Well, we're playing the top team in the conference at their place, and we're 11 point dogs, so winning this game is a tall order. Here's to hoping we bring our A-game; we're going to need it.
UNI offense among the nation's most efficient
Nick Petaros Jan 14, 2020
https://wcfcourier.com/sports/college/uni/mens_basketball/uni-offense-among-the-nation-s-most-efficient/article_1f0d434c-5681-5a23-a2d4-7f45232d3e1e.html
I know we said no more moral victories, but am I the only one who wouldn't be upset if we play them tight and cover the spread?
They can be beat if the stars are perfectly aligned.
Illinois St. beat them.
That's why they suit 'em up.
We lost in OT to Cincinnati. I"m guessing UNI isn't better than Cincy. Of course we can win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPUjxfQKl3c&feature=youtu.be
When Valpo has the ball:
Valpo Offense N. Iowa Defense Winner
Adj. Efficiency 100.4(178) 97.3(106) N. Iowa
3Pt% 33.9(126) 33.0(167) Valpo
2Pt% 48.7(182) 46.1(87) N. Iowa
FT% 69.9(188)
When N. Iowa Has the Ball
N. Iowa Offense Valpo Defense Winner
Adj. Efficiency 110.9(29) 100.7(166) N. Iowa
3Pt% 37.0(36) 35.1(261) N. Iowa
2Pt% 53.7(41) 54.6(322) N. Iowa
FT% 75.3(52)
Winner of FT% N. Iowa
Quote from: Just Sayin on January 15, 2020, 11:42:10 AM
When Valpo has the ball:
Valpo Offense N. Iowa Defense Winner
Adj. Efficiency 100.4(178) 97.3(106) N. Iowa
3Pt% 33.9(126) 33.0(167) Valpo
2Pt% 48.7(182) 46.1(87) N. Iowa
FT% 69.9(188)
When N. Iowa Has the Ball
N. Iowa Offense Valpo Defense Winner
Adj. Efficiency 110.9(29) 100.7(166) N. Iowa
3Pt% 37.0(36) 35.1(261) N. Iowa
2Pt% 53.7(41) 54.6(322) N. Iowa
FT% 75.3(52)
Winner of FT% N. Iowa
Being an expert in analytical interpretation, this tells me that we need to jack up 3's all night (and hope they go in) and pray for some plumstreet luck that UNI has an off shooting night on the other end. Simple. ;)
UNI just won by 20+ on the road against a talented but underachieving MSU squad.
They are the best team in the conference and it is on the road. I am not saying we can't upset them, just saying things would have to go really well for us to do so. They are a complete and well balanced team and although I think we have handled the roster turnover from last year well, we are still an incomplete team, especially with Fazekas being out. I just want to come away from this game saying, "Man, we played pretty well, we might have won that one if it had been a home game."
This team responds to a Challenge! Examples Central Michigan , Evansville and Loyola ;D
Quote from: wh on January 15, 2020, 11:53:42 AMQuote from: Just Sayin on January 15, 2020, 11:42:10 AMWhen Valpo has the ball: Valpo Offense N. Iowa Defense Winner Adj. Efficiency 100.4(178) 97.3(106) N. Iowa 3Pt% 33.9(126) 33.0(167) Valpo 2Pt% 48.7(182) 46.1(87) N. Iowa FT% 69.9(188) When N. Iowa Has the Ball N. Iowa Offense Valpo Defense Winner Adj. Efficiency 110.9(29) 100.7(166) N. Iowa 3Pt% 37.0(36) 35.1(261) N. Iowa 2Pt% 53.7(41) 54.6(322) N. Iowa FT% 75.3(52) Winner of FT% N. Iowa
Being an expert in analytical interpretation, this tells me that we need to jack up 3's all night (and hope they go in) and pray for some plumstreet luck that UNI has an off shooting night on the other end. Simple. ;)
Or suit up Bryce, Lubos, Alec, and Rowdy.
