Akron scouting report and players to watch:
http://www.beyond-the-arc.com/ (http://www.beyond-the-arc.com/)
Akron last came to the ARC in '08-09 with one of their better teams in recent years. They were 23-13 year and went to the NCAA tournament. We had probably our worst team in the past 15-20 years. I remember their fans coming over here talking some good natured smack about all their players we weren't going to be able to stop. Then we won by 8 pts. and never heard from our new friends again. I hope they come back...
Valpo 79
Akron 75
Akron's season preview:
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/1848 (http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/1848)
I don't know much about the Zips but I read that Akron's center had 10 points, 6 boards and 5 blocks against Mississippi State. I think not having a bang bang 5 will hurt Valpo. It will be interesting to see how we handle Marshall defensively.
Akron 70
Valpo 63
Quote from: crusaderjoe on November 16, 2011, 05:31:24 PM
I don't know much about the Zips but I read that Akron's center had 10 points, 6 boards and 5 blocks against Mississippi State. I think not having a bang bang 5 will hurt Valpo. It will be interesting to see how we handle Marshall defensively.
Akron 70
Valpo 63
Interesting. Can you tell us what a "bang bang" center is? I'm wondering how the zips will be able to handle Kevin. Here's what I know: In 3 games, 2 against D1 opponents and 1 against a top 20 team, Kevin has played an average of 20.7 minutes, scored 15.3 ppg with 8 boards.
Their 5 has played 2 games, 1 against a D1 team who also is ranked in the top 20. He has averaged 20.5 minutes per game while scoring 7.5 ppg and 5.5 boards.
I don't see a problem underneath. If we have a problem it will be with their guards.
Kevin and others will need to be a little more creative with his moves underneath. Their guy is big, but we should win that battle. With the number of fouls that we draw, we should be able to neutralize after a fashion.
Go Crusaders!
Akron may be the next best team we play except for Ohio State before the end of the year. This is their best club coming into the season. Marshall is a load defensively and gave us fits last time we played them in Akron. Do not undersell this team. They are physical and beat us up pretty good in Akron 77-57 2 years ago!! This will be an excellent test of our "mid-major" ranking this year and would be an excellent RPI win down the road. But, we will need to play 40 mins, not the 32 we did against Arizona. Nicola Cvetinovic is the guy who could give us more fits. He had a very solid year last year and scores and rebounds. Ryan will have his hands full. Edwards will be tested to the max on defense against Nicola. And by the way, their Director of Basketball Ops knows us very well -- Dan Peters, a former YSU head coach and who was at OSU prior to coming to the Zips.
I'm assuming the students won't be on campus for any of the weekend games. Is this true?
Here is our preview. Can't wait for an exciting weekend of basketball!! http://sectionee.blogspot.com/2011/11/game-previews-weekend-warriors.html (http://sectionee.blogspot.com/2011/11/game-previews-weekend-warriors.html)
Quote from: wh on November 16, 2011, 10:03:11 PM
I'm assuming the students won't be on campus for any of the weekend games. Is this true?
I guess you saw the thread with the "Stay a Day for Homer" campaign. Which is targeted at Akron. Thanksgiving break is all of next week, so I expect most students will leave Friday or Saturday, to return the following Sunday.
I would bet there won't be many students there besides our foreign kids. I hope I'm wrong though, I really like it when that section is packed and bringing some energy.
Why does VU release everyone for Thanksgiving so darn early?
Every other college has classes on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week.
Yeah, it's one of the Valpo scheduling quirks. Like the two week spring break.
I suppose the thanksgiving schedule might simplify travel for students. For faculty and staff with kids, it doesn't mesh well with e.g. the local schools.
We skip a bunch of the "usual" holidays (labor day, veteran's day, etc.) so the total amount of time off isn't probably unusual.
There should be a pretty good student turnout for the Akron game, but it'll likely be close to empty for the rest of the games. The dorms lock at noon on Saturday.
Quote from: swiftmutiny on November 17, 2011, 02:30:17 PM
There should be a pretty good student turnout for the Akron game, but it'll likely be close to empty for the rest of the games. The dorms lock at noon on Saturday.
Just curious. If you are from Saudi Arabia, or Australia for that matter, where do you sleep with the dorms locked? Does everyone regardless of home address need to find a friend who can take you in??
