Wednesday, March 30, 2016

News On The Horizon 3/30/2016


Titans Earn Plenty Of Awards At Honors Convocation--detroittitans.com

Felder triple-double has Oakland playing for title tonight--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland U. could cap season with tournament title tonight--The Detroit Free Press
Kay Felder gets triple-double, Oakland moves to Vegas 16 title game in win--Press Row Sports
Does the O’rena deploy enough security?--Oakland Post
Oakland dominates second half to beat East Tennessee State, goes to finals of Vegas 16--Oakland Post
FELDER'S TRIPLE-DOUBLE LIFTS OAKLAND OVER ETSU, 104-81, IN VEGAS 16 SEMIFINAL--ougrizzlies.com

The proposed new athletic practice facility: What it would offer--Oakland Post

No NCAA Tournament, But Valparaiso Represents Mid-Majors Well--Big Apple Buckets
The Morning Dish – Wednesday, March 30, 2016--Hoopville
NIT finals matchup set--CollegeBasketballTalk
Valparaiso, George Washington will meet for NIT championship--Sports Illustrated
NIT primer: Expect Valparasio to beat George Washington for title--Sports Illustrated
Skara sends Valpo to NIT title game with 72-70 win over BYU--CBS Sports
2016 NIT Semifinal recap: Valparaiso defeats BYU 72-70--Mid-Major Madness
Valparaiso 72, Brigham Young 70: Tempo-Free Analysis--A Daly Dose of Hoops
Valparaiso maintains its poise against Brigham Young down the stretch--The Post-Tribune
Alec Peters, Valparaiso set for one last game — with NIT title on line--The Post-Tribune
VU sophomore delivers eventual game-winning shot against BYU--The NWI Times
NYC to Valpo: How Crusaders Became Retired FDNY Firefighter's Team--ValpoLife
Crusaders One Win Away From NIT Title After Defeating BYU--valpoathletics.com
Pregame Event Set, Tickets Available For NIT Championship Game--valpoathletics.com
Crusaders Look to Raise NIT Trophy Thursday Night--valpoathletics.com

WSU basketball search expected to go beyond Final Four--Dayton Daily News

New Mexico hires Wright State’s Bradbury as women’s coach--Dayton Daily News

Second Half Push Sends Oakland to Vegas 16 Championship Game--Horizon League Network

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

News On The Horizon 3/29/2016

The Morning Dish – Tuesday, March 29, 2016--Hoopville
Oakland-90-72 winners over Towson-has a legitimate All-American in Kahlil Felder. East Tennessee State-which defeated Louisiana Tech 88-83 in the fourth quarterfinal-joined Northern Illinois and Tennessee Tech as three of the most improved teams in the country. Louisiana Tech won 23 games this year and was a two-time defending NIT quarterfinalist.
...
Tonight’s Menu: It’s the week before the Final Four, but Tuesday is hardly a quiet night on the court

The NIT semifinals are held in Madison Square Garden, and perhaps because it includes some teams notably snubbed from the NCAA Tournament, is one of the most appealing quartets in recent memory. It’s Lutherans vs. Mormons in the opener as Valparaiso takes on BYU (7 p.m. EDT, ESPN), and that is followed by another good matchup with George Washington against San Diego State (9:30 p.m.).
...
The Vegas 16 also holds its semifinals, with Old Dominion vs. UC Santa Barbara (9 p.m., CBSSN) and Oakland taking on East Tennessee State (11:30 p.m., CBSSN).

