Break Out Year For AT?

[basketball nut]

Hopefully Brazil was no fluke-if it wasn't what a fun year ahead. SS may end up hardly seeing the floor but only time will tell.
Not ripping on SS as he is one of my favorite players and w/ his size is going to make a very good MENTOR for the younger BIG guys

[AZ BU Fan]

Hopefully AT will give BU someone in the middle who can discourage opposing guards from driving to the basket at will, and, eliminate the need to double team opposing base line players all the time down low...

That would go a long way to helping BU jack up their defensive pressure on opposing teams' jump shooters...

[houstontxbrave]

Hopefully Brazil was no fluke-if it wasn't what a fun year ahead. SS may end up hardly seeing the floor but only time will tell.
Not ripping on SS as he is one of my favorite players and w/ his size is going to make a very good MENTOR for the younger BIG guys

I tend to agree, but SS is experienced and in conference that experience likely will be needed. It has been a very long time since BU had size and depth at the 5, but the depth is not exactly tested.

But JL, and I know this drives many crazy because it often gives us smallish line-ups often plays who is his best 5 at the time he is making decisions. He doesnt always make adjustedments based on what another coach does.

That is why I am convinced that SM will start more often then not. I have said it before and will continue, but SM is who JL sees himself as on this team, he is a leader but also who he trusts with the basketball to make decisions.

Looking at the depth and size of this team and the experience in the back court(where many MVC games are won) the limit to success of this team is virtually unlimited. No longer is it where even if we go with 4 ball handers will we be to small to rebound.

[amckillip]

That is why I am convinced that SM will start more often then not. I have said it before and will continue, but SM is who JL sees himself as on this team, he is a leader but also who he trusts with the basketball to make decisions.

Ok, a disclaimer, this isn't against you houston, You just prompted it, haha.

It cracks me up when people say this. One look at the stat sheet and tell me SM shouldn't start.

Then think about whats being said... Our coach sees himself in a player... Our coach was probably one of the top 5 players to EVER play at BU. If he sees the potential in a current player to be what he was... Then by all means PLAY HIM... LOTS.

Sam was our second best player last year, the best graduated, and people don't want him to start. I don't get it. I honestly wonder if its because SamM doesn't look, we'll say, 'athletic.' SamM is both taller and stronger than EM, makes better decisions with the ball, and is much better offensively. People knock Sam's D - and it was by no means spectacular - but he was guarding the opposing teams 2-guard. Put him back at his natural PG position and he would fair much better on D. I just don't get all the 'Sam's good, but not good enough to start' sentiment on this board, it really makes me wonder...

[Braves4Life]

Ok, a disclaimer, this isn't against you houston, You just prompted it, haha.

It cracks me up when people say this. One look at the stat sheet and tell me SM shouldn't start.

Then think about whats being said... Our coach sees himself in a player... Our coach was probably one of the top 5 players to EVER play at BU. If he sees the potential in a current player to be what he was... Then by all means PLAY HIM... LOTS.

Sam was our second best player last year, the best graduated, and people don't want him to start. I don't get it. I honestly wonder if its because SamM doesn't look, we'll say, 'athletic.' SamM is both taller and stronger than EM, makes better decisions with the ball, and is much better offensively. People knock Sam's D - and it was by no means spectacular - but he was guarding the opposing teams 2-guard. Put him back at his natural PG position and he would fair much better on D. I just don't get all the 'Sam's good, but not good enough to start' sentiment on this board, it really makes me wonder...

You and I think a lot alike amckillip! I think if we ever meet I'll need to buy you a drink

[amckillip]

You and I think a lot alike amckillip! I think if we ever meet I'll need to buy you a drink

Sounds like a plan? Vegas?

[Braves4Life]

Sounds like a plan? Vegas?

I'm afraid I won't be there. Maybe MVC Tournament?

[dogsrus]

Ok, a disclaimer, this isn't against you houston, You just prompted it, haha.

It cracks me up when people say this. One look at the stat sheet and tell me SM shouldn't start.

Then think about whats being said... Our coach sees himself in a player... Our coach was probably one of the top 5 players to EVER play at BU. If he sees the potential in a current player to be what he was... Then by all means PLAY HIM... LOTS.

Sam was our second best player last year, the best graduated, and people don't want him to start. I don't get it. I honestly wonder if its because SamM doesn't look, we'll say, 'athletic.' SamM is both taller and stronger than EM, makes better decisions with the ball, and is much better offensively. People knock Sam's D - and it was by no means spectacular - but he was guarding the opposing teams 2-guard. Put him back at his natural PG position and he would fair much better on D. I just don't get all the 'Sam's good, but not good enough to start' sentiment on this board, it really makes me wonder...