Quote from: vu72 on November 17, 2011, 03:23:22 PM
Quote from: swiftmutiny on November 17, 2011, 02:30:17 PM
There should be a pretty good student turnout for the Akron game, but it'll likely be close to empty for the rest of the games. The dorms lock at noon on Saturday.
Just curious. If you are from Saudi Arabia, or Australia for that matter, where do you sleep with the dorms locked? Does everyone regardless of home address need to find a friend who can take you in??
When I was there, there they left Brandt open for those that weren't going home.
From 1999-2004, you would be put into Berg if you could find someone that would 'loan' you their room. Playing baseball and being from TX, a country in itself ;-), I usually stayed on campus for all breaks except Thanksgiving & Christmas. I was put into Berg each time, one time even sleeping in one of the lounges lol.
Yes, Berg is the dorm for the international students or anyone else who needs to stay over breaks. Many of them live in Berg already so they don't have to bother with moving stuff around over breaks.
Back on topic, my score prediction:
Valpo - 68
Akron - 75
while i was there, berg and brandt were both available for students to stay in over thanksgiving/christmas/spring break. but yes, most of them do already live in one of the two buildings already. but with the game being friday night, there should be a decent number of students still there.
NWI Times game day story:
Parents' cancer fight drives Bryce Drew and coaching staff's tribute
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/parents-cancer-fight-drives-bryce-drew-and-coaching-staff-s/article_0b3d1c3c-0057-57fd-a821-050a13ae3274.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/basketball/college/parents-cancer-fight-drives-bryce-drew-and-coaching-staff-s/article_0b3d1c3c-0057-57fd-a821-050a13ae3274.html)
The Vegas odds currently have the game at dead even. Since we've beaten the spread in each of the first three games, I'll go against my better judgment and press the luck further by picking the Crusaders:
Akron 74
Valpo 75
I think Valpo pulls this one out but it will be very close all the way until the very end.
Akron 66
Valpo 72
Very tough game, but I get the feeling that right now the team is healthy and fairly in sync.
Akron 75
Valpo 77
Valpo braces for 3 games in 3 days:
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/8909340-556/valpo-braces-for-3-games-in-3-days.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/8909340-556/valpo-braces-for-3-games-in-3-days.html)
Unfortunately,
Akron - 78
Valpo - 64
I'm not so sure about this one either.
Akron 72
Valpo 68
Vu 73 Akron 70 tight game and they are putting up three more traffic lights on 30 to make those guys from Kokomo feel at home.
I heard an unconfirmed rumor on campus this morning that Griff Carpenter will suit up for tonight's game. If true, he will likely not play at all. However, at least there will be another body available if necessary during the three games sometime this weekend, perhaps to put in a few minutes on Saturday (hopefully, during a blow out) against IU Kokomo to give others needed rest. Now, if we could only get Fernandez and Jakolis eligible...
Quote from: Valpo89 on November 17, 2011, 01:35:36 PM
Why does VU release everyone for Thanksgiving so darn early?
Every other college has classes on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week.
When I was at Valpo I thought it was only the good students who got the whole week off (and two weeks for spring break). At least that is what I told people.
I think it will be a good game.
Valpo - 74
Akron - 68
Looking forward to the game tonight and seeing the new scoreboard. Hopefully I get to see a Valpo victory as well.
This will be a close game tonight. Akron will get out quick, so we'll have to be mentally ready to adapt to the pace they'll want to set.
Valpo will get the win in the end, 78-71. It will come down to who hits the free throws.
Also, was looking at the roster, and Duquesne has a 7-1 C, who their announcer said will be ready to dress for Sunday's game. He's apparently been out for a little while. I took a look at the District of Columbia roster too, and they have some names that would make John Bowker want to call it a day before he announced the first name in pregame.
Edwards is not dressed to play tonight.
Quote from: chairback on November 18, 2011, 07:07:04 PM
Edwards is not dressed to play tonight.
You beat me to that post.
Quote from: covufan on November 18, 2011, 03:34:18 PM
I think it will be a good game.
Valpo - 74
Akron - 68
Quote from: chairback on November 18, 2011, 07:07:04 PM
Edwards is not dressed to play tonight.
