Valpo hosting Drake. Drake has several region guys the team. It is HOF night, Valpo trying to bounce back and protect home court.
Valpo wins 73-66.
Assuming the team left it's disgustingly effortless, disinterested attitude in Terre Haute, we will probably win this game. I only hope there are no more 1-on-1 player interviews in print or televised. I think they're very divisive. This is a team without a star, and no one capable of carrying the team on their own. They win as a team, or they don't win, yet those interviews have been totally self-focused - especially Derrik's. Even Kiser's and Evelyn's were somewhat that way. That's the problem with "let's talk about you" interviews. They're poison on a team where nobody's story is much better than anyone else's story, yet a couple of people get picked out for publicity at the exclusion of everyone else. I think Matt needs to bring the hammer down on these kinds of interviews unless they're more team-focused. Gobs of coaches have strict rules about granting player access to the press. Matt needs to put a stop to this.
Temperatures at game time forecast to be 16, windchill 7.
Don't ask about Tuesday night for the Missouri State game...(ok, you asked, forecast is game time temperature of about -5 (going to -12 overnight); with windchills in the -30/-35 range.
Drakes coach appears to be really really good. This will be tough even at home.
Quote from: wh on January 25, 2019, 11:32:56 AM
Assuming the team left it's disgustingly effortless, disinterested attitude in Terre Haute, we will probably win this game. I only hope there are no more 1-on-1 player interviews in print or televised. I think they're very divisive. This is a team without a star, and no one capable of carrying the team on their own. They win as a team, or they don't win, yet those interviews have been totally self-focused - especially Derrik's. Even Kiser's and Evelyn's were somewhat that way. That's the problem with "let's talk about you" interviews. They're poison on a team where nobody's story is much better than anyone else's story, yet a couple of people get picked out for publicity at the exclusion of everyone else. I think Matt needs to bring the hammer down on these kinds of interviews unless they're more team-focused. Gobs of coaches have strict rules about granting player access to the press. Matt needs to put a stop to this.
OK now wait a minute. You guys want more coverage, but don't like a player feature? There's not that many players on a basketball team, and in a given season just about everyone will be featured in some way or at least quoted in a game story. Paul Oren and Mike Osipoff's story didn't lead to the awful performances in Terre Haute or Chicago, and they weren't responsible for any victories either. Please.
Pretty big game for a mid season tilt. Win this and you can dismiss Loyola and ISUb as just poor performances on the road. Go through another rough effort game and we've got a 3 of last 4 trend on our hands.
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 25, 2019, 01:25:56 PMQuote from: wh on January 25, 2019, 11:32:56 AMAssuming the team left it's disgustingly effortless, disinterested attitude in Terre Haute, we will probably win this game. I only hope there are no more 1-on-1 player interviews in print or televised. I think they're very divisive. This is a team without a star, and no one capable of carrying the team on their own. They win as a team, or they don't win, yet those interviews have been totally self-focused - especially Derrik's. Even Kiser's and Evelyn's were somewhat that way. That's the problem with "let's talk about you" interviews. They're poison on a team where nobody's story is much better than anyone else's story, yet a couple of people get picked out for publicity at the exclusion of everyone else. I think Matt needs to bring the hammer down on these kinds of interviews unless they're more team-focused. Gobs of coaches have strict rules about granting player access to the press. Matt needs to put a stop to this.
OK now wait a minute. You guys want more coverage, but don't like a player feature? There's not that many players on a basketball team, and in a given season just about everyone will be featured in some way or at least quoted in a game story. Paul Oren and Mike Osipoff's story didn't lead to the awful performances in Terre Haute or Chicago, and they weren't responsible for any victories either. Please.
In College, Professional or even High School sports, how many group interviews or stories are told vs individuals?
Almost zero.
Quote from: talksalot on January 25, 2019, 01:09:54 PM
Temperatures at game time forecast to be 16, windchill 7.
Don't ask about Tuesday night for the Missouri State game...(ok, you asked, forecast is game time temperature of about -5 (going to -12 overnight); with windchills in the -30/-35 range.
Is this a good time to talk about AC for the ARC? ;D
Quote from: wh on January 25, 2019, 11:32:56 AM
Assuming the team left it's disgustingly effortless, disinterested attitude in Terre Haute, we will probably win this game. I only hope there are no more 1-on-1 player interviews in print or televised. I think they're very divisive. This is a team without a star, and no one capable of carrying the team on their own. They win as a team, or they don't win, yet those interviews have been totally self-focused - especially Derrik's. Even Kiser's and Evelyn's were somewhat that way. That's the problem with "let's talk about you" interviews. They're poison on a team where nobody's story is much better than anyone else's story, yet a couple of people get picked out for publicity at the exclusion of everyone else. I think Matt needs to bring the hammer down on these kinds of interviews unless they're more team-focused. Gobs of coaches have strict rules about granting player access to the press. Matt needs to put a stop to this.
Hahahahahahahaha. Haha. Ha.
