep them easily this year. I think we matchup well with SIU. I actually think we matchup well with Bradley mostly because Sackey has the quickness to keep up with Brown. I don't think we match up well with Loyola/IndSt/Drake but I guess that is no secret since they swept us. Jury is out on Eville/UNI and even IllSt. I know we swept IllSt but that had more to do with their effort level than anything else. If they refuse to play defense we matchup great. If they decide in St. Louis they are actually going to play hard for a change than maybe not so much.
Confident we'll get a win today. But, I would add - one sure fire way to improve our FG % inside the paint .... getting those big boys to dunk the ball. Glad Jay finally put one down last time out. Need more. Glad Golder is feeling better. Give him a lot of credit for trying to contribute but was obvi not 💯
https://twitter.com/FatherHarry1/status/1099447669284634626
Prediction: Valpo wins 68-65
Sorolla is back in the starting lineup. Interesting. Coach talked about that a decent amount in the last post game presser and gave Smits a ton credit for responding well to the situation
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1099469456873586688
Side Note: UNI's pep band sounds top notch. It reminds me our band like 4-6 years ago.
Problem with our band is more numbers than quality. Sure they could be a little better but it's more of a numbers game.
Speaking of.... didn't someone on the board say the music department was taking over the pep band after thanksgiving? Looks and sounds the same to me.
So......is the ESPN3 camera mounted on the ceiling?...or on a blimp?
I've got a good view - on espn 3. At least I haven't noticed. Beautiful venue though.
Anyone else want to argue that Freeman is better than Green?
It's a really nice arena . Another scoring drought... Why does this keep happening? Is it scheme or something else?
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 23, 2019, 07:27:19 PM
Anyone else want to argue that Freeman is better than Green?
Green is clearly further along in his development on the offensive side of the ball.
Freeman was absolutely hammered at 7:20 to go. No call. ???
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2019, 07:29:59 PM
It's a really nice arena . Another scoring drought... Why does this keep happening? Is it scheme or something else?
Scheme. too much iso and standing around. My biggest concern with Lottich... he needs to get better at this facet of game planning. But Valpo also struggles because we don't have many quality shooters.
We need to stop the baseline double team. It worked when it was Alec and Vashil. We give up a layup every time now.
Man we are giving up a lot of open looks and easy baskets. I thought we were supposed to be a good defensive team.
But we are really good at rimming out our shots.
Too much Kiser
Thoughts at the half:
1. Too many substitutions. How can these guys get in a rhythm?
2. Bad passing.
3. Bad shooting.
4. Not enough McMillan.
5. Amazed we're only down 7.
Let's go VU!
ANOTHER god awful last possession of a half. And yet as horribly as we've played we're only down seven and would be up if not for A.J. Green and his limitless range. We're totally in this. We can do this! Let's start the half on a run and steal this game! Go Valpo!
Jaume Smits?
https://twitter.com/OnPressRow/status/1099485763362799617
Quote from: VUSL98 on February 23, 2019, 07:44:36 PM
Thoughts at the half:
1. Too many substitutions. How can these guys get in a rhythm?
2. Bad passing.
3. Bad shooting.
4. Not enough McMillan.
5. Amazed we're only down 7.
Let's go VU!
In a physical game like this it might not be a bad idea to get him in there. Won't have to worry as much about the fouls. He's a more skilled offensive player than Kiser.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2019, 07:40:26 PM
Too much Kiser
Lottich is a defense first coach and it seems like Kiser is his "safety blanket". He's not as skilled as McMillan but he doesn't usually make the silly fouls. The problem is that Kiser doesn't offer much of anything on the offensive side of the ball. He also isn't a confident outside shooter. you can almost see the hesitation in his offensive game. If a untrained eye like me can see this than every coach can see that as well.
I will preface this that I fully understand UNI is playimg much better lately.
But we broke down on defense over and over again and it wasn't them running great offense.
We look like a middle school offensive team and they don't have to try very hard to make us look that way.
We cannot get good looks running our half court offense.
Therefore, run and gun!
We always play better when we push pace but we never do it unless we're forced to.
Alright. It's beer o clock.
Quote from: VUSL98 on February 23, 2019, 07:44:36 PM
Thoughts at the half:
1. Too many substitutions. How can these guys get in a rhythm?
2. Bad passing.
3. Bad shooting.
4. Not enough McMillan.
5. Amazed we're only down 7.
Let's go VU!
Agree with #1, but that's on the players getting pulled. Sackey - beat on a back door, pulled. Evelyn - lazily following behind his man cutting to the basket (of course), beat on a back door, pulled. Smits - stood like a statue instead of going for a loose ball that he was closest to (what's new), pulled. Two other wide open layups with no Valpo defender within 10 feet. Everyone (myself included) has been begging Matt to pull people for lazy defense. Well, he's finally doing it. I'm all for it. We went from "first to 55" games to "first to 80 games" because of lazy defense by certain players who only want to play hard on offense. Keep pulling those guys until they either get the message or go somewhere where loafing is accepted. This is all about getting ready for next year anyway.
Loose balls and rebounding... Tighten it up...
Anyone hear Lottich and Jacobson chirping on the court!!!??? Love it!
Pushing the rock up the hill and it rolls back down... So frustrating...
Freeman always heats up down the stretch
THEY'RE NOT EVEN FORCING THESE TURNOVERS!!! TAKE CARE OF THE _____________________ING BALL!!!
We find new and interesting ways to turn the ball over.
Holy hell start calling the game BOTH ways!!!!!! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
If they go up by ten and put this away I want Lottich getting tossed. Time to stick up for your team Matt.
