SectionEE's Horizon League Picks

SectionEE writers Hank and Brent along with the voice of the Crusaders Dick Harlan make their predictions for how the Horizon League's ten teams will finish up the season. As with any predictions, we will probably be able to look back at these and laugh at the end of the year. We will give it our best shot and try to give a short explanation for why we picked them the way we did.  Big thanks to Dick for taking some time and helping us out!  Leave your picks or make fun of ours in the comment section.

my bookie after another poor pick by me

Hank's Picks
10) UIC - They lose their top two players in Robo Kreps and Paul Carter. It is going to be hard to improve having to replace your top guys.


9) Youngstown St. - They will manage to finish just ahead of UIC. They were just to far below the next tier of teams and I don't think we will see that much improvement. This team did not win a road game last season (but they did beat Butler at YSU, go figure).

8) Loyola - Too many good teams in this league to put Loyola higher up. They haven't been good the past few seasons and this year is not going to be much different.

7) Green Bay - I think Alec Brown is going to be tough to stop. He had a very good freshman campaign and I think he will improve this season. He needs more help.

6) Wright State -Losing Tabler, Evans, and Duggins will force someone to step up the scoring for WSU. I don't think they will be able to stay in the top half of the league.

5) Milwaukee - Last year's champs have some holes to fill with the losses of Anthony Hill and Tone Boyle. They will still finish in the top half the league.

4) Valparaiso - A lot of new faces on this year's roster. I think Valpo is one year away from doing something real special.

3) Cleveland State - Still a very good team despite the loss of Player of the Year Norris Cole. Teams in slots 3, 4, and 5 could have gone anyway in my opinion.

2) Butler - Losing Howard and Mack will be too much for Butler to overcome in the regular season. Marshall will emerge as the next great Butler player.

1) Detroit - I think they will win the league this year in spite of their coach. Too much talent with McCallum, Holman, Minnerath, and Simon. This talent along with not losing anybody puts Detroit on top of my list.

Brent is the guy on the left

Brent's Picks
As with any new year after so many seniors and team leaders are gone the league is really going to come down to who steps up.

10) UIC: After only winning 2 league games and finishing last, things can only get better right? Sadly they'll be battling YSU and WSU for the bottom of the barrel this year.

9) Wright State: Losing your top four scorers is really going to hurt. I think Wright State is going into a rebuilding mode this year, but Darling, Pest, Pacher, and company should pose problems for the rest of the league starting in 2012-13.

8) Youngstown State: They have never finished above .500 since joining the league in 2001-02, I don't see them making any leaps or bounds on that trend.

7) Loyola: Averkamp, Hicks, and Gibler are going to need to step it up, but Hicks has injury concerns and they're going to need him.

6) Milwaukee: Two big subtractions who were the heart of the team is going leave this team in the bottom half of the league and certainly a repeat of their regular season title last year will not be repeated.

5) Valparaiso: This could be a surprise year for the Crusaders, but I suspect they are going to need a year to reorganize after the departures of Wood and Johnson and the implementation of a new system under new coach Bryce Drew.

4) Green Bay: I think they are really building something here, and will play this year without fear and be a tough play night in and night out for the entire league.

3) Cleveland State: Who's going to step up and take Norris Cole's spot? If that question can be answered then there is no reason this team can't win the league.

2) Detroit: The talent is certainly there for them to run away with this league, but could somebody please play defense?!

1) Butler: Another solid freshman class coming into the mix with the experience of two consecutive National Title games means that until someone (Ahem Detroit) knocks them off their perch they are the kings of the Horizon League.

Dick racking his brain.

Dick Harlan's Picks

10) UIC: Just don't have enough and what they did have left. Will be a long year.

9) Loyola: New coach, not enough talent. Bad idea.

8) Wright State: Lost too much. I look for them to slide down the standings, even though I think their coach is a very good one.
 
7) Youngstown State: Last year's most improved team from start to finish. They seem on the way up and could be a factor.

6) Milwaukee: Last year was an apperation. They weren't that good and won't be this time either. They always give upper echelon teams trouble in conference, but just don't have enough guns in my opinion.

5) Cleveland State: They will still play that in your face physical defense, but without Norris Cole, not sure how much their offense will help.

4) Green Bay: Very physical again. They have a 7-footer who can dominate for short periods. If they get any offense at all they will be force to reckon with.

