I dont blame the coaching

[Bradleyguy10]

see the second part of my post about Sam but the fact is he was really hot, he needed to have the ball late in the game. 17 offensive rebounds is what killed us.

Because he is one of the few players you can normally depend on to make a shot. Maybe not how it turned out, but he's one of the few players Les can depend on. And THAT didn't even work tonight!

It's frustrating with this team. I live near another school that while they may not beat the good teams most of the time (though they had a great win over a top ten team at home earlier this season), they do know how to beat the teams they should, at least at home. And they have several more "cupcakes" at home this month, which may lead them to that elusive (for them) NCAA bid.

Some of you might have already guessed that I'm talking about Northwestern. That may be a place I need to take in a game before the year is out!

I'm hoping Bradley can be in that same situation next year. We need our home court advantage back!

NO NO NO NO NO. They were shutting him down big time towards the end of the game and you come up with a play to give him the ball and just tell him to drive to the hoop and do his patented underhand layup??? That IS NOT good coaching when it hadn't been working the last 4 attempts. You want him to have the ball in his hands that desperately at the end of the game? Then you do your D*MN JOB and draw something up that has at least a SHOT at getting him open. Not this stupid sh*t where he tries to drive by O only to meet a WAITING odiakosa. Face it we've got 3 starters that can light it up for 20+ any given night and another 2 that can add double figures and we're still losing. They go cold because we don't change our offense when we need to and they take stupid/hard shots...ruins their confidence or any flow...and we can't come back out of it. First 5 minutes of the 2nd half we suck and the last 5 minutes of games we suck...not a good way to play the game.

[Future Walk-On]

i vote for including Brazil games

[warren5]

NO NO NO NO NO. They were shutting him down big time towards the end of the game and you come up with a play to give him the ball and just tell him to drive to the hoop and do his patented underhand layup??? That IS NOT good coaching when it hadn't been working the last 4 attempts. You want him to have the ball in his hands that desperately at the end of the game? Then you do your D*MN JOB and draw something up that has at least a SHOT at getting him open. Not this stupid sh*t where he tries to drive by O only to meet a WAITING odiakosa. Face it we've got 3 starters that can light it up for 20+ any given night and another 2 that can add double figures and we're still losing. They go cold because we don't change our offense when we need to and they take stupid/hard shots...ruins their confidence or any flow...and we can't come back out of it. First 5 minutes of the 2nd half we suck and the last 5 minutes of games we suck...not a good way to play the game.

AGREED

Why do we only run ball screens? one of the best ways to get open is off ball screens curling to the basket, having the big guy roll to the hoop also. We run an NBA offense with a 35 second shot clock and a college team....doesnt make sense.

[tornado]

neither BU nor ISU is gonna get an at large NCAA bid...both are shooting for one of two things...
either win the tourney or hope for some bid to some lower tourney..
last night's game doesn't really change as much as some would want you to think...

we happened to see a real anomaly last night...very few fouls called...
after numerous games of having the refs who call the MOST fouls in MVC history, we had a crew that decided to swallow the whistle last night (could it be that was because Doug Elgin was in the crowd?)..and it hurt BU.
we got hammered and pushed around...I am not blaming the refs just stating the obvious...their calls were even but a team without a big, bulky, physical post presence is gonna get into a disadvantage in this style of game.
The style they allowed was more favorable to ISU than it was to BU...
Dinma played physical all night, has a history of fouling and getting in foul trouble (69 fouls on the seaosn and 3 foul-outs, and he had 4 Sat. vs. Drake), yet was whistled a grand total of ZERO times last night..
anyone who thinks that factor doesn't have an influence on the outcome of a close game is not being honest..

[Redwhite09]

I am a long time reader, seldom poster. I am only posting now because of my strong reaction to something I saw last night as the game was ending. I'm sure we are all disappointed with the loss last night. I certainly was. I know I am in the minority here, but I tend to agree with a few others though, that Les gets much more criticism with a loss than he gets credit with a win.

At the end of the game, I was standing next to a man who obviously was upset with the loss. He stood there stomping his foot (like a two year old) and immediately started chanting "We need a new coach." He stomped a few times and then exited the arena, still chanting loudly "We need a new coach." I was offended by his behavior and was glad I didn't have a child with me to witness the temper tantrum of this "grown" man. If the guy wants a new coach it would have been more appropriate to say "I want a new coach." There was no one standing there with him, and yet, he seemed to include everyone (we) at the arena in his statement. I wanted to say to him "Speak for yourself!" Guess he thinks everyone thinks like he does.

I was as disappointed as the next person, but that type of behavior seems a little over the top to me. I had to wonder to myself how this same guy would have reacted if by some chance our last shot had gone in and we would have won the game. I doubt very much that this guy would have been shouting and stomping about what a great coach we have. He would have been cheering and carrying on, but I doubt any mention of the coach would have been included in his victory dance. I have a feeling he would have given the "team" credit for a win, but no mention of the coach.

Games are won and lost on a lot of factors...not just one variable. Offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding, quickness, free throw shooting, turnovers, defense, intensity, confidence, injuries, foul troubles, shots falling, cold streaks, hot streaks, passing abilities, crowd noise and yes, coaching....all of these contribute to a win or loss.

