Valley Hoops Insider Podcast: Recent Episodes
Harry Schroeder
Get to know the players, coaches, writers and announcers of the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley Conferences.
Lindenwood AD Jason Coomer tells about the university's first two years competing at the Division 1 level and how Lions' athletics are growing and emerging.
Missouri State is leaving the Missouri Valley Conference and Director of Athletics Kyle Moats was kind enough to join us and tell us why.
Illinois Chicago's new basketball coach Rob Ehsan tells Harry Schroeder about his new job, new players and his journey to the Windy City.
Matthew Graves was Josh Schertz's right hand man in the Indiana State basketball revival and now he has inherited Schertz's old job. He joined Harry Schroeder on the Valley Hoops Insider Podcast.
Missouri State's new men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin shares with Harry Schroeder about his previous coaching time in Springfield, Missouri and how he is building the current version of Bears' basketball.
Ben McCollum is the new Drake basketball coach and Scott Nagy is the new leader at Southern Illinois. Those two first-year Missouri Valley coaches joined Harry Schroeder on the Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.
Jonathan Mattox replaces Preston Spradlin at Morehead State. He previously was Spradlin's 'associate head coach' and worked the past two seasons at Murray State.
The new athletic director at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, Frank Cuervo and the new basketball coach at Tennessee Martin, Jeremy Shulman joined Harry Schroeder on today's podcast.
Jonathan Hood joined Harry Schroeder to discuss the Illinois Chicago basketball coaching vacancy, Missouri Valley Conference basketball and much more.
Indiana State Associate Head Coach Matthew Graves spoke with Harry Schroeder about the Sycamore team's reaction to being left out of the NCAA Tournament and their approach to playing in the National Invitation Tournament.
Morehead State will face Illinois in the NCAA Tournament's first round. Head coach Preston Spradlin joined Harry Schroeder to talk about Selection Sunday.
Drake is dancing for the third time in four years and head coach Darian DeVries joined Harry Schroeder immediately after his team's Selection Show Watch Party.
Drake's Darian DeVries, Morehead State's Preston Spradlin and Indiana State's Matthew Graves join Harry Schroeder to discuss their teams' postseason expectations.
For the second time in four years Morehead State has earned a trip to March Madness. He joined Harry Schroeder to talk about the season and what's to come.
Springfield News Leader Wyatt Wheeler joined Harry Schroeder on Voices of the Valley to discuss the firing of Dana Ford at Missouri State and what the MSU administration is looking for in a new coach.
Belmont has won at least 19 games for 18 straight seasons. Only the Bruins, Gonzaga, Kansas and Oregon can make that claim. Head coach Casey Alexander talks about the Bruins' success and tells us his thoughts about the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference basketball tournament.
UT Martin is in a virtual tie for first place in the Ohio Valley Conference and head coach Ryan Ridder met with Valley Hoops Insider's Harry Schroeder to talk about his team.
The Missouri Valley Conference's 'Newcomer of the Week' Myles Foster joined Harry Schroeder on this week's podcast.
From the NAIA to Division 1 basketball in the Missouri Valley Conference, Ben Humrichous has been an outstanding performer and a proven winner.
Morehead State's Riley Minix will be the 'Newcomer of the Year' in the Ohio Valley Conference and will likely be the league's 'Player of the Year'. The NAIA transfer is enhancing the chances of the first place Eagles to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Basketball analyst Kelly Burke evaluates the firs half of the Missouri Valley Conference's women's basketball season with Valley Hoops Insider's Harry Schroeder.
Missouri Valley Conference teams are halfway through their league schedule and MVC broadcaster Kevin Lehman gives insights on what has happened and what will happen in the Valley race.
Bracketologist Rocco Miller speaks with ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder about the possibilities of a multi-bid Missouri Valley Conference.
Valparaiso guard Darius DeAveiro is the 'Old Man' on this year's Beacons' team and is embracing his leadership role on the young Valpo squad.
Junior guard Nate Heise is back and leading Northern Iowa to a contending spot in the Missouri Valley Conference.
We're experimenting with a weekly radio show type of podcast. We'd love to know what you think Last week was all guests and interviews and this week was all news and notes. Let us know what you think!
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We're trying our hand at producing a radio show. An STL station wants us to host a weekly show. Here's a rough draft. What do you think?
Junior forward Jayson Kent is Indiana State's leading rebounder and fourth leading scorer. He formerly played at Bradley University.
During his first full season on the Indiana State basketball beat, the Sycamores have the makings of an historic season. Tickel talks about the Trees and how his Christian faith has formed his life and work.