3) Valparaiso: The Crusaders has the most depth in the conference and if Van Wijk can play, and they get any help up front they should be a force.

2) Detroit: Their talent has to overcome their coaching, but they are loaded. By far the most talented team in the conference. Maybe this year it will show.

1) Butler: They're still Butler and until someone shows me differently they are the team to beat. Marshall will be a stud and they still have Nored and the big kid.

Meet Griffyn Carpenter: Sharpshooter

The other day Valpo fans were surprised to hear that a kid named Griffyn Carpenter was coming to Valpo.  Carpenter is a local kid, for the most part.  A graduate of tiny 1A Triton High School but don't let that fool you.  Griffyn has an extensive offensive arsenal.  His biggest asset is the three point shot.  Lets get to know Griffyn Carpenter a little bit better.


HC: Were you recruited by Valparaiso?
GC: I wasn't really recruited to play it was kind of a spur of the moment thing, I was actually very close to committing to IPFW but ultimately Valpo was were I wanted to be.
HC: What other schools were after you?

GC: I was recruited heavily by IPFW, IUPUI, the University of Indy, North Florida, Jacksonville State, and Anderson.
HC: Why did you pick Valpo?
GC: Valpo is a great place to continue your spiritual and academic career and that is what is most important to me, basketball wise I love the team atmosphere it presents. the program is heading in a great direction and I can't wait to be apart of it!

HC: What are you aspiration for playing basketball at Valpo? The team has too many guys as it is (the guard position is especially deep), so I was surprised to see your name pop up.
GC: I know that in college I won't be looked upon a great deal for much but I'm content with that, I know there are some guards in front of me that are better than me and I look forward to learning from them. I will control what I can and that is my attitude and my work ethic and we will go from there.
HC: What skills do you bring to the court that would be beneficial for Coach Drew?
GC: SHOOTING!!! I shoot the ball extremely well, that is my major advantage, I made over 300 3s in my career at Triton. I have a very good wide range game and I can get to the basket fairly well. I also am very good at posting smaller guards up and I have 5 post moves that I am very confident in.
HC: We saw a highlight video of your high school career at Triton, what was with the Red Hot Chili Peppers song, interesting choice?
GC: I'm a big red hot chili peppers fan, and the guy that made that for me knows me really well. I was blessed with a great career at Triton and I'm looking for a great one at Valpo.
HC: I hear you are a pretty good golfer and that you plan on pursuing that while at Valpo as well. Any concerns that participating in both sports may end up hurting? If you had to concentrate on one of the two which would you pick?

GC: Golf is also another great passion of mine, I love the mental challenge the game presents. I shoot in the low to mid 70s and played on a great golf team in high school. I do pretty well with managing my time, I've always had to juggle 2 sports in high school so it shouldn't be much of a change. If I had to concentrate on one it would be basketball, that is my true passion. I spent 3 to 4 hours in the gym everyday, I love putting the time in that it takes to be great. Winning feels so much better when you know how hard the path was to get there!
HC: Being from a 1A school doesn't really help an athlete in gaining respect, I went to Washington Township and was a decent baseball player, what do you say to people who might think your numbers were inflated due to where you went to school?
GC: At triton we play a very tough schedule, we continually play good competition year in and year out, for example we play Warsaw, Plymouth, Mishawaka Marian, Rochester. with good players like Nic Moore, Bruce Grimm Jr, Randy Davis, Demetrius Jackson coming from those schools. not to mention the teams we have played in our post season (Bowman Academy, Blackhwak Christian, LCC,) we play stiff competition that allows us to prove ourselves. We are the only 1A school in our conference and in my 4 years we went 26 and 2. My overall record in high school was 96 and 12. Yes we do play some bad teams, but who doesn't?  I think the honors I have received while playing basketball have proven that I am a respected player for the player that I am, not just because I happen to play in the lowest class in Indiana. I would have loved to play for a North Central, Bloomington South or a Warsaw, but that is not the way it worked out, I just did my best with what I was given and it payed off more than I ever imagined.
HC: How tall are you really?  I've seen you listed everywhere from 5'10'' - 6'1''.
GC: I'm 6'1. Yea its crazy last year one schools program listed me as 6'4 that would ne nice :) seems like my height is always messed up
HC: LOL, so I assume this is a walkon situation? Does Valpo give golf scholarships?
GC: I haven't really looked into the scholarship aspects of golf I just contacted the new coach about a walk on spot and when tryouts were. I would like to think that if they do give scholarships that my scores would make me a prime candidate for one

As a former athlete from a small school I am pulling for Griffyn to have success at Valpo.  I'd say he is a long shot for the basketball team due to the number of guys already there and the depth at the guard position, but who knows.  With the way he can shoot the ball it may be hard not to find him a spot on the roster.

