Bracket Buster Time

[UAZips]

My fiance went to Valpo, I was just on their campus twice this summer and fall actually (a lot considering we live in Alaska.) A few thoughts:Easily drivable game for the Rowdies. I think it's around 5 or 6 hours.I haven't read their message board yet, but I bet there weren't 10 posts before some one ridiculed our academics. They like to think of themselves as classy and above everyone else in the midwest. Though, I was at my future sister-in-law's graduation there this summer and it took two names to be read before people were blasting airhorns and ringing cowbells.Their "arena" is more like a D1 highschool gym. Ours isn't much better, I will admit, but I remember thinking the JAR had much more of a college feel (what little of it it has.)These should be two wins for the Zips. I'm going to try to get back to Akron with my fiance (she'll be my wife by then) for the return game at the JAR for sure!

[tbozeglav]

Depending on which day the game is, I may just go on my own even if the rowdies don't. I have a very close friend who goes to Notre Dame and id be able to sleep there.For me at least, it'd cost me $50 or so plus tolls to make the drive. Might be worth it... then again, might not.

[vuweathernerd]

My fiance went to Valpo, I was just on their campus twice this summer and fall actually (a lot considering we live in Alaska.) A few thoughts:Easily drivable game for the Rowdies. I think it's around 5 or 6 hours.I haven't read their message board yet, but I bet there weren't 10 posts before some one ridiculed our academics. They like to think of themselves as classy and above everyone else in the midwest. Though, I was at my future sister-in-law's graduation there this summer and it took two names to be read before people were blasting airhorns and ringing cowbells.Their "arena" is more like a D1 highschool gym. Ours isn't much better, I will admit, but I remember thinking the JAR had much more of a college feel (what little of it it has.)These should be two wins for the Zips. I'm going to try to get back to Akron with my fiance (she'll be my wife by then) for the return game at the JAR for sure!

as a vu student, and a poster on the vu board, i know exactly who you're talking about. just ignore him. he's kinda cranky in his old age. as for the arc, don't underestimate it's power. it was listed as one of the 10 hardest places to play for a reason. there's going to be plenty of vu students at this game hopefully, and when it's loud, it's a nightmare for the opposition.

[The Hip Zip]

While I admit that this is not a great draw for the Zips, Valpo would have been pretty good this season but lost a lot of talent due to transfers etc. Drew is a very good coach and they will tough to beat on the road. On a positive note, Zip fans will be able to see this game live on the Horizon league feed.

[skip-zip]

I did read their board, and saw a couple of interesting things....1) We have only beaten 1 team with a winning record? Is that really true? (sorry..don't have time to look it up).2) If there is any silver lining on this...despite their poor record, they do have a #37 SOS.If it's true that they will lose 3 senior starters this year, it won't provide us with a good return matchup at home next year, which won't give us the opportunity that would have saved this situation.So much for the thought that the bracketbuster matches similar opponents. I do like that OU is facing Eastern Kentucky...a team that beat us by 12 on a neutral court. That should take care of any confidence they might still have left this year.

[GoZips88]

I'd like to see our young group of guys notch a 20-win season. I don't like the Valpo draw but the silver lining may be a very winnable game that gets us one step closer to that 20-win season. It is what it is so it becomes time to make the most out of it.

[Zip N' Dots]

I don't mind this match-up at all. Valpo is a strong name in mid-major basketball even though they are having a subpar year. If we are supposed to beat them then lets beat them and move on. This game isn't going to affect us come selection time, we win the MAC Tourney we're in, that simple, just win baby win! No need to sulk, no need to stick our noses up at their program. Just win and then let's head to Canada to battle the Bulls!

[vuweathernerd]

I did read their board, and saw a couple of interesting things....1) We have only beaten 1 team with a winning record? Is that really true? (sorry..don't have time to look it up).2) If there is any silver lining on this...despite their poor record, they do have a #37 SOS.If it's true that they will lose 3 senior starters this year, it won't provide us with a good return matchup at home next year, which won't give us the opportunity that would have saved this situation.So much for the thought that the bracketbuster matches similar opponents. I do like that OU is facing Eastern Kentucky...a team that beat us by 12 on a neutral court. That should take care of any confidence they might still have left this year.

valpo lost 3 seniors last year. we're only losing 2 this year, with a medical redshirt. one of the two that's graduating is still going to be around as a grad. assistant. there's a lot more talent coming in next year than we're losing. so that return game is going to be better than you think.

