Recruiting: 2017

[FieldGoodie05]

I believe that was a retweet from Burton.  That's not him from what pictures I've seen.  Also, Burton is right handed.

[FieldGoodie05]

[valpo4life]

I believe that was a retweet from Burton.  That's not him from what pictures I've seen.  Also, Burton is right handed.

The player in that video is also right handed

[valpo64]

Now as long as these "verbals" stay on board, this should be a great off-season for recruiting.  Matt is on a roll in his first try!

[wh]

I believe that was a retweet from Burton.  That's not him from what pictures I've seen.  Also, Burton is right handed.

The player in that video is also right handed

John Wall

[valpopal]

Joe Burton tweets he is leaving OKlahoma St and coming to Valpo. Looks like a sit 1 play 2 transfer.

Holy crap!  This kid is a four star and was ranked 59th in his class by ESPN coming out of high school.  I guess Matt can do some recruiting!!!!

This is good and this is bad. Yes he should help our future but we will now face the upcoming season with only 10 eligible scholarship players. Ouch!

Looks like a great opportunity for Max, Lexus and Nick to add big time minutes. Chandler and John Kiser (the Noblesville walk-on) should also get their chances.

Yes, this is why I originally mentioned when the addition of Kiser happened that he could be viewed as "a gift." It is nice to have a 2-star walk-on who could be a scholarship player at some other programs, and who averaged 21 points & 7 rebounds his high-school senior year, sitting at the end of the bench.

[VU2014]

I've been kind of tuned out the last couple weeks, but wow! 4-star recruit!! What I love about Burton's game is that he's not just a 4-star athlete. He brings more then athleticism to the game, he was nearly a 40% 3-point shooter last season. Love the guys shooting ability. As for how will Parker Hazen fit into the equation? I think Parker will still fit in perfectly as stretch 4. He can bounce around between the 3-4 and give other teams match-up fits. Maybe if the teams in a pinch he could play little 2 or 5 if other guys are in foul trouble. If Parker has aspiration to play pro it'll invaluable experience and versatility, because that is the future of the game.

[vu72]

This is a recent post saying that Joe can play in the post as well.  He is a Jubril type player who is more athletic and and play outside as well.  Can't wait to see him as a Crusader!!

Head coach Matt Lottich and Valparaiso University have landed Oklahoma State transfer Joe Burton.

Burton, a 6'7 post, averaged 4.7 points in 12.6 minutes per game for Oklahoma State in 2015-16.

Burton is a big-bodied post who should make for a solid addition to Valparaiso's roster in the Horizon League. Burton likes to float out and get up shots behind the three-point arc.

[wh]

Just wondering if Valpo has recruited this 2017 player from Crown Point. Sasha Stefanovic may have blown up beyond us at this point based on schools mentioned. Wonder if anyone on the board local to the region has  seen him play?

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/04/11/recruiting-notes-another-crown-point-product-gaining-interest/82903586/

According to a Paul Oren re-tweet, Sasha Stefanovic has narrowed his choices down to 5 - SJU, Loyola, Evansville, Northern Iowa and Valpo.  According to Verbal Commits he has 22 D-1 offers:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/sasha-stefanovic

https://twitter.com/Phenom_Hoops/status/765296210206924800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViKNj2lpDcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dl8Mc0p5kE

[M]

He was offered a while back, it's in this thread somewhere. I think he'd be a pretty good get for any of these schools. He will probably get some big school interest this year if he were to wait.

[vu72]

Just wondering if Valpo has recruited this 2017 player from Crown Point. Sasha Stefanovic may have blown up beyond us at this point based on schools mentioned. Wonder if anyone on the board local to the region has  seen him play?

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/04/11/recruiting-notes-another-crown-point-product-gaining-interest/82903586/

According to a Paul Oren re-tweet, Sasha Stefanovic has narrowed his choices down to 5 - SJU, Loyola, Evansville, Northern Iowa and Valpo.  According to Verbal Commits he has 22 D-1 offers:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/sasha-stefanovic

https://twitter.com/Phenom_Hoops/status/765296210206924800

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViKNj2lpDcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dl8Mc0p5kE

Interesting that he obviously is a gifted student as witnessed by multiple Ivy offers.  Of the remaining five Valpo is at or near the top of the heap and hopefully will weigh into his decision, depending on what he wants to study.

