at Valparaiso - 02/11/2023 - 6:00 PM - ESPN3

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Popsto4

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I didn't like the defensive game plan at all today. We constantly were switching and creating poor mismatches. Valpo exposed it and abused us.
Worse was it wasnt working and we never made any game adjustments. Our guards were constantly on Krikke or other bigs down low. When we were not allowing inside baskets or offensive rebounds, we were fouling way too much because
1. Smaller guys inside on bigs
2. Bigs on quicker guys outside
3. Rotating players trying to block/strip bigger post player with established position

Did anyone notice we had Poindexter on Krikke like 4 or 5 times on inbounds plays ... don't get it.

I am not surprised we shot poorly from 3 when your guards are banging inside with guys that out weigh them by 40 to 50 pounds. We can point out flaws in the offense or missed shots but the fact is we scored 76 points. We lost the game defensively.

Yes Valpo made some contested shots in the second half and Kings's first 3 of the game was an unlucky bounce (or lack of bounce on the back of the rim), but the mismatches created way too many easy shots, fouls, and offensive rebounds for Valpo. A big may have helped offensively but it would have done little defensively in my opinion given our game plan today.

We have given up 44, 41, and today 42 points in the first half the last three games. We have given up 46, 38, and 39 points in the second half. Not one solid defensive half in 3 games.
We have allowed our opponents to shoot 53%, 51%, and 55% respectively. That's a disturbing trend. They preach 39.9% as a goal but we are so far from that lately. Our last decent defensive half was the UIC first half.

We need to bring in more horses to compete on a consistent basis no doubt but I think the defensive game plan and lack of defensive adjustments were the biggest factors today. Just my opinion. I think the staff needs to be accountable for this one.
Yeah it was crazy to see Mal get whipped repeatedly down low on the blocks. Something do have to be done to counterpart that for sure. Bigs bigs bigs gotta get ‘em and a pg
 

dpdoughbird06

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No don’t say that. There have been a few games where the kids really didn’t show up obviously. Sometimes no matter the coach, fans or players the other teams are just better. For the most part these kids are competitive. They sure didn’t roll over tonight
Agreed. Valpo was a bad matchup at RA. They were a bad matchup last night. They’ll be a bad matchup in STL, but will be on other side of the bracket so it won’t matter.

Give Pedon a few years and hopefully we’ll have a Krikke of our own. Or at least a big to counter that type of instinctive player.
 

dpdoughbird06

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This time last year we were 11-16. This year we’re at 10-17. The roster needs a complete overhaul so year one is a wash. We’re another 3-4 years from maybe being a top four team in the MVC. I get it, we have a first time head coach and we should be patient. Look what Mike Lewis is doing at Ball State.
Indiana State was full of DII players two years ago - and still somehow beat us - but otherwise sucked. Now they’re in the top cluster.

Turnarounds can happen faster than 3-4 years, even when things look bleak and financial resources have dwindled. The other ISU has lost almost a third of its pre-Covid enrollment but still fields a competitive basketball team.
 

Aggie

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Indiana State was full of DII players two years ago - and still somehow beat us - but otherwise sucked. Now they’re in the top cluster.

Turnarounds can happen faster than 3-4 years, even when things look bleak and financial resources have dwindled. The other ISU has lost almost a third of its pre-Covid enrollment but still fields a competitive basketball team.

I hope you are correct. My big question is top ISU management on board to turn this around?
 

Bird Friend

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I didn't like the defensive game plan at all today. We constantly were switching and creating poor mismatches. Valpo exposed it and abused us.
Worse was it wasnt working and we never made any game adjustments. Our guards were constantly on Krikke or other bigs down low. When we were not allowing inside baskets or offensive rebounds, we were fouling way too much because
1. Smaller guys inside on bigs
2. Bigs on quicker guys outside
3. Rotating players trying to block/strip bigger post player with established position

Did anyone notice we had Poindexter on Krikke like 4 or 5 times on inbounds plays ... don't get it.

I am not surprised we shot poorly from 3 when your guards are banging inside with guys that out weigh them by 40 to 50 pounds. We can point out flaws in the offense or missed shots but the fact is we scored 76 points. We lost the game defensively.

Yes Valpo made some contested shots in the second half and Kings's first 3 of the game was an unlucky bounce (or lack of bounce on the back of the rim), but the mismatches created way too many easy shots, fouls, and offensive rebounds for Valpo. A big may have helped offensively but it would have done little defensively in my opinion given our game plan today.

We have given up 44, 41, and today 42 points in the first half the last three games. We have given up 46, 38, and 39 points in the second half. Not one solid defensive half in 3 games.
We have allowed our opponents to shoot 53%, 51%, and 55% respectively. That's a disturbing trend. They preach 39.9% as a goal but we are so far from that lately. Our last decent defensive half was the UIC first half.

We need to bring in more horses to compete on a consistent basis no doubt but I think the defensive game plan and lack of defensive adjustments were the biggest factors today. Just my opinion. I think the staff needs to be accountable for this one.
This year I think they’re trying for 39.9% approximately 39.9% of the time.
 