[ZZZips]

I did read their board, and saw a couple of interesting things....1) We have only beaten 1 team with a winning record? Is that really true? (sorry..don't have time to look it up).2) If there is any silver lining on this...despite their poor record, they do have a #37 SOS.If it's true that they will lose 3 senior starters this year, it won't provide us with a good return matchup at home next year, which won't give us the opportunity that would have saved this situation.So much for the thought that the bracketbuster matches similar opponents. I do like that OU is facing Eastern Kentucky...a team that beat us by 12 on a neutral court. That should take care of any confidence they might still have left this year.

BG And Niagra are the only winning records I can recall!

[Zip Watcher]

BG And Niagra are the only winning records I can recall!

That's downright amazing.Valpo's a good draw considering that.

[Dave in Green]

valpo lost 3 seniors last year. we're only losing 2 this year, with a medical redshirt. one of the two that's graduating is still going to be around as a grad. assistant. there's a lot more talent coming in next year than we're losing. so that return game is going to be better than you think.

Not better than I think! No matter how lightly some Zips fans may take Valpo, I'm certain that the Zips coaching staff will do a more detailed analysis and realize that both games will be challenging. Valpo was leading 13th-ranked Butler with 6 minutes to go, Butler scored 11 straight points, then Valpo fought back to trail by 2 with 90 seconds left before losing by 8. This is no MAC West cupcake.Next season will be an especially interesting game. Zips fans are counting a lot on the quick emergence of Zeke Marshall to make up for the loss of Nate Linhart. But Valpo's older, more experienced Beas Hamga could be a tough matchup. Consider that while Zeke is rated the 8th best center and 37th best player in the high school class of 2009, Hamga was rated the 5th best center and 28th best player in the class of 2007. Hamga was originally heavily recruited by the University of Kentucky and other major programs before signing with UNLV. He redshirted there, and played little this year before transferring to Valpo. Once considered a potential NBA prospect out of high school (he's listed on www.nbadraft.net ), his slow development in college makes him more of a project. He will be a good test for Zeke. Consider when these two teams tip off next year how many NBA games do not feature two 7-footers jumping for the ball.I would also not underestimate the potential of Ryan Broekhoff, who was "only" voted the Junior National Player of the Year for the entire country of Australia.Inexperienced freshmen players are one thing. But Hamga isn't the only new Valpo player for next year to already have some college experience:Brandon Wood, a 6’3”, 195 lb. guard from Kokomo, Ind., is playing this season at Highland [ill.] Community College. Wood transferred to Highland from Southern Illinois, where he appeared in six games for the Salukis, averaging 3.7 points per game, before suffering a season-ending injury. He stood out in the Salukis’ opener last year against Northern Illinois, pouring in 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 27 minutes off the bench. Wood was a three-year letterwinner at Kokomo H.S., where he was honored as an Indiana All-Star. A two-time All-Conference honoree, he was an All-County pick after a senior year in which he averaged 21.0 points per game. Wood is projected to be the top incoming point guard next year in the Horizon League according to Rivals.com.Cory Johnson, a 6'7", 230 lb. forward, will be eligible to play at Valparaiso after transferring from Iowa State, where he played for two seasons. He was ranked No. 78 in the HoopScoop class of 2006.

[vuweathernerd]

valpo lost 3 seniors last year. we're only losing 2 this year, with a medical redshirt. one of the two that's graduating is still going to be around as a grad. assistant. there's a lot more talent coming in next year than we're losing. so that return game is going to be better than you think.

