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Post by HLFanaticus on Apr 28, 2013 20:01:56 GMT -6
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Post by HLFanaticus on May 7, 2013 14:55:25 GMT -6
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2013 17:41:59 GMT -6
Finally! Now let's get about the business of strengthening this League and making it a top ten Conference!
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Post by commissioner on May 8, 2013 7:10:13 GMT -6
I'm a University of Detroit fan who isn't bothered by Oakland joining the Horizon, except in the sense that I wish we had done better. But the reality is that we've reached the point where they are the best option for the Horizon.
Around the league's message boards, however, fans seem to be pretty excited and think this is a definite upgrade from Loyola. While Oakland has been pretty solid on the Court the last few years, I think that people are tending to overrate Oakland. Their non-conference records the last five years - when they've won 20+ games 4 times - are just 6-10, 9-8, 5-9, 6-8, 8-7. Those records include a total of 7-0 against Division III and NAIA competition. In other words, their non-conference record the last 5 years against D-I is 27-42.
They've gotten this rep for going anywhere to play anyone (hey, aren't we - Detroit- the team that played Syracuse, Miami, Temple, Pitt, St. John's, Arizona State and Wichita State on the road last year?) but they've also got a lot of non-conference games against the likes of SE Missouri State, Delaware State, Central Arkansas, Grambling, Southern U., and Utah Valley. Similarly, they got a ton of mileage out of beating Tennessee at Oakland a couple years ago, when Tennessee was ranked nationally, but that Tennessee team turned out to be pretty average, finishing just 19-15 and losing in the NIT to Middle Tennessee State.
They've got a little O'Rena in which they play - the school web site lists the capacity at just 3000, although other sites list it as as high as 4005, and some of the press reports pegged it at 3500. However you cut it, it's real small. While it's actually not a bad place to watch a game, with good site lines, it has the feel of a real good high school gym. Their average attendance last year was 2477. It's basketball budget is the smallest in the Horizon except for Youngstown State, and in some cases by a lot - Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Wright State all spend at least 50 percent more on basketball. Little Valpo outspends them by more than 20 percent, and the school they replace, Loyola, by well over 30 percent.
I'm not saying these things to bash OU - hey, their average attendance beat ours (Detroit's); we (that is Detroit) play our share of D-III teams and Alabama States; and beating Tennessee at home ranks up there with our beating St. John's at home the same year - maybe even better. But I think the impression of fans around the league is that Oakland is a much hotter get than the record shows, and I think they underestimate Loyola's strengths, including, beyond tradition and the Chicago market, a much larger athletic budget and a greater capacity to expand that budget.
Oakland does have a good recruiting class. With Travis Bader and all their other top players back except Drew Valentine, they will be very competitive next year. I welcome them to the league.
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Post by HLFanaticus on May 8, 2013 9:19:48 GMT -6
I feel where you're coming from. I think the majority of the HL fans think this is a good move for the future. Just as the MVC chose Loyola for future investment, so too the HL in choosing Oakland. Baseball also was big for the HL and Oakland provided that. The Valley ADs were quite upset that their President's Council chose Loyola to replace Creighton and have no baseball team.
Oakland's board of trustees approved $65 million for innovations and improvements around campus. 7.8 million dollars of that has been set aside for athletic improvements. They will renovate their main campus' recreation and athletic facilities. Baseball and Softball will have a new scoreboard, seating and restroom facilities. They will have a track and field complex and "super field space" for multipurpose activity (intercollegiate and community). They are making a commitment to increase spending on athletics.
Since moving up to Division I, they have made strides. Yeah they've played their share of DII and DIII teams, but we all have and sometimes we do it because the "big boys" won't play us and we need games and sometimes we do it to boost the confidence of a young team and to get them used to winning.
I don't think anyone is ripping or downplaying Detroit at all. You guys have had big success through the years. I remember the Rashaad Phillips, Willie Green years and now these past 3 years. Although Loyola has a huge endowment and are now making a commitment to spend money, which will hopefully bode well for them in The Valley, I still think it will be a while before they become relevant.
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Post by grizzlywaters on May 8, 2013 21:13:04 GMT -6
Can't wait to go nose-to-nose with the Horizon for an entire season! Excluding that horrid game against YSU in the CIT, all of the latest OU games vs Horizon opponents have been thrilling classics, including several buzzer beaters.
I think OU has the potential to do some damage in the league this year, but I also think they will receive a few ass whoopins just because of their style of play. We will keep ourselves in games thanks to the three, but a few games will get away from us fast like the YSU game if we can't shoot or play defense. On top of the style of play, OU is still young, minus Bader and Mondy. They will probably start a freshman from day one, and will try to get a few of their other recruits into the mix.
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Post by HLFanaticus on May 8, 2013 22:04:04 GMT -6
Welcome. The '13-'14 season will indeed be an exciting year in the HL.