[VU2014]

Ivy League doesn't offer athletic scholarships so that is something important to factor in. Many of those schools are $50-$60k a year in tuition.

Sasha has one of the quickest releases I've seen in a while for a kid that age. It's not only quick release but its also a smooth shot. With that height, release and shot his game sort of reminds me of somewhere in between Rowdy and Alec. Looks like he moves well like Rowdy did and that release reminds me of Alec, but Alec is one of the best shooters in the country so I hate comp'ing players to his game.

[covufan]

Ivy League doesn't offer athletic scholarships so that is something important to factor in. Many of those schools are $50-$60k a year in tuition.

Yes, but many of the Ivy's offer scholarships to those whose parents make less than $XX.  If you are accepted, it is basically a free ride.  With Sasha's Ivy's on his list, it was surprising to see him cut those teams.  Take a look at Harvard's frosh:

http://verbalcommits.com/schools/harvard

Two 4* recruits, a 3.7*, a 3.3* and two 2.7*.  Not too shabby.  Recruits realize the quality of the Harvard education. 

The Ivy's are also not limited in scholarships, since they don't offer them.  They have 20 NLI's, according to verbal commits.  How many of those are traditional walk-ons is anyone's guess.

If we can ink Sasha by November, we will be looking good for 2017-18!

[VU2014]

I'm not going to lie if I was a 2-3-4 star athlete but you knew that you had a ceiling of level of play was capped at the collegiate level and you could get almost 100% financial assistance then I would probably go Ivy league if I had the chance.

Oh well, I hope Sasha choses Valpo. Good school/community and one of the best mid-major programs in the nation as well as also being able to have your family watch your games. I talked to a friend who has watched most of his high school games because his kids go to the same school and he says he's a special shooter. If you can shoot at a high level you will play. That's the way the game is gravitating towards.

[VULB#62]

Official Joe Burton announcement.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15639/joe-burton-joins-crusader-basketball-program/#.V7x3I2ViAo8

With the 3 xfers sitting out this season, it appears Matt is reloading more than rebuilding after Alec leaves us.

[valpopal]

Official Joe Burton announcement.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2016-17/15639/joe-burton-joins-crusader-basketball-program/#.V7x3I2ViAo8

With the 3 xfers sitting out this season, it appears Matt is reloading more than rebuilding after Alec leaves us.

Another 4-star recruit out of high school, plus was recruited by teams like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Oregon!

[valpotx]

This just shows that Lottich can recruit, regardless of what that creep at Don Bosco intimated

[vu84v2]

While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

[oklahomamick]

While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Yes and compare it to the other Okie St transfer into the HL.  Oakland's Stevie Clark was a 5* who played a lot of minutes on a Marcus Smart lead Cowboys team.

I still would rather have Burton just based on Stevie's past.   

[vu72]

While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Valpo has had a pretty solid history of doing well with transfers.  Their past has little to do with how they will do at Valpo.  Remember, Shane Hammink averaged 1.0 point and 1.0 rebounds per game at LSU.  Pretty sure everyone is very glad he is on our team.

[VULB#62]

While I certainly hope that all three transfers turn into great Valparaiso players, we should consider that the three transfers combined averaged about 8 points per game for teams that were at or below .500. Burton played for a generally awful Oklahoma State team, but could not get into the starting lineup. Hopefully a new venue with a good coach will change things.

Valpo has had a pretty solid history of doing well with transfers.  Their past has little to do with how they will do at Valpo.  Remember, Shane Hammink averaged 1.0 point and 1.0 rebounds per game at LSU.  Pretty sure everyone is very glad he is on our team.

I think you help make a connection between this discussion on transfers and the "What will/is Valpo BB Known For?"

http://www.valpofanzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=2596.0

[FieldGoodie05]

Transfers are game changers for mid majors (both to and away from programs).  Before I pose this question, let me say I'm excited about our transfers....greatly.

Do we take 3* freshmen over 3 or 4* transfers with 2 years left?

Can it be argued that continuity is most important with players that have 3 to 4 years to develop together?  Or do we take ALL the talent we can get as Coach Lottich has implied?  Despite only having them for 2 years for instance?

[vu72]

Transfers are game changers for mid majors (both to and away from programs).  Before I pose this question, let me say I'm excited about our transfers....greatly.