Not better than I think! No matter how lightly some Zips fans may take Valpo, I'm certain that the Zips coaching staff will do a more detailed analysis and realize that both games will be challenging. Valpo was leading 13th-ranked Butler with 6 minutes to go, Butler scored 11 straight points, then Valpo fought back to trail by 2 with 90 seconds left before losing by 8. This is no MAC West cupcake.Next season will be an especially interesting game. Zips fans are counting a lot on the quick emergence of Zeke Marshall to make up for the loss of Nate Linhart. But Valpo's older, more experienced Beas Hamga could be a tough matchup. Consider that while Zeke is rated the 8th best center and 37th best player in the high school class of 2009, Hamga was rated the 5th best center and 28th best player in the class of 2007. Hamga was originally heavily recruited by the University of Kentucky and other major programs before signing with UNLV. He redshirted there, and played little this year before transferring to Valpo. Once considered a potential NBA prospect out of high school (he's listed on www.nbadraft.net ), his slow development in college makes him more of a project. He will be a good test for Zeke. Consider when these two teams tip off next year how many NBA games do not feature two 7-footers jumping for the ball.I would also not underestimate the potential of Ryan Broekhoff, who was "only" voted the Junior National Player of the Year for the entire country of Australia.Inexperienced freshmen players are one thing. But Hamga isn't the only new Valpo player for next year to already have some college experience:Brandon Wood, a 6’3”, 195 lb. guard from Kokomo, Ind., is playing this season at Highland [ill.] Community College. Wood transferred to Highland from Southern Illinois, where he appeared in six games for the Salukis, averaging 3.7 points per game, before suffering a season-ending injury. He stood out in the Salukis’ opener last year against Northern Illinois, pouring in 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in 27 minutes off the bench. Wood was a three-year letterwinner at Kokomo H.S., where he was honored as an Indiana All-Star. A two-time All-Conference honoree, he was an All-County pick after a senior year in which he averaged 21.0 points per game. Wood is projected to be the top incoming point guard next year in the Horizon League according to Rivals.com.Cory Johnson, a 6'7", 230 lb. forward, will be eligible to play at Valparaiso after transferring from Iowa State, where he played for two seasons. He was ranked No. 78 in the HoopScoop class of 2006.

well done. i see somebody's done some research. and everything you put up is accurate. it would seem that the key for both teams is going to be how quickly the new players adapt to each system. a note on hamga: due to eligibility, he will not be able to play until after our semester ends, so if it's an early-season game (like our return game at miami this year), he will not be eligible. it's going to be an interesting pair of games. good luck up till the 21st, and after. hopefully you guys reach your 20 win season that you're shooting for. i just hope that the 20th win doesn't come at valpo.

[Dave in Green]

Thanks for the update. It's good to have a knowledgeable Valpo fan posting on Zips Nation. I really hope next year's game can be scheduled after Hamga is eligible to play so that he can go up against Zeke. There aren't many talented 7-footers among the mid-majors, and this could be one of the best matches for both of those young centers next season. I know I would really enjoy watching that battle!

[vuweathernerd]

Thanks for the update. It's good to have a knowledgeable Valpo fan posting on Zips Nation. I really hope next year's game can be scheduled after Hamga is eligible to play so that he can go up against Zeke. There aren't many talented 7-footers among the mid-majors, and this could be one of the best matches for both of those young centers next season. I know I would really enjoy watching that battle!

i do know how it feels to have less intelligent posters on a board. i've seen some pretty stupid stuff come out that way. but it happens everywhere, so at least it's not targeting any single team. it sounds like you guys have quite a catch in this incoming center. i also hope that the rematch comes towards the end of december. it does seem like it could be quite a battle inside if that does happen. but if not, then vu always has cory johnson, who's almost 7 feet. either way, i'm excited.

[Dave in Green]

..... but if not, then vu always has cory johnson, who's almost 7 feet. either way, i'm excited.

If 6-7 is "almost 7 feet," the Zips have a number of almost 7-footers, too.

[vuweathernerd]

..... but if not, then vu always has cory johnson, who's almost 7 feet. either way, i'm excited.

If 6-7 is "almost 7 feet," the Zips have a number of almost 7-footers, too.

ok. fair point. to somebody that's just about 5'7" that extra foot seems like a whole lot more.

[Dave in Green]

I understand what it's like to be altitude-challenged. ;)Hope you stay active on the forum. We may have questions for you, and you should feel free to ask questions of us, as well. Zips fans generally don't have attitude problems as some schools do, and we enjoy having civil discussions with fans from other schools.

[vuweathernerd]

I understand what it's like to be altitude-challenged. ;)Hope you stay active on the forum. We may have questions for you, and you should feel free to ask questions of us, as well. Zips fans generally don't have attitude problems as some schools do, and we enjoy having civil discussions with fans from other schools.

thank you for the hospitality dave. i'll be checking in on here throughout the next few weeks at least.