Not a word about the refs tonight. If we lose this one is on us. WAY too many unforced errors tonight. Frankly we'll be extremely lucky to pull this one out. We don't deserve to win tonight at all. Horrible offensive execution. Plenty of opportunities but terrible inexcusably bad execution.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2019, 08:31:55 PM
Holy hell start calling the game BOTH ways!!!!!! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
I hope Lottich is in their ear ... I believe a point of emphasis this year was to keep team fouls as even as possible.
[tweet]1099496936665743362[/tweet]
I agree!
This team is FRUSTRATING. No poise. No fortitude.
The reffing in the game is an embarrassment
I will keep saying that this team is one of the worst in the last 25 years. The amount of dumb passes/turnovers is staggering. The lack of knowledge that you need to be set when screening, and can't leave early, is ridiculous. I can't wait for this season to be done.
This is not good...
https://twitter.com/DeeDeeLiberty1/status/1099499439247577089
If my son's team was struggling, I would also want my son in the game.
Lavender and missing free throws, name a more iconic duo
I still think Matt will and should get next year. But he's not the guy that will take us to the next level in this conference.
And with Homer as my witness I will not renew my season tickets if MLB gives Lottich a Dorow Lame Duck contract extension this offseason. He has proved nothing yet.
Quote from: jloose128 on February 23, 2019, 08:45:47 PM
If my son's team was struggling, I would also want my son in the game.
Just don't want Mom's of two of your best players to be unhappy.
Green is clearly freshman of the year, but I'd rather have Javon for his overall game.
LeBron was a non-factor. Are we going to hear something about him still not being 100%?
We may be lousy at shooting baskets but we are great at shooting ourselves in the foot.
Quote from: VUSL98 on February 23, 2019, 08:50:03 PMLeBron was a non-factor. Are we going to hear something about him still not being 100%?
Yes and if you can't recognize it I'll suggest you go back and watch some of the early January games. Actually I'm thinking that Golder might be trailing Fazekas in his recovery.
We had a team effort. Everybody contributed with some flawed executions. Still it was a game that we could have been able to win.
Quote from: VUSL98 on February 23, 2019, 08:50:03 PM
Green is clearly freshman of the year, but I'd rather have Jacob for his overall game.
LeBron was a non-factor. Are we going to hear something about him still not being 100%?
He should address his terribly vanilla offensive scheme that hasn't improved in three __________________ing years at the helm. We could have won this game. We really could have. But we blew it in crunch time. Again. Is everyone on this team except our freshmen mentally weak? We dig a deep hole fight back within one possession several times and then piss down our legs with the opponent on the ropes. It happens every single loss. It would be nice to complete these comebacks every now and then. I'm so frustrated. I used to look forward to these games now I honestly wonder if I'm just wasting my time. I'll keep supporting and attending games but these failures no longer surprise me. I honestly think it should be NIT\Top 3 finish or bust next year for Matt and even that seems generous.
Quote from: jloose128 on February 23, 2019, 08:45:47 PM
If my son's team was struggling, I would also want my son in the game.
Agree. I think Mommies complaining on Twitter could be the catalyst this team needs!
Credit to UNI though. They punished our mistakes and deserved the win. If their incoming class is as good as their fans seem to think it is things could really be looking up in Cedar Falls.
Quote from: a3uge on February 23, 2019, 08:48:18 PMLavender and missing free throws, name a more iconic duo
Lottich and losing games?
Our entire offense and scoring droughts?
Evelyn iso plays and getting bupkis?
Kiser and offensive skill?
Interesting the closeness in stats: FGs Valpo 21-48, UNI 22-50; 3-pts Valpo 5-15, UNI 5-15; Rebs. Valpo 29, UNI 31 (Off Rebs. Valpo 5, UNI 5); Assists Valpo 8, UNI 10; Blocks Valpo 2, UNI 2; Steals Valpo 9, UNI 8.
Big difference in the game...fouls: Valpo 17, UNI 11; and free throw shooting: Valpo 6-10, UNI 15-17. Blame goes two ways: 1) Officials seemed to swallow their whistles when Valpo went to the rim, especially missed obvious fouls on Freeman, but were less reluctant to call fouls on the two Valpo bigs, which impacted the game after Valpo pulled within 1 point. 2) Valpo missed free throws again, especially front end of a one-and-one.
Rooting for this team is exhausting.
Quote from: valpopal on February 23, 2019, 09:19:15 PMInteresting the closeness in stats: FGs Valpo 21-48, UNI 22-50; 3-pts Valpo 5-15, UNI 5-15; Rebs. Valpo 29, UNI 31 (Off Rebs. Valpo 5, UNI 5); Assists Valpo 8, UNI 10; Blocks Valpo 2, UNI 2; Steals Valpo 9, UNI 8. Big difference in the game...fouls: Valpo 17, UNI 11; and free throw shooting: Valpo 6-10, UNI 15-17. Blame goes two ways: 1) Officials seemed to swallow their whistles when Valpo went to the rim, especially missed obvious fouls on Freeman, but were less reluctant to call fouls on the two Valpo bigs, which impacted the game after Valpo pulled within 1 point. 2) Valpo missed free throws again, especially front end of a one-and-one.
With all due respect you can't just gloss over 16 turnovers (many of which were completely unforced) like that. If anything the closeness in the stats should make you even more frustrated with the coach and the players for their beyond awful execution down the stretch. Like somebody said a game or two ago: same $^&% different game as always.
