Trying my first game thread.
Finally the season begins with Valpo hosting MAC team Toledo. This should be a good indicator of what to expect from our team this year. According to KenPom preseason rankings, Toledo will be the second highest ranked team (82) we play after Arkansas (44) unless we face Sorrolla's Cincinnati Bearcats (27) in the Paradise Jam ( fingers crossed ). The Rockets may be down to only 10 scholarship players as they lost big man Edu Aj 6'10" for the year and are waiting on medical clearance on highly regarded Freshman guard Acunzo Mattia 6'7". Who has yet to practice with the team. According to their coach if he gets clearance this Thursday he will play against Valpo.
Toledo has played two exhibition games and won both, Hillsdale 79-63 and nationally ranked D2 Finley 75-68.They are also picked to finish near the top in the MAC according to the conference's preseason poll.
Hopefully we have a good turnout, to support and get behind the team and start out the season on a positive note. Should be a really good game. Go Valpo
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Pu76sBRyA/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Any info on the "secret scrimmage"?
Quote from: VULB#62 on October 31, 2019, 08:48:06 AM
Any info on the "secret scrimmage"?
Here was a post on Union Street Hoops thread the other day . . .
My postI was under the impression the closed door scrimmage/game against UIC was to take place yesterday (10/29). Any word on how the team faired? I know that PO mentioned on USH that one of the players tweaked an ankle in practice but played in the scrimmage (therefore likely not a bad sprain). Thought that was a little confusing because PO said he recorded the podcast on Monday (10/28) so the scrimmage obviously was on Monday???
Just trying to fill time before the game . . .
Paul's ReplyThe scrimmage was on Sunday. Siggy didn't play because of an ankle. Sounds like he's good to go now. I don't know many details about Sunday and those that I do know were embargoed.
Great start VUBBFAN!
I have been waiting 237 days for this season to start....5 more days to go!!!! Excited for the Toledo game, good mid major program coming into the ARC. Last season they were the top dog #1 out of the 3 we play this season from the MAC West.
My :twocents:
I believe the 6 exhibition games we played (4 Canada and 2 this month in the States) will give us a slight edge in regards to playing together. I believe we will pull out a win 79-72 in front of a home crowd of 3,850. Hopefully our fans will have a great game experience at the ARC where all the kinks are ironed out from last season. Excited to start the season as a fan with all of you again.
Can't wait to light the fuse on this season and begin with a big bang. Time to GO! #GoValpo.
https://twitter.com/UTSteveEaston/status/1189911803955859456
The big question for this game is whether the Rockets will participate in the after-game prayer in the center of the court.
I mean Holy Toledo!
Toledo Basketball info for 2019-2020.
https://utrockets.com/news/2019/11/3/mens-basketball-rockets-open-2019-20-season-on-tuesday-evening-at-valparaiso.aspx
Quote from: VUBBFan on November 04, 2019, 11:51:47 AM
Toledo Basketball info for 2019-2020.
https://utrockets.com/news/2019/11/3/mens-basketball-rockets-open-2019-20-season-on-tuesday-evening-at-valparaiso.aspx
Thanks for posting. We will find out quickly whether our bigs will be able to tussle in the paint. It appears that Toledo has 100% of its starters minutes from a season prior that are returning and they are going to be a handful for us if my guess is accurate. I say let's take a 4-4 record in November and battle test/develop our bigs with solid competition. Glad we aren't playing a cupcake. We are going to have to bring our A-game to stay in this one.
Top 25 Mid-Majors. Toledo #23, Missouri State #10
http://www.collegeinsider.com/index.php
Valparaiso's new-look roster to debut against Toledo
Robbie Weinstein robert.weinstein@nwi.com, 219-933-4198 Nov 4, 2019 Updated 1 hr ago
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/valparaiso-s-new-look-roster-to-debut-against-toledo/article_4c4a4ed4-2560-5597-827e-fbdc90026f35.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
Attendence guesses? 2700?
Wow! I knew that Toledo was a good opponent, but did not know that they are forecasted to be this strong. Good, tough opening home game.
