An Honest Question

[amettrick]

I know that the overwhelming sentiment from most members of this forum is that we are in need of a coaching change. However, I also know there are a few select members of believe Jim Les is still the man for the job. My question is for those who still back JL.

At what point would you no longer support Les? What cicumstances would have to arise to change your mind?

I ask, because to me, the continued support is confusing. The supporters are quick to point to his successes while mitigating the shortcomings, which is fine. I'm just wondering how bad things would have to get before even the staunchest of Les supporters might change their mind.

[dogsrus]

I'll support him as long as he's are coach. PERIOD. As long as he doesn't lie, cheat or steal I'll root for him to turn it around.

If he pulls an Albeck and gives up/doesn't try THEN I would still support the program but NOT the coach. I don't see JL ever doing that....with that said I'd also support the University IF he was let go.

Hows THAT for riding the fence.....

[Braves4Life]

I changed mine. I would now like to see a coaching change at the end of this season. I know it won't guarantee success and may require 2-3 years of being patient but I'm now willing to accept that. Nothing could be any worse than what we're experiencing so far this season.

I like Les and appreciate all that he has done for his alma mater. I'll also continue to support Les, BU and the University if the "powers that be" choose to give him one more season to see what he can do with SM, TB, and his new recruits....... But, barring a miracle, I want a new coach next season.

[ph]

The only reason I still think it would be OK to continue with JL as coach, is that the TB situation is more of a new administrative policy instead of a 'standard' injury.

[electricmayhem]

I'll support him as long as he's are coach. PERIOD. As long as he doesn't lie, cheat or steal I'll root for him to turn it around.

If he pulls an Albeck and gives up/doesn't try THEN I would still support the program but NOT the coach. I don't see JL ever doing that....with that said I'd also support the University IF he was let go.

Hows THAT for riding the fence.....

Ditto this. +1

[ancona flash]

I've been on the fence about moving on without JL for 2+ years.

Until the disastrous EIU game. Still to this day, the worst, most lifeless BU game I've ever witnessed in person. That was the beginning, when I first started to really want him out. Then they shelve SM for the year. I felt some pity, thinking "ok, if they can at least just COMPETE and show effort, scrap and claw, then I can live with that."

Since then there have been ebbs and flows of effort, but not consistent. Then the dearth of talent.

For me, it boils down to three major shortcomings.

#1- Lack of consistent effort (a major issue these past 2-3 years)
#2- Gaping lack of talent
#3- This is the most recent, and most alarming one, the players aren't receiving his message.

I'm now 100% in the camp of removal. It's the only way we climb out of this.

[DeltaBrave03]

To me it comes to the vibe around the team. If the players still want him and believe in what he's doing I think he should stay. I have no knowledge of that situation, but hopefully our AD and Prez are close enough to the situation to know what's going on.

[Beninator]

I have changed my mind on this as well. I realize this has to be evaluated at the end of the season, but barring a miracle finish, I think that we need to proceed with a coaching change. It is my hope that the administration will send a message with a new hire of a stud coach that they are committed to building a quality program.

[Buesch N Chips]

I've said it before, I'll support whoever is there, simply because the people that put him there, and the man himself, know a whole lot more than me about the Bradley basketball program. If a change is made I will support the new guy, if Les is retained I will continue to support him.

What I see around here is a lot of people who are very selective about what information they use, how expectations always change after the fact so that they are beyond what is accomplished, how every bad thing is because of Jim Les and every good thing is in spite of Jim Les.

Then you have people who rip on the players, the same players who very well may read this site. The same players who carry a whole class load plus work their butts off on the floor, and then the Internet John Woodens come on here and tell them all they did wrong, or tell them that their leaders are incompetent.

I sure hope the players stay away from here, and I certainly hope that the coaching staff does as well. It's a cruel place when adversity hits.

[amettrick]

I've said it before, I'll support whoever is there, simply because the people that put him there, and the man himself, know a whole lot more than me about the Bradley basketball program. If a change is made I will support the new guy, if Les is retained I will continue to support him.

What if, for arguments sake, this team goes on to win only 2 or 3 games in the MVC this year. Leaving us at something like 9-21 for the year. Would you continue to support JL then? Is there any level of ineptitude this team can reach that would make you stop and say, "OK, enough is enough."?

[FlyingSpaghettiMonster]

What if, for arguments sake, this team goes on to win only 2 or 3 games in the MVC this year. Leaving us at something like 9-21 for the year. Would you continue to support JL then? Is there any level of ineptitude this team can reach that would make you stop and say, "OK, enough is enough."?

You think we can win 2 or even 3 games! I've actually gone the other way on JL as well. I thought that JL should have been removed prior to this year and this would be a make or break year. I thought a change should be made mainly for change sake. With injuries decimating the roster this year, I don't care if he stays or goes. I'm totally fine if JL returns next year but wouldn't be surprised if he was removed. My apathy is probably more telling of the state of the program than hate for the coach...

Hopefully the players and coaches don't come to the board. This board is very mild compared to most other boards that I've seen. If the criticism is too harsh, then maybe a lower DI or DII/DIII team would be more appropriate for the players and coaches.

To answer the OPs question, I wouldn't support JL if next season is like this one.

[Buesch N Chips]

What if, for arguments sake, this team goes on to win only 2 or 3 games in the MVC this year. Leaving us at something like 9-21 for the year. Would you continue to support JL then? Is there any level of ineptitude this team can reach that would make you stop and say, "OK, enough is enough."?

If the people that have been put into place think Les can turn things around, then I will be there cheering. Who am I to think that I know anything? I'm just a caveman who likes to watch basketball and root for people. I'm not even an alum. I'm an Illini guy who also roots for Bradley. I don't have any delusions that I know what is best for the program. Do I have an opinion from my seat in the rafters? Sure.

And let's be honest, in regards to the W/L record, that's probably going to happen. And people around here will continue to act shocked and horrified every time we lose, as if they never saw it coming.

[CABUFan]

I'm still on the fence. This a make or break year for me when I thought we'd be at full strength. When TB and SM went out, I was inclined to give him one more year, but if we end up with single digit wins, I think it's probably time for a change.

[stevebu91]

Unfortunately Jim Les needs to go. The State of the Program is not in good shape.

Hasn't JL had his 3 to 4 years + that the administration is following now of improve the program or ELSE remove yourself or get FIRED.

TIME TO REBUILD BU BASKETBALL. FOR THAT MATTER, FOR THE OTHER BU SPORTS AS WELL. HOLD ALL ACCOUNTABLE.

[mexicobufan]

I give JL one more year to turn this around and if he doesnt he is gone. This gives him a season with TB and SM back and gets his recruiting class on campus. I think RA is going to be a great player in the MVC as as DS. If he doesnt get it done next year Bradley can say they gave him every opportunity to get it done. You let him go this year and the question will always be did he get fired due to injuries. One more year.....