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Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
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Chuck_A Offline
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Post: #1
Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
Northern Kentucky wins the 2017 Horizon League Tournament, proving that Commissioner Jon LeCrone and Executive Board made a great invite! After winning just 9 games in their inaugural season in the HL, NKU comes back and wins 24 games! There were some fans who thought it was a bad move and that the HL should've waited, but the Norse turned out to be for real. As an athletic program, their University is pretty good. Their Women's Soccer team made the NCAA tourney in their first season of eligibility as well.

The basketball team will only get better as they lose only one player of any consequence- Cole Murray, but they've got a 3-Star, 7-footer coming in next season! Couple that with UIC returning everybody of consequence plus getting Dikembe Dixson back and a 3-star 6'8" Windex Man and The the Horizon League, with Oakland and Valparaiso, should be much improved.
03-08-2017 08:32 PM
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billybobby777 Offline
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Post: #2
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-08-2017 08:32 PM)Chuck_A Wrote:  Northern Kentucky wins the 2017 Horizon League Tournament, proving that Commissioner Jon LeCrone and Executive Board made a great invite! After winning just 9 games in their inaugural season in the HL, NKU comes back and wins 24 games! There were some fans who thought it was a bad move and that the HL should've waited, but the Norse turned out to be for real. As an athletic program, their University is pretty good. Their Women's Soccer team made the NCAA tourney in their first season of eligibility as well.

The basketball team will only get better as they lose only one player of any consequence- Cole Murray, but they've got a 3-Star, 7-footer coming in next season! Couple that with UIC returning everybody of consequence plus getting Dikembe Dixson back and a 3-star 6'8" Windex Man and The the Horizon League, with Oakland and Valparaiso, should be much improved.

Northern Kentucky is in the big dance? Good for them! This is where Cincy plays next year...

Cheers!
03-08-2017 08:40 PM
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dxdtdemon Offline
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Post: #3
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
I think that most of the NKU critics were saying that it was a right move, but that there were other moves to be made as well, like getting Belmont+one of the Kentucky schools in the OVC, or the proposed Youngstown State for Robert Morris trade with the NEC. That being said, I'm glad that NKU is proving to be an excellent addition to the Horizon League.
03-08-2017 10:37 PM
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Love and Honor Offline
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RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
That region of the country has always been underrated for producing some good basketball teams. UC, Xavier, and Dayton always, but at one time Miami was the class of the MAC as well. Not to mention others like IU and UK not unbelievably too far down the road, but they're not exactly under-the-radar programs.
03-08-2017 10:39 PM
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DexterDevil Offline
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RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
Wtf happened to Detroit.
03-09-2017 12:21 AM
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insomniaisevil Offline
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RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
I'm so glad to hear someone else who is a fan of a program in the league say this. I'm an NKU alum and couldn't possibly be more excited that my Norse are getting a chance to dance. This is the league that NKU had wanted at the time they first moved up to D1 and it's amazing that they got the invite. I think everyone will see that they were the right choice in an improving league.

I'm excited to see their name called on Sunday, but also see the future of the program and the league.
03-09-2017 07:30 AM
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CliftonAve Offline
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RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-08-2017 10:39 PM)Love and Honor Wrote:  That region of the country has always been underrated for producing some good basketball teams. UC, Xavier, and Dayton always, but at one time Miami was the class of the MAC as well. Not to mention others like IU and UK not unbelievably too far down the road, but they're not exactly under-the-radar programs.

UC, XU, Dayton, UK, Louisville, Ohio State, Butler, NKU, Wright State, Miami (all within 100 miles within Greater Cincinnati).

IU, Purdue and Akron just a little further out. We don't get the love that other regions in the country get, but we have some fine basketball region. I've always wanted an early season tournament, but egos have always prevailed and it hasn't happened.
03-09-2017 09:08 AM
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Chuck_A Offline
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Post: #8
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-09-2017 07:30 AM)insomniaisevil Wrote:  I'm so glad to hear someone else who is a fan of a program in the league say this. I'm an NKU alum and couldn't possibly be more excited that my Norse are getting a chance to dance. This is the league that NKU had wanted at the time they first moved up to D1 and it's amazing that they got the invite. I think everyone will see that they were the right choice in an improving league.