Belmont is knocking off 'money conferences' with regularity and this week won the 'Battle of the Boulevard' against Lipscomb. Head coach Bart Brooks spoke with Valley Hoops Insider's Harry Schroeder.
Missouri Valley Conference games are starting this week and Southern Illinois plays in the first game of conference play when they visit Indiana State. SIU coach Bryan Mullins joined Harry Schroeder to talk about the game and the Saluki season.
SIUE is picked second in this year's Ohio Valley Conference race and head coach Brian Barone talks about his team with host Harry Schroeder.
The Ohio Valley Conference's reigning player of the year Mark Freeman is out for the season. Morehead State coach Preston Spradlin tells us about his injury and gives us more insight into this year's Eagles' team.
The Missouri Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Year goes one-on-one with VHI's Harry Schroeder.
Illinois Chicago basketball player Toby Okani is ready to lead a transitioning roster into its second season in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Illinois State's Kendall Lewis is an elite defender, rabid rebounder and capable scorer. He is the leader of this year's Redbird team.
Missouri State broadcaster Art Hains is making a strong come back during his battle with West Nile Disease.
Kenny Strawbridge Jr is the leading returner on the Evansville Purple Aces basketball team. The new and improved Purple Aces play in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Tanya Warren's history-making journey will achieve some amazing milestones this season. She goes one-on-one with Harry Schroeder of ValleyHoopsInsider.com.
Northern Iowa star guard Bowen Born joins Harry Schroeder to talk about this year's Panther team.
The 12-time state champion girls basketball coach recently coached USA Basketball's U16 team to a gold medal championship. We discuss high school hoops, his international experience and WNBA star Napheesa Collier.
Jeff Bidwell is following Neal Bradley as the next 'voice of Racers basketball' and carries with him great respect and affection for the man he is following. Bidwell was a long time TV sports journalist in the region.
Western Illinois University has joined the Ohio Valley Conference and here is our interview with Director of Athletics, Paul A. Bubb.
Calvin Wetzel is writes about women's basketball for HerHoopStats.com, CBS Sports HQ and other outlets. We wanted to get to know him and more about the women's game.
Xavier Johnson is the new 'go-to-player' at Southern Illinois. The fifth year senior is poised to be the on court leader and take a much larger offensive role. He participated in the Athletes in Action 'Captains Academy' this summer.
Valparaiso freshman Cooper Schwieger took the prep school route to Division 1 basketball. He speaking with Valley Hoops Insider's Harry Schroeder about his journey from Kansas City to Link to Valpo.
Hall of Fame play-by-play broadcaster Mike Reis is stepping away from his duties at Southern Illinois (Carbondale) and this is part two of his conversation with Valley Hoops Insider's Harry Schroeder.
Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Reis is stepping back from being the 'Voice of the Southern Illinois Salukis'. After 44 years behind the SIU microphone the SIU legend is taking a break. He sat down with our Harry Schroeder to talk about the decision. This is the first of a two-part conversation.
Missouri State's women's basketball coach, Beth Cunningham has a proven and winning track record. She has a national pedigree and knows how to win. Editor and host Harry Schroeder had the chance to talk to the Lady Bears' leader and learn about her time at Notre Dame and about the current Missouri State team.
The Ohio Valley Conference continues to grow and expand. We talk about 'The New OVC' with league commissioner Beth DeBauche about the addition of Western Illinois and even future growth.
We wanted to pick the brain and run down memory lane with Bloomington Pantagraph writer Jim Benson. After 40+ years as a reporter and the last 17 following the Illinois State Redbirds, he has great memories.
Link Year Academy recently won the high school basketball national championship. Head coach Bill Armstrong joined Harry Schroeder to talk about the team, Link's vision and his experiences in the Southeastern Conference.
Valparaiso has signed its next head basketball coach. Roger Powell Jr is a former Valpo assistant and comes to the Beacons program from Gonzaga. We talk hoops, faith and WWE.
We discuss the 'portal pandemic' with former Missouri Valley Conference head basketball coaches Dan Muller and Greg Lansing.
Southern Indiana is playing in the College Basketball Invitational, so we went one-on-one with the head coach Stan Gouard.
Indiana State is playing in the College Basketball Invitational in Daytona, Florida. The Sycamores are the top seeded team and we went one-on-one with their coach Josh Schertz.
Sports Illustrated (si.com) college basketball writer Kevin Sweeney joins the podcast to talk about March Madness, the Missouri Valley Conference and the state of college hoops.
Morehead State plays in the National Invitation Tournament, so we went one-on-one with head coach Preston Spradlin. They battle Clemson on Wednesday night.