Lol player features don't make players jealous and that story wasn't why we lost.
Maybe I can buy that some guys could buy into their own hype but I still don't think that's what happened in Terre Haute. Either way the media isn't to blame for our team laying an egg. I thought the latest big pieces by Paul and Michael were great!
Quote from: Valpo89 on January 25, 2019, 01:25:56 PM
Quote from: wh on January 25, 2019, 11:32:56 AM
Assuming the team left it's disgustingly effortless, disinterested attitude in Terre Haute, we will probably win this game. I only hope there are no more 1-on-1 player interviews in print or televised. I think they're very divisive. This is a team without a star, and no one capable of carrying the team on their own. They win as a team, or they don't win, yet those interviews have been totally self-focused - especially Derrik's. Even Kiser's and Evelyn's were somewhat that way. That's the problem with "let's talk about you" interviews. They're poison on a team where nobody's story is much better than anyone else's story, yet a couple of people get picked out for publicity at the exclusion of everyone else. I think Matt needs to bring the hammer down on these kinds of interviews unless they're more team-focused. Gobs of coaches have strict rules about granting player access to the press. Matt needs to put a stop to this.
OK now wait a minute. You guys want more coverage, but don't like a player feature? There's not that many players on a basketball team, and in a given season just about everyone will be featured in some way or at least quoted in a game story. Paul Oren and Mike Osipoff's story didn't lead to the awful performances in Terre Haute or Chicago, and they weren't responsible for any victories either. Please.
Let's give wh a break. There was a statement out there saying some players might have been irritated by the offense centering (no pun intended) around Smits. I was also thinking this team needed to play as a group and not focus on one player.
I don't think this game is slam dunk for Valpo.Drake is very well coached and they play as a team. If Valpo lacks execution with their ball handling and passes, Drake could take advantage.
Valpo can't afford to lay a egg at home. We need to win these home games if we want be a top seed in the Valley when it's all said and done.
These guys can't take anything for granted, especially after Wednesday loss.
AC for the ARC is urgent according to AOC.
She days global warming will kill us all in 12 years.
Quote from: crusadermoe on January 25, 2019, 04:48:41 PM
AC for the ARC is urgent according to AOC.
She days global warming will kill us all in 12 years.
Let's avoid politics on the basketball forum.
I think it'll be a good crowd with plenty of Drake supporters cheering on the twins from Griffith and the Merrillville kid.
Quote from: M on January 25, 2019, 05:49:51 PM
I think it'll be a good crowd with plenty of Drake supporters cheering on the twins from Griffith and the Merrillville kid.
A good article.
https://twitter.com/michaelosipoff/status/1088944344046977024?s=21
This feels very much like a critical "swing" game, of which there are several over the course of the season. Win and we are able to leave ISU behind as an anomaly and solidify our first-place positioning as we head for the halfway point of the conference slate. Lose, and suddenly we've dropped 3 of 4 and we'll need to dig deep to make up the lost ground.
Not that the Vegas odds have been very accurate lately, but Drake is a 1.5 favorite even on Valpo's home court.
Yikes.... you guys do realize Drake has won their last three games, right? Will take our best effort AND better shooting beyond the arc AND CUTTING THE TURNOVERS DOWN .... oh and it wouldn't hurt for us to get Ryan back.
Drake is well balanced and can shoot. Literally all 5 starters can hit 3's on any given night.
They start a forward at center and is backed up by a raw freshman center. Like it our not, that is our key to victory. Gotta score points in the paint, rebound, and play intense defense. It is the only way we can win games since we are inconsistent from long range.
Quote from: SanityLost17 on January 25, 2019, 09:28:38 PM
Drake is well balanced and can shoot. Literally all 5 starters can hit 3's on any given night.
They start a forward at center and is backed up by a raw freshman center. Like it our not, that is our key to victory. Gotta score points in the paint, rebound, and play intense defense. It is the only way we can win games since we are inconsistent from long range.
A weakness may be their foul trouble. If we play smart and draw fouls down below we may be able to have an advantage.
T. Murphy 5 fouls vs. Evansville.
McGlynn 4, Thomas 4, Robbins 4 vs. Most.
Sturtz 4 vs. Bradley
Wilkins 5 vs. UNI
McGlynn 4 vs. Loyola
T. Murphy 5, Sturtz 5, Robbins 4, Thomas 4 vs. Evansville first mtg.
Given the strong region presence on this Drake team I could see there being a strong attendance number. That's good though I think the crowd will be more neutral\pro Drake than usual. We'll have to show up ready to cheer and support our Crusaders to counteract this. I'll do my best to do my part. Go Valpo!
Any word on any fraternities / sororities coming to the game. The Pike fraternity had a big influence on the student section last home game! Hope to see it again tonight.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 25, 2019, 11:43:53 PM
Given the strong region presence on this Drake team I could see there being a strong attendance number. That's good though I think the crowd will be more neutral\pro Drake than usual. We'll have to show up ready to cheer and support our Crusaders to counteract this. I'll do my best to do my part. Go Valpo!
