Sigh.
Someone had to do it, and I figure I can't make things any worse. Also I'm not superstitious, so...
I predict a Valpo win, because it's a home game against the worst team in the conference. 58-53 Valpo.
Here's hoping this game leads to some shooting confidence. I want to finish at .500, which means we'd have to play next Saturday, too.
65-60 Evansville wins.
Sorry but I have zero confidence in this team right now. I'm expecting a strong effort but we're incapable of scoring effeciently.
55-52....Bakari dribbles the clock down and chucks a deep contested 3, when a simple two would suffice, that banks in.
I like the idea of doing the senior speeches prior to the game. It means we should have a better crowd for the players.
https://twitter.com/valpobasketball/status/1101542084765470723?s=21
I was looking at the stats - Bakari Evelyn is shooting 32% from the field. holy 💩.
Wow the Evansville beat reporter will be covering a high school basketball game over their season finally. The battle for the worst in the conference status is going down tomorrow...
https://twitter.com/patmhickey/status/1101699561263906817?s=21
It's still basketball season? I thought that ended a few weeks ago...
Vegas has valpo -4.5
Is everyone playing?
I know stupid question. Hasn't been since our 1st game since everyone was healthy. Wait Jay was hurt and in Spain.
Even if players were injured and not playing we wouldn't know until game time.
Such a stupid question, my bad.
I'm taking valpo -4.5
It's so sad to me that as I get ready to go to this game I can't muster even a little enthusiasm. Maybe I'll be better once I get there but my only thought right now is "let's just get this over with." I feel awful that I feel this way but this season has really robbed me of my joy. Hopefully we can rally and win this game but if I feel this way as a fan I can only imagine what the players must feel. All the same go Valpo as always.
Crowd looks fairly sparse but it's still early. That said I wouldn't blame a soul for choosing to stay home today.
Nice day. Ticket in pocket. Na I've got better things to do. Sorry
Looks like maybe 2000-2500 for senior day. If this isn't a strong message from the fanbase that they're pissed and somebody needs to do something quick I don't know what is. The crowd could be a bit larger than that I don't know but I just don't sense that much energy or enthusiasm in the building.
Kiser starting means Evansville is starting this game on the power play. Hopefully our PK unit is ready for the challenge.
Trouble with the ESPN+ feed. Maybe that's a good thing I don't have to watch...
Kiser is hurt, which sounds just about right at this point.
Yes, I'm experiencing technical difficulties.
Maybe it's not Lottich that is the problem but our training staff and strength and conditioning coaches. The amount of injuries this team has suffered and continues to suffer is ridiculous and to my mind not normal. That or it's the facility but the bottom line is that somebody somewhere needs to do something for the good of the program.
A more appropriate thing could not be said about this season... Technical difficulties...
You're not missing much.
Smits is SO LAZY. Classic "My dad is famous and I'm rich so I don't have to work hard" attitude. The very antithesis of gritty
Can't watch the game but it looks like we will make 24 points by halftime. Another nice offensive showing
I wonder if anyone on the staff is even aware their broadcast isn't working.
One question I'd love to hear somebody ask Matt: did you purposely recruit a team full of guys who can't shoot or do you just have no idea how to scheme for and use the players you have offensively?
I'm only listening on the radio right now but it sounds absolutely brutal...
Ok, we can't shoot 3's. We can't get open for the 3 point shots either.
Let's run and gun then. Get out into space and run.
I am finding that having no tv feed is actually beneficial to my blood pressure. I don't seem to get as pissed listening to someone describe our crappy play as opposed to seeing it with my own eyes. Or maybe it's what Paul just said, maybe it's just time for this season to be over.
Oh crap, the picture just came on.
Every rebound we get we need to push the ball and run. We have the athletes. I would even press. Teams at Arch Madness will have to plan for a different Valpo team.
So, I'm glad coach drew up a play at the end of half. But it was a crappy play and again Bakari was the quarter back.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 01:50:15 PM
So, I'm glad coach drew up a play at the end of half. But it was a crappy play and again Bakari was the quarter back.
Hey, progress is progress. But the trick is to not regress...
That might seriously have been the best close to a half we've had all year. Let's ride that wave to a W. Go Valpo!
Man was that ugly. 19 combined turnovers. It is clear why these are the bottom two teams.
Don't get your hopes up with a 1 point lead at half. At Evansville we led by 3 at half and then lost by 11... :(
The kids playing at halftime right now shoot the three better than our Crusaders. I wish I was kidding but I'm not.
Random: The AD was on the radio broadcast talking about the new football coaching hire and it was interesting to hear that President Heckler was involved in the process. I guess it's not too atypical but I wonder what his input was on the coaching hire. I'm sure there was a similar level of involvement on the Lottich hire.
Scored a lot of buckets in transition at the end. I'm telling you guys, let's get out and run before the defense can set up. We can't shoot, we have no set plays, get out of this half court offense. Play good defense and run. We have the fastest player on the court. Freeman and Golder are probably the most athletic players on the floor.
My son just came into the room: "Valpo is winning?"
Me: "Yeah, but only by one. Lot of basketball left."
Him: "Yeah but as bad as they've played lately that's really good!"
Sigh...
It's Kiser's breakout game! They can't stop him they can only hope to contain him!
Can we play Evansville in Arch Madness?
Bakari time
:-\
Every dumb play we could have made in the last three minutes to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory once again. Smits with three key misses from the line to seal the deal.
At least we're consistent.
Tired of losing.
Pathetic. Why the f do you call that last timeout? Hold on to it in case what just happened occurs, specific to the miss. So stupid on ML's part. Second worst Valpo team in the last 25 years, even passing last year's team in my view.
This team sucks, but they should still be able to beat Evansville at home. We desperately need a D1 coach.