With Edwards out Valpo will have trouble. Ickow is saying he'll be out the whole weekend, and Bryce will address after the game.
Kurth has played terribly...what else is new. We have to rebound better and stop turning it over
Kenney with a special block! Keep fOuling Akron!
nice Win!!
I turned on the radio feed after the game was over. For those who wonder, on the front page, click on the 'sports' or 'schedules' link, and you can get away from the interactive feed to get the link for the radio feed. I'll post here if Bryce mentions why Richie was out during the postgame show.
Another great coaching job by Coach Bryce Drew. His team rallies to begin the second half. Valpo withstands Akron's come back and Valpo barely pulls it out despite missing important FT's at the end of the game. He shows again why he was a great choice to succeed his father. Setshot..........Nepo-what?
What an intense game! So glad my prediction was wrong. Solid win, keep it up guys!
Great win! If I were Akron I'd be pissed. 38-7 foul shots? Wow! Really an incredible coaching job and effort considering our pathetic 3 shooting. No Edwards, no Fernandez, no Boggs, no Jakolis. How good can this tram be?
Question for all you close observers and coaches: It appears to me that Kevin is a true 5. Did anybody expect him to be this good? So, when was the last time we had a true 5? It obviously is the difference for this team.
GREAT WIN!!!!!!! This will definitely help the RPI especially at the end of the season. Akron will win a bunch of games this year!
No word on Edwards during the postgame show. In terms of what vu72 asked about a true 5, I would say it has been since Raitis Grafs from 1999-2003, unless I'm missing someone since then.
I've heard that he's been having academic issues, but that's only a rumor at this point. Take it for what it's worth.
Quote from: valporun on November 18, 2011, 09:53:00 PM
No word on Edwards during the postgame show. In terms of what vu72 asked about a true 5, I would say it has been since Raitis Grafs from 1999-2003, unless I'm missing someone since then.
It was only one year, but Mo' Kone would be the last true 5 (as a starter).
Quote from: swiftmutiny on November 18, 2011, 09:59:34 PM
I've heard that he's been having academic issues, but that's only a rumor at this point. Take it for what it's worth.
Must not be going to class regularly - or trouble with grades before finals.
Someone in the chat room on valpoathletics.com mentioned he was healthy, and it wasn't anything serious. I guess that means no Logan Jones type ink in the local press.
Not Academics
The "rumor" in the crusader club room was he missed a curfew. But missing three games for it seems harsh if true.
fantastic win! loved the atmosphere, kudos to the students and community for showing up! Akron has noone to be mad at but themselves for the foul shot disparity. http://sectionee.blogspot.com/2011/11/game-wrap-up-i-love-college-basketball.html (http://sectionee.blogspot.com/2011/11/game-wrap-up-i-love-college-basketball.html)
Quote from: chairback on November 18, 2011, 10:06:39 PM
The "rumor" in the crusader club room was he missed a curfew. But missing three games for it seems harsh if true.
Definitely an NCAA issue.
Quote from: johnestuff on November 18, 2011, 10:13:54 PM
Quote from: chairback on November 18, 2011, 10:06:39 PM
The "rumor" in the crusader club room was he missed a curfew. But missing three games for it seems harsh if true.
Definitely an NCAA issue.
What could it be if VU expects him back before the Ohio State game?
Should've used my press pass tonight to get the scoop. Anxiously awaiting to hear about Richie.
Hey, I saw who I think was Griffyn Carpenter dressed for us. Is he really walking on for VU. If he is, he will play against IU-Kokomo when we kill them.
That was him. Lots of PT for those guys at the end of the bench tomorrow we hope.
Who would have thought you could beat a good team with eight scholarship players (including Vucic) and shooting 0-14 from three point range? Great gutsy effort by Van Wijk, Kenney, and Broekhoff. Broekhoff's great block and Kenney's incredible rebound were the key defensively in the last two minutes.
Let's hope this thing with Edwards is not a big deal...
The foul disparity in the game was in our favor big time. HOWEVER, the Zips (what the heck is a zip? Do they have a giant zipper as the mascot?) played sloppy and careless most of the game. Stupid fouls that were in fact fouls. They played overly physical from the start and dug themselves into a hole with foul trouble. I know "Zip" fans will say they got homered but they played like crap.