Drake is heading back to the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Darian DeVries tells us about his team and how they arrived at this place and how they are preparing for the Big Dance.
Bracketeer.org writer/editor Rocco Miller joined Valley Hoops Insider Podcast to bring us 'up to the minute' bracketology on this 'good Friday to Selection Sunday'.
Southeast Missouri State has qualified for the NCAA Tournament, and head coach Brad Korn talks about his three-year journey at SEMO with ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder. The Redhawks won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament to qualify for the Big Dance.
Bradley is tied for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference and sophomore guard Connor Hickman is a key contributor. We got to know the young man a little better this week. Enjoy the conversation!
Veteran St. Louis high school basketball coach Kevin Walsh joined Harry Schroeder to discuss the quality of the Gateway City's prep basketball talent.
Illinois State's Colton Sandage joined the podcast to talk about his journey home and the growing Redbird basketball team.
Trevor Lakes is the Ohio Valley Conference's 'Player of the Week' and we brought him on the podcast. We discuss his journey to Southern Indiana, the make up of his Screaming Eagle team and some recent significant victories.
Rocco Miller is one of the top bracketologists in America. He joined Harry Schroeder to discuss the plight of the mid-major conferences, when trying to earn multiple bids to the NCAA Tournament.
Southern Illinois defeats Oklahoma State in Stillwater and head coach Bryan Mullins joins Harry Schroeder on the podcast to talk about the big win!
Morehead State has added eleven new players to its basketball roster. Head coach Preston Spradlin tells Valley Hoops Insider's Harry Schroeder about his new players and his growing faith. MSU finished third in the Ohio Valley Conference last season behind two teams (Murray State and Belmont) that left the league for the Missouri Valley Conference.
Link Year Academy founder Adam Donyes converses with Valley Hoops Insider Harry Schroeder about the players that Link Year is sending to the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley Conferences.
Steve Prohm was part of amazing success at Murray State and has returned to the Racer basketball program. He had to rebuild a virtually empty roster and tells Valley Hoop Insider's Harry Schroeder about his players and lessons he learned while coaching at Iowa State.
Evansville Courier Press beat writers Hendrix Magley (Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles) and Anthony Kristensen (Evansville Purple Aces) joined Harry Schroeder to discuss the excitement around Division 1 basketball in Evansville, Indiana.
After 18 years as the Director of Athletics at Valparaiso University, Mark LaBarbera has retired. Under LaBarbera's leadership, Valpo expanded and improved facilities and joined the Missouri Valley Conference.
After 18 years in coaching, David Ragland has landed his first head coaching job. Taking over at Evansville is daunting, but Ragland is excited to be coming home to Evansville and the Purple Aces. Ragland starred at Evansville's University of Southern Indiana has show been a valuable part of numerous successful programs.
Ryan Ridder begins his second season as the basketball coach at UT Martin with unusual roster stability. He spoke with Harry Schroeder about his new recruits and how he is attempting to build a contending team in the Ohio Valley Conference.
The Springfield-News Leader's Wyatt Wheeler evaluates the Missouri State whole new roster. The Bears have added eleven new players and two new coaches. Four 'power five' program players are part of the influx of talent.
We get to know new Illinois State basketball coach Ryan Pedon. We discuss his coaching philosophies, influences and his hopes for Redbird basketball.
Marcus Wilson, Greg Lansing and Rich Zvosec are board members for The Basketball Classic. They met with ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder to talk about this rebranded college basketball tournament.
Braden Norris (Loyola Chicago) and Keaton Norris (Wright State) are the 'dancing Norris brothers'. These two brothers will both be participating in next week's NCAA Tournament. They spent time with ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder to talk about their upbringing and how special it is to be playing in the same Big Dance.
The CollegeInsider.com Tournament is back, but it is now known as 'The Basketball Classic' and has a different message connected to social justice. Rich Zvosec, Marcus Wilson and Greg Lansing joined ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder to talk about the changes.
Former Illinois State basketball coach Dan Muller tells ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder about the his time at Illinois State and what might be next for the ten-year veteran of being a Division 1 head coach.
Murray State is 30-2 and the Racers were perfect during the conference season. Head coach Matt McMahon joined Harry Schroeder to talk about his team and the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Northern Iowa broadcaster Gary Rima is retiring at the end of 'the Madness'. Whenever the UNI Panthers' season ends, so will Gary Rima's 29-year run as 'The Voice of the Panthers'. He sat down with Harry Schroeder prior to UNI's participation in Arch Madness to tall all about the journey and his retirement.