I think you are overemphasizing the numbers. Des Moines is still some distance and including friends and family you might get 100 to 120. That would still be a fraction of 2,000 if not more Valpo fans show up.
It is boy band night tonight....does that mean the Backstreet boys will perform at halftime?
Most of the students weren't even alive during the intial boy band craze. I still have nightmares of my high school girlfriend doing the old "record songs off the radio" boy band mixtape and playing it EVERY time we went anywhere. Needless to say it didn't work out.
This morning's line was that it is a "pick 'em" game. We need a big win so go Crusaders! Let's hope we have a good turnout tonight. We are due for a good effort.
What was the boy band Cartman created in South Park?
Quote from: usc4valpo on January 26, 2019, 11:25:10 AM
What was the boy band Cartman created in South Park?
Cartman and the loose wheels?
Eric and the doughnut holes?
The dead Kennys.?
Eric, Kenny, Stan, Kyle and the Chef pervertions?
Better yet what boy band did Bart Simpson and pals join
YVAN EHT NOIJ!!!
South Park was my high school years as well. And Cartmans boy band was Fingerbang. Don't tell my wife I remember that.
So.....basketball and stuff?
I knew I just wasn't sure if it was okay to type it. Cartman also started a Christian music group called Faith+1
The boy band Bart and many of the boys from Springfield joined was the Party Posse produced by L.T. Smash later revealed to be Lieutenant Smash. Some memorable quotes from that episode are (in addition to Yvan Eht Nioj)
"Nobody pouts going into a jiggy"--Milhouse Van Houten responding to NSYNC's dance tips
"I'm a pop sensation!"--Ralph Wiggum
"You call that a flirt?! I'M NOT MELTING!"--Dance Choreographer
"And close with a Matrix" (NSYNC members do classic aerial matrix pose One member soon falls on face)
"The hippie fantasy again, Lieutenant?" "It's becoming much less frequent sir. Said after Smash's superior officer sees Smash slip into a deluded fantasy about anti-American hippies attacking the army
Source: Way too much TV in my younger days
South Park? Boy bands? If you guy keep this up I'll shift things over to politics! ::)
What is everyone thinking for attendance tonight?
Saturday night... Weather's not bad... Big game... Heavy region presence on the other team may draw some folks from Lake County... I'd say anything under 3500-4000 is pretty disappointing.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 26, 2019, 12:55:46 PM
Saturday night... Weather's not bad... Big game... Heavy region presence on the other team may draw some folks from Lake County... I'd say anything under 3500-4000 is pretty disappointing.
Just glanced at the available seating charts and there may only be 75 to 100 lower bowl seats open. :thumbsup: Also looks like a fair number of mezzanine are also spoken for. I'll guess ??? 3200 minimum----4100 maximum. The bigger question is "has the community noticed" ?
I'm thinking 3,400 or just a shade over 3,500 if we get a strong student turnout, which I'm not sure about.
I am going to say 4,000+ only because it's boy band night! This is a Saturday night prime time game that we all wanted! I only hope I don't see all blue across the floor like last years ISUb game.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 26, 2019, 12:55:46 PMWeather's not bad
Really? Looks like teens and heavy snow, right?
Quote from: vu72 on January 26, 2019, 02:02:42 PM
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 26, 2019, 12:55:46 PMWeather's not bad
Really? Looks like teens and heavy snow, right?
Snow around an inch total. It seems like people realize this period with the temperature in the double digits may be as warm as it will be for a while. Lots of folk in stores today. I guess 3875 for attendance.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 26, 2019, 12:51:09 PM
What is everyone thinking for attendance tonight?
2,844
Was there a group of guys at Valpo around 2004-05 that did boy band dance routines at halftime. I vaguely recall seeing a routine at a game when my son went on his Valpo HS visit weekend? Anybody? Everybody?
Valpo is now the favorite at -1.5
Valpo 68
Drake 62
3,432 fans in attendance
Snowing pretty good right now. 3100
Yeah this snow will scare off the fair weathers. We'll be under 3k. I'll save that rant for tomorrow.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 26, 2019, 05:24:57 PM
Yeah this snow will scare off the fair weathers. We'll be under 3k. I'll save that rant for tomorrow.
You can start your rant with me. I won't be there. :'( In my defense in the last 4 days I have slipped and fallen in 3 different counties and I am reluctant to try for 4. The view from the pavement is very similar wherever you wander in Indiana.
Valpo wins big tonight in the wacky MVC
Anybody know what's wrong with smits
Smits in street clothes. Fazekas no where in sight. We are in serious trouble before the game even starts. Their big guys should have a field day.
Is it possible to give all the credit to the pep band members who actually show up but still say they really need some help?
Smits and Fazekas are out with injury...
