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Post by biglew on Jan 11, 2016 21:19:36 GMT -5
I just saw Valpo is receiving votes for the AP top 25. They are technically #33 in the nation. I do hope they become ranked in the top 25. It would be nice to get a road win against a ranked opponent this year ...
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Post by Grizzfan1 on Jan 11, 2016 21:50:16 GMT -5
I just saw Valpo is receiving votes for the AP top 25. They are technically #33 in the nation. I do hope they become ranked in the top 25. It would be nice to get a road win against a ranked opponent this year ... They got votes earlier this season. Until the Ball State debacle. |
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Post by Gary McCarrick on Jan 12, 2016 12:51:10 GMT -5
I just wanted to point out a few things still on my mind I saw while sitting at the game last Friday.
1.) Valpo is all business. They came to the game expecting to win regardless of the crowd, ESPN2 or recent lack of success at the O'Rena. They were professional, this was just a business trip to them. They didn't overly trash talk but went about their business and let their play or Oakland's inability to play it's game be the deciding factor here. Usually teams come in here, talk a big game but do that because they're inferior or insecure and attempt to play head games with the Oakland players but as we've seen over the years this usually fails and Oakland ends up winning at home. They were bigger, attacked more and were skilled at what they were doing and when they did it. That doesn't mean they're unbeatable though.
2.) Nonconference schedule is different than the Horizon league conference schedule. Nonconference allows for Kampe to tinker and prep his players for the type of play that will be successful in the HL. Get a win here or there in nonconference and that's a huge plus for the program to prove what he's building here is sustainable and get the national recognition that his type play can be successful anywhere. I've noticed over the years that there is additional pressure that the players feel during these conference games, heck, I feel it, but generally we're able to persevere and win these home games. Kampe has a new team and is still feeling out what works for this team and how he needs to coach each one of his players. I think we're seeing this unfold with Percy Gibson right before our eyes. Every player is different and they all have different motivations. We've heard Kampe talk about this in recent interviews and this is something he's still working on to get right.
3.) Percy Gibson. This young man should be successful in the HL. In fact, probably should be dominating. But one's love for the game, dedication, preparation and willingness to put the team on their back isn't the same for everyone. Terry Foster's insights have proven beneficial as we can better understand how Kampe is trying to motivate players and he'll use every resource available to assist with that. I hope that Percy finds peace with what he's looking for, if that's basketball as a career - great, if it's to get a degree and do something else - more power to him. I think we all see the potential in Percy and want the best for him. Sometimes expectations aren't met but is that because they're our expectations for Percy or Percy's expectations for Percy? I hope Percy is able to participate at a high level and bring together much needed team success. Sunday's game against UIC was very positive. I'm looking for him and the team to build off of that. Need to get that "W" Saturday against Mercy.
4.) Kay Felder. Wow. I can't tell you how many people I've hosted at games over the past few years who came to see the team play but really came out to see Kay play. Relish and appreciate his time here. A true treasure and treat if you can make it to games and see him play live.
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