MBB 2021-2022

[justducky]

A good preseason take on the Valley and what to expect this year. The writer takes a poke at Valpo's new Nickname and even greater swipe at the released logos (hates both).

It gives good detail and depth on each team. A great read

https://staringatthefloorboards.wordpress.com/

Many on our board have focused mainly or exclusively on our own team talent upgrades. This same distraction slowed my appreciation of just how well the Valley had recruited and retained players from the expanded pool. I might arbitrarily and somewhat accurately state that Valpo might start the year a 15% better team than our bunch that blew town for greener pastures. Thats great, but if the average MVC team is also 10 to 12% better then we still could be destined for a bottom half finish.

Like you I can't wait to see this team take the floor. I also can't wait to see the Valley in non conference. My expectations are very high!

[valpotx]

A good preseason take on the Valley and what to expect this year. The writer takes a poke at Valpo's new Nickname and even greater swipe at the released logos (hates both).

It gives good detail and depth on each team. A great read

https://staringatthefloorboards.wordpress.com/

I could care less what this person thinks about us being the Beacons.  I suppose he thinks being a Rambler (?) a Bulldog (really unique) a tree, or an "Ace" (?) is better, or maybe "a Red Bird" wow!  That is a terrifying thought!

As for the article, probably spot on.  With zero experience seeing how all our guys mess, the pick seems reasonable. I thought it VERY interesting when he said that Donovan Clay "might eat some minutes from Keaton Harvey", which, he thought, "would be a mistake"

In any event, we had dramatically improved our talent and depth. Now we just have to win!!!!

Sorry, I have to do it 72 .  If you could care less, that means that you are not at the lowest point of caring yet.  In other words, you do care a little bit.  If you could not care less, then you are already at the lowest point of caring.  The whole regardless vs. irregardless thing is my biggest pet peeve, but this other one is a close second lol.  The dictionary folks even made irregardless an official word in the last year, because so many Americans have no clue and would never learn.

[vu72]

A good preseason take on the Valley and what to expect this year. The writer takes a poke at Valpo's new Nickname and even greater swipe at the released logos (hates both).

It gives good detail and depth on each team. A great read

https://staringatthefloorboards.wordpress.com/

I could care less what this person thinks about us being the Beacons.  I suppose he thinks being a Rambler (?) a Bulldog (really unique) a tree, or an "Ace" (?) is better, or maybe "a Red Bird" wow!  That is a terrifying thought!

As for the article, probably spot on.  With zero experience seeing how all our guys mess, the pick seems reasonable. I thought it VERY interesting when he said that Donovan Clay "might eat some minutes from Keaton Harvey", which, he thought, "would be a mistake"

In any event, we had dramatically improved our talent and depth. Now we just have to win!!!!

Sorry, I have to do it 72 .  If you could care less, that means that you are not at the lowest point of caring yet.  In other words, you do care a little bit.  If you could not care less, then you are already at the lowest point of caring.  The whole regardless vs. irregardless thing is my biggest pet peeve, but this other one is a close second lol.  The dictionary folks even made irregardless an official word in the last year, because so many Americans have no clue and would never learn.

Got me!  Well played!

[vu72]

I might arbitrarily and somewhat accurately state that Valpo might start the year a 15% better team than our bunch that blew town for greener pastures.

So let's take a look at this assumption.  Last year, for the most part, our starting lineup was Sackey, McMillan, Krikke, Clay and Gordon.  I would think that of these five the only one still in the starting lineup is Ben.  So who replaces then missing pieces?  Well, my guess is that Trevor Anderson replaces Sackey, and Thomas Kithier replaces McMillan.  Who replaces Clay?  Probably Taylor.  Does Gordon still start?  I guess not and would go with Edwards to start and certainly King once he is eligible.