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Cory Johnson goes pro!

Former SectionEE interviewee Cory Johnson has signed a professional contract to play in the Dutch basketball league!  Pack your wooden shoes and guide to windmills Cory.  Best of luck!

Full story click here!

ARC Upgrade!

The ARC is getting a much needed upgrade!  Video boards will be installed for the upcoming sports seasons.  This is a welcomed improvement as anyone who went to games last year surely found themselves frustrated at times with the scoreboards/sound system in the ARC.  With the new floor and now the video boards (probably bought with money leftover from the floor project) along with the newish turf on the football field the university is really showing some dedication to the improvement of the athletic programs on campus.

Read the full story here at the Valpo Athletics Website!

The Nickname's are in...

 You have submitted your selections in our Nickname Hrvoje Vucic contest.  Here is what we have.  Please vote for one of the nicknames by leaving your selection in the comment section of this post.  Voting will last from now until 4pm Central Time on July 19th.  In the event of a tie, we will eliminate those not involved and then do a revote.  Don't forget, the winner takes home a stylish Valpo Travel Mug (photo available here)!

1. div ubojica  - the giant assassin....works on two levels...he is going to be a gigantic killer this year, but he will also kill the other horizon league giants
2. Centar  - translation  Center
3. Irv
4. Bob
5. Junior
6. Harvey
7. T.P.O.T.T  - translation Tallest Player On The Team
8. Big V
9. H-Vuc
10. Vuch
11. Tattoo - As Hrvoje sounds a lot like Herve, and the most famous Herve was most known as "Tattoo," (I know it is an "old school" reference, it's a natural that he be called "Tattoo." And with his wingspan maybe his teammates can go "da plane, da plane."

Wood talks Michigan State and his time at Valpo

Yahoo! sports writer Jason King sat down with Brandon Wood to talk about his move to Michigan State and reflect on his time at Valpo. He certainly would have been a nice piece to what Coach Bryce Drew is building for next year, but we wish him the best of luck on trying to attain his dream of getting drafted into the NBA.

Click here to read the article

Nickname Hrvoje Vucic Contest

SectionEE's nickname Hrvoje Vucic contest will go from 12pm on July 13th and end on July 17th at 9pm Central Time.  In order to submit a nickname you must "Like" the SectionEE Facebook page and put your entry there.  Find our Facebook page by clicking here!  The winner of the contest will receive a brand new travel mug with the "Valpo fund" logo on it.  I'm sure this will be a highly coveted prize, so take some time and come up with a good nickname for our Croatian big man!

Valpo All Decade Team 2000-2010

For my first post I thought I would get into my selection for Valpo's All Decade team for the 2000's. The decade started out with Valpo's normal dominance in the Mid-Con and would see the Crusaders switch conferences and go through some tough rebuilding years, but ultimately set themselves back oncourse by the end of the decade.

The ground rules I set for myself in picking this team are that they had to play at least 2 years within the decade (2000-01 to 2009-10), stats, and intangibles such as team success and leadership values. Next I picked by position ( 1 center, 2 forwards, and 2 guards) and I also picked a sixth man as they are as valuable to the team as any starter. I had the privilege of watching 4 out of the 6 during my undergrad days (03-07).

Guard - Brandon McPherson(2005-10): Brandon provided Valpo a steady hand during his career. He has played in more games for Valpo than any other player and his steadiness and timely 3 point shots made him a valuable asset for Valpo's transition into the Horizon League. He helped the team go 22-14 and a surprising 9-9 in conference play during his junior year and Valpo's first in the Horizon. Brandon ranks 10th in assists, 9th in 3 point field goal percentage, and 8th in 3 point shots made for his career.

