I have no problem with Valpo being picked where they are year in and year out, we have finished in the cellar every year whether we had expectations or not. I don't expect other Valley reporters to know our roster and hope for the best from new additions like we do. However, this is the first year that I feel like we might be a little (just a little) overlooked. We return the freshman of the year that averaged 15 and 6 in conference play, who they acknowledge as preseason first team all conference. Our senior point guard that averaged 9.5 and 5.5 on 40% 3pt shooting also returns. We add two division 1 starters that averaged 12 and 9 ppg respectively (Ellis and Monegro). Just based on that, I would think we would be ranked a little higher than 10th with all the turnover that has happened in the league. Still don't fault them for defaulting to us being in the cellar again, though.
There are worse things than being majorly underestimated.
But there's only one way to refute this preseason assessment.
Gotta do something to earn respect. With the exception of 2019-20 (mostly coming in one weekend - that team still played on Thursday of Arch Madness), Valpo hasn't done a thing in the Valley to gain the benefit of the doubt. I think Valpo will finish better than 10th, but I can't blame a voter for assuming it will be another rough season in the ARC.
Moot point, yes 19-20 was the exception. Fazekas injury that year cost the team 3-5 wins IMO. That team would have certainly received a post season invite to the CBI or something, likely 20 wins, Javonn Stays, Covid etc.. Woulda coulda shoulda. We have the right coach now, but a big what if for the 2020-21 season. Been well documented. Agreed, we have to earn respect. Outside of Cooper and Darius, who will be the other two or three dependable guys? (Stafford maybe if healthy after Christmas.
- I think we’ll finish at least 6th, but like many of you have mentioned , we just don’t know how the pieces will gel. I’m cautiously optimistic though and believe RPJ is the right leader. What is up with Stafford ? Is he injured or eligibility issues or ?? Is he discussed on another thread ?
@vuswim08-12 He is day to day at this point. Powell mentioned to field of 68 about how he has good days and bad days. Hopefully he will be out for non-con and be good to go for the start of the conference set.
Well I just checked the season ticket site and you guys better hurry!!! As of right now only 3227 seats are available in the ARC!!! Seriously though, if seating capacity is 5000 then quite a few have been purchased!
The NIL store was also completely released earlier today. Replica basketball jerseys to come in the next few weeks. If we want to keep the guys at VU. Buying their merch is a great incentive.
