The Valparaiso Beacons Fan Zone Forum

I heard that Wood is leaving the team after this season.  Is this true?

I've not hear anything on this recently.

Early in the season, maybe even pre-season, it came out that he wanted to.  I took it as something like, "One of my personal goals for the season is to distinguish myself so much that I can leave college early to go pro."  I hoped that he meant NBA, and not to Europe. 

And, while Brandon had a great season, and definitely expanded his game, I don't think he's any kind of a lottery pick.  So, I hope he'll decide that he's better served by developing in college for another season, and then exploring pro options after next year.

But, we'll see!  He's certainly on record talking about the possibility of leaving hearly.

One reason for Brandon to consider staying through his senior season: With his great development as an all-around player this year, Brandon should get a lot more NBA attention next year, especially since Brandon was the only senior among the first team all-Horizon League selections, and he should be regarded as the favorite for preseason conference player of the year in the fall.

Quote from: valpopal on March 15, 2011, 02:00:06 PM
One reason for Brandon to consider staying through his senior season: With his great development as an all-around player this year, Brandon should get a lot more NBA attention next year, especially since Brandon was the only senior among the first team all-Horizon League selections, and he should be regarded as the favorite for preseason conference player of the year in the fall.

These are my thoughts as well.  Very few players (almost none) who still have college eligibility and also have aspirations to play in the NBA ever choose Europe over staying in college.  IMO staying at Valpo for another year provides the best opportunity for showcasing his skills while continuing to develop his game.  As has been mentioned, Brandon will probably be the pre-season POY and if he picks up where he left off in the HL tournament, he will get a lot of positive pub and many looks by NBA scouts.  He will definitely be the go-to guy at Valpo - no questions asked.  Playing in Europe is a real crap shoot.  He may get on a team where he can showcase his skills; he may not.  Europe is not developmental - it's all about playing games and performing now with a short learning curve or you can find yourself at the end of the bench forgotten about.  It is a good "fall-back" option for those who don't make the NBA, but why roll the dice on it when you have less risky options?  I just hope he isn't listening to the multiple sleazy handlers out there who will gladly sell him a bill of goods about some "can't miss" situation in Europe.         

I'm concerned about what happens if a team in Europe offers him something like $75K to sign with them. That's a lot of money for a kid his age to turn down. It's obviously better for him to wait but it's already known that he "wants to get paid". I guess the question is what amount gets him to leave Valpo. 

I am not optimistic that he will stay at VU.  

I also think that leaving now would be a decision he would later regret.

Just a gut feeling, on both counts.

Hope I'm wrong as far as #1 is concerned. 

Paul

Brandon can definitely find some positives in either decision, but if he does go to Europe, I hope he'd find the right place to go. I can't cite specific examples, but I remember stories on ESPN within the past few years about younger players getting gypped when playing overseas... Living in bad areas, not getting their full salaries or not getting money on time, and being forced into tough situations.

I surely hope Brandon stays, and he would have a lot going for him if he did. Regardless, best of luck wherever he is next year!

You don't have to go to ESPN for the sob stories.  Haanpaa had a story about like this, no?

(And, hopefully when our players go to Europe, they learn to avoid even long-entrenched slurs like "gypped".  Treatment of Roma seems to be a pretty serious issue across Europe - certainly here in Switzerland and France.)

I certainly hope he comes back and believe he will.  Think Etwaun Moore.  Had some interest from the pros but was probably a second rounder last year, now almost certainly a first rounder with a guaranteed contract.

How about Norris Cole.  Stayed his senior year, was POY and now is projected in the draft while last year he wasn't.

Brandon is a bright kid and has wonderful parents so I'm sure they will all think it through carefully with the help of Bryce and others. Best od luck whatever the decision.  He has been a joy to watch play.

Whenever this gets brought up, the first thing that pops into my head is George Hill. Many people were surprised when he left, but it worked out pretty well for him. No he wasn't a lottery pick, but he's playing on a contender, getting significant minutes, and when his contract is up...he's getting paid!

I think Brandon has all the skills to play in the NBA, and much of his success will depend on where he ends up.

Brandon had a good season in developing his game for the NBA. He is not there yet. He improved his passing and his defense. He has not shown NBA range consistently yet in games. He showed some to the hoop moves but needs more. He is small for a 2 and not a true point. He is not overly fast. He does not leap out of the gym. He is a tweener. A bit like Ben Gordon, but Gordon was wider and stronger. Having discussed potential players in the past with NBA evaluators and scouts, the hardest thing is hearing you have deficiencies that need to be worked on to play in the Show. All of the above does not diminish in any respect that BWood is a great college player, but it is important to have an honest discussion about his skills set. Hence, the best option is not to hire an agent, go to the NBA predraft evaluations and hear what they have to say. They will pick out areas for improvement. Shelvin Mack did this last year as an example. This means he does have to declare (which will sound like he is leaving), but it also means he has to renounce that declaration by a certain date. The best thing to remember in this discussion is we are talking about his pro prospects, it has nothing to do with his college play.

Quote from: valpo84 on March 15, 2011, 06:40:23 PM
Brandon had a good season in developing his game for the NBA. He is not there yet. He improved his passing and his defense. He has not shown NBA range consistently yet in games. He showed some to the hoop moves but needs more. He is small for a 2 and not a true point. He is not overly fast. He does not leap out of the gym. He is a tweener. A bit like Ben Gordon, but Gordon was wider and stronger. Having discussed potential players in the past with NBA evaluators and scouts, the hardest thing is hearing you have deficiencies that need to be worked on to play in the Show. All of the above does not diminish in any respect that BWood is a great college player, but it is important to have an honest discussion about his skills set. Hence, the best option is not to hire an agent, go to the NBA predraft evaluations and hear what they have to say. They will pick out areas for improvement. Shelvin Mack did this last year as an example. This means he does have to declare (which will sound like he is leaving), but it also means he has to renounce that declaration by a certain date. The best thing to remember in this discussion is we are talking about his pro prospects, it has nothing to do with his college play.

:clap:

Quote from: valpo84 on March 15, 2011, 06:40:23 PM
Hence, the best option is not to hire an agent, go to the NBA predraft evaluations and hear what they have to say. They will pick out areas for improvement. Shelvin Mack did this last year as an example. This means he does have to declare (which will sound like he is leaving), but it also means he has to renounce that declaration by a certain date. The best thing to remember in this discussion is we are talking about his pro prospects, it has nothing to do with his college play.

This sounds reasonable to me.  I hope the "bright lights"  don't go to his head - and I trust that his parents, coaches, and others will keep him grounded ;)  But it seems very reasonable to go through the "no strings attached" portions of the process, get some valuable feedback, etc.  The feedback on what he has to improve to make it in the NBA probably won't hurt his college game, either!  (Well, hopefully not!  Don't want to see anyone stepping back from the 3pt line just for practice.)

Lazerus got Wood on the record on this issue recently, in what's a very good pre-game piece at http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/4335268-556/crusaders-get-a-fresh-start.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/4335268-556/crusaders-get-a-fresh-start.html)

Quote
Wood — a first-team all-Horizon League guard and the presumptive preseason player of the year next season — is just a junior, but has openly talked about possibly pursuing a pro career a year early. He's set to graduate this May and hasn't made a decision on his future yet.

So this could be his last hurrah with the Crusaders, too.

"It could be, it could not be," he said. "It's just kind of a waiting game for now. Once we're officially done, I'll sit down and talk with the coaches. For now, we've still got a tournament to try to win, and that's all I'm focusing on.

I think some of the speculation stems from the fact that he is going to graduate this year.  If he is going to go pro overseas, he'll need to find the right fit to be successful, and to give himself a chance in the NBA. 

I hope that he declares without an agent, and gets some honest feedback from the NBA.  Knowing what he may need to work on and returning to VU can be a win-win situation for both Brandon and VU.  I wish him the best, and thank him for his two exciting years - and hope for a third!

Brandon Wood is a good player.  I would say maybe th 5th best in the last 15 years.  I know that others will flip out about this, but I really feel like I can name a handful of players who had a major impact everytime they stepped on the court.  Bryce Drew and Raitis Grafs without a doubt are at the top.  Viskovic, Oppland and Barton have to be mentioned as well.  But I digress, my point is that Brandon Wood is a good player but not in a million years is he NBA level.  He will have a great career in Europe and I wish him all the best.

Hmmmm...stupid if he did.

He's good, but not NBA good (right now).  He's most likely pre-season Horizon MVP if he stays.

If he wants to play in Europe he most likely will get the same offers this year as he will after another year at Valpo.  I would have no problem with him leaving. 

If he really thinks he can play in the NBA he should sit down with the coaching staff and see if they are willing to play him at the point next year.  Is that the best thing for Valpo?  It depends on when Boggs can play and if  it would hurt or help Harris, (think  Norris Cole), to spend a year as a two.  If he works on his  his ball handling I'm not convinced he wouldn't be the best point guard on the team with the possible exception of Tommy Kurth.

In the NBA a 6-3 shooting guard creates all kinds of match-up problems so Wood's best hope is as a back up point guard who can come off the bench and hit some shots a la C.J. Watson.

So has anybody thought about Brandon going the Sam Maniscalco route and leaving Valpo for greener pastures?  As I understand it Sam departed Bradley for his last year of eligibility, without having to sit out a year, because Bradley didn't offer the specific masters degree he sought.

So now he is at Illinois.  It could happen as Brandon is graduating in May and would need to enroll in graduate school--somewhere, to gain eligibility for his last year.

Wow. That thought hadn't even entered my mind. My guess is that he's coming back, but that does open up a whole list of possibilities...

Quote from: vu72 on March 23, 2011, 12:38:17 PM
So has anybody thought about Brandon going the Sam Maniscalco route and leaving Valpo for greener pastures?  As I understand it Sam departed Bradley for his last year of eligibility, without having to sit out a year, because Bradley didn't offer the specific masters degree he sought.

So now he is at Illinois.  It could happen as Brandon is graduating in May and would need to enroll in graduate school--somewhere, to gain eligibility for his last year.

Interesting.  He does have options.  Is there a team out there - on the verge of being a top 25-35 team - that needs senior leadership and scoring from the guard position? 

Quote from: covufan on March 23, 2011, 02:30:51 PM

Quote from: vu72 on March 23, 2011, 12:38:17 PM
So has anybody thought about Brandon going the Sam Maniscalco route and leaving Valpo for greener pastures?  As I understand it Sam departed Bradley for his last year of eligibility, without having to sit out a year, because Bradley didn't offer the specific masters degree he sought.

So now he is at Illinois.  It could happen as Brandon is graduating in May and would need to enroll in graduate school--somewhere, to gain eligibility for his last year.

Interesting.  He does have options.  Is there a team out there - on the verge of being a top 25-35 team - that needs senior leadership and scoring from the guard position? 

There are very few teams in college basketball who couldn't use the services of Brandon Wood.

I highly doubt he's going anywhere (maybe the NBA), but IF he were to make it known he was looking, there would be a long list of suitors.

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/4460302-556/lazerus-should-valpos-wood-stay-or-go.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/4460302-556/lazerus-should-valpos-wood-stay-or-go.html)

As said earlier, he has options.  If I were him, I'd enjoy my last undergraduate semester and graduation, then focus on all of the different options.  Any and all input from the VU coaches, NBA, family, etc. should be considered before making a final decision.  I would agree with Haanpaa that exposure here in the states is a little better.  I recall an article about a potential NBA'er that had previously played in Europe.  He took a pay cut to play in the NBA-D League (formerly CBA?), so that he would have the chance of getting a 10 day contract with an NBA team.   A season or two overseas with more than 30+ games, living the traveling life, might also be a good experience for jumping to the NBA.

Brandon Wood is not an NBA player.  He is undersized at 6'2'' and really doesn't create his own shot, granted he doesn't need much room to throw up one of those 3 point shots.  I don't think he is near the level of someone like E'twaun Moore and I don't see E'twaun being drafted in the top 20 this year.  JMO

Word I hear is that Brandon will declare for the NBA draft but without an agent. I believe this means he will have to make a decision about coming back next fall by the end of the spring semester.

Players have until some time in April to put their names into the pool.  After that period ends they and their coaches can get opinion from the GMs about their pro potentila and what they need to work on.  They then can continue on in the procedure to pre darft camps etc but still can withdraw at any time.

This makes all the sense in the world for Brandon.

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/article_367beda8-2716-56ef-8244-aaeed006eebe.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/article_367beda8-2716-56ef-8244-aaeed006eebe.html)

Looks like he will test the waters.  My opinion is here http://www.sectionee.blogspot.com (http://www.sectionee.blogspot.com)[/url] but I believe he will withdraw his name by the deadline.

As I stated earlier, Brandon Wood is a very good player at a mid-major program.  I can't wait to see which NBA team is or ever will be seeking an undersized shooting guard.  I have no doubt that he will pull his name from the hat at the deadline.  He simply neither has the body nor the talent to make the NBA. 

Brandon has represented VU basketball with great distinction for the past 2 seasons.  As a fan, obviously I want to see him return, but whatever the outcome I wish him the best as he pursues his dream.

The comparison to E'Twaun was spot on.  Recall last year both E'Twaun and Johnson tested the waters and came back.  There are good reasons to do this.  You can make a couple of trips, expenses paid and workout with pros, with good honest feedback.

He should be able to find where he stands in the world of NBA prospects. 

On the other hand....congradulations to BW for completing his requirements for graduation.  Perhaps there just isnt anything left academically for him here.  Maybe it is time to move on.

Best of luck to him and hopefully he will be exactly where HE needs to be in late August. 

Quote from: lowposter on March 30, 2011, 08:48:04 PM
You can make a couple of trips, expenses paid and workout with pros, with good honest feedback.

Expenses _not_ paid, according to the NWI Times article.  Presumably it would violate his amateur status.

I don't think we discussed the Post Tribune article?

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/4580225-556/vus-wood-to-test-nba-waters.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/4580225-556/vus-wood-to-test-nba-waters.html)

A couple of quotes from Brandon, including the one in this section

Quote
Wood discussed his intentions with VU coach Homer Drew before the last season even started, and said he had the full support of the coaching staff and his teammates.

He also said he'd likely return for his senior season should he pull out of the draft.

"At this point I'm not thinking overseas at all," he said. "That would be a last resort."

Looks like it is basically the same article.  Glad to see he isn't seriously considering the move overseas and I really liked the quote about coming back for his senior season if he withdraws (which I think most of us suspect he will).  I don't want to think about where this team would be next fall without Brandon's offensive talents.

i hope this isn't true. i don't see how wood would produce for purdue like he does for us.

Not only would I be shocked if this is true, but I don't think he would help Purdue that much with all that they have coming back at the guard position....I understand the grad school rule, and others have done exactly this, but I think it would be a mistake.  Obviously, the only reason he would consider it is to enhance his chances of getting drafted by the NBA, but I think there are better ways for him to do that if he's deemed good enough....and no matter where you play, if you have the talent, the NBA will find you.

i tend to believe wood will stay at valpo if he can't get drafted.

that'll depend on what he wants to pursue for grad school. anybody heard anything?

I think the only way he leaves (if he isn't drafted) is to pursue being part of a team that can make a deep run in the NCAAs.  He has the talent to play for anyone.

Quote from: rlh on April 17, 2011, 03:38:06 PMObviously, the only reason he would consider it is to enhance his chances of getting drafted by the NBA.

I can think of one other reason that's fairly obvious.

Quote from: vu72 on April 17, 2011, 04:25:24 PM
I think the only way he leaves (if he isn't drafted) is to pursue being part of a team that can make a deep run in the NCAAs. 

Thanks, vu72.

Quote from: rlh on April 17, 2011, 03:38:06 PM
Obviously, the only reason he would consider it is to enhance his chances of getting drafted by the NBA, but I think there are better ways for him to do that if he's deemed good enough....and no matter where you play, if you have the talent, the NBA will find you.

I completely agree.  Transferring to any top notch D-1 Major with only 1 year of eligibility remaining would be an incredible roll of the dice.  There's a lot more involved than just waltzing in, putting on a uniform and asking for the ball.  For openers, he would have to learn a brand new system, gel with the coaching staff, and earn a starting position.  If he didn't make an immediate positive impact, had trouble finding his shot early, or even sprained his ankle and wasn't at full strength early, he could quickly find himself relegated to the bench as a role player.  No one would be spending much time with him trying to develop his game, because everyone knows he's one-and-done.  One year stints work fine for the Derrick Rose's of the world, but it's a totally unnecessary risk for someone in Brandon's situation.  This is nothing more than message board fodder.  It will never happen. 

I am not saying it would or will happen but I could certainly see why this could be a consideration.
Let's start with the obvious. By playing in the Big Ten, Brandon would have the opportunity to test himself, day in and day out at practice, and night in and night out on gamedays, against some of the top competition in the nation. That is a very attractive proposition for someone with Brandon's aspirations. The best way to get significantly better and enhance your pro pospects is by being around people who can push you to higher limits and force you to elevate your game.
Then you talk about the advantages of playing at Purdue vs. Valpo with superior facilities, more resources invested in player development and more exposure all at the top of the list.
That exposure will help Brandon when it comes time to become a professional. I believe that a player who may be forced to go to Europe will have greater appeal to a foreign club with "Purdue basketball" on his resume.

Of course there are potential downsides and some of those have already been highlighted. I find it highly unlikely, if he were to play at Purdue for one year, that he would have the ball in his hands as much as he does now at Valpo, and he will likely also have much less offensive freedom. But it may come down to what he values more and how he and his family weigh some of those factors.
I am just saying I could see why someone would consider such a move.

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 18, 2011, 09:43:28 AM
if he did leave for another school i'd lose all respect for him.

Why?  Shouldn't we all do what we have to in order to better ourselves and our opportunities?  Now, hopefully he will come to the conclusion that staying put will better serve his interests.  I will be disappointed if he leaves, but in the end he has to do what he thinks is best.

I respectfully disagree.  I don't think it is about Valpo being good enough, it is about where can he be seen and have his skills recognized by more professional scouts. Ultimately I think he will stay at VU, if the NBA falls through this year, if his intentions are to showcase his offensive abilities.  I'm not sure where else he could go where he will be the center of the offense each and every night.

Also, if he were to leave, I don't think the coaches will have to run out and get another shooting guard.  Our roster is full of guards right now.

I have a hard time believing there were many NBA scouts in the half filled ARC when Iona was in town, or UIC, or Loyola, or Green Bay...and the list goes on.

Like I said, this is just my opinion which you won't change, and you have your opinion which I won't change.  Aren't message boards great?!

Geesh, who is applauding?  I won't be excited if he leaves, I said I can understand his reasoning and accept it.  If he leaves, let him go, wish him luck, move on and win games without him.