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Post by ougrizz05 on May 9, 2013 10:21:42 GMT -6
Excited to be in the HL! ;D
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Post by HLFanaticus on May 9, 2013 10:39:12 GMT -6
Glad to have you guys. Looking forward to seeing you guys in person and really anticipating the game between Oakland and Detroit. I'll be watching on HLN!
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2013 10:42:04 GMT -6
Can't say it'll be a pleasure to have you in the UIC Pavilion (unless we win, of course), but looking forward to playing the Grizzlies!
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Post by ougrizz05 on May 16, 2013 15:07:33 GMT -6
I'm a University of Detroit fan who isn't bothered by Oakland joining the Horizon, except in the sense that I wish we had done better. But the reality is that we've reached the point where they are the best option for the Horizon. Around the league's message boards, however, fans seem to be pretty excited and think this is a definite upgrade from Loyola. While Oakland has been pretty solid on the Court the last few years, I think that people are tending to overrate Oakland. Their non-conference records the last five years - when they've won 20+ games 4 times - are just 6-10, 9-8, 5-9, 6-8, 8-7. Those records include a total of 7-0 against Division III and NAIA competition. In other words, their non-conference record the last 5 years against D-I is 27-42. They've gotten this rep for going anywhere to play anyone (hey, aren't we - Detroit- the team that played Syracuse, Miami, Temple, Pitt, St. John's, Arizona State and Wichita State on the road last year?) but they've also got a lot of non-conference games against the likes of SE Missouri State, Delaware State, Central Arkansas, Grambling, Southern U., and Utah Valley. Similarly, they got a ton of mileage out of beating Tennessee at Oakland a couple years ago, when Tennessee was ranked nationally, but that Tennessee team turned out to be pretty average, finishing just 19-15 and losing in the NIT to Middle Tennessee State. They've got a little O'Rena in which they play - the school web site lists the capacity at just 3000, although other sites list it as as high as 4005, and some of the press reports pegged it at 3500. However you cut it, it's real small. While it's actually not a bad place to watch a game, with good site lines, it has the feel of a real good high school gym. Their average attendance last year was 2477. It's basketball budget is the smallest in the Horizon except for Youngstown State, and in some cases by a lot - Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Wright State all spend at least 50 percent more on basketball. Little Valpo outspends them by more than 20 percent, and the school they replace, Loyola, by well over 30 percent. I'm not saying these things to bash OU - hey, their average attendance beat ours (Detroit's); we (that is Detroit) play our share of D-III teams and Alabama States; and beating Tennessee at home ranks up there with our beating St. John's at home the same year - maybe even better. But I think the impression of fans around the league is that Oakland is a much hotter get than the record shows, and I think they underestimate Loyola's strengths, including, beyond tradition and the Chicago market, a much larger athletic budget and a greater capacity to expand that budget. Oakland does have a good recruiting class. With Travis Bader and all their other top players back except Drew Valentine, they will be very competitive next year. I welcome them to the league. Commish you said a mouthful. A few thoughts; Over the last 5 years some of our accomplishments include; beating tennessee twice, including @ Knoxville when they we're ranked. Beating an Oregon ranked team @ The Palace, & then again in Eugene. An all american honorable mention, an NBA draft pick, the #1 national assists 2010 leader, the #1 scorer in America 2011, Pomeroy winner, 2 NCAA tournament appearances, we'll toss in a 3rd from 2005. Our nonconference record was not great, but lets think about this. We've played the likes of Kansas, Mich St, Syracuse, Kansas St, Ohio State, etc. Next, perception is reality. I think non Oakland folks are excited about the future of OU & the conference. Across the board, it is a very good match as many have already stated. |
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Post by HLFanaticus on May 16, 2013 21:30:45 GMT -6
With the Grizz in the League this season; most teams bringing back a good portion of their teams; perceived increased talent in recruiting; the pride of veteran HL members in not wanting the "new kid" to beat them; and the drive of the " new kid" Oakland, to prove its worthiness to be included, makes this upcoming season potentially the best in years! I'm stoked for November!
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Post by stlvufan on May 18, 2013 18:53:10 GMT -6
With the Grizz in the League this season; most teams bringing back a good portion of their teams; perceived increased talent in recruiting; the pride of veteran HL members in not wanting the "new kid" to beat them; and the drive of the " new kid" Oakland, to prove its worthiness to be included, makes this upcoming season potentially the best in years! I'm stoked for November! Not apropos of anything important, but you just described the Oakland-Valpo rivalry back in the day, at least as I perceived it anyway. It was one-sided for a long time, but it's not anymore. I'm looking forward to its resumption on a slightly bigger stage. We've gotten a preview the last 3 years and they've done just fine. If I'm not mistaken, they beat Green Bay at the O'Rena a few years ago, right? I definitely remember watching on FCS. |
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Post by HLFanaticus on May 18, 2013 21:10:44 GMT -6
You're right Oakland did defeat Green Bay at home by 24, 76-52. The all-time series is tied 3-3, with Oakland winning the last two...the last one in December of '09.
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