The team would probably do better if Mrs Freeman & Mrs Golder coached it. Our end of half strategy would change.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2019, 09:32:28 PM
Quote from: valpopal on February 23, 2019, 09:19:15 PMInteresting the closeness in stats: FGs Valpo 21-48, UNI 22-50; 3-pts Valpo 5-15, UNI 5-15; Rebs. Valpo 29, UNI 31 (Off Rebs. Valpo 5, UNI 5); Assists Valpo 8, UNI 10; Blocks Valpo 2, UNI 2; Steals Valpo 9, UNI 8. Big difference in the game...fouls: Valpo 17, UNI 11; and free throw shooting: Valpo 6-10, UNI 15-17. Blame goes two ways: 1) Officials seemed to swallow their whistles when Valpo went to the rim, especially missed obvious fouls on Freeman, but were less reluctant to call fouls on the two Valpo bigs, which impacted the game after Valpo pulled within 1 point. 2) Valpo missed free throws again, especially front end of a one-and-one.
With all due respect you can't just gloss over 16 turnovers (many of which were completely unforced) like that. If anything the closeness in the stats should make you even more frustrated with the coach and the players for their beyond awful execution down the stretch. Like somebody said a game or two ago: same $^&% different game as always.
Yes, Valpo had 4 more turnovers than UNI, but they also had 4 more turnovers in the game that they won over UNI last month 75-66.
I spend too much emotional capital in this team and for them not to reciprocate. I like Matt Lottich as a man and as a person but watching his teams are exhausting and taxing on the fan-base. They don't know how to execute on offense and it drives me nuts.
Seriously in his 3 seasons as the head coach it's been exhausting way too many times watching this team try and execute. Some of it is out of his control with the injuries but it's seriously maddening at times. There is potential on this roster but it's not coming together with any consistency. I want to have confidence in this team going forward but I don't have any. One night they could be great but I can't even trust them to beat the worst team in the conference at home in our final game. It's literally exhausting being a fan in the Matt Lottich era.
I get the sentiment behind what you're saying VU2014. But I don't get the sense that the team isn't trying or doesn't care it's just that for reasons nobody seems to understand they just... can't... We had these issues during the Drew era too but they were never this bad or this consistent. We just seem like we never can get over the hump and I don't know whose fault that is anymore. Maybe that's just it. Programs like ours have a ceiling and maybe we've reached it. I don't want to believe it but maybe it's true.
Just finished watching the game on replay. It's very tempting to blame officiating in this one, but they would have won this game if they played even halfway decently. Instead they were a dumpster fire.
I really hope those transfers can shoot the rock next year. And, you know, not dribble the ball off their feet out of bounds.
Well, that was enjoyable. Not the game but the comments. Has the tide finally turned? Are people calling a spade a spade at this point? I don't want to sound like a 7-year old, so I'll keep my comments to an abridged version.
"Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them." Bruce Lee
Look, everyone, we *should* be better next year but that will mostly be a result of transfers who are higher-caliber players. Yes, the freshmen (if they stay) will be better. I do not blame them - at this point - should they opt to leave. Especially Freeman - he deserves better. Sorry but it's true. As it was said by others, I too will not continue my financial support or purchase season tickets if we offer an extension to a lame duck coach. He's a great guy, but we're at a crossroads. If we want to invest in the program - which was in all likelihood what we sold the MVC on when we got in - it will have to occur with some major systemic changes.
Lottich could salvage things if he's willing to own up to the deficiencies. And, if he brings someone onboard who he's willing to pass the keys over to and change-up the offensive attack. We can run and gun, for sure. Look at how players have changed in their time here... like Golder. He was electrifying when he came in. Undisciplined? Sure. But, electrifying. It was said well by someone else - that's not the way things go with ML. Everything's very calculated. He said it himself - he loves Kiser ... the glue guy. He's not willing to play the risk-reward game with a high-flying approach. He'd rather be calculated and slow things down ... play high-IQ basketball. It could work with the right players. No doubt. It reminds me of David Shaw @ Stanford. Slows things down ... very calculated ... but he can obviously get away with it by recruiting the right players to fit the system. Tough for us with our facilities and only being a mid-major.
Idk what the future holds. But, it's either going to be ML's way as-is and we'll adapt or a mystery ... not sure. time shall tell...
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 23, 2019, 09:03:05 PMAgree. I think Mommies complaining on Twitter could be the catalyst this team needs!
Sometimes Eddie just has that way with words. ;)
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2019, 09:17:13 PMKiser and offensive skill?
If John had come out of high school with offensive skills he could have played about anywhere instead of receiving no D-1 offers. Fine defender and rebounder but still so limited on offense.
Looking at his resume, We thought Lottich would bring more to the table.
But realistically, how many times has a team promoted the 4th coach on the bench and he became successful?
Why am I optimistic that UNI 's turnaround is real and pessimistic about Valpo's ability to turn things around even though both schools have had\are having multiyear periods of struggle? Jacobson has done it before and therefore he can do it again. Lottich has not. That's the difference.
Should. Have. Hired. A. Search. Firm. When. Powell. Turned. You. Down.
Would someone who has a basketball background please explain to me what our offense is trying to do? It seems to me like we have basically two sets. With Jay we set a high ball screen and then dribble drive. With Smits it is dump it down to him then wait to see if he can score or if doubled he kicks to the allegedly open guy on the perimeter. Both involve basically one player at a time with everyone else standing around. Now if we had a couple of players who can effectively penetrate and finish I could see how the first option could work. Unfortunately we don't have those guys. Sackey can penetrate but at 5'9" (maybe) he can't finish. Maybe someday, but not now. Freeman will get there as he gets more experience and develops physically, but he can't do it consistently now. If we had three guys who could knock down threes at a high percentage on the floor I could see how the second option could work. But we haven't had that this this season, maybe due to injuries. We don't run plays that utilize screens off the ball. We don't utilize back cuts. We don't execute the pick and roll at all because our guards can't put the ball in a place where our bigs can handle it, and our bigs have ping pong paddle hands when it comes to those type of passes anyway. So to be really effective we have to play tough defense, rebound or turn the other team over and beat them down the court before they can set their defense. Yet too often when we get out on a fast break chance we throw the ball away. I don't know where I'm going with this other than to say what I think what we're trying to do fails way more often than it succeeds so why are we continuing to do it? Or do you see it working eventually, hopefully next year. Can ml coach any other system, or do we just not have the players who can execute his system. Will we have them next year, and are we recruiting them for the big class of 2020?