Play-by-play broadcaster Dick Luedke is hanging up his headsets. The Illinois State broadcaster is retiring. He visited 'Voices of the Valley' to look back at his great career.
Stan Gouard and his Screaming Eagles are joining the Ohio Valley Conference. They are making the huge move from Division II and Division 1 and the veteran coach tells his story and the USI story to Harry Schroeder.
Rocco Miller (Bracketeer.org) joined Harry Schroeder on 'Voices of the Valley' to discuss bracketology with a specific emphasis on the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley Conferences.
Indiana State star basketball player Cooper Neese joins Harry Schroeder to talk about the Sycamores, his faith and his decision to return next season for a fifth season.
SIU head coach Cindy Stein joined Harry Schroeder today prior to a weekend series with the Missouri State Lady Bears. She discusses the state of the women's game, her team and the Missouri Valley Conference.
Kevin Saal joined the podcast to talk about Murray State's move from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Missouri Valley Conference. The Racers are currently 20-2 and are undefeated in OVC play. He and Harry Schroeder discussed the current team, the reasons behind the move and many of the outstanding things about Murray State University and specifically the basketball team.
UIC is joining the Missouri Valley Conference and head basketball coach Luke Yaklich is coming home. A graduate of Valley member Illinois State, Yaklich also worked four seasons on Dan Muller's coaching staff. He joined Harry Schroeder to talk about UIC's move to the Valley and to tell people about the University of Illinois-Chicago.
The radio voice of Arch Madness, Brendan Wiese joined 'Voices of the Valley' to talk about the Missouri Valley Conference. On and off the court issues and the upcoming tournament were all on the table. Brendan is the Sports Director for 'The Big 550 - KTRS' in St. Louis.
Belmont is joining the Missouri Valley Conference. Director of Athletics Scott Corley joined the podcast to introduce us to Bruins athletics to give us some background on how it all happened.
The legendary 'The Sporting News' is getting a facelift and a rebranded website, so we spoke with Senior Editorial Consultant Bob Hille about the new-look 'The Sporting News' and about the great history surrounding that great publication and website.
UA Little Rock Athletic Director George Lee and Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche discuss the process and reasoning behind the university's joining of the conference. The Trojans will officially join the OVC in July of 2022 and begin competition that fall.
Loyola Chicago claimed Windy City Supremacy Saturday as they completed a sweep of the Chicago-land college basketball teams, defeating DePaul 68-64. Star guard Lucas Williamson joined Harry Schroeder during the bus ride back from DePaul to Rogers Park.
'Coach Mox' and the Lady Bears of Missouri State have won back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference regular season titles and participated in last season's Sweet Sixteen. Amaka Agugua-Hamilton is more than a coach. She's a mentor, a pace-setter and is preparing her players for 'life-after-basketball.
Northern Iowa upset number 16 St. Bonaventure Saturday. 90-80 was the final score. Head coach Ben Jacobson spoke with Harry Schroeder after the game. 'Jake and the Giant Killers' last defeated a top 25 team in 2019.
Southern Illinois is participating in the Paradise Jam and the Salukis upset Colorado 67-63 on Friday. Coach Bryan Mullins joined the pod to tell us all about it.
Evansville prepares for its second exhibition game tonight (11/4) and head coach Todd Lickliter tells Harry Schroeder about the makeup of his current Purple Aces team.
Valparaiso guard Sheldon Edwards joined host Harry Schroeder to discuss the new look Beacons. Valpo hit the transfer portal hard and coach Matt Lottich put together a solid roster.
Missouri Valley Conference Associate Commissioner Jack Watkins has been named to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. The brand new hall of famer tells Harry Schroeder he is proud of the work the Valley office has done during his 30 years of work for the league.
Missouri Valley Conference Associate Commissioner Jack Watkins has been voted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. This is Part One of our conversation about that honor and numerous MVC memories.
Murray State played to an uncharacteristic 13-13 record last season. Head coach Matt McMahon spoke with host Harry Schroeder about his plans to get the Racers back to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference.
Bradley coach Brian Wardle and senior forward Ja'Shon Henry discuss the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference basketball season.
Stu Durando (Post-Dispatch) and Carter Chapley (ScoopswithDannyMac) are the Saint Louis University basketball beat writers and they joined us for some preseason analysis of the SLU's upcoming season.
Morehead State won the Ohio Valley Conference tournament title and finished second to Belmont during the regular season. Freshman of the Year Johni Broome returns and head coach Preston Spradlin believes his team is continuing to grow.
