Pantagraph beat writer predicts the 2010-2011 Valley finish

[BradleyJD]

Then I guess it never happened. It is settled.

For what it's worth, I do remember it being discussed. Who said it or when they said it, I do not know.

I believe it was in one of threads about the real or imagined success/failure of Coach Les' tenure at BU. I remember someone saying that BU had overachieved their preseason predicted spot.

That said, it's all water near a bridge as Kramer would put it.

[tornado]

Then I guess it never happened. It is settled.

no, failure to see something doesn't prove it doesn't exist...anyone should know that...
I was just saying, as someone who reads every post on this board, that I never saw any Bradley fan say he was happy with a 5th or 6th place finish, since it was as good as some predicted...

[Da Coach]

I really hope we don't hear people saying in February "Well, we were picked 5th and are probably going to finish 4th, so we overachieved. What were you expecting?" We heard that WAY too much this past season.

I also hope we can put to rest the sentiment expressed regularly here by the Jim Les-detractors that "except for a lucky 6-week run in 2006, he has been below average".
I guess 5 winning seasons in a row, averaging over 20 wins per season and having more wins than all but 2 other conference teams in that stretch, while playing consistently the best non-conference schedule, plus 5 straight finishes in the upper half of the MVC, and 4 straight postseason appearances and winning games in every tournament against quality opponents constitutes below average to some fans.
I am not saying these past few years haven't been frustrating, and that Bradley teams haven't underachieved at times. But it's been far from "below average". And considering the number of serious injuries to key players, and the quality job Jim Les has done graduating his players and never making excuses, I think he is the best coach to take Bradley into the future.

[amckillip]

I am not saying these past few years haven't been frustrating, and that Bradley teams haven't underachieved at times. But it's been far from "below average". And considering the number of serious injuries to key players, and the quality job Jim Les has done graduating his players and never making excuses, I think he is the best coach to take Bradley into the future.

My sentiments exactly!

[LittleBrave]

Aside from a few incidents, the guys on BU teams during the Les tenure have been classy kids and have represented BU well.
Even more than the elusive 3rd place or better finish, I desire the team to have a renewed focus, guys playing their roles well, and playing with passion every game.
Maybe their theme next season could be...
Playing for Peoria with Purpose & Passion

[SFP]

Way to early to get hyped up about next years prediction. We still have a few weeks of the signing period, plus who knows what a player will want to do and summer. These predictions have little value IMO. If BU gets that big and he can rebound and make bunnies we'll be fine. Forget about MSU's predicted finish, I really do not see where Creighton surpasses us. Did we not beat them down in St Louis?

[real fan]

Way to early to get hyped up about next years prediction. We still have a few weeks of the signing period, plus who knows what a player will want to do and summer. These predictions have little value IMO. If BU gets that big and he can rebound and make bunnies we'll be fine. Forget about MSU's predicted finish, I really do not see where Creighton surpasses us. Did we not beat them down in St Louis?

We gave Creighton a severe beat down in St.Louis and if Lawson jr. does not return they will finish in the lower half.

[mrcoachdude]

I was involved with a number of conversations on this board during the season with people who said that we were picked 6th, so finishing 6th was OK because it's where we were picked, and finishing in the 4-5 game was overachieving. It was then followed by a myriad of excuses. At this point it's neither here nor there, it's in the past and what's done is done. Onward and upward. I just don't want to be having those conversations again this year. I don't think anyone does!

....it was sacasticly presented by someone..if I remember right....and then bandied about for a few threads....but with my memory who knows

[houstontxbrave]

I think it is pretty obvious that WSU is your favorite and Eville will struggle to not finish 10th.

Beyond that no one has any idea, including this writer.

BTW with the amount experienced talent returning Bradley sure better be better then 5th. I dont care if we dont sign anyone else, there is no excuse to be muddling along again this year.

[AZ BU Fan]

...he is the best coach to take Bradley into the future.

Of course, one fan's "he is the best coach to take Bradley into the future" is another fan's "BU hasn't won a MVC Championship or MVC title under JL in 8 years"...

BU MBB hasn't been below average during JL's tenure, but mostly mediocre: "of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; adequate."

BU has won some big games they shouldn't have during JL's coaching career, but has also lost too many games they shouldn't have during the same time.

Of course, past performance is no indication of future returns in the financial world. Lets hope this also applies to BU MBB.

If BU's players/recruits are as good as posters keep saying they are vs other MVC teams, and JL is as good a coach as many believe, with CU, SIU, and ISU possibly all having down years in 2010-11, next season should be BU's best chance to win the MVC, or MVC Tourney, under JL. No more excuses.

Let's hope the "10's" becomes the decade of BU MBB.

[Future Walk-On]

Some teams have transition years or a transition couple years. Bradley is in a transition decade...

I will not be satisfied with anything but a close race for the title. (i.e. 1 or 2 games out at most)

[shaunguth]

Some teams have transition years or a transition couple years. Bradley is in a transition decade...

I will not be satisfied with anything but a close race for the title. (i.e. 1 or 2 games out at most)

I would be "satisfied" with another Sweet 16, but then that would just be another fluke and more than likely because of Platt. I'd still be satisfied with it.

[BUfan14]

I would be "satisfied" with another Sweet 16, but then that would just be another fluke and more than likely because of Platt. I'd still be satisfied with it.

No way, I wouldn't be satisfied with just another Sweet Sixteen! Final Four or bust!

[BUfan14]

It will happen this year, barring key injuries.

I agree, barring a lot of unfortunate injuries, I see no way Bradley does not finish at least top 3.

[Braves4Life]

I agree, barring a lot of unfortunate injuries, I see no way Bradley does not finish at least top 3.

I agree. I've said it before -- if BU is not top 3 we will have a new coach in 2011-12. I'm confident (and hopeful) that Les will be at BU for a long time.