Now I'll go back to my medicinal scotch to console me over another missed opportunity.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 23, 2019, 11:35:37 PMShould. Have. Hired. A. Search. Firm. When. Powell. Turned. You. Down.
We might have a chance to get him or Diebler anyway if Vandy cans Bryce.
Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on February 23, 2019, 11:05:48 PM
Well, that was enjoyable. Not the game but the comments. Has the tide finally turned? Are people calling a spade a spade at this point? I don't want to sound like a 7-year old, so I'll keep my comments to an abridged version.
That's more like it!
I mostly agree with you on this. If the university extends Lottich after another mediocre season, that's a very bad long term sign. But the more I think about it (and I'm not a big fan of the tactical coaching decisions or the offensive strategy), the guy has a tough row to hoe. First time head coach, transition to a tougher conference, I think he should get the chance to go a full three years. But some damned self-accountability would be nice.
The thing to remember to stop some of the doom and gloom from taking hold is this: there are at least 3 other teams praying we don't win our last 2 games, because if we do we could be the 5 seed instead of the 8. We're having a disappointing year, but the Valley is still a close enough league that we might still have a little fun before the curtain falls.
I mean, we're not gonna win Arch Madness, but if we play on Saturday nobody would be surprised; AND, that's progress from last year, hopefully enough that Javon doesn't start second-guessing his choice of university.
On the other hand, we really suck lately... but at least we somehow still have two hands to compare.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2019, 11:42:51 PM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 23, 2019, 11:35:37 PMShould. Have. Hired. A. Search. Firm. When. Powell. Turned. You. Down.
We might have a chance to get him or Diebler anyway if Vandy cans Bryce.
I'm not sure if any of the 3 were great options as Head Coaches. Bryce likes assistants that are recruiters first. Plus there is no way we offer Powell after he turned us down once. I don't think Bryce or that staff is going anywhere even after this rough season.
I don't think Lottich is going anywhere either. Our future is tied Lottich for better or worse.
Quote from: nkvu on February 23, 2019, 11:36:46 PMWould someone who has a basketball background please explain to me what our offense is trying to do? It seems to me like we have basically two sets. With Jay we set a high ball screen and then dribble drive. With Smits it is dump it down to him then wait to see if he can score or if doubled he kicks to the allegedly open guy on the perimeter. Both involve basically one player at a time with everyone else standing around. Now if we had a couple of players who can effectively penetrate and finish I could see how the first option could work. Unfortunately we don't have those guys. Sackey can penetrate but at 5'9" (maybe) he can't finish. Maybe someday, but not now. Freeman will get there as he gets more experience and develops physically, but he can't do it consistently now. If we had three guys who could knock down threes at a high percentage on the floor I could see how the second option could work. But we haven't had that this this season, maybe due to injuries. We don't run plays that utilize screens off the ball. We don't utilize back cuts. We don't execute the pick and roll at all because our guards can't put the ball in a place where our bigs can handle it, and our bigs have ping pong paddle hands when it comes to those type of passes anyway. So to be really effective we have to play tough defense, rebound or turn the other team over and beat them down the court before they can set their defense. Yet too often when we get out on a fast break chance we throw the ball away. I don't know where I'm going with this other than to say what I think what we're trying to do fails way more often than it succeeds so why are we continuing to do it? Or do you see it working eventually, hopefully next year. Can ml coach any other system, or do we just not have the players who can execute his system. Will we have them next year, and are we recruiting them for the big class of 2020? Now I'll go back to my medicinal scotch to console me over another missed opportunity.
You're right, Valpo doesn't have a lot of effective penetrators.
They make up for it by not having very many good 3 point shooters.
The thing to watch for the next few games, isn't necessarily the W-L record, but effort the team gives in those games.
Last year we went 4-4 in our final 8 games, so there was some glimmer of hope for this year because we saw improvement.
I know ML says they aren't packing in it, but the play on the court seems to suggest otherwise. Also, the fact that parents of players are willing to vent their frustrations in public seems to be a bad sign.
Next year isn't going to be the year we want, if ML loses control of this team now.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on February 23, 2019, 11:42:51 PM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 23, 2019, 11:35:37 PMShould. Have. Hired. A. Search. Firm. When. Powell. Turned. You. Down.
We might have a chance to get him or Diebler anyway if Vandy cans Bryce.
Why would Vandy can Bryce? All he has done is lose 15 in a row and set a new school record for futility! :o
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
All great points for sure. You're right - ML is in a tough spot as a new coach in a new conference. And, he's not been dealt the best of cards with the injuries and such.
Yes - the injuries could be bad fate. But, I think they also need to do a deeper dive into things and see if there's anything within our control that could help. Always have to re-evaluate approaches to static and dynamic stretching, conditioning, weight training, off season training, in season training, between game training, post game recovery, etc. I'm sure they're doing so. But bring in some of the faculty at VU who could assist. I've always been concerned about the lack of immediate attention our players get when there's an injury on the court. Do we have a team doctor? If so, who is it and how long has he/she been with us? What does Derek Bol (spelling?) do? Not asking to be a jerk. Honestly asking. I remember several years ago he'd be out stretching guys and such. And, I don't see that as often. But could be missing something on my end.