I was here during the Mo era too. I can remember one whole season where I had to make myself go to the games. I did not look forward to them and out and out dreaded going. I would almost fall asleep when I did go. I personally never blame just a coach as I know there are a lot more things that go into a win or loss. It is a complete "Team Effort" in a win or loss. (team being the players and the coaches!) Just my two cents worth.

[Buesch N Chips]

They were shutting him down big time towards the end of the game and you come up with a play to give him the ball and just tell him to drive to the hoop and do his patented underhand layup??? That IS NOT good coaching when it hadn't been working the last 4 attempts.

Are you sure that's what JL told him to do?

[tornado]

Thanks Redwhite..
good thoughts...

people act like you can change coaches like you change a light bulb...
but of course it is much more complex...
there are buyouts, contracts, $$ that must be spent....then have to go out and get someone to come to Peoria that would do better, and in the meantime likely lose future talent/recruits/players, while taking a chance that like Evansville, you'll be at the bottom of the Valley for quite a while even if you get a guy that everyone loves and thinks is a great, new coach...

(btw- the same is happening at Loyola, UIC, DePaul, EIU, WIU, and even to some extent now at SIU -
and you'll see ISU fall off a bunch more under their new coach next year when the last of Porter's guys are gone!)

The guy was indeed acting like a baby who wants a new lollipop & is indeed quite the common reaction nowadays, and it is nothing but self-serving....
the guy thinks his desires must be met by everyone else, and to HE** with the desired and feelings of the other fans, the players, coaches, administrators, and everyone else...
he is certainly free to express his selfish desires, but so are we free to analyze his comments and call then juvenile, embarrassing, and selfish

[Da Coach]

I am a long time reader, seldom poster. I am only posting now because of my strong reaction to something I saw last night as the game was ending. I'm sure we are all disappointed with the loss last night. I certainly was. I know I am in the minority here, but I tend to agree with a few others though, that Les gets much more criticism with a loss than he gets credit with a win.

At the end of the game, I was standing next to a man who obviously was upset with the loss. He stood there stomping his foot (like a two year old) and immediately started chanting "We need a new coach." He stomped a few times and then exited the arena, still chanting loudly "We need a new coach." I was offended by his behavior and was glad I didn't have a child with me to witness the temper tantrum of this "grown" man. If the guy wants a new coach it would have been more appropriate to say "I want a new coach." There was no one standing there with him, and yet, he seemed to include everyone (we) at the arena in his statement. I wanted to say to him "Speak for yourself!" Guess he thinks everyone thinks like he does.

I was as disappointed as the next person, but that type of behavior seems a little over the top to me. I had to wonder to myself how this same guy would have reacted if by some chance our last shot had gone in and we would have won the game. I doubt very much that this guy would have been shouting and stomping about what a great coach we have. He would have been cheering and carrying on, but I doubt any mention of the coach would have been included in his victory dance. I have a feeling he would have given the "team" credit for a win, but no mention of the coach.

Games are won and lost on a lot of factors...not just one variable. Offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding, quickness, free throw shooting, turnovers, defense, intensity, confidence, injuries, foul troubles, shots falling, cold streaks, hot streaks, passing abilities, crowd noise and yes, coaching....all of these contribute to a win or loss.

I was here during the Mo era too. I can remember one whole season where I had to make myself go to the games. I did not look forward to them and out and out dreaded going. I would almost fall asleep when I did go. I personally never blame just a coach as I know there are a lot more things that go into a win or loss. It is a complete "Team Effort" in a win or loss. (team being the players and the coaches!) Just my two cents worth.

Thanks RedWhite09- your thoughts are appreciated, and they are shared by a lot of fans who don't always post their views or speak out as loudly as the critics do. All of us Bradley fans are disappointed by the loss. But some of the criticism is, indeed, over the top. We can dissect the losses and find reasons Bradley loses close games like last night, but to always blame the coach for everything is a little ridiculous. And I might point out that the coach gets blame and ridicule even after some wins, when we don't win by enough to satisfy everyone.
This season has been disapppointing, but we've seen that there is not a huge difference between the teams in the league, and most fans still believe Bradley has a chance to do something in this season and postseason. I still support Coach Les and the team, as do many of the fans.
Go Braves!

[SaintLouBrave22]

neither BU nor ISU is gonna get an at large NCAA bid...both are shooting for one of two things...
either win the tourney or hope for some bid to some lower tourney..
last night's game doesn't really change as much as some would want you to think...

we happened to see a real anomaly last night...very few fouls called...
after numerous games of having the refs who call the MOST fouls in MVC history, we had a crew that decided to swallow the whistle last night (could it be that was because Doug Elgin was in the crowd?)..and it hurt BU.
we got hammered and pushed around...I am not blaming the refs just stating the obvious...their calls were even but a team without a big, bulky, physical post presence is gonna get into a disadvantage in this style of game.
The style they allowed was more favorable to ISU than it was to BU...
Dinma played physical all night, has a history of fouling and getting in foul trouble (69 fouls on the seaosn and 3 foul-outs, and he had 4 Sat. vs. Drake), yet was whistled a grand total of ZERO times last night..
anyone who thinks that factor doesn't have an influence on the outcome of a close game is not being honest..

