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I hear you 72... but when it comes to baseball, you'd rarely see someone from Texas entertain playing baseball in Indiana, let alone Northern Indiana baseball, and at a Horizon league program at that (Butler included).  I was curious what the connection there was.

Sounds like some good opposition, hopefully some day taking a game at TCU in the coming years . maybe you played with Brian Costello and Steve Gil at Butler? They were on my summer team before my last year of ball in 2003-2004, when I spent the last 2 summers of college in Indiana. I forget what years they were when I was becoming a SR, so maybe you just missed them. We also had Brian Wolotka when you graduated, so you probably remember him . I did assist with the JV team on the coaching side my last year, but nothing really past that. I was a volunteer assistant with TCU for 2 years while doing my MBA and working a few years back, so no real connection to Valpo the last few years. Just like to keep up with my team I guess

I know those guys, but we didn't play together; I helped Cos get hooked up with his first job.  Wolotka... ha  I never had a problem with Wolo - but he was definitely a different dude.  He never really could fit in, and its a shame, because he could hit a ton.
Was probably better for him and us that he moved on for chemistry's sake. 

What I remember most about Valpo back then was how we pretty much owned you guys, how brown your uniforms were, and how large your team was.  Oh, and it was so FREAKING cold when I played at your place!  Like you, Valpo was on my tail, but ultimately going up to the region was not a move I was going to make!  Very pleased with my decision, as I am sure you are too. 

The program has changed a ton since I finished up, although it looks like we are at least heading in the right direction again.

By the way, what in the heck took you from Texas to Valparasio, Indiana??

Not sure if you are being sarcastic, but yes, I am a 2001 grad. 

I'm just saying that now that I'm that far removed, and well before now - I would recognize people's names, and probably know if they have put up some sort of record setting numbers, draft quality, etc.; but aside from that, I generally wouldn't know who's graduating, their spot in the rotation etc. etc...  And I'm about as active as they come with regards to helping the program with fundraising, networking with graduates, etc.

The comments, opinions, etc that you share are far more detailed than even the staunchest supporter which is why I was wondering if you were still officially connected (parent, coach, ex assistant, or coaching somewhere else). And I'm not saying its a bad thing... its just a unique level of interest that you keep.

tx, I respect the fact that you are a proud alumni - but as avid of a fan, and supporter of BU baseball as I am, I can't come close to knowing the people, and staying as in touch as you - and not one of the others I graduated with could either... Do you seriously live and breathe VU baseball that much??

Butler scrambles to make early jump: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/02/3638255/butler-scrambles-to-make-early.html

I thought it was interesting that Clarke thinks getting to the NCAAs will be EASIER in the A10 versus the Horizon.  I suppose it does make sense if the Horizon is only going to be an auto-bid league.  Everyone knows Valpo will get that so Butler would have to settle for the CIT or something once again.

Come on 72...  where did he say "Easier"?  You know what he means by his comment:

"Like I said, the Horizon League deserves credit because it's a lot better league than people think," Clarke said. "But I think the Atlantic 10 will give us a better chance to get there (NCAA tourney), and it will give us more exposure, too."

Haven't been there forever, but if you look at the last 10-15 years (Since our current "system" has been in place), its not like the 2 Championship game runs were the only success.  Take those out of the picture, and you still have Sweet 16, and tournament appearances that would make any other Mid Major more than proud. Not to mention more than enough success against the power conferences during the regular season, that added up have to nearly trump the aggregate of the rest of the conference at the time.  Sorry if you think its obnoxious or pompous or whatever you may call it to mention that - but its the truth.

And yes, our board is full of pride - but if you look at it, its not like we're bashing everyone else, its just a bunch of pollyanna's that probably piss you off with their unbridled optimism and expectations!

People always hate the winners, the people that get all the limelight...  we're moving on.  Who will your fellow Horizon comrades hate now??

Not that I expect much more, but you guys are blinded by your VU passion.  Butler is going to be much improved this year with the addition of an outside game; and by addition, I mean with one of the best three point shooters in the nation in Clarke, and possibly the best outside shooter coming out of HS in Dunham.  Have you any idea what a completely one dimensional offense did to our team last year???

