slu06

SLU should not be in the Valley. However, an observation. Since moving back to Chicago, I've watched a few Loyola games with friends who are alums (they sell beer). Obviously LUCare not Creighton or very good right now, but they are starting to recruit the CPS / are very young. If LUC continues to snag athletic local kids, I think Porter will turn LUC into a pretty decent program. Also, selfishly, I hope we start playing LUC every year so I can catch a couple Bills games in Chicago.

The TV situation at the Harp could suck, but for Lincoln Park, that place was amazing (see: not full of d-bags). Sorry to hear they closed. Curious to know if this is the new Billikens bar, too. I've never been to O'Hagans but see it is right in the part of Lakeview/Wrigleyville that I try to avoid 9/10 times. Is this place worth a CTA switch or fighting for a parking spot?

I think the argument that non-student protesters on SLU's campus increases the chance for violence is a bit short sighted. Have there any reports of violence aside from some profanity laced tirades caught on YouTube? Other posters have confirmed the school is actively monitoring the protesters. And SLU is still an open, urban campus full of relatively well-off suburban white kids, right? Let's not kid ourselves - crime/violence has always been an issue on campus (even without protesters being monitored 24/7). Personally, I had a car stolen in a SLU parking lot and know of at least 2 armed robberies that occurred on campus between 2004 and 2006. I agree with DoctorB that better for students to be exposed to the real world, keep an open mind, try learn something, and move on. To quote Game of Thrones: "Winter is coming" - just wait for it to get colder and this thing will lose steam quick. Side Note: I still can't believe there haven't been a bunch of drunk kids leaving Humphrey's / dudes walking back to DeMat running their mouths! The overall quality of admitted students at SLU truly must have improved!

I think the presumption is upperclassmen will be given the starting nod, subject to losing their spot to underclassmen in practice / first few games. That said, starting doesn't mean as much as finishing a game (see: GG last year). I forget that AM and AY will be redshirt juniors next season. With that in mind, as much as I am excited about Reynolds (not bad being named player of the game in the state championship...), he will be a freshman in a new system playing against better competition, and will be used as a sub unless AM/AY just completely blow next year. I don't know as much about the other freshman guards, but hopefully all the competition for PT will create some solid freshman contributions. I would guess: AM AY MC GG (playing three minutes, picking up fouls/turning the ball over and quickly subbed by TL) Manning (agree with previous posters regarding awkward but improved offense; I think his senior year will be a pleasant surprise)

I have to admit that I didn't read this entire thread, so sorry if this has already been brought up. Has anyone else noticed that DE can't shoot a jump shot? I swear in the past 3-5 games he'll take about 4 shots around the free throw line extended and brick them. The kicker is that the opposing D plays off him. I know you have to "keep the D honest" etc, but it's not like taking these shots has allowed him to take his defender off the dribble later in the game. I think that we (and DE) are just a bit bruised / tired from a long season. Not uncommon for teams to get in a mini funk. I think we just need to come out with more energy, finish strong, and stay healthy. Going undefeated in the A-10 is not as important for the program as reaching the Sweet 16.

So, I was just thinking about how important Cody was to our team last year. He was huge. But, seriously, isn't Rob a more complete player? He'll play pro some place better than Australia next year.

This is frustrating... two LEGAL feeds and no sound. Plus, one is not in HD for me. Probably just need to listen to Earl lay it down for me. Hope Lil 'Ralph sang the national anthem again. #lilralph.

Here's another write up of the game with quotes from Reynolds: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-miles-reynolds-young-morgan-park-0217-prep-bkb-20140215,0,84283.story

Excellent. I mean, I don't want to presume that SLU provided shirts. That said, if people at previous games wouldn't wear a free shirt... WTF?

So, driving up from Chicago... do they actually pass out shirts for the white out...?

Very cool / professional feature - what many professional sports teams have on their web pages.

I used to buy beer on North Grand my freshman year. God bless those guys.

On a recent trip to STL, I was reminded Humphrey's is typically full basketball fans, has a good cheeseburger that costs 3.25, and let Ivory Tiger play every Wednesday night.