So Sackey, who shot 14.6% from the 3 is replaced by a guy known for his 3 point shooting and a former Mr. Basketball and McMillan, who scored 3.4 ppg and added 1.6 boards and shot 33% overall from the field, is replaced by a guy who on occasion started at Michigan State and in a limited role scored 2.4 ppg and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field.  Now let's add the other guys...No don't need to!  If just 2 of our starters are significantly better, does that add up to a 15% improvement?  I think a little (or a lot!) better.  We'll see soon.

[Chairback]

The line that really sticks out to me in the article is " have a good chance to be Matt Lottich's best team since joining the MVC, which he desperately needs since development of the program has really stalled out."   

This is dead on.  This season to me is one where we take giant leaps forward and if not we are in trouble for the near future.

We have experienced players so the "they are all new card" doesn't jive.  Plus they have been together all summer. 

I'm hoping we do not see a disorganized offense like the last 4-5 years. 

[vuny98]

Great article, and like was said, I forgot how good the MVC may be this year. That said, if we finish 7th I will not be happy. We have a lot of unknowns, so fully understand being listed that far down the rankings. But if it comes together like we hope, no reason we can't be top 4, if not better.

[FWalum]

So Sackey, who shot 14.6% from the 3 is replaced by a guy known for his 3 point shooting and a former Mr. Basketball and McMillan, who scored 3.4 ppg and added 1.6 boards and shot 33% overall from the field, is replaced by a guy who on occasion started at Michigan State and in a limited role scored 2.4 ppg and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field.  Now let's add the other guys...No don't need to!  If just 2 of our starters are significantly better, does that add up to a 15% improvement?  I think a little (or a lot!) better.  We'll see soon.

I agree with you vu72. The improvement in the roster is dramatic, much more than 15% in my opinion. Potentially 4 of the 5 positions could be upgraded. The only thing that might prevent a big improvement is how well they play together. Remember the bunch of high profile transfers on the 17-18 Missouri State team with Alize Johnson that should have won the league I don't see that collapse happening with this group of transfers, but stranger things have happened. Barring significant injuries or COVID forfeitures, this team should be a top 4 league team with a higher ceiling.

[tjjvalpo]

I am going to be totally disappointed if we finish 7th. Lottich has the talent to compete in this conference, now let's see if her can coach. I have been frustrated with his coaching at times since he has been here. I never felt like he has gotten the best out of his players. I hope he can prove me wrong this year.

[Just Sayin]

I am going to be totally disappointed if we finish 7th. Lottich has the talent to compete in this conference, now let's see if her can coach. I have been frustrated with his coaching at times since he has been here. I never felt like he has gotten the best out of his players. I hope he can prove me wrong this year.

He's had enough coaching experience under his belt to be able to take a very talented group of players to the top of the heap in the MVC. Other coaches in the MVC have done it. We should expect nothing less from him this year than a run for the conference championship. If he can't get it done, will the delusional sycophants make even more excuses this year?

I'm hoping that he can do it. As one who has consistently criticised him, I would be more than thrilled to say that I was and am wrong about him. But I remain skeptical. Show me.

[David81]

There are so many new, moving parts to this year's lineup, and perhaps the best player won't be suiting up until the turn of the new year. I think it's quite possible for the regular season to be a bit uneven, with a truly fun possibility that the team will start to gel magnificently just in time for Arch Madness.

[justducky]

I am going to be totally disappointed if we finish 7th. Lottich has the talent to compete in this conference, now let's see if her can coach. I have been frustrated with his coaching at times since he has been here. I never felt like he has gotten the best out of his players. I hope he can prove me wrong this year.

I can't think of a better way to test a coach than to have a bunch like this march into his gym. Matt might still be muttering "now what?".

Great article, and like was said, I forgot how good the MVC may be this year.

This bubble of extra eligibility will likely make 80% of D-1 teams better, deeper and more experienced. If you look carefully at each Valley team only Loyola (Krutwig gone  ) and ISU red and blue look maybe stationary to only slightly improved. The other 6 look clearly better if they can stay healthy. That will be some stiff competition. Getting wins both in and out of conference will be harder than ever. A 5 or even 6 loss Valley record might win the league. It should be fun!