Scipio

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Messages
223
I’m watching Purdue v Northwestern. And I’m remembering when the Boilermakers came to play the Redbirds in 1999. We lost, but we gave them a game. All this drives home the reality of how far this program has fallen. How dismally pathetic our men’s basketball program has become. Anyone think Purdue would come to Normal now; even for a pre season warm up? Not a chance. We can’t beat Valparaiso. We get humiliated by Bradley. My point is that this is going to be a long, painful slog to bring this program back to respectability. IF that can even be done at this point. I’m going to the remaining games. But honestly; I don’t expect this team to win another game this year. I’ve still got confidence in Coach Pedon. But I’m beginning to seriously consider that ISU Men’s Basketball might not recover. I just don’t see any light at the end of this.
 

Bird Friend

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I’m watching Purdue v Northwestern. And I’m remembering when the Boilermakers came to play the Redbirds in 1999. We lost, but we gave them a game. All this drives home the reality of how far this program has fallen. How dismally pathetic our men’s basketball program has become. Anyone think Purdue would come to Normal now; even for a pre season warm up? Not a chance. We can’t beat Valparaiso. We get humiliated by Bradley. My point is that this is going to be a long, painful slog to bring this program back to respectability. IF that can even be done at this point. I’m going to the remaining games. But honestly; I don’t expect this team to win another game this year. I’ve still got confidence in Coach Pedon. But I’m beginning to seriously consider that ISU Men’s Basketball might not recover. I just don’t see any light at the end of this.
We do still have Evansville . . . and the way this season has shaped up I wouldn't be surprised if we put a scare into Drake . . . nor would I be surprised if Drake put the game out of reach by the first official's TO.
 
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Popsto4

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I’m watching Purdue v Northwestern. And I’m remembering when the Boilermakers came to play the Redbirds in 1999. We lost, but we gave them a game. All this drives home the reality of how far this program has fallen. How dismally pathetic our men’s basketball program has become. Anyone think Purdue would come to Normal now; even for a pre season warm up? Not a chance. We can’t beat Valparaiso. We get humiliated by Bradley. My point is that this is going to be a long, painful slog to bring this program back to respectability. IF that can even be done at this point. I’m going to the remaining games. But honestly; I don’t expect this team to win another game this year. I’ve still got confidence in Coach Pedon. But I’m beginning to seriously consider that ISU Men’s Basketball might not recover. I just don’t see any light at the end of this.
If I were a betting man I’d say this program will win 17+ games next year. What’s needed on this team is as bright to see as the daily sun. The average big is so underappreciated in this game it’s pathetic. Get that big and a point guard and I’m saying the jump will happen next year. One of the three commitments for next year will get major playing time if not two of them. Find that big in the portal maybe grab another shooter and the table can be set to make a run at the conference next year. So many games this year have been loss because the lack of a defensive low presence honestly. Sure the offense can go through droughts from time to time but for the most part it’s been the defense that’s held them back this year. Time will tell for sure about the program but I believe it’s headed in the right direction.
 

redbirdron1

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Messages
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Pops - glad to have your upbeat attitude. What if nobody of significance wants to come our way via the Portal??
I know something like 1400 kids will look to pack their bags and move on; Pedon won’t settle and will go after quality kids who are committed.
I’m getting concerned about r ability and reputation to lure in the ones good enough to move us up the standings - yes, we’ve got a lot to offer @ ISU but we’re also kinda easy to sell against.
I mean we got a lot in our tool chest - genuine capable coaches, solid returnees, excellent school and lots of super fresh sweet corn so all can b viewed as great for 4-5 Portals who demand a great situation and PLAYING TIME.
At the end of the day I guess I’m answering my own concern here and that I know Pedon will b able to recruit another set of newbies convincing each of them they’re a remarkable missing puzzle piece to being on a Winner.
Keep the FAITH Bird Fans as well as finding some luck along the way.
 
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Popsto4

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Pops - glad to have your upbeat attitude. What if nobody of significance wants to come our way via the Portal??
I know something like 1400 kids will look to pack their bags and move on; Pedon won’t settle and will go after quality kids who are committed.
I’m getting concerned about r ability and reputation to lure in the ones good enough to move us up the standings - yes, we’ve got a lot to offer @ ISU but we’re also kinda easy to sell against.
I mean we got a lot in our tool chest - genuine capable coaches, solid returnees, excellent school and lots of super fresh sweet corn so all can b viewed as great for 4-5 Portals who demand a great situation and PLAYING TIME.
At the end of the day I guess I’m answering my own concern here and that I know Pedon will b able to recruit another set of newbies convincing each of them they’re a remarkable missing puzzle piece to being on a Winner.
Keep the FAITH Bird Fans as well as finding some luck along the way.
I do like your post. I’m just looking at it from the standpoint of getting a solid post and a pg through the portal. I believe Pence can be a factor from the jump. He can really shoot the rock, defensively he may be a work in progress who knows. A pg is really needed as well. The offense Pedon has said he would like to run is starting with inside out. I believe with correct spacing through a big and a pg Mal, Luke and Pence can be huge factors. Burford is a different breed and can get buckets as well. The name of the game is to play a bit faster. Ik Mals game would make a huge jump if the tempo is improved. He seem to play better off ball offensively in a sped up game. The last game is the proof in the pudding and others down the stretch in close games. If Pedon can land a competent big and a experienced pg it will be a different game next year and going forward
 