Here's my thing though - apart from wanting to preserve the class at that time, Mark L and Co. put him in this situation. He doesn't have any HC coaching experience. Zilch. He's learning as he goes. And the thing is it's not like he was an assistant for a long time beforehand. Didn't Bryce give him his first coaching gig?
How do they expect much else? Thinking they got a diamond in the rough like Brad Stevens? Sorry but no. We didn't. He's the exception to the norm.
There are so many good coaches out there .... even up and comings who've shown their ability or that they possess some sort of X factor. The Sean McVay types. But again they're a rarity.
My biggest thing is that we didn't give ourselves a chance. Sold ourselves short. Didn't show enough respect to ourselves when we didn't hire a firm.
As it's been said by others, maybe this is our season. Mediocre mid major. Playing in an outdated high school-like gym.
Bright side:
At least I don't see any possibility of another program wanting to poach our coach again. At least we'll have consistency in that regard. Maybe we can build off it. If he's got an open mind and a growth mindset willing to adapt and change and be honest with himself, the he'll evolve into a really good coach. It may take awhile.
It's gotta be hard for Matt when he - as a player - had the grit and glue-man mentality of John Kaiser with a legit ability to actually score like Ryan. We don't have *that* guy or *those* guys. Matt was a competitor. Three sport athlete and a darn good one. Went to Stanford and played on a really good team. This is uncharted territory for him.
Bryce - on the contrary - knew what he'd gotten himself into when being a HC at Valpo. He played here as a player who could've obviously played virtually anywhere he wanted to play. He knew the setbacks and challenges. He knew what it would take for a Valpo team to be special. It's no easy task Matt's taking on.
Folks like me would be more supportive of him if he demonstrated a humble attitude and was outward in interviews about taking full responsibility of the team. For better or worse. That's all I ask. I can overlook the lack of offensive strategy and such and rally behind a coach who's willing to own up and take responsibility even when it may not be his direct fault. But that takes putting your ego to the side. I'd be OK supporting him as a our HC if he took the high road and demonstrated he's the leader of this program and for us to rally behind him, be patient, and show him grace as he learns how to be a head coach. Humility goes a long way. But, that's not what I see. Maybe I'm wrong and he's actually the opposite behind closed doors. Idk. But that's the image he projects and is something he can fix. If we wants to...
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
I could see Bryce taking a job as an assistant on a P5 staff to hone his skills and give coaching at that level another go in a few years.
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
Quote from: vu72 on February 24, 2019, 09:56:54 AMQuote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AMQuote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AMBryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
I think he means that $8million would be the price of making an immediate return to Valpo worthwhile to Bryce which is in all likelihood true.
I agree with the others who have said it's hard to be a valpo fan in the ML era. I used to get excited to watch each game but each game usually brings a new disappointment of some sort now. No consistency, no steady improvements, very questionable rotations, terrible play calling, etc. I just watched a Steve Kerr interview on espn about the warriors game last night. Kerr said "I have to do a better job getting them ready." Maybe I've missed it but I have never heard anything like that from ML. All I ever hear are new excuses and the same old stuff with no changes and no improvement.
Mileek gets two minutes yesterday and Kiser plays basically as much as Golder. I'm sure Kiser is a great guy, but he brings nothing on the offesnsive end. This coaching staff needs to figure something out and quick.
Quote from: vu72 on February 24, 2019, 09:56:54 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
VU = Vanderbilt University??
Quote from: mj on February 24, 2019, 08:04:29 AM
The thing to watch for the next few games, isn't necessarily the W-L record, but effort the team gives in those games.
Last year we went 4-4 in our final 8 games, so there was some glimmer of hope for this year because we saw improvement.
I know ML says they aren't packing in it, but the play on the court seems to suggest otherwise. Also, the fact that parents of players are willing to vent their frustrations in public seems to be a bad sign.
Next year isn't going to be the year we want, if ML loses control of this team now.
I disagree
I'm tired of the "we play hard crap"
If we put our best "effort"guys on the court we will lose games by a bigger disparity
Everybody plays hard
You have to win games
Despite Jacobson being known for his defensive coaching skills, it was clear last night his offensive scheme still rivals ours. I think it was my dad who asked the other day, "when was the last time we have hit somebody on a backdoor cut to the basket." Last one of prominence I can remember was Smits to Lavender @SIU. Whether it is a stand alone cut, or an off ball up-screan, a successful pick and roll, or some sort of screen the screener double screen action, we almost never get anybody the ball with momentum to the basket.
I thought we played good defense but they were crisp with their ball rotations and thought they set far fewer moving screens this time around and had key places were somebody was to cut to the basket usually assisted by some sort of off ball up-screen so that while we were busy trying to fight through or communicate a switch on a screen they had a well timed drive to the basket and pass to the cutter who was cutting simultaneously off an off-ball screen. For non basketball minds this would be the equivalent of a magician drawing your eyes away with some ball action at the top of the key while the real trick is being done in secret in a place you weren't paying attention.
I would love to see some of that here at Valpo. Because UNI could be really stagnant at times just like us, almost lulling you into a haze, but every once in a while they would do something like that for an easy score. We just don't seem to get very many easy scores. That said, it would be nice if more of our guys could shoot the 3 consistently, I mean we did have some good looks that just didn't go in.
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 24, 2019, 11:07:23 AM
Quote from: vu72 on February 24, 2019, 09:56:54 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
VU = Vanderbilt University??