Kudos to Valpo playing basically 7 guys and out hustling them on almost every possesion.
What's our record against the "Zips" the last couple of years?
our 3pt shooting clearly needs work. this is the fourth game of the season, and we've only shot over 30% once, against holy cross. and that was 6-16, which is still awful considering the opponent. and now we throw up a doughnut? overall, a good win. but there are definitely things that need work.
Great win tonite. Akron fan website is livid. The ultimate "homer" game. Terrible loss to a terrible team that will destroy their RPI. Funny really. They WERE OVERLY aggressive and very physical. I'm sure looking at our roster they thought by pushing and banging the game would be over quickly. Kudo's to the WHOLE TEAM. Shooting was bad. But gutsy play and defense won it in the end. Edwards will be back for the Ohio State game. Again good gutsy game against a very good (and physical) team. IU Kokomo will be A good game to play more of the subs. ( Not really that many subs when you look at the players available). GO VALPO
Grafs was the last true 5, Kone did not really play with his back to the basket that much, more of a jump shooter.
I also hope nothing too bad about Edwards, but if it is something where he would be back by the OSU game, it can't be too bad?
Akron has no one to blame but themselves for the foul disparity. I hate how people think fouls should be even throughout a game. If a team plays cleanly, games like these are very possible. They can't just call fouls that aren't there to make it even.
I saw this potential in Kevin through the games last year, if he could stay healthy. He is like a 'bull in a china shop,' throws his body around and plays with all his energy. Definitely a guy I respect when I watch him play, as he does not let the game take it to him, he takes himself to the game.
Great win for the guys tonight. Hopefully our 3pt shooting shows up sometime soon. Things aren't going to be like this if we keep throwing up goose eggs all season long.
When I saw during warmups that Edwards would not play, I thought there was no chance for my prediction of a Valpo victory tonight. However, the players on the court gave everything they had. We basically played with six guys (Vucic and Kurth did not add much), and when Buggs fouled out, we had to go the rest of the way with the five on the court. Those six players tonight showed a tremendous amount of character on the court. You know everyone in my section was praying against a tie and overtime during the last minute of play.
Lots of oddities in the game's stats. Yes, we had more free throws (though we didn't hit a high percentage); however, one thing I've noticed and liked this season is that Valpo is forcing more fouls from the opposition, and I hope that continues all year. This might be due to Bryce's more aggressive style. Also, we were down only one at halftime despite Ryan and Will combining for only 2 points. Will also played 32 minutes and didn't score a point. In fact, we were 0-14 from the 3-point line. Yet, as in the other games thus far, our 2-point percent has been extremely high, mostly due to Kevin, who has been incredible. Imagine if anyone had predicted that Kevin would have 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Akron's heralded 7-foot center would wind up with 0 points and 0 rebounds!
It must be said that this was the first real test of Bryce as a head coach, and he passed the test with flying colors.
I still say that if we can get 5-8 minutes from Vucic every game, he is providing a valuable presence. A rebound here and there, maybe a basket, GREAT! Anything to give rest to people and provide a big tall tree in the way of shots.
Akron fans are bitter that they lost to a better program. We beat them with 7-8 players, depending on how you want to look at, without some of our better ones. For them to say that they are 20-30 points better than us without the foul disparity is a joke. I believe the MAC, Horizon and Summit share officials, no? You can call them Horizon officials, but when I was in school, refs performed for each of these leagues...
Valpo-Akron game highlights:
Valpo Crusaders (MBB) vs. Akron Zips (11/18/2011) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOJQ4O__opk#ws)
Thanks for the highlights!
Quote from: chairback on November 18, 2011, 10:29:03 PM
The foul disparity in the game was in our favor big time. HOWEVER, the Zips (what the heck is a zip? Do they have a giant zipper as the mascot?) played sloppy and careless most of the game. Stupid fouls that were in fact fouls. They played overly physical from the start and dug themselves into a hole with foul trouble. I know "Zip" fans will say they got homered but they played like crap.
Kudos to Valpo playing basically 7 guys and out hustling them on almost every possesion.
What's our record against the "Zips" the last couple of years?
---I thought for a while I was watching a replay of the Bears/Lions game from last weekend. They were way too agressive and didn't have the discipline to reign it in.
