West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Columbuseer]

And how do you know that they didn't enter the portal until after Howlett announced that he was looking to bring in WLU players?

"Investigation is not merely collecting facts or data; it's about uncovering the underlying reality that connects those facts. Like putting together a puzzle, the investigator sees how seemingly disparate pieces of information fit together to form a coherent picture – the truth."

Senior Special Agent Richard Roe, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Cir. 1997

It is your argument. The burden of proof is yours to support your assertion. Why don't you call any coach who has access to the database and ask him about the dates in the transfer portal? That could support or negate your argument.

But this equine is deceased for me.

[boatcapt]

It is your argument. The burden of proof is yours to support your assertion. Why don't you call any coach who has access to the database and ask him about the dates in the transfer portal? That could support or negate your argument.

But this equine is deceased for me.

You have provided a counter assertion so it is equally your burden to support your assertion. Buuuutttt...THAT is what an investigation is designed to do...prove or disprove an assertion (premise). For my part, I have provided information that indicates tampering could have occurred while you have provided no real evidence or information to the contrary beyond a belief that the WLU players must have entered the portal before Howlett's stated desire to recruit transferring WLU players.

Hummmmm...A coach receives a random call from someone he doesn't know asking for access to a restricted NCAA database. I'm sure he would jump right on that!

Facts as we know them:

1. Howlett stated within 24 hours of leaving WLU and signing at IU Indy that he was looking to sign WLU players to play at IU Indy.
2. One full week later three WLU players announce that they are transferring to IU Indy.
3. Players never show up in any public transfer data base.

Compare that to Coker players:

1. Coach Lamberti announces he is leaving and is happy to be at WLU.
2. Within 24-48 hours, at least two Coker players show up in public transfer databases.

[Columbuseer]

The team camp starts June 16. Usually, wlu players play open gym afterwards. I wonder if that will happen this year due to the losses to graduation and transfers. Coach Lamberti welcomed the birth of a daughter a week ago, took a new job, is moving and has to recruit a team. I do not envy the stress. But I have confidence in him to have a competitive team by the MEC tourney. He is very intelligent and he knows talent that is a fit for the wlu style.

[boatcapt]

After watching some film, I'll pass on those 2.

I don't know, Vasebach hit on 58% of his 3 pt shots which ain't chopped liver. Granted that was on only 48 shots. Playing the "if he took more shots" game,,,If he took more shots he would have been #1 in the nation is 3pt shooting percentage. This late in the recruiting cycle and given our 3pt shooting problems, I'd probably bring him in.

I'd also bring in Ian Blue who was in the portal prior to Mike being names our coach. Shot 40% from 3 last season (second to Vasbach) and was Coker's leading scorer. He would be a one year rental. Don't know if there is a coaching conflict that drove his transfer but if not, I'd bring him in on a one year contract.

[Columbuseer]

Fyi
article on players coming to indy and his assistant coaches

https://horizoneroundtable.com/2025/...lay-different/

[boatcapt]

Fyi
article on players coming to indy and his assistant coaches

https://horizoneroundtable.com/2025/...lay-different/

With five WLU transfers, the "he's going to need time to succeed" argument is kind of out the window. We've heard for years about how well WLU would fare against D1 opponents...Guess we will see starting in about 150 days!

[TopperNation]

I don't know, Vasebach hit on 58% of his 3 pt shots which ain't chopped liver. Granted that was on only 48 shots. Playing the "if he took more shots" game,,,If he took more shots he would have been #1 in the nation is 3pt shooting percentage. This late in the recruiting cycle and given our 3pt shooting problems, I'd probably bring him in.

I'd also bring in Ian Blue who was in the portal prior to Mike being names our coach. Shot 40% from 3 last season (second to Vasbach) and was Coker's leading scorer. He would be a one year rental. Don't know if there is a coaching conflict that drove his transfer but if not, I'd bring him in on a one year contract.

I'd give Ian Blue a look (13.0 ppg), but I'm not sure what I would get because of the small sample size.

[TopperNation]

With five WLU transfers, the "he's going to need time to succeed" argument is kind of out the window. We've heard for years about how well WLU would fare against D1 opponents...Guess we will see starting in about 150 days!

Yeah, taking 1 or 2 players with you is normal, but taking 5?!!! That's insane, especially 3 current players. Remember I was complaining about how we didn't have anyone who could create their own shot in the D2 elite Eight? Well these 3 players better find that option quick, fast, and in a hurry. I've seen Horizon league games and in that conference you have to be able to take the physicality and be able to create your own shot as a guard, just put on the Robert Morris film. Woodward is going to have to learn how to face up and score off the dribble, Dragos will need some more weight, and D' Augustino will need the pull up off the dribble. Good luck to those players though, as I wish them success.

Now, that we've turned the page it's time to see what we have left? I'm almost certain that there are about 6 open spots remaining?

[Columbuseer]

Yeah, taking 1 or 2 players with you is normal, but taking 5?!!! That's insane, especially 3 current players. Remember I was complaining about how we didn't have anyone who could create their own shot in the D2 elite Eight? Well these 3 players better find that option quick, fast, and in a hurry. I've seen Horizon league games and in that conference you have to be able to take the physicality and be able to create your own shot as a guard, just put on the Robert Morris film. Woodward is going to have to learn how to face up and score off the dribble, Dragos will need some more weight, and D' Augustino will need the pull up off the dribble. Good luck to those players though, as I wish them success.