[tbozeglav]

I understand what it's like to be altitude-challenged. Hope you stay active on the forum. We may have questions for you, and you should feel free to ask questions of us, as well. Zips fans generally don't have attitude problems as some schools do, and we enjoy having civil discussions with fans from other schools.

thank you for the hospitality dave. i'll be checking in on here throughout the next few weeks at least.

just don't piss us off...

[vuweathernerd]

I understand what it's like to be altitude-challenged. Hope you stay active on the forum. We may have questions for you, and you should feel free to ask questions of us, as well. Zips fans generally don't have attitude problems as some schools do, and we enjoy having civil discussions with fans from other schools.

thank you for the hospitality dave. i'll be checking in on here throughout the next few weeks at least.

just don't piss us off...

don't worry. i'm not a jackass like some people. i'll play nice. i don't like playground bullies either.

[Zipmeister]

Just looking at this matchup on the surface it doesn't make much sense.When looking closer, though, I think this matchup was put together with next year in mind more than this season. Both Valpo and Akron are in what most of their own fans are calling "rebuilding" years. Both fanbases seemed to be pointing toward next season by the time this season was just a few games old if not before it started.The difference is Akron is having a pretty decent year (we still have a shot at another 20 win season) despite a roster that is primarily freshmen and sophomores. Valpo is struggling this year. Both programs are arguably bringing in the biggest (by size and/or reputation) recruits in their programs' history next season.One of the posters on the Valpo board said that we better get them this year because next year might get ugly. I assume he meant that we will not be able to handle them next year. Obviously that poster knows nothing of our program. The exact opposite is true if Valpo wants to beat the Zips they better do it this year because next year this program which is 60-7 at home the past few years will be fielding more talent than it ever has before and the game is at Rhodes Arena.

Is GJ the only guy on this board who has a clue what's going on? In selecting the matchups for any particular year, Bracket busters always focuses on the rematch to be contested the following year which they have nothing to do with. It's also interesting to read the Valpo message board where Equins is mentioned as the only poster on ZipsNation that gives the Crusaders any respect. Finally, the E man can stand tall. I just hope they don't discover that he is our designated interloping Horizon League apologist.

[valpofan56]

It's also interesting to read the Valpo message board where Equins is mentioned as the only poster on ZipsNation that gives the Crusaders any respect. Finally, the E man can stand tall. I just hope they don't discover that he is our designated interloping Horizon League apologist.

Being that the Horizon League's RPI is 11 and the MAC's is 18, I don't think we need an apologist!

[Captain Kangaroo]

It's also interesting to read the Valpo message board where Equins is mentioned as the only poster on ZipsNation that gives the Crusaders any respect. Finally, the E man can stand tall. I just hope they don't discover that he is our designated interloping Horizon League apologist.

Being that the Horizon League's RPI is 11 and the MAC's is 18, I don't think we need an apologist!

Take away Butler and where is the Horizon? That's like Hartwick bragging about the MAC Soccer RPI. Valpo is a remora on the shark's belly.If the Zips were 6-16, I wouldn't be running any smack.

[valpofan56]

It's also interesting to read the Valpo message board where Equins is mentioned as the only poster on ZipsNation that gives the Crusaders any respect. Finally, the E man can stand tall. I just hope they don't discover that he is our designated interloping Horizon League apologist.

Being that the Horizon League's RPI is 11 and the MAC's is 18, I don't think we need an apologist!

Take away Butler and where is the Horizon? That's like Hartwick bragging about the MAC Soccer RPI. Valpo is a remora on the shark's belly.If the Zips were 6-16, I wouldn't be running any smack.

Actually, if you take away Butler, we're 14, which if I'm not mistaken is still ahead of 18! Oh, and just for fun, if you take away Miami from the MAC it falls to 23! I realize Valpo is having an off year, but we weren't talking about Valpo, we're talking conferences and the HL is var superior to the MAC this year! You guys really should cut loose the anchor that is your West Division.

[Dave in Green]

I don't think there's any debate about the MAC having an off year. We've been discussing this here for quite awhile now, and no one has disagreed. That's one of the reasons why many of us believe a young, inexperienced Zips team has a realistic shot at the MAC championship. It should be no surprise that the Horizon is rated higher, even excluding Butler.The question on everyone's mind is how the Zips will fare against Valpo, which has a worse won-lost record, but against stronger opponents. The only way to decide this is to play the game.