MBB 2017-18

[vufan75]

2017-2018 Team Photo
https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/920777886335950848

Ran across a review of the MVC on Twitter. Solid review IMO. Should be a fun first year for Valpo MBB in a wide open conference. 

I continue my 32 conference preview series with a preview of the wide-open Missouri Vallley: #MVCHoops https://t.co/YxnaLop4rO

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

[agibson]

I see Wichita Sate is in the USA Today Coaches Poll top-10. Valpo's... not. Creighton's receiving votes. But not as many as Oakland, who with 19 points would be 35th, if I'm counting correctly.

[VU2014]

Burton is listed as being 4 inches taller then Bakari.   Sitting next to each other they look pretty much the same.   Burton must be all leg and no torso.   

Side by side Joe is clearly taller.
https://twitter.com/jschoon33/status/777997510275133441

[VU2014]

Loving the Valpo Basketball Gear
https://twitter.com/CoachLottich/status/921392348734590977

[bigmosmithfan1]

Hopefully we can get the names back on the jerseys this year...

[valpo64]

Realizing not much of the entire uniform, home and away, is shown, they look good.  I especially like the shoes.  Now as  long as all the players wear the same one during game.  I could never figure out why different players would wear different shoes.   I think the yellow, excuse me, gold ones look great.

[VUBBFan]

https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/921540190476341250

[VU2014]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing!

Definitely the most athletic team Valpo's ever had in my time as a fan.
https://twitter.com/AlBillets/status/921544787697848320

Joe Burton almost completely dunks over Patrick Robinson Jr! https://www.instagram.com/p/Baff7yeDOBP/

[valpopal]

I attended the open practice for season ticket holders, and I will agree with previous comments that this team seems very athletic—especially Golder and Burton—and fairly big (standing beside him, six players looked to be as tall or taller than Luke Gore). Tevonn and Max are built like tanks, and Linssen, the new addition from Germany, looks not only strong, but exhibits a good outside shot. Fazekas appears to be an excellent long-distance shooter, though we won't see him play until next year, which could be good because he looks like he needs to bulk up some between now and then. It is difficult to add much more since the practice was rather undisciplined and there wasn't an opportunity to see game-type plays.


On another note, the event was well done in terms of good food from Parea and organization distributing the season tickets. However, I would have liked a more structured practice, perhaps with a three-point competition, that would be entertaining and informative. Also, I wondered why there were no cheerleaders or pep band to add to the atmosphere.

[humbleopinion]

When I read "most athletic" I distinguished the statement from "most talented."  There wasn't much shown during the open practice.  In a warmup drill the men shot layups and then moved out to the elbow.  At the elbow, less than 25% of the shots found the bottom of the net -- I wasn't encouraged by that.  Later there was a rather tedious period when several of the players did a self-styled unstructured dunk display, and a few of the many dunks actually were successfully completed.  I really can't say I know much more about the team after attending.

With as many new faces that were there, I had to use the internet to figure out who was who.  It would have nice to have been given a roster.  When the players were introduced, they could have flashed their names and background on the scoreboard.  The coaches just had the players step forward and we were told their names. We wer treated to seeing Ed Charbonnau's face on the big screen.

The food was good.

[FieldGoodie05]

Where's our high % outside shots coming from this year?  Is only Burton decent from outside?  If so, they'll just pressure him and let others try and hit the broadside of the barn.

I think lack of shooting was a top concern with last years team.  Outside of academic eligibility....

[FieldGoodie05]

Where's our high % outside shots coming from this year?  Is only Burton decent from outside?  If so, they'll just pressure him and let others try and hit the broadside of the barn.

I think lack of shooting was a top concern with last years team.  Outside of academic eligibility....

Burton 39% sophomore yr
Tevonn 29% last yr
Micah 29% last yr
Max 33% last yr
Kiser 11%
.
.
.
.

[FieldGoodie05]

Where's our high % outside shots coming from this year?  Is only Burton decent from outside?  If so, they'll just pressure him and let others try and hit the broadside of the barn.

I think lack of shooting was a top concern with last years team.  Outside of academic eligibility....

