Georgia Southern at Valpo - 11/9/12

[valporun]

I'm not sure if the typo was in the body or in the Outlook box, but it's right in the story, but still says 2002 in the Outlook to the season.

[milanmiracle]

In following the program for over 20 years, I don't think I have ever had such high hopes and expectations for a VU basketball team as I do with this one.

VU by 13.
 

Really? Wow! I had much higher expectations for Bryce's sweet 16 team. An Indiana Mr. Basketball and two 7 footers...Do you really think Bobby or Kevin could handle Zoran? Bryce was considerably better than anybody Valpo is going to put on the court, and could shoot it every bit as well as Ryan. The big difference? Bryce could get his own shot whenever he wanted. I highly doubt Ryan is going 16th overall in the NBA draft. This isn't a knock on this years team, but that team had a lot more parts to compete on a national level, vs competing against other above average mid majors.

I think this topic should have it's own thread? Anybody else agree?

[vu72]

In following the program for over 20 years, I don't think I have ever had such high hopes and expectations for a VU basketball team as I do with this one.

VU by 13.
 

Really? Wow! I had much higher expectations for Bryce's sweet 16 team. An Indiana Mr. Basketball and two 7 footers...Do you really think Bobby or Kevin could handle Zoran? Bryce was considerably better than anybody Valpo is going to put on the court, and could shoot it every bit as well as Ryan. The big difference? Bryce could get his own shot whenever he wanted. I highly doubt Ryan is going 16th overall in the NBA draft. This isn't a knock on this years team, but that team had a lot more parts to compete on a national level, vs competing against other above average mid majors.

I think this topic should have it's own thread? Anybody else agree?

I think Bobby and Kevin are a lot more athletic then the 7'ers.  The Jenkins boys were the athletes but couldn't shoot like the current team.  Nobody on the 98 team was a quick as Buggs except perhaps Jared Nuness.  The diffence between Bryce and Ryan has more to do with Ryan's rebounding which wasn't Bryce's strength.  The current team also has much more depth. The 98 team was deep but not this deep.  And finally, this team will get up and down the court much faster and that would be a problem for the bigs from 98.  The 98 team was a half court team and that's about it.

[valporun]

Is it wise to compare this team to the 98 team? This is like what Bears fans are doing right now in comparing this season's Bears defense to the 1985 Bears defense that helped win a Super Bowl. It gets tiresome to keep comparing the past with the current, especially when all we have of the current is two exhibition games that a very small sample size have really watched.

[chef]

I give the 98 team an edge, mainly because of Zoran Viskovic. He's one of the most underrated players we've ever had. If he had not played poorly at the pre-draft camp he likely could have made an NBA roster. I talked to more than one NBA scout that loved his foot work, post moves and passing. Hope this year's team proves me wrong.

[wittynamehere]

long time listener, first time caller - I'm pumped for this season and hope to be able to add to the discussions on here.  I finally decided to post because I couldn't agree more with this comment.  I've been on other boards and this one seems to have something against starting new threads on different topics.  Am I missing something?

. I think this topic should have it's own thread? Anybody else agree?

[valporun]

Anyone going to be in the chatroom in our forum board, or will you all be over at ValpoGameday at www.valpoathletics.com, if you're not in person at the ARC?

[agibson]

What's the news on Capobianco?  He's out for a while?  I seem to have missed the discussion in the pregame...

Here's what I've got so far:

Paul Oren ‏@NWIOren

Bobby Capobianco expected to miss up to a month after undergoing surgery on midsection injury. Will have more after the game. #ValpoGameDay

[valpotx]

Loving this game, up by 25 now with 13 min left.  This score reminds me of some of the years when I was in school beating up on teams...memories 

[valpotx]

Good lord, it is like we are playing Chicago State again!  What would the score be with Capo??

[FWalum]

Good lord, it is like we are playing Chicago State again!  What would the score be with Capo??

Exactly,  doubling up with out Capo, what on paper should be a decent team, was in my mind very unexpected.

[agibson]

Very impressive.

[vu72]

To my memory this was as dominating and complete game I've seen in a long long time.  This was not Chicago State but rather a team that will compete against the likes of Davidson and College of Charleston.  They won't hurt our rpi.
Now, as for the new  guys who haven't played in a long time and haven't shown anything at the D1 level...You know who you are! 

[HC]

Great game for everyone! I can't wait for the day when Vashil can catch a pass in traffic.  So many positives.  Get well soon Capo.

[valpotx]

Also have to give credit to Bryce's preparation, as anytime their projected 2nd round NBA guy touched the ball, he was immediately swarmed.  It looked like he had never been double-teamed before and caused 7 TOs on him alone.  How many coaches can call on their 9th man to give them 9 point in his first 2 minutes after not playing until the end as well? lol

[SadersofthelostArc]

long time listener, first time caller - I'm pumped for this season and hope to be able to add to the discussions on here.  I finally decided to post because I couldn't agree more with this comment.  I've been on other boards and this one seems to have something against starting new threads on different topics.  Am I missing something?

. I think this topic should have it's own thread? Anybody else agree?

