Recruiting: 2017

[valpo64]

If that indeed was Sasha last Saturday at our football game, he was sitting on our side of the field.  I did not mean to imply that he was there because of Butler, but rather for us.

[wh]

There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

Having no direct connection to Valparaiso University (son graduating from VU Law School is indirect), I think I am in a better position than most to be completely honest and unbiased when I say --- Why in the world would Sasha Stefanovic pick any of these other 4 schools over Valpo - basketball program wise, academic wise, distance wise, or any other wise? 

[bbtds]

There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

Having no direct connection to Valparaiso University (son graduating from VU Law School is indirect), I think I am in a better position than most to be completely honest and unbiased when I say --- Why in the world would Sasha Stefanovic pick any of these other 4 schools over Valpo - basketball program wise, academic wise, distance wise, or any other wise? 

Some students want to be as far away from their parents when "away" at college as possible.

[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/crayton_caudill/status/791404495989186560

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/791405046353145857

https://twitter.com/crayton_caudill/status/791405621321097216

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/791405711620046848

https://twitter.com/INBBallSource/status/784532310657990656

[VU2014]

Just saw over twitter that Valpo is scouting Don Bosco games again. I guess its not surprising because its probably just coaches doing their due diligence scouting/recruiting. I wonder if that relationship is testy or tense still or if everyone involved understands business is business. I highly encourage everyone to give Paul Oren and Parker Gatewoods new Valpo Basketball Podcast 'Union Street Hoops' ( http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/audio/podcast-union-street-hoops-episode/audio_4330295c-9f7a-11e6-b9e3-8fa6e8bd0715.html ). They address the Don Bosco thing a little bit. But coaches were there. Just curious as if we will have shot at seriously getting a shot to recruit and sign one of their players again. I hope things eventually get smooth over.

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/792747721065009152

https://twitter.com/ChicagoHoops/status/792802950502547456

https://twitter.com/ChicagoHoops/status/792533890355396608

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/792850551885160448

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/793126114386259968

https://twitter.com/DonBoscoHoops/status/793127012525150208

[M]

Lol, "we are DB" 

[zvillehaze]

There was a young man at the Butler who sure looked alot like S. Stefanovic.  When is the first day of early signing for next year's class?

Butler wasn't on his list of final five schools (Valpo, Loyola, Northern Iowa, St. Joseph's, and Evansville) according to verbal commits.  Butler was also not on the list of schools that have previously offered.  However, his recruiting might be picking up, as he could be getting interest (no offers yet) from IU, Purdue and Butler.  I hope we ink him soon!

Having no direct connection to Valparaiso University (son graduating from VU Law School is indirect), I think I am in a better position than most to be completely honest and unbiased when I say --- Why in the world would Sasha Stefanovic pick any of these other 4 schools over Valpo - basketball program wise, academic wise, distance wise, or any other wise? 

Northern Iowa has recent basketball program success that rivals or exceeds Valpo (at least in terms of NCAA tournament wins).  I admittedly know little about their academics, and it's obviously farther away.

Butler is not at all involved with this recruit as they've already got 4 commitments.  Others (Purdue?) may be.

[FieldGoodie05]

Have any of us seen Sasha in action outside of highlight reels?  How is his athleticism?  Does he have Power 5 potential?  We know it's a mental war these young kids fight between the prestige of B1G vs Valpo, but wasn't Alec similar to a Sasha or Parker Hazen?  Gifted, but athletically not born with raw athleticism....rather, through work ethic and practice they reach their highest potential.  With players like this, do the Purdues of college ball give them a chance to excel? 

[VU2014]

https://twitter.com/MichaelOsipoff/status/795058238135930880

[vufan75]

http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/indiana/lowell/lowell-senior-high-school/nicholas-mantis

[vufan75]

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2760481/nick-mantis

[valpo84]

Let me ask this in a way to open up a discussion and it is not a critique of any past practices, just something that struck me reading this thread. 

On first glance, it appears that recruiting and success at bringing in a higher caliber player, particularly from Indiana/Illinois areas (where we have not historically been as successful (notable exceptions like AP)), has picked up since Matt took over for discussion is it (i) fruits of efforts built by the past coaching staff, (ii) changes in recruiting style/targets of the new staff, (iii) the belief by higher level recruits that they will not be compared to the shadows/pressure of the Bryce legend and his family; hence a new beginning, (iv) a bit of all of the above, (v) just reading too much into it and nothing is different, or (vi) another reason than (i)-(iv)?

[covufan]

Let me ask this in a way to open up a discussion and it is not a critique of any past practices, just something that struck me reading this thread. 

