I dont blame the coaching

[BradleyJD]

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

The rumor is that is the plan for the offseason. Pull a "Chicago Bears" and fire 2 assistants and give him another year.

[BradleyBrave]

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.

I would say it's about 50/50 right now whether Glasser/Cross take the opportunity to make a move after this season, or give him the Lovie/Zook treatment and make him overhaul his staff for a lame duck run at redemption.

[Dallas Brave]

There is no refuting that the program has backed up a step (or two) each year since the Sweet 16. 4 straight years with each year being worse than the previous season should raise some questions with the new AD.

[Buesch N Chips]

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

I could very easily see this happening.

[SaintLouBrave22]

The rumor is that is the plan for the offseason. Pull a "Chicago Bears" and fire 2 assistants and give him another year.

The staff does need to go....


- Brooks was supposed to be this awesome recruiter but has landed no one

- Vogt...what does this guy do exactly? I hear he recruits and breaks down film, but who could this guy land?!

- Buescher was supposed to be a carbon of his dad, but seems to only be good at one thing - Scouting...thats great, but something your #3 or #4 assistant should be good at, not your top associate assistant.

- Crouch is someone who can not be evaluated because he hasn't been here long enough nor has many responsibilities.



Changes need to be made and they should start there..


We desperately NEED a Chicago based assistant AND then someone who knows how to coach D AND the third guy should be a big man developer...

[Redwhite09]

Another issue can be our own attitudes. If we are constantly looking for something negative, we will surely find it. If we are constantly looking for the positives, we will find those. There's not a whole lot of difference in our means to an end....just that the "ends" are on opposite sides of the spectrum. It's like the old saying goes when two people take different positions....there's his story, her story, and the truth....(which lies somewhere in the middle).

[real fan]

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.

Great post, had Taylor Browns shot gone in which was a good shot we more then likely win the game.

[Da Coach]

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

You are wrong. Nobody here has voiced their opinion any more clearly than I have. Just because I don't subscribe to the doom and gloom, sky is falling philosophy that you and a few others do, you never want to see any other points of view.
Sorry, but you can't get me to wallow in your misery.
If this coach had multiple losing season, had behavior or disciplinary issues beyond the minor ones that some people try to make into major issues, or if the program's future was poor, I would support a coaching change if the powers at Bradley felt it was time. I have always said I support Bradley, and will continue to do so.
But Jim Les is still the coach of this team. All the bit**ing and whining isn't going to change that, though you and others think it will.
Bradley has had 4 straight 20+ winning seasons, and 4 straight finishes in the upper half of the MVC, despite having to deal with far more serious injury issues to star players than any other coach in the MVC has had to deal with. Shortsighted people think by changing coaches, it will guarantee better, but that is not likely true. The teams congregating near the bottom of the MVC thought they would see vast improvement by changing coaches, now many of their fans are having second thoughts.

Seriously, does anyone really support firing the coach right now? That's ludicrous, but apparently you don't think so. I am satisfied to see how this season finishes, then evaluate things. Bradley has very good talent, and nearly all return next year. I would give Jim Les another season.

You asked for my opinion, so there it is. But as always, that's never enough for the whiners and complainers, and the Jim Les-bashers. You will now bash me for my opinion, just as a few did when I proposed the suggestion that the home court advantage is affected by not practicing at the Civic Center (which it is). Anyone who has ever coached at any level will tell you this is true, as will nearly everyone who has ever played college or pro ball. But again, if it doesn't fit in with the mentality that "It's all the coach's fault", then the negative nellys don't want to hear it.

OK, we can now resume the coach-bashing.....

[BradleyBrave]

We desperately NEED a Chicago based assistant AND then someone who knows how to coach D AND the third guy should be a big man developer...

Rick Malnati is available. He's got connections out the wazzoo in the Chicago area HS ranks, was an outstanding HS coach for several years and produced several DI players, and is a Bradley alum from the Les (Tom/Jim) era. Fits the mold of what we're looking for. Hire him, then add another guy or two with his kind of pedigree...and we might have a staff comparable to rest of the teams in the MVC!

[SaintLouBrave22]

Another issue can be our own attitudes. If we are constantly looking for something negative, we will surely find it. If we are constantly looking for the positives, we will find those. There's not a whole lot of difference in our means to an end....just that the "ends" are on opposite sides of the spectrum. It's like the old saying goes when two people take different positions....there's his story, her story, and the truth....(which lies somewhere in the middle).

Ok, well, maybe you can explain to us what is positive about being 12-12 and 7-7 in conference?

Also while having lost 3 conference home games and having a backcourt that includes 2 Juniors and a Senior.