Weak stuff from the community. Second place vs third place on a Saturday primetime game and most people have let a couple inches of snow keep them home. How can we expect the team to be gritty and show heart when the community can't be bothered? It's not like snow is some foreign concept here. We're in freaking northwest Indiana. It's a part of life we've had a bunch of people come from Lake County to support the Drake players from there and this town can't get off it's ass to go 2-3 miles? Pathetic and inexcusable. This team despite its recent struggles and the egg they layed in Terre Haute deserves stronger support than this. MLB and the university and the team can do anything except make people tough enough to handle a little bit of snow. Embarrassing.
1314,
This program has a culture problem right now. Winning will cure some of it. But without actively cultivating it year in and year out, it loses some luster. For all the good Our AD has done for this program this remains one of the biggest blemishes on his watch.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 26, 2019, 06:47:17 PM
Weak stuff from the community. Second place vs third place on a Saturday primetime game and most people have let a couple inches of snow keep them home. How can we expect the team to be gritty and show heart when the community can't be bothered? It's not like snow is some foreign concept here. We're in freaking northwest Indiana. It's a part of life we've had a bunch of people come from Lake County to support the Drake players from there and this town can't get off it's ass to go 2-3 miles? Pathetic and inexcusable. This team despite its recent struggles and the egg they layed in Terre Haute deserves stronger support than this. MLB and the university and the team can do anything except make people tough enough to handle a little bit of snow. Embarrassing.
Might be for the best because with no Smits we may just get rolled. Perhaps good if nobody is there to see it.
In my head that sounded like a positive comment...
Filled better. Best crowd this year.
Golder has been in the locker room ever since he was down for a while after falling.
I see the MVC has sent their clown-car officiating crew again.
And someone tell Bakari to please stop shooting threes.
The want to is there from this group. The execution is not. Lot of shots not falling.
Surprised we're still in the game missing our top three scorers but the guys are playing hard. No lack of effort so far tonight.
Why do we have so many injuries on our home floor? This isn't just bad luck at this point.
Golder on crutches and in a boot
Are my eyes seeing a lot of blue behind the bench or are our fans not wearing gold?
Welp. It was an interesting season while it lasted. Can't roll with only 10 guys on the active roster and expect to be injury free, though. Need depth.
If we can improvise, learn and improve on the fly then temporary setbacks might have some positive benefits. This year, this league, this team, its all about March.
Quote from: justducky on January 26, 2019, 07:57:47 PM
If we can improvise, learn and improve on the fly then temporary setbacks might have some positive benefits. This year, this league, this team, its all about March.
True but we need to win games so we are not a 7th-10th seed come March.
legs are wearing down
Down 5 or 6 with 5 minutes left. These guys still have fight in them, and Sackey is playing bigger than he stands. Like this about the Canadian. We aren't giving in to the Bulldogs! I'm liking how the last few minutes of this game is playing out.
If we had Smits and Golder, we win. If we had Golder we still might have won. Still Sorolla and Sackey played pretty well, but not getting much from 3 is a killer for this team. Hope our two redshirt players can shoot a little bit to add that threat next year.
Oh yes. Sackey desperately needs to work on his free throw shooting.
Proud as hell of these guys for competing tonight. But word is Smits is our two weeks. My guess is Markus is at least that. If Ryan isn't back this week we're headed for Thursday in St a Louis. This team has been absolutely snake bit ever since Jubril was ruled ineligible.
I say that if we just have Golder, we beat that team. It is hard to beat anyone when your top 3 scorers are out for the entire game. Drake really lucked out in stealing this one with some BS injuries. We can beat that team without Fazekas and Smits, but hopefully both return very soon.
I want beer.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 26, 2019, 09:10:13 PM
I want beer.
Nah. Something stronger, like scotch. Or bourbon. Or Irish.
Sackey stepped up his game. What about the upper classmen? Where is this team going to get its leadership on Tuesday?
Also, Evelyn has become a liability. How in the world do you go from a silky-smooth shooter with great form to what he is doing this season? He was 3/14 today...
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 26, 2019, 09:01:46 PMword is Smits is our two weeks. My guess is Markus is at least that. If Ryan isn't back this week we're headed for Thursday in St a Louis.
You can only worry about the things you can control. With that said I'd much rather be playing on Thursday at full strength than be a one or two seed with injuries.
Again, this many injuries year after year is not bad luck. We are either underinvesting our time/resources from a S&C standpoint or it's something else. I've noticed the ARC floor seems to have a lot less "give" than typical gym floors. Could that be part of the issue?
I spent most of the game keeping my eyes on Bakari even when he didn't have the ball. Flat out, he's not healthy. He's not moving well, he winces a bit almost every dead ball. And anything from the knees down is going to cause havoc for a shooter.
QuoteThis team has been absolutely snake bit ever since Jubril was ruled ineligible.
This.
Not sure what got Smits, but two rolled ankles on the home floor... Hope that we can have Fazekas and Smits back soon. Evelyn seems to be a victim of his own head this season. I don't know if he's trying to be better than he is, or if he really is that kind of scorer, but can't get the shots to fall, but he's having points where he shouldn't be taking shots, but does anyway... Hope he overcomes this funk soon.