So if he does go, and believe me I hope he doesn't--unless he goes to the NBA, but if he does, it it the end of the world??  Think about our guard situation.  Buggs and Kurth at the point, backed up by Harris.  With Brandon gone, Jay would probably move to the 2 and being playing there with Boggs (from Va Tech). Throw in Kenney and Ryan and I think we will be OK.  The new kid (6'7") is suppose to be a guard/forward as well.

This is what I know, vu72.

Currently, I've got VU projected in the 3/4 spots (I keep switching them with us).  With the uncertainty surrounding Wood, I still have him coming back to Valpo.  Should he leave, I just don't think I could justify VU above 5th.

Read that this morning as well.  I guess we can hope that he comes to the conclusion that scoring 25 ppg at Valpo will be better for him then scoring 8ppg at a big 10 school.

Quote from: sectionee on April 19, 2011, 08:52:49 AM
Read that this morning as well.  I guess we can hope that he comes to the conclusion that scoring 25 ppg at Valpo will be better for him then scoring 8ppg at a big 10 school.

Seeing that Brandon scored 24 against Michigan State, in like his second game in a Valpo uniform, I think Coach Izzo has a pretty good idea what he could bring in.

Quote
"Valpo is definitely still in the mix, I'm still a Crusader right now,"
...
"My experience here has been a great two years and I'll always be glad to be a Valpo alum. Regardless of what happens, I'll always be a Valpo alum."

Doesn't sound so good!

Brandon has given everything to VU, both on the court and in the classroom.  He is an excellent example of the true student-athlete.  After two transfers, he is still on schedule to graduate - something foreign to most Division I men's basketball scholarship players.  I applaud his exploring of options - as all student-athletes should do every year.  For most, it is a further commitment to improving particular skills on the floor, leadership, or in the classroom.  Brandon has many options due to his work in the classroom and on the court.  Where would VU basketball be without players like Redmon, Schmidt, Howard, Johnson, etc., had not explored their options?

I think his best option is to return to VU.  He is familiar with the coaches, the HL, and his teammates.  The grass may appear greener elsewhere, but once there things could change.  If he doesn't explore his options and seek outside council (MSU, Purdue, NBA) how can he be expected to make the best decision for him and his future.

I will miss not having him return - especially with the other returnees - if he so chooses. I also believe that with our returning team, there is more than enough scoring capability.  Would we be better with Brandon next year?  Of course, Yes.   

I have noticed that various projections for the NBA Draft place Norris Cole among the second round selections. I think Brandon could easily be the outstanding player in the Horizon League next year, as Cole was this past year, and that would be the best path for him to follow if he wishes to gain attention by NBA scouts. As a newcomer on a top Big Ten team, Wood most likely would not get the number of touches and achieve the kind of statistics he certainly will with Valpo.

The notion of Brandon to Michigan State per the above article really scares me.  MSU needs an experienced point guard and they just had a scholly open up with a transfer.  Word on the street (per message boards, so take it for what it is worth) is that MSU might not want to use this additional scholly this year so that they could use it for an additional recruit the year after next.  Bringing Brandon on the MSU team for one year would fill their need for an experienced point guard AND allow State to have an additional scholarship the year after next.  Also, at the present time, the only true point guard on State's team next year will be a true freshman.  This would mean that Brandon (if offered a scholly - which is pure conjecture at this point) would have a very good chance to start for a team is generally at the top of the heap in the Big 10 and usually makes very good runs in the NCAA tourney.  A good fit for all, except Valpo.  :-(

Quote from: walldozer on April 19, 2011, 02:39:36 PM
The notion of Brandon to Michigan State per the above article really scares me.  MSU needs an experienced point guard and they just had a scholly open up with a transfer.  Word on the street (per message boards, so take it for what it is worth) is that MSU might not want to use this additional scholly this year so that they could use it for an additional recruit the year after next.  Bringing Brandon on the MSU team for one year would fill their need for an experienced point guard AND allow State to have an additional scholarship the year after next.  Also, at the present time, the only true point guard on State's team next year will be a true freshman.  This would mean that Brandon (if offered a scholly - which is pure conjecture at this point) would have a very good chance to start for a team is generally at the top of the heap in the Big 10 and usually makes very good runs in the NCAA tourney.  A good fit for all, except Valpo.  :-(

This is an interesting analysis, but I would prefer an analysis that argues that Brandon's return to Valpo is the only real option for him.

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 18, 2011, 11:25:16 AM
If he's seriously considering playing at another school, then it IS about Valpo not being good enough. Why couldn't he be seen at VU? One of his coaches played in the NBA?!? I'm not buying that where he can be seen excuse. You can. I won't. The roster is full of guards but not 1st team all conference shooters. It's okay we can applaud and act like this is nothing if we want, but if he ends up elsewhere, respect is gone.

the reason it was ok to be noticed in a non-power six conference for a guy like norris cole is because of the ridiculous numbers he was posting every game. we remember the game where had 41 points, 20 rebounds, and 9 assists. that is crazy. if you put up numbers like that you will be noticed. brandon lit it up a few times, but never had a crazy line like that. so unless you are going to tear it up every night, which brandon has had games where disappears, then you are much better off getting exposure in a power six conference. those games consistently have nbva scouts at them.

Quote from: humbleopinion on April 19, 2011, 03:24:16 PM

Quote from: walldozer on April 19, 2011, 02:39:36 PM
The notion of Brandon to Michigan State per the above article really scares me.  MSU needs an experienced point guard and they just had a scholly open up with a transfer.  Word on the street (per message boards, so take it for what it is worth) is that MSU might not want to use this additional scholly this year so that they could use it for an additional recruit the year after next.  Bringing Brandon on the MSU team for one year would fill their need for an experienced point guard AND allow State to have an additional scholarship the year after next.  Also, at the present time, the only true point guard on State's team next year will be a true freshman.  This would mean that Brandon (if offered a scholly - which is pure conjecture at this point) would have a very good chance to start for a team is generally at the top of the heap in the Big 10 and usually makes very good runs in the NCAA tourney.  A good fit for all, except Valpo.  :-(

This is an interesting analysis, but I would prefer an analysis that argues that Brandon's return to Valpo is the only real option for him.

Quote from: humbleopinion on April 19, 2011, 03:24:16 PM

Quote from: walldozer on April 19, 2011, 02:39:36 PM
The notion of Brandon to Michigan State per the above article really scares me.  MSU needs an experienced point guard and they just had a scholly open up with a transfer.  Word on the street (per message boards, so take it for what it is worth) is that MSU might not want to use this additional scholly this year so that they could use it for an additional recruit the year after next.  Bringing Brandon on the MSU team for one year would fill their need for an experienced point guard AND allow State to have an additional scholarship the year after next.  Also, at the present time, the only true point guard on State's team next year will be a true freshman.  This would mean that Brandon (if offered a scholly - which is pure conjecture at this point) would have a very good chance to start for a team is generally at the top of the heap in the Big 10 and usually makes very good runs in the NCAA tourney.  A good fit for all, except Valpo.  :-(

This is an interesting analysis, but I would prefer an analysis that argues that Brandon's return to Valpo is the only real option for him.

I provided one yesterday.  As someone pointed out, there is basically zero risk to the school he would play for.  If he performs well, they found lightning in a bottle.  If he doesn't, he's only taking up one scholarship for one year - very possibly one they wouldn't have filled anyway.  All the risk is assumed by Brandon, but presumably he knows that and is considering it anyway.  And before someone accents the obvious - again, I know it's his decision to make.

I wonder if people (other than closet Butler fans td and milanmiracle) would feel so conciliatory if he was considering Butler, instead of MSU or Purdue.     

Quote from: wh on April 19, 2011, 06:49:10 PMI wonder if people (other than closet Butler fans td and milanmiracle) would feel so conciliatory if he was considering Butler, instead of MSU or Purdue.     

Great point.  FWIW, Butler will have a scholarship available if Mack stays in the draft.  The downside is that he'd have to see Ron Nored every day instead of just twice a year.

Read about this in the Detroit paper today, and I couldn't believe my eyes! Felt compelled to check out what you guys were saying about it. I just wanted to make one point about exposure for Brandon. I can only speculate how it is in the Horizon, but as a Summit League enthusiast, I can say that if the talent is there, the NBA scouts will follow. Keith Benson from Oakland has had scouts at Oakland games - home and away - for much of the past two years. And it hasn't just been at the big powerhouse road games. There were scouts watching him in Cedar City, Utah of all places. Likewise, this year Alex Young from IUPUI was getting looked at by scouts quite a bit. And a few years back George Hill from IUPUI was drafted in the first round out of The Summit League.

Because the Horizon League had other guys who were being scouted this past season (Mack and Cole, mainly), Brandon had even more opportunities to be "seen" within league play. It is true that those scouts will be at more Big Ten games on a more consistent basis, but if he is truly a talent capable of playing at the next level, the scouts will come to see him play often. There is a reason scouts were at almost every game Benson played this year...he has the talent, and they needed to evaluate it. But at the same time, the coaching staff put together a non-conference schedule designed to showcase him against players of the same ilk, that way there is tape of him going up against future first-rounders that they can evaluate better. But he also put himself in a position to be noticed by leading his team to championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

I believe Wood could benefit more from leading Valparaiso to a Horizon League championship, post-season appearance, etc, while posting great numbers in the process. A challenging non-conference slate wouldn't hurt either, at least to the point where they'll get some tape of him going up against more NBA prospects.

Anyway, that's just my two cents, thought it was a point worth bringing up.

Quote from: walldozer on April 19, 2011, 02:39:36 PM
The notion of Brandon to Michigan State per the above article really scares me.  MSU needs an experienced point guard and they just had a scholly open up with a transfer.  Word on the street (per message boards, so take it for what it is worth) is that MSU might not want to use this additional scholly this year so that they could use it for an additional recruit the year after next.  Bringing Brandon on the MSU team for one year would fill their need for an experienced point guard AND allow State to have an additional scholarship the year after next.  Also, at the present time, the only true point guard on State's team next year will be a true freshman.  This would mean that Brandon (if offered a scholly - which is pure conjecture at this point) would have a very good chance to start for a team is generally at the top of the heap in the Big 10 and usually makes very good runs in the NCAA tourney.  A good fit for all, except Valpo.  :-(

Michigan State's point guard apparent is Keith Appling, who , as a freshman this year, played the fifth most minutes.  He is a  very good athlete and ran the point quite well for a freshman.  He, however isn't the scorer that Brandon is.
Here is a link from the MSU student newspaper, The State News - http://www.statenews.com/index.php/blog/hoop_there_it_is/2011/04/msu_possible_destination_for_valparaiso_guard (http://www.statenews.com/index.php/blog/hoop_there_it_is/2011/04/msu_possible_destination_for_valparaiso_guard)

Brandon never played point this past season.  Is that something that is pretty easy to pick up?  I mean, moving over to MSU would be having to learn an entire new style of play/tendencies of both coaches and teammates.  Maybe it is easier then I think and these are just pipe dreams I'm creating in hopes of convincing myself that he is better off staying at Valpo.

Quote from: sectionee on April 19, 2011, 09:59:19 PM
Brandon never played point this past season.  Is that something that is pretty easy to pick up?  I mean, moving over to MSU would be having to learn an entire new style of play/tendencies of both coaches and teammates.  Maybe it is easier then I think and these are just pipe dreams I'm creating in hopes of convincing myself that he is better off staying at Valpo.

Actually, point is one of the harder positions on the team, PLUS you have to be willing to give up scoring in most cases to set up others....no doubt Brandon has the talent to play the point, but could he do all that is involved and sacrifice some of his scoring, I'm not sure.....but then Kalen Lucas did that for Michigan State, although I'm not sure he was considered a point

Quote from: rlh on April 19, 2011, 10:13:59 PM

Quote from: sectionee on April 19, 2011, 09:59:19 PM
Brandon never played point this past season.  Is that something that is pretty easy to pick up?  I mean, moving over to MSU would be having to learn an entire new style of play/tendencies of both coaches and teammates.  Maybe it is easier then I think and these are just pipe dreams I'm creating in hopes of convincing myself that he is better off staying at Valpo.

Actually, point is one of the harder positions on the team, PLUS you have to be willing to give up scoring in most cases to set up others....no doubt Brandon has the talent to play the point, but could he do all that is involved and sacrifice some of his scoring, I'm not sure.....but then Kalen Lucas did that for Michigan State, although I'm not sure he was considered a point

Kalin was the MSU point guard.

Quote from: zvillehaze on April 19, 2011, 07:42:39 PM
Great point.  FWIW, Butler will have a scholarship available if Mack stays in the draft.  The downside is that he'd have to see Ron Nored every day instead of just twice a year.

Academically, it's probably simpler for him to transfer to a PhD-granting university.  I assume Butler's graduate school options are roughly similar to Valpo's.  There might well be a couple of programs Butler offers that Valpo doesn't (and vice versa), but perhaps not too many?  I'm not sure how intent Brandon will be on finding an interesting academic program (vs. just any qualifying academic program), but it might make a transfer to a big, PhD-granting university more likely than a masters-level university.

Sometimes I just feel like other fans saw a different player than I did in Brandon Wood.  He is a good player who has as many big games as disappearing acts.  When you average them out, it makes a pretty good stat line.  The fact that he can seemlessly move to PG, I do not understand.  I haven't really seen any evidence that he would even be able to move over to that position at Valpo, much less at a top level D1 program.

I still say that he will have a great professional basketball career.  In Europe.  At least once his NBA pipe dreams are dashed for him.

Thoughts from the Butler board:

http://buhoops.yuku.com/topic/7658/Valpo-s-Brandon-Wood (http://buhoops.yuku.com/topic/7658/Valpo-s-Brandon-Wood)

So here is an interesting point:  Brandon needs to find a masters level program that Valpo doesn't offer.  Presuming his grades are good enough and his qualifying exam scores are there, what program might he pursue?

Well, he is a Sports Management and Business Major at Valpo.  So what might it be?  A Sports Management Masters?  Valpo has that.  An MBA?  Valpo has that.  A nursing Masters? Valpo has that (just kidding!!)

http://www.valpo.edu/grad/sportsad/index.php (http://www.valpo.edu/grad/sportsad/index.php)

http://www.valpo.edu/grad/sm/index.php (http://www.valpo.edu/grad/sm/index.php)

http://valpo.edu/mba/ (http://valpo.edu/mba/)

Quote from: wh on April 20, 2011, 05:14:17 AM
Thoughts from the Butler board:

http://buhoops.yuku.com/topic/7658/Valpo-s-Brandon-Wood (http://buhoops.yuku.com/topic/7658/Valpo-s-Brandon-Wood)

Interesting that they all assume he _is_ transferring.  Maybe it's deliberate, or maybe one made the inference/mistake and the rest just followed.

I think he will transfer.  And his transfer, if it happens, will hurt VU in several ways.  It will diminish the stature and reputation of our program.  Paul

My gut tells me that he is gone IMO.  His comments about VU are eerily similar to Moussa Gueye's statements when he decommitted and opened up his recruiting again. I hope he stays, but if he is gone, I wish the kid the best.  You have to do what you have to do and it is not like he is leaving VU without his degree in his back pocket.

Maybe this is crazy talk but I wonder though whether we would even be having this discussion about him transferring to another school if we had landed a quality big man during the off-season.   I'm no basketball expert but it would seem to me that having a quality big man in the rotation would make defenses have to split time keying on BW as an offensive threat.  This would then allow him to be freed up more offensively next year.  He could then showcase his talents here instead of somewhere else if he doesn't turn pro.  Again, this could just be all  :crazy: but it seems logical to me, particularly if you are trying to turn some heads and make a case for the NBA in your last year.

Quote from: crusaderjoe on April 20, 2011, 10:54:30 AM
Maybe this is crazy talk but I wonder though whether we would even be having this discussion about him transferring to another school if we had landed a quality big man during the off-season.   I'm no basketball expert but it would seem to me that having a quality big man in the rotation would make defenses have to split time keying on BW as an offensive threat.  This would then allow him to be freed up more offensively next year.  He could then showcase his talents here instead of somewhere else if he doesn't turn pro.  Again, this could just be all  :crazy: but it seems logical to me, particularly if you are trying to turn some heads and make a case for the NBA in your last year.

Very interesting thought...not crazy at all.

The Purdue mentions are interesting for a couple of reasons.  First, I don't believe they currently have a scholarship available.  Secondly, I recall that Brandon and those close to him didn't particularly care for the "system" at SIU ... Painter had a huge part in developing that system.

If he leaves, Purdue would be a terrible place for him to go....their point guard and the 2 and 3's are in place and with Hummel coming back (hopefully), I don't see it working....Michigan State on the other hand has lost their point, but this Appling kid they are very high on and you have to believe that he will be given first choice.  I understand what Brandon is trying to do, and it has almost nothing to do with education, but everything to do with giving him the best chance to get an NBA try.  All that being said, staying at VU is by far and away his best option.  I have no documentation for this, but there are a couple of cases where players have transferred after getting their bachelors and I can't remember one where they got the playing time and publicity they were seeking.  I may be wrong, but I can't think of any....I wish Brandon the best in whatever he decides...his game came by leaps and bounds this year and another year of college will make him even better...the question is where?

78cursader -- the 5th year transfer is a new phenomena and has nothing to do with the "status of the program." Each student-athlete is different and has to decide what is best for him. The days of playing for the program and staying true to the school are long gone. North Carolina had a kid this year who used this exception and he came from Alabama. If BWood goes, it has a lot to do with him and his personality. He has that sometimes enviable chip on his shoulder -- wanting to show he can play at the highest levels. In his mind, if it is Purdue or MSU then you are not going to change that. Frankly, staying at Valpo allows him to best showcase his talents. Both of those schools have very structured offensive sets and not a lot of freedom for guards. Name some guards from either of those schools that have been successful in the NBA (Jerry Sichting). I love Izzo's offensive sets and style but as I have said before we have a good offensive philosophy for getting guys shots (whether we make them has been the issue).

FN. I bieve MSU's Brown has been pretty good but he left early and was a bit stifled in the MSU system. He struggled for a couple years before he became decent at LAL.

Quote from: valpo84 on April 20, 2011, 07:23:39 PM
Name some guards from either of those schools that have been successful in the NBA (Jerry Sichting).

How about Mateen Cleaves?  Whoops, never mind...

Quote from: wh on April 20, 2011, 07:41:51 PM

Quote from: valpo84 on April 20, 2011, 07:23:39 PM
Name some guards from either of those schools that have been successful in the NBA (Jerry Sichting).

How about Mateen Cleaves?  Whoops, never mind...

Magic Johnson!

