isha73

First of all, it was nice to see Valpo get something other than a 16-seed. I still think they could have made a 14, but I suppose their overall record kept that from happening.

Anyway, last night I noticed that ESPN.com's men's brackets had Gonzaga playing some team called "Valpairiso". I don't know about you, but I expected a large sports conglomerate like ESPN to at least spell "Valparaiso" correctly. I didn't realize that the Valpo women also got into the NCAA, though they were correctly spelled on their bracket.

Now that I have vented, go Valpo!

Starks

I saw that as well. I think your matchup against Gonzaga is interesting. Who would have thought two schools from mid-major conferences would meet up in the first round? Hopefully it will be a good game. I saw Homer Drew's interview on ESPN the other day. He was on with Jeff Capel and had some very kind words for him.

isha73

I guess it's difficult to think of Gonzaga as a mid-major team anymore since they don't play like one. Calling them a "Cinderella" these days is also a bad assessment. This year they are ranked higher than Kansas and only one seed behind Kentucky and Duke. While I'd like to think Valpo has a chance I don't foresee more 1998 magic this time around. They need to get back to a 13-seed to have any kind of chance. Of course, Hampton showed us a few years ago that a 15 could beat a 2 (Iowa State).

If by chance Valpo and Michigan State win their first-round games, they would play each other in the second round. As a Valpo alum and a life-time MSU fan (grew up in Lansing, MI) it would be quite interesting to watch. Then again, these two teams met in the 2000 tournament and MSU won 65-38. I wasn't upset Valpo lost (they were a 16-seed), but wished they would have made a better showing.

Anyway, here's hoping Valpo offers even a morsel of challenge for the Zags.

isha73

You know, I didn't even realize that Valpo was a 12-seed in 1997. The Mid-Continent Conference has changed so much that you wonder if they should just leave it alone. I thought the conference was on the rise, but since Valpo's 12 and 13 seeds in 1997 and 1998 the conference champion has hovered closer to the 15 and 16 mark.

Starks

I don't consider the Zags mid-majors but I still consider the WCC a mid-major conference. Hopefully Valpo's program will have the same success in the future that Gonzaga is having in the present.
Homer Drew's a great coach and a great person.

isha73

Yeah, perhaps Gonzaga needs to move somewhere more competitive. When the next two teams in your conference are 5 games behind I think there could be a need for better competition.

Anyway, good luck with N.C. State in the first round. I honestly don't know much about your basketball program, but you turned out a pretty decent NFL QB by the name of Jake Delhomme

And, yes, Homer Drew is a gem to have as coach. I graduated in 1996, so I actually was a student when Bryce Drew was there as well. When Homer decides to retire you wonder how a "Drew-less" basketball program will hold up...unless Scott decides to come back from Baylor at some point.