Just remember how this all started....this was originally just Wessler giving his "wishful thinking" lineup when he put EM in vs SM. He has stated HE thinks SM will most likely start.

He felt the lineup of EM, TB,AW,CR and WE was the best blend of size, athleticism and skill. He went on to point out any team with DD and SM coming off the bench would be a strong team.

He points ou that EM IS our PG and if thats the case with SM at the 2 spot we start off very small again. He also pointed out he doesn't have a problem with the 4 guard lineup as long as we have a real strong post player.

[SFP]

SM vs EM is a good question but really are we comparing apples with apples? I believe they offer completely different looks. EM does a better job on D hounding his man, SM is just not quick enough but on the other hand SM is a better shooter. EM can penetrate to the lane better and help create shots for his teammates, SM is a better finisher around the rim. What I can't wait to see is how both these guys improved their game! If EM can shoot that top of the key 3, watch out! If SM spent his conditioning with agility and speed drills, watch out! I'm happy to have both of them at BU and believe playing both with AW gives a dimension that few schools can match up with. Play them close to stop their jumper they drive, play off of them and they hit the 3. Who cares who is a starter????? Let's just win baby!

[Out of Balance]

Hopefully Brazil was no fluke-if it wasn't what a fun year ahead. SS may end up hardly seeing the floor but only time will tell.
Not ripping on SS as he is one of my favorite players and w/ his size is going to make a very good MENTOR for the younger BIG guys

Your joking, right Where the hell did this come from friend

[amckillip]

I'm afraid I won't be there. Maybe MVC Tournament?

There's a pretty cheap flight from Phoenix to STL... I might have to make it happen...

[Out of Balance]

You and I think a lot alike amckillip! I think if we ever meet I'll need to buy you a drink

What no beer for me, I agree EM's playing time was as much as it was only because of the injury to AW Sammy the leader/player will be the point guard

[houstontxbrave]

SM vs EM is a good question but really are we comparing apples with apples? I believe they offer completely different looks. EM does a better job on D hounding his man, SM is just not quick enough but on the other hand SM is a better shooter. EM can penetrate to the lane better and help create shots for his teammates, SM is a better finisher around the rim. What I can't wait to see is how both these guys improved their game! If EM can shoot that top of the key 3, watch out! If SM spent his conditioning with agility and speed drills, watch out! I'm happy to have both of them at BU and believe playing both with AW gives a dimension that few schools can match up with. Play them close to stop their jumper they drive, play off of them and they hit the 3. Who cares who is a starter????? Let's just win baby!

The biggest complaint, observation from last season when we would all watch the games online and sit in the chat room was how frustrated all of us were when EM would either pass up open looks on jump shots or he would get into the lane and not finish. If EM has regained confidence in his jump shot he is our best 1 because of his on the ball defense. Hope he also reins in the no look cross court passes he liked last season.

SM though is just the poster child for Bradley Basketball, tough gritty in your face basketball player. He is what this program is about, dedication and doing anything to win a basketball game. He is our heart and soul and will be in my mind the nightly starter at the 1 and often will be who has the ball in his hands with a game on the line.

He just might not be a 35 minute per game guy or a double figure scorer. I think with choices at both the 1 or 2 in DD, SM, EM or AW there is quickness, athletic skill, length and scoring both to the rim and shooting that every team we play will have issues with our back court regardless of who starts or finishes a game. If you remember AW before he got hurt 2 years ago, his best part of his game was getting into passing lanes, creating turn overs and he was a ton off the dribble going to the rim and scoring.

Depth all over the place.

[Out of Balance]

Just remember how this all started....this was originally just Wessler giving his "wishful thinking" lineup when he put EM in vs SM. He has stated HE thinks SM will most likely start.

He felt the lineup of EM, TB,AW,CR and WE was the best blend of size, athleticism and skill. He went on to point out any team with DD and SM coming off the bench would be a strong team.

He points ou that EM IS our PG and if thats the case with SM at the 2 spot we start off very small again. He also pointed out he doesn't have a problem with the 4 guard lineup as long as we have a real strong post player.

Dog, Wessler also has "wishful thinking" about being a good golfer to Did you get that ball I left you and if so how did you hit it

[basketball nut]

Your joking, right Where the hell did this come from friend

OB, I wasn't meaning that SS wouldn't play but if AT improves and can play like he did in Brazil & WE is healthy then we divide the minutes between 3 guys and SS gets about 12-15 minutes a game. Only time will tell as I really like SS and what he brings w/ his energy but AT & WE have quickness and jumping ability if they are ready to play week in and week out