---They turned the ball over 16 times, and I swear they fouled whoever got control of the ball at least 10 of the 16 times.
---They were constantly out of position on defense and kept hacking whoever they got beat by.
---Their bigs acted like they've never seen a double team before. Marshall was clearly frustrated and committed several obvious, dumb fouls. The refs didn't make him a non-factor; he did that all by himself. He looked god awful out there. Kevin was clearly the best player on the court. He made their 2 bigs look silly.
---They out fouled Mississippi State 22-12, in a win no less. They have CSU - the fouling kings of the HL - coming up. I can just see it now - 60 fouls over the 4 hours it will take to play the game, both coaches crying constantly throughout, and the loser claiming they got jobbed.
---Their fans want to claim that if not for the foul disparity, the game wouldn't have been close. The truth is they were beaten by a team that was 0-14 from 3. Had we been even 4-14 like we were in our last game, we would have won the game going away.
---Bottom line - the Zips have a lot of talent and will undoubtedly win a lot of games - but not the way they played tonight.
Word I heard is that Edwards is being held out for three games this weekend due to an eligibility technicality for games he played in New Zealand. Bryce believes that will satisfy all requirements and everything will be fine going forward.
I love Kevin Van Wijk! A lot of people gave me a hard time last year for hating on Cory Johnson so much. I said it sooooo many times last year about how Cory needed to go up strong and draw the foul or make the lay up, instead he continually spun away from contact and threw up some ugly altered shot and never got a foul call even when he did get fouled because the refs aren't going to call a foul when you go up like that.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kevin is the anti-Cory and I love everything about it! Cory could have a good game when he was feeling it and those fade away hook shots were falling, but with Kevin's style of play it will be a lot harder for him to have one of those bad games for which Cory was notorious.
This team seems to have a special attitude and "team" cohesiveness. Kevin's play has been spectacular, better than I could have hoped for in my wildest dreams. As I stated earlier he has the mindset of a 5, something we really have not had for a while. I hope and pray that his body holds up throughout the entire season because he is a better, more active and even much more athletic player now versus a year ago. We really need to get into a rhythm on the threes. Hard to believe that a shooter the caliber of Ryan could be so inept this season. Something is wrong and many times the harder you try to fix it the worse it gets. Maybe the Kokomo game will allow us to shoot without pressure.
Good job by Bryce managing the game the last couple of outings. I was concerned that we ran out of timeouts so early in the game but I later realized that he probably had to use those time outs as breathers for the team, keeping guys just a little bit fresher by taking the extra time earlier in the game. This is crazy playing these games with only 2 or 3 subs, what heart these guys are showing. :thumbsup:
I did think that the foul discrepancy was a little much however, IMO Keith Dambrot should have gotten much more into the refs faces tonight, forced the issue and gotten a technical which would have almost certainly forced the refs to call more fouls, real or imaginary, on the Crusaders. I am not saying I am a big fan of that tactic but would probably have tried it with that big of a discrepancy.
Word I heard from some inside the program is Edwards is serving a 3 game suspension for some missing paperwork involving his transfer. After the 3 game suspension the issue is resolved.
Also, I'm continually impressed by Kevin's physical play. Great to have a true big man.
Hopefully we'll get Shelton and Carpenter some playing time against IU-Kokomo. I also heard a rumor about another walk-on if Fernandez redshirts...someone to take some playing time from the big men in blowouts
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but Kevin and Ryan both had double-doubles and Matt was 1 rebound away from a double-double. That would have been cool. I can't ever recall a Valpo game where we had 3 players with D-D's. Two is unusual in itself.
Sounds like a fantastic game - sorry I missed it. Looking forward to bringing the kids Sunday.
Quote from: Valpo2010 on November 19, 2011, 12:46:37 AM
Word I heard from some inside the program is Edwards is serving a 3 game suspension for some missing paperwork involving his transfer. After the 3 game suspension the issue is resolved.
Also, I'm continually impressed by Kevin's physical play. Great to have a true big man.
Hopefully we'll get Shelton and Carpenter some playing time against IU-Kokomo. I also heard a rumor about another walk-on if Fernandez redshirts...someone to take some playing time from the big men in blowouts
I belief this is correct!