Veteran Ohio Valley Conference reporters Bob Belvin and Edward Alan Marlowe discuss the ramifications of Austin Peay's announced departure from the Ohio Valley Conference. Marlowe is a long-time beat writer for Murray State and Belvin is a regular on OVC telecasts.
Illinois State's Dan Muller is beginning his tenth season as the Redbird head coach. With several new and talented players and some outstanding returners, he is excited about a less covid-affected season.
John Freeman has become the 'Voice of the Belmont Bruins'. Freeman previously worked NCAA games for Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth and did work with the ACC Network. He joined Harry Schroeder to discuss his new job, surroundings and how he landed this prime job.
INFLCR is the nation's leading content and compliance software company helping college athletes make sense of 'name, image and likeness' opportunities. Jim Cavale is the Founder and CEO of #INFLCR and he joined Harry Schroeder to discuss exactly what they do and where this journey is leading. #INFLCR is the Missouri Valley Conference's partner in aiding its student-athletes.
Luke Martin is the Digital Video Coordinator for Indiana State sports. He is the play-by-play voice for the Sycamore basketball team and several other ISU sports teams. He joined Valley Hoops Insider to talk about the changing face of Sycamore hoops and college basketball in general. We spoke about new head coach Josh Schertz, returning star Tyreke Key and my hopes in cashing in on Key's name, image and likeness.
Nels Hawkinson, the director of the Paradise Jam joined Harry Schroeder to discuss this year's U.S. Virgin Islands event. Two Missouri Valley Conference teams are included. Bradley and Southern Illinois are positioned on opposite sides of the bracket. Hawkinson is the creator of the Paradise Jam and the Executive Director of Basketball Travelers Inc.
Former Duke Blue Devil Nate James joined Harry Schroeder to discuss his new job as the Austin Peay head coach. James played and coached under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Porter Moser's speaks with Harry Schroeder about his move from Loyola Chicago to Oklahoma. While admitting he will always be a Valley guy, he is excited about the possibilities of coaching in a 'power five' conference.
Jeff Jackson has been named as the Missouri Valley Conference's tenth Commissioner. He replaces the retiring Doug Elgin who held the post for an historic 33 years. Jackson discusses his journey to the Valley, his background and what lies ahead for college basketball.
Highly decorated Loyola Chicago guard Lucas Williamson is taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility and returning to the Rambler program. He met with our Harry Schroeder to discuss that decision, new head coach Drew Valentine and expectations for the coming Missouri Valley Conference season.
Valparaiso basketball coach Matt Lottich is navigating the the changing landscape of college basketball. The 'transfer pandemic' has followed the covid-19 pandemic and is causing all college coaches to adjust.
Josh Schertz is building a coaching staff and a new-look roster as the new coach at Indiana State University. Schertz tells Harry Schroeder his staff is basically hired and that Tyreke Key has been working out with the team. Key hadn't made a decision yet about his future with the Sycamore program when this interview was conducted.
Former Southern Illinois Edwardsville and Evansville head coach Marty Simmons is returning to head coaching at Eastern Illinois University. He sat down with Harry Schroeder to discuss his return to the midwest, head-coaching and his time as an assistant at Clemson.
The new UT Martin head basketball coach comes to the Skyhawk program from Bethune-Cookman. He is a Lexington, Kentucky native and wants to make impact. Learn about his family, faith and his passions.
The Loyola Chicago basketball coach joined Harry Schroeder to talk about his team's preparations for next week's NCAA Tournament. They head to Indianapolis on Sunday and are then in quarantine the entire time.
One of the leading national bracketologists, Jerry Palm of CBS Sports joined Harry Schroeder to discuss the upcoming Selection Sunday and what the 'Selection Committee' is and isn't looking at!
Matthew Bain of the Des Moines Register is the beat writer for the Drake Bulldogs. Drake finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference race and has sustained some late season injuries. Matthew tells us all about the Bulldog program!
Morehead State has tied a program record with 12 straight wins and carry a 13-2 record into Saturday's game with first place, and undefeated in league play, Belmont. This is Spradlin's fourth full year and fifth overall at the helm of the Eagles' team.
EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan joins Harry Schroeder to describe the reasons and timing of the Colonels' athletic program heading to the Atlantic Sun Conference. They finish out this school year in the OVC and on July 1, become members of the new league.
Richmond Register sports writer Nathan Hutchinson joins the podcast to talk about Eastern Kentucky's possible departure from the Ohio Valley Conference.
From Division 3 to the top team in the Ohio Valley Conference, Luke Smith has always been a solid offensive performer and is now shining at highly successful Belmont. He talks about the transition from D3 to D1, point guard to two-guard, his desire to coach and his deep love for the Belmont program.