Quote from: VUfan on January 15, 2020, 02:22:47 PM
This team responds to a Challenge! Examples Central Michigan , Evansville and Loyola ;D
I've seen enough to know that some of our players will be up to the challenge, some might be, and some probably won't be.
•Almost guaranteed to play well: Javon, Donovan
•Might or might not: Eron, John, Nick
•Likely won't play well: Daniel, Mileek, Ben, Zion
In order to win tonight, all 3 in the middle group have to play well. If anyone in the bottom group steps up, so much the better, but don't count on it. BTW if we get a healthy Ryan back, the whole dynamic changes because we would then have 3 guys instead of 2 that will almost always count on to lead the team.
UNI 75
Valpo 68
It would be way too easy to predict that things are going to get ugly for Valpo
So I won't say it.
Quote from: vu72 on January 15, 2020, 08:39:12 AMWe lost in OT to Cincinnati. I"m guessing UNI isn't better than Cincy. Of course we can win.
I disagree. UNI beat Colorado in Boulder which beat Dayton and Oregon and absolutely controlled the overwhelming majority of the game against West Virginia one of the best teams in the country before coming up short in the end. Cincinnati was pushed to the limit by the same Illinois State team that beat UNI and also Belmont. I don't hold the ISUr loss against UNI everybody trips every once in awhile especially in conference but ISUr has shown what they will become. They're a frustrating up and down team, but they should be pretty good in time. To beat UNI, we'll have to rely on that and be perfect to win, but I have very little doubt that UNI would beat Cincinnati this year if they had met 7 times out of 10.
Why hasn't the streammm started, ahhhhhhh....
What the heck. All we are getting is "EVENT ABOUT TO START". This sucks.
I know Iowa is 5 years behind but when does the stream start? I hate this new ESPN. Can't wait til season is over to cancel. There should be a refund for the multiple times it doesn't work or glitches and restarts.
First time I've had trouble with the stream for Valpo this year. I can get other games, just not Valpo. Than God for Todd on WVUR
You know something is wrong when 10 members, 3 hidden and 16 guests are on a message board when a the game is playing.....this is frustrating!
Atleast we can listen like the good ole days....
https://tunein.com/radio/WVUR-FM-951-s23659/
Quote from: valpo84 on January 15, 2020, 07:15:36 PM
I know Iowa is 5 years behind but when does the stream start? I hate this new ESPN. Can't wait til season is over to cancel. There should be a refund for the multiple times it doesn't work or glitches and restarts.
Oh, hey, yeah. We should get a refund for this. It's not like before when the broadcast was free.
Keeping it tied at 19. Let's hope it stays close and we have a chance at the end.You never know!
Did he really say that Sackey hit a three? I hope he stops shooting threes now.
EDIT: Okay, Sackey can shoot more threes but this game only. :-)
If we could hit a few threes, then watch out! Would like to see it though.
I'll gladly go without video if Sackey makes 3's!
That's it, no more video! Sackey makes 2 in a row!
MAN! This game sounds exciting. Too bad we can't see it. Keep us informed Todd. Great broadcasting!!!!
Wow! Zion came to play on D, then JFL says, 'what's up b*tches!' :)
Sorry, but the UNI fan base has been every bit of Butler since we joined the MVC, and I want this win!
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1217622962259578880
Finaaallly , lets go!!!
Had a 10 point lead for a few seconds there. Hope we can keep it up.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 15, 2020, 07:43:27 PM
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1217622962259578880
I'm getting live stats. How about you guys?
Video is on. Just in time for halftime.
Nice to be able to watch half time. Take out that first 4 minutes and what a half that was! Unfortunate to give up a couple of late 3s
Two ridiculous 3's, as well. Guy in his face, and step back variety.
Quote from: bbtds on January 15, 2020, 07:45:43 PMQuote from: VUBBFan on January 15, 2020, 07:43:27 PMhttps://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/1217622962259578880
I'm getting live stats. How about you guys?