Didnt attend last night, stayed home and enjoyed a quiet evening. The Times had the attendance at 3800. Was that a legit 3800? If so, not a bad crowd on a Friday evening.
This appears to have been a great win. Good opponent and a little adversity with a thin bench. Yes, we certainly have a true center for the first time in several years. That was obvious last year in his limited time on the court. Ok, let me get this off my chest. You can hate on Cory all you want. He is gone. He was not a center and played out of position for two years. I didnt hear him gripe about it. If you are going to point fingers at him, then the logical next question should be...."why was he playing center?" There were certain matchups that he handled well, others he didnt.
Simple...legitimate bigs are not easy to find. We have to leave the country it seems to find them. Then hopefully the NCAA will deem them eligible.
Great win for Bryce and the players (no one should be complaining about PT), hopefully Vucic can develope into a 8-10 minute player.
Basically just a silly (careless) clerical oversight which led to Edwards' 3-game ban. Nothing to do with grades, curfews, tats or not eating all his supper.
Van Wijk is not a true 5 but is just so damn strong and active (and coordinated) that he is going to be a match up problem all season long so long as his back stays healthy.
Man, Matt Kenney is such a special player. A true X-factor who can make game-changing plays in any number of ways. Pretty sure I have said this before -- Broekhoff reminds me of Shawn Huff, who was an intelligent, talented player who does so many things well and has few holes in his game. Will be fun watching him have a true breakout season.
Enjoyed the game last night. My first since Ball State last year. I must be drawn to MAC schools or something.
thoughts on the game.
great win. lots of fun. We said throughout that the high akron fouls were the one thing keeping us in there. Akron has some great players. A couple times they just tossed it up from the 3 pointer, no jump, no real effort and it goes in. irritating!
I want to agree with what everyones said about kevin. By far most improved returner from last year. After watching him last year I was unsure if he'd be able to step in to a starting position and hold his own. Wow but boy has he. It is strange to look up on the scoreboard and see him as the lead scorer. Unexpected but great. Hope he can stay healthy.
I also want to mention Matt Kenney. What was great about Kenney and Michael Rogers last year, was their ability to come in during one of our momentum luls and get things going again. Saw that last night at times with Kenney. He pushed through and gave us a spark when we needed it.
Wasn't sure what was up with Edwards, but was worried. We have stayed healthy and pulled out the wins so far, but with so many guys playing so many minutes, I would think that the risks for injury is increased. Ryan took a couple of hits that made me remember that fall last year that caused his hip injury. Hopefully we can work through these NCAA issues quickly.
One thing about the scoreboard. I have to give credit to who ever got rid of those ads that were during game play. maybe the contract ran out but Hooray!!! However, It takes forever for fouls and points to get on the player totals. Also I can't tell you how many times I look up there and see players listed that haven't been in the game for several minutes. I am hoping this is still a training issue and not a scoreboard issue because if so, then it kinda takes the point away from having the player totals up there.
Lots of students stayed. That was great. However these next two games will probably be quiet. I believe that even the cheerleaders / dance / pep band will not be in attendence. I heard this was a financial issue with getting break housing / per diem for these kids to eat since the cafeteria is closed. Hopefully this will not be much of a factor since we have several home games this season when students are on break.
Also the zips are some kind of kangaroo? I guess kangaroos zip around? Not sure. Not many mascots would cower to our quirkly crusader but I believe a zippy kangaroo would be one of them.
The papers call it an NCAA clearhouse "glitch". Will be ineligible for 3 games and back for Ohio State.
GO NCAA!!!!! Whgat a joke.
Just a side note...Valpo beat Akron who beat Mississippi State who beat Arizona who beat Valpo... Hmm
Quote from: milanmiracle on November 19, 2011, 09:01:43 AM
Just a side note...Valpo beat Akron who beat Mississippi State who beat Arizona who beat Valpo... Hmm
So where would the pollster place us in the Horizon League now???
Quote from: sectionee on November 18, 2011, 10:12:25 PMAkron has no one to be mad at but themselves for the foul shot disparity.
I thought it was poor positioning on Akron's part, not the officials. The coaching staff found something on the film study and made an effort to go down low and get Akron in foul trouble. Look for other teams to do the same.