Burton 39% sophomore yr
Tevonn 29% last yr
Micah 29% last yr
Max 33% last yr
Kiser 11%
.
.
.
.

Golder 39% last yr, does he play at same time as Burton?  Or does he only give Tevonn a breather...when not doing that, giving Burton a breather in rare occasions?

[FieldGoodie05]

Where's our high % outside shots coming from this year?  Is only Burton decent from outside?  If so, they'll just pressure him and let others try and hit the broadside of the barn.

I think lack of shooting was a top concern with last years team.  Outside of academic eligibility....

Burton 39% sophomore yr
Tevonn 29% last yr
Micah 29% last yr
Max 33% last yr
Kiser 11%
.
.
.
.

Golder 39% last yr, does he play at same time as Burton?  Or does he only give Tevonn a breather...when not doing that, giving Burton a breather in rare occasions?

Just thought I'd point out this excellent conversation I'm having with myself.  Glad to hear outside thoughts...

[vu72]

Where's our high % outside shots coming from this year? 

Good question.  Golder shot 39% from the 3 last year.  Max shot 33% last year.  I expect (not sure why though) that Bakari will fill it up.  Other?  Not really sure. I'm hoping Tevonn can step it up.  He shot 29% for the year but had his moments.  Went 4 of 9 versus Northern Kentucky but was 0 for 3 in his 25 point effort against Illinois.

[valpopal]

A friend of mine is a photographer who usually shoots for Purdue, but does other universities and was invited to shoot the Xavier introduction of men and women players, "Musketeer Madness," which is an extraordinary event in front of a full arena. In fact, I was in awe of this celebration opening basketball season. When I looked at this, I put myself in the shoes of a potential recruit. If Valpo could create a "Midnight Madness" even partially as good as this, especially to celebrate entrance into the MVC, I'd be very happy. Following is a link to the women's half of the event:
https://pinolaphoto.com/2017/10/23/xavier-womens-basketball-at-musketeer-madness/https://pinolaphoto.com/2017/10/23/xavier-womens-basketball-at-musketeer-madness/


Also, here is a link to many more incredible photos that include the men's amazing festivities (be sure to scroll down past the swimming and women's soccer photographs):
https://pinolaphotography.exposure.co/the-week-in-photos-88

[NativeCheesehead]

We used to do a Midnight "Mayhem" in the late 90s / early aughts. That would have been a great thing to do for this year. I'm willing to give it the year, but thus far i've seen little sense of urgency to take advantage of the conference move, other than a catchy hashtag #ValpoInTheValley.

[valpopal]

We used to do a Midnight "Mayhem" in the late 90s / early aughts. That would have been a great thing to do for this year. I'm willing to give it the year, but thus far i've seen little sense of urgency to take advantage of the conference move, other than a catchy hashtag #ValpoInTheValley.

Yes, an elaborate "Midnight Mayhem" to celebrate entry into the MVC would have been a no-brainer. Many on the forum have repeatedly mentioned in the past that we felt various opportunities available after Valpo went to the Sweet 16 unfortunately were squandered. It certainly appears history is repeating itself, and the university is not taking full advantage of the move to the MVC for promotion, publicity, fundraising, and facilities. Athletics has moved to a significantly higher conference ranked in the top ten, but VU's public relations efforts do not seem to have been equally elevated, and I fear another opportunity seems to be slipping away.

[EddieCabot]

I expect (not sure why though) that Bakari will fill it up.

I think your optimism may come from the fact that he's had 18 months since his last college game to work on his shooting stroke.  Transfers often make big improvements to their games during redshirt seasons.  Shooting is merely technique and repetition, so I too expect him to be a reliable shooter.

[csd72]

A friend of mine is a photographer who usually shoots for Purdue, but does other universities and was invited to shoot the Xavier introduction of men and women players, "Musketeer Madness," which is an extraordinary event in front of a full arena. In fact, I was in awe of this celebration opening basketball season. When I looked at this, I put myself in the shoes of a potential recruit. If Valpo could create a "Midnight Madness" even partially as good as this, especially to celebrate entrance into the MVC, I'd be very happy. Following is a link to the women's half of the event:
https://pinolaphoto.com/2017/10/23/xavier-womens-basketball-at-musketeer-madness/https://pinolaphoto.com/2017/10/23/xavier-womens-basketball-at-musketeer-madness/


Also, here is a link to many more incredible photos that include the men's amazing festivities (be sure to scroll down past the swimming and women's soccer photographs):
https://pinolaphotography.exposure.co/the-week-in-photos-88

Well don't scroll too fast past the swimming and soccer photos. 

