Valpo vs. Loyola Game Thread, Mon., Dec. 30, 2019, 7:00 p.m. CT

[Just Sayin]

Apparently, no one listened to Todd's postgame interview with Luke Gore, where Todd asked Luke about that last play. They drew up 2 options. The first was designed to set up Eron for a corner 3 (I forget the second), but Loyola blew up the play and Daniel was forced to take the 3. The way he explained it sounded perfectly logical to me, it just didn't go as planned. Just like the play Bryce designed to set up AP to take the final shot against Maryland in the NCAA tournament blew up and KC was forced try to throw up a crazy, off-balance 3 at the buzzer. Decisions are split-second in situations like that, and they fail far more often than they succeed, especially when the other team knows all they have to do is guard the 3-point line, and so they place all 5 defenders at the arc. Judging from some of these hypercritical, over-reactionary comments about our coaching, it appears to me that we've got too many posters that stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Fair enough point made on last play. I did not listen to Todd's postgame interview. Edit Not having listened to Todd's postgame interview with Luke Gore, I  was unaware of the their game plan. Coach Lottich did draw up a 2-option play so the ball could get into the hands of our good 3-pt. shooters but Loyola blew up the play and Sackey was forced to take the 3. My apologies to the coaching staff.

Just Sayin - If I take issue with someone's comment, rest assured it isn't yours I'm taking issue with. Never is. Never will be.

Ok, thanks. I didn't think you were referring to me. No problem.
I did make a critical comment that was unwarranted for this particular last minute play. So I was wrong. Didn't have enough information.
We all are the armchair Monday morning quarterbacks and as members of the expert coaching panel, we say what we think and feel about what is going on in our program. As fans, that's what we do. Since we all want our program to return to prominence, we care enough to point out what we see is happening, what we think is wrong and needs to be fixed. This forum, in a limited way helps us to blow off some steam about program weaknesses and from time to time try to recognize what is working as well. Probably should be more of the positive. But it is what it is.


Second, while so much of the constructive criticism on this board is certainly valid and spot-on, I'm pretty sure the coaching staff doesn't rush to this forum for my (or anyone else's) coaching advice. They probably don't even read what goes on here. So essentially we are preaching to choir within an echo chamber. But that's a good thing for fans. Now there may be a few players and/or family members who read this board and wonder what the hell is happening and why are they so negative. To them I would say that the criticism has merit and we only want the team and the coaches to get better.

Players who may visit this forum need to put on their big-boy pants and realize that the fans want you to win and to play at the highest level of which you are capable for every minute of every game. And the pressure from your coaches and fans won't cease until you do that. You have to be held accountable for your mistakes and work like hell to get better and learn from them. And this is the place where you will get the kind of feedback (as well as from your coaches) that will help you to do  that. It may not look like the criticism is warranted, but for the most part the fans on this board are fair with their comments. And we don't often totally agree with one another. But this is the life of fan who loves their team and wants it to succeed.

[talksalot]

the on the floor guy is Jason.  he's been the Gary South shore railcats promotion guy for years. 

[wh]

the on the floor guy is Jason.  he's been the Gary South shore railcats promotion guy for years. 

Is he a going to be doing this from now on? Hopefully?

[wh]

the on the floor guy is Jason.  he's been the Gary South shore railcats promotion guy for years. 

Is he a going to be doing this from now on? Hopefully?

I think I found him. Thanks for the assist.

Like the Blues Brothers, Portage's Yurechko is 'on a mission from God'

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/like-the-blues-brothers-portage-s-yurechko-is-on-a/article_b7b8ab5b-82d6-57a2-a1d8-819724da2e92.amp.html

[GoldenCrusader87]

People who keep buying into the same rhetoric and excuses play into the problem and why we won't be better in the years to come. I have no respect for coaches who continually give excuses instead of owning up to the problem. The man still gets paid likely what $200k+??? Accountability is key.

[Just Sayin]

Valpo's W-L record is now below .500 in Division 1 competition.