Valparaiso junior guard Danse Sackey has traveled from Africa to Canada to Indiana and is playing basketball with a purpose. His mother is a pastor. His entire family has gone on several missions trips and he loves his Valpo teammates. He believes there are intentional things going on his life.
Drew Hanlen trains some of the biggest names in the National Basketball Association. His organization, Pure Sweat helps train players, coaches, trainers and scouts at every basketball level. The former Belmont Bruin has been running camps, clinics and personal training sessions since he was in high school! Now he coaches NBA first round draft picks.
Adam Donyes (Link Year Prep basketball coach) and Derrick Derrell were unlikely friends that met playing basketball and became life-long friends that led to both men growing into better people and helped them understand how to bridge the racial divide. One is black and one is white, but their lives were so similar in many respects that they found common ground in hoops and in their past hurts.
Austin Peay basketball coach Matt Figger begins his fourth season in Clarksville, Tennessee with two star players in a star-studded Ohio Valley Conference. We discuss the uncertain nature of our national issues and the bright possibilities of the coming season.
Valparaiso University Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera discusses the Valpo culture, coronavirus challenges, scheduling, race issues and changing NCAA rules. He also breaks down the Valpo roster and the program's transition into the Missouri Valley Conference.
Illinois State is coming off its worst season since 2006 and have a reshuffled roster. Head coach Dan Muller is optimistic about the coming season while dealing with pandemic issues. This is his one-on-one conversation with Valley Hoops Insider Podcast host, Harry Schroeder.
Ben Jacobson talks about scheduling games during a pandemic, social justices issues, his team and the retirement of Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Doug Elgin.
Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner Doug Elgin is retiring. His first interview after making the decision was with ValleyHoopsInsider.com's Harry Schroeder. They talk about the reasons for retiring, the joys of his job and some of the many high-lights of his 33 year career with the Valley. Elgin constantly brags on those with whom he works.
Bracketologist Rocco Miller joined us for an in depth conversation about the starting of the collegiate basketball season. His site bracekteer.org is a great source of information and breaking news. We discuss possible bubble scenarios, safety precautions and the obstacles that await all of college basketball, but particularly leagues like the Missouri Valley and Ohio Valley Conferences.
Corey Frazier is uniquely positioned and qualified to speak to young men and to us about basketball and about social justice and racial inequality. He played in the NCAA Tournament, has coached state championship high school teams and is coaching in the Nike EYBL and training future professionals.
Corey Frazier has played in the NCAA Tournament, coached for the US National team, has won high school state championships and coaches in the Nike EYBL. He mentors NBA players and future NBA stars. We sat down to talk about basketball and our nation's social ills. During Part One, we start by getting to know each other and discussing his background the state of our nation.
The Missouri Valley Conference has launched #OneValley a racial inequality initiative of education and engagement. Courageous conversations are taking place throughout the Valley. Commissioner Doug Elgin and Associate Commissioner Mike Kern sat down with Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts host Harry Schroeder to explain the goals and plans of #OneValley.
Eastern Kentucky basketball coach A.W. Hamilton faced a cancer scare. The 39-year-old coach had stage-two melanoma and today is cancer free. He tells his story and talks about the upcoming season with ValleyHoopsInsider.com editor Harry Schroeder.
Loyola Chicago basketball coach Porter Moser tells Harry Schroeder why he wrote "All In - Driven by Passion, Energy and Purpose" and describes what he hopes he accomplished.
Brian 'Penny' Collins is entering his third year as Tennessee State's basketball coach. The Tigers doubled their win total from nine to 18 last season and are poised for more growth. As an HBCU, TSU is uniquely poised to help lead the conversation on racial inequality and police brutality. Coach Collins believes that both police reforms are needed and that there are already great police officers on the job.
We discuss the coming season and how the Tiger program is on an upward trajectory.
After years in the hip hop world and broadcasting college basketball, Kevin Pulley is veteran teacher in the St. Louis City School District. He joined his old friend and broadcasting partner Harry Schroeder to discuss the racial climate in America. The two old friends dreamed about better days.
The long time commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference discusses how the OVC family is navigating the incredible challenges of 2020. From a pandemic to social unrest the creative and energetic commissioner takes on the conference's challenges.
Former Evansville star Marcus Wilson discusses hot-topic issues like #BlackLivesMatter, #SystemicRacism and others with Harry Schroeder as we attempt to have a friendly dialogue to search through the racial struggles in America.
Brian Barone begins his second year as the head coach at Southern Illinois Edwardsville in the midst of a pandemic. His impressive recruiting class suggests his 'find a way' mantra is working.