Rexrode: This year’s Michigan St. basketball team one of the best ever--The Detroit Free Press
CSU takes LBJ's talent to Wolstein--The Cauldron

Buddy Hield, Denzel Valentine headline AP All-American teams--CollegeBasketballTalk
THIRD TEAM

Grayson Allen, Duke
Kay Felder, Oakland
Yogi Ferrell, Indiana
Jamal Murray, Kentucky
Jarrod Uthoff, Iowa
Oakland Cruises to a Vegas 16 Win Over Towson--Mid-Major Madness
Oakland tries to reward patience in Vegas 16 tourney--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland 90, Towson 72: Kay Felder leads Grizzlies in Vegas 16 tourney--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland cruises past Towson in Vegas opener--The Detroit News
Vegas 16 Preview: 1-on-1 with Towson Men’s Basketball coach Pat Skerry--Press Row Sports
Vegas 16: Hill-Mais scores season-high 16 points in opening win over Towson--Press Row Sports
Oakland Gets Past Towson and Into Semis of Vegas 16--HLeagueHoops.com
Hammink Is Key Late as Valpo Ekes Out Win Over BYU to Reach NIT Title Game--HLeagueHoops.com
Men's basketball pounces Towson Tigers in first round of Vegas 16--Oakland Post
FELDER TABBED AS NABC COACHES' ALL-AMERICA THIRD TEAM SELECTION--ougrizzlies.com
OAKLAND WINS OPENING GAME OF VEGAS 16, 90-72, OVER TOWSON--ougrizzlies.com
FELDER NAMED AP ALL-AMERICA THIRD TEAM SELECTION--ougrizzlies.com

Packers, UWGB nominated for state awards--Green Bay Press Gazette
Future looks bright in Green Bay--Phear The Phoenix
Linc Darner's Boys Basketball Day Camp Dates and Details--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Carrington Love Named to NABC All-District Team--GreenBayPhoenix.com

UWM's Braun tries to head off firestorm of criticism--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
UWM Basketball: Under Supported and Under Fire--Greenberglawoffice.com
Remorse over Jeter firing spread across UWM and Milwaukee--UWM Post
HoriZone Roundtable Season 1, Episode 14: And Then There Were Two…--PantherU
Welcome to the party, ‘Dakdelsur’--PantherU

2016 NIT Semifinal Preview: No. 2 BYU vs. No. 1 Valparaiso--Mid-Major Madness--Mid-Major Madness
NIT Preview: The model of success
NIT Semifinals 2016, Valparaiso vs BYU: live stream, start time, TV info and more--Fansided
San Diego State, GW, Valpo and BYU set for NIT semis in NYC--The Oakland Press
Hoops Godfather Helps Chicago Star Escape The 'Hood--DNAInfo
NIT 2016: Betting preview and odds for BYU-Valparaiso, George Washington-San Diego State--SBNation.com
John Mutka: Scott Drew has Baylor pointed in right direction--The Post-Tribune
Jubril Adekoya, Valparaiso put business ahead of pleasure on NIT trip--The Post-Tribune
Crusaders haven’t played at Madison Square Garden in more than 70 years--The NWI Times
Skara and Hammink combine to send Crusaders past BYU--The NWI Times
Crusaders Set to Face BYU at MSG--valpoathletics.com
Peters Named AP Honorable Mention All-American--valpoathletics.com

Wilaj: Penguins grew a lot in 2015-16--Youngstown Vindicator
Quick rebuild--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle

Valpo to face BYU in NIT Semifinals--Horizon League Network
Oakland Rolls Past Towson to Advance at Vegas 16--Horizon League Network
Felder Named to NABC All-America Third Team--Horizon League Network
A Look Back at #MotorCityMadness--Horizon League Network
Crusaders Deny BYU's Comeback Attempt; Advance to NIT Championship--Horizon League Network

Friday, March 25, 2016

News On The Horizon 3/24/2016

The Horizon League’s Uncertain Future--Campus Pressbox

Cleveland State Basketball Set to Host Four-Star Point Guard Markell Johnson--Cleveland State Hoops

Bass, Wilson Share MVP Honors At Annual Men’s Basketball Banquet--detroittitans.com

OU's Bellin speaks at Brussels hospital: 'You've got no idea'--The Detroit Free Press
Ex-Oakland U basketball star recounts Brussels attacks--The Detroit News
Seniors prepare for final games with the Golden Grizzlies--ougrizzlies.com

The Morning Dish – Thursday, March 24, 2016--Hoopville
Side Dishes
...
The situation at Wisconsin-Milwaukee continues to simmer, as three of the team’s top players have asked for their releases. Austin Arians, Jordan Johnson-the nation’s second-leading assist man this year-and Akeem Springs all are considering a transfer, though all three have said they will wait to see who UWM hires as its new coach. It’s been an ugly situation, with the school’s athletic director first not allowing the team to play in a postseason tourney and then firing coach Rob Jeter, and the players have been vocal yet reasonable in addressing their concerns with the way things have gone down.