While I would certainly like to see Valpo win, I predict a 74-66 defeat. Attendance: 3350 (weeknight, but good opponent at home with some positive energy about the program)
Line opens with Toledo at -3.5, interested to see how it moves today .Lot of experience on the court for Toledo , could end up being a long game for us but I was wrong about a couple summer games so maybe we'll stay in it !
VU 65
Toledo 72
Vu 74
Tol 68
Attendance 2300
Quote from: wh on November 04, 2019, 10:42:09 PM
Valparaiso's new-look roster to debut against Toledo
Robbie Weinstein robert.weinstein@nwi.com, 219-933-4198 Nov 4, 2019 Updated 1 hr ago
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/valparaiso-s-new-look-roster-to-debut-against-toledo/article_4c4a4ed4-2560-5597-827e-fbdc90026f35.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
lol, the "progressing nicely watch" is a nice touch Robbie.
It should be interesting to see how we handle (or not) their 6'11" 245# dude. They will start 6'0", 6'4", 6'5"., 6'6" and 6'11". We counter with 5'9", 6'3",6'5", 6'8", and 6'8" If we go "big" bring in Krikke at 6'9" and Donovan at 6'8", there should be some match-up issues for them.
Line down to Toledo -3 with an o/u of 135....I might play the o/u knowing Valpo is probably going to push the pace.
I think we win a close one, hitting some crucial free throws down the stretch.
Valpo 75
Toledo 72
Attendance: 2900
Compared to past openers, this board is eerily quiet. Hopefully the play on the court improves this season and livens up the board again.
I'm feeling extremely gun shy and superstitious this time around. Don't want to predict, don't want to get too hype. Just want to wait and see.
I've been burned before, ya know.
Been thinking about it most of the morning. I dont think we will have the forwards to match up with Knapke and W. Jackson. We have too many unknowns and too many players who were injured last year or had to sit out, to pick us over Toledo who is expected to win their third straight division title.
Toledo:70
Valpo: 64
Attendance: 2500. Doesnt feel like basketball season yet, Tuesday night and coming off a bad season, and maybe the nicest day outside for the remainder of the month/year??.
I'm curious to see how Gordon is utilized and how effective he is, if/how JF matches up against M. Jackson, and how our bigs perform. If he can hold his own, JF will be in for a great year.
I have no solid expectations so I will make no game prediction. What I am shown tonight will be my base for the rest of November.
I will take a stab at attendance and say 2903. Any less than that would really disappoint me.
Quote from: justducky on November 05, 2019, 01:54:26 PM
I have no solid expectations so I will make no game prediction. What I am shown tonight will be my base for the rest of November.
I will take a stab at attendance and say 2903. Any less than that would really disappoint me.
Agreed. How we play tonight....W or L....Will dictate how I predict future games for the foreseeable future.
Quote from: elephtheria47 on November 05, 2019, 01:27:24 PMI dont think we will have the forwards to match up with Knapke and W. Jackson
As i posted earlier, other than the big guy, their starters are pretty small (no one over 6'6"). As a result, I would expect a fairly high paced game which might neutralize their giant. We, on the other hand will present matchup problems for them. Will a 6'4" guy be guarding Ryan? Who do they bring in to match up with Ben or Donavon?
The have a LOT of size--four guys 6'10 or bigger but only one guy 6'8", then a lot of guards. Have never seen them play so don't know what to expect. If they try to play like we did last year, trying to take advantage of their size, expect us to pressure all over the floor and RUN!! Should be fun (I hope! )
According to ESPN's Basketball Power Index, Valpo has a 53.3% chance at winning, which surprised me given I doubt that takes into account much of our turnover in the roster. Still I think we lose a close one here: 77 Toledo 73 Valpo. Hope I am wrong, but more just want us to play a strong game.
Quote from: vu72 on November 05, 2019, 02:32:42 PMThe have a LOT of size--four guys 6'10 or bigger but only one guy 6'8", then a lot of guards. Have never seen them play so don't know what to expect. If they try to play like we did last year, trying to take advantage of their size, expect us to pressure all over the floor and RUN!! Should be fun (I hope! )
Two of those bigs are sitting out the year. One is for Injury and the other I believe for transferring.