Quote from: crusaderboy on November 19, 2011, 08:03:16 AM
Basically just a silly (careless) clerical oversight which led to Edwards' 3-game ban. Nothing to do with grades, curfews, tats or not eating all his supper.
Van Wijk is not a true 5 but is just so damn strong and active (and coordinated) that he is going to be a match up problem all season long so long as his back stays healthy.
Man, Matt Kenney is such a special player. A true X-factor who can make game-changing plays in any number of ways. Pretty sure I have said this before -- Broekhoff reminds me of Shawn Huff, who was an intelligent, talented player who does so many things well and has few holes in his game. Will be fun watching him have a true breakout season.
Enjoyed the game last night. My first since Ball State last year. I must be drawn to MAC schools or something.
I agree with most of what you wrote here, but in terms of the bolded part, c'mon man. Matt Kenney is such a special player? He's okay. He has his moments where he looks really good. But the guy is averaging 9 ppg this year and about 6 last year....obviously, the game is not all scoring, but calling the guy special is still an overstatement.
Matt does things that others just can't. He in inspiring to his teamates and can flat out jump out of the gym. Being "special" isn't just about scoring. Ain incredible block can turn a whole game around. I think that is the type of play that crusaderboy had in mind.
So here's another Matt thought: Could he be a defensive back in the NFL? He is built like a linebacker, is strong as all get out and can jump like a non-white guy. My only question is does he have the flat out foot speed you would need. Seems as though I remember him being an all state football player his junior year. Maybe a wideout??
Quote from: vu72 on November 19, 2011, 10:11:56 AMMatt does things that others just can't. He in inspiring to his teamates and can flat out jump out of the gym. Being "special" isn't just about scoring. Ain incredible block can turn a whole game around. I think that is the type of play that crusaderboy had in mind.
i completely agree. how many times has he been scrapping around with several taller players, yet he soars above them to snag the board? he very rarely makes bad decisions, and has such enthusiasm during the game. is he going to make the all-conference team? probably not. does that preclude him from being a special player? i think not.
Quote from: vu72 on November 19, 2011, 10:11:56 AM
So here's another Matt thought: Could he be a defensive back in the NFL? He is built like a linebacker, is strong as all get out and can jump like a non-white guy. My only question is does he have the flat out foot speed you would need. Seems as though I remember him being an all state football player his junior year. Maybe a wideout??
No, I don't think Matt Kenney could play in the NFL.
I want to add that I personally thought the game was pretty well officiated, and not just cause we won. This game was a perfect example of how a game against CSU should be officiated. Akron plays a lot like CSU, they are very aggressive on D and often over aggressive. This results in an extreme excess in fouls on their behalf. The refs shouldn't try and even the fouls out for the sake of evening them out. Akron easily committed twice as many fouls as Valpo and they were called for them accordingly. There are always going to be a few iffy fouls here and there in game, but for every ticky tack foul they called on Akron there were two where they would just blatantly run over someone or stupidly hack them after they turned the ball over.
I guess we just have different definitions of what a "special" player is....I think we have had very, very few at Valpo. Bryce, definitely. Lubos, possibly. That's no knock on the program either....I just save the word special for someone who is....special. Pretty subjective word I guess.
Someone posted earlier that another walk on may suit up to help spell I've...any chance that might be cam Witt?
Good point on Witt, maybe now is a good time to play him as a walk-on if he still wants to! A guy that knows the offense and can contribute some big man minutes.
In regards to 'special' players, it depends on your definition. Kenney is special in that he can fill up many different stat categories on different nights. He doesn't have to be a high scorer to be an impact on the game. He can get a lot of rebounds, assists, points, etc, each on separate nights to have this impact. If you are talking about 'great' players while at Valpo, you have Bryce, Lubos, and Raitis in my mind. Lubos is one of the better players in the top European leagues year after year, and if he had support on his national team, would have the Czech Republic at that level too.
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 19, 2011, 11:05:06 AM
I guess we just have different definitions of what a "special" player is....I think we have had very, very few at Valpo. Bryce, definitely. Lubos, possibly. That's no knock on the program either....I just save the word special for someone who is....special. Pretty subjective word I guess.
Probably not the place for this debate, but I think you would have to count Dan Oppland as "special". Third all time in scoring and third all time in rebounds.