Valpo Basketball Preview--valpoathletics.com
New logo causes stir in Norse Nation--The Northerner

YSU can’t keep up with Ragin’ Cajuns--Youngstown Vindicator
It’s all over--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Penguins Fall to Louisiana in the WBI Semis--The Jambar

Youngstown State Falls To Louisiana in WBI--Horizon League Network
Kim Demmings All-Region Nominee for All-America Team--Horizon League Network

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

News On The Horizon 3/23/2016


Oakland in the Vegas 16: Necessary?--Oakland Post
Meet the Teams: Oakland Golden Grizzlies--Vegas16.com

Trev Anderson named Wisconsin's Mr. Basketball--Phear The Phoenix

Forward Austin Arians To Transfer From Milwaukee Panthers--Mid-Major Madness
3 top UWM players considering leaving team--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
HoriZone Roundtable Season 1, Episode 13: The Mean Season--PantherU

The Morning Dish – Wednesday, March 23, 2016--Hoopville
Tuesday Night NIT Recap: BYU and Valpo off to MSG--CollegeBasketballTalk
Madness Mill: College Coaching Rumors March 23--Mid-Major Madness
Saint Louis Billikens
Out: Jim Crews
Names: Joe Dooley (FGCU HC), Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt HC), Anthony Grant (Thunder asst), Bryce Drew (Valpo HC)
Notes: Add Grant and Drew to the rumor mill here. Grant could be waiting for Archie Miller to finally leave Dayton, while bigger names have failed to draw Drew away from his alma mater in the past.
Crusaders take day off before prepping for BYU--The NWI Times
MBB: Defense stifles Saint Mary’s, Valpo advances to NIT Semifinals--The Torch
Men's Basketball should cherish NIT--The Torch
Tickets Available For Crusaders' Trip to MSG--valpoathletics.com

Vickrey: Two-year extension for Dorow a good call--The Torch

Donlon recruits still planning on attending WSU--Dayton Daily News

Tom Archdeacon: Vest says WSU basketball ‘at a crossroads’--Dayton Daily News
Demmings All-Region Nominee for All-America Team--wsuraiders.com

Men's Basketball Camp Registration Now Open--ysusports.com

YSU not done yet--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
YSU's Season Ends with Semifinals Loss at Louisiana--ysusports.com

News On The Horizon 3/22/2016

Ten candidates who could replace Jamie Dixon as Pittsburgh's coach--CBS Sports
Bryce Drew (Valparaiso head coach)

Drew has passed on Power-5 jobs and seems in no rush to leave his alma mater. But he has won at least 25 games in four of the five seasons he has coached at the Division I level, and he's the two-time Horizon League Coach of the Year. Drew got a look from Iowa State. Pitt would be wise to look, too.
...
Greg Kampe (Oakland head coach)

Pitt fans seemed to grow tired of Dixon in the sense that he neither plays fast nor has a big personality. So why not look at a guy like Kampe -- who plays fast and has a huge personality? He has guided Oakland to the NCAA Tournament three times, turned so-so prospects into NBA players, won 550-plus career games, gone 24-10 in Horizon League contests the past two years and his Grizzlies led the nation in scoring this season by averaging 86.3 points, which has to be appealing to a school that just lost in the NCAA Tournament with 43 points.