Does anyone honestly think the changes to the roster will result in a top half conference finish?
This program is broken under this coach. Might feel like a 12 month march to a firing.
If Golder doesn't hit the miracle shot in the first conference game, we would have the same record as last year.
Clearly this program is making progress.
If not for a miracle heave in a home game we had no business winning, this team finishes with the same record as last year.
What a frustrating season. At least last year we finished with a few wins down the stretch. Thankful that it's almost over.
I have no desire to watch the game on Thursday and I know I'm not alone.
Well my prediction was 3 points off... same story of Valpo not being able to close out games...
When the AD goes to discuss an extension for Lottich, he should force Lottich to go to mandatory coaching clinics. TBH it's not out of the ordinary for college coaches to go to them to get new ideas and learn new things from their peers.
I'm just tired right now. I don't have heart to even be mad or angry right now. Just bring this season to an end already. Apathy has started to set in for me.
What a joke we've become
I'm tired of this! Same_______________ every game. Can't score. Can't close. Lottich is speaking right now and to be honest I don't believe a word he says. 13-23 in MVC play. Lottich better win next season. Or we need to find someone who can. I'm so disgusted. This happens every game. I can't believe I wasted my time today. I have stuff to do that I put off for this team. I'm such an idiot to think that today would be any different.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on March 02, 2019, 03:06:40 PM
Does anyone honestly think the changes to the roster will result in a top half conference finish?
This program is broken under this coach. Might feel like a 12 month march to a firing.
My fear is that there's not nearly enough changes to the roster. They have one player that's shooting above 32% from 3. You can't finish top half of the MVC with a roster full of bad shooters.
Honestly the program would be better off letting ML go now.
Let's say we give him another year and we have the same results. The problem is that we have a ton of roster turnover next year, so you'd have a new coach trying to fill a ton of roster spots without having any time to recruit.
If you hire a new coach now, you give him a year to recruit. Plus a senior team to see what he can do with. And maybe add some luster back to the program.
Anyone have any excuses still? Bueller ...... Bueller .... Bueller ....
We have more talent than Evansville who had nothing to play for today. And we still lost.
Going by Lavender's speech, it didn't sound like he had a good time at Valpo this year.
I'm mad and I'm wondering why. Should I have expected any different than what I saw? Have they given me any reason whatsoever to hope for better? Why get mad at a team and a coach that is clearly showing and giving me all it's capable of? Rather I should be mad at the people who threw Lottich to the wolves and set him up to fail. Hiring from within only works when you have an experienced candidate who is ready for the job not some untested greenhorn with no experience from the end of the bench.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 03:26:35 PM
We have more talent than Evansville who had nothing to play for today. And we still lost.
Still wondering where the talent on the team is.
Our players are better than Evansville. No argument.
What did Lavender say? Of course he would be disappointed. You don't use your grad transfer to go to a team that finishes 9th
As others have noted, if not for Golder's long shot to save a game that was lost, this year's MVC record would be the same as last year: 6-12 vs 7-11. However, at least last year Valpo won a majority of its conference home games (5-4) and the overall home record was 10-4, giving fans a little bit of an excuse to be happy or optimistic. This year's home conference record is 4-5 (despite the miracle win). Also, last year's overall record was 15-17. The current overall record is 14-17. Therefore, the Crusaders must win on Thursday just to be as good as last year, and even if they do win the first game in the tournament, if they lose the second game they will wind up with a worse record than last year. This seems like a wasted year with no progress.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 03:27:42 PM
Going by Lavender's speech, it didn't sound like he had a good time at Valpo this year.
I've heard otherwise from people within the program. Heard he has enjoyed his time here, but no doubt it's been a really rough with how the season played out and this game in particular. Can't blame him for not being happy with this game and then having to give a speech to a disappointed crowd.
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2019, 03:30:30 PMQuote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 03:26:35 PMWe have more talent than Evansville who had nothing to play for today. And we still lost.
Still wondering where the talent on the team is.
Then our coach can't recruit and we have an even bigger problem than simple ineptitude on offense and he should probably be let go.
I heard a lot of" I can't believe we're doing this against the worst team in the league" and I thought "It's because we have the worst coach in the league" There I said it Matt Lottich is the worst coach in the MVC and by a pretty wide margin. Evansville's issues are talent related but they have a coach that learned under Pitino and Brad Stevens played in the NBA and has a guy who went to the Sweet 16 and won a national coach of the year award as an assistant. He'll be fine once he gets the right pieces. I can't say that about Valpo or Lottich.
A salute to Deion Lavender. He contributed even more than was expected from him. He led the team in assists by 50 over Evelyn in second place. His assists to turnovers ratio was sensational. He was the team's second leading rebounder, only behind Smits. His field goal percentage was also second only to Smits. He committed the fewest personal fouls of anyone on the team. His free throw percentage was second only to Fazekas. Give us 5 Lavenders and we aren't playing in the Thursday game at St. Louis.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on March 02, 2019, 03:40:56 PM
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2019, 03:30:30 PMQuote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 03:26:35 PMWe have more talent than Evansville who had nothing to play for today. And we still lost.
Still wondering where the talent on the team is.
Then our coach can't recruit and we have an even bigger problem than simple ineptitude on offense and he should probably be let go.
I think there is talent on this roster but a lot of it is injured. I think we also may have chose to overlook some of our players flaws in the talent evaluation process, when projected success for this team. We're a really poor passing team... and we have guys that do many things well but handling the ball isn't one of them. I don't think we'd be quite this poor of a 3 point shooting team if Golder, Bakari and Fazekas were healthy this season. Still we have too many guys that don't shoot the ball well. There needs to be a lot of growth from all the players this offseason.
Maybe we need a whole 4 year recruiting cycle to get Valley caliber players? I still think we should have been better than we were this season even with all the injuries and that's an indictment on the coaching staff.