I've got them now as well as the live stream
Quote from: bbtds on January 15, 2020, 07:46:52 PM
Video is on. Just in time for halftime.
I'm sticking with Todd....he's my little lucky charm!
We are playing great defense and limited TOs. AJ Green has been limited due to foul trouble but look out in the second half. Daniel needs to step it up. I had the radio for the first half and live stats but now can actually watch it!
The weather from Iowa to Illinois over the last couple of days has gone from mild to chilly, so that would be playing with lines and satellite feeds. Glad to have the game back though. I'm shocked by how many empty seats are at the McCloud Center tonight. Maybe Wednesday, bad weather, or high school basketball games?
Quick, someone break the stream!
Gotta keep the ball out of Green's hands, he's on fire to start the half. 16-0 run the last what, 5min? Oof
They aren't calling some of the moving screens and contact now.
Sackey is just not smart on fast breaks...
We've gotta get a point guard.
Absolutely bone-headed back-to-back possessions by Zion...wtf?
We are so close it's ridiculous... So frustrating... Soon we will learn how to win this games.
Sackey is quickly moving from asset to liability.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 15, 2020, 08:48:51 PM
Sackey is quickly moving from asset to liability.
You would expect him to do everything quickly.
Feast or famine with these guys. Have to make the feasts longer and the famine shorter. Credit uni. They have some incredible shooters and that Green was simply amazing tonight. I think he hit every open look and a bunch of contested ones. Still, not the blowout I was afraid it would be after our starts in both half's.
I'm already predicting that we beat UNI at home. Let's start the uck FUNI chants?
Frustrating, yet expected.
AJ Green is a first rounder. He is like Bryce Drew playing in the Mid-Con. UNI is the best of the best this year. experienced and well coached.
Felt like every break and call went UNI's way down the stretch, they also made the shots they needed to. Robinson fighting injury? or falling out of favor? Whenever AJ Green wants to go pro, that's fine with me. Not unexpected...still hate losing.
Brutal stretch to end the first/start the second, but otherwise a pretty good game. PG play was rough and we forgot to defend Green closely for several minutes there.
Can't be mad about losing to UNI on their floor. Tonight's effort results in a win against a lot of other teams in this conference, we just need to keep it up and not regress this weekend against Indiana State.
I will note that UNI shot 12-22 from 3... Kind of the opposite of the Drake game there. If UNI had shot 10%, we win it and it's not close. We'll see if that changes when they visit the ARC.
Looks like Robinson's back is still hurting him, But I wonder if there was anything bothering Clay. He put up goose eggs, only took 3 shots and I don't think he was moving around as much as he usually does. Or maybe just an off night for him.
A J Green...amazing shooter. The 20 run to start the 2nd half killed us. Once again, Sackey, as stated earlier, is a big liability...can not shoot, turnovers, defensive liability. It's a shame that other than JFL, we have no other consistent offensive threat, especially in the front court. Kiser is just not the answer although he works so hard. Both on offense and defense, he just is not the answer. Hopefully the future is brighter with Krikke and when and if Ryan can get back in the flow. Then maybe next year the kid from Wisconsin will help too. Let's get the IN ST trees on Saturday.
All too typical slow start to the game, down double digits 15-4, then they give up a 17-0 run to start the second half. :banghead:
Quote from: govalpogo on January 15, 2020, 09:02:58 PMFelt like every break and call went UNI's way down the stretch, they also made the shots they needed to. Robinson fighting injury? or falling out of favor? Whenever AJ Green wants to go pro, that's fine with me. Not unexpected...still hate losing.
I hope Green and JFL stay at their respective schools for a full four years. That matchup was fun and we need two years of it. We want to play against and beat the best so I welcome a strong UNI or any team in the Valley. It'll just mean that much more when we're finally strong enough to beat them and our conference will be strong and respected.