Steve Smith

Quote from: vu72 on April 20, 2011, 06:57:43 AM
Well, he is a Sports Management and Business Major at Valpo.  So what might it be?  A Sports Management Masters?  Valpo has that.  An MBA?  Valpo has that.  A nursing Masters? Valpo has that (just kidding!!)

Hmm.. what _does_ Butler offer that you can't find at Valpo?

Master of Professional Accounting.
Master of Science in Education (e.g. Educational Administration)
MA, instead of MLS, in History or English?
Creative Writing?
Pharmacy?  Physicians Assistant?
Dance?  Music?  (didn't Valpo used to offer some masters in music?)

Quote from: agibson on April 21, 2011, 03:50:38 AM

Quote from: vu72 on April 20, 2011, 06:57:43 AM
Well, he is a Sports Management and Business Major at Valpo.  So what might it be?  A Sports Management Masters?  Valpo has that.  An MBA?  Valpo has that.  A nursing Masters? Valpo has that (just kidding!!)

Hmm.. what _does_ Butler offer that you can't find at Valpo?

Master of Professional Accounting.
Master of Science in Education (e.g. Educational Administration)
MA, instead of MLS, in History or English?
Creative Writing?
Pharmacy?  Physicians Assistant?
Dance?  Music?  (didn't Valpo used to offer some masters in music?)

Yeah, but can he get a Master of Arts in Chinese Studies at Butler?  Seriously, I just don't think Parmacy is in his future!

Actually, one of the key programs Valpo has is the duel degrees with the Law School.  You can get a Masters and a Law degree in four years, and that is a huge money saver.

That would be kind of interesting. Almost every Meijer, Kroger, CVS and Walgreens in Indy has a Butler pharmacy student working at the pharmacy counter. Imagine running into Brandon in a white coat as you hand your prescription over to be filled. "Didn't you used to play basketball at Valpo and then transfer to Butler for your senior season? Also I don't want the child proof caps on those prescriptions." :-)

Quote from: valpospartan on April 20, 2011, 10:53:57 PM

Quote from: wh on April 20, 2011, 07:41:51 PM

Quote from: valpo84 on April 20, 2011, 07:23:39 PM
Name some guards from either of those schools that have been successful in the NBA (Jerry Sichting).

How about Mateen Cleaves?  Whoops, never mind...

Magic Johnson!

Scott Skyles
Eric Snow
Jason Richardson
Shawn Respert
Shannon Brown

Stop looking at Butler. He wasn't released to speak to Horizon League schools.

Quote from: Pgmado on April 21, 2011, 03:22:56 PM
Stop looking at Butler. He wasn't released to speak to Horizon League schools.

How about providing a little more detail as to how releases work?  Are you saying the same rule applies for both underclassmen and graduates when it comes to granting a player a release to go to another school in the same league, and yet the same rule doesn't apply in regard to sitting for a year?   

What I'm saying is that Butler (and every other Horizon League school) don't have permission to contact Brandon per what I've heard from those involved. The coaching staff is/was able to limit which schools they granted permission to contact and per my understanding, Horizon League schools were excluded from the list. If Brandon ended up at Butler, I believe it would be because of contact that was not allowed or condoned by the Valparaiso coaching staff. I could be totally wrong on this, but this is how I believe it works.

I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation.  

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 07:03:28 AM
I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation. 

we would certainly be foolish to think that these decisions about the 5th year transfer are purely academically motivated. how many student athletes make their decisions on where to play based on academics? on the major level, probably not too many...especially in the SEC. i don't recall those schools being noted for excellence in academics. anyway, i agree with what some have said here before. it is most likely a better move for brandon to stay. but if he leaves, and takes that risk, there is higher reward for him if it works out.

Well it looks like he's going to Pittsburgh...

QuoteOnce one of baseball's most promising young prospects, Brandon Wood will get a chance to resurrect his career in Pittsburgh.

On Friday, the Pirates claimed Wood off waivers from the Angels, who had designated the infielder for assignment earlier in the week. Wood reportedly drew interest from multiple teams, but the Pirates, by virtue of having the worst record in 2010, had first dibs on the waiver wire.

:lol:

http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/2011/04/22/pirates-claim-brandon-wood/ (http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/2011/04/22/pirates-claim-brandon-wood/)

Quote from: valpo04 on April 22, 2011, 01:45:19 PM
Well it looks like he's going to Pittsburgh...

QuoteOnce one of baseball's most promising young prospects, Brandon Wood will get a chance to resurrect his career in Pittsburgh.

On Friday, the Pirates claimed Wood off waivers from the Angels, who had designated the infielder for assignment earlier in the week. Wood reportedly drew interest from multiple teams, but the Pirates, by virtue of having the worst record in 2010, had first dibs on the waiver wire.

:lol:

http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/2011/04/22/pirates-claim-brandon-wood/ (http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/2011/04/22/pirates-claim-brandon-wood/)

That's funny. The Pirates could use a better hitting infielder than former Cub, Ronny Cedeno at short.

In terms of MSU players who had done something in the NBA, don't forget about Mateen's teammate, Morris Peterson. Yeah, some of his career was relegated to Toronto, but he has done something in the NBA.

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 07:03:28 AM
I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation. 

I'll put it like this...until they close the one and done rule, how is the grad school rule any worse? Is a Derek Rose rental any worse, or better, than a Brandon Wood rental?

I'll support Brandon in whatever he ends up doing, even if that means he leaves for another school. He left the place better than when he came here, and in the end that's all anyone can ask for.

Quote from: milanmiracle on April 22, 2011, 08:55:26 PM

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 07:03:28 AM
I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation. 

I'll put it like this...until they close the one and done rule, how is the grad school rule any worse? Is a Derek Rose rental any worse, or better, than a Brandon Wood rental?

I'll support Brandon in whatever he ends up doing, even if that means he leaves for another school. He left the place better than when he came here, and in the end that's all anyone can ask for.

Leaving a program after your first year, whether one-and-done or to transfer to another school (like Brandon already did), is different on many levels than leaving a program for another program prior to your final year.  You should be able to see that on your own.  If not, I would be wasting my time trying to explain it. 

Quote from: milanmiracle on April 22, 2011, 08:55:26 PM

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 07:03:28 AM
I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation. 

I'll put it like this...until they close the one and done rule, how is the grad school rule any worse? Is a Derek Rose rental any worse, or better, than a Brandon Wood rental?

I'll support Brandon in whatever he ends up doing, even if that means he leaves for another school. He left the place better than when he came here, and in the end that's all anyone can ask for.

i wholeheartedly agree. brandon has been a committed player to the program and has been a fun player to watch also. he deserves the best that he is able to get.

Quote from: valpo04 on April 22, 2011, 01:45:19 PM
Well it looks like he's going to Pittsburgh...

QuoteOnce one of baseball's most promising young prospects, Brandon Wood will get a chance to resurrect his career in Pittsburgh.

On Friday, the Pirates claimed Wood off waivers from the Angels, who had designated the infielder for assignment earlier in the week. Wood reportedly drew interest from multiple teams, but the Pirates, by virtue of having the worst record in 2010, had first dibs on the waiver wire.

:lol:

http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/2011/04/22/pirates-claim-brandon-wood/ (http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/2011/04/22/pirates-claim-brandon-wood/)

OK, I'll admit: you had me going there for a second or two.

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: milanmiracle on April 22, 2011, 08:55:26 PM

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 07:03:28 AM
I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation. 

I'll put it like this...until they close the one and done rule, how is the grad school rule any worse? Is a Derek Rose rental any worse, or better, than a Brandon Wood rental?

I'll support Brandon in whatever he ends up doing, even if that means he leaves for another school. He left the place better than when he came here, and in the end that's all anyone can ask for.

Leaving a program after your first year, whether one-and-done or to transfer to another school (like Brandon already did), is different on many levels than leaving a program for another program prior to your final year.  You should be able to see that on your own.  If not, I would be wasting my time trying to explain it. 

You're going to have to explain better why it is ok for Brandon to leave SIU Carbondale but terrible for him to leave Valpo. SIU lost him for 4 years. Valpo only loses him for one year (and that year will be after he graduates from Valpo). We sure are looking at this only through "Valpo" eyes.

Quote from: bbtds on April 23, 2011, 08:53:10 AM

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: milanmiracle on April 22, 2011, 08:55:26 PM

Quote from: wh on April 22, 2011, 07:03:28 AM
I've got to say, I think this whole business is ridiculous.  I'm not talking about Brandon, I'm talking about the rule itself.  The supposed purpose of the rule is to allow a student athlete to transfer to start a Master's program that his current school doesn't have.  Well, this situation is no different at the undergrad level.  Indiana University offers probably 10 times the number of majors that small private schools like Valpo and Butler do and yet the NCAA doesn't allow undergrads to transfer for "academic reasons."   Academic offerings have to be taken into account upfront by the student athlete and his family.  The same should apply at the grad level.  Of course, we all know that's not what this is about.  This is a loophole that needs to be closed.

Wake me up when this is over and we get back to talking about legitimate issues, instead of gimmicks and manipulation. 

I'll put it like this...until they close the one and done rule, how is the grad school rule any worse? Is a Derek Rose rental any worse, or better, than a Brandon Wood rental?

I'll support Brandon in whatever he ends up doing, even if that means he leaves for another school. He left the place better than when he came here, and in the end that's all anyone can ask for.

Leaving a program after your first year, whether one-and-done or to transfer to another school (like Brandon already did), is different on many levels than leaving a program for another program prior to your final year.  You should be able to see that on your own.  If not, I would be wasting my time trying to explain it. 

You're going to have to explain better why it is ok for Brandon to leave SIU Carbondale but terrible for him to leave Valpo. SIU lost him for 4 years. Valpo only loses him for one year (and that year will be after he graduates from Valpo). We sure are looking at this only through "Valpo" eyes.

He was in an unhappy place at SIU.  His coach used a lot of negative reinforcement that Brandon didn't relate to.  He was relegated to the bench.  Some fans on the SIU board claimed that the coach was questioning Brandon's heart when he said he was injured.  On and on.  By the end of the year Brandon wanted out and his coach wanted him out worse than he did.  If he was going to have any future in college basketball or any peace of mind, leaving was a no-brainer.

At Valpo Brandon is in a happy place.  His coach uses only positive reinforcement that Brandon totally relates to.  Thanks to his coach's positive style of instruction, Brandon bought into playing hard-nosed defense and became a complete player.  He is the star of the team.  He gets the most recognition and publicity.  He has received one-on-one instruction and a wealth of knowledge from someone who was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft from that very program and went on to play for 6 years and make millions of dollars.  He is almost assured to be pre-season POY next year and is positioned to have an outstanding senior season.  This year's HL POY and Butler's Mack have already helped establish a reputation that the HL is a place NBA scouts can find guards that have the potential to play at the next level. 

The bottom line is this.  He is positioned as well as any player ever could be to:
•   have an outstanding senior season playing for coaches and a program that have demonstrated their loyalty to him, treat him like family, and have not only developed him into an excellent basketball player but have given him life skills that will help him be successful long after his basketball days are gone.
•   be drafted.  Different from many Mid-Major coaches, Homer and Bryce have as many NBA connections and friendships as most any D-1 Major coaching staff has.  They also have outstanding European professional basketball connections.  The table is set for a possible feast, a table that Brandon, Homer and Bryce carefully prepared together.  And yet "well intending" people (undoubtedly including the usual array of wolves in sheep's clothing) are whispering in Brandon's ear, telling him that he should throw all this away in favor of a very risky opportunity of finding a prominent place at someone else's table with more glitz and glitter.

Do you see now why I'm having a little problem with this whole thing?
     

Once again, on this board, we hate the system when it works against us and love it when it works for us. Valpo eyes are singing again.

Lazerus weighs in.

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/lazerus/4941662-452/lazerus-wood-leaves-vu-in-limbo.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/lazerus/4941662-452/lazerus-wood-leaves-vu-in-limbo.html)

http://blogs.post-trib.com/lazerus/2011/04/potential-brandon-wood-afterma.html (http://blogs.post-trib.com/lazerus/2011/04/potential-brandon-wood-afterma.html)

Quote from: cmack on April 24, 2011, 08:40:47 AM
Once again, on this board, we hate the system when it works against us and love it when it works for us. Valpo eyes are singing again.

People of principle take positions based on a fundamental sense of right and wrong.  Whether it favors them is secondary.  For example, RLH has repeatedly said that he is opposed to the double bye tournament format, and would still be against it even if it favored Valpo.  I take him at his word.  I feel the same way.  And yet you use some worn out, unfair, overly simplified criticism in an attempt to discredit those people - people you don't even know.  If you live your life thinking all things that favor you are good and all things that don't are bad, then fine.  But don't assume everyone thinks like you do.

Quote from: zvillehaze on April 24, 2011, 09:35:29 AM
Lazerus weighs in.

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/lazerus/4941662-452/lazerus-wood-leaves-vu-in-limbo.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/lazerus/4941662-452/lazerus-wood-leaves-vu-in-limbo.html)

http://blogs.post-trib.com/lazerus/2011/04/potential-brandon-wood-afterma.html (http://blogs.post-trib.com/lazerus/2011/04/potential-brandon-wood-afterma.html)

"Now whether Wood is seriously considering a transfer — or, for that matter, if the likes of Michigan State and Purdue are seriously considering Wood — is uncertain. If it's just a public relations move by Wood — an attempt by him and his very proactive father, Anthony, to boost his name recognition nationally — it's certainly working. Message boards across the Big Ten are lighting up with lengthy discussions of a player few had heard of a month ago. Draft experts are mentioning his name a lot more now than they did before (it's gone from none to some)."

Hmmm...a possible publicity stunt, something that I never considered.  I think I'm back to where I started - this will never happen.  It never made any sense from the beginning - until now.

Quote from: wh on April 24, 2011, 03:27:37 PM

Quote from: zvillehaze on April 24, 2011, 09:35:29 AM
Lazerus weighs in.

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/lazerus/4941662-452/lazerus-wood-leaves-vu-in-limbo.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/lazerus/4941662-452/lazerus-wood-leaves-vu-in-limbo.html)

http://blogs.post-trib.com/lazerus/2011/04/potential-brandon-wood-afterma.html (http://blogs.post-trib.com/lazerus/2011/04/potential-brandon-wood-afterma.html)

"Now whether Wood is seriously considering a transfer — or, for that matter, if the likes of Michigan State and Purdue are seriously considering Wood — is uncertain. If it's just a public relations move by Wood — an attempt by him and his very proactive father, Anthony, to boost his name recognition nationally — it's certainly working. Message boards across the Big Ten are lighting up with lengthy discussions of a player few had heard of a month ago. Draft experts are mentioning his name a lot more now than they did before (it's gone from none to some)."

Hmmm...a possible publicity stunt, something that I never considered.  I think I'm back to where I started - this will never happen.  It never made any sense from the beginning - until now.

how much publicity can that really get you?

Enough to get people talking and to recognize who you are and what you are capable of doing on the basketball court.  Any publicity is good publicity right? All though I was on a Purdue board the other day and they were posting about how he was the HL player of the year, so not everyone has accurate information. 

He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 08:52:23 AM
He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

Geez, I hope not. Does VU really need a 5-10 guard who barely played for a bad DePaul team?

VU needs a local guy. Badly. Needs someone local who actually has a good experience here. That would rub off on future recruits i'd think.  I'd take him for the leadership factor alone. But he'd be the best on ball defender on the team, best decision maker, good leader, great example etc. Yes he was in over his head at Depaul(the big east. really?) but if he were at VU for 4 years do you think he wouldn't have much better numbers? I'd take him. IF Wood goes that is.

Someone on Purdue's board is claiming he made up his mind and chose Michigan State.

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 08:52:23 AM
He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

wrong

Quote from: crusaderdad on April 25, 2011, 12:45:51 PM

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 08:52:23 AM
He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

wrong 

Crusaderdad, I was hoping you were saying "wrong" about the rumors on the Purdue board...

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 08:52:23 AM
He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

Do you have any sources to back this up, or is this just opinion that you are passing off as fact?

Quote from: crusaderdad on April 25, 2011, 12:45:51 PM

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 08:52:23 AM
He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

wrong

you aren't going to get me to believe an nba team has told you guys they may possibly have a pick for him. I know scouts too and i've heard some of the prognosis.

I'd be interested, as I assume most of us would, about what the prognosis is about Brandon from both hoopfan and crusaderdad.  Fill us in fellas! 

So Hoopfan22, some NBA draft "experts" have Mack going in the first round and Norris Cole either late first or early second.  And the reason the experts think these two are better than Brandon is exactly what??  Plenty of NBA scouts have seen Brandon play and when they see him in workouts against others who are considered NBA material, their opinion on draft status may just change, time will tell...

CrusaderDad, obviously you're much closer to the situation than anyone else is.  How honest are scouts being with Brandon?  I had a friend who left college early for the NBA Draft recently, yet was picked much lower than scouts had told him he'd go.  He still did OK, now has a decent NBA job, but still, watching the draft picks where scouts told him he'd go pass him up, he figured he was lied to so the scouts would have another option.

What have you learned from the process?  (as much as you're willing to divulge)

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 01:23:17 PM

Quote from: crusaderdad on April 25, 2011, 12:45:51 PM

Quote from: hoopfan22 on April 25, 2011, 08:52:23 AM
He's getting zero NBA interest. The only publicity he's getting from the NBA is how he's making a mistake. I've said before I think this is foul but that may be just me. He can go for all I care. Can we get Bizoukas?

wrong

you aren't going to get me to believe an nba team has told you guys they may possibly have a pick for him. I know scouts too and i've heard some of the prognosis.

So happy you know scouts and have heard the prognosis.  I never said NBA guys have indicated they may have a possible pick for Brandon. I was referring to your comment stating, "brandon is getting zero NBA interest".  Do you really think Brandon would even contemplate a move without reaching out to the NBA folks who make draft decisions?  I'm guessing your contacts may have the same opinions as the guys who said George Hill wouldnt make it or Oden will be the next Shaq.  I must say I am impressed with your insider knowledge.  Trust me.  We understand the odds of making an NBA roster this year.  However, that has not deterred Brandon from going through the process as he has stated publicly.  If you dont enter there is NO chance of being drafted.

Regarding the Purdue boards:
Not quite sure what rumor we are talking about but it is no secret Brandon has received inquiries regarding his post-graduation plans.  Interest from Purdue, MSU, IU and Maryland just to name a few.

Regarding transfer options:
Yes, Brandon is looking into both educational and athletic opportunities away from Valpo.  Has he made a decision? NO.  Has he went on official visits? NO.  Will he? YES.  That is being worked out.

Regarding Valpo:
Brandon and the coaching staff have had nothing but a very positive relationship for the last two years.  Is Brandon happy at Valpo? absolutely YES.  If anything, exploring other options has more to do with the HL in general along with his desire to pursue his masters. He has done everything you can ask of a student/athlete.  Would we question Bryce if he entertained suitors from UNC or DUKE if his career goal was to coach in the NBA?