Toledo 98
Valpo 97 3 OTs
Attendence 2799
Just arrived and basically no one here yet. 32 min. To National Anthem.
No pep band either. Wtf?
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on November 05, 2019, 06:51:43 PM
No pep band either. Wtf?
They are warming up at Hilltop gym right?.... please say yes!
Damn! Ryan can shoot! Like the pace. Don't like the score.
Hey guys!! Took a long sabbatical from the board... Don't know why we're trying to rush the pace. I'm okay with setting the pace, but we're trying to be quicker than what we should be. I don't know enough about Toledo, but the MAC is a conference that doesn't see a lot of classes separate. Most of the guys recruited to the MAC get playing time all four years, so they truly develop into solid pros overseas.
Our defense is looking really pathetic. Yes, Toledo is running on us, but we should probably be playing tougher.
What is with the phantom charge calls? The Toledo defender is never set. Is this a MAC officiating crew?
I am willing to forgive what happened the first 10 minutes. Looked like a bunch of nervous kids (deer) playing their 1st game (headlights).
Defense has been getting better since the 10 minute mark. Offense has been getting better since the 14 minute mark.
1st 10 minutes was BAD...but I am starting to see some of the things posters were excited about. Lets see if the good things continue.
Quote from: valporun on November 05, 2019, 07:30:04 PM
Hey guys!! Took a long sabbatical from the board... Don't know why we're trying to rush the pace. I'm okay with setting the pace, but we're trying to be quicker than what we should be. I don't know enough about Toledo, but the MAC is a conference that doesn't see a lot of classes separate. Most of the guys recruited to the MAC get playing time all four years, so they truly develop into solid pros overseas.
Our defense is looking really pathetic. Yes, Toledo is running on us, but we should probably be playing tougher.
What is with the phantom charge calls? The Toledo defender is never set. Is this a MAC officiating crew?
I, for one, welcome these new fast paced overlords.
Nothing was worse than last year's anemic low post offense. This team seems a lot more fun.
The pace is frantic. Their guys were starting to look gassed over the last 5 min., leading to reach-in fouls, foul trouble,and some easy Valpo hoops. Javon, Daniel and Kiser are unrelenting on defense.
Morgan and McMillan are clearly the anchors... Why not go back to the Dutch guy?
Have to say I am impressed with what I've seen so far. Hope we can pull it out. Toledo is a good squad and has some ballers. Optimistic for the future.
Once our guys got back in the game, they started to look like they knew what they were doing again. Fouls will be a downfall for us.
VALPO WINS!
1-0 guys!!!!!! :thumbsup:
Nail bitter to the finish.
What a win! Toledo definitely looked more talented, but Valpo gutted it out and fought harder. A breath of fresh air after painfully watching Bakari and Smits half-ass it game after game the last few years.
Man that was exciting! Didn't know what to expect going in but these guys didn't quit even when they got off to a bad start. Thought they made a few bad shot decisions at the end and credit Toledo for hitting some clutch 3s. Still Javon made up for the missed free throw with a great bucket at the end. This could be a fun year.
Thought we were going to get ran out of the gym after those first few minutes. Impressed with how they turned things around, despite the nail biting at the end.
It's been a while since we've had this much turnover from the previous season. The last one I can think of was the '13-14 squad after Broekhoff and company graduated. Will definitely be a true test of Lottich's abilities, but so far so good!
Underwhelmed with the crowd, definitely looked under 3,000. Students did a good job of showing up, but I was disappointed to see them sitting for so much of the second half.
If McMillan plays to the flashes of potential he's shown and the rest of our bigs prove serviceable, I think we can make some noise. Have no doubt that JFL, Fazekas, Sackey, and Kiser will create chaos and outhustle opponents.
Quote from: nkvu on November 05, 2019, 09:08:54 PMMan that was exciting! Didn't know what to expect going in but these guys didn't quit even when they got off to a bad start. Thought they made a few bad shot decisions at the end and credit Toledo for hitting some clutch 3s. Still Javon made up for the missed free throw with a great bucket at the end. This could be a fun year.