Link Year Prep coach Adam Donyes describes his Branson, Missouri basketball power. The coach is passionate about helping his players further their college basketball dreams and deeply moved to help them develop as men.
Former Loyola Chicago beat writer Nick Schultz helps us look at the Ramblers and how they stack up for next season. LUC seems to have the right ingredients for a highly successful season.
During Part Two of our podcast with Todd Hefferman and Todd Golden we discuss possible NCAA rule changes, the personalities of the coaches they cover and how these two programs are improving and capturing the attention of their respective fan bases.
Two MVC programs on the rise have talented cores and scored well during the recruiting season. Todd Golden (Trib Star) and Todd Hefferman (The Southern) are the beat writers for Indiana State and Southern Illinois. We discuss the current roster, in-coming recruits and some potential NCAA rule changes.
Two top of the pack Missouri Valley Conference basketball programs are preparing for the upcoming season. Beat writers (Dave Reynolds & Nick Petaros) talk about the coaches, possible NCAA rule changes and the state of the Valley.
The Missouri Valley Conference's regular season champion and postseason tournament winners seem prepared to defend their titles. Bradley won Arch Madness and Northern Iowa the regular season crown. In the first of our two-part podcast, beat writers Nick Petaros and Dave Reynolds take us deep inside the roster makeup of these two championship caliber teams.
After discussing the two basketball rosters, beat writers Jim Benson and Wyatt Wheeler talk about the teams' coaches, and how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting college basketball programs. We also discuss the 'instant transfer' rules that may be passed some time soon.
Beat writers Jim Benson and Wyatt Wheeler joined the podcast to talk about the overhauled rosters at Illinois State and Missouri State. Benson follows the Redbirds and Wheeler reports on the Bears. This is Part One of our interview. In Part Two we discuss the impact of coronavirus on offseason activities and how NCAA rule changes could affect the Missouri Valley Conference.
We look at the incoming recruits and hold-over players from Evansville and Valparaiso through the eyes of those programs' beat writers. Chad Lindskog covers the Purple Aces and Paul Oren writes about the Crusaders. They are knowledgable and engaging. You will gain great insight into these two Missouri Valley Conference programs.
The most enthusiastic man I know, Mark Adams joined the podcast during our nation's difficult Covid-19 challenges. We talk about his time as an NAIA head coach, a broadcaster in the Missouri Valley Conference and now he is lending his expertise to the American Athletic Conference. Mark's new book "The Coach and The Geek" is now available and is a great book on leadership and basketball, but not just about basketball.
Former Valpo coach Homer Drew relives the special March Moments of 1998 when his Crusaders danced to the Sweet Sixteen. Sparked by 'the shot' from his son Bryce Drew, Valparaiso won their first ever NCAA Tournament game. Then they won an overtime contest to advance to St. Louis where even in defeat, something magical happened.
Northern Iowa's trip to the 2010 Sweet Sixteen included a victory over the nation's top ranked team. Broadcaster Gary Rima relived those exciting moments with us. (Note - this was prior to the end of his local daily radio show).
Former Creighton Bluejay Brody Deren talks to Harry Schroeder about the Missouri Valley Conference successes of the his former team. The Bluejays played postseason basketball in 15 of their final 16 seasons while a part of the Valley.
Our exclusive interview with Loyola star guard Clayton Custer takes us back to Loyola's 2018 Final Four appearance. Loyola converted three-straight last second shots to reach the Elite Eight and won a school record 32 games. Custer was the Missouri Valley Conference's 'Player of the Year' and he remembers it all.
Hall-of-fame broadcaster Dave Snell tells us all about Bradley's 2006 Sweet Sixteen team. Marcellus Sommerville and Patrick O'Bryant were the stars, but there were many important pieces to that team, including the hard-working head coach Jim Les.
Bears broadcaster Art Hains takes us back to 1999 when (then) Southwest Missouri State made it to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen. Hains reminds us about the Charlie Spoonhour-era of Bears' basketball and that historic 1999 run led by Steve Alford, Danny Moore and Kevin Ault.
Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Mike Reis relives some Southern Illinois March Moments. SIU participated in six straight NCAA Tournaments and twice reached the tournament's Sweet Sixteen.
Wichita State was the dominant Missouri Valley Conference team of the 2010s. Announcer Mike Kennedy was our guest as we remember 'March Moments of the past 22 years.
Hall-of-fame broadcaster Mike Kennedy joined Valley Hoops Insider Podcast host Harry Schroeder to look back at historical 'March Moments' in Wichita State basketball history. This is Part One of a two-part interview with Kennedy. Two Sweet Sixteen runs and one trip to the Final Four set the Shockers apart from all other Missouri Valley Conference teams. Eventually the Shockers moved to the American Athletic Conference.