This team has nothing to hang its head about. Yes the slow starts are frustrating but this team tonight would have beaten any other team in the Valley. We're getting there guys. Hold on.
Man, slow start to the game and slow start to the 2nd half.....
.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on January 15, 2020, 09:22:02 PM
This team has nothing to hang its head about. Yes the slow starts are frustrating but this team tonight would have beaten any other team in the Valley. We're getting there guys. Hold on.
Could not have said it any better. UNI is probably the best mid major in the country, playing on their home court where they're undefeated, and shot the heck out of the ball tonight, yet we were in the game right to the end. Yes, we had our usual beginning of every half scoring drought. At the same time we had huge scoring runs of our own to climb back in the game. Add a healthy Ryan, and we're as good or better than they are. That's how close we are.
BTW while we're slobbering all over A.J. Green (and deservedly so), let's not forget to express our appreciation for our own sophomore star. Javon had 28 points to Green's 29, out rebounded him 8-3 and had 4 steals to Green's 1. Javon can score in a variety of ways. Green is a jump shooter. Last, but not least, Javon is a far better defensive player.
UNI is the team to beat in the MVC this year. Time to focus on Indiana St. and getting back to .500. Indiana St. just easily beat Evansville. Hopefully we have Ryan back for the game.
Quote from: wh on January 15, 2020, 09:58:46 PM
BTW while we're slobbering all over A.J. Green (and deservedly so), let's not forget to express our appreciation for our own sophomore star. Javon had 28 points to Green's 29, out rebounded him 8-3 and had 4 steals to Green's 1. Javon can score in a variety of ways. Green is a jump shooter. Last, but not least, Javon is a far better defensive player.
You're right but it's hard to not give credit to the winner. That said, Javon is clearly the better all around player. He does everything. Green is an elite cold blooded scorer but that's as far as it goes. What it comes down to is this: Green has a better supporting cast especially with Fazekas out and that's the difference. Haldeman Brown and Berhow stepped up for them and hit big shots down the stretch and they made their free throws hence the W.
I don't know about you guys but I am just so glad that we have a chance to play against teams of UNI's caliber against players of Green's caliber and have players of Javon's caliber on our roster. None of these things are possible if we're not in the MVC and that makes the move worth it right there.
JFL is now 5 for his 26 from 3 and his season percentage is down to 30.3% (I'm assuming the season stats haven't been updated just yet). He's good, but that has to improve before he becomes next level great.
And you KNOW he's going to spend the offseason working on that. And when he does Valpo will become a REALLY dangerous team.
Great praise from Coach Jacobson. He would know a good team. He's got one and he's coached several more.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1217647822532698113
Thoughts? I'm inclined to agree with him. We're definitely better than we were two years ago. I remember that game. We were absolutely blitzed and it was over before it even started. That did prove the fight this team has under Lottich that has not wavered.
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1217656952093888512
How far we've come... Did experience make the difference?
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1217657422879318016
And a great treat for fans to look forward to tomorrow:
https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/1217657769974751233
What UNI thought about Valpo
https://twitter.com/UNImbb/status/1217647102244859904
Great praise for Valpo from a UNI fan. Check it out here. MVC Fans is starting weekly discussion threads. Get on and contribute if you'd like! Would love to see more of a Valpo presence over there.
http://mvcfans.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5460&p=124530#p124530
Quote from: valpo64 on January 15, 2020, 09:09:51 PMOnce again, Sackey, as stated earlier, is a big liability...can not shoot, turnovers, defensive liability. It's a shame that other than JFL, we have no other consistent offensive threat, especially in the front court. Kiser is just not the answer although he works so hard. Both on offense and defense, he just is not the answer. Hopefully the future is brighter with Krikke
Not sure I agree on a few things. Daniel is not a defensive liability. He was playing sick last night but still shot 40% from the 3. Kiser may not be THE answer but he is part of a group effort at the 5. Combined, Mileek (zero Personal fouls), Ben and John went for 27 points and 6 for 11 from the 3. 9 boards and 2 fouls. The problem was that we got zero points from two of our starters and, although Javon scored 28 points, he was only 2 of 12 from the 3 and has slid to 31% from deep for the season.