[valpolaw]

For those defending Lottich, what is the reasoning? I'm just trying to understand. His wins/loses over his coaching career were posted and they aren't good. What's going to change? Are we accepting mediocrity?  I know we still have a lot of games left this year but we are constantly looking forward to next year, and saying next year will be the year, we are too young, etc. There's always some excuse and it's exhausting.

We continue to get good recruits and none of it has transferred to wins on the court. We also had good recruits pre-Lottich so I'm not sure he's really stepped up the recruiting that much from where it was already.

[valpo64]

Your comment, "eddiecabot" is exactly what I meant.  I realize the situation we now face with injuries, etc has made I necessary to give more minutes to Kiser and Sackey. However I do appreciate the hard work both of these guys have put in and especially the behind the scenes efforts of J K.  I also appreciate Kiser"s reputation as a leader, outstanding student and being a great representative of the University.  I think we all are waiting for the time when we can put our best team on the floor this season.  Let's get back on track with as win at Evansville on Saturday.

[VALPO LI]

On a lighter note, the atmosphere at the ARC was better than it's been in a very long time. Chesterton High School brought a nearly 50-member pep band and 2 choral groups. One sang America the Beautiful and the other did the National Anthem. The Crusader mascot was on hand after serving an extended sentence in PC prison.  A cute group of elem. boys played a game at halftime. I think they were from Chesterton too. Maybe the best was a guy (adult not student) I've never seen before that handled the on-floor activities during timeouts. He got the entire crowd involved in everything he did. Gave lots of Hungry Howie Pizza certificates away. He was a real pro, as good as you'll find anywhere. And, he was loud and you could understand his every word.

I welcome a lighter note on this board.  The ARC looked great on TV. The stands in the arena (gym) looked full 4,364 fans.  What a pleasure to see.  Bringing in a local High School band and their parents was a great idea!!! Our cheer squad was on hand with our mascot who got a great deal of exposure on TV.  Was that the Chesterton band in the student section? If so great move giving them Gold Rush Valpo Tee Shirts
My next question is how was the crowd?
Where there numerous fans from Loyola there? I ask this because I noticed a fair amount of maroon in the stands.  Now this could be because Loyola is in close proximity to Valpo an hour away.   On the other hand, Chesterton a regional High School wears the same colors maroon and gold!

[NativeCheesehead]

Count me as another vote for keeping the promo guy. He's exactly what you need for that role. Engaging the crowd, upbeat and fun.

Which means he probably won't be back.

[JD24]

I heard the postgame interview. They said they drew it up for Clay or Eron if I recall correctly. Which means that Siggy (a supposed three point specialist in the game for this purpose) didn't even figure into the play or their plan? Then why even bother putting him in the game if he's not an option to shoot? 

If a player is on the court at the end of the game, he's an option to shoot because no play is foolproof.

I'm not a big fan of Sackey. He's really fast which may be the lowest quality required in a guard amongst about 5 or 6 other issues. He's a decent defender but a black hole in any situation in which he can be a shooter. The opposition knows this and, if I'm them, I'm giving him room to shoot which increases the concern I can give to other players.

The play of Clay will need to be there as I see he as the only player on the roster capable of giving the team another high quality performance from time to time when JFL is bottled up or having an off game. The rest of the roster is way to inconsistent to consider anything else and Clay is a freshman which probably will lead to a lot of inconsistency from he as well.

The issues with the program are multi-faceted and includes some issues in-game....I think offensively Valpo is playing too "outside" right now....which leads to the fouls committed difference too often. With that said, some of these guys have to make some shots. I'm also not sure the talent level is as high as some believe. All can be traced back to the coaching staff.

However, there also seems to be a race to be the first to declare the Lottich era over and some of the negative reaction to that is that for some it comes across as a 4 year old stomping their feet when they aren't happy. That's just a few not all critical comments of the staff.

[justducky]

I heard the postgame interview. They said they drew it up for Clay or Eron if I recall correctly. Which means that Siggy (a supposed three point specialist in the game for this purpose) didn't even figure into the play or their plan? Then why even bother putting him in the game if he's not an option to shoot? 

