Should we play in the CBI or CIT?

[Da Coach]

There is precedent proving that playing late into March can negatively affect recruiting. Several players Jim Les was recruiting in 2006 had to cancel visits to Bradley's campus, and ended up committing elsewhere because Bradley was playing into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament that year. Anthony Slack, Boo Richardson, and Dom Johnson were 3 of the juco players our coaches liked and wanted, but all 3 ended up committing to ISU while Bradley was still playing.

[BUfan14]

There is precedent proving that playing late into March can negatively affect recruiting. Several players Jim Les was recruiting in 2006 had to cancel visits to Bradley's campus, and ended up committing elsewhere because Bradley was playing into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament that year. Anthony Slack, Boo Richardson, and Dom Johnson were 3 of the juco players our coaches liked and wanted, but all 3 ended up committing to ISU while Bradley was still playing.

If we were playing all or mostly home games like the CIT last year would that ease the burden on recruiting if we play?

[chitown fanatic]

More games are always fine with me...build a bridge to Sox season. I would like to say I had a great time meeting several posters this year and Friday was especially fun. We were never in the game Saturday, but I think today just proves how better UNI is than anyone else in our league this year. Next year, as much as it doesn't seem possible, the Valley will be even weaker and will be Bradley's best chance at success. Crowds at both the games and our pre-game parties were incredibly low, maybe even as much as half of what they've been in past years. A disturbing trend to say the least

[BUfan14]

Next year, as much as it doesn't seem possible, the Valley will be even weaker and will be Bradley's best chance at success.

I disagree there, I think the Valley is going to be really great next year. The only teams that seem to be losing a lot are Il St. and UNI, and both of them will still have enough to be at least average to decent next year. Every other Valley school will be looking to be greatly improved.

[Da Coach]

If we were playing all or mostly home games like the CIT last year would that ease the burden on recruiting if we play?

It would be less of an effect than the NCAA year was, with all the game preparation, media obligations, and travel. But it still distracts a lot from what the coaches could be doing if they had nothing but recruiting to concentrate on.
Also, in most past years, Bradley had early commitments, so they were not relying entirely on their springtime recruiting like they are this year.

[abraveforlife]

No. These tournaments have not been a benefit for the program in the past and they won't be a benefit for the future. Maybe Roberts will have a dunk that will make sportscenter, but that is about it. Playing Sam Houston St in front of 5000 people while the rest of the country is watching the NCAA tournament is dumb. Jim Les and the staff should get on a plane and go to every state and bring back a center or two who can create somewhat of an inside game rather than going out and playing in a tv less tournament that is below the NIT. I love the team just as much as anyone else here and I wish they could play year round, but there comes a time when your goal should be THE ONLY TOURNAMENT. Get into the weight room, practice hard everyday, grow as a team, and come out next season and do what you were expected to do......not just go to the CBI every year or whatever the tournament is going to be called.

[dogsrus]

I talked to a wide variety of fans in St Louis and the overwhelming majority said they would NOT be in favor of another eieio tourney appearance and that if BU chooses to play they would NOT be going.

The typical answers as to why was, "we supported it year one and very reluctantly year 2 under the premise it was to improve the team for the following season."

Since THAT premise appeared to be shot they said, lets NOT get involved and focus our resources and time elsewhere.

I fear that with the obvious decline in attendance we saw this year and with some of the apathy that started to creep in we could see home crowds of 2k to 2.5 k...OUCH.

[ph]

I talked to a wide variety of fans in St Louis and the overwhelming majority said they would NOT be in favor of another eieio tourney appearance and that if BU chooses to play they would NOT be going.

The typical answers as to why was, "we supported it year one and very reluctantly year 2 under the premise it was to improve the team for the following season."

Since THAT premise appeared to be shot they said, lets NOT get involved and focus our resources and time elsewhere.

I fear that with the obvious decline in attendance we saw this year and with some of the apathy that started to creep in we could see home crowds of 2k to 2.5 k...OUCH.

..if we only had an on-campus 5000 seat arena.....

[Bravesfan]

There is precedent proving that playing late into March can negatively affect recruiting. Several players Jim Les was recruiting in 2006 had to cancel visits to Bradley's campus, and ended up committing elsewhere because Bradley was playing into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament that year. Anthony Slack, Boo Richardson, and Dom Johnson were 3 of the juco players our coaches liked and wanted, but all 3 ended up committing to ISU while Bradley was still playing.

Hmmm, I did not know that. I guess there are pros and cons for playing in these postseason tournaments.

Thanks for the info!

[lake Camelot]

Not this year

I would feel bad that Sam Singh couldn't play another game. I might feel different next year. I have always been in favor of playing in any post season tourney. But not this year. We don't deserve it and I don't think we would have a very good crowd. I know we need a couple more recruits, but you never know if it ends up being 3 or four spots. It seems to happen almost every year so I would not be surprised if we have more openings. We need to get an inside game.I want us out on the trail after recruits.

[BradleyBrave]

I would not feel bad if Sam Singh doesn't get to play again. He already got an extra year that he didn't expect to get. Judging from his interview, it sounds like he's quite content with things and ready to move on to the next stage of his life.

[LittleBrave]

I voted yes, because IMO, any college basketball game is better than watching spring training baseball. And I love baseball.
However, I would qualify my vote to say- only if the team and coaches decide they want to play more games.

That's what I'm thinkin'! Opening day is too far away!
I need a couple more CR highlight dunks to keep me going!...or maybe an 80-foot game-winner?

[LittleBrave]

However, with the idea that recruiting might be affected, I would be o.k. if they didn't choose to play more...but only if they manage to get a good 5.

[Fetz86]

but they definitely have helped develop our young players, as evidenced particularly by the play of DSE and JE this year.

What? How did playing in the tournaments the last two years, or even just last year help develop DSE and JE this year, when they were not even on the team? Please justify this statement because as it stands on its own it makes absolutely zero sense.

[Dallas Brave]

If the players want to ... fine.

As a fan, I'm ready to say goodbye to this season. I might be more enthused if the tournaments were used with an eye toward next year. But I was disappointed with how successful we were in the CIT two years ago playing David Collins and how he was tagged as being a big part for the upcoming year ... and then zilch ... he sat on the bench and JL went back to his church league lineup.