Valentine, Forbes didn't want this memory--The Detroit Free Press
Seidel: Michigan State’s Bryn Forbes still confident amid shooting slump--The Detroit Free Press
Spartans seniors take blame for devastating defeat--The Detroit News
It was hardly what Valentine, Matt Costello and Bryn Forbes envisioned, putting every bit of energy they had into getting back to the Final Four after losing last season to Duke. But that’s where they found themselves, Costello with his head in his hands and Forbes staring at nothing, his eyes not moving.
...
Costello had the best game, scoring 22 and grabbing nine rebounds, but his front-end miss of a one-and-one with 1:50 to play kept Michigan State behind by three. That came after Valentine and Forbes each missed 3-pointers that would have tied the game.

But it was a struggle most of the game. Forbes ended up with 14 points, but he was scoreless in the first half. And Valentine turned the ball over six times and was just 5-for-13 shooting for 13 points.

None, however, was deflecting responsibility.

“I wasn't sharp at all in the first half,” Forbes said. “Then at halftime the coaches just put it to us that we were playing terrible. I was playing awful. So, I know I had to pick it up, but it still wasn't enough.”
...
The seniors – Colby Wollenman included – were a special group he said, his eyes red as he struggled to relay his feelings.

“They gave me everything,” Izzo said. “They gave me the ability to sleep with two eyes shut again. That disappeared for a few years.”
...
Later, Izzo said if his son grew up to be like Valentine, Costello, Forbes or Wollenman, he’d “a happy guy.”
A look back at the 2009 Vikings’ NCAA appearance--The Cauldron

Efforts in Flint water crisis leave impact on Titans--Varsity Press

Playing with eight, Titans exceed expectations--Varsity Press

Ex-Oakland basketball player injured in Brussels terrorist attack--The Dagger
Former Oakland University basketball player injured in Brussels attacks--The Sporting News
Former Oakland basketball player injured in Brussels attack--The Detroit Free Press
Former college basketball player injured in Brussels airport bombing--Eye On College Basketball
Former Oakland player injured in Brussels attack--The Detroit News
Former Oakland basketball player Bellin injured in Brussels bombings--Oakland Post
FORMER OAKLAND MEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER BELLIN INJURED IN BRUSSELS ATTACKS--ougrizzlies.com

UWGB women will remain Horizon favorites--Green Bay Press Gazette

The Morning Dish – Tuesday, March 22, 2016--Hoopville
Tonight’s Menu:

NIT quarterfinal play opens with a delicious matchup of a pair of teams that should’ve been in the NCAA Tournament. It’s offense vs. defense when Saint Mary’s travels across the country to face Valparaiso (7 p.m. EST, ESPN), with the winner making its first-ever trip to the NIT semifinals. That is followed by Creighton playing at BYU (9 p.m., ESPN), with the Cougars looking to get to the semis for the second time in four years while the Bluejays attempt to make their first semifinal trip since 1942.
Valparaiso advances to its first NIT semis--CBS Sports
Updated 2016 NIT bracket: Quarterfinals set--FanSided
One of the big stories in the NIT bracket is the fact that there is only one remaining No. 1 seed of the four that entered the tournament in the Valparaiso Crusaders. The Crusaders have rolled to this point, but they’ll certainly be put to the test in the quarterfinals as they take on another team that many people considered to be a snub from the NCAA Tournament in the Saint Mary’s Gaels.
...
Obviously the Valparaiso-Saint Mary’s game is going to be huge while the other three matchups all feature a No. 4 seed taking on the No. 2 seed. With how things have gone in the NIT to this point, though, it’s hard to say what’s going to happen next.
NIT: Valparaiso Shuts Down Saint Mary's to Advance--Mid-Major Madness
Mid-major powers Valparaiso, Saint Mary's meet in NIT quarterfinals--The Post-Tribune
Rutter: Valpo has unfinished business to settle with old enemy--The Post-Tribune
Vashil Fernandez helps Valparaiso top Saint Mary's in NIT quarterfinals--The Post-Tribune
Fernandez looks to go out a winner at the ARC--The NWI Times
Bryce Drew, VU players after NIT win--The NWI Times
Valpo headed to Madison Square Garden--The NWI Times
Crusaders heading to the Big Apple--The NWI Times
JIM PETERS: Both Drew sons appreciate the NIT experience--The NWI Times
Meet Valpo Basketball's Biggest Little Fan--ValpoLife
MBB: Defense stifles Saint Mary’s, Valpo advances to NIT Semifinals--The Torch
NIT 2016: Tuesday's Quarterfinals Scores, Updated Bracket and Wednesday Schedule--Bleacher Report
Teams Postseason Performances Do Not Justify Them Being In or Out of Big Dance--HLeagueHoops.com
Valpo Advances to NIT Final Four After Dominant Second Half Over St. Mary’s--HLeagueHoops.com
Welcome to New York! Crusaders Take Down Saint Mary’s, Advance to NIT Semifinals--valpoathletics.com