Except the problem was from 9-3 min left in the 2nd half where we made bad decisions, forced ourselves into poor turnovers and bad shots, and in sequence, blew the big lead (AGAIN)....this had absolutely nothing to do with how the game was called.

This team has zero chance of going deep in St. Louis AND most are hoping that the earlier this season ends, the better...Who really is that interested in wasting more money on a CBI home game?!

[BradleyJD]

So I have a question to Da Coach and Tornado..

I saw where you agreed with the post about fans complaining about the coach.

First, I did not think there were too many posts after this game attacking Les. I did see a lot of posts about the disappointment however.

My question is this.....

At what point would you make a coaching change, if ever?

I have seen many posts blaming the fans for booing, the facilities for being substandard, the refs, heck even blaming Kirk Wessler.

Is there ever a time BU should change the light bulb (coach)???

It's not like he hasn't had time. He has had terms (8 years) as coach. He has seen many many many of his full recruiting classes come and go. He has had his own players, his own style, and he had a Sweet Sixteen to build off of for everything as well.

How much time does any coach deserve to build a program?

I have read on this board and others that he should be given 1 more year. Just 1 more year.

The problem is they have been saying 1 more year for three years. Actually, they were saying it before the Sweet 16 too.

I say this as a life-long Bradley fan. As a season ticket holder. As a Bradley graduate. As a member of a family that sent 7 kids to BU. As a son of a 20+ year BU employee. As a fan who sat in the endzone and cheered Jimmy during the 32-3 season. As a fan who ardently supported his hiring.

When is enough, enough?

I just want your honest opinion. This is not an angry or "flame" posting.

[chitown fanatic]

So I have a question to Da Coach and Tornado..

I saw where you agreed with the post about fans complaining about the coach.

First, I did not think there were too many posts after this game attacking Les. I did see a lot of posts about the disappointment however.

My question is this.....

At what point would you make a coaching change, if ever?

I have seen many posts blaming the fans for booing, the facilities for being substandard, the refs, heck even blaming Kirk Wessler.

Is there ever a time BU should change the light bulb (coach)???

It's not like he hasn't had time. He has had terms (8 years) as coach. He has seen many many many of his full recruiting classes come and go. He has had his own players, his own style, and he had a Sweet Sixteen to build off of for everything as well.

How much time does any coach deserve to build a program?

I have read on this board and others that he should be given 1 more year. Just 1 more year.

The problem is they have been saying 1 more year for three years. Actually, they were saying it before the Sweet 16 too.

I say this as a life-long Bradley fan. As a season ticket holder. As a Bradley graduate. As a member of a family that sent 7 kids to BU. As a son of a 20+ year BU employee. As a fan who sat in the endzone and cheered Jimmy during the 32-3 season. As a fan who ardently supported his hiring.

When is enough, enough?

I just want your honest opinion. This is not an angry or "flame" posting.

Post of the year!!!!! Unfortunately, you'll never get a response, at least not in a public forum like this.

[chitown fanatic]

So I have a question to Da Coach and Tornado..

I saw where you agreed with the post about fans complaining about the coach.

First, I did not think there were too many posts after this game attacking Les. I did see a lot of posts about the disappointment however.

My question is this.....

At what point would you make a coaching change, if ever?

I have seen many posts blaming the fans for booing, the facilities for being substandard, the refs, heck even blaming Kirk Wessler.

Is there ever a time BU should change the light bulb (coach)???

It's not like he hasn't had time. He has had terms (8 years) as coach. He has seen many many many of his full recruiting classes come and go. He has had his own players, his own style, and he had a Sweet Sixteen to build off of for everything as well.

How much time does any coach deserve to build a program?

I have read on this board and others that he should be given 1 more year. Just 1 more year.

The problem is they have been saying 1 more year for three years. Actually, they were saying it before the Sweet 16 too.

I say this as a life-long Bradley fan. As a season ticket holder. As a Bradley graduate. As a member of a family that sent 7 kids to BU. As a son of a 20+ year BU employee. As a fan who sat in the endzone and cheered Jimmy during the 32-3 season. As a fan who ardently supported his hiring.

When is enough, enough?

I just want your honest opinion. This is not an angry or "flame" posting.

You also forgot the excuse that we don't practice in the same facility where we play, the most comical one of all time!

[BradleyBrave]

Everything's fine, the kids are great, Jimmy's doing a great job.

Jim gets a lifetime contract since he was a good player.

I bet Joe Stowell wishes he would have gotten one of those, he played for a national championship for God's sake!

[Dallas Brave]

Can't really praise the coaching either though which is just as big of an issue if someone were to blame him.

[SaintLouBrave22]

I would like to believe you place his back against the wall after this off-season...

He better get it right next year or he shouldn't be here...just look at who we lose in the next year and 1/2...


If anything needs to be done, it needs to be done in the next year.


This also tells me that his staff needs to be changed this off-season.