A Tribute to John "Mark" Russell

[peterwade75]

Yeah, he was a true BU fan like no other. I can remember him hyping some incoming BU players like they were going straight to the HOF, only to see them be average at best. Not 1 but 2 6-year senior centers come to mind. He was always excited about the new recruits, the returning players and as was already said, he'd have no problem predicting a BU first place Valley finish year after year after year. Wish he could have been here for when it finally does happen!!

[Big Lance]

Sorry it took me so long to get one on here, buballer82, but when I see dad again, I want to be able to tell him I had a post on this thread too...

Dad was the ultimate kool-aid drinker for Bradley Basketball. I know many people on this forum think I'm a BU/Les hater, which couldn't be further from the truth. I'm just battle weary from trying to keep Dad's expectations and wild predictions somewhat grounded

I'll never forget when Dad took me to get my picture with Voise Winters when I was about 5 but I was too awestruck to go through with it. I ended up getting a picture with a white dude I can't even remember instead!

I remember going to a real game at the fieldhouse against SIU and sitting in the front row. Too cool when you are a little kid!

I remember listening to the games on the radio together. I remember thinking that Mike Cash and the boys could somehow rally up to victory. I remember you me and Dad in the living room, listening to the BU-SIU game where the Braves were down 18 with 5 minutes to go, and 15 with 3 minutes left, but 3 Eric Roberson steals and an incredible Anthony Parker buzzerbeater brought them all the way back in the most incredible few minutes of Bradley Basketball I've ever experienced. I remember vividly Dave Snell's call, and I remember us screaming and yelling and laughing and me picking you up to where your head almost hit the ceiling. And every time I hear that play-by-play at the end of the Bradley Loyalty Song on the BU Basketball band CD, I think of that moment in the living room. And I'll always remember him being there. From the beginning of Braves Plus to the very end of the postgame show, he was there. From the fieldhouse, to carver arena, to Hinkle Fieldhouse for our first Rollin' with the Braves bus trip (that was, I think, his favorite moment), to St. Louis for all those Valley tournaments, he was there. And in our memories, he always will be.


And BTW, Braves4Life, had his eyesight not failed him in the last few years, he would have appreciated your array of avatars the most! (I couldn't get through this without one more zing on ya, pops!!!)

[Bravesfan]

My condolences go out to you on the loss of your father buballer. He sounded like a great person. Here's hoping he can spur Bradley onto that Valley championship next year!