Freeman--40 minutes, Sackey--37 Wow! Its great to be able to bring these guys on slowly.
Ok so now I've had a beer (or 3). Now I need a hug.
On a positive note if there still is one
Attendance was 4,000+ (4,160) best all year :thumbsup:
Even though we saw a good amount of Blue.
https://twitter.com/rwweinstein/status/1089376092484485120
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 26, 2019, 09:25:23 PM
Again, this many injuries year after year is not bad luck. We are either underinvesting our time/resources from a S&C standpoint or it's something else. I've noticed the ARC floor seems to have a lot less "give" than typical gym floors. Could that be part of the issue?
I'm pretty certain the floor was re done a few years ago due to what you are talking about
I'm sure someone on here knows for sure but I remember hearing about it getting renovated
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 26, 2019, 09:01:46 PM
Proud as hell of these guys for competing tonight.
Couldn't agree more. Reverse the situation. If Drake was missing it's top 3 scorers and our top 3 were playing, the game would have been a complete blowout the other way. A very gritty performance by the Crusaders!
This game time decision on Derrik is strange... Did he hurt something in practice or in warm ups? That was a strange one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0XuJc7jkGs
Quote from: Valpo2013 on January 26, 2019, 10:28:13 PM
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 26, 2019, 09:25:23 PM
Again, this many injuries year after year is not bad luck. We are either underinvesting our time/resources from a S&C standpoint or it's something else. I've noticed the ARC floor seems to have a lot less "give" than typical gym floors. Could that be part of the issue?
I'm pretty certain the floor was re done a few years ago due to what you are talking about
I'm sure someone on here knows for sure but I remember hearing about it getting renovated
That was a knock on the ARC flooring originally, but the floor was completely replaced with a state of the art flooring system 7 or 8 years ago.
2 scolardhip players sitting out to redshirt
+
Micah as a scholarship player who is now dressed as a manager and we've yet to be told (officially) why he's sitting out ...
+
Injured Ryan, Snitts, and Golder
=
WOW!!!!
And to not know Smitts wouldn't be available until game time???????
Quote from: VALPO LI on January 26, 2019, 10:06:05 PM
On a positive note if there still is one
Attendance was 4,000+ (4,160) best all year :thumbsup:
Even though we saw a good amount of Blue.
From my angle, I doubt that there were over 150 Drake fans. The student section was nearly filled. The crowd saw a strong performance from a short-handed team. I have to believe that the excitement for the team is building.
Student Section was great. A lot of enthusiasm!!!! They where making a lot of noise.
I especially liked the 3 bananas in the stands!
:dance: :dance: :dance:
Imagine we had this on the other end of the court as well!!!
So now that I have had a night to sleep on it, here are my thought. First, Marcus continues to be a ball hag and this time it cost him. When ever he is on a break he NEVER passes but go head long into the basket, hoping for a highlite reel shot.
Second, I sure as heck hope we are not paying for Micah to sit out for his red-shirt--unless, he actually has a season ending injury. Sure doesn't look like it.
Third, Sorolla played a great game, as did the freshman. However, neither can shoot the three and as a result we saw zone the entire night.
Fourth, next year, given the new guys are are adding, the guy at the end of the bench, next to Langston, will be Bakari. Maybe he is hurt, but he has performed at a high level maybe once, all year. He looked lost again and continues to shoot terribly.
We are in deep doo do.
Other than these fews thoughts, I'm fine. >:(
QuoteThat was a knock on the ARC flooring originally, but the floor was completely replaced with a state of the art flooring system 7 or 8 years ago.
So is it a S&C issue, then? Again we've gone beyond the "bad luck" phase of all these major injuries the past few years, with most of them suffered on our home floor. I can't think of a team that's had this level of major injury this consistently over the last 5-6 years.
I loved Sackey's effort last night but he will need to improve his 3 point shooting and free throw shooting if he is going to grow past an effort guy.
Same with aggression on defense. For every steal he had he also left his man Wilkins open for 3 when he was trying to do a 1 man zone hustling anybody he could find with the ball.
He cleans those things up and he will be a star. If he hit 80% of his free throws and could have hit just 1 3 to keep his defender honest this almost could have been a win on his effort alone.
Every team that has significant injuries starts to wonder how and why. Do other schools have big-time injuries? See Mizzou. Land No. 1 recruit in country, Michael Porter, and he plays a total of 60 minutes last year due to back problems. He still hasn't suited up for Denver. In first week of practice this year, younger brother, Jontay Porter, tears ACL, and is out for the season. Jontay is a projected first-round pick. Mizzou goes from being picked in the top third of the SEC this year, to having only one conference win. I can tell you that Mizzou fans are analyzing everything from the floor to the diets of the Porter family. Sometime, bad things happen. Sometimes you can explain, sometimes you can't. It stinks.