If a player is on the court at the end of the game, he's an option to shoot.

He was a decoy first, a potential shooter second.

[JD24]

I heard the postgame interview. They said they drew it up for Clay or Eron if I recall correctly. Which means that Siggy (a supposed three point specialist in the game for this purpose) didn't even figure into the play or their plan? Then why even bother putting him in the game if he's not an option to shoot? 

If a player is on the court at the end of the game, he's an option to shoot.

He was a decoy first, a potential shooter second.

....and there's nothing wrong with that. The play was designed for two guys who had been in the game for the bulk of the game and one of them was 4 for 4 from three. I don't know why there would be criticism of that design over pointing to a guy coming off the bench for the first time all game (I think).

[FieldGoodie05]

People who keep buying into the same rhetoric and excuses play into the problem and why we won't be better in the years to come. I have no respect for coaches who continually give excuses instead of owning up to the problem. The man still gets paid likely what $200k+??? Accountability is key.

It was reported as at or near $400k for Lottich.  He's the 2nd highest paid staffer at a university in the business of educating.  I get why his head would be on the chopping block.

What I don't get is how do we benefit from his departure unless resources are given to athletics?  Bring in the best coach available and you think he stays around when he's continually given inferior resources compared to our present conference?

IF (big if) we agree changes need made, how is it anything short of Board / President on down?  I don't think we chase a coach out of town when the resource allocation is the bigger issue.  The best we hope for in this environment is catching lightening in a bottle again (Casey Schmidt, Bryce Drew and forward).  But why coach hop?

[wh]

Given all the slow starts, I think a major starting lineup shakeup is in order for Saturday's game. My starting 5:

PG Eron
SG Javon
SF Nick
PF Donovan
C Mileek

•Everyone is a scoring threat.
•Defenses can't overplay Javon.
•Eron, Javon, Nick and Donovan have some of the best HS pedigrees in the league. They weren't recruited to be role players.
•Lock that lineup in and don't screw with it for the rest of the year.
• This entire starting lineup will be back again next year - hardened and battle tested.
• DO NOT automatically substitute any of these guys out at the first media timeout (short of Mileek taking a wasted 3 early in the clock). That's only 4 minutes into the game. Ride this group longer to start both half's. Stop trying to preschedule player minutes. This isn't the NBA.
•Stop rewarding "toughness" over talent (sorry Jon).

[IrishDawg]

People who keep buying into the same rhetoric and excuses play into the problem and why we won't be better in the years to come. I have no respect for coaches who continually give excuses instead of owning up to the problem. The man still gets paid likely what $200k+??? Accountability is key.

It was reported as at or near $400k for Lottich.  He's the 2nd highest paid staffer at a university in the business of educating.  I get why his head would be on the chopping block.

What I don't get is how do we benefit from his departure unless resources are given to athletics?  Bring in the best coach available and you think he stays around when he's continually given inferior resources compared to our present conference?

IF (big if) we agree changes need made, how is it anything short of Board / President on down?  I don't think we chase a coach out of town when the resource allocation is the bigger issue.  The best we hope for in this environment is catching lightening in a bottle again (Casey Schmidt, Bryce Drew and forward).  But why coach hop?

Lottich was paid $395k for the year ending 6/30/18 per the school's latest tax filing available.  Here's how his salary compares to the rest of the MVC

1. Ben Jacobson (~$900K)
2. Brian Wardle (~$708K)
3. Dan Muller(~$600K)
4. *Porter Moser (~$492K)
5. Bryan Mullins (~$475K)
6. *Raymond Giacoletti (~$419K)
7. Matt Lottich (~$395K)
8. Dana Ford (~$375K)
9. Marty Simmons (~$305K)
10. Greg Lansing (~$248K)

*Loyola and Drake's most recent filing was for the year ending 6/30/17

[wh]