As much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
Quote from: vok22 on January 16, 2020, 10:14:56 AM
As much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
On average basketball players continue to improve until they reach their peak at age 26.
Quote from: vok22 on January 16, 2020, 10:14:56 AM
As much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
That's assuming we get no contribution from our recruits or grad transfers. As pointed out by others, there were 1000 transfers last year. There are 351 D1 teams, so on average there were almost 3 transfers per team. We are expecting 2 or the 3 new freshman to be very good shooters and one to be an all around good player. The growth fro year 1 to 2 often is substantial. I expect significant growth from guys like Ben and Donovan, as examples.
Quote from: VUBBFan on January 15, 2020, 09:08:01 PMLooks like Robinson's back is still hurting him, But I wonder if there was anything bothering Clay.
I know nothing of Clay but his defense might have slowed him on the other end. Nick is obviously struggling. Very inconsistent or entirely missing since his injury at Charlotte. Hopefully he can recover but difficult to do when you are badly needed. Maybe he can sit one out when Ryan returns.
Gordon was covered tight from the 3 point line (0-1). He did successfully drive to the basket on 3 occasions :thumbsup: and he will need to do more of that as the Valley adjusts to his game.
I'm trying to remember what Todd said. Something like Fazekas is practicing "some". I've spoken English since childhood and have absolutely no idea what that meant. ???
Quote from: vok22 on January 16, 2020, 10:14:56 AMAs much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
JFL - PG - Junior
Gordon - SG - 5th Year
Krikke - PF - Sophmore
Robinson - SF - 5th Year
Clay - SF - Sophmore
I'd take that starting lineup next year (should be the starting line up now too).
Quote from: vuny98 on January 16, 2020, 11:54:12 AM
Quote from: vok22 on January 16, 2020, 10:14:56 AMAs much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
JFL - PG - Junior
Gordon - SG - 5th Year
Krikke - PF - Sophmore
Robinson - SF - 5th Year
Clay - SF - Sophmore
I'd take that starting lineup next year (should be the starting line up now too).
I would like to see that starting lineup too, just have a hard time seeing Lottich sitting Mileek as a senior after starting him the past two seasons. Also don't see him taking Sackey out of there. I would LOVE to see that starting lineup tried out, though.
Quote from: vu72 on January 16, 2020, 11:07:48 AMQuote from: vok22 on January 16, 2020, 10:14:56 AMAs much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
That's assuming we get no contribution from our recruits or grad transfers. As pointed out by others, there were 1000 transfers last year. There are 351 D1 teams, so on average there were almost 3 transfers per team. We are expecting 2 or the 3 new freshman to be very good shooters and one to be an all around good player. The growth fro year 1 to 2 often is substantial. I expect significant growth from guys like Ben and Donovan, as examples.
Correction: 353 D-1 teams
On the radio last night, Brandon referred to the game as a "Game of Runs"...
first half:
From 18:50 to 14:36 Uni outscored Valpo 11-2 (score was 4-15)
From 13:20 to 5:03 Valpo outscored UNI 22-4 (from 6-17 to 28-21)
Stayed fairly even, Valpo led by 6 at the half
Second half:
from 19:36 to 15:30 UNI outscored Valpo 20-3 (from 42-36 to 45-56)
from 15:30 to 7:11 Valpo outscored UNI 22-10 (to pull within 1 at 66-67)
from 7:11 to end, UNI outscored Valpo 21-12... for the 88-78 win.
and I see we only had assists on 11 of 32 baskets (UNI was 13 assists on 30 baskets). In the Drake win we had assists on 14 of 19 baskets.
oh well... water under the bridge... This Sycamore game on Saturday night could go a long way to keeping us from playing on Thursday...