Fans have a right to be pissed off watch this team this season.
Is Part of the coach's job to develop players? If so, there has been a remarkable failure with Sorolla, Evelyn, McMillan, and even Golder. These players did not progress from last year and arguably regressed. Sackey and Freeman may be harder to judge. Perhaps they "hit a wall" at the end of their freshman year. But, it could be argued that they also failed to progress from the beginning of the season.
For the last two years, this board has been filled with mid-season comments about "next year" and hopeful optimism about red shirts on the bench. Last year, it was Fazekas (aka, LeBron) and this year it's Robinson and Gordon. Well, that's a sign of failing to develop the talent available. Shooting isn't the coach's job. Neither is passing the ball, catching the ball, and holding on to the ball. But, these are the fundamentals, and there has to be some culpability for the coach when these fundamentals are not developed, year after year.
I'm so glad I was able to flip the channel after this abominable loss and find a baseball game. This winter has been too cold, just like my Crusaders.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on March 02, 2019, 03:40:56 PM
Quote from: a3uge on March 02, 2019, 03:30:30 PMQuote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 03:26:35 PMWe have more talent than Evansville who had nothing to play for today. And we still lost.
Still wondering where the talent on the team is.
Then our coach can't recruit and we have an even bigger problem than simple ineptitude on offense and he should probably be let go.
No argument here
The only thing WORSE than this season and that game as a representative of the season is Matt's weirdo speech. What was that? It was like he was begging for another shot. How about - instead- you finally own up!!!!!
If he gets a contract extension, I'm out. No way I'm wasting my money any longer if they support this. What a joke. That team sucks and hasn't won in a month and yet we can't close a game out??? Weren't we up 7? Terrible.
And I'm sickened to see how he treats players like Sackey. Leaned on him when he needed him and then chewed him up and spit him out. That young man sat on the bench! After his comments about Daniel's turnovers. We've seen this before. Starts true freshman and then benches them. Joke. Absolute joke.
Slow it down slow it down! Run the offense! Looks at his little card! Wastes time outs talking to his coaches. Tired of being such a pathetic program we have to put up with this mess while he learns to coach. Yes - he was thrown to the wolves when hired. No doubt. But my goodness. Enough is enough.
Greg Tonagel! We need you!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: valpopal on March 02, 2019, 03:50:38 PM
A salute to Deion Lavender. He contributed even more than was expected from him. He led the team in assists by 50 over Evelyn in second place. His assists to turnovers ratio was sensational. He was the team's second leading rebounder, only behind Smits. His field goal percentage was also second only to Smits. He committed the fewest personal fouls of anyone on the team. His free throw percentage was second only to Fazekas. Give us 5 Lavenders and we aren't playing in the Thursday game at St. Louis.
You could argue that Lavender was Valpo's best and most consistent player this year. Can't believe he was going to finish his career at a non-DI school before Valpo picked him up late.
Quote from: valpopal on March 02, 2019, 03:50:38 PMA salute to Deion Lavender. He contributed even more than was expected from him. He led the team in assists by 50 over Evelyn in second place. His assists to turnovers ratio was sensational. He was the team's second leading rebounder, only behind Smits. His field goal percentage was also second only to Smits. He committed the fewest personal fouls of anyone on the team. His free throw percentage was second only to Fazekas. Give us 5 Lavenders and we aren't playing in the Thursday game at St. Louis.
And his reward from our brilliant coach was to be forced into a reserve role for most of the conference season. Why didn't we ever try Lavender Sackey and Freeman together?
Valpo wins this game if Fazekas plays. Hope he can stay healthy next year.
Also did we ever practice late game situations? Serious question. Because it sure doesn't seem like it since we piss down our legs EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Quote from: EddieCabot on March 02, 2019, 04:00:21 PMValpo wins this game if Fazekas plays. Hope he can stay healthy next year.
Give that man one healthy year. He deserves it.
Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on March 02, 2019, 03:54:15 PM
Greg Tonagel! We need you!!!!!!!!!
I certainly think he'd be a better in-game coach and at developing game plans but I'm not sure he's the answer. I've stated my case in other threads.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 02, 2019, 04:04:25 PMQuote from: GoldenCrusader87 on March 02, 2019, 03:54:15 PMGreg Tonagel! We need you!!!!!!!!!
I certainly think he'd be a in-game coach and at developing game plans but I'm not sure he's the answer. I've stated my case in other threads.
So we should continue with this mess?
We have 25 D1 wins in 2 years and a non-D1 exhibition loss with absolutely NOTHING getting better.
Shut it down.
Do you folks think ML could be let go?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
It's like eating a meal that started off pretty good at first. And then turned sour and we tried looking past it but now have regurgitated it and are eating it again and again. Hoping for something different but more of the same but worse each time it's been through the digestive track
Quote from: truth219 on March 02, 2019, 04:20:34 PM
Do you folks think ML could be let go?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
If there was a Vegas prop bet I'd put $1000 down to say Lottich doesn't get let go.
I think Paul mentioned in one of his podcast that Mark LaBarbera has only ever fired 1 coach across all sports. Lottich is safe. The bigger question is the extension and I'd be willing to bet he gets one. Because of how important that 2020 recruiting class is.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 02, 2019, 04:29:07 PM
Quote from: truth219 on March 02, 2019, 04:20:34 PM
Do you folks think ML could be let go?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
If there was a Vegas prop bet I'd put $1000 down to say Lottich doesn't get let go.
I think Paul mentioned in one of his podcast that Mark LaBarbera has only ever fired 1 coach across all sports. Lottich is safe. The bigger question is the extension and I'd be willing to bet he gets one. Because of how important that 2020 recruiting class is.