Kansas City chose him with the 38th overall pick.

Saw this in the paper today: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/boysbasketball/chi-13-illinois-players-nominated-for-mcdonalds-allamerican-games-bkb-20140107,0,1804088.story Odds of being named an All-American are slim, but this is still a nice accolade and some good publicity for the Bills. Also, Whitney Young currently ranked 4th in the state by one pundit: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-boys-basketball-rankings-week-5-0107-prep-bkb-20140106,0,2313630.story

This is a bit early in the game, but I'm driving down from Chicago for my annual SLU pilgrimage on 1/4. Not sure if anyone already knows they are NOT going to the Yale game, but I would be happy to pay for some seats.

Actually, their is a Rosemont blue line stop. Not saying it's convenient, but it's an option. Also, what public transportation is convenient for McCormick place? Get off at Roosevelt and walk? And unless you live in the Loop / South Loop / Pilsen, driving isn't very convenient (and arguably most fervent DePaul fans live in the suburbs). Regarding the stadium, it's more or less done deal. DePaul is ponying up some cash and the city is paying the rest. This link is a little OT, but gives you some basic background: http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2013/09/23/blair-kamin-depaul-arena-il-capitol-renovation You can just Google DePaul Arena and follow the saga, if you are really interested. If you wa

Not really. It's arguably a worse location. I know you said you don't know Chicago very well, but getting from Lincoln Park to McCormick Place is a pain in the arse. There is no direct public transportation and driving is a mess - arguably just as bad as getting to the AllState (depending on the time of day). And, let's be honest that talking about a commute from Lincoln Park is arbitrary because DePaul students (and alums) love all over the city / suburbs. I do not understand the logic of turning down free rent at the UC - which is conveniently located right off the highway for both urban/suburban alums - and partnering the Rahm in his attempt to woo trade shows back to McCormick. Not sure how this will help rebuild fan support in Chicago.

Trib's got an article as well: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/chi-boys-hoops-youngs-reynolds-picks-st-louis-20131023,0,6933860.story

The merchandise really is pretty lame. On a side note, does the school sell soccer jerseys?

Not traditionally a hotbed for college soccer news, but some more national recognition nonetheless: http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/08/college-soccer-season.html

It might be a bigger deal in STL, but I don't have a huge issue with elite clubs disallowing their players from playing on their high school team. I'm from Chicago and know that the Chicago Magic and Chicago Fire PDL have similar requirements. If these kids think they can get a 4 year college scholarship or turn pro and are willing to sacrifice their free time and the opportunity to play for their high school, why stop them? Or, why force them to play against inferior competition to do so? These teams don't take all of the talent from the entire state. And this system arguably open up spots / playing time for others to improve. Lastly, on a national level, people complain about not developing "world class" talent. Doesn't this model - albeit disruptive to traditional high school soccer - offer more promise of creating this talent? Or should we just be hypocritical and let elite kids enroll in European academies? Side note: can out-of-towners purchase SLU soccer jerseys anywhere?

Clint Dempsey, apparently...

Wait - did you really say you hope Jermaine Jones gets hurt so Torres can take his spot? Remember, Torres has looked "good" (something I debate) against second tier CONCACAF teams. However, the few times he's played in a meaningful game with the full squad, he's yet to make a meaningful impression. I agree with gobillsgo that Jones gets a bad rap. True, when he first started playing with the USMNT, we all thought we were getting a stud who was going to create in the midfield. That didn't exactly happen. That said, he has found his spot in the middle with the current roster and actually makes excellent passes (for a while the forwards weren't reading the space like he was) and Cameron surprised in his spot starts, but is still second choice. Bradley's overall game is understated and he keeps improving - but he's not an offensive CM. He'll take his shots from distance (generally high) and poach a goal here or there in the run of play on a counter.

Is all gone: http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/colleges/post/_/id/9532/loyolas-moser-loses-entire-coaching-staff (1) Losing an assitant to a mid-level private high school basketball program is a kick in the pants. (2) Interested to see how many of his incoming 6 recruits will stay at LUC after the assistant who landed them bolted for NW. Either way, not fun for Porter.