ISU86

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Joined
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Messages
1,364
I’m watching Purdue v Northwestern. And I’m remembering when the Boilermakers came to play the Redbirds in 1999. We lost, but we gave them a game. All this drives home the reality of how far this program has fallen. How dismally pathetic our men’s basketball program has become. Anyone think Purdue would come to Normal now; even for a pre season warm up? Not a chance. We can’t beat Valparaiso. We get humiliated by Bradley. My point is that this is going to be a long, painful slog to bring this program back to respectability. IF that can even be done at this point. I’m going to the remaining games. But honestly; I don’t expect this team to win another game this year. I’ve still got confidence in Coach Pedon. But I’m beginning to seriously consider that ISU Men’s Basketball might not recover. I just don’t see any light at the end of this.

Loyola-Chicago, who went to a Final Four, Sweet Sixteen, multiple other NCAA/NITs, and upgraded conference affiliation in the last six seasons, has only managed a home/home with DePaul from P5+BE schools. Northwestern, Purdue, etc. are playing one true road game in the non-conference. Even if we were good, those schools are not coming. Respectability cannot be measured by that criteria.

Creighton, Drake, Loyola, Wichita State were all MVC bottom feeders for extended lengths of time. I am sure their supporters thought it was beyond a rebuild or repair. All found the right coach(es)/roster(s) and have not only won but most also jettisoned the Valley. It will happen. Exactly how much longer until the stars align, ... ???
 

Reggie Redbird

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FWIW. Pedon does have 2 power 5 transfers on the team.
I have no doubt that Pedon will be able to attract transfers, including P5 ones. I don’t care where they come from as long as they can make an impact.

Aggie brings up commitment of leadership. Here’s my take: besides your coaching staff, as long as you have full scholarships, you are looking at your admin for any “full cost of attendance” payments and more importantly these days, what your NLI collective(s) can do.
 

dpdoughbird06

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Messages
991
I have no doubt that Pedon will be able to attract transfers, including P5 ones. I don’t care where they come from as long as they can make an impact.

Aggie brings up commitment of leadership. Here’s my take: besides your coaching staff, as long as you have full scholarships, you are looking at your admin for any “full cost of attendance” payments and more importantly these days, what your NLI collective(s) can do.
NIL data will be interesting to track. Can it be verified so schools - or more so their donors - will know where they stand relative to their peers?

Or does most of it remain under the table, save for when the individual players have to file said payments with their income taxes?

I assume ISU is on the lower end of the NIL spectrum, if only because big donors were hard to come by for recent major athletics projects. Or do we have some lying in wait who prefer to pay players directly?
 

SlackBooDom

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NIL data will be interesting to track. Can it be verified so schools - or more so their donors - will know where they stand relative to their peers?

Or does most of it remain under the table, save for when the individual players have to file said payments with their income taxes?

I assume ISU is on the lower end of the NIL spectrum, if only because big donors were hard to come by for recent major athletics projects. Or do we have some lying in wait who prefer to pay players directly?
Given that we are on the hook for almost $7M that isn’t paid for the bubble, I’m not sure I trust we have donors capable of really making a huge impact with NIL that won’t need to step up and contribute there.
 

DaveBird10

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I’m watching Purdue v Northwestern. And I’m remembering when the Boilermakers came to play the Redbirds in 1999. We lost, but we gave them a game. All this drives home the reality of how far this program has fallen. How dismally pathetic our men’s basketball program has become. Anyone think Purdue would come to Normal now; even for a pre season warm up? Not a chance. We can’t beat Valparaiso. We get humiliated by Bradley. My point is that this is going to be a long, painful slog to bring this program back to respectability. IF that can even be done at this point. I’m going to the remaining games. But honestly; I don’t expect this team to win another game this year. I’ve still got confidence in Coach Pedon. But I’m beginning to seriously consider that ISU Men’s Basketball might not recover. I just don’t see any light at the end of this.
Murray State coming into town on Wednesday has lost 3 straight games by an average of 34 points. There last 3 games have been
Loss @ Inidiana State 99-56
Loss vs Drake 92-68
Loss @ Bradley 83-48

We most certainly can beat Murray State on Wednesday.
 

SgtHulka

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NIL data will be interesting to track. Can it be verified so schools - or more so their donors - will know where they stand relative to their peers?

Or does most of it remain under the table, save for when the individual players have to file said payments with their income taxes?

I assume ISU is on the lower end of the NIL spectrum, if only because big donors were hard to come by for recent major athletics projects. Or do we have some lying in wait who prefer to pay players directly?
If we can get this guy when he enters the portal, we're golden. Deep fried golden

 
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