News On The Horizon 4/13/2016

Graduate transfer rule continues to cause issues for mid-major programs--Mid-Major Madness

Ironically that was stolen from him at Louisville, much as it was stolen from fellow graduate transfer Trey Lewis, who left Cleveland State. The self-imposed ban for the Cardinals kept both these players from reaching the postseason in their final year.

But Lee and Lewis did have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a bigger stage, and kudos to them for that. Because that is the main benefit that these transfers receive in their final year.
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Take Cleveland State, probably the poster child for finding great players who end up truly excelling away from the Vikings. Gary Waters finished 9-23 this season.

From last season, he lost both Lewis to the Cardinals, and Anton Grady to Wichita State. He will lose another graduate transfer this season: 6-9 center Aaron Scales. Lewis was probably the second best player on the Cardinals after Lee.

Grady was an integral part of the front court for Wichita State this season, which he knew when transferring. Just the fact that he researched which team needed his basketball skills the most, rather than the educational path he would land on says a lot:

Grady, from Cleveland, discussed his next stop with cousin Earl Boykins, a former NBA player, after he decided to leave Cleveland State. They researched rosters to find out which school needed a big man. He knew about WSU's success under coach Gregg Marshall. He knew Marshall needed a big man after the departure of Darius Carter.

So imagine Cleveland State with both of these players on the roster this season. They have more tools to help fight against the domination of Valparaiso in the league. They probably have a good shot at winning the the Horizon League tournament, or maybe even competing for the league title. Instead they went 4-14 in the conference.

College Basketball Signing Day 2016: Landscape has changed for spring recruiting--Cleveland Plain Dealer

Alexander? Jackson? Dawkins? Mondro?--Varsity Press
'Most Improved' not an MVP consolation--Varsity Press
“Forever A Titan” Event Set For Thursday, April 14--detroittitans.com

Key 'sixth man' Cohen wants taste of big dance--Varsity Press
Women's Basketball Hands Out Awards at 2015-16 Banquet--detroittitans.com

Oakland coach Greg Kampe nets three-year extension--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland's Kay Felder hires agents, stays in NBA draft--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland’s Kampe gets extension through 2019-20--The Detroit News
Farewell, Felder: Point guard signs with agents, leaves Oakland basketball, shoots for NBA--Oakland Post
Sebastien Bellin recovering in Brussels--Oakland Post
KAMPE SIGNS EXTENSION THROUGH 2020--ougrizzlies.com

Another recruiting score for Flames--Whoosh!Net
Flames Celebrate Academic Excellence--uicflames.com

Ben Swank Named to Under Armour 30-under-30 Team by NABC--GreenBayPhoenix.com

UWGB junior Latesha Buck granted release--Green Bay Press Gazette
Register Now for the 2016 Prevea Fore Hoops Golf Classic--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Milwaukee hires Michigan assistant LaVall Jordan as new head men’s basketball coach--Press Row Sports
EXCLUSIVE: Jordan in at Milwaukee, but was the process botched?--WTMJ
Better together--PantherU

Panther Basketball Announces Upcoming Summer Camps--uwmpanthers.com

Mid-Major Power 15: Gonzaga finishes at the top--Mid-Major Madness

Rank    School                               Last Week
1.      Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-8, unanimous)      1
2.      Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (28-6)    9
3.      George Washington Colonials (28-10)     NR
4.      Valparaiso Crusaders (30-7)             3

2016 postseason awards: Jameel Warney wins tight player of the year race--Mid-Major Madness

Defensive Player of the Year
Vashil Fernandez, Valparaiso Crusaders

When you talk about the Valparaiso Crusaders usually the first name that pops up is Alec Peters, but the heart and soul of Valpo may just be defensive titan Vashil Fernandez. While the 6-10 senior isn't a huge offensive threat for the Crusaders, Fernandez owns the paint where he lead the nation in blocks averaging over three per game. He also grabbed a hefty 7.3 rebounds per contest. Fernandez edged out Jameel Warney and Egidijus Mockevicius from Evansville to claim this award.
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First Team All-American

Guard: Kay Felder, Oakland Golden Grizzlies
Guard: AJ English, Iona Gaels
Guard/Forward: Thomas Walkup, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Forward: Jameel Warney, Stony Brook Seawolves
Forward/Center: Domantis Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Second Team All-American

Guard: Fred Van Vleet, Wichita State Shockers
Guard: Kyle Collinsworth, BYU Cougars
Guard/Forward: DeAndre Bembry, St. Joseph's Hawks
Forward: Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Forward/Center: Alec Peters, Valparaiso Crusaders

Honorable Mention: Egidijus Mockevicius (Evansville), Pascal Siakam (New Mexico State), Vashil Fernandez (Valparaiso), John Brown (High Point), Ron Baker (Wichita St.), Shawn Long (Louisiana), Justin Robinson (Monmouth), DJ Balentine (Evansville), Chris Horton (Austin Peay), Trey Freeman (Old Dominion), Joel Bolomboy (Weber St), Wes Washpun (Northern Iowa)

John Mutka: Valparaiso was prepared after departure of Bryce Drew--The Post-Tribune

@NKUNorseWBB signs big transfer in Walter--nkunorse.com

Barnes decides to stay put at YSU--Youngstown Vindicator
Barnes, YSU women’s basketball team welcome three new players--Youngstown Vindicator
Barnes to stay with Penguins--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Emotional Barnes glad to be back--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
YSU women impress young fans--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
YSU Women’s Basketball Welcomes Jones, Brunner and Meese to 2016-17 Team--ysusports.com

Thirteen Horizon League Teams Honored for APR Scores--Horizon League Network