Regarding being noticed anywhere:
Exploring the Grad school option has NOTHING to do with being noticed.  Every NBA team already knows who Brandon is.  We have read about Keith Benson, Cole, Mack, Howard and a slew of others who got noticed.  Benson is 6'10", Cole put up ridiculous numbers AND had the monstrous game, Mack/Howard/Heyward play/ed for Butler in the NCAAs.  Enough Said.

2009-2010
Horizon League Newcomer of the Year
Second Team All-Horizon League
HL All-Newcomer squad
NABC All-District 12 Second Team
led the Horizon League in scoring with 17.7 ppg
Scored in double figures in 29 of his 32 games
Tallied at least 20 points on 12 occasions
Led Valpo in scoring in 17 games
Finished among league leaders in 3-pointers made and free throw percentage
Scored 30 points, including a season-best six 3-pointers, at North Carolina
24 points at Michigan State
Set a new Valpo Division I single-game scoring record with 39 points at Georgia Southern
became only third Crusader in the last 15 years to score 30 or more points multiple times in their career (Bryce Drew, Dan Oppland) and needed just five games to do so
Scored 21 points and grabbed nine rebounds at Purdue

2010-2011
1st Team All-Horizon League
1st Team All HL Tourney Team
HL Player of the Week x 2
NABC All-District 12 1st Team
led Valpo in scoring with 16.7 ppg

2011-2012
Preseason POY?
All HL First Team?
Postseason POY?

See where I'm going with this?

If I'm a NBA player development guy or scout or GM and Brandon puts up 20pts, 5asst and 5boards this upcoming season what exactly has he proved? I will answer for you.  He will prove he can do exactly what he has been doing for the last two years.

just saying

Does Brandon's decision to stay or transfer (assuming he returns to school) have to be determined by May 8?

Also, wouldn't those numbers you listed (ppg, rpg, and apg) all be career highs for a season?  Seems like that would tell me he is a hardworking guy who is learning to get his teammates more involved and is still capable of creating scoring for himself despite being the focus of the opposing defense. 

Man, I hope he comes back...

Quote from: sectionee on April 25, 2011, 05:24:10 PM
Does Brandon's decision to stay or transfer (assuming he returns to school) have to be determined by May 8?

Also, wouldn't those numbers you listed (ppg, rpg, and apg) all be career highs for a season?  Seems like that would tell me he is a hardworking guy who is learning to get his teammates more involved and is still capable of creating scoring for himself despite being the focus of the opposing defense. 

Man, I hope he comes back...

answer to first question is no.

Yes those numbers would be career highs. Being hardworking, the ability to get teammates involved and creating his own shot while being the number one option are not traits being questioned regarding NBA potential.

matching up defensively against bigger, stronger and NBA ready players is the number one concern along with the ability to play with and against other NBA ready players on a night in and night out basis.

http://sectionee.blogspot.com/2011/04/brandon-wood-update.html (http://sectionee.blogspot.com/2011/04/brandon-wood-update.html)

Just a little something I threw together about what we've been talking about if anyone cares to read it. 

crusaderdad--we support your family's process in evaluating what Brandon's options are and his current draft propsects. That's why the process exists and why players can learn a lot from it. Your review was very helpful to us. We also it helps Brandon understand the parts of his game that need improvement. We obviously think that another year at Valpo with an NCAA appearance and being a senior leader will also make him very valuable to teams and should maximize his options after next year. (not to mention the year of grad studies). We believe that Valpo would also give him the best chance to work on those parts of his game (within the team's offensive flow) that will make him more valuable. He also would leave quite a lasting legacy at Valpo. Thanks for sharing the information. We appreciate his two years at Valpo and we are glad it was positive. Three years would be even better!!

And many of us realize that if Brandon chooses another program or a professional route for the 2011-12 season that Valpo must move on and wish Brandon all the best. Nobody stays in the college ranks forever except the coaches and fans. They must learn to get over the fact that student athletes with move on in the time the student athlete prefers according to what is best for the student athlete and quit begging the student athlete to see things through the fans' eyes. Brandon needs to do what Brandon feels is right for Brandon. No matter how Valpo fans taint it for him that is what will happen and we, as the fans, must accept it. Obviously the Valpo coaching staff has already accepted it and will welcome Brandon back with open arms if he chooses Valpo but will wish him well if he makes another choice.   

Quote from: bbtds on April 27, 2011, 06:43:08 AM
And many of us realize that if Brandon chooses another program or a professional route for the 2011-12 season that Valpo must move on and wish Brandon all the best. Nobody stays in the college ranks forever except the coaches and fans. They must learn to get over the fact that student athletes with move on in the time the student athlete prefers according to what is best for the student athlete and quit begging the student athlete to see things through the fans' eyes. Brandon needs to do what Brandon feels is right for Brandon. No matter how Valpo fans taint it for him that is what will happen and we, as the fans, must accept it. Obviously the Valpo coaching staff has already accepted it and will welcome Brandon back with open arms if he chooses Valpo but will wish him well if he makes another choice.   

we should have more confidence in our coaching staff to be able to put together a good team despite the possibility of losing a player. i trust homer to put a good team out there next year.

Probably time to move on. 

Quite a bit of scoring and rebounding to replace with the four graduates, there are nice pieces to work with.

lowposter

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110503/GW0201/105030324/MSU-men-s-basketball-Valpo-guard-spends-day-MSU?odyssey=tab (http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110503/GW0201/105030324/MSU-men-s-basketball-Valpo-guard-spends-day-MSU?odyssey=tab)

Paul Oren's blog from Monday:

http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5054 (http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5054)

More from Lazerus:

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/5165059-417/valparaisos-wood-visits-michigan-state.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/5165059-417/valparaisos-wood-visits-michigan-state.html)

OK, I'm through with the stages of grief. 
Now let's find a big with skills and make the best of the situation.

Bye bye Brandon.

glad to see brandon go to a strong program where he will continue to develop, and have a real shot at making it to the nba. i will look forward to watching him play on national tv. it is sad obviously to see him go, but i have confidence in homer and the rest of the staff to make us a good team next year. i will not change my opinion on that.

I'm not going to jump on the If-it's-best-for-Brandon-it's-OK-bandwagon, now or ever.

Loyalty is important.  Without it, we turn into a transactional society where relationships are brief and ephemeral.  Leaving is not always the best option.  I see this more and more in the law business, where firms invest large sums of money and time into developing their young associates, only to see them leave for greener pastures.  I should say "so-called" greener pastures.  

While I agree that what is best for the student athlete is an important consideration, it seems that the flip side of the coin -- loyalty to the institution -- always takes a back seat, if indeed there is any room in the car at all for such an antiquated notion as loyalty.  In our society over the past 20 years or so the concept of "loyalty" has been degraded, it seems, into something akin to subservience and passivity.  This, of course, is wrong.  

Brandon Wood says he is a Valpo guy (or words to that effect).  What he says is important but I also go by what he does.  And what he is doing is not loyal to the university.  Sorry, that's the way I feel, and I shouldn't be derided because I place importance on loyalty.  I will pass, thank you, on watching broadcasts of the MSU games next year (if in fact that is where he is going) since there will be at least a couple references in each telecast to the fact that he left VU for another school.  We can sugar coat it all we want, but here is the truth -- VU comes out looking like a loser, a second-tier institution not worthy of a pro-caliber athlete.  

It has been pointed out, sort of in defense to the idea that he can consider a transfer, that he attended class, will graduate on time, and was a good teammate.  That's nice, but, after all, as a scholarship athlete he was supposed to do those things.  

I am sure he is a nice young man from a good family.  But what he is doing is, in my opinion anyway, disloyal to VU and Coach Drew, and I will not yield to political correctness and join those who say this is an acceptable decision on his part.  Paul

Paul,  I appreciate your viewpoint and fully understand where you are coming from. No doubt it will not reflect well on Valpo, still, to follow your thinking, isn't it a two way street?

Consider the student athlete, let's use Chris Halvorsen as an example, who comes to Valpo at the invitation of the school and coaching staff, only to find out that they aren't good enough, and, although there may not be a direct indication that leaving is required, it is abunduntly clear that the player just isn't cutting it.  Get my point?  What's the difference??

He isn't gone....yet.
By no means am I going to try and change your opinion here.  I don't think he really owes the university anything.  He played through his graduation and is moving on.  I'm not sure I buy the whole VU doesn't have the grad program I want excuse but that is the loophole they are using.  If he leaves, I will not be watching any MSU games (but that is mainly because I don't watch much college basketball outside the HL).  If he leaves, Valpo will play with the team that Homer puts together, which will again be competitive.  If he leaves, we will mostly forget about him after the next year or so since the teams he was on during his time here never really amounted to anything.  

However, if he comes back and is able to set some scoring marks or lead this team into post season success and get himself drafted, then he will become something of a legend (I'm not sure legend is the right word, but I think you get what I'm going for).

Regardless, I hope he makes a decision soon so we can start talking about something else.

I think it's a big risk. He will get better practicing against better players, yes.
But, it could backfire on him in that his weaknesses will be exposed playing at a higher level.
I seem to recall that happened with Lubos Barton. He believed that his senior year hurt him as far as a potential NBA career, that he maybe would have had a better shot at the NBA after his junior year. Of course, Lubos has done quite well for himself playing in Europe.

Wow, Brandon Wood, a graduate of Valparaiso University is being disloyal to VU?

Well hell, I guess that certainly means that this guy was also disloyal, you know since he graduated from Minnesota State or wherever and abandoned the team after one year:

http://www.ardenskoglundmusic.com/index.html (http://www.ardenskoglundmusic.com/index.html)

Although, on this board, he'll probably get a pass because he quit basketball to focus on music and youth ministry.  I mean after all, we have to save the vitriol for those student athletes that come here and actually graduate.

I swear this board amazes me sometimes.

Quote from: crusaderjoe on May 03, 2011, 09:55:41 PM
Wow, Brandon Wood, a graduate of Valparaiso University is being disloyal to VU?

Well hell, I guess that certainly means that this guy was also disloyal, you know since he graduated from Minnesota State or wherever and abandoned the team after one year:

http://www.ardenskoglundmusic.com/index.html (http://www.ardenskoglundmusic.com/index.html)

Although, on this board, he'll probably get a pass because he quit basketball to focus on music and youth ministry.  I mean after all, we have to save the vitriol for those student athletes that come here and actually graduate.

I swear this board amazes me sometimes.

I could not agree more. brandon is GRADUATING. how is it being disloyal to leave? he is released from commitment to the institution, since he finished his undergraduate education. i mean, are you still bound to your wife if she dies? are you disloyal to her for remarrying if she dies? obviously not. kind of starting to get into a different topic there though...

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 03, 2011, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: crusaderjoe on May 03, 2011, 09:55:41 PM
Wow, Brandon Wood, a graduate of Valparaiso University is being disloyal to VU?

Well hell, I guess that certainly means that this guy was also disloyal, you know since he graduated from Minnesota State or wherever and abandoned the team after one year:

http://www.ardenskoglundmusic.com/index.html (http://www.ardenskoglundmusic.com/index.html)

Although, on this board, he'll probably get a pass because he quit basketball to focus on music and youth ministry.  I mean after all, we have to save the vitriol for those student athletes that come here and actually graduate.

I swear this board amazes me sometimes.

I could not agree more. brandon is GRADUATING. how is it being disloyal to leave? he is released from commitment to the institution, since he finished his undergraduate education. i mean, are you still bound to your wife if she dies? are you disloyal to her for remarrying if she dies? obviously not. kind of starting to get into a different topic there though...

I am going to agree here...Would it be better if he said "Hey, I have my degree, I am done with basketball", even though he could still go to school for free and had remaining eligibility? Hmm...

He's trying to position himself to further his career, and if his potential employeers tell him it would be easier to hire him if he practiced his craft at another institution, who are we to argue?

I wish Brandon the best, whatever that may be!

Quotei mean, are you still bound to your wife if she dies? are you disloyal to her for remarrying if she dies? obviously not. kind of starting to get into a different topic there though...

What if your wife leaves you for some other guy who has more money and is better looking?

Arden Skoglund was a terrible basketball player. That's a fact. I think he recognized it and realized he could be doing better things with his time and left. There's nothing similar going on here.

It's disloyal because when you get a scholarship you're expected to use all of your eligibility with that team. Granted sometimes there are situations where a player needs to leave (change in coaches, lack of playing time, disagreement with the coaches that can't be reconciled, issues at home, etc), but for the most part players should stay all 4 years. There's no extenuating circumstances that warrant a transfer.

Like I've said before, if Brandon goes to the NBA or Europe I'll be disappointed but I understand. Going to another Division 1 team is another story. How anyone can be ok with a Big Ten school coming in and taking our best player is beyond me.

I'm a fan of the Valpo basketball TEAM. I root for individual players because they're a part of that team. Brandon's actions are going to leave this team worse off. I can't be happy about that.

First of all everyone should stop assuming the team is going to be "worse off". There is a lot of talent on the team and if you are a "team" fan you will support whether Brandon is there or not. Now my thoughts on his leaving - Its selfish, point blank. When he was at another institution and didn't get playing time, or get handed the keys to do what he wanted, Valpo accepted him as a transfer and did hand him the keys. The coaching staff put him in the position to garner the notoriety and interest that he has now. Valpo gave him the outlet to become the player he is and now he wants to leave? This strikes me as someone who has decided that his talent is now bigger than the program. When you put yourself first - selfish.

I agree with another poster that if he was graduating and done with ball or had no eligibility it would be a differnet story. But he does have eligibility and is deciding that bigger is better. Its a slap in the face to the coaching staff that brought him in and allowed to grow as a player - without Valpo he wouldn't even have the option to go to a bigger school, if he did he would have done that to begin after he transferred two years ago from a school that didn't give him what he wanted.

While Brandon was definitely a contributor and good athlete, he was not the only one. Go back and look at some games... maybe if he wasn't the focal point others would have contributed more. Now they will get that chance to play as a team versus the B Wood show.

Since he is now a non factor - move on, quit talking about him and focus on the group that is now the team!

And mj - be happy that someone who doesn't want to be here is gone - this will change the chemistry and morale for the better.

There are rules that are established by NCAA.  All parties are following the rules.  This is not this big of a deal.  He is getting a Masters Degree from an institition which will further his career, both on the court for a few years and off the court for the rest of his life.

He graduated from VU.  He has options.  He contributed to the school. 

Let it go.

lowposter

As much as I'd like to see Brandon stay, ultimately I hope he is successful wherever he lands.  He has a VU degree, and has been an asset to the program and a credit to the university.

As I see it, his choice involves some risk.  If he stays at Valpo, he could be a senior leader and the top player in the HL.  If Valpo makes a run in the NCAA tournament (and with Wood, I like our chances next year!), he could average 20 ppg and clearly be a first round draft pick.  He'll be the guy everyone knows.

The choice to go to Michigan State or a similar program is risky because he only has 1 year.  If he has a great year in the Big 10, he'll average 13-15 ppg which would place him at or near the top 10 in conference scoring.  If he has an OK year, it is 9-10 ppg and he is a top 30 player, who will get some looks in the draft.  If he ends up as a sixth man or doesn't quite get big minutes, he'll get lost and end up going to Europe to play.

Again, it is the risk for him of what he knows versus what he doesn't know;  how he gells with his teammates, the system and the coaches in a relatively short time frame.  Plus, the level of competition is higher in the Big 10, but that cuts both ways in that he'll be better defended.  It is a tough call, though I hope for the best for him.

Quote from: lowposter on May 04, 2011, 09:33:36 AM
There are rules that are established by NCAA.  All parties are following the rules.  This is not this big of a deal.  He is getting a Masters Degree from an institition which will further his career, both on the court for a few years and off the court for the rest of his life.

He graduated from VU.  He has options.  He contributed to the school. 

Let it go.

lowposter

Once again Lowposter and I have reached the same conclusions. The only thing I will add is that for Brandon to have any kind of NBA run, he must do so from the point and we have more point guards than we know what to do with. I will also add that Brandon is unlikely to end his basketball career with anything close to set-for-life financial success, so his Masters Degree choice and plans for what he would like to do after basketball should be of critical importance.

Let's be clear about one thing, while I wish Brandon all the best if he decides to tranfer, his Masters IS NOT what is behind this.  No matter what kind of smoke screen you try to put up, this is about exposure and basketball.  My guess is he will end up no better than where he will be if he stays here and that is in Europe, but I've always regretted that I didn't take some chances when I was younger, and if he feels this is his best chance, then so be it.....I hope it works for him, but it's NOT about education.

Quote from: rlh on May 04, 2011, 03:38:29 PM
Let's be clear about one thing, while I wish Brandon all the best if he decides to tranfer, his Masters IS NOT what is behind this.  No matter what kind of smoke screen you try to put up, this is about exposure and basketball.  My guess is he will end up no better than where he will be if he stays here and that is in Europe, but I've always regretted that I didn't take some chances when I was younger, and if he feels this is his best chance, then so be it.....I hope it works for him, but it's NOT about education.

Have you talked to Brandon and his father about this directly?

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 04, 2011, 07:03:22 PM

Quote from: rlh on May 04, 2011, 03:38:29 PM
Let's be clear about one thing, while I wish Brandon all the best if he decides to tranfer, his Masters IS NOT what is behind this.  No matter what kind of smoke screen you try to put up, this is about exposure and basketball.  My guess is he will end up no better than where he will be if he stays here and that is in Europe, but I've always regretted that I didn't take some chances when I was younger, and if he feels this is his best chance, then so be it.....I hope it works for him, but it's NOT about education.

Have you talked to Brandon and his father about this directly?

C'mon?  Are you serious?  I'm sorry, but I'm with rlh on this one, anybody who thinks that this transfer has anything to do with academics, other than providing a means for a loophole, is either completely ignorant or just plain dumb.

At some point in time, probably sooner than later, the Masters Degree which he earns will come into play.  So, if he can earn that degree which will be helpful in his adult life, more power to him.

I am not ignorant, but perhaps dumb...but rules are in place.  He is well within the rules to do this.  The NCAA has generated plenty of rules to govern their body, many of which are head scratchers.  Whether this is a loop hole or not (and in my mind it will be used quite a bit going forward), this is a method for mature athletes (probably the average age of such players will be 23 years old) to transfer quickly.

Let's face it, the next school will be Brandon's fourth stop.  This is very typical of his age.  The days of cradle to grave job security are over.  Young people move quickly from one job to another...always in search of a better place.

Perhaps there is a master degree eligible player out there with another year left.  Perhaps this player is a backup center at another program with limited playing time.   In that case, what tune would we be singing?