Belmont head basketball coach Casey Alexander talks about winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title, heading to March Madness and the joy and pride he has in his team and players. During his first season at Belmont, Alexander has shared a league title, won the tournament title and now has coached four straight 20-win teams.
Vance from March to the Arch Podcast joined us prior to the Missouri Valley Conference championship game. They have a great podcast and you'll enjoy this interview!
Valparaiso plays in their first ever Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship game. Play-by-Play broadcaster Todd Ickow breaks down the title game on a Voices of the Valley edition of the Valley Hoops Insider Podcast!
Sports Director Brendan Wiese (The Big 550) joined to the podcast to tell us about Arch Madness and the wire-to-wire coverage by the St. Louis based radio station. Wiese's dark-horse to win the tournament is Bradley.
Drake plays in the Arch Madness first round game. Thursday, the Bulldogs take on Illinois State. Darian DeVries played in the Missouri Valley Conference, was an assistant in the league and is coaching in his second season in Des Moines. He is unabashedly a 'Valley Guy' and believes his team can have some St. Louis success.
Eastern Illinois coach Jay Spoonhour joined the Valley Hoops Insider Podcast to talk about the Panthers' two historic comeback wins. The light-hearted Spoonhour talks about his players, baseball, the OVC and his disdain for saber metrics.
Springfield News Leader writer Wyatt Wheeler is our guest on this week's Beat Writer's Edition of the Valley Hoops Insider Podcast. Wheeler tells us the Bears are finally playing with coach Dana Ford's desired intensity.
CBS Sports Network's Brent Stover discusses this season's college basketball season and his budding musical career.
The former Butler coach thinks the programs and communities are similar and that Evansville can enjoy some great success. After taking over the program in late January, Lickliter believes his team is closer than ever to being truly competitive.
You see him on the set of CBS Sports Network before during and after college basketball games. Brent Stover formerly worked in St. Louis and has frequently announced Missouri Valley Conference games. He has been the lead broadcaster on numerous Arch Madness broadcasts. We discuss college basketball, his studio analysis and his views on some breaking college basketball stories.
Loyola University Chicago is on an historic run. After a Final Four run two seasons ago, the Ramblers are attempting to win their third straight Missouri Valley Conference title. Lucas Williamson is a Chicago kid, trying to win championships at a Chicago school.
Bradley has a good chance to repeat as Arch Madness champions and the Peoria Journal-Star, hall-of-fame sportswriter, Dave Reynolds tells us why.
The first of two games of the Border War between Murray State and Austin Peay takes place Thursday night. The top two teams in the Ohio Valley Conference face off and Paducah Sun reporter Ed Marlowe gives us great insight into this rivalry!
Indiana State picked up an historic win Wednesday night and is off to its best start in five years. Tribune-Star writer Todd Golden joined Harry Schroeder to talk about the Sycamores, the Missouri Valley Conference and Arch Madness 30.
Eastern Kentucky is the surprise team of the Ohio Valley Conference. Harry Schroeder interviews their second year coach A.W. Hamilton, who has his Colonels playing pressure defense and winning games. EKU is 8-2 in OVC play and are forcing more turnovers than all but four NCAA Division 1 teams.
The Southern Illinois Salukis are the surprise team of the Missouri Valley Conference. During this 'Beat Writers' Edition' of the Valley Hoops Insider Podcast, we talk with Saluki beat writer Todd Hefferman about Bryan Mullins' first season as the SIU coach.
After the suspension and subsequent firing of coach Walter McCarty, veteran coach (and former UE assistant) Todd Lickliter has been hired to replace McCarty at Evansville. CourierPress beat writer Chad Lindskog joins us to fill in on the blanks concerning the firing, hiring and what's next for the Purple Aces' program.
During 'Part Two' of our conversation with Paul Oren and Nick Petaros we dig deeper into what makes Valparaiso's Javon Freeman-Liberty and Northern Iowa's A.J. Green so special.
AJ Green and Javon Freeman-Liberty are having spectacular sophomore seasons. In this 'Beat Writer Edition' we talk to Nick Petaros (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier) and Paul Oren (Northwest Indiana Times) about these second-year stars.
Jordan Barnes is reshaping his game and explains his hopes and motives behind the changes to Harry Schroeder (@FatherHarry1) and to the readers of ValleyHoopsInsider.com.
APSU has the Ohio Valley's best player in Terry Taylor and the Governors will challenge for the OVC title.