Do we take 3* freshmen over 3 or 4* transfers with 2 years left?

Can it be argued that continuity is most important with players that have 3 to 4 years to develop together?  Or do we take ALL the talent we can get as Coach Lottich has implied?  Despite only having them for 2 years for instance?

Historically it has been tough to get three  and four star players to pick Valpo.  Think of all the kids that ultimately chose a Big 5 team and later chose Valpo.  We're we really ever even in the discussion coming out of high school?  Burton as an example chose between Oklahoma State, Arizona, Kansas State, Oregon and Missouri.  Going back all the way to Cory Johnson, he chose Iowa State over offers from Iowa, Marquette, and Minnesota but became frustrated over another coaching change.

When they realize that the coach has changed, the system doesn't play to their strengths or that playing time will be limited,then they look for a quality mid-major where they fit much better, can play and shine.

[FieldGoodie05]

4 years of Parker Hazen?

OR

2 years of Joe Burton?

I'd take 4 years with Parker Hazen.  It takes time to develop in a program.  Is 2 years enough to prosper in a new program?

Here's to hoping Hazen doesn't have 2nd thoughts on his commitment because it would seem he chose VU to be the next Alec Peters...is Burton a deterrent (takes solid minutes)?  Can we play them together with significant minutes?

The tape tells me Burton can stretch to the 3-point line but in college he's been playing more inside due to his physical strength.

Parker plays more with his back to the basket.  Admittedly because in high school not many teams have size enough to let a guy like Parker play more outside?  Thoughts?

[vu72]

4 years of Parker Hazen?

OR

2 years of Joe Burton?

I'd take 4 years with Parker Hazen.  It takes time to develop in a program.  Is 2 years enough to prosper in a new program?

Here's to hoping Hazen doesn't have 2nd thoughts on his commitment because it would seem he chose VU to be the next Alec Peters...is Burton a deterrent (takes solid minutes)?  Can we play them together with significant minutes?

The tape tells me Burton can stretch to the 3-point line but in college he's been playing more inside due to his physical strength.

Parker plays more with his back to the basket.  Admittedly because in high school not many teams have size enough to let a guy like Parker play more outside?  Thoughts?

Nothing worthwhile on TV so thought I'd do a little research.

Going back to 02-03, the first year that is archived for news, I found the following Crusaders honored by the Conference:

02-03  Grafs, 1st Team
03-04  Gomez, Oppland and Bierdiel, 2nd Team
04-05  Zero
05-06  Oppland  1st Team  Howard 2nd Team (TRANSFER)Kone Honorable Mention (TRANSFER)
06-07  Igbavboa 2nd Team, Huff Honorable Mention Haanpaa New Comer Team
07-08  Loyd 6th Man of the Year, Igbavboa 2nd Team08-09  Zero
09-10  Wood NewComer of the Year (TRANSFER)  Johnson 2nd Team (TRANSFER)
10-11  Wood 1st Team (TRANSFER)
11-12  Broekhoff POY  Van Wijk 1st Team (TRANSFER)
12-13  Broekhoff 1st Team Van Wijk 2nd Team (TRANSFER) LaVonte Dority Sixth Man of the Year (TRANSFER) Buggs All Defense Team
13-14  Dority 1st Team (TRANSFER) Peters and Williams All Newcomers
14-15  Peters 1st Team, Fernandez Defensive POY, Walker All Freshman
15-16  Peters 1st Team, Fernandez Defensive POY

So it's a mixed bag.  A better view may come via looking at the kind of players who transferred in and contributed nicely to our success versus some of the freshman who were busts.

Transfers:

Capobianco
Boggs
Bogan
Coleman
Carter
Nickerson
Walker
Hammink

Less than steller:

Dino Jakolis
Cameron Witt
Mike Oppland
Phil Wille
Jimmie Miles
Oumar Sylla
Vince Humphrey
Bryan Bouchie
Milos Milosevic
Jay Harris
Hrvoje Vucic
Many others

I think it can be said that transfers can be very good (All conference) or very solid role players.  Most often, their experience at larger schools together with a year or two of added muscle and maturity makes them ready to contribute.  Freshman on the other hand can develop but rarely are ready to star for a couple of years.  The answer lies in what we have had for the last few years as well as today:  A solid mix of both.  I rest my case.