[valpopal]

A friend of mine is a photographer who usually shoots for Purdue, but does other universities and was invited to shoot the Xavier introduction of men and women players, "Musketeer Madness," which is an extraordinary event in front of a full arena. In fact, I was in awe of this celebration opening basketball season. When I looked at this, I put myself in the shoes of a potential recruit. If Valpo could create a "Midnight Madness" even partially as good as this, especially to celebrate entrance into the MVC, I'd be very happy. Following is a link to the women's half of the event:
https://pinolaphoto.com/2017/10/23/xavier-womens-basketball-at-musketeer-madness/https://pinolaphoto.com/2017/10/23/xavier-womens-basketball-at-musketeer-madness/


Also, here is a link to many more incredible photos that include the men's amazing festivities (be sure to scroll down past the swimming and women's soccer photographs):
https://pinolaphotography.exposure.co/the-week-in-photos-88

Well don't scroll too fast past the swimming and soccer photos. 

True, they're all terrific! 

[VU2014]

Where's our high % outside shots coming from this year?

Good question.  Golder shot 39% from the 3 last year.  Max shot 33% last year.  I expect (not sure why though) that Bakari will fill it up.  Other?  Not really sure. I'm hoping Tevonn can step it up.  He shot 29% for the year but had his moments.  Went 4 of 9 versus Northern Kentucky but was 0 for 3 in his 25 point effort against Illinois.

Paul & Parker break down the Valpo roster: 22:25-36:30

http://www.nwitimes.com/digital/audio/union-street-hoops/podcast-union-street-hoops-episode/audio_a33ea8b8-b2cb-11e7-8117-ebddbce43123.html

They were talking about who would take the last shot and when they mentioned Bakari they weren't sure if he's a scorer. Parker said he heard he's play maker and runs the offense but wasn't sure if he's a pure scorer.

One thing that got me excited is that the staff thinks Mileek can develop into a All-Conf type player by the end of his college career.

[NativeCheesehead]

I can't recall a more interesting and unknown year since the 98-99 season. Expectations are neither low nor high, and we have a ton of new pieces that will no doubt be shuffled and re shuffled as the year progresses. As a fan, these seasons can actually be the most fun to watch.

[VULB#62]

Taking a cautious road here for both the players and fans.  I anticipate, as do others, that it will take a while for this unit to jell.  Many mistakes and miscommunications will occur along the way. Hopefully, those will trend downward as the OOC season progresses.   None of us can get down, however.  The main thing I am hoping for is that players (and fans too)  continually believe in and support Matt's process and keep the faith in the face of the adversity that will likely appear in the early going.   

[VU2014]

Quote from: JBC1824 on October 15, 2017, 07:03:49 PM
Hello everyone, new to the forum. Not sure if this has been discussed yet, but I'd be interested to know what people think regarding what the depth chart might look like this season. Here's my breakdown:

PG Bakari, Joseph, Bradford
SG Walker, Golder
SF Burton, Kiser
PF Hazen, Linssen, McMillan 
C Sorolla, Smits

Wow, all these conversations about our newly eligible transfers and I completely forgot how young we are at PF.  Hazen hasn't been talked about since signing, but he really is our top PF available.

Or do we think Burton plays 50% SF and 50% PF?  Still means big minutes for the freshmen trio. 🍼👶🏻

The biggest question mark for this season is the 4. Unsurprisingly Coach says he'll rotating guys.

It'll be curious to see who of the group of Linssen/Hazen/McMillan steps up earns an increased role this season.

I remember Jubril's freshman year he played a ton of minutes just because he was reliable from the beginning.
https://twitter.com/nwioren/status/922873351382667266
https://twitter.com/nwioren/status/922873497759768576