Now, that we've turned the page it's time to see what we have left? I'm almost certain that there are about 6 open spots remaining?

McCollum did it at drake with 4 from nw mo st. D2 Stirtz averaged 19 pts a game and was honorable mention d1 all American.
I think Kyler will have to develop his 3 pt shot. For me, it is an open question as to whether he can overpower and score inside in d1.
Whether they start or not, these players will help jumpstart the required attitudinal change in order for others to play as hard as this style requires.

Just a wild guess on wlu- 2 or 3 players return from last season. If 13 on roster, there are a max of 9 or 10 openings

[boatcapt]

I'd give Ian Blue a look (13.0 ppg), but I'm not sure what I would get because of the small sample size.

Blue played 3 years at Coker. Obviously the last two under Mike. Last season he blossomed and became a starter while lifting his 3 PT shooting from the mid 30's to 40%. He did enter the portal before Mike left so maybe there is bad blood??

Vasebach was a true freshman last season so the sample size on him is small. Just looking at his tape he looks like an "old school" WLU player...spot up 3 PT shooters who relys on knowing where to be and being there. Not going to blast down the lane and slam it home but if his opponent is out of place he will press in for the easy 1950's style layup. He was a Mike recruit so he must have seen something in him.

This late in the process, most of the remaining players are probably have some "holes" in there game. Mike is probably going to have to stich a roster together. Need a 3 PT shooters? There there but not the variety that can also beat their opponent off the dribble and float down the lane. Need a rebounder? They are also available...but not that can hit 40% from 3. Under Howlett we heard all about "position less" players...I would speculate that this years Toppers will be a collection of specialists. It should be interesting.

[TopperNation]

Blue played 3 years at Coker. Obviously the last two under Mike. Last season he blossomed and became a starter while lifting his 3 PT shooting from the mid 30's to 40%. He did enter the portal before Mike left so maybe there is bad blood??

Vasebach was a true freshman last season so the sample size on him is small. Just looking at his tape he looks like an "old school" WLU player...spot up 3 PT shooters who relys on knowing where to be and being there. Not going to blast down the lane and slam it home but if his opponent is out of place he will press in for the easy 1950's style layup. He was a Mike recruit so he must have seen something in him.

This late in the process, most of the remaining players are probably have some "holes" in there game. Mike is probably going to have to stich a roster together. Need a 3 PT shooters? There there but not the variety that can also beat their opponent off the dribble and float down the lane. Need a rebounder? They are also available...but not that can hit 40% from 3. Under Howlett we heard all about "position less" players...I would speculate that this years Toppers will be a collection of specialists. It should be interesting.

Hopefully we can pull a Gannon from a few years ago and just throw a team together that wins about 30 games, lol. I know that's wishful thinking, but man I'm real nervous about this upcoming season, as we are thin and don't think that we have the talent. I better not see WL in the pre-season top 25 ranking or I will lose my mind, haha. We all know those rankings are based mostly off of names.

[Columbuseer]

Hopefully we can pull a Gannon from a few years ago and just throw a team together that wins about 30 games, lol. I know that's wishful thinking, but man I'm real nervous about this upcoming season, as we are thin and don't think that we have the talent. I better not see WL in the pre-season top 25 ranking or I will lose my mind, haha. We all know those rankings are based mostly off of names.

I do not disagree with you.
However, I take solace in the fact that:
- we have had heavy losses before through graduation and have reloaded.
- There are still players in the portal.
- lamberti did a great job at Coker in his first year, which had no reputation in basketball
- we have a leader by example in Dante
- the system can compensate for some disparity in talent if they can pick it up quickly.

However, our 3 freshmen might be pressed into service more than usual.

[Columbuseer]

Fyi
Ben's assistants are Dan Monteroso and Connor Harr.
Dan was playing in the 2nd highest German league.
Connor was video coordinator with Orlando Magic G league team. Connor is somewhat of a bball savant. I never knew there were so many types of screens until I read his newsletter with video cut-ups of plays from all over the world.

[IUPHawks24]

McCollum did it at drake with 4 from nw mo st. D2 Stirtz averaged 19 pts a game and was honorable mention d1 all American.
I think Kyler will have to develop his 3 pt shot. For me, it is an open question as to whether he can overpower and score inside in d1.
Whether they start or not, these players will help jumpstart the required attitudinal change in order for others to play as hard as this style requires.

Just a wild guess on wlu- 2 or 3 players return from last season. If 13 on roster, there are a max of 9 or 10 openings

D’Augustino is very good but he’s not even close to Stirtz.

I have no idea if Woodward’s game translates. He can’t shoot at all, but he’s got a really strong understanding of the game. It’ll be curious to see if he can adapt to the size and physicality difference.

[Columbuseer]

D’Augustino is very good but he’s not even close to Stirtz.

I have no idea if Woodward’s game translates. He can’t shoot at all, but he’s got a really strong understanding of the game. It’ll be curious to see if he can adapt to the size and physicality difference.

Good points. Crutchfield is convinced that the system will work in D1, provided one has D1 level talent. Indy's success may hinge on the D1-level guys that they will recruit.