Quote from: valpofan56 on May 04, 2011, 08:09:05 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 04, 2011, 07:03:22 PM

Quote from: rlh on May 04, 2011, 03:38:29 PM
Let's be clear about one thing, while I wish Brandon all the best if he decides to tranfer, his Masters IS NOT what is behind this.  No matter what kind of smoke screen you try to put up, this is about exposure and basketball.  My guess is he will end up no better than where he will be if he stays here and that is in Europe, but I've always regretted that I didn't take some chances when I was younger, and if he feels this is his best chance, then so be it.....I hope it works for him, but it's NOT about education.

Have you talked to Brandon and his father about this directly?

C'mon?  Are you serious?  I'm sorry, but I'm with rlh on this one, anybody who thinks that this transfer has anything to do with academics, other than providing a means for a loophole, is either completely ignorant or just plain dumb.

Relax.  All I'm saying is that we shouldn't talk with such certainty about things when we haven't gone straight to the source. 

Anyways, this "loophole" business is really kind of stupid.  It's a rule, not a loophole.  Brandon is graduating from the university and is not obligated to us in any way.  He is not being sneaky or underhanded (as the term loophole insinuates), he is simply taking advantage of a clearly stated rule.

Maybe this has been mentioned, but why are the players held to such a standard of loyalty?  Homer is one of the rare exceptions, but how often do hot mid-major coaches abandon their programs when a better opportunity comes along?  Why is Brandon being vilified as disloyal when this is standard practice for coaches?

DCValpo....I think we are talking about two different things.  I don't question Brandon's right to transfer and if he feels Michigan State is a better place for him, more power to him as I said before.  What I said, and believe, is that it is being masked as an educational move.  I'm not that unaware, it is not educational, it is because he feels it will help him basketball-wise.  I don't think anyone really doubts that...does he owe VU anything, No, never said he did....I just question those who are trying to make this an educational situation when it is not.  As I've said many times before, I really wish him the best and hope it works for him, but I don't think it will help him in the long run, and it could really hurt him.  I'd hate to see that happen.

His decision is made and just waiting for the formality of the release to go thru.  We all need to move on.......

I wish him the best of luck.  However, he still needs to learn how to play better defense and play team ball.  Those two areas have to be better if he wants a lot of mins at State.  He lead Valpo in assists but a times was very selfish.  Even after playing at State he will not be in the NBA.  Reality is he is nowhere near NBA good.

Would you rank him in the top 10 Valpo players since the 90's?  I have (in order):
Bryce Drew
Lubos Barton
Zoran Viskovic
Anthony Allison
Raitis Grafs
Dan Oppland
Casey Schmidt
Milo Stovall
Tony Vilcinskas
Ali Beridel (we need to face it, he was good..)

Quote from: mj on May 04, 2011, 12:26:45 AM

Quotei mean, are you still bound to your wife if she dies? are you disloyal to her for remarrying if she dies? obviously not. kind of starting to get into a different topic there though...

What if your wife leaves you for some other guy who has more money and is better looking?

Arden Skoglund was a terrible basketball player. That's a fact. I think he recognized it and realized he could be doing better things with his time and left. There's nothing similar going on here.

It's disloyal because when you get a scholarship you're expected to use all of your eligibility with that team. Granted sometimes there are situations where a player needs to leave (change in coaches, lack of playing time, disagreement with the coaches that can't be reconciled, issues at home, etc), but for the most part players should stay all 4 years. There's no extenuating circumstances that warrant a transfer.

Like I've said before, if Brandon goes to the NBA or Europe I'll be disappointed but I understand. Going to another Division 1 team is another story. How anyone can be ok with a Big Ten school coming in and taking our best player is beyond me.

I'm a fan of the Valpo basketball TEAM. I root for individual players because they're a part of that team. Brandon's actions are going to leave this team worse off. I can't be happy about that.

if your wife leaves you for somebody else then she is still alive. so you are bound to her legally until you divorce or she dies. enough of that analogy though, i don't want this to get into something else! i thought the scholarships are renewed every year? he does not owe us anything as far i am concerned.

I've probably said similar things in earlier posts on this, but this is really not an issue of being disloyal or loopholes. For Brandon, the choices about his playing role for Valpo or another school have been discussed -- either stay and be an HL POY candidate or go to a new program, new conference and have to adjust quickly to be successful. But what I'm not sure has been clearly discussed is that this is also a "master's degree" opportunity in hoops too. Brandon has learned a great deal from Homer and the coaching staff. He has excelled under that teaching and this program. He took full advantage of Valpo and its educational opportunities too. (Brandon, congratulations on earning your degree and being able to have this choice). Homer is an HOF caliber coach. Among the all-time active wins leaders in all of men's hoops. But, Brandon received an offer to play for what many argue is another HOF caliber coach and one of the best strategists in the game, someone who has been recruited to coach in the NBA (not that that is so great). Someone who has rings for Nat'l Champs. BWood has a chance to play and earn a Master's Degree in hoops from one of the top tier hoops institutions. It's like going to University of Chicago or Yale for Law School and to be taught and challenged by the most brilliant minds in that field. It's akin to many of our Valpo experiences. Valpo was a terrific opportunity for me to excel and test boundaries. But when I had a choice of post-grad education for my profession, besides Valpo, I looked at schools ranked higher for that profession and so did my buddies, and I firmly believed and wanted to test the waters against the next level of competition. But I was in that position because the outstanding professors (coaches) at Valpo prepared me for that competition. I ultimately chose that different school and I don't think many would challenge my loyalty to Valpo today. If you have that desire to want to test yourself, you logically believe that going to an MSU-level serves that purpose in hoops.

However, I will continue to lobby for him to stay and push himself to make himself and this team legendary, and that the Horizon has proved again this year that it has enough talent and ability to play with the big conference teams. But if he wants his classroom to be in East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Columbus and Madison or Cameron, Dean Dome and Maryland, it's hard to argue with that. He has earned that right to use the Rule to explore his options. Noentheless, whatever he chooses, it is a testament to Coach and the staff and Valpo that it has developed a player who now has choices. Yeah, it would hurt to lose that talent from Valpo, but is it any different from the CC scholarship student choosing to go to Northwestern Law when they could have stayed at Valpo Law. If the Valpo student succeeds at NW Law it proves how well prepared he was by that Valpo and that CC program and ishould be Exhibit A for why other students should come to Valpo. What is disappointing are the personal potshots that he is being selfish and disloyal. It's similar to saying a player who leaves early to the NBA is being selfish. It may be in their self-interest, but from the media and other personal accounts, BWood is doing this the right way -- systematically, professionally, process-focused, weighing his options. Seems like he has learned a lot from Valpo, including maturity.

And 78, the loyalty ship is a 2-way road. In the legal profession that you referred to, the ship sailed 15-20 years ago when partnerhips erected roadblocks and hurdles for young lawyers to become equity partners, meaning why stay too long if there is no golden rainbow at the end of 8-10 years, best to find what is best for your career plans and act on it sooner. In the business world, loyalty from corporations has had to give way to cost-cutting restructurings, focus on productivity, costs of legacy and worker benefit systems and portability of plans. Long-term futures at the company you hired into are uncertain and that's not a value judgment but cold facts. Last time I checked, most of us were "at will" employees. The younger generation has had to reinvent itself for survival in that world. Yes, they believe themselves free agents. It just mean they might learn earlier as to whether the grass is greener elsewhere or if they should pursue their vocation sooner?

Well said, 84.

As I've posted before, there are two Masters programs at Valpo that fit with Brandon's undergrad degree, so I'm with rlh. Clearly it is about basketball only and I understand that and wish him well.

Quote from: vu72 on May 05, 2011, 06:59:37 AM
As I've posted before, there are two Masters programs at Valpo that fit with Brandon's undergrad degree, so I'm with rlh. Clearly it is about basketball only and I understand that and wish him well.

That's right...you can only do a Master's degree in your college major.  I'm surprised no one has tried to take away my M.Ed since I have a BA in Theology.

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 05, 2011, 07:54:18 AM

Quote from: vu72 on May 05, 2011, 06:59:37 AM
As I've posted before, there are two Masters programs at Valpo that fit with Brandon's undergrad degree, so I'm with rlh. Clearly it is about basketball only and I understand that and wish him well.

That's right...you can only do a Master's degree in your college major.  I'm surprised no one has tried to take away my M.Ed since I have a BA in Theology.

I didn't get the impression that '72 was saying there is a law requiring a connection between a bachelor's and a master's, only that he would be looking for a "fit" between the two - as most people do.  I'm not sure what your point is about your degrees.  I see a perfect "fit" between theology and education.  An excellent choice of complementary degrees. 

My point is that people are speaking with such certainty about things---how do any of us know what Brandon is thinking?  I refuse to put words in his mouth.  He has been nothing but a hard worker, great player, and good citizen at VU and we should wait to hear from him regarding his reasons.  Don't you hate when people make assumptions about you?

Not directed towards you, wh.  And thanks, the degrees have actually worked perfectly together.

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 05, 2011, 09:04:46 AM
My point is that people are speaking with such certainty about things---how do any of us know what Brandon is thinking?  I refuse to put words in his mouth.  He has been nothing but a hard worker, great player, and good citizen at VU and we should wait to hear from him regarding his reasons.  Don't you hate when people make assumptions about you?

You can hate it all you want, but there is no reason to think that a transfer to MSU isn't strictly about basketball.  If he were to stay in the NBA draft he certainly wouldn't be getting a Masters degree.  He transferred to Valpo for basketball, not a degree... he entered the draft for basketball, not a degree and he is transferring to MSU for basketball to help his chances to play professionally, and not the degree. 

Greg Paulus left Duke with a year of eligibility left and went to Syracuse to play football, it happens. I don't think Brandon is trying to paint the picture that he is going to MSU to get his Masters in something that he can't at Valpo.  It's all about bettering his chances at becoming a professional basketball player and there is no shame in that.

Quote from: valpo04 on May 05, 2011, 09:25:00 AM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 05, 2011, 09:04:46 AM
My point is that people are speaking with such certainty about things---how do any of us know what Brandon is thinking?  I refuse to put words in his mouth.  He has been nothing but a hard worker, great player, and good citizen at VU and we should wait to hear from him regarding his reasons.  Don't you hate when people make assumptions about you?

You can hate it all you want, but there is no reason to think that a transfer to MSU isn't strictly about basketball.  If he were to stay in the NBA draft he certainly wouldn't be getting a Masters degree.  He transferred to Valpo for basketball, not a degree... he entered the draft for basketball, not a degree and he is transferring to MSU for basketball to help his chances to play professionally, and not the degree. 

Greg Paulus left Duke with a year of eligibility left and went to Syracuse to play football, it happens. I don't think Brandon is trying to paint the picture that he is going to MSU to get his Masters in something that he can't at Valpo.  It's all about bettering his chances at becoming a professional basketball player and there is no shame in that.

Exactly the point I am trying to make.  There's nothing wrong with Brandon taking a chance that he feels will help him garner an NBA career...I don't think it will, but that's not my decision....but those that are trying to say it's because of educational opportunities are just blowin' smoke.  It's about basketball, and there's nothing wrong with that if that's his choice.  I truthfully hope it works for him, I just have doubts.....

Quote from: chairback on May 04, 2011, 10:11:53 PM
His decision is made and just waiting for the formality of the release to go thru.  We all need to move on.......

I wish him the best of luck.  However, he still needs to learn how to play better defense and play team ball.  Those two areas have to be better if he wants a lot of mins at State.  He lead Valpo in assists but a times was very selfish.  Even after playing at State he will not be in the NBA.  Reality is he is nowhere near NBA good.

Would you rank him in the top 10 Valpo players since the 90's?  I have (in order):
Bryce Drew
Lubos Barton
Zoran Viskovic
Anthony Allison
Raitis Grafs
Dan Oppland
Casey Schmidt
Milo Stovall
Tony Vilcinskas
Ali Beridel (we need to face it, he was good..)

Casey Schmidt should be much further up your list....I'd rate him 2nd, but certainly much higher than you have him, and Dave Redmon should be in the top 5 or 6 too.....

His choice is likely about basketball, but I'm not going to speak for him.  Maybe he wants a new challenge.  Maybe he likes the idea of a new basketball challenge AND getting a degree from a big state school.  Maybe he wants a different college experience.  I don't know all of his reasons, and neither do any of you.  Maybe you guys (rlh, valpo04, etc) are more level-headed and fair about this, but there are certainly several posters who have vilified Brandon.  He is following NCAA rules and has been great here at Valpo.  It is an embarrassment to us that people are speaking ill of Brandon or even not letting him speak for himself.  If people were talking this way about my son, on a message board I frequent, I would be really disappointed.

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 05, 2011, 09:39:17 AM
His choice is likely about basketball, but I'm not going to speak for him.  Maybe he wants a new challenge.  Maybe he likes the idea of a new basketball challenge AND getting a degree from a big state school.  Maybe he wants a different college experience.  I don't know all of his reasons, and neither do any of you.  Maybe you guys (rlh, valpo04, etc) are more level-headed and fair about this, but there are certainly several posters who have vilified Brandon.  He is following NCAA rules and has been great here at Valpo.  It is an embarrassment to us that people are speaking ill of Brandon or even not letting him speak for himself.  If people were talking this way about my son, on a message board I frequent, I would be really disappointed.

Well, he has spoken for himself:

Quote"I've talked a couple times with Draymond," Wood said. "We've talked about how we could work together on the court, and how I could be that last piece to make this team a contender for a national championship."

Quote"I'm just thankful and blessed to be in this position," Wood said. "It's obvious just by the people who've contacted me that my hard work has paid off. I've gotten better; I haven't gotten complacent, and it's known. People know that I put in the work and I feel blessed just to be in this position, to have an opportunity to play with some of the best programs and best colleges in the country."

He has at least publicly let it be known that he has "an opportunity to play with some of the best programs and best colleges in the country" and that he thinks he could possibly win a championship at MSU.  Those are more than enough reasons to take the opportunity if its available.   The Masters rule is the instrument that is getting him there and good for him for taking advantage of it.

Lol anyone who believes that this is about anything other than basketball, i have a few magic beans i'm letting go for the low low price or 2 million bucks.

Quote from: rlh on May 05, 2011, 09:31:18 AM

Quote from: chairback on May 04, 2011, 10:11:53 PM
His decision is made and just waiting for the formality of the release to go thru.  We all need to move on.......

I wish him the best of luck.  However, he still needs to learn how to play better defense and play team ball.  Those two areas have to be better if he wants a lot of mins at State.  He lead Valpo in assists but a times was very selfish.  Even after playing at State he will not be in the NBA.  Reality is he is nowhere near NBA good.

Would you rank him in the top 10 Valpo players since the 90's?  I have (in order):
Bryce Drew
Lubos Barton
Zoran Viskovic
Anthony Allison
Raitis Grafs
Dan Oppland
Casey Schmidt
Milo Stovall
Tony Vilcinskas
Ali Beridel (we need to face it, he was good..)

Casey Schmidt should be much further up your list....I'd rate him 2nd, but certainly much higher than you have him, and Dave Redmon should be in the top 5 or 6 too.....

In my humble opinion, Schmidt was a softer version of Cory with a bit better shooting touch.  I will grant you that he was good, but not great.  Prove me wrong!

Quote from: rlh on May 05, 2011, 09:31:18 AM

Quote from: chairback on May 04, 2011, 10:11:53 PM
His decision is made and just waiting for the formality of the release to go thru.  We all need to move on.......

I wish him the best of luck.  However, he still needs to learn how to play better defense and play team ball.  Those two areas have to be better if he wants a lot of mins at State.  He lead Valpo in assists but a times was very selfish.  Even after playing at State he will not be in the NBA.  Reality is he is nowhere near NBA good.

Would you rank him in the top 10 Valpo players since the 90's?  I have (in order):
Bryce Drew
Lubos Barton
Zoran Viskovic
Anthony Allison
Raitis Grafs
Dan Oppland
Casey Schmidt
Milo Stovall
Tony Vilcinskas
Ali Beridel (we need to face it, he was good..)

Casey Schmidt should be much further up your list....I'd rate him 2nd, but certainly much higher than you have him, and Dave Redmon should be in the top 5 or 6 too.....

I thought Redmon and Tracy Gibson were missing from this list as well.  I might have Urule up there before Ali as well.

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 05, 2011, 12:27:59 PM

Quote from: rlh on May 05, 2011, 09:31:18 AM

Quote from: chairback on May 04, 2011, 10:11:53 PM
His decision is made and just waiting for the formality of the release to go thru.  We all need to move on.......

I wish him the best of luck.  However, he still needs to learn how to play better defense and play team ball.  Those two areas have to be better if he wants a lot of mins at State.  He lead Valpo in assists but a times was very selfish.  Even after playing at State he will not be in the NBA.  Reality is he is nowhere near NBA good.

Would you rank him in the top 10 Valpo players since the 90's?  I have (in order):
Bryce Drew
Lubos Barton
Zoran Viskovic
Anthony Allison
Raitis Grafs
Dan Oppland
Casey Schmidt
Milo Stovall
Tony Vilcinskas
Ali Beridel (we need to face it, he was good..)

Casey Schmidt should be much further up your list....I'd rate him 2nd, but certainly much higher than you have him, and Dave Redmon should be in the top 5 or 6 too.....

In my humble opinion, Schmidt was a softer version of Cory with a bit better shooting touch.  I will grant you that he was good, but not great.  Prove me wrong!

I said I'd rate him 2nd...that's my opinion.....is there a reason you keep trying to antagonize people on this board?

He doesn't compare to most--different positions.  As for who he does compare with, I'd say he is the second best guard we have had and that is saying a bunch. As for the NBA, we'll just have to wait and see.

Quote from: rlh on May 05, 2011, 03:07:15 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 05, 2011, 12:27:59 PM

Quote from: rlh on May 05, 2011, 09:31:18 AM

Quote from: chairback on May 04, 2011, 10:11:53 PM
His decision is made and just waiting for the formality of the release to go thru.  We all need to move on.......

I wish him the best of luck.  However, he still needs to learn how to play better defense and play team ball.  Those two areas have to be better if he wants a lot of mins at State.  He lead Valpo in assists but a times was very selfish.  Even after playing at State he will not be in the NBA.  Reality is he is nowhere near NBA good.

Would you rank him in the top 10 Valpo players since the 90's?  I have (in order):
Bryce Drew
Lubos Barton
Zoran Viskovic
Anthony Allison
Raitis Grafs
Dan Oppland
Casey Schmidt
Milo Stovall
Tony Vilcinskas
Ali Beridel (we need to face it, he was good..)

Casey Schmidt should be much further up your list....I'd rate him 2nd, but certainly much higher than you have him, and Dave Redmon should be in the top 5 or 6 too.....