Two more points about the starting lineup issue:
•This sends a clear message to Eron, Nick, Javon and Donovan that they will be central casting on what could be a championship team if they return next year. The last thing you want from our 4 highest profile players is wondering what their role will be if they come back.
•When Nick articulated that they need to figure out why they keep digging themselves in deep holes and put a stop to it, he's undoubtedly wondering why we keep starting a PG who is a poor shooter and turns the ball over at an unacceptable rate, and an undersized former walk-on with limited offensive capabilities.
• If Ryan returns all bets are off I suppose, but I still wouldn't be too quick to throw him back into the starting lineup.
•Last but not least, wouldn't it be nice to start a season with the same lineup you finished the prior season with?  No more of this "well it takes time for people to lean new roles, play new positions, know when their shot is the best shot for the team" and all the rhetoric about never ending learning curves and adjustments.

[EddieCabot]

Two more points about the starting lineup issue:
•This sends a clear message to Eron, Nick, Javon and Donovan that they will be central casting on what could be a championship team if they return next year. The last thing you want from our 4 highest profile players is wondering what their role will be if they come back.
•When Nick articulated that they need to figure out why they keep digging themselves in deep holes and put a stop to it, he's undoubtedly wondering why we keep starting a PG who is a poor shooter and turns the ball over at an unacceptable rate, and an undersized former walk-on with limited offensive capabilities.
• If Ryan returns all bets are off I suppose, but I still wouldn't be too quick to throw him back into the starting lineup.
•Last but not least, wouldn't it be nice to start a season with the same lineup you finished the prior season with?  No more of this "well it takes time for people to lean new roles, play new positions, know when their shot is the best shot for the team" and all the rhetoric about never ending learning curves and adjustments.

All great points.  No matter how the rest of this year goes, keeping Eron and Nick (who I assume will be grad-transfer eligible) on board is key.  Also, we know Javon was looking after last season, so knowing he can come back with the same core group may keep him from looking around again.

The only question I have is whether Eron would be comfortable at the point as I've always viewed him as more of a shooting guard.  Maybe Javon at the point (as hinted by Lottich before the season) is the answer.  Put the ball in his hands and surround him with shooters ... sounds like a plan for success.

[vuny98]

Given all the slow starts, I think a major starting lineup shakeup is in order for Saturday's game. My starting 5: PG Eron SG Javon SF Nick PF Donovan C Mileek •Everyone is a scoring threat. •Defenses can't overplay Javon. •Eron, Javon, Nick and Donovan have some of the best HS pedigrees in the league. They weren't recruited to be role players. •Lock that lineup in and don't screw with it for the rest of the year. • This entire starting lineup will be back again next year - hardened and battle tested. • DO NOT automatically substitute any of these guys out at the first media timeout (short of Mileek taking a wasted 3 early in the clock). That's only 4 minutes into the game. Ride this group longer to start both half's. Stop trying to preschedule player minutes. This isn't the NBA. •Stop rewarding "toughness" over talent (sorry Jon).

Defenses can't overplay Javon is the key here. I think Sackey brings a burst of energy that would be great off the bench, but he has had way too many issues to maintain the minutes he's getting. Apart from one breakout game, he has not made more than 3 baskets in a game all year, and he's had two 1-12 performances in games that were very close losses. A marginally better shooting performance in those games would turn a L to a W.

[VUGrad1314]

And turning a few Ls into Ws  will go a long way towards keeping the wolves at bay and easing the pressure on Lottich. It's on him to recognize and implement whatever changes need to be made to make that happen. Of course we're not privy to a lot of what goes on in practice and maybe Lorange hasn't shown a firm enough grasp of the offense to trust him to run it during games.

[JD24]

Given all the slow starts, I think a major starting lineup shakeup is in order for Saturday's game. My starting 5: PG Eron SG Javon SF Nick PF Donovan C Mileek •Everyone is a scoring threat. •Defenses can't overplay Javon. •Eron, Javon, Nick and Donovan have some of the best HS pedigrees in the league. They weren't recruited to be role players. •Lock that lineup in and don't screw with it for the rest of the year. • This entire starting lineup will be back again next year - hardened and battle tested. • DO NOT automatically substitute any of these guys out at the first media timeout (short of Mileek taking a wasted 3 early in the clock). That's only 4 minutes into the game. Ride this group longer to start both half's. Stop trying to preschedule player minutes. This isn't the NBA. •Stop rewarding "toughness" over talent (sorry Jon).