That was my read as well
I looked at the UNI fan board to see their analyses and get a different perspective. A theme seemed to be that the difference between this game and the first one that Valpo won was the fact that Smits fouled out and Sorolla had 4 fouls, especially in the closing 4:30 minutes after Valpo had cut the lead. As the UNI folks point out, the fouls on our big guys cut their impact and output. In the last game Smits alone had 21 points and 11 rebounds. In last night's game the UNI centers outscored our two bigs 19-13.
When Smits left the game with 5 fouls, Sorolla already had 4 fouls, yet the entire UNI team only had 7 fouls called for the whole game to that point, 1 of those an intentional foul at the end of the first half. The officials swallowed their whistles at one end of the court. There were a couple of obvious fouls on Freeman that were not called. Also, when Golder and Dahl went for a loose ball, Dahl slammed into Golder undercutting him, yet no foul was called. I looked and didn't see Lottich complain about that lack of a call. I wish he would be more forceful toward officials with objections about calls. Jacobson seemed to have a running lobbying effort with the officials throughout the game. Both Bryce and mild-mannered Homer were more animated in their confrontations with officials. In fact, Lottich's response in the post-game also was rather subdued: "There were times where maybe I didn't agree with (calls), but that's the nature of basketball."
Quote from: nkvu on February 23, 2019, 11:36:46 PMWould someone who has a basketball background please explain to me what our offense is trying to do?
It looks like we are developing the 2019-20 offensive scheme with our 18-19 misfit collection of key missing pieces.
Quote from: nkvu on February 23, 2019, 11:36:46 PMNow if we had a couple of players who can effectively penetrate and finish I could see how the first option could work.
I will briefly and without comment summarize that the players we add will suit the 19-20 Lottich game plan. Is that helping us now?
Quote from: nkvu on February 23, 2019, 11:36:46 PMWe don't run plays that utilize screens off the ball. We don't utilize back cuts. We don't execute the pick and roll at all because our guards can't put the ball in a place where our bigs can handle it
When we have done any of this it always looks more like opportunistic freelancing. I'm suggesting that the players recognize the opening rather than the offense directly creating it. Next year I can picture this occurring on a very regular basis. Again---Is that helping us now?
Quote from: valpopal on February 24, 2019, 11:41:27 AM
I looked at the UNI fan board to see their analyses and get a different perspective. A theme seemed to be that the difference between this game and the first one that Valpo won was the fact that Smits fouled out and Sorolla had 4 fouls, especially in the closing 4:30 minutes after Valpo had cut the lead. As the UNI folks point out, the fouls on our big guys cut their impact and output. In the last game Smits alone had 21 points and 11 rebounds. In last night's game the UNI centers outscored our two bigs 19-13.
When Smits left the game with 5 fouls, Sorolla already had 4 fouls, yet the entire UNI team only had 7 fouls called for the whole game to that point, 1 of those an intentional foul at the end of the first half. The officials swallowed their whistles at one end of the court. There were a couple of obvious fouls on Freeman that were not called. Also, when Golder and Dahl went for a loose ball, Dahl slammed into Golder undercutting him, yet no foul was called. I looked and didn't see Lottich complain about that lack of a call. I wish he would be more forceful toward officials with objections about calls. Jacobson seemed to have a running lobbying effort with the officials throughout the game. Both Bryce and mild-mannered Homer were more animated in their confrontations with officials. In fact, Lottich's response in the post-game also was rather subdued: "There were times where maybe I didn't agree with (calls), but that's the nature of basketball."
That quote reads like a coach that has lost this team and he knows it. It sounds like he's at his wits end and doesn't know what to do anymore. It smacks of a coach that has checked out mentally. My optimism for next year is dropping precipitously.
10000000000% agree with Valpolaw
I get what the UNI boards are saying about the fouling situation on our bigs. But, there's more to it than that.
Yes - some of it can be chalked up to good calls / missed calls / bad calls by the officials. Without a doubt.
But, the other side of things is between-game adjustments. Jacobson out-coaches Matt. Out-schemed Matt. He's no dummy. He said, alright - if they're going to run their offense thru the bigs, we're not going to get beat by it again. Not going to allow Smitts to get 20+.
And sure enough - it worked. Ideally, Matt would've anticipated that and planned accordingly.
Maybe he did and that's why Sarolla started. Not sure. But we didn't have consistency from guys making shots for it to make a difference.
Also, same crap with not being able to finish out the first half after a run. No adjustments. And free throw shooting is tough to judge because we didn't shoot many. Smitts 2/2 I believe. Someone else 1/2 and Lav 1/4 if I'm not mistaken.
What bothers me most ... guys aren't going to want to take risks and play high energy b-ball if they're afraid of making mistakes that cause them to never get a shot. Mileek doesn't get a shot. Now he's doing it to Daniel. Not a way to build confidence in my opinion.
Plain and simple - I wouldn't want my son playing for him as-is. Sorry.
And he's not going to earn the respect of officials until he proves himself. Jacobson has proven himself. We're not there yet. Takes time.
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 24, 2019, 11:07:23 AM
Quote from: vu72 on February 24, 2019, 09:56:54 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
VU = Vanderbilt University??
Not to anyone on this board!
Agree AJ Green is freshman of the year. But I would rather have Freeman. And Freeman May have a higher ceiling.
AJ Green wouldn't look as good if
He played for valpo....he wouldn't and you guys know that.
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 24, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
Agree AJ Green is freshman of the year. But I would rather have Freeman. And Freeman May have a higher ceiling.
AJ Green wouldn't look as good if
He played for valpo....he wouldn't and you guys know that.
Yep. UNI isn't an offensive powerhouse but they have a more efficient offensive scheme than us. They use screens and cuts to get guys open.