In my humble opinion, Schmidt was a softer version of Cory with a bit better shooting touch.  I will grant you that he was good, but not great.  Prove me wrong!

I said I'd rate him 2nd...that's my opinion.....is there a reason you keep trying to antagonize people on this board?

I'm sorry rlh, just having a tough week and trying to stir up some conversation.  I apologize for offending you.

Quote from: 78crusader on May 03, 2011, 08:37:39 PM
I'm not going to jump on the If-it's-best-for-Brandon-it's-OK-bandwagon, now or ever.

Loyalty is important.  Without it, we turn into a transactional society where relationships are brief and ephemeral.  Leaving is not always the best option.  I see this more and more in the law business, where firms invest large sums of money and time into developing their young associates, only to see them leave for greener pastures.  I should say "so-called" greener pastures.  

While I agree that what is best for the student athlete is an important consideration, it seems that the flip side of the coin -- loyalty to the institution -- always takes a back seat, if indeed there is any room in the car at all for such an antiquated notion as loyalty.  In our society over the past 20 years or so the concept of "loyalty" has been degraded, it seems, into something akin to subservience and passivity.  This, of course, is wrong.  

Brandon Wood says he is a Valpo guy (or words to that effect).  What he says is important but I also go by what he does.  And what he is doing is not loyal to the university.  Sorry, that's the way I feel, and I shouldn't be derided because I place importance on loyalty.  I will pass, thank you, on watching broadcasts of the MSU games next year (if in fact that is where he is going) since there will be at least a couple references in each telecast to the fact that he left VU for another school.  We can sugar coat it all we want, but here is the truth -- VU comes out looking like a loser, a second-tier institution not worthy of a pro-caliber athlete.  

It has been pointed out, sort of in defense to the idea that he can consider a transfer, that he attended class, will graduate on time, and was a good teammate.  That's nice, but, after all, as a scholarship athlete he was supposed to do those things.  

I am sure he is a nice young man from a good family.  But what he is doing is, in my opinion anyway, disloyal to VU and Coach Drew, and I will not yield to political correctness and join those who say this is an acceptable decision on his part.  Paul

Emotionally, I feel the way you do, Paul.  I'm just not sure I can justify how I feel.  Of course, my angle is different: I'm a fan who is hurt that the team I follow isn't good enough anymore for him.  I wish he would say, "I'd like to take VU to that next level" instead of going somewhere that is already at that next level.

At the same time, I think you're probably angry that you can't lock the barn door only to be told that the horse left years ago.  People stopped putting academics above sports ages ago.  I'd like to think they are on even terms at Valpo (and at Butler, and perhaps at the other HL schools, though I don't know enough to be sure).

And frankly, I'm not sure there's anything wrong with that.  But it means that there are competing goals at work.  On the other hand, students are training for a professional career.  If they go to graduate school, they often trade up.  And Brandon is training for a career in professional basketball.

Perhaps we could say that Brandon should've gone to a big school to begin with, but of course, that's not something you can just do, you have to be wanted there first.  Like it or not, we developed him, but we probably can't shepherd him to the finish line that he's looking for, not like MSU can.

Again, the fan in me couldn't care less.  I can't stop dreaming about what next year could be like with him leading the way.  But, that's not exactly a healthy attitude on my part either.  You might say I'm being selfish.

Quote from: rlh on May 05, 2011, 09:31:18 AM
Casey Schmidt should be much further up your list....

Apparently he started his professional career playing here in Geneva,
small world!  (Also, apparently, he has a German passport.)

http://valpoathletics.com/news/default/173/10795/ (http://valpoathletics.com/news/default/173/10795/)

Okie Dokie....time to move on

:(

He's not even officially withdrawn from the draft yet, has he?

Best of luck at Michigan State, BWood.  I hope it works out well for you.
It could have been a great season at Valpo!

And, indeed, time to move on.

Some quotes from the press release:

Homer:
"We are very pleased that Brandon will be graduating from Valparaiso University," said Drew.  "He has had two wonderful years here where we saw him grow, both on the floor as a basketball player and off the floor as a person.  We will miss him."

Brandon:

"First of all, I just want to thank God for putting my family and I in the positions we are in, both on and off the court," said Wood.  "He's blessed me with two great years living, going to school and playing basketball in Valparaiso.  Most importantly, over these last two years, I have grown as a man."

"I have been provided abundant resources by the coaching staff in order to graduate with a sports marketing and business degree, and was given the opportunity to work on my game and get better every day," said Wood.  "Without these things, I would not be where I am today, and I would like to thank Coach Homer Drew and his staff for taking me under their wing."

Hopefully he can make it to the professional ranks and then make his alumni donations quite substantial.

Rlh, vu72 and some of the other long time posters---

How will we fill the void created by Brandon leaving?  Do we look to Kenney to step up?  More scoring from Buggs?  Maybe one of the new guys can step in and add some scoring punch?  Would like to hear your perspective on this..

Also, I must eat some crow here and admit that it certainly does look like Brandon is leaving for basketball-related reasons.  I truly believed that this young man simply wanted a different educational pursuit.  How foolish of me to assume that after all the games we have attended, the pep rallies we have supported, the BWood merch that has been purchased, and not to mention the blood sweat and tears that Homer has poured into him, that he would be loyal to us?  Well, I hope he enjoys his time in Michigan with Coach Izzo, but I for one am now convinced this is addition by subtraction.  Good riddance to all who don't want to be here.

This one stings.

Quote from: rlh on May 06, 2011, 11:22:34 AM
Okie Dokie....time to move on

:thumbsup:

Like most, I would have preferred that Brandon stay, be the Horizon League Player of the Year, and perhaps help the team win its first league championship. Undoubtedly, the team would have been stronger with him in the lineup. It will be interesting to see if his gamble pays off, and I can't blame him for taking the step.

Time to face reality and rebuild the team without Brandon as the prime scorer. Though it is hard to imagine, I hope the new guys can make up for the loss of Brandon and Homer discovers an ace up his sleeve in last-minute recruiting.  

Finally, good luck to Brandon!

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 06, 2011, 12:14:14 PM
Rlh, vu72 and some of the other long time posters---

How will we fill the void created by Brandon leaving?  Do we look to Kenney to step up?  More scoring from Buggs?  Maybe one of the new guys can step in and add some scoring punch?  Would like to hear your perspective on this..

Also, I must eat some crow here and admit that it certainly does look like Brandon is leaving for basketball-related reasons.  I truly believed that this young man simply wanted a different educational pursuit.  How foolish of me to assume that after all the games we have attended, the pep rallies we have supported, the BWood merch that has been purchased, and not to mention the blood sweat and tears that Homer has poured into him, that he would be loyal to us?  Well, I hope he enjoys his time in Michigan with Coach Izzo, but I for one am now convinced this is addition by subtraction.  Good riddance to all who don't want to be here.

This one stings.

The "whose going to score the points " question is a good one, and I need to be careful here because in no way do I want to imply that Brandon will be easily replaced.  I do think however, if you looked back to the year after Bryce left, that the total points per game for the team didn't drop off much if at all.

I did just check a couple of things: Brandon was our leading scorer but also took the most shots.  He took 22.3% of the total shots and scored 22.8% of the points.

Ryan Broekhoff on the other hand, took 12.9% of the shots and scored 14.1% of the points.

Not sure what my point is other than to say that we have plenty of guys who can score and my guess is that nobody will take 22% of the shots. At this point it is hard to say what a team will throw at us defensively and that includes who might be double teamed leaving others open.

Guys like Ryan, Matt, Jay and the new guys all can score and will obviously need to take on a different role next year rather than assuming Brandon will handle the bulk of the scoring.

I think this frees Broekhoff up to be the scorer and leader many of us think he can be....and I think Jay Harris will pick up the rest of the scoring slack.  I'm not worried about Brandon's scoring, more about his passing...but hopefully Buggs will be better with another years experience, Kurth we know can run a team, Kenney will be even better if he can keep his ankles from twisting,  and I'm very interested to see what Boggs, Edwards and Jakolis add to the mix.  I've made no secret of the fact that I think Brandon leaving will not accomplish what he thinks it will, but I do wish him the best and hope he finds what he's looking for.  (I'm more concerned that Izzo apparently contacted him first)  I think he's a European player at best and will be after MSU as well.  I'm afraid he might get lost there, certainly he is not going to be an All-Big 10 player in my opinion, but as I've said before I wish I'd taken some chances I didn't take when I was younger.  All in all, I think Valparaiso will be just fine and I look for us to be in the hunt again next year....Now if VU and Cam can play at all and Kevin's back improves, we may shock a few people.

Wood is now top of the VU-spite list that includes:  Diebler's brother, Scott Martin, Robbie Hummell, Kenny George, and Bryan Bouchie.  

I admire all of the "good luck" comments but pretty crappy that he is leaving the girl that got him to the prom.  Big black eye on program that clearly stamps us as "not big time" or "able to help folks get to next level".

Broader question is about the value Bryce Drew is brining (or not bringing) to the program as an ex-NBA player.  This needs to be considered by ML - and likely will not.

You cannot blame the kid for leaving.

I think what hurts the most is next season could have been one hell of a ride.

Is everyone happy now? Our best player just left because we weren't good enough for him.

Also, I'm not going to fault Bouchie for leaving the program. He clearly has some issues going on with him, considering he now completely out of college basketball.

Quote from: mj on May 06, 2011, 03:22:37 PM
Is everyone happy now? Our best player just left because we weren't good enough for him.

Also, I'm not going to fault Bouchie for leaving the program. He clearly has some issues going on with him, considering he now completely out of college basketball.

I don't think anyone here is happy... let's get that straight.  

Some of us are just being more rational about it.  Would Butler fans be happy if Stevens left to take a job at a major?  No.  But if he did, I would understand why he left.  There are opportunities at major schools that mid-majors just can't provide, for players as well as coaches.  Especially when that mid-major hasn't even gotten to the NCAA tourney.

As a VU season ticket holder I am not happy that Brandon is leaving.  As a MSU alum, I will be rooting for his success.  Weird, eh?

If I were in Brandons position I might well have made the same decision.

I am willing to agree with all the earlier posts which believe that this move has more to do with future basketball success and less to do with education. I am also willing to agree that his future in pro-basketball will only be marginally increased. However both of these points are irrelevant.

The kid is sticking his neck out to better pursue his dream. How many times in your lives have you made choices that worked out incredibly well but for far differant reasons than you first expected? This type of move opens many new avenues for his future success in life and that is all that is important.

I wanted to get a conversation started on the Masters Degree thread, but no one was interested.

This is the new reality that schools have to monitor regarding their student athletes.  If you are too successful in moving the athletes thru your system, you are at risk at losing that player.  Particularly players which transfer in and gain a red-shirt year (at the school's expense). 

That obviously was not the case here, his redshirt year occurred at SIU, but in the past the student - athletes could use that extra year to load up on classes and graduate with a year remaining, thus using that extra year for an advanced degree.  Summer school and APC classes also give a tailwind to that occuring.

One of the mid major's advanatages has been the ability to keep their student athletes for a full four years of eligibility and that is often with an extra year of maturity due to transfer or red shirt.  Look for that to change, not a huge change, but something that will occur.  First at Bradley, now at VU.  This could be common at the mid majors that attract a certain level of student.

Just thinking out loud. 

As of 4:30 P.M. CDT, there is no mention of Brandon Wood transferring to Michigan State, on the MSU website.

I've already shared my thoughts ad nauseam about Brandon leaving so I won't get back into that.  I will just say that I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him for the past 2 years and wish him the very best in his new pursuit. 

Izzo weighs in.

http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238 (http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238)

Quote from: Pgmado on May 06, 2011, 05:30:25 PM
Izzo weighs in.

http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238 (http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238)

At the risk of again being labeled as stupid or dumb by 56 (which in reality is a great honor); I would like to venture that I believe Izzo owes us a future 2 for 1 with us getting the 2. Thoughts?

I have to get back to the Bulls, but might add a bit more later.

 :thumbsup:
I'd settle for a 1 for 1 with ours being held at the ARC instead of the UC.  I like your thought here!

Quote from: justducky on May 06, 2011, 08:05:22 PM

Quote from: Pgmado on May 06, 2011, 05:30:25 PM
Izzo weighs in.

http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238 (http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238)

At the risk of again being labeled as stupid or dumb by 56 (which in reality is a great honor); I would like to venture that I believe Izzo owes us a future 2 for 1 with us getting the 2. Thoughts?

I have to get back to the Bulls, but might add a bit more later.

Haha.  I actually agree with you that Izzo owes us.  Unfortunately, it will never happen.  I'd think the best we could hope for with a team like MSU is a 2-1 with our 1 actually being at the ARC instead of the United Center.

Quote from: 32 on May 06, 2011, 02:50:33 PM
Wood is now top of the VU-spite list that includes:  Diebler's brother, Scott Martin, Robbie Hummell, Kenny George, and Bryan Bouchie. 

Scott Martin and Rob Hummel (nice try on the spelling) don't belong on this list. Please.

Quote from: mj on May 04, 2011, 12:26:45 AM

Quotei mean, are you still bound to your wife if she dies? are you disloyal to her for remarrying if she dies? obviously not. kind of starting to get into a different topic there though...

What if your wife leaves you for some other guy who has more money and is better looking?

Arden Skoglund was a terrible basketball player. That's a fact. I think he recognized it and realized he could be doing better things with his time and left. There's nothing similar going on here.

It's disloyal because when you get a scholarship you're expected to use all of your eligibility with that team. Granted sometimes there are situations where a player needs to leave (change in coaches, lack of playing time, disagreement with the coaches that can't be reconciled, issues at home, etc), but for the most part players should stay all 4 years. There's no extenuating circumstances that warrant a transfer.

Like I've said before, if Brandon goes to the NBA or Europe I'll be disappointed but I understand. Going to another Division 1 team is another story. How anyone can be ok with a Big Ten school coming in and taking our best player is beyond me.

I'm a fan of the Valpo basketball TEAM. I root for individual players because they're a part of that team. Brandon's actions are going to leave this team worse off. I can't be happy about that.

We are discussing player loyalty, not player ability.  Therefore, your comments that relate to Arden Skoglund unfortunately border on absolute irrelevancy in this discussion.  

So let's see here:

1)  Arden Skoglund.  Left program.  As to loyalty, he gets a pass, since he left the program for Lutheran youth ministry reasons.  He wanted to either end or close out his career somewhere else.  Acceptable.

2)  Bryan Bouchie. Left program. As to loyalty, he gets a pass, since he left the program because he had personal issues.  He wanted to either end or close out his career somewhere else.  Acceptable.

3)  Brandon Wood.  Left program.  As to loyalty, eff this kid. He's a moron, you know, because he wanted to either end or close out his career somewhere else.   Oh by the way, he's a graduate of VU.  Unacceptable.

Like I said before, this board absolutely amazes me sometimes.

Any chance we can formalize our relationship with MSU, maybe become an unofficial farm team to MSU's big league club?  Maybe if they have a couple of big guys who need to develop, they could transfer here, sit out a year so they will graduate with a year of eligibility left, play for us a couple of years to develop, and then go back up to the big club for their last year.  At least we get some bigs we wouldn't normally have a chance at for a couple of years, and MSU gets more developed players to help them that last year.  Win win for everyone, right?

If you can't tell, I don't care much for this loophole.  I don't blame the kid for taking advantage of it, but it kind of reduces us to a developmental league for schools who already have all the recruiting advantages.  That's not an image I would like to have for my school.

He went from Southern Illinois to a junior college to Valpo and now Michigan State in five years. Until this past season, Brandon had never had the same coach in consecutive years since 7th grade. Moving from Valpo to Michigan State falls in the category of "normal" for the amount of times he's switched schools.

As a fan, I wish Brandon the best of luck next season, but I'm glad he'll be taking his talents to Michigan State. I think Valparaiso has a pretty solid team coming back next year, a team with multiple scoring options and a team where one guy doesn't need 20 shots a night. Brandon may have needed (or possibly taken) 20 shots a night. I don't think Broekhoff gives a damn if he scores 30 a night or 15, as long as the team is successful. That's not to say that Brandon didn't want the team to be successful, but for what he wants for his future, he would've needed to be this year's version of Norris Cole. Cleveland State rode that guy until the very end. If their season-ending loss to Charleston, there wasn't even another player who thought about shooting. I fear that's what would've happened next season and that's not the way to win games. (I don't think)

Now, one can argue that Brandon won't be a Norris Cole at Michigan State, but as he told me today "they don't have a dominant scorer and I hope I can fill that void." I wish him the best of luck, but I'm happy to take a starting lineup of Buggs, Harris, Kenney, Broekhoff and Van Wijk into next season.

Quote from: nkvu on May 06, 2011, 09:55:49 PM
Any chance we can formalize our relationship with MSU, maybe become an unofficial farm team to MSU's big league club?  Maybe if they have a couple of big guys who need to develop, they could transfer here, sit out a year so they will graduate with a year of eligibility left, play for us a couple of years to develop, and then go back up to the big club for their last year.  At least we get some bigs we wouldn't normally have a chance at for a couple of years, and MSU gets more developed players to help them that last year.  Win win for everyone, right?

If you can't tell, I don't care much for this loophole.  I don't blame the kid for taking advantage of it, but it kind of reduces us to a developmental league for schools who already have all the recruiting advantages.  That's not an image I would like to have for my school.

it's a rule...don't see why we think it's not as legitimate by calling it a loophole. i wish brandon wasn't leaving either, but i don't see it breaking the team. so i am not too worried. i really believe it's a clean move, since he has graduated.

I don't mind the loophole and I don't hold it against Brandon for taking advantage of it.  I felt we at Valpo overhyped him at times.  I think we will end up right near the same place without him as we would have with him.

And yet again, I want to wish Brandon the best of luck  (following his MSU layover) in his very successful professional basketball career..........overseas.

Quote from: valpofan56 on May 06, 2011, 08:24:09 PM

Quote from: justducky on May 06, 2011, 08:05:22 PM

Quote from: Pgmado on May 06, 2011, 05:30:25 PM
Izzo weighs in.

http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238 (http://nwitimes.com/app/blog/sports/?p=5238)

At the risk of again being labeled as stupid or dumb by 56 (which in reality is a great honor); I would like to venture that I believe Izzo owes us a future 2 for 1 with us getting the 2. Thoughts?

I have to get back to the Bulls, but might add a bit more later.

Haha.  I actually agree with you that Izzo owes us.  Unfortunately, it will never happen.  I'd think the best we could hope for with a team like MSU is a 2-1 with our 1 actually being at the ARC instead of the United Center.