Defenses can't overplay Javon is the key here. I think Sackey brings a burst of energy that would be great off the bench, but he has had way too many issues to maintain the minutes he's getting. Apart from one breakout game, he has not made more than 3 baskets in a game all year, and he's had two 1-12 performances in games that were very close losses. A marginally better shooting performance in those games would turn a L to a W.

I also wouldn't call him a great ball distributor nor does he seem to have great court awareness. Whatever was supposed to happen on the last play the other night, he appeared to run them right out of it once it broke down.

[crusader05]

Sackey is definitely experiencing a sophomore slump of some sort but I have faith in can pull out of it but keeping him in could end up frustrating him more and making it harder to pull out. Let me play less minutes even if he still starts.

Lorange can shoot but my guess is that he's still pretty easy to push around in more physical games and I wouldn't be surprised if the staff wants him to bulk up a bit more before he gets more time.

The thing about this season is the losses are so close that it's frustrating because it's easy to point to our weakness and say it's because of this. But I will take close losses that don't come with the agonizing break down in attitude and team cohesiveness like last year.

Fundamentals and on court issues can be fixed (although never as fast as we'd like), whatever happened last year was just painful to watch in a while different way

[IrishDawg]

Wins and losses aside, Valpo is a better team this year despite being younger overall.  Interestingly, their offense is much improved over last year, mostly because of the turnovers generated on the defensive end. Having said that, taking so many chances has hurt the defensive side of the ball overall.

I'd be much more concerned that Lottich was losing the team if they weren't competing in games, but really other than Nevada, that hasn't been the case. Ultimately results do matter, but I think with experience, games like Cincy and Arkansas could turn in Valpo's favor next year, or even in February against UNI. Last year they didn't play anyone on their schedule with those kind of ratings in the non-conference (or conference), and the big name opponents they did play (WVU and Texas A&M) were games they didn't really threaten to pull off a win. Just my opinion.

[wh]

Wins and losses aside, Valpo is a better team this year despite being younger overall. Interestingly, their offense is much improved over last year, mostly because of the turnovers generated on the defensive end. Having said that, taking so many chances has hurt the defensive side of the ball overall.

I'd be much more concerned that Lottich was losing the team if they weren't competing in games, but really other than Nevada, that hasn't been the case. Ultimately results do matter, but I think with experience, games like Cincy and Arkansas could turn in Valpo's favor next year, or even in February against UNI. Last year they didn't play anyone on their schedule with those kind of ratings in the non-conference (or conference), and the big name opponents they did play (WVU and Texas A&M) were games they didn't really threaten to pull off a win. Just my opinion.

Last year's group was 5-12 without Ryan. They had no staying power, no ability to come back when they were down. They scored 50 or more on a good night. Smits, Golder and Evelyn were terrible team leaders and role models that were painful to watch. Thank God they left.

I'm proud to call this year's team my team - win or lose. They're working hard, they play team bb, and they'll get it right. 

[bbtds]

Wins and losses aside, Valpo is a better team this year despite being younger overall.  Interestingly, their offense is much improved over last year, mostly because of the turnovers generated on the defensive end. Having said that, taking so many chances has hurt the defensive side of the ball overall.

I'd be much more concerned that Lottich was losing the team if they weren't competing in games, but really other than Nevada, that hasn't been the case. Ultimately results do matter, but I think with experience, games like Cincy and Arkansas could turn in Valpo's favor next year, or even in February against UNI. Last year they didn't play anyone on their schedule with those kind of ratings in the non-conference (or conference), and the big name opponents they did play (WVU and Texas A&M) were games they didn't really threaten to pull off a win. Just my opinion.

Again "could, would, should" in the words of Rick Blaine played by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca "doesn't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world." "But we'll always have Ole Miss (Paris)"