Rushed a few shots early in the clock in the last few positions, but I remember Valpo teams not too long ago that would take the air out of the ball wayyy too early and completely lose any sort of offensive rhythm. I think with the run-and-gun kind of style we may be playing this season, we'll see a lot of early shots that look brilliant if they go in and stupid if they don't. The Fazekas three towards the end comes to mind; fortunately it fell for us.
What a game. Valpo showed more faith in themselves than I did at 21-7. Toledo needed to hit every shot down the stretch...and they did (announcer jinxes EVERYWHERE btw). JFL did his thing. I think there is a pretty good case for a foul on McMillan on that last play but :-X. Now for the performances:
JFL: Overall nothing to complain about. 19pts, 5reb, 2stl. Not his most efficient game but he and Fazekas kept Valpo's pulse going early. Obviously hits the game winner.
Sackey: Mr. Energy. 8 assists! (that might hurt me in the o/u) 3 steals and disruptive defensive. Good stuff.
McMillan: This may be a case where not having our 7fters helped Mileek. Last year, he wouldn't have seen the light of day after a start like tonight. This year, he gets a chance to right the ship, and I think did pretty well. Big 3 pointer and hook down the stretch.
Robinson: Great 2nd half. Really the x factor Valpo needed to push through with the W imo. His post play today was better than anything we've seen since Peters :lol: I'm confident that something good will happen when he has the ball.
Fazekas: 23 pts. Scorer's gonna score. I think we may have underestimated the effect that a fully healthy Ryan could've had on last year's team.
Morgan: A disappointing debut for sure. I think he's D was good at the end of the 1st, but the quick turnovers were not so good. Maybe tried to do too much in his limited minutes.
Clay: I liked what I saw from Donovan. Got his rebounds. Had a block. Good energy. Freshman in his first game.
Gordon: Not much from Eron tonight. Perhaps still nursing his injury? Saw him on the bike alot.
EFV: I really like Mr. Freese, both the stuff from Canada and tonight. He has nice hands, seems to put him self in the right place, rebounded well, and I thought the D was decent too.
Krikke: Not much from this Frosh tonight either. I like his upside, but still looked a bit slow on both sides.
Kiser: We saw absolutely everything that we love from John Kiser tonight.
Lorange: Injury still bugging him? Was dressed but perhaps only for emergency use?
Walk-ons: Thought we might see them when this game was young, but not a chance down the stretch!
Overall: Tremendous effort and very solid win! Did you notice the absence of a 5-7 minute scoring drought!?!
Not goin to lie.... I cringe every time McMillan has the ball and for stretches of the game my cringes were justified by his play. However, he had lots of good moments too. He does appear to be improving. A few of those 3's go down and we might be looking at his night very differently.
I expected more from Gordon. I love Robinson!!! Kiser plays with everything he has. Clay was timid but he LOOKS the part. Sackey with 8 assists, enough said. JFL is a star. Fazekas only 4/10 from 3, scary to think he can be hotter than that. Morgan = ROUGH game. Krikke/FV = Not enough info but looked like 5-10 minute a game role players who won't F it up but won't do a lot either.
Why did we win?
Strong Defense between the 10 minute mark and the 35 minute mark -- 1st 10 minutes and last 5 minutes not so much.
OFFENSIVE rebounds -- They shot a better % from the floor and from 3, but we shot the ball 18 more times.
20 assists to 14 turnovers
Solid FT shooting -- except the one key miss down the stretch
Great win. Showed heart and effort. And some promise
Holy Toledo!
great win, was not expecting this. toledo is a solid team, and they did not lose this game (we deserved to win). this is a game that can be beneficial short and long term. as hawk harrelson always said, dont stop now boys!
It was great seeing this as a team win. It didn't have to be left to one or two people to take it into their hands to decide it. In the past, we had too many games where the results depended too much on one or two people. This game saw everyone put in some kind of effort to keep us going in the first half. Being down 21-7, we could have folded, but the right cards were played when needed, and we had the right pieces in when the game counted.
The Band? Tonight was the Rehearsal for the Christ College Presentation. There were not enough members to compile a band. They should be back for the game against the Fighting Hawks on the 17th at 1:30pm.