Guard - Ali Berdiel(2001-2006): Another great floor general for Valpo during the mid decade Ali was my favorite player during my freshman year at Valpo. His defensive prowess and skill at setting up the offense was no doubt a key to Valpo's 20 and 18 win seasons in 02-03 and 03-04. Ali was even honored with 2nd team all Mid-Con honors for his work during the 03-04 season in which the Crusaders won the regular season title, but lost in a heartbreaker in the conference tournament title game. Ali finished his career with the Crusaders ranked 3rd in career assists, 5th in total games played, and 3rd in steals.

Forward - Dan Oppland(2002-2006): Dan was the anchor of the the Valpo team during some of the lean years of the mid decade. His offensive skills allowed him to keep Valpo in games on a nightly basis. Those skills allowed him to post 21 pts against Duke during the 04-05 season and 16 pts later that year against the eventual national runner up in Illinois. Dan was recognized for his abilities by being named to the Mid-Con all conference 2nd team his sophomore year and 1st team selections his junior and senior years. He ranks 3rd in career points, 3rd in total rebounds, and 7th in field goal percentage at Valpo.

Forward - Lubos Barton(1998-2002): Perhaps one of the greatest players to ever play for Valpo Lubos helped guide Valpo to 24 and 25 win seasons during his junior and senior years. He was a standout on what were some truly talented teams. He capped off his career by not only helping guide Valpo to the NCAA tournament, but also by being named Mid-Con player of the year. He produced from the beginning by not only being named to the conference All-Newcomer team, but also by making 1st team all conference as a freshman. He made second team all conference during his sophomore and junior years. He truly was an all around player as he finished his career at Valpo ranked 1st in career steals, 2nd in 3 point shots made, 4th in points scored, 4th in rebounds, 6th in assists, 7th in blocked shots, 8th in field goals, and 8th in free throws made.

Center - Raitis Grafs(1999-2003): A teammate of Lubos, Raitis was also able to distinguish himself in the first part of the decade. As a top prospect out of Latvia Raitis contributed immediately during his freshman year and was named to the Mid-Con newcomer team. He would follow that up by being named 1st team all conference during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He also helped guide Valpo to 3 straight 20 win seasons during that stretch. He undoubtedly was a mentor to Oppland during his senior year. Raitis ranks 1st in career blocked shots at Valpo, 2nd in free throws made, 2nd in games played, 2nd in rebounds, 3rd in field goal percentage, 5th in points, 6th in field goals, and 8th in steals. He is arguably the MVP during the 2000's for Valpo.

6th Man - Jake Diebler(2005-2009): Energy, toughness, and the willingness to do what it takes for the team to win are the traits of the perfect sixth man and just happen to be the traits Diebler exhibited on the court. Perhaps my favorite player from my time at Valpo Jake provided invaluable leardership to the Crusaders. He helped McPherson lead the Crusaders to 22 wins his junior year and which was the first in the Horizon League. What he may lack in statistics he made up for in will and determination. He finished his career ranked 17th in assists and 10th in steals. He continues to serve Valpo as the Director of Basketball Operations.

Let me know what you think about the selections, as with any list such as this there are bound to be some controversial choices. Feel free to let us know who is on your all decade team.

More on me and pay for play in the NCAA later this week.

A complete look at all Valpo records can be found here. Other information also retrieved from ESPN.com, the Valpo Athletic site, and my own personal memories.

New Writer

SectionEE has expanded to a second writer.  A two time Valparaiso University graduate (undergrad in Meteorology, I think, and a Master's in Education), Brent Gilles.  Brent will be writing some Valpo stories but will also dive into other Horizon League basketball stories as well as some broader college basketball stories.  Brent currently resides down by Indianapolis in Bulldog country.

Getting to know Hrvoje Vucic

Croatian big man Hrvoje Vucic agreed to answer some questions for me recently.  Before we get to the Q/A a little bit about Vucic.  Vucic has three years of eligibility remaining after red shirting his first season back in 2009-2010.  Hrvoje's action was limited last year.  He saw action in 11 games last year, hit 5 of his 9 field goal attempts, and sent four opponent shots to the block party.  This year I suspect we will be seeing a lot more Hrvoje patrolling the paint.  Let's get to the good stuff:

HC:  Can you tell us the events that lead up to you coming to Valparaiso University?
Vucic: Well I realized that I wouldn't develop my bball skills and knowledge back in Croatia so i wanted to try out something new which in this case was coming to the states.
HC: What other schools recruited you?
Vucic: No D1 schools just a couple preps and high schools I was supposed to go to but I chose Valpo cause a couple Croats graduated from here so that makes it a lot easier for me.