I'm already REALLY liking this guy

[wh]

Without Capobianco, Valpo runs past Georgia Southern in season opener

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/without-capobianco-valpo-runs-past-georgia-southern-in-season-opener/article_37615462-6cb7-5ec0-8666-9bfe58a9a76d.html

[humbleopinion]

As much as his offensive skills have been derided on this board in the past, I'd like to highlight how Buggs has been contributing.  Although his three-point attempt was nothing to write home about, his ability to take the defender off the dribble and ability to finish if he doesn't draw enough attention in the lane, has worked well at opening outside shots.  And isn't it nice when those outside shots find the bottom of the bucket.

[valpo92]

Hey all-

Im pretty mum on these boards, often lurking but during the season Ill pop in from time to time.   Wow- after checking the roster, I didnt realize that many D-1 transfers were already here, waiting for the mandatory ineligibility to run its course.  I have pretty high expectations for this team, as Im sure most of you do as well.  Should be a fun ride.  I hope everyone is well.   

[valpo92]

Is it wise to compare this team to the 98 team? This is like what Bears fans are doing right now in comparing this season's Bears defense to the 1985 Bears defense that helped win a Super Bowl. It gets tiresome to keep comparing the past with the current, especially when all we have of the current is two exhibition games that a very small sample size have really watched.

In addition to sample size- you could see the steps Bryce's team had taken heading into that season.  The previous tourney experience alone, one could tell if they made the tourney again in 98 they were on the brink of advancing out of the first round.   

A quick side note with the Bears, imo what makes any comparison apples for oranges with the '85 to '12 defense is today's emphasis on player safety. It precludes the style of play that was permissible back in those days- and that aggressive style went a long way towards defining that defense.     

[SadersofthelostArc]

Is it wise to compare this team to the 98 team? This is like what Bears fans are doing right now in comparing this season's Bears defense to the 1985 Bears defense that helped win a Super Bowl. It gets tiresome to keep comparing the past with the current, especially when all we have of the current is two exhibition games that a very small sample size have really watched.

No need to constantly wet blanket everything.

That said, I think there are viable comparisons to be made between the 85 Bears and today's Bears....just for fun.  There is no wisdom or lack of wisdom in doing it, just something fun to talk about.  That D-Line was a bit better than this one, linebackers are even and this secondary is a bit better.  Two GREAT defenses.

The comparison of the two Valpo teams is crazy though...completely different animals.  98 team had the best player and was bigger, but I think this team is much more athletic and deep.  Honestly, I think this year's team would match up real well with the 98 team.  It would be a good game and I'd take the '12-'13 bunch.  Doesn't mean they are better, but I like the matchups.

[Valpo89]

Is it wise to compare this team to the 98 team? This is like what Bears fans are doing right now in comparing this season's Bears defense to the 1985 Bears defense that helped win a Super Bowl. It gets tiresome to keep comparing the past with the current, especially when all we have of the current is two exhibition games that a very small sample size have really watched.

No need to constantly wet blanket everything.

That said, I think there are viable comparisons to be made between the 85 Bears and today's Bears....just for fun.  There is no wisdom or lack of wisdom in doing it, just something fun to talk about.  That D-Line was a bit better than this one, linebackers are even and this secondary is a bit better.  Two GREAT defenses.

The comparison of the two Valpo teams is crazy though...completely different animals.  98 team had the best player and was bigger, but I think this team is much more athletic and deep.  Honestly, I think this year's team would match up real well with the 98 team.  It would be a good game and I'd take the '12-'13 bunch.  Doesn't mean they are better, but I like the matchups.

If the 12-13 team played the 97-98 team tomorrow, I'd take the 12-13 in a blowout.

[FWalum]

If the 12-13 team played the 97-98 team tomorrow, I'd take the 12-13 in a blowout.

Wow Valpo89, that is a pretty strong statement since we have only seen one actual game from the 12-13 team.  I really want to withhold judgement until we see a couple of games with Capo back and Dority able to play.  We are pretty thin on the front line and point without them. Or am I reading your whole statement incorrectly. 

[swiftmutiny]

Literally tomorrow, with all the '98 players in their 30's. 

[Valpo89]

If the 12-13 team played the 97-98 team tomorrow, I'd take the 12-13 in a blowout.

Wow Valpo89, that is a pretty strong statement since we have only seen one actual game from the 12-13 team.  I really want to withhold judgement until we see a couple of games with Capo back and Dority able to play.  We are pretty thin on the front line and point without them. Or am I reading your whole statement incorrectly. 

You're reading it incorrectly. I'm saying, if the 98 team suited up tomorrow to face this year's team, it would be a blowout. That's why I put the smiley face in there, so you would get it.
Tony V, if he was found, probably couldn't get up and down the court more than twice without needing oxygen. I'm pretty sure a few other guys could stand to lose a few pounds. Bryce admitted in a Post-Tribune article that he does not play with the guys. Of course, they couldn't leave him open, but still. Blowout.
In their primes? I'd say it would be close. Yes, I loved Zoran but I think he could be neutralized by Kevin because he would have to guard him, if Bobby was out.
Buggs could handle Jamie. Ryan is better than anyone on the 98 team except Bryce. Could Bill and Bob get out to defend all of the perimeter shooters this team has (Coleman, Boggs, Bogan, Rossi)?
It's an interesting discussion for sure. I was just being a smart-ass before, of course.