Quote from: talksalot on November 05, 2019, 10:41:57 PM
The Band? Tonight was the Rehearsal for the Christ College Presentation. There were not enough members to compile a band. They should be back for the game against the Fighting Hawks on the 17th at 1:30pm.
This might be the most Valpo thing I've ever seen in writing.
Quote from: talksalot on November 05, 2019, 10:41:57 PM
The Band? Tonight was the Rehearsal for the Christ College Presentation. There were not enough members to compile a band. They should be back for the game against the Fighting Hawks on the 17th at 1:30pm.
Thanks for info talksalot. Was wondering about the pep band. Amazing that scheduling peeps at Christ College and Athletics Dept couldn't work out having a pep band for opening night of the college basketball season!! Signature sport at Valpo gets little respect again. Disappointing to see that. Wonder how many other D1 schools won't have their pep band at their home openers?
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Down 9-0 87 seconds in.
Down 21-7 6:32 in.
Against an NIT team from last year which is picked to win its division of the MAC.
After losing transfers in the offseason to Iowa, Cincinnati and Butler.
End result: a W.
Hey, this year could be fun!
And hey, how about those stats updating in nearly real-time on the video board!
QuoteWas wondering about the pep band. Amazing that scheduling peeps at Christ College and Athletics Dept couldn't work out having a pep band for opening night of the college basketball season!! Signature sport at Valpo gets little respect again. Disappointing to see that. Wonder how many other D1 schools won't have their pep band at their home openers?
As a CC alum, the only MBB game I missed in 4 years was for this production (I was an actor and a member of the pit orchestra). I don't regret it. At a university of our size, sometimes you have to make that kind of choice, but the opportunity to be a Crusader is worth it!
Quote from: VUBBFan on October 30, 2019, 04:32:29 PMTrying my first game thread.
You will be trying your second game thread for Saint Louis :thewave: and no, this not something we are going to debate!
QuoteShould Lottich keep his job?
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on March 19, 2019, 03:51:04 PM
NO! Go away Matt! And don't touch anything else on your way out lest you ruin it too! It might take a decade to recover from just two years of his "coaching." We have disgraced ourselves. We have disgraced the MVC and unlike Loyola we have no plan to get better. They could have had Murray State and been close to their goal of being a multibid league. I feel bad for the MVC. We only got in because we're private and we have done nothing but embarrass the conference. I am sorry on behalf of Valpo MVC.
That was a short decade!
Maybe a bit of an over reaction?
Congratulations to EddieCabot for keeping a level head
Quote from: EddieCabot on March 19, 2019, 03:55:36 PM
I'd hope that the AD is getting feedback from the players leaving to better understand the underlying cause. I'm not making any judgments until I see what the roster looks like next Fall.
Quote from: talksalot on November 05, 2019, 10:41:57 PM
The Band? Tonight was the Rehearsal for the Christ College Presentation. There were not enough members to compile a band. They should be back for the game against the Fighting Hawks on the 17th at 1:30pm.
The CC production dress rehearsal took some freshmen. Also the jazz band has a regular gig at Duffy's on Tuesday and the Luce concert band had a rehearsal. If the band filled the north end of the student section, that end of the court would have looked pretty well filled.
Thank you Toledo for losing and for your likely contribution to our SOS throughout the entire season.
Yes good solid win last night Crusaders.
And yes it is still very very early in the season and yes there are still a lot of unknowns....but boy does it feel good waking up this morning knowing we just knocked off a projected high mid major team from the MAC!!!
Quote from: valporun on November 05, 2019, 10:38:24 PMIt was great seeing this as a team win. It didn't have to be left to one or two people to take it into their hands to decide it. In the past, we had too many games where the results depended too much on one or two people. This game saw everyone put in some kind of effort to keep us going in the first half. Being down 21-7, we could have folded, but the right cards were played when needed, and we had the right pieces in when the game counted.