Honest Question: Can anyone tell me what Coach Lottich's offensive philosophy is after 3 seasons? What are the core principals of this offense? It's a hell of a lot of standing around and waiting around for one player to make a play. That is completely utterly unacceptable for this level of basketball.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2019, 01:29:07 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 24, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
Agree AJ Green is freshman of the year. But I would rather have Freeman. And Freeman May have a higher ceiling.
AJ Green wouldn't look as good if
He played for valpo....he wouldn't and you guys know that.
Yep. UNI isn't an offensive powerhouse but they have a more efficient offensive scheme than us. They use screens and cuts to get guys open.
Honest Question: Can anyone tell me what Coach Lottich's offensive philosophy is after 3 seasons? What are the core principals of this offense? It's a hell of a lot of standing around and waiting around for one player to make a play. That is completely utterly unacceptable for this level of basketball.
I think quite a bit is our classic post-up game which takes A TON of motion and slashing out of the picture....no?
If fazekas was getting looks that rowdy and Alec were getting, fazekas would make either second or first team MVC.
Several times they were already set when receiving a pass without a defender.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 24, 2019, 01:34:36 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2019, 01:29:07 PM
Quote from: oklahomamick on February 24, 2019, 01:20:11 PM
Agree AJ Green is freshman of the year. But I would rather have Freeman. And Freeman May have a higher ceiling.
AJ Green wouldn't look as good if
He played for valpo....he wouldn't and you guys know that.
Yep. UNI isn't an offensive powerhouse but they have a more efficient offensive scheme than us. They use screens and cuts to get guys open.
Honest Question: Can anyone tell me what Coach Lottich's offensive philosophy is after 3 seasons? What are the core principals of this offense? It's a hell of a lot of standing around and waiting around for one player to make a play. That is completely utterly unacceptable for this level of basketball.
I think quite a bit is our classic post-up game which takes A TON of motion and slashing out of the picture....no?
Agreed whenever we dump it into Smits (which isn't a bad option at all) he's now getting double teamed. When it's not there we can't be forcing it so much. We should kick it out and not just have 4 guys standing around hoping Smits made some magic happen. The first handful of conference games we were actually pretty decent with the ball movement but after the injuries started to stack up this team became more and more reliant on Smits, which has almost been a negative, imo. I'm not a basketball expert but I know enough to say this team has issues on the offensive side of the ball.
I'll just throw some numbers out and let you reach your own conclusions.
Golder and Fazekas combined for 51 of the 200 total minutes
With 9 points
4 RB
4 TO
1 assist
1 steal Thoughts ???
I think I'm now seeing Kiser significantly outperforming both defensively. Could I have said that in early January? Fire away!
Google Translation: "Believing the worst, almost always hits @ Valparaiso University"
https://twitter.com/jay_sorolla/status/1099771414674960384
Google translate tends to botch translations.
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2019, 02:45:02 PM
Google Translation: "Believing the worst, almost always hits @ Valparaiso University"
https://twitter.com/jay_sorolla/status/1099771414674960384
Google translate tends to botch translations.
Sounds like he is saying they thought the season would be bad and the season did end up bad. No bueno
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 24, 2019, 03:28:57 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2019, 02:45:02 PM
Google Translation: "Believing the worst, almost always hits @ Valparaiso University"
https://twitter.com/jay_sorolla/status/1099771414674960384
Google translate tends to botch translations.
Sounds like he is saying they thought the season would be bad and the season did end up bad. No bueno
Keep in mind dialects and regions use same words with different meanings...so, who really knows.
Quote from: justducky on February 24, 2019, 02:28:35 PM
I'll just throw some numbers out and let you reach your own conclusions.
Golder and Fazekas combined for 51 of the 200 total minutes
With 9 points
4 RB
4 TO
1 assist
1 steal Thoughts ???
I think I'm now seeing Kiser significantly outperforming both defensively. Could I have said that in early January? Fire away!
Whatever the after affects of their illnesss/injuries, Ryan and Markus have gone from integral pieces of the puzzle to just taking up space out there. Whatever happened to Bakari between last year and this, his playmaking, slashing and shooting have fallen off the table. Derrik is more productive offensively, but he's still disinterested in hustling or giving up his body. Not starting him has had no noticeable positive effect. You're just going to get what you're going to get from Derrik. He appears to be totally uncoachable. Jay is more timid offensively than last year, and last year he was more timid than the year before. To have all these guys hitting on all 8 cylinders over the same 40 minutes would be dumb luck at this point. Last, but not least, this team is playing worse right now than last year's team at the same point. And to think, they're all going to be back next year. Wow.
UNI is still scoring less per game than Valpo and have a worse FG%. Both teams offenses looked putrid last night. UNI had some late 3s that was the difference in the game. I wouldn't look to that team as a model for a decent offense.
Valpo's offense is certainly frustrating. They have the most turnovers in the league, and can't (and usually don't) shoot the 3. The bigs aren't skilled enough passers to kick it out to the corners (if they actually catch the ball) and the guards can't penetrate without turning it over. Freeman can finish every once in awhile, but he hasn't shown the ability to pass it out to an open shooter.
Plenty of blame to go around here, and I still contend the problem has more to do with player skill than an offensive scheme. You can't scheme Kiser into a shooter, Golder into a ball handler, and Bakari into a finisher. I don't think coach K could make these guys look competent on offense.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 24, 2019, 03:33:10 PM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 24, 2019, 03:28:57 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 24, 2019, 02:45:02 PM
Google Translation: "Believing the worst, almost always hits @ Valparaiso University"
[tweet]1099771414674960384[/tweet]
Google translate tends to botch translations.