[BradleyBrave]

You are wrong. Nobody here has voiced their opinion any more clearly than I have. Just because I don't subscribe to the doom and gloom, sky is falling philosophy that you and a few others do, you never want to see any other points of view.
Sorry, but you can't get me to wallow in your misery.
If this coach had multiple losing season, had behavior or disciplinary issues beyond the minor ones that some people try to make into major issues, or if the program's future was poor, I would support a coaching change if the powers at Bradley felt it was time. I have always said I support Bradley, and will continue to do so.
But Jim Les is still the coach of this team. All the bit**ing and whining isn't going to change that, though you and others think it will.
Bradley has had 4 straight 20+ winning seasons, and 4 straight finishes in the upper half of the MVC, despite having to deal with far more serious injury issues to star players than any other coach in the MVC has had to deal with. Shortsighted people think by changing coaches, it will guarantee better, but that is not likely true. The teams congregating near the bottom of the MVC thought they would see vast improvement by changing coaches, now many of their fans are having second thoughts.

Seriously, does anyone really support firing the coach right now? That's ludicrous, but apparently you don't think so. I am satisfied to see how this season finishes, then evaluate things. Bradley has very good talent, and nearly all return next year. I would give Jim Les another season.

You asked for my opinion, so there it is. But as always, that's never enough for the whiners and complainers, and the Jim Les-bashers. You will now bash me for my opinion, just as a few did when I proposed the suggestion that the home court advantage is affected by not practicing at the Civic Center (which it is). Anyone who has ever coached at any level will tell you this is true, as will nearly everyone who has ever played college or pro ball. But again, if it doesn't fit in with the mentality that "It's all the coach's fault", then the negative nellys don't want to hear it.

OK, we can now resume the coach-bashing.....

I am against doing anything during the year. I don't think it's fair to anyone involved to not give someone the entire year. A complete and thorough assessment cannot be made if you don't.

Now - Not trying to start an argument, just asking objectively - If we end up 14-15 or 15-15 (losing 1st round in MVC Tourney), 8-10 or 9-10 (losing 1st round MVC Tourney), will the opinion change? From the body of work perspective, it will be 4 .500 or below seasons in 8 total, the 4th losing conference record in 8 years, an overall losing conference record in 8 years, and the 4th consecutive year the record has been worse than the previous one dating back to the Sweet 16. Would that be enough evidence to necessitate change? Maybe it isn't, I don't know. I know there are a lot of other things at play here than just wins and losses.

[tornado]

...

Changes need to be made and they should start there..
.....

I am praying that the UNC fans or the UCLA fans are as miserable and hard to please as fans "elsewhere" and then we can go after and hire Roy Williams or Ben Howland

[SaintLouBrave22]

I am against doing anything during the year. I don't think it's fair to anyone involved to not give someone the entire year. A complete and thorough assessment cannot be made if you don't.

Now - Not trying to start an argument, just asking objectively - If we end up 14-15 or 15-15 (losing 1st round in MVC Tourney), 8-10 or 9-10 (losing 1st round MVC Tourney), will the opinion change? From the body of work perspective, it will be 4 .500 or below seasons in 8 total, the 4th losing conference record in 8 years, an overall losing conference record in 8 years, and the 4th consecutive year the record has been worse than the previous one dating back to the Sweet 16. Would that be enough evidence to necessitate change?

Yes

[SaintLouBrave22]

I am praying that the UNC fans or the UCLA fans are as miserable and hard to please as fans "elsewhere" and then we can go after and hire Roy Williams or Ben Howland

We couldn't afford to pay for one of Roy's expensive dress shoes....


But we're all so glad that you're excited for 12-12, 7-7, mediocrity and a 5th-7th place finish (AGAIN)

[BradleyJD]

You are wrong. Nobody here has voiced their opinion any more clearly than I have.

Bradley has had 4 straight 20+ winning seasons, and 4 straight finishes in the upper half of the MVC

I am satisfied to see how this season finishes, then evaluate things. Bradley has very good talent, and nearly all return next year. I would give Jim Les another season.

You asked for my opinion, so there it is. But as always, that's never enough for the whiners and complainers, and the Jim Les-bashers.

OK, we can now resume the coach-bashing.....

Thank you for your answer.

Let me respond.

I don't know how you judge exactly who is best at stating an opinion, but I am glad you feel you are #1. I am not that good, but I will try.

Bradley is 76-57 overall and just 36-32 in Valley play the last 4 years. They have never been a top 3 league finisher. They have never won the MVC tourney or even seriously competed for an NCAA bid in any of those years.

I agree Jim should coach the rest of the season as well. However, as I said this one more year slogan has become an annual event. Do you agree?

I won't and haven't bashed you for your opinion.