Intense defense is offense, but it's hard to pull off without depth as it can be hard on the jump shooting. Last night it was played brilliantly against a team that had fewer contributors but played an efficient shooting game (nearly 50% overall, 82% at the line, and nearly 40% from the perimeter) and an excellent game overall. A few of the Rocket faithful are writing off their season because they lost to a predicted second-to-last MVC conference finisher, but they couldn't be more wrong about their prospects or ours. They lost simply because we employed more (if less experienced) manpower towards disrupting their game. They can decry their turnovers, but that would mistakenly take away from our effort at creating them. In short, they got out-strategized and we played well.
Fantastic win. Once you see the wins Toledo gets it will become clear what a big win this was. A couple of statistical observations: Mileek--28 minutes, 3 fouls, guarding a guy who will be a pro and 4 inches taller. :clap: :clap:
We had 40 rebounds to their 31. We had 18 offensive rebounds. :clap: :clap: :clap:
We had 20 assists to 14 turnovers. :dance:
This is a game we would have lost last year. Heck, after the start we got off to it's a game we very possibly would have been buried in. This team showed some fight last night and scored a huge win! That does a lot for my confidence but we have another tough test in St Louis in a couple of days. If they win that one and avoid pitfall losses in the non con I will feel really good about our chances going into the MVC. If Valpo goes on a run, this could be the game that is marked as the time we turned the corner though that could possibly extend back to Arch Madness last year if we're being fair. Kudos to everyone for hanging in and playing a good team game! Go Valpo!
In truth, we have a 6 game win streak despite this being the only regular season game in that streak. Get my drift? These kids are learning to win together regardless of the circumstances. That Canada trip is turning out to be the most pivotal point in the season so far.
Was real impressed with the defensive intensity after the first 90 seconds and after the second group piddled down their leg for their first minute of run. Loved the end of the first half where Sackey dropped #23 and we scored, then #23 got called for a charge, then he goal tended the next time down...fantastic!
Mileek really bounced back in that second half. He had several 3s that were halfway down, had a good night those would've made it a great night for him. He did a nice job staying out of foul trouble too.
Not going to lie, I went in with lower expectations and after the first 90 seconds....oye...but that first half (had to leave my son wasn't feeling well) was the most exciting basketball I've seen at the ARC in at least a few years.
I really liked our under the basket inbounds plays. Liked that they were designed to get buckets not just get the ball in.
I'm cautiously optimistic!
One thing that I think makes this team work better is the speed of Sackey. He seems to have matured since last year in how to capitalize, and make it a weapon. Sackey seems to be able to cause the opposing team defensive issues because he can get past or move away from his defender so quickly that other players need to be able to adjust in order to account. Sometimes they have to fall off of their man to help even while the ball is just then moving over the half court line. Also, he simply moves to a vacant spot so that he has a moment to collect himself and then restart the attack or simply take an open jump shot. Basically, everyone on the other team needs to worry about him while also worrying about Fazekas and Javon.
It's flat out time for someone in Athletics to take responsibility for the pep band situation. There is NO excuse for such a vital part of the game day experience to be MIA when the students are in town. Now I do not blame the students for this, serious musicians in a quality program like ours can and should place certain functions above athletics, and I imagine the Duffy's gig brings funds into the program.
But for several years now the numbers have been dwindling and I can't remember the last time I heard a new song. The pep band used to be 30-40 strong and loud as heck. If it gets any smaller they will have to be mic-ed up.
I thought some really nice improvements in the game day experience were present last night (no in game commercials, on floor host running promotions) but man this is a big one for me. A loud, raucous pep band IS the college game day experience as much as anything that doesn't actually happen on the court.
I did not get a chance to watch the game but did check the score periodically while at a banquet. My question is do you guys think they win this game if the had not played the summer schedule?
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on November 06, 2019, 10:22:27 AM
It's flat out time for someone in Athletics to take responsibility for the pep band situation. There is NO excuse for such a vital part of the game day experience to be MIA when the students are in town. Now I do not blame the students for this, serious musicians in a quality program like ours can and should place certain functions above athletics, and I imagine the Duffy's gig brings funds into the program.
But for several years now the numbers have been dwindling and I can't remember the last time I heard a new song. The pep band used to be 30-40 strong and loud as heck. If it gets any smaller they will have to be mic-ed up.
