Why These Tournaments Matter

[VeveJones007]

Don't look now, but the Braves are in the finals of a postseason tournament again! So it's not the NCAAs or even the NIT, but here is why it was well worth it for Bradley to compete in the CBI last year and the CIT this year:

Sam Maniscalco will have played, count it, 74 games in his first two seasons at BU!!!

That's an average of 37 through his Sophomore season. If you don't think the 10 extra games of experience that he's gained will benefit this team his Junior and Senior years, then you're just crazy. That's an entire extra non-conference season that he's been able to play just by competing in these tournaments.

[mrcoachdude]

Liked what I saw from Taylor tonight as well....still thinking he is going to be a special player for BU........he is benifitting from this as well....

[amckillip]

I agree completely. I am not one of the people that like the new tourneys because it pads the win total. Nor do I think they are any sort of real championship (I don't think that about the NIT either tho...) But they are great to give the seniors a few more games, and the younger guys more experience. Plus it gives us fans something to do. I really see nothing different between them and the NIT except quality of competition. IMO people that say otherwise are just people who are stuck in their ways and don't want to change the status quo. If your not playing in the NCAA tournament, who cares what the 3 letter acronym is?

[dogsrus]

Roberts has been solid all year but he's really come on the last month. I agree these games help Sam but I really like what it does for the Juco's who only have two years.

But, as good as these games are I hope it means we take a step up or 3 next year.

[mrcoachdude]

Roberts has been solid all year but he's really come on the last month. I agree these games help Sam but I really like what it does for the Juco's who only have two years.

But, as good as these games are I hope it means we take a step up or 3 next year.

Dru I think the expectations are going to be very high on this group next season....self imposed expectations......I will join them in that.....this tourney should help

[Murph]

Don't look now, but the Braves are in the finals of a postseason tournament again! So it's not the NCAAs or even the NIT, but here is why it was well worth it for Bradley to compete in the CBI last year and the CIT this year:

Sam Maniscalco will have played, count it, 74 games in his first two seasons at BU!!!

That's an average of 37 through his Sophomore season. If you don't think the 10 extra games of experience that he's gained will benefit this team his Junior and Senior years, then you're just crazy. That's an entire extra non-conference season that he's been able to play just by competing in these tournaments.

Good post, you make some excellent points.

[Big Mike]

After seeing DD's comeback tonight....it makes you realize how much we've missed his O' over the last month....WELCOME BACK DODIE!

[bigdaddystuck]

All good posts! This tourney is giving us quality opponents and giving the guys that added experience. Agree with SM, this tourney is getting us used to playing team we dont really have the chance to prepare for. Pacific was a well coached and patient team. We made the adjustments that we needed to and won!

Don't agree about the NIT. The quality of opponents is top notch. The winner of that tourney has gone through a mine field of good teams to win it. NO it is not the NCAAs, but it is a top notch tourney.

[Chico]

The players are still playing, the coaches are still coaching and fans are still watching. IMO that's what it's all about. Don't care a darn about the name of the tournament. But I hope the Braves improve enough next season to hit the Big Dance.

[real fan]

Playing in tournaments like the CBI last season and the CTI this year is great for both the players and fans as it gives us a chance to see us play against teams from all over the country plus you see many different styles of play, it gives our team extra games which in turn helps all the newcomers get extra minutes agaist good competition, anyone that thinks these teams are not good has no understanding of the game. I think Oakland was as good as any team we played at home this season including Butler.

[Bravesfan]

Playing in tournaments like the CBI last season and the CTI this year is great for both the players and fans as it gives us a chance to see us play against teams from all over the country plus you see many different styles of play, it gives our team extra games which in turn helps all the newcomers get extra minutes agaist good competition, anyone that thinks these teams are not good has no understanding of the game. I think Oakland was as good as any team we played at home this season including Butler.

I think this also exposes us to a "new" pool of teams that we can look into scheduling in the future, like minded mid-majors that can help our strength of schedule. And it shows that there are other good teams out there that might not be "name" teams, but teams that are still very good nonetheless.

[ifarania]

I agree completely. I am not one of the people that like the new tourneys because it pads the win total. Nor do I think they are any sort of real championship (I don't think that about the NIT either tho...) But they are great to give the seniors a few more games, and the younger guys more experience. Plus it gives us fans something to do. I really see nothing different between them and the NIT except quality of competition. IMO people that say otherwise are just people who are stuck in their ways and don't want to change the status quo. If your not playing in the NCAA tournament, who cares what the 3 letter acronym is?

I agree... But then where have you been if it's given you something to do???

[Fetz86]

I would watch our team play a tournament against a high school freshman girls team before watching spring training baseball. Any chance to watch us keep playing i'll take.

[onetuffshot]

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And what about the "Last Man Standing" bragging rights. For the second year in a row the Braves extend their season longer than any other MVC team.