I don't know but Izzo has always seemed to me to be a man with some character and integrity and so ( like Homer) is almost totally out of place in todays college sport sceen. Perhaps we can use this weakness to our advantage by publicly shaming him. Perhaps Homer and Bryce can go ESPN and cry uncontrollably just like the rest of us are doing. I'm sure the man has a breaking point, we just have to find it then leverage it to the maximum advantage.

Before I leave this subject for good I think that NKVU's farm team concept might merit some serious consideration. Our first priority as always should be to funnel Butler as much talent as possible thus ensuring them deep NCAA  runs that generate those big NCAA revenue splits that enable us to travel  the country so that we can play the best in college basketball (like Michigan State). Need I go further? The possibilities with other schools are endless.

And what better cover man than Homer Drew? It might be years before the NCAA starts to raise questions and by then I could have him trained to lie  through his teeth with a "how dare you question me?" look on his face. At worst we can always defend it as a logical extention of free market capitalism because we know the NCAA's respect for the dollar.

Enough- I'm beat.

QuoteI would like to venture that I believe Izzo owes us a future 2 for 1 with us getting the 2. Thoughts?

Valpo has a better chance of getting a home-and-home with Notre Dame Football than a 2-1 (with 2 in the ARC) with MSU.

By the way, as to the comment about Bryce, that was way off base. Wood doesn't go to MSU without very good coaching and in fact any guard that wants to improve their game just saw a way to do that. If Bryce can help a transfer/JUCO from SIllinois to be a starter at MSU/play "professionally," look at what they can do for me. Ask the question -- was BWood's total game much better than when he came in as just a shooter?

BWood and Izzo both had quotes about the level of coaching.

NKVU may be on to something on developing bigs for top schools. 3 good years of a big. The payoff is 75% revenue split on the return game at the United Center. Maybe a 1-1-1 program (one at the big school, one at ARC and one at United). We improve our revenues and have the services of the player for 3 years. I am starting to really like that idea. (not sure SI).

Finally, this actually opens up a bunch of shots for Jay Harris, who looks a lot like BWood, and could pick up double-digit scoring next year. His games against Butler and Iona were very encouraging. And playing more at the 2 will also feature more plays for him. Spread the other 10 shots around to Broekoff and the new guys and there is confidence this team will score. That hasn't been the issue as we have discussed, bringing defensive intensity to every possession is still critical.

For a moment, I thought we had 14 pages of posts after the official announcement!

But, I see that some thread merging has been going on.

"NKVU may be on to something on developing bigs for top schools. 3 good years of a big. The payoff is 75% revenue split on the return game at the United Center. Maybe a 1-1-1 program (one at the big school, one at ARC and one at United). We improve our revenues and have the services of the player for 3 years. I am starting to really like that idea. (not sure SI)."

Major league baseball teams often play a game with their AAA affiliate before the season starts, usually at the AAA park.  Why not us?  ;)

I think Valpo loses it's "star" player and improves it's team chemistry.  Take the good with the bad, it'll still be a good team next year.

Quote from: govalpogo on May 07, 2011, 03:45:07 PM
I think Valpo loses it's "star" player and improves it's team chemistry.  Take the good with the bad, it'll still be a good team next year.

I know this unpopular around here, but losing Cory isn't exactly going to make us weaker either. 

Quote from: 32 on May 06, 2011, 02:50:33 PM
Wood is now top of the VU-spite list that includes:  Diebler's brother, Scott Martin, Robbie Hummell, Kenny George, and Bryan Bouchie.  

I admire all of the "good luck" comments but pretty crappy that he is leaving the girl that got him to the prom.  Big black eye on program that clearly stamps us as "not big time" or "able to help folks get to next level".

Broader question is about the value Bryce Drew is brining (or not bringing) to the program as an ex-NBA player.  This needs to be considered by ML - and likely will not.

I am intrigued on how Jon Diebler made this list. He was the all time leading scorer in Ohio High School Basketball. Did he sign a letter of intent and then back out of it? Hate to break it to you but he was NEVER coming to Valpo. I would have loved him to play for the Brown and Gold but I don't think he can be on any spite list.

As for Wood, I am sad to see him go but glad we had him for 2 years. He transferred in from another school so we can't be too disappointed that he did the same thing to us. Here is hoping Homer can land someone else for next year.

Quote from: valpocleveland on May 08, 2011, 08:48:29 PM

Quote from: 32 on May 06, 2011, 02:50:33 PM
Wood is now top of the VU-spite list that includes:  Diebler's brother, Scott Martin, Robbie Hummell, Kenny George, and Bryan Bouchie.  

I admire all of the "good luck" comments but pretty crappy that he is leaving the girl that got him to the prom.  Big black eye on program that clearly stamps us as "not big time" or "able to help folks get to next level".

Broader question is about the value Bryce Drew is brining (or not bringing) to the program as an ex-NBA player.  This needs to be considered by ML - and likely will not.

I am intrigued on how Jon Diebler made this list. He was the all time leading scorer in Ohio High School Basketball. Did he sign a letter of intent and then back out of it? Hate to break it to you but he was NEVER coming to Valpo. I would have loved him to play for the Brown and Gold but I don't think he can be on any spite list.

As for Wood, I am sad to see him go but glad we had him for 2 years. He transferred in from another school so we can't be too disappointed that he did the same thing to us. Here is hoping Homer can land someone else for next year.

Jon Diebler verballed to Valpo when Jake signed.  He then backed out when Ohio State came callin'

Quote from: agibson on May 07, 2011, 09:40:25 AM
For a moment, I thought we had 14 pages of posts after the official announcement!

But, I see that some thread merging has been going on.

I thought the same thing!  

I don't understand all of the negativity around his decision, and bringing back a "spite" list.  These are young men looking out for their education and basketball playing future.  Some will make mistakes and get information from AAU coaches that may confict with what VU coaches and playing minutes tell them.  Brandon gave everything he had, both on the court and in the classroom - what more can we ask?  Yes, we are all disappointed that his talent will not be wearing the VU uniform next year, but his decision wasn't about loyalty - it was about his basketball and education future.  I wish him the best.  As for Hummel and Martin - who can blame them for choosing Purdue (and later Notre Dame in Martin's case)?  Both of these schools provide a good education and have very good basketball programs - with national exposure.  Getting a player of Bryce's talent is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  We should not expect other regional players to come to VU just because they are close in proximity.  

Even without BWood, I'm looking forward to next year's team.  There is much talent on the perimiter, with more than enough capable scorers to take over the scoring we'll miss without BWood.  

Can we stop thinking that education has to do with anything basketball related. The NCAA has you fooled. There are very few basketball players that are "student athletes".

Remember when Butler made their first National Championship and their players attended class that week. The media was shocked they attended class. That speaks volumes to the status of education in athletics. 

Quote from: mj on May 09, 2011, 01:30:38 PM
Can we stop thinking that education has to do with anything basketball related. The NCAA has you fooled. There are very few basketball players that are "student athletes".

Remember when Butler made their first National Championship and their players attended class that week. The media was shocked they attended class. That speaks volumes to the status of education in athletics. 

and the butler administration deserves to be commended highly for doing so. anybody know if they were in class the week prior this year as well? or was last year more of a fluke given that they didn't have to travel for the game.

Quote from: vuweathernerd on May 09, 2011, 08:27:42 PM

Quote from: mj on May 09, 2011, 01:30:38 PM
Can we stop thinking that education has to do with anything basketball related. The NCAA has you fooled. There are very few basketball players that are "student athletes".

Remember when Butler made their first National Championship and their players attended class that week. The media was shocked they attended class. That speaks volumes to the status of education in athletics. 

and the butler administration deserves to be commended highly for doing so. anybody know if they were in class the week prior this year as well? or was last year more of a fluke given that they didn't have to travel for the game.

i heard that they skyped into classes and also typed papers and turned them in during the final four.

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 09, 2011, 10:06:57 PM
i heard that they skyped into classes and also typed papers and turned them in during the final four.

I hope they did better than 18 percent on their assignments.

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 10, 2011, 08:20:05 AM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 09, 2011, 10:06:57 PM
i heard that they skyped into classes and also typed papers and turned them in during the final four.

I hope they did better than 18 percent on their assignments.

:clap: :clap:

Going to miss having brandon on the team, he was a good player, but lets look forward to what we DO have, a bright future!

Quote from: valpofan56 on May 10, 2011, 12:44:52 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 10, 2011, 08:20:05 AM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 09, 2011, 10:06:57 PM
i heard that they skyped into classes and also typed papers and turned them in during the final four.

I hope they did better than 18 percent on their assignments.

:clap: :clap:

wow... not even gonna touch that one.

My last, I hope, blog post on Brandon.  Good luck at MSU.
http://sectionee.blogspot.com/ (http://sectionee.blogspot.com/)

Quote from: valpofan56 on May 10, 2011, 12:44:52 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 10, 2011, 08:20:05 AM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 09, 2011, 10:06:57 PM
i heard that they skyped into classes and also typed papers and turned them in during the final four.

I hope they did better than 18 percent on their assignments.

:clap: :clap:

Hilarious... keep enjoying those tourney checks that Butler keeps writing.

Valpo will be fine without Brandon Wood.  Jay Harris will step into his role very nicely, just like I expect Kenney to step into Howard Little's.  Real challenge will be filling Johnson's spot.

Quote from: IrishDawg on May 12, 2011, 08:07:04 PM

Quote from: valpofan56 on May 10, 2011, 12:44:52 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 10, 2011, 08:20:05 AM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 09, 2011, 10:06:57 PM
i heard that they skyped into classes and also typed papers and turned them in during the final four.

I hope they did better than 18 percent on their assignments.

:clap: :clap:

Hilarious... keep enjoying those tourney checks that Butler keeps writing.

Valpo will be fine without Brandon Wood.  Jay Harris will step into his role very nicely, just like I expect Kenney to step into Howard Little's.  Real challenge will be filling Johnson's spot.

cory johnson? are you serious? have we had a softer big man? he even finessed his dunks. and i also remember him trying to throw down a one-handed tomahawk when he was flying down the lane against loyola (which we got killed in that game). he missed it badly...and we needed to score on that possession. ANYWAY. not to be a downer on cory. but i have to say, i think i prefer van wijk, because he is a little bigger, definitely stronger, and won't shoot threes. i will admit that there is a gap in skill between them, of course. but i will be honest and say that i won't be missing cory too much. a nice player, but overmatched on most nights.

You prefer van Wijk to Johnson?!?  I think van Wijk has a lot of potential, especially if his back would allow a regular practice schedule, or serious minutes in games.  Johnson's perhaps not a bruiser, not a "dominate the paint" kind of big man.  But, he was a proven all-conference caliber player.  He'll certainly be missed.

anybody that doesn't appreciate what cory did for two years is ridiculous. would you have been saying the same thing if he had been playing where he was supposed to be instead of playing up? we'd have been long lost without him.

I'm amazed when I read some of these posters who criticize what Corey did for us the past two years.  It's obvious that they don't have a real understanding the game and what it takes to battle people bigger than you every night.  Corey was a warrior and I would love to have five guys like him on the floor for my team.  If everyone battled as hard, there would be very few worries......

You know Rowdy also battled against these bigger bodies along side Cory and played out of position, he also grabbed the most rebounds for the team and with Cory was a warrior and you know what he will be back next year doing it all again.   It's about time we moved on and put this post to rest.   Yes Brandon has left for Michigan State and the best of luck to him.   We also lost Howard, Cory and Mike but we still have the rest of the team and some new players coming in.   Every team has players graduating and moving on so we are no different.   What makes me sad is the posters saying that we wont be good now that these players have left well I can tell you we have a team of players ready to go and before everyone starts writing them off just wait and see.   Yes our most potent scorer is gone but that opens it up for some others to step up and take his place.   We have plenty of scorers so it shouldn't be a problem, where we will lack is in size.   It would be so nice if we got a legitimate 6'9" or 6'10" banger to help Vuk, Kevin and Cam play the five spot so the others can play in their rightful positions.   It was a waste with Cory in the 5 and Rowdy in the 4 last year and it looks like it's going to be the same this year?   Just my two cents worth but can we now say goodbye to Brandon and say hello to the new team of next year please......   

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 12, 2011, 10:50:49 PM
cory johnson? are you serious? have we had a softer big man? he even finessed his dunks. and i also remember him trying to throw down a one-handed tomahawk when he was flying down the lane against loyola (which we got killed in that game). he missed it badly...and we needed to score on that possession. ANYWAY. not to be a downer on cory. but i have to say, i think i prefer van wijk, because he is a little bigger, definitely stronger, and won't shoot threes. i will admit that there is a gap in skill between them, of course. but i will be honest and say that i won't be missing cory too much. a nice player, but overmatched on most nights.

You are spot on with your assessment.  You are not saying that you don't appreciate what Cory did.  You are not saying that he was a bad player, but he was definitely soft.  That is fact.  Van Wijk is a different type of post player.  He is not gonna dance out on the perimeter or tip-toe around his defender for a weak flat-footed layup attempt. Can we at least agree that both were hallmarks of Cory's game?  Cory made the best of his style of play, however, post players who will move some bodies and take the ball up strong to the basket.

Quote from: koala on May 13, 2011, 09:37:15 PM
You know Rowdy also battled against these bigger bodies along side Cory and played out of position, he also grabbed the most rebounds for the team and with Cory was a warrior and you know what he will be back next year doing it all again.   It's about time we moved on and put this post to rest.   Yes Brandon has left for Michigan State and the best of luck to him.   We also lost Howard, Cory and Mike but we still have the rest of the team and some new players coming in.   Every team has players graduating and moving on so we are no different.   What makes me sad is the posters saying that we wont be good now that these players have left well I can tell you we have a team of players ready to go and before everyone starts writing them off just wait and see.   Yes our most potent scorer is gone but that opens it up for some others to step up and take his place.   We have plenty of scorers so it shouldn't be a problem, where we will lack is in size.   It would be so nice if we got a legitimate 6'9" or 6'10" banger to help Vuk, Kevin and Cam play the five spot so the others can play in their rightful positions.   It was a waste with Cory in the 5 and Rowdy in the 4 last year and it looks like it's going to be the same this year?   Just my two cents worth but can we now say goodbye to Brandon and say hello to the new team of next year please......   

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Quote from: cmack on May 13, 2011, 11:11:44 PM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 12, 2011, 10:50:49 PM
cory johnson? are you serious? have we had a softer big man? he even finessed his dunks. and i also remember him trying to throw down a one-handed tomahawk when he was flying down the lane against loyola (which we got killed in that game). he missed it badly...and we needed to score on that possession. ANYWAY. not to be a downer on cory. but i have to say, i think i prefer van wijk, because he is a little bigger, definitely stronger, and won't shoot threes. i will admit that there is a gap in skill between them, of course. but i will be honest and say that i won't be missing cory too much. a nice player, but overmatched on most nights.

You are spot on with your assessment.  You are not saying that you don't appreciate what Cory did.  You are not saying that he was a bad player, but he was definitely soft.  That is fact.  Van Wijk is a different type of post player.  He is not gonna dance out on the perimeter or tip-toe around his defender for a weak flat-footed layup attempt. Can we at least agree that both were hallmarks of Cory's game?  Cory made the best of his style of play, however, post players who will move some bodies and take the ball up strong to the basket.

I agree with you both...Cory was a good scorer, but his lack of strength in the post made us a a soft, finesse team.  Kevin can help change that.

Now, I have to run before the board police come and beat me down.

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 14, 2011, 09:28:54 AM

Quote from: cmack on May 13, 2011, 11:11:44 PM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 12, 2011, 10:50:49 PM
cory johnson? are you serious? have we had a softer big man? he even finessed his dunks. and i also remember him trying to throw down a one-handed tomahawk when he was flying down the lane against loyola (which we got killed in that game). he missed it badly...and we needed to score on that possession. ANYWAY. not to be a downer on cory. but i have to say, i think i prefer van wijk, because he is a little bigger, definitely stronger, and won't shoot threes. i will admit that there is a gap in skill between them, of course. but i will be honest and say that i won't be missing cory too much. a nice player, but overmatched on most nights.

You are spot on with your assessment.  You are not saying that you don't appreciate what Cory did.  You are not saying that he was a bad player, but he was definitely soft.  That is fact.  Van Wijk is a different type of post player.  He is not gonna dance out on the perimeter or tip-toe around his defender for a weak flat-footed layup attempt. Can we at least agree that both were hallmarks of Cory's game?  Cory made the best of his style of play, however, post players who will move some bodies and take the ball up strong to the basket.

I agree with you both...Cory was a good scorer, but his lack of strength in the post made us a a soft, finesse team.  Kevin can help change that.

Now, I have to run before the board police come and beat me down.

again we are on the same page. and thank you cmack for understanding where i was coming from on my earlier comments. to adress what rlh said earlier, i VERY much appreciate the effort that cory put in to playing for us, and he played hard for us everytime he was out. not to kill this point here, but just so we are clear i will reiterate that i loved cory's effort. but let's face it. when you are matched up with eli holman, it's kind of hard to do much against him. if you finesse it, he will swat you. if you bang with him, he will knock you over. so cory was unfortunate to have to be out of position so often.

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 15, 2011, 09:13:22 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 14, 2011, 09:28:54 AM

Quote from: cmack on May 13, 2011, 11:11:44 PM

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 12, 2011, 10:50:49 PM
cory johnson? are you serious? have we had a softer big man? he even finessed his dunks. and i also remember him trying to throw down a one-handed tomahawk when he was flying down the lane against loyola (which we got killed in that game). he missed it badly...and we needed to score on that possession. ANYWAY. not to be a downer on cory. but i have to say, i think i prefer van wijk, because he is a little bigger, definitely stronger, and won't shoot threes. i will admit that there is a gap in skill between them, of course. but i will be honest and say that i won't be missing cory too much. a nice player, but overmatched on most nights.

You are spot on with your assessment.  You are not saying that you don't appreciate what Cory did.  You are not saying that he was a bad player, but he was definitely soft.  That is fact.  Van Wijk is a different type of post player.  He is not gonna dance out on the perimeter or tip-toe around his defender for a weak flat-footed layup attempt. Can we at least agree that both were hallmarks of Cory's game?  Cory made the best of his style of play, however, post players who will move some bodies and take the ball up strong to the basket.

I agree with you both...Cory was a good scorer, but his lack of strength in the post made us a a soft, finesse team.  Kevin can help change that.

Now, I have to run before the board police come and beat me down.

again we are on the same page. and thank you cmack for understanding where i was coming from on my earlier comments. to adress what rlh said earlier, i VERY much appreciate the effort that cory put in to playing for us, and he played hard for us everytime he was out. not to kill this point here, but just so we are clear i will reiterate that i loved cory's effort. have to be out of position so oftenbut let's face it. when you are matched up with eli holman, it's kind of hard to do much against him. if you finesse it, he will swat you. if you bang with him, he will knock you over. so cory was unfortunate to .