Local roundup: Valparaiso women's coach Tracey Dorow gets extension--The Post-Tribune
Dorow Inks Contract Extension Through 2017-2018 Season--valpoathletics.com

5 possible candidates for Wright State job--Dayton Daily News

YSU’s Wernicki promoted to associate coach--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Michael Wernicki Named Youngstown State Associate Head Coach--ysusports.com

Penguins seeking southern comfort--Youngstown Vindicator
Arbanas close to milestone--Youngstown Vindicator
Penguins have newfound confidence--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
YSU Travels to Louisiana for WBI Semifinals--The Jambar
Penguins Head to Louisiana for WBI Semifinals Contest vs. Ragin' Cajuns--ysusports.com

Second Half Romp Sends Valpo to NYC--Horizon League Network

Monday, March 21, 2016

News On The Horizon 3/20/2016

The Morning Dish – Friday, March 19, 2016--Hoopville
Side Dishes
...
Given the chance to host an ACC school for the first time ever, Valparaiso handled Florida State 81-69 in the NIT second round to move within one game of a trip to New York. The Crusaders moved to 2-0 all-time against the Seminoles in the second round of postseason tournaments, as Valpo also defeated FSU in the 1998 NCAA second round.
...
What appeared to be a bitter situation at Wisconsin-Milwaukee came to a seemingly inevitable end Thursday when Rob Jeter was let go as the Panthers’ coach. UWM finished 20-13 this year but did not participate in a postseason tournament due to the decision of athletic director Amanda Braun, who was very pointed in comments stating she didn’t feel the team deserved to be in the postseason. Jeter had a 185-170 record in 11 seasons at the school and led teams to the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2014 and ran a solid program despite working for six athletic directors in his tenure.
...
Today’s Menu:
...
Other excellent games include Northern Iowa against Texas, Oregon State vs. VCU, Syracuse meeting Dayton, a highly anticipated Notre Dame/Michigan matchup, and watch out for Wisconsin-Green Bay against Texas A&M, as the Phoenix and their up-tempo style very well could give the Aggies fits.

WSU post players not comfortable with upper hand (+video)--Wichita Eagle
WSU’s attack seems to come at teams in waves up front. The Shockers start three forwards — Evan Wessel, Morris and Zach Brown —and bring forwards Markis McDuffie, Anton Grady and Kelly off the bench, with sophomore Rauno Nurger also picking up big minutes in the last two games.

“They’re a very good team,” Jekiri said. “Don’t sleep on them. They will make you pay.”
...
Something else that’s crucial? WSU’s forwards have very little focus on scoring points and none average in double digits. Not that they don’t like to score — McDuffie can get baskets in bunches, Grady has a good mid-range game and Morris is fierce at the rim —it’s just that their minds are elsewhere.

“Defense is what we are,” Morris said. “Defense is what we do.”
Wichita State relies on lessons learned from departing stars to carry youngsters into next season--Wichita Eagle
WSU basketball ended an era on Saturday and soon the on-court work of replacing Baker, VanVleet, Wessel, Anton Grady and Bush Wamukota begins. After Saturday’s game, assistant coach Isaac Brown gave McDuffie and sophomore forward Rashard Kelly fist bumps on their way to the team bus and told them “Be ready to work.”
...
Darral Willis, a 6-foot-8 forward from Pearl River (Miss.) Community, must replace the productivity of Grady. While Morris and Grady teamed up for an inside presence that was adequate most nights, that position could use an upgrade if the Shockers expect to continue their NCAA Tournament success.
...
With Baker, Grady and VanVleet gone, the Shockers lose three key scorers from a team that shot 42.9 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from behind the arc. Those are the lowest marks since Marshall’s first team shot 41.7 percent from the field and is second team made 32.2 percent of its threes.
...
1. How will the Shockers score?