BRA 4-1 13-5
UNI 4-1 15-2
LOY 3-1 11-6 (host SIU tonight)
IND 3-2 10-6
DRA 2-2 12-5 (host ILL ST tonight)
VAL 2-3 9-9
SOU 2-2 8-9 (at Loyola Tonight)
MIS 2-3 8-10
ILL 1-3 6-10 (at Drake Tonight)
EVA 0-5 9-9
I don't see either home team losing tonight.
so the team flew in last night...
https://flightaware.com/live/flight/FRG328/history/20200116/0430Z/KALO/KVPZ
Not quite the same as the twin-jet the Drake team had... Here's the "Freight Runners Express" team (our usual charter company and plane)
https://flightaware.com/photos/view/8669557-8548610046ddee16de71e1103237c4507ebdd108/airline/FRG/sort/votes/page/1
https://www.aircraftcompare.com/aircraft/embraer-emb-120-brasilia/#lg=1&slide=2
Better than a 6-hour bus ride in the middle of the night ... having to get up for classes !
Quote from: vok22 on January 16, 2020, 10:14:56 AM
As much as I want to be really optimistic about next year, we have to remember that we already know what we are getting, cause we are watching it. Our contributing players will be exactly who they are now minus John Kiser. We won't have Fazekas next year, so all those issues we say would be solved if Fazekas was on the court, will still apply next year. We are gonna have to expect a lot of consistent production out of our sophomores to make up for that loss.
The freshman from Sheboygan could have much the same quality as Freeman. Could, again, is the operative word here. Much potential.
Quote from: valpotx on January 15, 2020, 08:57:54 PM
I'm already predicting that we beat UNI at home. Let's start the uck FUNI chants?
It would go well with my TRUCK FUMP shirt!
What you got against trucks?
Quote from: bbtds on January 17, 2020, 11:51:28 AMQuote from: valpotx on January 15, 2020, 08:57:54 PMI'm already predicting that we beat UNI at home. Let's start the uck FUNI chants?
It would go well with my TRUCK FUMP shirt!
Trump doesn't go that way. Find another man to satisfy your sexual jollies.
....and we're off the rails.
Quote from: NativeCheesehead on January 17, 2020, 01:54:12 PM
....and we're off the rails.
I know. Why did that guy make a political post? He doesn't seem able to control himself.
I thought politics belongs in off topic.
He baited, you responded. Like my former neighbors who yelled over the fence at each other, I didn't take sides, I blamed both.
I always respond to political idiocy. Not baited. More than happy to respond. But he started the political stuff, not me. I have more control than that. I know the rules and so does he. He's done this multiple times. His problem.
Trip to Valpo looms as it gets tougher for the Sycamores
By Todd Aaron Golden Tribune-Star 4 hrs ago
https://www.tribstar.com/sports/local_college_sports/isu_sports/trip-to-valpo-looms-as-it-gets-tougher-for-the/article_b9620cb6-2f60-5990-93db-f8b772219190.html
I know the UNI game is well in the past, but over on the MVC board, we are still discussing Green Vs JFL vis a vis Conference Player of the Year. Here is my post advocating for JFL over Green that I thought I might share here as well. You can tell me if I missed anything:
Javon Freeman-Liberty vs. A.J. Green: A Comparison
JFL: 21.2PPG 5.6RPG 3.3 APG 2.5 SPG 0.2 BPG 2.3TO 44.4 FG% 74.4 FT% 32.3 3PT%
Green: 19.7 PPG 3.1 RPG 3.0 APG 0.8 SPG 0.0BPG 2.8TO 42.6 FG% 93.3 FT5 38.3 3PT%
Let's compare Supporting Casts:
UNI has 4 players Berhow Phyfe Haldeman and Brown that have averaged at least 8.8 PPG and all four of them are JRs or SRs (Berhow 13.9 Phyfe 9.8 Haldeman 9.1 Brown 8.8).