Can't wait to see this BU team on the floor... apparently it will be a shock to all of you, even if it won't be while ruining your expected march to the tournament this year!

I guess I'm having a hard time understanding the finger pointing at Butler in this.... Its clear that a decision was made amongst the HL that Butler was going to be excluded from any championships, etc.... how is that Butler's fault?  (other than leaving the conference in the first place). And before people go huffing and puffing about the exit fee, just you remember how much money you've banked, and Butler LEFT BEHIND off of our two Championship Game runs! The dollar amounts we are leaving behind have to be more than the cumulative dollars your program (or almost any other in the league) have generated in your existence! You'll have a good program next year, be happy, but now you'll get to be the ones that have to deal with the rest of the conference bringing you down...

It's just so easy to see the arrogance that pervades Butler thinking and LeCrone finally after all these years had enough of it. Good riddance, Nildogg. We won't miss you!!!! Also let's make a bet when WNDY lets their TV contract to televise Butler games run out.  2013-14 is my guess. Good luck wondering how your basketball team looks playing on the east coast and paying those $80 A-10 video fees.

Oh, wah!   You can thank Butler for anything good that this conference has right now... including whatever it was that you've spent our tournament earnings on.  You are welcome.  Good luck with your high teen's seeds, and lack of interest in the HL anymore. Enjoy being the team that once hit a lucky shot...  Yes, Good Riddance

I guess I'm having a hard time understanding the finger pointing at Butler in this....

Its clear that a decision was made amongst the HL that Butler was going to be excluded from any championships, etc.... how is that Butler's fault?  (other than leaving the conference in the first place).

And before people go huffing and puffing about the exit fee, just you remember how much money you've banked, and Butler LEFT BEHIND off of our two Championship Game runs!
The dollar amounts we are leaving behind have to be more than the cumulative dollars your program (or almost any other in the league) have generated in your existence!

You'll have a good program next year, be happy, but now you'll get to be the ones that have to deal with the rest of the conference bringing you down...

I can understand what you are saying 78, but to be honest, not many people outside of the Midwest truly know where Butler is either.  Yes, they have the brand name recognition now from the back-to-back title game appearances, but many people I speak to about Butler had no clue they were in Indiana.  I know your point was that they (replacement schools) don't even bring that name recognition, but 5-10 years down the line, many people outside of the Midwest will have forgotten about Butler if they haven't stayed in the public eye if they become a middle of the pack A-10 team like I predict...

I think you are correct, although the fact that the first F4 occured in our hometown helped with that.

In the end, I'm not so sure it matters that people know where Butler is; the fact is, that everyone knows that Butler exists.  And would generally correlate our name with success.

I know you are a big Baseball guy, so congrats on your tourney appearance.  Personally, when we went, I enjoyed going on the road and seeing a new ball park... its too bad the team doesn't get to enjoy that experience.

The Horizon has a lot of work to do...

wh, I think they are *participating* in the sarcasm.

Lots of reports floating around that this may be a done deal.  I expect Butler to move quickly, if indeed they do have an offer.  With all the national attention Valpo is getting for their league championship and NIT appearance, Collier knows the window of opportunity for a move like this is closing quickly.

I've spoken to 3 sources within the Butler Athetic Department, and while 2 of them cut their conversations short to finish cleaning the restrooms, one did say, under condition of anonymity that Butler AD Barry Collier has specifically noted fear (and this person emphasized fear - as he pointed out Collier was trembling and sweating at the time) in Valpo's emerging national presence, in his motivation to "run" from the Horizon.  This person only chose to share this under the veil of anonymity - so we cannot widely publicize this news - but it does appear to have credibility. 
I am confident Butler is leaving the conference for no other reason than that they know they cannot continue to compete with such a power as Valpo, and the A-10 was the next best option.  It was no secret that major Butler advertisers Erie Insurance, and G Thrapp jewelers are leaving after this year for the "HOT" Valparasio market... which compounds the situation.  This is a move that Butler has to make.