I thought some really nice improvements in the game day experience were present last night (no in game commercials, on floor host running promotions) but man this is a big one for me. A loud, raucous pep band IS the college game day experience as much as anything that doesn't actually happen on the court.
This may have changed in the past 5-10 years, but the crossover between Jazz Band and the pep band is almost 0.
Quote from: VUOR63 on November 06, 2019, 10:33:04 AMI did not get a chance to watch the game but did check the score periodically while at a banquet. My question is do you guys think they win this game if the had not played the summer schedule?
No I think getting those games was invaluable for them.
I was able to watch the entire game on ESPN. There is absolutely no comparison between this year's team and last year's. After following all the Canada games and watching this one, two thoughts come to mind. Grit and hustle. Although we have less size than last year, our offensive rebounding (though a limited sample) is superior. Offensive rebounding is about hustle and hard work and we showed that last night. It was the reason we won the game.
This team does not give up, whether in Canada or now as the season opens. Kiser was outstanding. He makes those small plays that at the end make the diff. between winning and losing a close game. Two key put backs by our freshman tallest player were huge. Donovan Clay will only get better.
This was a tremendous win against a very good team. At the start it looked like we were going to get blown out.
St. Louis will be another very tough game. Whatever happens this season, this team will be exciting to watch and I think will surprise many.
By the way, the team picked to roll through the Valley, Missouri State, got beaten last night my Arkansas Little Rock. No team in the Valley is unbeatable and this makes for an interesting year.
I would love for the doubters about Valpo and their coach be proven wrong.
Can't speak for yesterday but the Pep Band had a really good showing during the exhibition game and I heard that they are heavily recruiting and focusing on younger students (which could be why CC took a hit since the production is a freshman thing).
I heard that between the freshman production there were 2 other band things (jazz and some other concert band practice) so it could have just been that they decided rather than have a smalls showing it was better not to come.
How were the cheer leaders and dance team. At the Exhibition they seemed more active than usual and more eagerly engaging the audience during time outs.
Quote from: crusader05 on November 06, 2019, 12:44:12 PMHow were the cheer leaders and dance team. At the Exhibition they seemed more active than usual and more eagerly engaging the audience during time outs.
It seems they may have been pushed back a little by new time out live entertainment games. Making for fewer opportunities to perform. I might have been caught up in the game, but I didn't notice them out on the floor that much.
Not to harp on this topic but I have to agree with my Native Cheese Head. The game day experience is something that can not be replaced for fans in the stands or watching on TV. The beating of the drums, the swaying of students playing their trombones and trumpets, the crashing of hands and stomping of feet are all part of that experience. The band, even as small as ours is, is part of that game day experience that brings great enthusiasm to all. Last year the University made a great effort to bring in bands and cheer/dance squads from regional High Schools to fill in the gap over the breaks while students where away from campus. Perhaps last night would have been another opportunity to do the same since our band was not available. It was noticed the arena was half full (2,412). Bring in regional kids to play at a college level and their parents can help fill the stands. Win/Win.
Quote from: VALPO LI on November 06, 2019, 01:47:09 PM
Not to harp on this topic but I have to agree with my Native Cheese Head. The game day experience is something that can not be replaced for fans in the stands or watching on TV. The beating of the drums, the swaying of students playing their trombones and trumpets, the crashing of hands and stomping of feet are all part of that experience. The band, even as small as ours is, is part of that game day experience that brings great enthusiasm to all. Last year the University made a great effort to bring in bands and cheer/dance squads from regional High Schools to fill in the gap over the breaks while students where away from campus. Perhaps last night would have been another opportunity to do the same since our band was not available. It was noticed the arena was half full (2,412). Bring in regional kids to play at a college level and their parents can help fill the stands. Win/Win.
I'd say "win/ win/ win" because that added win is for the Valpo admissions department in terms of recruiting potential enrollees. LI that is a great idea. I believe that happened at least once last season. The athletic department just needs to nail down the schedule when students can't fulfill the band presence then solicit high school pep bands to fill in the gaps.