Sound like Smits might have a back problem. He wasn't wearing a boot or knee brace. So this makes a little sense about why he sat.
https://twitter.com/happeninghoops/status/1089318089714470912
I'm not really much of a silver linings kind of guy, but the injuries to our three top scorers could be good for the individual development of a few of the other guys. Sorolla could benefit from more minutes with more of a focus on his offensive game. Sackey will be forced to develop his game faster and if it doesn't break him will definitely make him stronger. On the other hand I'm not as sure it will benefit Freeman as his game seems to benefit more from the extra space having the injured guys on the court gives him.
In any event the guys that are playing need to continue developing and not get too down if they take some beatings until the injured guys get back. The most important thing to my mind is for the team to be playing well for the last part of the season going into the conference tournament.
I needed some time to process this game properly before posting. Here are my thoughts:
1. I humbly retract my statement about the lack of community support. That was a large and raucous crowd that was just waiting for a moment to explode. Unfortunately our shorthanded team was unable to give that to them. Kudos to them for showing up and doing their job and shame on me for overreacting too early (though it looked bad just a few minutes before tip off which was why I posted. I was also upset that Smits was out. I hope the community keeps up the support despite the recent run of losses.
2. This team clearly responded to Coach Lottich's challenge and played HARD. I really appreciated their effort. The freshmen Sorolla and McMillan all played great. We just didn't make shots.
3. The better team won last night. They hit from outside we didn't. They made their free throws we didn't. They exploited the size advantage when Sorolla sat created by Smits' absence. Credit to them. They also brought a big and vocal group of fans which shouldn't have surprised anyone.
4. Sackey needs to shoot some free throws after practice. Lots of them. As much as his effort and energy kept us in the game his poor free throw shooting took us out of it. I love his leadership and what he brings to the team but watching him at the line was brutal.
5. What kind of dog shite officiating was that last night? I haven't seen such a one-sided performance in years. That crew should be ashamed of themselves and deserves to be reprimanded. It's really tough to win when they're calling the game that unevenly.
6. Here's the silver lining: Short term pain long term gain. All these minutes our shorthanded outfit have to play this year are going to pay off next year as the entire team to a man will be experienced tested and ready to contribute when their number is called. While I wish we could play these last few games at full health and see where we are next year was always the money year. I just hope we continue to hold our own this year.
7. The losses might begin to mount and it might be painful but please keep coming out and supporting this team. Their effort deserves our thanks praise and support. I am proud of this team win or lose when it fights this hard. Despite the loss I am proud of what I saw and grateful to them for battling the way they did. I feel like everyone should feel this way right now. To anyone discouraged by the 3 losses in four games I ask: how far do you think Loyola would have gotten if you had taken Krutwig Ingram and Townes OR Richardson off the roster?
Rolling an ankle has nothing to do with S&C, that is bad luck. The possible back issue, idk, can't be easy to keep all 7'+ working properly all the time.
I missed the game but will be back Tuesday, bundled up, cheering for the guys who are able to play.
My take on a few items:
1. I don't think officiating cost Valpo the game.
2. VU72 nailed it on Markus. If he had made the right play, which was passing to a wide-open Kiser on the break, he wouldn't have tried to make the highlight reel play which led to his injury.
3. I don't know if it's the hard, unforgiving floor or not. It was at the same end of the court as the Fazekas injury.
4. I heard Lottich didn't know about Smits until about 6:30 last night.
5. What's the deal with the training staff? Seems when Rod Moore was here, an ankle injury didn't require an excessive recovery period. I have no idea who the current trainers are, but wonder about their qualifications.
6. It would have been nice to get DJ Wilkins for sure, and maybe the Murphy twins as well. However, I'm not sure if they had the grades.
Quote from: vu72 on January 27, 2019, 08:16:51 AMFourth, next year, given the new guys are are adding, the guy at the end of the bench, next to Langston, will be Bakari. Maybe he is hurt, but he has performed at a high level maybe once, all year. He looked lost again and continues to shoot terribly.
Last season as our second best scoring option he shot 45% from the field and 38% from 3. Right now he is sitting at 32% and 31%. Both the numbers and the eyeball test hint that something is different and I'm now doubting it is 100% head case. ??? Regardless of cause Bakari has performed best when he is the 3'd scoring option. When we return to that pecking order I expect his numbers to improve as well.
Quote from: vu72 on January 27, 2019, 08:16:51 AMSecond, I sure as heck hope we are not paying for Micah to sit out for his red-shirt--unless, he actually has a season ending injury. Sure doesn't look like it.
I will not argue that he wasn't needed in last nights situation. BUT----- with only 10 MVC games remaining he (if healthy) would only play maybe 110 to 180 minutes for the season. You make the call.
Isn't Drake similar academically to Valpo? I spoke to someone at Griffith who is shocked the twins are staying eligible as they barely survived staying eligible in high school.
Quote from: justducky on January 27, 2019, 11:56:55 AMI will not argue that he wasn't needed in last nights situation. BUT----- with only 10 MVC games remaining he (if healthy) would only play maybe 110 to 180 minutes for the season. You make the call.