No way. His 3 seasons have been marred by losing Jubril, Alec, Burton and Fazekas for large periods of time. And if you're going to part ways with ML, who are you getting that's any better? Valpo is not going to pay a buyout and then pay big $ to get an experienced coach. Stay the course and hope the injury/suspension bug stays away in the future.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 02, 2019, 04:29:07 PMQuote from: truth219 on March 02, 2019, 04:20:34 PMDo you folks think ML could be let go? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
If there was a Vegas prop bet I'd put $1000 down to say Lottich doesn't get let go. I think Paul mentioned in one of his podcast that Mark LaBarbera has only ever fired 1 coach across all sports. Lottich is safe. The bigger question is the extension and I'd be willing to bet he gets one. Because of how important that 2020 recruiting class is.
And what caliber of athletes would want to be part of that class to play for Coach BlowsLateLeads? A clean and decisive cut heals soonest.
Lottich is not going anywhere. But us, the fans might.......
Quote from: EddieCabot on March 02, 2019, 04:39:02 PM
Quote from: VU2014 on March 02, 2019, 04:29:07 PM
Quote from: truth219 on March 02, 2019, 04:20:34 PM
Do you folks think ML could be let go?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
If there was a Vegas prop bet I'd put $1000 down to say Lottich doesn't get let go.
I think Paul mentioned in one of his podcast that Mark LaBarbera has only ever fired 1 coach across all sports. Lottich is safe. The bigger question is the extension and I'd be willing to bet he gets one. Because of how important that 2020 recruiting class is.
No way. His 3 seasons have been marred by losing Jubril, Alec, Burton and Fazekas for large periods of time. And if you're going to part ways with ML, who are you getting that's any better? Valpo is not going to pay a buyout and then pay big $ to get an experienced coach. Stay the course and hope the injury/suspension bug stays away in the future.
While I don't think Valpo will make a move with the coach, it really depends on whether the administration believes ML is the right guy to lead the program for the long-term. There's a famous quote regarding this ... "What should be done eventually, must be done immediately". IMO, Mark L. thinks he has the right guy, so he won't make a move.
Quote from: jloose128 on March 02, 2019, 03:08:26 PM
I have no desire to watch the game on Thursday and I know I'm not alone.
Kind of with you on that. Like the guy who kept hitting himself in the head with a hammer. When asked why he did it he said "because it feels so good when I stop." I'll be getting ready for a bucket list trip to New Zealand starting Saturday and I don't need the aggravation.
Quote from: oklahomamick on March 02, 2019, 04:59:33 PM
Lottich is not going anywhere. But us, the fans might.......
Maybe I should throw in the towel, drop from this message board, and take up old guy sport interests like bowling, bird watching or ugh golf? Na! You folks are stuck with Lottich and I for at least one more year. November can't get here soon enough. :thumbsup:
What a contrast. Can you imagine the difference if Lottich was Drake's hire and we had DeVries? Would we have had a historic season? Would Lottich even win a game or would Drake fans have just had to "trust the process?"
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/drake/drake-bulldogs/2019/02/15/inside-drake-basketball-war-room-how-bulldogs-upstart-roster-built-darian-devries-nick-norton/2727239002/
Honestly how are we going to get back to the top of the conference? Is Matt going to magically learn how to run an offense in year four or are we finally going to have enough talent collected to mask how bad he is? Those are the only ways short of a new coach that we get there.
"For whatever reason we weren't able to close it"
"Maybe that's a young team I don't know Have to look at the film"
Enough! Unlistenable!
(Listened anyway) oh my God... He acknowledged something. He didn't have the right guys low on the free throw blockout.
He told Bakari to stay aggressive but won't support the freshmen? Bakari thinks he's been bad because he's been passive. Lord help us.
Lottich "Maybe it's youth maybe it's execution maybe it's bad coaching." We are close to a moment of clarity folks.
He played on a good Stanford team. Does he not remember any of that offense?
Can he not take any of the things Bryce was doing and try to implement that?
My friend just said it best "Lottich isn't head coach material."
I can't even get the ESPN+ replay. Maybe that is the high point for my day?
There are probably more people in that gym than were at the ARC today. Sad. I'm not saying this to ridicule the fans only to point out what Lottich's ineptitude is doing to this program.
https://twitter.com/rwweinstein/status/1102018139833991169
I have not spoken out on this and to many of you that is probably good. But this whole situation makes me feel as if is moving back to the Tom Smith era.
A big thank you to the ticket office for never calling me for payment for the Arch Madness tickets I reserved. Was able to cancel my hotel res and save $1k. Have attended almost every conference tourney since I graduated in 99. Not wasting my money on this team.
Quote from: usc4valpo on March 02, 2019, 07:38:51 PM
I have not spoken out on this and to many of you that is probably good. But this whole situation makes me feel as if is moving back to the atom Smith era.
Oh good... The Drews are gone so now we can focus on rebuilding our university ranking to #1 without worrying about sportsball getting in the way and wasting resources to distract us from our mission and while we're at it let's change that ghastly Crusader moniker. It promotes an unwelcoming campus culture anyway. Let's do another endowment drive. Let's try to beat Loyola and push it to $1billion. Anything but giving the jocks a new playground to play in.
Signed,
The Valpo Board
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on March 02, 2019, 07:41:05 PMA big thank you to the ticket office for never calling me for payment for the Arch Madness tickets I reserved. Was able to cancel my hotel res and save $1k. Have attended almost every conference tourney since I graduated in 99. Not wasting my money on this team.
At least something worked out for a Valpo fan today. Congratulations. I'm sure you'll put the money to better use. Heck it could be argued that lighting it on fire or flushing it down the toilet would be better than spending money on this mess.
Three years without the Drews two without Alec and this program needs a savior again. That's unfathomably sad.
I wonder if the athletics department will have video of Matt Lottich's speech. What did he say after the game and what was the crowds reaction?