HC: I heard a rumor that you've added some muscle weight this off-season, any truth to that? What is your height and weight currently?

I suspect this is what Hrvoje looks like now

Vucic: Yeah when I came in I was around 7 feet and 208 lbs, I added some muscle weight and I am about 245lbs right now.
HC: What role do you expect to play on this years club?
Vucic: I am hoping I will start this year, that is my #1 goal for this season personally, but what I want the most is for the team to win the Horizon League and make it to the NCAA
HC: How will a Coach Bryce team play differently then a Coach Homer team (faster pace, different D)?
Vucic: I am sure we'll play a lot faster and run fast breaks a lot. I think we will do better than last year just cause we have so many guys that can play and I think coach Bryce will use more than 9 guys in his rotation.
HC: Did you play a role in bringing Dino to Valpo? What advice would you give an incoming freshman who is from overseas?
Vucic: Ummm coach Bryce asked me about him couple times, I said he was pretty good so if that helped I guess I did my job, lol. But my advice to him is to be patient like I was and his time will come.


HC: You and Vashil could be quite the force on the inside in the Horizon League this season, will VU block records fall this year?
Vucic: Well we are definitely a taller team this year than we were last year, we have Vashil and me, and we also brought in Richie who is 6'8 so I am sure we will be better in segments such as rebounding and inside scoring but also low block defending.
HC: Any pregame rituals or superstitions that you can share with us?
Vucic: Umm not that I can think of. We just kinda go out there an d have fun, and win games of course, lol.
HC: Any nicknames?
Vucic:  Not really, now that you asked we do need to work on that...haha.


Big thanks to Hrvoje for taking some of his time to answer these questions.  Now readers, we have a contest.  Hrvoje needs a nickname.  Go to the SectionEE Facebook page for the contest!

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Bryce the visionary

Valpo is looking to future and has received a verbal from Andrean soon to be junior Nick Davidson.

Here are the articles from the local paper. 

First the Times

Second the Post Trib

Welcome Bobby Capobianco

Valpo has picked up another transfer from a power conference; this time The Big Ten.  Indiana University forward Bobby Capobianco has decided to take his talents to Valparaiso University after two season at IU.  Campo's playing time dwindled significantly his sophomore season, probably the reason for his transfer.  I have heard this referred before as being "Creaned".

Capo with a hustle play.

Capobianco brings to the table a big body, 6'9'' 245 pounds.  He was a good scorer and rebounder in high school, but just could never break into the rotation at IU.  For a little more on Capobianco here is an article from kentsterling.com.

It is hard to say, without talking to Bobby whether this was his choice or if it was a move encouraged by others at IU.  Regardless, Capobianco couldn't take minutes away from the likes of Derek Elston and Tom Pritchard and there is noway he would be getting minutes away from the incoming Cody Zeller.

One loyal Hoosier follower described Capobianco as the following, "Yeah, I still follow IU and he's already put in his paperwork to transfer from IU. I thought he might go to a MAC school since he's from Ohio originally but maybe not. He's pretty much a big body (6-8, 240'ish) to fill the paint. He doesn't do much on offense but at one point he had a 10-12 foot jumper that he liked to take a lot, unfortunately he didn't make it very often. He was a below average rebounder in the B10 and his slow footwork put him into foul trouble pretty much as soon as he stepped foot into the game. I think when he came out of HS he might have been a top-100 rated recruit but I'm not 100% certain. He's a good kid, a good person and seemingly a good student so don't worry about him being a knucklehead."

Tom Crean

Sounds like Bobby's personality and demeanor will fit in nicely at Valparaiso.  Whether he can play or not is yet to be seen.  Hopefully moving from the Big Ten to the Horizon League will give Capo the confidence he needs to find success.  We will see him in 2012-2013 as he will have to sit out a season due to NCAA transfer rules.  The addition of Capobianco, Valpo might have a pretty good looking front line for the next couple of years.  With the addition of Capobianco the Crusaders appear to have 12 guys on scholarship, and with Vashil Fernandez going to be announced any day that leaves one to wonder if someone at Valpo is going to be "Creaned" (or Painted, whichever you prefer).

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