On first glance, it appears that recruiting and success at bringing in a higher caliber player, particularly from Indiana/Illinois areas (where we have not historically been as successful (notable exceptions like AP)), has picked up since Matt took over for discussion is it (i) fruits of efforts built by the past coaching staff, (ii) changes in recruiting style/targets of the new staff, (iii) the belief by higher level recruits that they will not be compared to the shadows/pressure of the Bryce legend and his family; hence a new beginning, (iv) a bit of all of the above, (v) just reading too much into it and nothing is different, or (vi) another reason than (i)-(iv)?

I think if you ask ten people, you might get ten opinions with some version of the above.  I might add recent success.  Players know that if they come to Valpo they have a chance to play for a Horizon League Champion and a chance to dance!  The fact that Valpo was realistically in the at-large discussion adds to the recent success.

[FWalum]

Let me ask this in a way to open up a discussion and it is not a critique of any past practices, just something that struck me reading this thread. 

On first glance, it appears that recruiting and success at bringing in a higher caliber player, particularly from Indiana/Illinois areas (where we have not historically been as successful (notable exceptions like AP)), has picked up since Matt took over for discussion is it (i) fruits of efforts built by the past coaching staff, (ii) changes in recruiting style/targets of the new staff, (iii) the belief by higher level recruits that they will not be compared to the shadows/pressure of the Bryce legend and his family; hence a new beginning, (iv) a bit of all of the above, (v) just reading too much into it and nothing is different, or (vi) another reason than (i)-(iv)?

Valpo84, of the list you mentioned (i) and (ii) are in my mind the most likely reasons higher level recruits are giving us a look, along with the NIT run and the higher profile teams VU upstaged this past season.  Any recruit or potential recruit that saw the Florida State game live or on video would have to be impressed by the team and the atmosphere.  I think that Matt also is probably bringing a fresh energy to the recruitment process that is bringing a different type of attention to VU than the Bryce Drew hype we have been receiving in the past.

[M]

Heard that Valpo is most likely going to offer Mileek McMillan from Merrillville. 

[VU2014]

Awesome. Just checked some highlight vids and looks solid. Seems to have a nice shooting touch for a guy whose 6'7" - 6'8".

He has 2 other offers from: Eastern Illinois and UMKC within the last 2 weeks.

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/mileek-mcmillan

https://twitter.com/bopat10/status/794693851457921024

https://twitter.com/InTheGymHoops/status/795691070218792960

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO5qirwNTY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjlhj7yBYY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U6wrcqqNCM

[talksalot]

From the ValpoAthletics page...

Hazen Signs NLI With Valpo Men's Basketball
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Valparaiso University men's basketball head coach Matt Lottich announced today that the program has received a signed National Letter of Intent from Parker Hazen, a 6'7" forward from Columbia City H.S. Hazen, who is ranked seventh in his class in the state of Indiana by ESPN, will join the Crusader program as a freshman for the 2017-18 season.

"We are extremely excited to add Parker Hazen to the Valparaiso University community," said Lottich. "He is a fantastic young man that will thrive here academically, socially and athletically. As a basketball player, he comes with a large skill set. He is tall, very athletic and extremely hard working. The best thing about Parker is his eagerness to improve. Parker isn't afraid to put the work in to be great, and that is what has been the trademark of this program. All Valpo Basketball fans should look forward to the future and the great things that Parker will do both on and off the court."

Hazen was named an Indiana Junior All-Star following his stellar 2015-16 season for the Eagles. He averaged 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last year, helping to lead Columbia City to its second consecutive sectional title. On the AAU circuit, Hazen has played for the prestigious Spiece Indy Heat program in the Nike EYBL.

[covufan]

https://twitter.com/CCityEaglesAD/status/796372038227292160

[valpo64]

Welcome aboard, Parker!  Could be our next AP?

[Kyle321n]

Welcome aboard, Parker!  Could be our next AP?

We were saying can AP be the next Rowdy. How bout we let Parker be the first Parker.

[wh]

Welcome aboard, Parker!  Could be our next AP?

It appears that Parker is pondering that very thing. Note his comments in the 2nd video about "mirroring" AP:

http://wane.com/2016/11/09/columbia-citys-parker-hazen-inks-with-valpo/

[M]

Did he say AP is a 5th year senior? haha  Like his attitude toward wanting to be the guy!

[valpo64]

Are we expecting more NLI?  If so, who are the possibilities?

[bbtds]

Did he say AP is a 5th year senior? haha  Like his attitude toward wanting to be the guy!

Maybe we should have a little PH balance when comparing these two players?

[VU2014]

I didn't see this before but Sasha Stefanovic, the Big Time recruit was at the game a couple days ago. One of our rougher games to watch but at least he got to see Alec go off for +30 and he could see himself possibly being a player in the same mold. Sasha can really shoot lights out and would be a program changing recruit along side Micah, J, Smits, Tevonn, and redshirted guys this year and Parker Hazen.

https://twitter.com/NWIOren/status/797602699013455872