Lottich said what he should have said. Keep believing. We'll be at the top soon, etc. I don't have a problem with a single
word of it.
But again. Words are wind. ML, MH, and MLB have said many words over the years. We're still being out coached in the same sh&$@y gym. I don't care if the postgame interview is in Swahili. Win. Basketball. Games.
There was a prayer for Deion I wonder how many used part of that time to pray for Matt to be fired? I didn't but I did pray that he'd learn to coach offense properly and close out close games. Nothing Matt said made any sense or offered any comfort.
He talked about how we were #1 6 games in and I thought "Then went 2-10. Next point." Talked about how Deion Lavender was so incredible I thought "then why was he a reserve for the bulk of the conference season?" Said Deion should get into coaching I thought "Why not? He couldn't possibly do any worse." Just stuff like that. To be honest I was mad so I got lost in my sadness and my thoughts and didn't really listen that well to what he said but that's most of what I heard. I just don't think I believe him anymore when he says next year will be better. I want to but this wasn't exactly a young team and they showed absolutely zero poise in crunch time all season long. I think I heard some light booing when he first walked out but I'm not sure and if there was it stopped quickly.
Calling this team young isnt true. We have 6 juniors and 1 senior.
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Quote from: truth219 on March 02, 2019, 09:27:13 PM
Calling this team young isnt true. We have 6 juniors and 1 senior.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
This is a good post
Sure he said things he's "supposed to say" but the atmosphere was much more telling. Fans cleared out while he was talking. Sounded more like an Oh, please give me a contract extension boo hoo pitty party to me. In the post game, he was markedly different than the past few times. To me - he's acting more positive in an effort to leverage the big 2020 class and get an extension out of this.
We're the losers in this. Not because of him as a person. But because he's not the answer. Not the leader. We need to clear house. If players leave they leave. Over it.
We suck. Please let's move on.
Quote from: nkvu on March 02, 2019, 05:12:49 PM
Quote from: jloose128 on March 02, 2019, 03:08:26 PM
I have no desire to watch the game on Thursday and I know I'm not alone.
Kind of with you on that. Like the guy who kept hitting himself in the head with a hammer. When asked why he did it he said "because it feels so good when I stop." I'll be getting ready for a bucket list trip to New Zealand starting Saturday and I don't need the aggravation.
What I say to you guys that say you don't care enough to follow Valpo during Arch Madness, why did you come to this message board today if you really don't care? The answer is that you do care how Valpo will do in the MVC tournament.
Quote from: Valpo2013 on March 02, 2019, 10:13:24 PM
Quote from: truth219 on March 02, 2019, 09:27:13 PM
Calling this team young isnt true. We have 6 juniors and 1 senior.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
This is a good post
One thing. It was a "truth"ful statement.
Yes but not enough to sacrifice time and money like I have in the past.
I travelled from Oklahoma to the Detroit dumpster fire every year. Because I believed in the program, direction, enjoyed the style and liked all the players. I also liked the teamwork and the love the players had for their coach and each other.
Not saying they don't have that on this team or last years team or even ML first team. But I don't see it. Could be there but I just didn't see it.
my interest and commitment has decreased to only reading and posting on this forum.
This is my first year since 2005 not to travel and watch my crusader.
It seems like the term "dumpster fire" is over used these days.
But probably not in describing the Detroit tournament. :o :(
Quote from: bbtds on March 04, 2019, 05:13:09 PM
Quote from: nkvu on March 02, 2019, 05:12:49 PM
Quote from: jloose128 on March 02, 2019, 03:08:26 PM
I have no desire to watch the game on Thursday and I know I'm not alone.
Kind of with you on that. Like the guy who kept hitting himself in the head with a hammer. When asked why he did it he said "because it feels so good when I stop." I'll be getting ready for a bucket list trip to New Zealand starting Saturday and I don't need the aggravation.
What I say to you guys that say you don't care enough to follow Valpo during Arch Madness, why did you come to this message board today if you really don't care? The answer is that you do care how Valpo will do in the MVC tournament.
I think we are all frustrated, I get why they are saying as much. It's cathardic to speak your mind in my experience. Though I see both POV.
I'll be watching but I've also become QUICKLY allergic to 15 point deficits as the season progressed...
Quote from: bbtds on March 04, 2019, 05:13:09 PM
Quote from: nkvu on March 02, 2019, 05:12:49 PM
Quote from: jloose128 on March 02, 2019, 03:08:26 PM
I have no desire to watch the game on Thursday and I know I'm not alone.
Kind of with you on that. Like the guy who kept hitting himself in the head with a hammer. When asked why he did it he said "because it feels so good when I stop." I'll be getting ready for a bucket list trip to New Zealand starting Saturday and I don't need the aggravation.
What I say to you guys that say you don't care enough to follow Valpo during Arch Madness, why did you come to this message board today if you really don't care? The answer is that you do care how Valpo will do in the MVC tournament.
Agreed.
People are lying to themselves if they say they don't care. I care a lot to be honest but I just don't believe in this team's chances. In fact I'm almost expecting a 1st round exit. But we've seen this Valpo team have outlier games that they have no business winning. I'm just emotionally spent by this team.
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
Quote from: Valpo Joe on March 04, 2019, 10:31:01 PM
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
I wasn't around for the Tom Smith era, so I can't really judge more than just by looking at the record and it didn't look pretty. I'm assuming the expectations for the program are considerably higher then they were back then.
I'm for giving him next year and I can almost talk myself into giving him a full 4 year Valley recruiting cycle to get a full roster of Valley caliber players in but if we fall flat next season there might be an apocalyptic response from the fan-base A) for poor performance and B) when they publicly announce a contract extension. Lottich needs to show better results for the fans and more importantly his bosses. Lottich has had it pretty bad with injuries his 3 seasons but it doesn't totally excuse how inept we look on offense sometimes. Maybe we have some Valley caliber players but do we have a full roster of Valley caliber depth? It's just so weird to be having this discussion about a Valpo men's basketball coach because we had it so good with the Drew Family for so long.