Sounds like he is saying they thought the season would be bad and the season did end up bad. No bueno
Keep in mind dialects and regions use same words with different meanings...so, who really knows.
This appears to be a quote usually attributed to a Spanish poet of the 16-17th centuries.
The success of Drake and Mo St with first year coaches doesn't make Lottich look any better.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 05:13:58 PM
The success of Drake and Mo St with first year coaches doesn't make Lottich look any better.
We hear you.
I was just thinking that if McMillan could defend like Kiser he could be getting 30+ minutes per game.
McMillian picked up three fouls walking back to the bus.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 05:44:49 PM
McMillian picked up three fouls walking back to the bus.
He has 43 fouls in 211 minutes which comes out to one every 4.9 minutes of play. However most are from poor defense so my hypothetical combination with Kiser might still stand. ::) Or he could make up for it by running additional guys over while backing them down or attacking the basket and whatever else is in his way off the dribble.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 05:44:49 PM
McMillian picked up three fouls walking back to the bus.
To go with the two he picked up taking off his warmups.
Quote from: nkvu on February 24, 2019, 06:28:23 PM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 05:44:49 PM
McMillian picked up three fouls walking back to the bus.
To go with the two he picked up taking off his warmups.
He has such enthusiasm on the bench and has a great attitude, I appreciate his commitment. Is he just learning his frame combined with semi-low instinct? What's others thoughts here?
raw but has a high ceiling. shooting touch is impressive. can the rest be coached up?
Quote from: EddieCabot on February 23, 2019, 08:35:45 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on February 23, 2019, 08:31:55 PM
Holy hell start calling the game BOTH ways!!!!!! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
I hope Lottich is in their ear ... I believe a point of emphasis this year was to keep team fouls as even as possible.
You are nothin' but a wise ass. I like it. ;D
Quote from: vu72 on February 24, 2019, 09:56:54 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
You couldn't have known he meant VU was Vandy on a Valparaiso University message board. most ceertainly!
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on February 24, 2019, 06:57:23 PM
Quote from: nkvu on February 24, 2019, 06:28:23 PM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 05:44:49 PM
McMillian picked up three fouls walking back to the bus.
To go with the two he picked up taking off his warmups.
He has such enthusiasm on the bench and has a great attitude, I appreciate his commitment. Is he just learning his frame combined with semi-low instinct? What's others thoughts here?
What the heck. Red shirt him next season. Actually he should have been red shirted either in his first or this year. He needs more development without losing eligibility, and with 20-20 hindsight I wonder why the staff did not see this sooner.
I agree with this in principle but we have to wait to see what the roster looks like first.
You've gotta remember ... not only did this staff not see this need ...but, they started him for the first 8 games as a true freshman. Think about that ... and then since ... hardly played. Same could be said of Parker and we saw how that played out. Different subject - but you get the point.
A few observations from the game:
Bakari went 3 for 4 from the three point stripe. I hope he has his stroke back. He has been getting open looks as Ryan has been getting the attention.
Since Ryan has been back, our defensive performance seems to have declined. I wonder how much his ankle is hindering him. I remember how hard Bryce used to work to get himself open by making cuts and running off of screens. Is Ryan just a step slow for doing this?
Mileek didn't play much, but have you ever noticed how often his teammates have to tell him where to be when running plays?
Do you remember the coach's poll at the beginning of the season? We have two games left and still can beat expectations.
Quote from: vu72 on February 24, 2019, 09:56:54 AM
Quote from: Just Sayin on February 24, 2019, 09:00:51 AM
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on February 24, 2019, 08:37:41 AM
Bryce's incoming recruiting class may save him. Of course in the big time if the boosters want you gone, you're gone. And it's not uncommon for said boosters to work some back channels to see if high level recruits would leave if the coach is fired.
I doubt that they will fire Bryce after only his third season. They will give him at least four years through a full recruiting cycle. Even if they did, from a financial standpoint, VU would have to shell out about $8 million to Bryce, half of his six-year contract as reported to have been $16 million as I recall. A win-win for Bryce.
Somehow I don't think you understand contracts. Under your theory, Vandy steals our coach and when he doesn't work out WE pay for half his remaining contract? THEY might have to pay him but we certainly wouldn't. And if we wanted him back we ceertainly wouldn't pay him $8 million!
Somehow I don't think you understand that VU also means Vanderbilt University.
Quote from: humbleopinion on February 25, 2019, 07:01:56 AM
I remember how hard Bryce used to work to get himself open by making cuts and running off of screens. Is Ryan just a step slow for doing this?
Do they actually set screens, ever, to try to get a 3-point shooter open?
I missed the game Saturday, but it sounds like I've already seen this game played half a dozen times this year so big deal.
Quote from: crusadermoe on February 24, 2019, 08:25:55 PM
raw but has a high ceiling. shooting touch is impressive. can the rest be coached up?
I can understand McMillan arriving here unable to defend but I am astonished that any second year player could have learned so little. He seems to have the foot speed so just what is it?
I threw in the towel for Bradley when they went 0-5 and they immediately turned everything around. With that in mind I think it may be time for Mileek to look for a new D1 home. Unlike Bradley I am still hoping he can prove me wrong.
If he left he'd probably end up at Drake with all the other region players and end up killing Valpo for 2 years.
If he xferred, he have to sit out a year. As I mentioned earlier, why not admit an error in earlier judgment and red shirt him here at Valpo next season and extend his elegibility to the 2021-22 season? After we lose all those guys after the 2019-20 season, we'll need a 6-8 guy like him in the following two seasons.
I know he'd have to sit...I would be surprised if very many players have ever been red shirted after two seasons, but maybe?