-

Not sure if you actually saw Cory play against Holman based on your comments.  So, Cory was either banged or blocked?  Let's look at the record.  Cory played against Detroit 6 times in his 2 years at Valpo.  He averaged 17 points and 5 boards over those six games. On one occasion he scored 31 and on another scored 24.  Yep, Holman kicked his butt.
Now let's look at how he did against an NBA sure thing in Keith Benson at Oakland:  Cory got killed, only had 33 points and 6 boards.  Pathetic.
Look, Cory was "undersized" for a 5 but that wasn't all bad.  Because of his outside shooting and ability to move, he could draw a guy like Holman away from the basket.  Does anybody remember Cory ever making a pass for a layup to a guy like Brandon or Ryan?? It was because he was away from the basket.  His 3 point shooting was off last year because of bad ankles.  Nonetheless, team had to respect his outside shot and that opened things up.
Was he a "banger"?  Nope and if there was a deficency it was in rebounding.  Was he an effective 5?  Absolutely and we won't get the same production from the 5 this coming year.  Cory was a stud for Valpo.

Obviously some people's definition of soft and mine at different.....

Quote from: vu72 on May 16, 2011, 08:53:32 AM
 Cory was a stud for Valpo.

No.  That is too strong of praise.  If Cory was a stud, then what would you use to describe Brandon, Ivan, Raitis, Bryce, etc?  Those guys were all much better than Cory.  Studs don't disappear in big games, and Cory did so on multiple occasions.

He was a good player.  Not a stud, not great, etc.  

P.S.  In the game against Oakland, Benson was in foul trouble most of the game and only played 23 minutes.  To try and make it out like Cory really took it to him is a bit disingenuous.  

Also, the "bad ankles" excuse for bad three point shooting is a new one...I'm going to have to use that one in church league!  :thumbsup:

why is this discussion going on....did Corey ever do anything that would detract from his play here?  He gave us all he had for two year, despite being outmanned, outsized and out of position....I personally have nothing but respect for him and the way he played for us...not sure what your problem with him is, DC Valpo ,  but he doesn't deserve it

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 16, 2011, 09:02:50 AM

Quote from: vu72 on May 16, 2011, 08:53:32 AM
  Cory was a stud for Valpo.

No.  That is too strong of praise.  If Cory was a stud, then what would you use to describe Brandon, Ivan, Raitis, Bryce, etc?  Those guys were all much better than Cory.  Studs don't disappear in big games, and Cory did so on multiple occasions.

He was a good player.  Not a stud, not great, etc. 

P.S.  In the game against Oakland, Benson was in foul trouble most of the game and only played 23 minutes.  To try and make it out like Cory really took it to him is a bit disingenuous. 

Well, your the one who said "studs don't disappear in big games". Let's take a look:  I randomly looked at four games which could be considered "big" from last year.  They were the game at Kansas, the 2 Butler games, and the Iona game.  You also put Brandon in the "stud" category so surely he couldn't have "disappeared" during those big games could he??

Cory scored 10 points and 7 boards at Kansas.  Your stud Brandon had 9 points.  Against Butler in game 1 Cory had 14 points and Brandon had 9.  Against Butler in game 2 Cory had 16 and Brandon 15.  Against Iona Cory had 14 and Brandon 7.

I am in no way saying Brandon wasn't a stud.  What I am saying is that people should be willing to back up their comments with facts.  I just did.

And as for the ankle thing.  It was well documented and reported in the newspapers.  Cory could hardly walk in the early part of the season.  Ask Rod Moore whether or not Cory was tough.

I also seemed to miss the rebuttle about Cory's play against the great Eli Holman.  And that rebuttle was?????

Quote from: vu72 on May 16, 2011, 09:51:03 AM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 16, 2011, 09:02:50 AM

Quote from: vu72 on May 16, 2011, 08:53:32 AM
  Cory was a stud for Valpo.

No.  That is too strong of praise.  If Cory was a stud, then what would you use to describe Brandon, Ivan, Raitis, Bryce, etc?  Those guys were all much better than Cory.  Studs don't disappear in big games, and Cory did so on multiple occasions.

He was a good player.  Not a stud, not great, etc. 

P.S.  In the game against Oakland, Benson was in foul trouble most of the game and only played 23 minutes.  To try and make it out like Cory really took it to him is a bit disingenuous. 

Well, your the one who said "studs don't disappear in big games". Let's take a look:  I randomly looked at four games which could be considered "big" from last year.  They were the game at Kansas, the 2 Butler games, and the Iona game.  You also put Brandon in the "stud" category so surely he couldn't have "disappeared" during those big games could he??

Cory scored 10 points and 7 boards at Kansas.  Your stud Brandon had 9 points.  Against Butler in game 1 Cory had 14 points and Brandon had 9.  Against Butler in game 2 Cory had 16 and Brandon 15.  Against Iona Cory had 14 and Brandon 7.

I am in no way saying Brandon wasn't a stud.  What I am saying is that people should be willing to back up their comments with facts.  I just did.

And as for the ankle thing.  It was well documented and reported in the newspapers.  Cory could hardly walk in the early part of the season.  Ask Rod Moore whether or not Cory was tough.

I also seemed to miss the rebuttle about Cory's play against the great Eli Holman.  And that rebuttle was?????

Ok, then I stand corrected...Brandon is not a stud either.  He was consistently better than Cory, but I will remove him from my stud category. 

I'm not disputing whether Cory was hurt...he was banged up.  But the ankles weren't necessarily the cause for his bad shooting.  I think the bigger problem was that he took twice as many three pointers as the year before and more last season than all his other seasons combined.  He shot too much.  That was plain to see.

FYI, I didn't bring up Holman.  I didn't need to rebut that since I wasn't involved in that argument.

RLH, why do you single me out as having a "problem" with Cory?  First of all, there are multiple posters here pointing out some of Cory's deficiencies.  Second, I said he was a good player.  I appreciate how hard he worked and the scoring he brought to the program.  But, if we are going to have a forum to discuss Valpo basketball, discussing the impact of players can't be off limits, even if an opinion is negative. 

Ok, that is my last word on Cory.  Good, not great player...we will miss his scoring but will benefit from having more toughness on the block.

How does a thread about wood leaving turn into an argument whether another player is good, bad, tough, soft, a stud or whatever?

Give it up, guys.

Quote from: valpospartan on May 16, 2011, 06:55:51 PM
How does a thread about wood leaving turn into an argument whether another player is good, bad, tough, soft, a stud or whatever?

Give it up, guys.

You're right...let's get back to Michigan State basketball.

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 16, 2011, 11:09:20 AM
Ok, that is my last word on Cory.  Good, not great player...we will miss his scoring but will benefit from having more toughness on the block.

Unfortunately, I suppose you meant that we _would_ benefit from more toughness on the block!  We'll see what develops...

So, coming back to Brandon.  I can't help but wonder how all of this connects to Homer's departure.  Did Brandon know before he left?  Did Homer's departure speed Brandon's? Or vice versa?  I can well imagine that Homer delayed his departure by some weeks to finish negotiations with Brandon.  I wonder if it means that all other personnel moves for the season were also tied up in advance, before Homer left...

For a little outside perspective on the Wood vs. Johnson debate, Bleacher Report weighs in.  (That is, it's outside perspective unless one of you wrote the piece.)  At the end of their "Bryce takes over" piece http://bleacherreport.com/articles/703264-valparaiso-crusaders-homer-drew-to-retire-bryce-to-take-over-program (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/703264-valparaiso-crusaders-homer-drew-to-retire-bryce-to-take-over-program) they have

Quote
The loss of seniors Cory Johnson, Howard Little and Michael Rogers, as well as the transfer of Junior guard Brandon Wood, (after flirting with the NBA Draft) will leave Bryce with a young but talented squad.  Finding scoring shouldn't be a problem, as Valpo still has great depth on the wings and at the point (including transfers Will Bogan from Ole Miss and Ben Boggs from Virginia Tech).  The biggest challenge will be replacing forward Cory Johnson.

Forward Richie Edwards (JUCO Sophomore) and guard/forward Dino Jakolis of Croatia join the transfers on the 2011-12 squad, looking to build off its best season in a decade.

Did you write that?

Nope, not me, a certain Dave E.  I don't know if he's active here - I assumed not, but don't really know.

Quote
A 2010 Alumnus of Valparaiso University with a degree in muisic and lifelong Cleveland and Ohio State fan. Dave looks to give a former student's perspective on the Valparaiso basketball team, as well as thoughts about Ohio's teams. MLB, Horizon League Basketball, and College Football commentary can be found as well.

dcvalpo wrote:

But, if we are going to have a forum to discuss Valpo basketball, discussing the impact of players can't be off limits, even if an opinion is negative. 

Excellent point! I think this should be one of the mission statements of this board. Obviously no cheap shots but let people give their opinion. If it means starting a new thread so be it but it must be wide open for all opinions.

Quote from: agibson on May 17, 2011, 03:22:07 AM
So, coming back to Brandon.  I can't help but wonder how all of this connects to Homer's departure.  Did Brandon know before he left?  Did Homer's departure speed Brandon's? Or vice versa?  I can well imagine that Homer delayed his departure by some weeks to finish negotiations with Brandon.  I wonder if it means that all other personnel moves for the season were also tied up in advance, before Homer left...

All good questions but I believe Brandon was looking out for Brandon.  On this coming years team I see more roll players with more balanced scoring and feeding the "HOT" hand more which is not Brandon's strong point.  There was a time late in the season where a swore that Brandon didn't want to share with Broekhoff because he (Broekhoff) was gaining more of the limelight.  Ryan wasn't seeking this but was naturally maturing into a very difficult match-up for many in our conference.  Brandon saw a bigger stage with spotlight and unique circumstances that was a window of opportunity.  I don't blame him for taking it I just wonder why he thought he had to look.  I believe he saw the writing on the wall that Valpo was going to be more balanced and even though talk of featuring him, it still might have limited his showcase.  He wants the NBA - I don't think he has the resume yet and he hopes a run in the BigTen(12) with a NCAA appearance almost assured is a better way for him to go.

Here is a senario that no one at Valpo wants to really face as the truth but what if Brandon is right and this does lead to at least at shot for him on an NBA team that he would not have gotten by staying at Valpo? Sometimes it's all about perception. Lubos Barton never got a chance at making an NBA team. Then Missouri basketball coach, Quin Snyder, thought that was the biggest surprise in that year's NBA draft.

i guess i also stand corrected. cory played pretty well against holman. still, i will put it to rest on my end by agreeing with dcvalpo. good player. not legend.

By the way, Lubos had a shot at the NBA. The Cavs had him on their summer team that year. I thought he played well enough that summer to be included on a very bad Cavs team (pre-Quitness era). Lubos had NBA shooting range but was labeled slow and no D. Frankly, he was better than fellow countryman Jiri Welsch whom he played with on Junior teams, who later was traded to Cavs. We used to razz Welsch as he sat at the end of the bench telling him Lubos was better. He pointed to his wallet in reply.

Quote from: valpo84 on May 17, 2011, 09:55:57 PM
By the way, Lubos had a shot at the NBA. The Cavs had him on their summer team that year. I thought he played well enough that summer to be included on a very bad Cavs team (pre-Quitness era). Lubos had NBA shooting range but was labeled slow and no D. Frankly, he was better than fellow countryman Jiri Welsch whom he played with on Junior teams, who later was traded to Cavs. We used to razz Welsch as he sat at the end of the bench telling him Lubos was better. He pointed to his wallet in reply.

LOL  :lol:

Meanwhile, back to Brandon Wood.....
Tom Izzo said this about BW, according to an article in the Detroit Free Press:

"He's going to help us a lot because we have so little depth there," Izzo said Wednesday at the Big Ten spring meetings. "He's a guy that's been proven. At the same time it will be a big adjustment to make in a short period of time."

Izzo sees Wood, an All-Horizon League player, as more of a shooting guard who can play the point as well.

"We need scoring at the position and he's going to have to play some (point guard), that's what I've seen on film," Izzo said. "He's got size (6-feet-3), he's 210 (pounds)."

http://www.freep.com/article/20110519/SPORTS07/105190659/1055/NLETTER07/Izzo-on-transfer-Brandon-Wood---He-s-going-to-help-us-a-lot-?source=nletter-sports (http://www.freep.com/article/20110519/SPORTS07/105190659/1055/NLETTER07/Izzo-on-transfer-Brandon-Wood---He-s-going-to-help-us-a-lot-?source=nletter-sports)

Quote from: valpo84 on May 17, 2011, 09:55:57 PM
By the way, Lubos had a shot at the NBA. The Cavs had him on their summer team that year. I thought he played well enough that summer to be included on a very bad Cavs team (pre-Quitness era). Lubos had NBA shooting range but was labeled slow and no D. Frankly, he was better than fellow countryman Jiri Welsch whom he played with on Junior teams, who later was traded to Cavs. We used to razz Welsch as he sat at the end of the bench telling him Lubos was better. He pointed to his wallet in reply.

Funny story about Jeri Welsch, and this goes back to when Lubos was a Sophomore or Junior.  I was in Homer's office talking about recruits and he said they were after a kid named Jeri Welsch (I remember him actually saying that he had a commitment--which was down graded by one of the assistants to a maybe), as a "backup plan" in case Lubos decided to turn pro!  Funny how the worm turns sometimes!

I don't recall Brandon ever running the point during his two years here.  Please correct me if I'm wrong.  That could be a tough challenge for him as the pg has to know everything about every play, handle full court pressure, and make good decisions all the time.

Since when is Brandon 6-3, 210?
I'm thinking more like 6-1, 190.

Quote from: sectionee on May 19, 2011, 08:43:48 AM
I don't recall Brandon ever running the point during his two years here.  Please correct me if I'm wrong. 

Really?  I think I've gone to the other extreme, and actually listed him on the point guard depth chart.  I think many others didn't go that far.  But, I thought he brought the ball up now and then, etc.

You could be right.  Seems last year it was either Buggs or Harris the majority of the time and the year before wasn't Kurth bringing the ball up court?  I guess I wouldn't think of him as a point guard and will be interested to see how he manages to grasps the most important position on the court.

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 19, 2011, 09:00:24 AM
Since when is Brandon 6-3, 210?
I'm thinking more like 6-1, 190.

That may even be generous...I was thinking more like 5'9", 145

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 19, 2011, 01:19:00 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 19, 2011, 09:00:24 AM
Since when is Brandon 6-3, 210?
I'm thinking more like 6-1, 190.

That may even be generous...I was thinking more like 5'9", 145

I know one thing. Brandon was slightly taller than myself and I'm 5'11"

If he wants to play pro ball he almost has to be a point. 2 guards are like 6'8"!  :o

Quote from: bbtds on May 19, 2011, 02:26:09 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 19, 2011, 01:19:00 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 19, 2011, 09:00:24 AM
Since when is Brandon 6-3, 210?
I'm thinking more like 6-1, 190.

That may even be generous...I was thinking more like 5'9", 145

I know one thing. Brandon was slightly taller than myself and I'm 5'11"

Yeah, he is 6'1"

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 19, 2011, 07:05:02 PM

Quote from: bbtds on May 19, 2011, 02:26:09 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 19, 2011, 01:19:00 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 19, 2011, 09:00:24 AM
Since when is Brandon 6-3, 210?
I'm thinking more like 6-1, 190.

That may even be generous...I was thinking more like 5'9", 145

I know one thing. Brandon was slightly taller than myself and I'm 5'11"

Yeah, he is 6'1"

so, sudden change there, huh? brandon honestly just needs to elevate his defense while he is at MSU. if he can defend nba-caliber players fairly well, he may have a decent shot at the next level.

Quote from: DMvalpo18 on May 19, 2011, 08:30:21 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 19, 2011, 07:05:02 PM

Quote from: bbtds on May 19, 2011, 02:26:09 PM

Quote from: dcvalpo on May 19, 2011, 01:19:00 PM

Quote from: Valpo89 on May 19, 2011, 09:00:24 AM
Since when is Brandon 6-3, 210?
I'm thinking more like 6-1, 190.

That may even be generous...I was thinking more like 5'9", 145

I know one thing. Brandon was slightly taller than myself and I'm 5'11"

Yeah, he is 6'1"

so, sudden change there, huh? brandon honestly just needs to elevate his defense while he is at MSU. if he can defend nba-caliber players fairly well, he may have a decent shot at the next level.

Izzo of all people is the guy to take him to the next level defensively...Brandon will do well

Fine player, nowhere near NBA talent or size no matter what he does off the bench for 8-10minutes a game at MSU.

(You don't suppose a coach would ever overstate a players role on the team during the recruiting process, do you?)

Quote from: cmack on May 21, 2011, 10:01:06 AM
Fine player, nowhere near NBA talent or size no matter what he does off the bench for 8-10minutes a game at MSU.

(You don't suppose a coach would ever overstate a players role on the team during the recruiting process, do you?)

I fear this may be the case...yet, I still hope for the best for him and hope he plays a significant role in a deep MSU run

Quote from: cmack on May 21, 2011, 10:01:06 AM
Fine player, nowhere near NBA talent or size no matter what he does off the bench for 8-10minutes a game at MSU.

(You don't suppose a coach would ever overstate a players role on the team during the recruiting process, do you?)

If you think he will come off the bench you are sadly mistaken.

Quote from: vu72 on May 21, 2011, 07:11:41 PM

Quote from: cmack on May 21, 2011, 10:01:06 AM
Fine player, nowhere near NBA talent or size no matter what he does off the bench for 8-10minutes a game at MSU.

(You don't suppose a coach would ever overstate a players role on the team during the recruiting process, do you?)

If you think he will come off the bench you are sadly mistaken.

i hope you are right for brandon's sake. i will actually look forward to seeing him play at MSU next year.

Quote from: vu72 on May 21, 2011, 07:11:41 PM

Quote from: cmack on May 21, 2011, 10:01:06 AM
Fine player, nowhere near NBA talent or size no matter what he does off the bench for 8-10minutes a game at MSU.

(You don't suppose a coach would ever overstate a players role on the team during the recruiting process, do you?)

If you think he will come off the bench you are sadly mistaken.

Because Izzo said he would!!!!

Quote from: vu72 on May 21, 2011, 07:11:41 PM

Quote from: cmack on May 21, 2011, 10:01:06 AM
Fine player, nowhere near NBA talent or size no matter what he does off the bench for 8-10minutes a game at MSU.

(You don't suppose a coach would ever overstate a players role on the team during the recruiting process, do you?)

If you think he will come off the bench you are sadly mistaken.

:clap:

Hell,I hope he has a Tiger Wood problem. Damn turncoat.