It is disturbing to consider Wichita State’s scoring struggles against some of the top teams this season, and then consider that Ron Baker, Anton Grady and Fred VanVleet won’t return. WSU needs several scorers to emerge. It could start with Shaq Morris playing more minutes and newcomer Darral Willis adding offense from the post.

Records Fall in Memorable Season for Women's Basketball--detroittitans.com

UIC lands Canadian guard Boahen--The Catch and Shoot

Rushed Reactions: #3 Texas A&M 92, #14 Green Bay 65--Rush The Court
No. 3 Texas A&M makes light work of No. 14 Green Bay--CollegeBasketballTalk
Day 4 Picking The Lines--Basketball Predictions
Green Bay (+13.5) over Texas A&M: This game has the potential to be ugly, as both teams do a good job of forcing turnovers. "Tempo" is the single most over-used narrative in basketball, but it could be a factor here. Green Bay likes to drive the pace as quickly as then can and get easy transition buckets, but they struggle in a half court offense. Texas A&M likes to grind out defensive possessions. If Green Bay can up the pace and have the advantage in fastbreak points, they could win this game outright.
House leads Texas A&M to opening 92-65 win over Green Bay--CBS Sports
2016 NCAA Tournament First Round Preview: Green Bay Phoenix vs. Texas A&M Aggies--Mid-Major Madness
Green Bay can't sustain fast start, lose 92-65 to Texas A&M--Mid-Major Madness
WATCH: Green Bay opens NCAA Tournament game with breakaway dunk--The Catch and Shoot
Green Bay sent packing in NCAA Tournament First Round--The Catch and Shoot
2016 NCAA Tournament: Texas A&M vs. Green Bay Preview--Good Bull Hunting
Phoenix's RP40 philosophy is worth buying into--Green Bay Press Gazette
UWGB falls to Texas A&M 92-65--Green Bay Press Gazette
UW-Green Bay has prospects in the pipeline--Green Bay Press Gazette
Lew Wallace grad Charles Cooper helps Green Bay reach NCAA Tournament--The Post-Tribune
Texas A&M Too Big for Green Bay in NCAA Tournament--GreenBayPhoenix.com

UWGB women fall to Tennessee in NCAA tourney--Green Bay Press Gazette
Green Bay Ends Season in NCAA Tournament, Falls to Tennessee--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Nighthawk Returns: a Cleansing Purge--PantherU

Postseason at ARC--The Torch
Reality check for men's basketball--The Torch
Crusaders move on to third round of NIT--The Torch

Postseason Accolades Roll in for Valpo WBB Incoming Freshmen--valpoathletics.com

SPORTS DAILY: Wright State AD Grant channels his inner Steinbrenner on Donlon firing--Dayton Daily News
Wright State announces firing of Donlon--Dayton Daily News
WSU makes Donlon firing official--Dayton Daily News
Wright State officially fires Billy Donlon--The Guardian
Wright State Making Men's Basketball Coaching Change--wsuraiders.com

YSU’s Andrews plans to transfer--Youngstown Vindicator
Tough break--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle

YSU women advance to WBI semifinals--Youngstown Vindicator
YSU moves on in WBI--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Penguins Beat UMBC But Lose Benjamin--The Jambar
Penguins Drain 15 3-Pointers in WBI Quarterfinal Win Over UMBC--ysusports.com

Phoenix Can't Speed Up Aggies; Run Ends in NCAA Tournament--Horizon League Network

Green Bay Ends Season in NCAA Tournament, Falls to Tennessee--Horizon League Network
Youngstown State Advances to WBI Semifinals--Horizon League Network