Better road team...

[BradleyBrave]

When was the last time we won in Springfield, MO.? The game notes say we are 3-14 at the old Hammons Student Center. I can't remember the last time we won there. It seems like the last few years we build a lead early and MSU comes back and beats us.
A road win, especialy in Springfield, sure would be nice.

2001. Jim Les has never won there.

[georgethedog]

The numbers speak for themselves. By year 7 with Mo, we had 3 20+ win seasons, several NITs, a conference title, an NCAA appearance, a winning conference record, a couple undefeated home seasons, an NBA 1st round pick, and a higher overall winning percentage. We had several all-conference players (year-end), and even a Coach of the Year award. In year 7 of this regime, we have 3 20 win seasons (although it took 37 games to get the 3rd one), zero conference titles (zero top 3 finishes), a near-record number of home losses last season, a losing overall conference record, an NCAA appearance, and an NBA lottery pick. I don't believe we've had any 1st team all-conference players (year-end), and certainly no COY awards.

I don't want to split hairs, and I am not longing for the days of Molinari to return. But I don't think our talent is any better than it was back then, nor do I think we've performed any better. The numbers back this up. Swagger is all fine and good, but it doesn't win basketball games.

I, like you, do not want to go back to the Mo days. However, the records speak loudly about his success and with the exception of the Sweet 16 run, Mo HAS had more success than Les so far. I always wonder what would have happened if Mo would have been able to stay with Granger and that recruiting class?

[BradleyBrave]

I, like you, do not want to go back to the Mo days. However, the records speak loudly about his success and with the exception of the Sweet 16 run, Mo HAS had more success than Les so far. I always wonder what would have happened if Mo would have been able to stay with Granger and that recruiting class?

I am fully confident that had Mo been given 1 or 2 more years, we would have won at least 1 conference title and made at least 1 or 2 NCAA's. But, that's hindsight at this point. People wanted change and that's what they got, regardless of how inexperienced the new leader was. Sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it?

[buballer82]

I for one would take the one Sweet 16 appearance over anything Bradley accomplished under Mo. A conference title, a player of the year, a coach of the year or any other petty accolade means nothing if you don't make it to or win at the Big Dance. If I was a recruit and I was evaluating my options for college, I would be more interested in hearing Sweet 16 participant than conference titles. Maybe thats just my opinion, and I know Bradley has only been to one under the Jim Les era, but one is better than none. I felt like every road game was unwinnable under Molinari. He had tons of talent and didn't utilize it IMO. That one NCAA tournament appearance and loss to Stanford was heartbreaking. The one NCAA appearance with victories over national powerhouse Kansas and then Pittsburgh is a priceless memory that I will always cherish as a Bradley fan. Thanks Coach Les!!!!!

[Da Coach]

I am fully confident that had Mo been given 1 or 2 more years, we would have won at least 1 conference title and made at least 1 or 2 NCAA's. But, that's hindsight at this point. People wanted change and that's what they got, regardless of how inexperienced the new leader was. Sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it?

For those who weren't around then, or don't remember, the last couple years under Jim Molinari, there was a decline in ticket sales, season-ticket renewals, donations, and revenues in general at Bradley. Since those factors are what drive the athletic program, the change was made.

BU men's basketball is the only revenue-producing sport among the 13 varsity sports (6 men's and 7 women's) that Bradley has. They have to protect the revenue stream that basketball provides; without it, Bradley would have a difficult time fielding enough teams to qualify for NCAA Division 1.