Quote from: VU2014 on March 04, 2019, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on March 04, 2019, 10:31:01 PM
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
I wasn't around for the Tom Smith era, so I can't really judge more than just by looking at the record and it didn't look pretty. I'm assuming the expectations for the program are considerably higher then they were back then.
I'm for giving him next year and I can almost talk myself into giving him a full 4 year Valley recruiting cycle to get a full roster of Valley caliber players in but if we fall flat next season there might be an apocalyptic response from the fan-base A) for poor performance and B) when they publicly announce a contract extension. Lottich needs to show better results from the fans and more importantly his bosses. Lottich has had it pretty bad with injuries his 3 seasons but it doesn't totally excuse how inept we look on offense sometimes. Maybe we have some Valley caliber players but do we have a full roster of Valley caliber depth? It's just so weird to be having this discussion about a Valpo men's basketball coach because we had it so good with the Drew Family for so long.
I saw this very thing coming a long time ago. Following is a post I wrote 5 years ago predicting the collapse of Valpo basketball if/when Bryce Drew were to leave. Just call me Naustrodamus.
Quote from: wh on March 23, 2014, 04:33:32 PM
As I've said a few dozen times before, VU men's basketball is living on borrowed time due to the administration's ongoing refusal to address facility needs. Every Valpo fan/alumnus should thank their lucky stars for Bryce and his ability to succeed despite the lack of support he needs and deserves. The day Bryce leaves is the day the music died. Anyone who thinks Greg Tonagel or anyone else can waltz in here and recruit the way Bryce has with a glorified high school gym for facilities is kidding themselves.
Oh, no need to remind me of the never ending, always changing list of critical facility needs "far" more important than upgrading the ARC. I understand. Difficult choices sometimes have to be made. I only hope the the administration understands that remaining competitive is no different for the men's basketball program than for the science program, or a restaurant, or any other business venture. If you fail to invest in facilities comparable to those of your competitors, you will not remain competitive. This is an indisputable fact.
Thus, like it, don't like it, care, don't care, believe it or don't, it is where we're headed beginning the day Bryce Drew leaves - the day the music died.
How pathetic that some guy off the street could see it coming, but MH and the Board acted as if all they needed to do was show up to games, park in their special spots next to the building, and bask in the glory of the Drews' success, as if it would go on forever, and even more pathetic, as if they had something to do with it.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
Quote from: wh on March 05, 2019, 02:08:12 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on March 04, 2019, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on March 04, 2019, 10:31:01 PM
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
I wasn't around for the Tom Smith era, so I can't really judge more than just by looking at the record and it didn't look pretty. I'm assuming the expectations for the program are considerably higher then they were back then.
I'm for giving him next year and I can almost talk myself into giving him a full 4 year Valley recruiting cycle to get a full roster of Valley caliber players in but if we fall flat next season there might be an apocalyptic response from the fan-base A) for poor performance and B) when they publicly announce a contract extension. Lottich needs to show better results from the fans and more importantly his bosses. Lottich has had it pretty bad with injuries his 3 seasons but it doesn't totally excuse how inept we look on offense sometimes. Maybe we have some Valley caliber players but do we have a full roster of Valley caliber depth? It's just so weird to be having this discussion about a Valpo men's basketball coach because we had it so good with the Drew Family for so long.
I saw this very thing coming a long time ago. Following is a post I wrote 5 years ago predicting the collapse of Valpo basketball if/when Bryce Drew were to leave. Just call me Naustrodamus.
Quote from: wh on March 23, 2014, 04:33:32 PM
As I've said a few dozen times before, VU men's basketball is living on borrowed time due to the administration's ongoing refusal to address facility needs. Every Valpo fan/alumnus should thank their lucky stars for Bryce and his ability to succeed despite the lack of support he needs and deserves. The day Bryce leaves is the day the music died. Anyone who thinks Greg Tonagel or anyone else can waltz in here and recruit the way Bryce has with a glorified high school gym for facilities is kidding themselves.
Oh, no need to remind me of the never ending, always changing list of critical facility needs "far" more important than upgrading the ARC. I understand. Difficult choices sometimes have to be made. I only hope the the administration understands that remaining competitive is no different for the men's basketball program than for the science program, or a restaurant, or any other business venture. If you fail to invest in facilities comparable to those of your competitors, you will not remain competitive. This is an indisputable fact.
Thus, like it, don't like it, care, don't care, believe it or don't, it is where we're headed beginning the day Bryce Drew leaves - the day the music died.
How pathetic that some guy off the street could see it coming, but MH and the Board acted as if all they needed to do was show up to games, park in their special spots next to the building, and bask in the glory of the Drews' success, as if it would go on forever, and even more pathetic, as if they had something to do with it.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
Sooooo....facilities upgrade and $500,000/year were going to keep Bryce? I call your bluff sir....
He's making 5-6x that at Vandy. I can see an argument for recruiting improvement BUT it's beyond absurd to say Bryce stays for that salary.
WE ARE A TINY _____ LUTHERAN COLLEGE GUYS, NO MONEY NO MONEY AND NO MONEY.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 05, 2019, 05:31:31 AM
Quote from: wh on March 05, 2019, 02:08:12 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on March 04, 2019, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on March 04, 2019, 10:31:01 PM
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
I wasn't around for the Tom Smith era, so I can't really judge more than just by looking at the record and it didn't look pretty. I'm assuming the expectations for the program are considerably higher then they were back then.