Quote from: sectionee on November 19, 2011, 11:13:11 AM
Someone posted earlier that another walk on may suit up to help spell I've...any chance that might be cam Witt?
I was told that the possible additional walk-on is a "student who spends a lot of time hanging around the ARC shooting and the coaching staff took notice of him." I have not heard a name, and honestly hadn't even thought of Cam. As I said in my original post on this, it was a rumor I heard, dont know how soon it would happen, or if it would materialize at all. Definitely would be nice to have an extra big body though.
Looking forward to a good win tonight with good amounts of playing time for Shelton and Carpenter.
I would assume that Witt would not be eligible as a walk-on.
Quote from: Valpo2010 on November 19, 2011, 11:47:36 AM
Quote from: sectionee on November 19, 2011, 11:13:11 AM
Someone posted earlier that another walk on may suit up to help spell I've...any chance that might be cam Witt?
I was told that the possible additional walk-on is a "student who spends a lot of time hanging around the ARC shooting and the coaching staff took notice of him." I have not heard a name, and honestly hadn't even thought of Cam. As I said in my original post on this, it was a rumor I heard, dont know how soon it would happen, or if it would materialize at all. Definitely would be nice to have an extra big body though.
Looking forward to a good win tonight with good amounts of playing time for Shelton and Carpenter.
If it turned out to be Cam Witt the scholarship money that the university is giving him would have to be counted as one scholarship towards the allowable scholarships under NCAA rules. Another of the scholarships would have to be taken away from another player currently receiving scholarship money. Remember Cam gave up his position on the basketball team and his scholarship money became academic scholarship money. It would count against the NCAA allowable scholarship limit. It would have to be an actual paying student to be a "true" walk-on.
Does not seem that Dino may ever play for VU. Is he in school and on scholarship at all. Perhaps his scholarship could be used. Maybe this will another reason why Boggs will not set out this year. We need the bodies, especially in our always tough Horizon League games. Cam would be a welcome addition.
Quote from: Crusader03 on November 19, 2011, 11:05:06 AMI guess we just have different definitions of what a "special" player is....I think we have had very, very few at Valpo. Bryce, definitely. Lubos, possibly. That's no knock on the program either....I just save the word special for someone who is....special. Pretty subjective word I guess.
Matt has special "gifts" and the heart to use them. I don't know that he is a "special" player yet.
Quote from: RS on November 19, 2011, 12:43:41 PM
Does not seem that Dino may ever play for VU. Is he in school and on scholarship at all.
What source is this coming from?
I've had a man-crush on Matt Kenney for a couple of years now.
Kangaroos do not zip around they bound, just thought I'd clear that up :-)
Quote from: koala on November 19, 2011, 05:48:19 PM
Kangaroos do not zip around they bound, just thought I'd clear that up :-)
She'll be apples, mate!
Fairdinkum and onya Buddy all good here, cheers!
Lived for a while half way to "out the back of Burke".
Quote from: lowposter on November 19, 2011, 07:53:02 AMhe Times had the attendance at 3800. Was that a legit 3800?
The box score has it as 3876, in fact. Was the ARC anything like this full, in reality? That's getting up close to a sell-out. Was the mezzanine fairly full?
Quote from: agibson on November 19, 2011, 08:39:22 PM
Quote from: lowposter on November 19, 2011, 07:53:02 AMhe Times had the attendance at 3800. Was that a legit 3800?
The box score has it as 3876, in fact. Was the ARC anything like this full, in reality? That's getting up close to a sell-out. Was the mezzanine fairly full?
3876 is about 3/4 capacity, which sounds pretty accurate. It was a surprisingly good crowd and a suprisingly good atmosphere. The students were great. I was really impressed that so many stayed.
Akron was called for 23 more fouls tonight - by a different officiating crew no less. I was at the game and can attest to the fact that they were jobbed on each and every one.
Haha, I love it :-)
Quote from: wh on November 19, 2011, 11:05:22 PM
Akron was called for 23 more fouls tonight - by a different officiating crew no less. I was at the game and can attest to the fact that they were jobbed on each and every one.
I had to laugh when I saw that Akron got 29 free throws compared to only 10 for Cleveland State tonight, and they still lost.