Valpo's second leading scorer (Ryan Fazekas) has played one full game all season Outside of that, only Mileek McMillan (8.9PPG) beats the mark of the top 4 Panthers. Nick Robinson (8.5 PPG) is in his first year with the program after sitting out (yes I know that's the case for Berhow too who came from Pepperdine if I'm not mistaken) and Donovan Clay (8.5 PPG) is a freshman. As our beat writer recently pointed out, McMillan is the only player still on the team who logged significant minutes two years ago in Valpo's first trip to Cedar Falls. My point? Using wins and losses as the main criterion ignores a lot of important factors like injuries and team experience that are important things to weigh when evaluating a player's performance and value to his team and to the conference relative to his peers. Give Valpo a healthy Fazekas and tell me how their record would look. Hint: A lot better. I would even venture to say that Valpo with a healthy Ryan Fazekas to bring secondary scoring beats Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Disagree all you want but Valpo controlled significant stretches of that game and the game only got out of hand in desperation time when Valpo needed a three to stay close. Do you know who's probably the best player on Valpo's roster at providing three point shooting? Ryan Fazekas. I get it, though, it's no use to cry over spilled milk and teams have to play the cards that they're dealt. Injuries happen. But in my mind that makes what Javon Freeman-Liberty is doing more impressive and makes him more deserving of the honor, not less. But I'm a biased Valpo fan.
Conclusions:
Not only does Freeman-Liberty best Green in EVERY SIGNIFICANT STATISTICAL CATEGORY except FTs and 3 pointers, he's also leading a less experienced and less statistically successful supporting cast. He's also doing it shorthanded because Valpo's Berhow (Fazekas) is on the shelf. We don't have a Haldeman to set up the offense and settle things down when things get tough, we don't have a Phyfe to reliably dump the ball down into the post and get buckets from when we need to stop runs. Freeman-Liberty has to be our Green, our Haldeman, our Berhow, and our Phyfe all by himself a lot of the time, while Green has these pieces he can play off of and feed off of until he needs to take over. Javon needs to take over from the jump or the whole thing just doesn't go for us while Green can pick his spots much more freely. Green is a terrific player having a fantastic year and is an extremely deserving candidate; but with all due respect to A.J. Green, Wins and losses aside, I don't know how anybody can look at this head to head comparison and tell me Green is more deserving of the Larry Bird award right now than Freeman-Liberty. In my mind, it's not really all that close. if winning really is the only criterion, then give Green the award; but if we're actually looking for the best PLAYER in the conference, I think we need to give it to JFL. Remember wins and losses are a team stat and in control of the team not any one individual player. The PLAYER OF THE YEAR is about that one individual player and should not be decided solely on how good his supporting cast is. If the best player is not on the best team so be it the award should still go to him not a comparable player on a better team. We have such a case this year as things stand right now. The award should rightfully go to Freeman-Liberty not to Green.
Admittedly, when I looked only at MVC games, I had to walk back my claims a little bit. I think when evaluating Conference POY it's fair to look only at conference statistics because not everybody plays the same non conference schedule and the conference games are the only even up apples to apples data we have. Here's how the two compare in MVC play so far.
MVC Play:
Green" 25.8 PPG 52.7 FG%48.1 3PT% 100% FT2.8 RPG 2.3 APG 0.7SPG 3.0TO\G
Freeman-Liberty: 19.8 PPG 41.2% FG% 26.8 3PT% 85.7 FT% 5.2 RPG 2.3SPG 2.5 TO\G
I still contend that JFL is the more IMPACTFUL player and the most IMPACTFUL player in the conference. But if these numbers hold, Green is the clear choice for POY.
I'll bet the award will go to the best player on the best team assuming most of the stats are relatively equal. This year that'll be Green. Now if JFL keeps putting up numbers like last nights and avoids any more of those 6-21 shooting performances he could have a chance.