I'm for giving him next year and I can almost talk myself into giving him a full 4 year Valley recruiting cycle to get a full roster of Valley caliber players in but if we fall flat next season there might be an apocalyptic response from the fan-base A) for poor performance and B) when they publicly announce a contract extension. Lottich needs to show better results from the fans and more importantly his bosses. Lottich has had it pretty bad with injuries his 3 seasons but it doesn't totally excuse how inept we look on offense sometimes. Maybe we have some Valley caliber players but do we have a full roster of Valley caliber depth? It's just so weird to be having this discussion about a Valpo men's basketball coach because we had it so good with the Drew Family for so long.
I saw this very thing coming a long time ago. Following is a post I wrote 5 years ago predicting the collapse of Valpo basketball if/when Bryce Drew were to leave. Just call me Naustrodamus.
Quote from: wh on March 23, 2014, 04:33:32 PM
As I've said a few dozen times before, VU men's basketball is living on borrowed time due to the administration's ongoing refusal to address facility needs. Every Valpo fan/alumnus should thank their lucky stars for Bryce and his ability to succeed despite the lack of support he needs and deserves. The day Bryce leaves is the day the music died. Anyone who thinks Greg Tonagel or anyone else can waltz in here and recruit the way Bryce has with a glorified high school gym for facilities is kidding themselves.
Oh, no need to remind me of the never ending, always changing list of critical facility needs "far" more important than upgrading the ARC. I understand. Difficult choices sometimes have to be made. I only hope the the administration understands that remaining competitive is no different for the men's basketball program than for the science program, or a restaurant, or any other business venture. If you fail to invest in facilities comparable to those of your competitors, you will not remain competitive. This is an indisputable fact.
Thus, like it, don't like it, care, don't care, believe it or don't, it is where we're headed beginning the day Bryce Drew leaves - the day the music died.
How pathetic that some guy off the street could see it coming, but MH and the Board acted as if all they needed to do was show up to games, park in their special spots next to the building, and bask in the glory of the Drews' success, as if it would go on forever, and even more pathetic, as if they had something to do with it.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
Sooooo....facilities upgrade and $500,000/year were going to keep Bryce? I call your bluff sir....
He's making 5-6x that at Vandy. I can see an argument for recruiting improvement BUT it's beyond absurd to say Bryce stays for that salary.
WE ARE A TINY _____ LUTHERAN COLLEGE GUYS, NO MONEY NO MONEY AND NO MONEY.
How could you miss my point so badly? You must be a skimmer. :) My prediction 5 years ago was that the Administration was doing nothing to prepare for the inevitability of Bryce leaving, bringing a close to the Drew era, and leaving a new guy with a crap facility to market to recruits.
Calling my bluff? What does that even mean? lol
Quote from: VU2014 on March 04, 2019, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on March 04, 2019, 10:31:01 PM
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
I wasn't around for the Tom Smith era, so I can't really judge more than just by looking at the record and it didn't look pretty. I'm assuming the expectations for the program are considerably higher then they were back then.
I'm for giving him next year and I can almost talk myself into giving him a full 4 year Valley recruiting cycle to get a full roster of Valley caliber players in but if we fall flat next season there might be an apocalyptic response from the fan-base A) for poor performance and B) when they publicly announce a contract extension. Lottich needs to show better results from the fans and more importantly his bosses. Lottich has had it pretty bad with injuries his 3 seasons but it doesn't totally excuse how inept we look on offense sometimes. Maybe we have some Valley caliber players but do we have a full roster of Valley caliber depth? It's just so weird to be having this discussion about a Valpo men's basketball coach because we had it so good with the Drew Family for so long.
So, moving from the #18 KenPom conference up to the #17 KenPom conference requires a full roster of upgraded players? For reference, the Horizon was consistently in the #10 to #14 range when Valpo was dominating there. The "step up in conference" excuse rings hollow to me, given how mediocre the MVC is this year.
Ok time to resurrect the greatest coach Valpo ever had. "Clean Gene" Bartow - come on down. We're playing at the Hill Top and the VU students won't miss a single game. We even have time to have a beer or two after :cheers: :rotfl:
GLORY DAYS - I think Bartow and company (Tom Smith - Dick Jones) we're the last Team to beat The Purple Aces @ Evansville :thumbsup:
Quote from: wh on March 05, 2019, 07:06:42 AM
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 05, 2019, 05:31:31 AM
Quote from: wh on March 05, 2019, 02:08:12 AM
Quote from: VU2014 on March 04, 2019, 11:33:59 PM
Quote from: Valpo Joe on March 04, 2019, 10:31:01 PM
Tom Smith was a great player, Matt Lotich was a great player. They gave Tom an number of years to prove that he could coach. How did that work out? How many years for Matt?
I wasn't around for the Tom Smith era, so I can't really judge more than just by looking at the record and it didn't look pretty. I'm assuming the expectations for the program are considerably higher then they were back then.
I'm for giving him next year and I can almost talk myself into giving him a full 4 year Valley recruiting cycle to get a full roster of Valley caliber players in but if we fall flat next season there might be an apocalyptic response from the fan-base A) for poor performance and B) when they publicly announce a contract extension. Lottich needs to show better results from the fans and more importantly his bosses. Lottich has had it pretty bad with injuries his 3 seasons but it doesn't totally excuse how inept we look on offense sometimes. Maybe we have some Valley caliber players but do we have a full roster of Valley caliber depth? It's just so weird to be having this discussion about a Valpo men's basketball coach because we had it so good with the Drew Family for so long.
I saw this very thing coming a long time ago. Following is a post I wrote 5 years ago predicting the collapse of Valpo basketball if/when Bryce Drew were to leave. Just call me Naustrodamus.