Again, if he is healthy then he should be available regardless of his potential playing time. Otherwise, why are we paying for his education?
1. The head trainer for MBB is Zach Creighton. It would appear that he has some pretty amazing credentials:
http://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/staff/8874/zachary-creighton-atc-lat/
2. '72 and Ducky - Relative to Marcus causing his own injury, you guys remind me of my wife blaming me for a car accident we had after we moved. "This never would have happened if we would have stayed where we were, but you just had to have a bigger house." ;)
Quote from: vu72 on January 27, 2019, 12:30:22 PM
Quote from: justducky on January 27, 2019, 11:56:55 AMI will not argue that he wasn't needed in last nights situation. BUT----- with only 10 MVC games remaining he (if healthy) would only play maybe 110 to 180 minutes for the season. You make the call.
Again, if he is healthy then he should be available regardless of his potential playing time. Otherwise, why are we paying for his education?
Good point!
I will concede that if I were Matt and Micah is ready I would be looking at my injury reports towards weighing my options.
https://twitter.com/lachlanstreeter/status/1089430222087307264?s=21
Could this have been the same officiating crew that U of Evansvile coach McCarty blew his stack about post game the other night and the MVC suspended him 1 game for his comments?
I see this, the more I watch him.
https://twitter.com/hoops_mvc/status/1089344774870581248
I'm pretty concerned if we can't get healthy pretty quick. We could fall pretty far back in the standings if Fazekas, Golder and Smits injuries linger for much longer.
Quote from: valpo64 on January 27, 2019, 01:55:44 PM
Could this have been the same officiating crew that U of Evansvile coach McCarty blew his stack about post game the other night and the MVC suspended him 1 game for his comments?
It could have been, but it wasn't.
For those wondering about Micah. My guess is that if he was healthy he would be playing. Which means he is not healthy.
As for all the talk about Bakari.... Man I just don't know.
As of right now I would rather have LAST YEARS HEALTHY Micah than this years SEMI-HEALTHY Bakari. Perhaps if Micah fully recovers and Bakari never does he will be a better choice off the bench next year.
I want Bakari to get better because he was really good at times last year but I am not going to lie, watching him play is embarrassing and not because he is not fully healthy and not making shots. It is his CONSTANT complaining. He literally hits dudes in the face, gets whistled, and then throws his hands up in the air and pouts like somebody stole his toy during play time. I literally can't take it anymore. Man up! Maybe he actually doesn't think he is hitting guys in the face when he tries to block shots. If that is the case maybe we need to get him a sports therapist because he has lost his mind.
Quote from: VU2014 on January 27, 2019, 03:32:23 PM
I'm pretty concerned if we can't get healthy pretty quick. We could fall pretty far back in the standings if Fazekas, Golder and Smits injuries linger for much longer.
It is not just falling down the standings. lets say we got all 3 back healthy in 2 weeks.... What does that mean for our current guys. If we keep playing the freshman 37-40 minutes what are they going to have left in the tank for the stretch run when we are at full strength?
What choice do we have? We bet big on next year and leveraged this year in the process. Unfortunately injuries have hit us hard exposing the downside risk of this strategy. It sucks but this was always a possibility that could have arisen. I just hope (and believe) that next year will prove this gamble worthwhile. We just have to get through these injuries as best we can and look for brighter days ahead. One thing's for sure this team will be very deep very dangerous and full of contributors next year. I can't wait. Go Valpo!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 28, 2019, 09:11:32 AM
What choice do we have? We bet big on next year and leveraged this year in the process. Unfortunately injuries have hit us hard exposing the downside risk of this strategy. It sucks but this was always a possibility that could have arisen. I just hope (and believe) that next year will prove this gamble worthwhile. We just have to get through these injuries as best we can and look for brighter days ahead. One thing's for sure this team will be very deep very dangerous and full of contributors next year. I can't wait. Go Valpo!
Next year? It's January 2019!
"The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed." -Eminem
That being said 1314 start up the next thread ;)
And let's get excited about MOSt. At Home!
Okay I've never done a thread before.... I hope I do it right...
If Valpo wins = you did it right! lol
I really mucked up the Drake thread. Got a loss and a bunch of injuries. I'm done starting threads for the year.
I will be very surprised if tomorrow's game is played as scheduled. Night time temp. is forecasted at -17F with wind chills as low as -25 to -50. Wed and Thurs are just as bad, possibly worse on Wed. If that's the case, businesses will be closed and nighttime's activities, meetings, functions, etc. will be closed. The State Police will tell people to stay off the roads, etc. Moreover, hundreds of flights will probably be cancelled, putting the MSU bb team in jeopardy of being stuck in Chicago for 2 or 3 days. FWIW I just got a call from the CEO of a company that I'm consulting with, canceling our Thurs. meeting as they have decided already to close their administrative office on Wed. and Thurs.