[crusader05]

I'm not going to hang my hat on any true standing b/c like others have said we are not the only team that has improved.

Last year our finish looked good but we were all miserable watching the inconsistency that ended with a mass exodus of players.

I'm going to be looking for 3 things this year:
1. Do we look like we belong on the floor with the teams we are playing consistently. I want hard fought games where when we lose it doesn't feel like we gave the game away
2. Do we look lost on the court? Does our offensive scheme work with the players we have?
3. Do we have a team that is enjoyable to watch and root for (this one honestly is the most important to me)

I'll decide what rank feels right for me once I see 1. our team and 2. the other MVC teams and what they can do.

[bb33]

I do feel our success should be viewed as  how competitive we are against the top teams and how we dominate lower teams.  This is going to be a tough conference.  I believe it's going to be hard for any team to dominate the conference but we should own our own floor, and hopefully steal a few away wins.  I also want to see lots of growth as the season progresses.  I think that is the true sign of good coaching.  Not where you start, but how you end.  And if/when we do lose in the tournament (hopefully we win it all) it should be a hard fought battle that leaves both teams scarred. 

[covufan]

It is time to win, no excuses, time to progress and make basketball successful at Valpo.

Just win, baby!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[VALPO LI]

It is time to win, no excuses, time to progress and make basketball successful at Valpo.

Just win, baby!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://twitter.com/nickturner53/status/1430527755767189506

[crusadermoe]

Wow...Stanford. Love it!   

When the Lighthouses battle the Trees it will come down to quickness.

[nkvu]

Wow...Stanford. Love it!   

When the Lighthouses battle the Trees it will come down to quickness.

So.... Will the Trees throw shade on the Lighthouses, or will the Lighthouses shine through. Stay tuned.

[vuny98]

Wow...Stanford. Love it! When the Lighthouses battle the Trees it will come down to quickness.

So.... Will the Trees throw shade on the Lighthouses, or will the Lighthouses shine through. Stay tuned.

Another reason to get rid of the god awful lighthouse logo... people referring to us as the lighthouses 

[bbtds]

Wow...Stanford. Love it!   

When the Lighthouses battle the Trees it will come down to quickness.

So.... Will the Trees throw shade on the Lighthouses, or will the Lighthouses shine through. Stay tuned.

You sound as bad as I do when trying to use cliches, puns and synonyms. It's great, isn't it?

[valpopal]

A very nice team photo with distinctive poses by each of the players, especially as they are backlit and their shadows emphasize beacons of light. However, though the post includes the #WeAreBeacons hashtag, it is nice to see the shield as the logo and no silly lighthouse shirts on any of the players.


[tweet]1431304708514320384[/tweet]

[crusadermoe]

But the guy (not me) who said we are now the "Beamin' Beacons" and need to square off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons gets the prize!   

[nkvu]

Wow...Stanford. Love it!   

When the Lighthouses battle the Trees it will come down to quickness.

So.... Will the Trees throw shade on the Lighthouses, or will the Lighthouses shine through. Stay tuned.

You sound as bad as I do when trying to use cliches, puns and synonyms. It's great, isn't it?

Yep. The new nickname will provide many new opportunities.

[AB]

Student sections will have fun with this on road trips, if a packed house on a Saturday night.

[bbtds]

Student sections will have fun with this on road trips, if a packed house on a Saturday night.

All the Saturday night games at the ARC are non D1, the rest on Saturdays are noon start times.

[VU2014]

Student sections will have fun with this on road trips, if a packed house on a Saturday night.

All the Saturday night games at the ARC are non D1, the rest on Saturdays are noon start times.

I had not noticed that until you pointed it out. This really needs to stop. More premier games need to be scheduled on Friday or Saturday nights. Preferably when there is little other competing events (high school football and basketball games, etc.).