It's official. The Butler Bulldogs are dead. The NCAA coroner has spoken. Is that not the farthest fall in the history of the NCAA tourney? From national runner-up twice to 5th seed and semi-final defeat in a mid-major conference tourney?

Not sure... it might be.

Pretty much what anyone with any realistic outlook would have thought was possible.  This team could have been in a much different position with a couple of breaks, but either way - this was a rebuilding year, and a historically bad offensive year.  Not bad to have 20 wins, a likely post season appearance, and the pieces we need ready to go next year for another big season...

We'll see how quickly you reload in a couple of years.  Hell, we'll see how you do next year when the conference is worth a crap!

Having a week to get ready for this game is the biggest advantage in my opinion.

I like Butler's chances if we can play the inside game that we did yesterday, but its going to be a grind down to the very end.

This is the most interested I have been in a HL game in a long time...  looking forward to my trip up North to join the fun.

Anyone but an IU recruit...

Ok, whats the story with this jacka$$?  Does he post over here, or just on our board?  You should all be embarrassed that he represents you with every comment he makes.

All I know, is that the guy is either one of the biggest rejects in the Indy area, or he's mentally handicapped...  Which is it?  Definitely one or the other.

Regardless, enjoy the front row show in Valpo. I think BU vs. UWM is going to be a great game., and the one to follow vs. Valpo will be even better.

Ok, yea Obviously your facts are a little off...
Rotnei is a stud, and yes, he was ALL-SEC (2nd team):  http://www.helena-arkansas.com/sports/x698034493/Rotnei-Clarke-makes-All-SEC-second-team
I like the looks of this, and more importantly the results he brought at Arkansas:
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=2500001

And Kellen Dunham is absolutely a legitimate Mr. Basketball candidate, and 1 of 3 that are fighting for the honor, if its not a guarantee for an IU recruit.  As for rankings, I think they are all pretty much a joke; regardless, what I hear is that Rivals lost all of their recruiting people to ESPN and other services, so their rankings have become even less reliable.  Maybe you should look at ESPN? (yes top 100)  Most importantly, Kellen is being called the best pure shooter of this years class; yes, thats in the nation. 

That, my friends is instant offense, and the answer to all of our problems.

No way we are a top 10 team next year, people base that off of the previous year's success and we are off the radar unless something miraculous happens at the end of the season.

I am optimistic that we'll play at the level of a top 25 team though - with our main problem being the lack of an outside threat - and adding one if not two of the best shooters in the country. 
That, and we'll have some interesting options at the point guard position, which at times has been a problem, despite the leadership and experience of Nored.

I don't think 18-0 is possible - it is so rare; but this team may have more pieces to the puzzle than that team, which is what I think he meant.

My hat is off to Valpo for getting it done (so far) this year, but you have to take a look around and realize that the conference is not any good this year, and its as even of a playing field as there has been in years.  Even if you are returning everyone, and bringing in some additional pieces, its going to be a much different year next year with talent and experience around the league.  It will be interesting to see what Capobianco can do... transfers are always wildcards when they have been unproven at another school. 

What a train wreck!   

Definitely saw this coming...

We played a competitive scrimmage against our selves 2 days ago.

You can thank Brad Stevens for his ignorance of the Hangover theory.

What is the capacity?

Surprised you haven't sold this game out, being senior night, and with all the implications!?

Are you ready!!?   

This is going to be a fun week.

Nored is no doubt a leader, but if you look at the numbers, BU may be losing the least, and gaining the most. 

Look forward to shocking at least you next year.

I enjoy following the pulse of our conference foe's almost as much as reading our own board.  Actually, the stupidity over there by some people has me enjoying the other sites a bit more.

And sorry if you think I am here to flame, I just like to respond to comments that are relative to my interests... (Butler).

You yourself agreed with my comment.

Butler will be back in the top 25 (or at least playing at that level) next year, so I'm not too worried about Valpo.  I hope you are getting better, because this conference needs a better National reputation if we want to continue to move forward!

Give me a break; if you can't part through the sarcasm in this, then you are the problem!