Quote from: wh on January 28, 2019, 12:14:02 PM
I will be very surprised if tomorrow's game is played as scheduled. Night time temp. is forecasted at -17F with wind chills as low as -25 to -50. Wed and Thurs are just as bad, possibly worse on Wed. If that's the case, businesses will be closed and nighttime's activities, meetings, functions, etc. will be closed. The State Police will tell people to stay off the roads, etc. Moreover, hundreds of flights will probably be cancelled, putting the MSU bb team in jeopardy of being stuck in Chicago for 2 or 3 days. FWIW I just got a call from the CEO of a company that I'm consulting, canceling our Thurs. meeting as they have decided already to close their administrative office on Wed. and Thurs.
Current 7 p.m. game-time forecast for Valparaiso is -3 with a wind chill of -30.
Quote from: justducky on January 27, 2019, 01:11:04 PMQuote from: vu72 on January 27, 2019, 12:30:22 PMQuote from: justducky on January 27, 2019, 11:56:55 AMI will not argue that he wasn't needed in last nights situation. BUT----- with only 10 MVC games remaining he (if healthy) would only play maybe 110 to 180 minutes for the season. You make the call.
Again, if he is healthy then he should be available regardless of his potential playing time. Otherwise, why are we paying for his education?
Good point! I will concede that if I were Matt and Micah is ready I would be looking at my injury reports towards weighing my options.
Don't know for sure but I believe he is talking about his son Micah.
https://twitter.com/barrybradford3/status/1089950027081048064
It takes a lot to postpone/cancel a college basketball game, especially if the team is already in town.
I'd be shocked if the game isn't played as scheduled. i will be shocked if attendance is much more than 2,000.
Valpo Community Schools canceled today due to the snow storm. I'm predicting they will have school Tuesday, but probably not Wednesday and most likely Thursday. So that's a two-day week.
Bradford had to have re-aggravated his injury in that 1-2 minutes of play. We all thought that it was his play and being taken out that had him pissed, but he must have known that he did something to it again.
That sucks. There's no worse feeling for an athlete than re-injuring something that you worked hard to rehab and knowing immediately that you did.
Quote from: bigmosmithfan1 on January 28, 2019, 11:02:51 PM
That sucks. There's no worse feeling for an athlete than re-injuring something that you worked hard to rehab and knowing immediately that you did.
I would guess that his recurring injury would make him less attractive as a potential transfer (see Alex Rossi). I hope that he recovers and contributes next year.
How many times ... year after year ... are we going to hear about trusting the process and not being able to wait for next year?!?!?
So tired of it. Oh, just wait until next year! And, then when everybody graduates are we going to be rebuilding again????
So all this crap for a winning season worth a crap every 3-4 years? Woooohoooo
Quote from: VU2010 on January 29, 2019, 09:28:44 AM
How many times ... year after year ... are we going to hear about trusting the process and not being able to wait for next year?!?!?
So tired of it. Oh, just wait until next year! And, then when everybody graduates are we going to be rebuilding again????
So all this crap for a winning season worth a crap every 3-4 years? Woooohoooo
It's hard out here for a Cubs fan. Anyone can have a bad century...but wasn't that World Series worth it?
Well played. ;D
The first 500 get a t-shirt... We are told to "Layer Up"... Your opportunity to add a layer !
Schools are closed all over the place... some Moms/Dads may be looking for an escape from the kids...but 30-below is just plain stupid when you COULD stay home and listed to the dulcet tones of Todd Ickow.
Mark me among the just plain stupid!
I hope there are many others as stupid as I plan to be.
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 29, 2019, 03:15:19 PMMark me among the just plain stupid! I hope there are many others as stupid as I plan to be.
I don't like to think about myself as plain, so just call me pretty stupid.
Bundling up, but will be there.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 29, 2019, 03:27:19 PM
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 29, 2019, 03:15:19 PMMark me among the just plain stupid! I hope there are many others as stupid as I plan to be.
I don't like to think about myself as plain, so just call me pretty stupid.
Bundling up, but will be there.
My wife just said 5 minutes ago, "It's ridiculous to put your life at risk over a basketball game." I'll be there!
I reallly want to start the pre-game announcements with something along the lines of " What were you thinking?"... but I'm not sure I'll even need a microphone!
Pack the ARC and wear your GOLD!
Quote from: wh on January 29, 2019, 04:05:03 PM
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 29, 2019, 03:27:19 PM
Quote from: humbleopinion on January 29, 2019, 03:15:19 PMMark me among the just plain stupid! I hope there are many others as stupid as I plan to be.
I don't like to think about myself as plain, so just call me pretty stupid.
Bundling up, but will be there.
My wife just said 5 minutes ago, "It's ridiculous to put your life at risk over a basketball game." I'll be there!
So all of you are on the Drake game thread talking about the weather for the MSU game. :-\ Yup! Logical brilliance is probably not in your DNA.
See ya tonight . Or not.
Best announcement tonight was about the coaches weari sneakers...none of them were wearing sneakers 😂