I'm excited to see their name called on Sunday, but also see the future of the program and the league.

NKU was on my radar after the HL brought in Oakland (another good choice). Eventhough the Norse only won 9 games last year, Coach Brannen stayed the course and the players bought in. A stellar recruiting class later and...voila! And I hear you guys have a 6'10"/7'0" 3-star player coming in! With the Norse losing only Murray of any consequence, Oakland and Valpo still being at the top and UIC being healthy next year with Dikembe Dixson back and a 3-star 6'9" recruit of our own, things are definitely looking up for the Horizon!
03-09-2017 11:53 AM
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insomniaisevil Offline
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Post: #9
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-09-2017 11:53 AM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(03-09-2017 07:30 AM)insomniaisevil Wrote:  I'm so glad to hear someone else who is a fan of a program in the league say this. I'm an NKU alum and couldn't possibly be more excited that my Norse are getting a chance to dance. This is the league that NKU had wanted at the time they first moved up to D1 and it's amazing that they got the invite. I think everyone will see that they were the right choice in an improving league.

I'm excited to see their name called on Sunday, but also see the future of the program and the league.

NKU was on my radar after the HL brought in Oakland (another good choice). Eventhough the Norse only won 9 games last year, Coach Brannen stayed the course and the players bought in. A stellar recruiting class later and...voila! And I hear you guys have a 6'10"/7'0" 3-star player coming in! With the Norse losing only Murray of any consequence, Oakland and Valpo still being at the top and UIC being healthy next year with Dikembe Dixson back and a 3-star 6'9" recruit of our own, things are definitely looking up for the Horizon!

Things at NKU are looking up big time. Losing Cole Murray is a huge loss for the team, but they have a ton of talent coming back, especially with more experience. The 7'0" coming in looks like a shot blocking machine. Seems like potentially a big get for the program.

The hiring of Brannen was the biggest game changer, as the previous coach just wasn't getting the job done. Exciting times.

Getting into the Horizon was clearly the other game changer. This is the league NKU wanted from the beginning. It's all been sort of a dream.

Best of luck to UIC (at least whenever they aren't playing NKU)! The time in the Horizon has seemed great so far. I'm hoping all the teams in the league make a step up. Milwaukee seems to have talent returning. I know YSU brings back a lot, as does Wright State. Valpo seems to be the only team really losing a lot.

I'd love to see this league get to the point being a multiple bid league. I think it's more possible than it seems.

Hopefully the Norse represent the league well in the dance. I'll be following anyone from the rest of the league who makes any of the smaller tourneys as well. I'd assume at least a few members of the league haven't fully finished their seasons yet.
(This post was last modified: 03-09-2017 02:11 PM by insomniaisevil.)
03-09-2017 02:08 PM
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insomniaisevil Offline
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Post: #10
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-09-2017 11:53 AM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(03-09-2017 07:30 AM)insomniaisevil Wrote:  I'm so glad to hear someone else who is a fan of a program in the league say this. I'm an NKU alum and couldn't possibly be more excited that my Norse are getting a chance to dance. This is the league that NKU had wanted at the time they first moved up to D1 and it's amazing that they got the invite. I think everyone will see that they were the right choice in an improving league.

I'm excited to see their name called on Sunday, but also see the future of the program and the league.

NKU was on my radar after the HL brought in Oakland (another good choice). Eventhough the Norse only won 9 games last year, Coach Brannen stayed the course and the players bought in. A stellar recruiting class later and...voila! And I hear you guys have a 6'10"/7'0" 3-star player coming in! With the Norse losing only Murray of any consequence, Oakland and Valpo still being at the top and UIC being healthy next year with Dikembe Dixson back and a 3-star 6'9" recruit of our own, things are definitely looking up for the Horizon!