But here's the main thing (I think, because I am making an assumption here). Make the pep band compelling to our musical students by (perish this thought) demanding a commitment and then....... :o paying them to practice and play. Paying a pep band director might help too.
Boys and girls, back in my day Valpo had a 125 piece marching band at football games that performed all the traditional stuff those bands (and today's HS bands) do. We have a student body that is bigger than most Indiana HSs and we can't put together a kick butt 25 piece pep band. C'mon man.
Quote from: VULB#62 on November 06, 2019, 05:50:38 PM
Quote from: VALPO LI on November 06, 2019, 01:47:09 PM
Not to harp on this topic but I have to agree with my Native Cheese Head. The game day experience is something that can not be replaced for fans in the stands or watching on TV. The beating of the drums, the swaying of students playing their trombones and trumpets, the crashing of hands and stomping of feet are all part of that experience. The band, even as small as ours is, is part of that game day experience that brings great enthusiasm to all. Last year the University made a great effort to bring in bands and cheer/dance squads from regional High Schools to fill in the gap over the breaks while students where away from campus. Perhaps last night would have been another opportunity to do the same since our band was not available. It was noticed the arena was half full (2,412). Bring in regional kids to play at a college level and their parents can help fill the stands. Win/Win.
I'd say "win/ win/ win" because that added win is for the Valpo admissions department in terms of recruiting potential enrollees. LI that is a great idea. I believe that happened at least once last season. The athletic department just needs to nail down the schedule when students can't fulfill the band presence then solicit high school pep bands to fill in the gaps.
But here's the main thing (I think, because I am making an assumption here). Make the pep band compelling to our musical students by (perish this thought) demanding a commitment and then....... :o paying them to practice and play. Paying a pep band director might help too.
Boys and girls, back in my day Valpo had a 125 piece marching band at football games that performed all the traditional stuff those bands (and today's HS bands) do. We have a student body that is bigger than most Indiana HSs and we can't put together a kick butt 25 piece pep band. C'mon man.
About 2-3 years ago I attended a Loyola game courtesy of a daughter of mine who worked at Loyola. We were happy to sit in the upper area (then unfinished) at Gentile with donors and others vested in Loyola MBB. I would liken it to Valpo's ARC Suite today except more of an open area in the arena. Sandwiches, salads, etc were served along with beer, wine, and soft drinks. I chatted with a nice man who I gathered had a job at Loyola similar to John Kuka's job at that time at Valpo. I specifically asked him about the Loyola pep band. He said he thought that Loyola had made changes and offered I think it was a 1/2 credit hour for pep band members and he thought they also were paid a small amount per game. They also appeared to have a director of the pep band who I'll assume was being paid as well. If Loyola can do something like that why not Valpo? It would be one way to offer something to the pep band members for their effort, time, and hard work.
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A total of only 18 minutes and 4 points were contributed by players who were not enrolled or committed at the end of the 18-19 season. What might that suggest about our 5 grad transfer bail outs? Did any or all of them sense a changing of the guard with reductions in playing time?
Was really impressed by the toughness Valpo displayed. I think adding more Chicago guys like Nick and Zion helped with the attitude of the team. Mileek facing off after blocking a shot and JFL getting in that guy's face after a dunk ... little things, but really showed how competitive this squad can be. Great teams like Georgetown, UNLV and Arkansas were all a little edgy, but they worked that to their advantage. I see the same thing in this Valpo team.
Agreed. Edgey is good. But direct in your face edginess gets Ts. That can kill an advantage and can reverse momentum. It can lose games. Just do it without directly disrespecting your opponent. Celebrate among your team, not in the face of your opponent.
I know many here follow or utilize kenpom.com rankings but we beat the #85 team in Toledo Tuesday and play the 130th team in St. Louis this weekend. Given it's a road game another win and there's a good start to your resume. Currently, even with the big win, Valpo airs at 205. Just on talent alone this team will be at least 100 spots better by the end of the season. By some miracle they get some lucky bounces too...they will be making noise in March.
Toledo just beat Marshall by 26, shot over 50% from the 3. This will end up being a very good win for us.
Saw the game, this team seems to enjoy playing together that's worth a lot. Last year's team played with each other because they had no choice, big difference.