Quote from: wh on March 23, 2014, 04:33:32 PM
As I've said a few dozen times before, VU men's basketball is living on borrowed time due to the administration's ongoing refusal to address facility needs. Every Valpo fan/alumnus should thank their lucky stars for Bryce and his ability to succeed despite the lack of support he needs and deserves. The day Bryce leaves is the day the music died. Anyone who thinks Greg Tonagel or anyone else can waltz in here and recruit the way Bryce has with a glorified high school gym for facilities is kidding themselves.
Oh, no need to remind me of the never ending, always changing list of critical facility needs "far" more important than upgrading the ARC. I understand. Difficult choices sometimes have to be made. I only hope the the administration understands that remaining competitive is no different for the men's basketball program than for the science program, or a restaurant, or any other business venture. If you fail to invest in facilities comparable to those of your competitors, you will not remain competitive. This is an indisputable fact.
Thus, like it, don't like it, care, don't care, believe it or don't, it is where we're headed beginning the day Bryce Drew leaves - the day the music died.
How pathetic that some guy off the street could see it coming, but MH and the Board acted as if all they needed to do was show up to games, park in their special spots next to the building, and bask in the glory of the Drews' success, as if it would go on forever, and even more pathetic, as if they had something to do with it.
I went down to the sacred store
Where I'd heard the music years before
But the man there said the music wouldn't play
Sooooo....facilities upgrade and $500,000/year were going to keep Bryce? I call your bluff sir....
He's making 5-6x that at Vandy. I can see an argument for recruiting improvement BUT it's beyond absurd to say Bryce stays for that salary.
WE ARE A TINY _____ LUTHERAN COLLEGE GUYS, NO MONEY NO MONEY AND NO MONEY.
How could you miss my point so badly? You must be a skimmer. :) My prediction 5 years ago was that the Administration was doing nothing to prepare for the inevitability of Bryce leaving, bringing a close to the Drew era, and leaving a new guy with a crap facility to market to recruits.
Calling my bluff? What does that even mean? lol
I'll eat crow on this one, seems a quick post before driving to work bit me in the ____. Mr Skim ....out! I took your post as self congratulatory and it raise my blood pressure.
Quote from: FieldGoodie05 on March 05, 2019, 07:03:40 PM
WE ARE A TINY _____ LUTHERAN COLLEGE GUYS, NO MONEY NO MONEY AND NO MONEY.
How stupid the MVC selection committee must be feeling about now. The program they chose over Murray State to replace their marquee program finished dead last and next to last in its first 2 years, and has no plan in place to bring the worst venue in the conference into the 21st century. The worst of it has to be listening to Valpo people cry poor, as if it's the only university in the conference with financial woes. This whole thing has become pretty shameful.
I hope against hope that we're gearing up for a run like Loyola but they have a much larger endowment and full-on institutional commitment. What do we have? Missouri Valley dreams with Great Lakes Valley vision. It's so sad. The longer we go without a plan the more I look like an idiot for believing that this time would be different. What evidence did I have to believe it? I don't like being made to look like an idiot. Do something. It doesn't have to be super grandiose. Just on the level of what Loyola did for the Gentile Center. But I don't even need to see that yet. Just a plan and a campaign. That's all.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on March 05, 2019, 10:15:03 PM
I hope against hope that we're gearing up for a run like Loyola but they have a much larger endowment and full-on institutional commitment. What do we have? Missouri Valley dreams with Great Lakes Valley vision. It's so sad. The longer we go without a plan the more I look like an idiot for believing that this time would be different. What evidence did I have to believe it? I don't like being made to look like an idiot. Do something. It doesn't have to be super grandiose. Just on the level of what Loyola did for the Gentile Center. But I don't even need to see that yet. Just a plan and a campaign. That's all.
I would be shocked if Heckler approved a campaign for the ARC while the university's current Forever Valpo campaign is underway. As I mentioned in a previous post, as much as I would like remodeling such as at the Gentile Center, unless there are private donors who expressly give a large sum specifically for the ARC, there likely will be no significant renovations in the next few years.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on March 05, 2019, 10:15:03 PM
I hope against hope that we're gearing up for a run like Loyola but they have a much larger endowment and full-on institutional commitment. What do we have? Missouri Valley dreams with Great Lakes Valley Indiana Collegiate Conference vision.
.
I prefer our old conference before Valpo was div 1.
Many great posts on here ... folks calling it like it is. Good for y'all. That's what it'll take - if possible - for real change to come down the pipeline.
Quote from: valpopal on March 02, 2019, 03:50:38 PM
A salute to Deion Lavender. He contributed even more than was expected from him. He led the team in assists by 50 over Evelyn in second place. His assists to turnovers ratio was sensational. He was the team's second leading rebounder, only behind Smits. His field goal percentage was also second only to Smits. He committed the fewest personal fouls of anyone on the team. His free throw percentage was second only to Fazekas. Give us 5 Lavenders and we aren't playing in the Thursday game at St. Louis.
[tweet]1105138921665675264[/tweet]
Quote from: GoldenCrusader87 on March 06, 2019, 12:19:01 PM
Many great posts on here ... folks calling it like it is. Good for y'all. That's what it'll take - if possible - for real change to come down the pipeline.
Here's the real deal. The admin thinking is not going to change until the board of directors philosophy completely changes. OTOH, strangers wanting to learn about Valpo Athletics who are potential game ticket buyers and possibly die hard Valpo fans who do read this message board. Many think we are a bunch of raving fans but there are some whose only interaction with Valpo U is through this message board. Always remember.
John Meyne was an all American? seriously? Gregg Mostello and John McIlvain must have been all conference!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on March 05, 2019, 10:15:03 PMa run like Loyola but they have a much larger endowment and full-on institutional commitment.
And thousands more alumni. Loyola current enrollment:11,420. Valpo: 3251 (both just undergrad). Their sources of funds are WAY bigger than Valpo's