(03-09-2017 02:08 PM)insomniaisevil Wrote:  
(03-09-2017 11:53 AM)Chuck_A Wrote:  
(03-09-2017 07:30 AM)insomniaisevil Wrote:  I'm so glad to hear someone else who is a fan of a program in the league say this. I'm an NKU alum and couldn't possibly be more excited that my Norse are getting a chance to dance. This is the league that NKU had wanted at the time they first moved up to D1 and it's amazing that they got the invite. I think everyone will see that they were the right choice in an improving league.

I'm excited to see their name called on Sunday, but also see the future of the program and the league.

NKU was on my radar after the HL brought in Oakland (another good choice). Eventhough the Norse only won 9 games last year, Coach Brannen stayed the course and the players bought in. A stellar recruiting class later and...voila! And I hear you guys have a 6'10"/7'0" 3-star player coming in! With the Norse losing only Murray of any consequence, Oakland and Valpo still being at the top and UIC being healthy next year with Dikembe Dixson back and a 3-star 6'9" recruit of our own, things are definitely looking up for the Horizon!

Things at NKU are looking up big time. Losing Cole Murray is a huge loss for the team, but they have a ton of talent coming back, especially with more experience. The 7'0" coming in looks like a shot blocking machine. Seems like potentially a big get for the program.

The hiring of Brannen was the biggest game changer, as the previous coach just wasn't getting the job done. Exciting times.

Getting into the Horizon was clearly the other game changer. This is the league NKU wanted from the beginning. It's all been sort of a dream.

Best of luck to UIC (at least whenever they aren't playing NKU)! The time in the Horizon has seemed great so far. I'm hoping all the teams in the league make a step up. Milwaukee seems to have talent returning. I know YSU brings back a lot, as does Wright State. Valpo seems to be the only team really losing a lot.

I'd love to see this league get to the point being a multiple bid league. I think it's more possible than it seems.

Hopefully the Norse represent the league well in the dance. I'll be following anyone from the rest of the league who makes any of the smaller tourneys as well. I'd assume at least a few members of the league haven't fully finished their seasons yet.

Highlights of Chris Vogt (the incoming NKU big man in question):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhzaNUBmlRE

He's going to need to put on weight, but having watched the Norse be drastically undersized for 5 years, just the idea of someone like this being on the roster is pretty amazing.
03-09-2017 02:26 PM
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mlb Offline
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RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
The arena is first class. That will allow NKU to recruit well compared to other HL teams.
03-09-2017 03:27 PM
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IWokeUpLikeThis Offline
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Post: #12
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-09-2017 12:21 AM)DexterDevil Wrote:  Wtf happened to Detroit.
And what the hell happened to Cleveland St?! It wasn't long ago they were running circles around Wake Forest in a 13/4 beatdown.

NKU has such an impressive following and on the court success for being new to D1. They'll be a top 25 midmajor program.
(This post was last modified: 03-10-2017 12:25 AM by IWokeUpLikeThis.)
03-10-2017 12:23 AM
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insomniaisevil Offline
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RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-10-2017 12:23 AM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  NKU has such an impressive following and on the court success for being new to D1. They'll be a top 25 midmajor program.

NKU also has a high major level arena, along with an ever improving campus. I graduated there in 2006 and it seems like every time I go back, they are making some sort of improvement or building some other new building. It's very impressive to see.

Not saying that NKU will end up with Gonzaga/Wichita level success or anything, but I do think they can continue to win and surprise people.
03-10-2017 07:34 AM
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CliftonAve Offline
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Post: #14
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-10-2017 12:23 AM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  
(03-09-2017 12:21 AM)DexterDevil Wrote:  Wtf happened to Detroit.
And what the hell happened to Cleveland St?! It wasn't long ago they were running circles around Wake Forest in a 13/4 beatdown.

