ISU VB signs 3 top 100 players!!!

**jbhtexas** · 11-18-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by twistedredbird

I don't know if I would say KSU is even close to the level of NU or UT.

I'd probably put it like this.

NU and UT
KSU, ISU, Baylor, OU
the rest
TT

ISU has defeated KSU, but has also lost to CU, aTm, MU, and KU. I think it's pretty tough to differentiate among that big bunch in the middle.

Except for the ISU loss, I think KSU has only lost to NU and UT. I think that distinquishes them somewhat from the middle bunch, but I agree they are not yet at NU/UT level.

**DaddyMac** · 11-18-2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by twistedredbird

I don't know if I would say KSU is even close to the level of NU or UT.

I'd probably put it like this.

NU and UT
KSU, ISU, Baylor, OU
the rest
TT

I agree, I think KSU is closer to us than they are to UT and NU. Although I think (and this may be the homer in me) that the gap is closing faster for ISU and the top squads, than it is for the rest of the conference. Granted, it was a sizeable gap just a few years ago.

Like FB & MBB, we have a fairly young team in volleyball. I think you can see that in the fact we really have only lose on the road or to either NU or UT at home (UNI early).

Sure sign of success, losing 3-1 AT Lincoln. Unheard of from ISU volleyball. NU will go seasons without losing a set.

Last 4 matches will be telling. Two home matches should be W's (lost 2-3 in both road matches against CU and KU). Then road matches against OU an KSU (who we beat at home 3-0 and 3-2 respectively).

Originally Posted by jbhtexas

ISU has defeated KSU, but has also lost to CU, aTm, MU, and KU. I think it's pretty tough to differentiate among that big bunch in the middle.

Except for the ISU loss, I think KSU has only lost to NU and UT. I think that distinquishes them somewhat from the middle bunch, but I agree they are not yet at NU/UT level.

That KSU match next week will really tell who's where. Not counting on a win, being it's on the road. But I really like our chances if we can win the next two going into Manhattan.

**jbhtexas** · 11-18-2008, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Last 4 matches will be telling. Two home matches should be W's (lost 2-3 in both road matches against CU and KU). Then road matches against OU an KSU (who we beat at home 3-0 and 3-2 respectively).

Going 3-1 would be sweet. 2-2 would probably still lock up an NCAA berth. NU, UT, and KSU are nationally ranked, but ISU is the only other Big 12 team getting votes. I think 6 (or 7?) Big 12 teams went to the NCAA tourney last year, but I'm not sure the conference is held in as high regard this year. I'd be a little nervous sitting in 5th place with a conference record under 0.500...

**DaddyMac** · 11-18-2008, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by jbhtexas

Going 3-1 would be sweet. 2-2 would probably still locks up an NCAA berth. NU, UT, and KSU are nationally ranked, but ISU is the only other Big 12 team getting votes. I think 6 (or 7?) Big 12 teams went to the NCAA tourney last year, but I'm not sure the conference is held in as high regard this year. I'd be a little nervous sitting in 5th place with a conference record under 0.500...

I think you're on the money. I have to believe .500 or better conference record, with an overall winning record, gets us in.

3-1 and 4th in the Big XII makes it likely. 4-0 sews it up and perhaps gets us a decent seed to boot.

Not counting on it, but another berth in the Sweet 16 would be huge for this program.

**HGPuck** · 11-18-2008, 02:45 PM

For my money she is the best coach we have and thats saying something. If we can get her to stay around for a long time she will build one of the best programs in the country.

**theshadow** · 11-18-2008, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by spanny

She is not a Pollard hire, she may have been te only one BVDV made

But who has kept her here by giving her upgrades?

**theshadow** · 11-18-2008, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by IOWASTATE

Not only that but to pull the 22nd ranked player OUT of nebraska, is an accomplishment in itself!

Christy was in on this one before anyone knew about her, when she was more of a top-150. Then she took off, and others came calling -- but she stuck with ISU. Word is that Cook (NU coach) isn't happy this one got away.

**DaddyMac** · 11-18-2008, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

But who has kept her here by giving her upgrades?

Upgrades?

**ianoconnor** · 11-18-2008, 03:19 PM

The VB program hasn't gotten crap... even though they are right up there with Wrestling and WBB as far as success goes.

**theshadow** · 11-18-2008, 03:22 PM

Yes, upgrades.

*The practice gym in Forker was completely redone.
*They are getting their own offices in Hilton.
*They have gotten more practice time in Hilton than ever before. That will increase even more when the basketball teams move out to their own facility.
*The coaching staff has gotten pay raises.
*A Director of Operations was added to the staff, so one of the assistant coaches is freed up to actually coach instead of make travel/food/lodging arrangements.

**DaddyMac** · 11-18-2008, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

Yes, upgrades.

*The practice gym in Forker was completely redone.
*They are getting their own offices in Hilton.
*They have gotten more practice time in Hilton than ever before. That will increase even more when the basketball teams move out to their own facility.
*The coaching staff has gotten pay raises.
*A Director of Operations was added to the staff, so one of the assistant coaches is freed up to actually coach instead of make travel/food/lodging arrangements.

Two years ago CJ spoke at the coaches dinner about the desire to get OUT of Hilton and convert part of Forker into more of a dedicated VB arena - much like the Nebraska Coliseum.

I wonder where that is in the plans?

**jbhtexas** · 11-18-2008, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Two years ago CJ spoke at the coaches dinner about the desire to get OUT of Hilton and convert part of Forker into more of a dedicated VB arena - much like the Nebraska Coliseum.

Just curious as to why...is Hilton just too big for VB? Or was it due to lack of practice time on the game floor back then? If the latter, maybe she'll be happier with Hilton now that BB practice will be going on elsewhere.

Just from a personal preference, I'd like to see VB in it's own facility because the VB court lines on the BB floor drive me nuts. Probably goes the same from the VB fan perspective as well...

**theshadow** · 11-18-2008, 03:40 PM

So that would have been when they were drawing 600 fans (instead of 1,800), before the curtain was brought into Hilton, and before the AD gained control of Hilton.

600 people in a 14,000 seat arena is a lot more cavernous than 1,800 people in an 8,500-seat configuration.

**ianoconnor** · 11-18-2008, 03:40 PM

A lot of top programs have smaller gyms on campus just for volleyball & wrestling.

**theshadow** · 11-18-2008, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by jbhtexas

Just from a personal preference, I'd like to see VB in it's own facility because the VB court lines on the BB floor drive me nuts. Probably goes the same from the VB fan perspective as well...

Yeah, having to put up with that nightmare until December 1 must be a real drag. So much of the hoops season is gone by that point.