NKU has such an impressive following and on the court success for being new to D1. They'll be a top 25 midmajor program.

They were a strong DII program for about 15 years. They have built up their program the right way.

The Greater Cincinnati area is a strong basketball community. NKU is getting support not just from their alums/students, but even has managed to get UC, XU, Kentucky and Louisville fans to rally around them. It's a feel good story right now.
03-10-2017 09:11 AM
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The Cutter of Bish Offline
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Post: #15
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
I wonder if they could be A10 material. Maybe a long way off, but, as others say, they've built their program the right way. That means something. And that arena, sweet lord...
03-10-2017 09:53 AM
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Policiious Offline
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Post: #16
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
With their regular season records, both Oakland and Valpo have a great chance of landing in the NIT which should be an outstanding tourney this year with the upsets that have happened already in conference tournaments that have knocked other programs out of the NCAA>

Having both a Public and Private program in Greater Detroit is a huge gain for the Horizon and having a presence in Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati is also a great get for the conference. Can't blame Butler & Loyola for leaving when invited to go elsewhere but the League really stepped up and added quality programs to replace them.
03-10-2017 10:42 AM
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IWokeUpLikeThis Offline
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Post: #17
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
I think Valparaiso is going to fall in the post-Bryce/Peters era. They really didn't milk anything of substance out of that golden opportunity. Their arena is so bad. I would put money on Northern Kentucky, Wright State (with Nagy), and Oakland (with Kampe) being the Horizon powers moving forward.
03-10-2017 12:30 PM
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Captain Bearcat Offline
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Post: #18
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
When I was applying for college (2001), NKU was a 100% commuter campus that didn't reject a single applicant who met some bare-bones minimum criteria for classes they took in high school. If you had a high school diploma or GED, you were in.

Now they have 2,000 dorm rooms, a $90 million endowment, and some pretty well respected academic programs. And now an NCAA tourney birth. The growth has been amazing to watch.
03-10-2017 12:39 PM
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Chuck_A Offline
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Post: #19
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
(03-10-2017 12:30 PM)IWokeUpLikeThis Wrote:  I think Valparaiso is going to fall in the post-Bryce/Peters era. They really didn't milk anything of substance out of that golden opportunity. Their arena is so bad. I would put money on Northern Kentucky, Wright State (with Nagy), and Oakland (with Kampe) being the Horizon powers moving forward.

Valpo has a decent class coming in including a couple of transfers. They should be okay for the next couple years or so...good enough for top 5 in the league. I also agree NKU, Oakland and Wright State will be top dogs going forward. The team the Horizon League need not sleep on is UIC. The Flames won 15 games this past season after winning just 5 in '15-'16. All of this with our best player (Dikembe Dixson) lost for the season with an ACL. Marcus Ottey and Godwin Boahen missed a number of games as well. A full and healthy complement of Flames and a nice 3-star 6'9" rim protector and rebounder coming in will put the Flames in the mix of top 5 teams in the League.
(This post was last modified: 03-10-2017 03:28 PM by Chuck_A.)
03-10-2017 03:26 PM
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Nittany_Bearcat Offline
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Post: #20
RE: Northern Kentucky was correct invite after all!
The OVC turned down NKU back in late 2011. They needed 9 votes out of 11 and only got 8.

Supposedly, the vote broke with the KY schools (Morehead, Murray, EKU) all being in favor, but all the "no" votes coming from Tennessee-based league members (Belmont was not an OVC member in November 2011). The "no" votes being generally predicated on NKU being a threat to upset the longer-term balance of power in the league (NKU having more $ and resources vs. most schools, and tipping the league more generally toward their north).

I thought that was a short-sighted move then --- and if the day ever comes to pass that Belmont and Murray State move from the OVC to the Horizon (because it's a better league vs. where they are now) --- it will really have been a dumb move.
(This post was last modified: 03-10-2017 06:07 PM by Nittany_Bearcat.)
03-10-2017 06:07 PM
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