To the Bradley players and recruits

[sportsnut2]

Tornado -

I actually don't think my comments were all that silly. I said players should not be reading these message boards nor worry about what other people think. However, after reading another poster's comments saying the players do in fact read them, I was simply telling them not to.

[Beninator]

If an assistant is sticking around like widely speculated, wouldnt it be a better choice to have that assistant talk to the players?

I mean I know some players really like JG and some probably don't but would t it just be a much better move to have a guy who was with them every day have that task?

Answer to the first question is YES!

Agree with your last statement, but when you have a President who micromanages, delegating authority isn't their first option.

[BradleyJD]

I disagree with this statement...

You are certainly entitled to that opinion. But if you have ever had to fire someone, it is not easy to do.

[tornado]

Tornado -

I actually don't think my comments were all that silly. I said players should not be reading these message boards nor worry about what other people think. However, after reading another poster's comments saying the players do in fact read them, I was simply telling them not to.

ok -- but it wasn't aimed at you as much as the situation where they shouldn't be doing something they'd have to be doing to know what we want them to know

[mexicobufan]

I posted what was on my mind knowing that some of the players get on here and read. I was sharing with them what I have learned over the years. I was letting them know they are appreciated and that they should take there time to make such an important decision. I didn't plan on being quoted by TB but I have no issue with it. I want them to stay at BU and play basketball for us but I think its more important that they become productive adults. If I am wrong for posting what I did then delete it.

[sportsnut2]

I posted what was on my mind knowing that some of the players get on here and read. I was sharing with them what I have learned over the years. I was letting them know they are appreciated and that they should take there time to make such an important decision. I didn't plan on being quoted by TB but I have no issue with it. I want them to stay at BU and play basketball for us but I think its more important that they become productive adults. If I am wrong for posting what I did then delete it.

I do not think you were wrong in posting what you did, now knowing that players read stuff on here. It was some great advice.

I was simply shocked that players would actually read things on here, opening themselves up to scrutiny and pessimism that comes from these boards where anonymous people can post things.

[LittleBrave]

I'm not so sure that JG trying to convince them to stay helped - who knows. At least she addressed the team (as some were probably angry & hurt) and didn't just leave them with a bunch of unknowns (yes, there are some that still remain, of course)
I think with this tight bond of BU guys, they might try to convince each other to stay - it's hard to leave from a close family. I know it's cliche - "We're a family" on many basketball teams, but it's true. These bonds are not easily broken.

I could imagine a couple guys leaving, but not the majority, or even half. It wouldn't surprise me actually if we have a starting line-up of TB (Lord willing), JP, SM, DSE, and WL next season. Not making their decisions, but it just wouldn't surprise me if they all stayed. The recruits are a different story, as they haven't experienced life at Bradley yet, so their attachment is not so strong (except for DS).

I know that some guys would like to have a shot to win more, or even make the NCAA tourney. But I would bet it would be that much sweeter to have a good season with the guys you consider like brothers than to win a few more games with guys that you will not get to know as well in 1 or 2 seasons. And who knows??? IF (and that's a HUUUUUGE if) everyone stays, I won't count out the possibility of being a contender next season. Maybe it's just the way I would feel if I were a student-athlete. Whatever choice any of these guys makes, I support all the way and wish them the best. They deserve the best!

[FortyTwo]

I hope if players are reading this board, that they read this thread, especially the initial post. It's completely spot on.

[MajorFaversham]

I do not think you were wrong in posting what you did, now knowing that players read stuff on here. It was some great advice.

I was simply shocked that players would actually read things on here, opening themselves up to scrutiny and pessimism that comes from these boards where anonymous people can post things.

These boards are not individual player friendly --unless you are SM-- and definitely not individual recruit friendly --unless you are Remy Abell.

The current players can slough off a lot of the crap said about them on these boards because they are already on the team and established at Bradley.

The recruits are a different matter. They've not yet been exposed to the rants and personal criticism from armchair generals.

<sarcastic font> What a great way to build a new team! Rave about the obvious standouts and dismiss all others as a waste of a scholarship before they've had a chance to play for Bradley.</sarcastic font>

These boards are a meat grinder.

[mrcoachdude]

Many many things have been posted about individual players that has been really really good...you must have this board mistaken for another

[DeltaBrave03]

I hope if players are reading this board, that they read this thread, especially the initial post. It's completely spot on.

They do read it. Hopefully after the emotions calm down they see how great BU was for JL and visa versa. BU is a great institution to be associated with, and I'm sure JL still wants nothing but the best for it. This team has a really great chance to do something special with the big 2 hopefully coming back and the production the younger guys showed this year. Very sad to see JL go as I always hoped he would be here until he chose to leave, but there is more to BU basketball than just a coach.

Once a Brave....

[Braves4Life]

You are certainly entitled to that opinion. But if you have ever had to fire someone, it is not easy to do.

It is if you don't like them......

[SFP]

It is if you don't like them......

I know you were joking. JL is set probably for life but there have been others that have not been as situated. I know I've been on both sides of the chair and it really sucks for both especially the being let go side.

Generally even though you know it is coming - (me the dot com bomb days)

It is a shock, then anger then hopefully you accept that it was the best thing going for you. Life takes plenty of weird bounces that at first you have no idea why and later you may thank that it did happen that way.

[BUfan14]

If you are asking me, I don't know. I don't know if any assistants are staying, but if one is, it is not likely to be the one most people think it is.

I'd like it if JC stick around. I don't think you will find too many Director of Basketball Operations better than him. It is not technically an assistant position right? Then we would have a Bradley guy that I think can be a good coach, so maybe he can work his way up the latter, get some experience, and some day in a decade or so he would be ready to become our head coach.

I just don't want the position to be a revolving door forever, I'd eventually like another Bradley guy to take over, and I think JC would make a great coach.

[Dallas Brave]

If the players really want to make a statement for JL, then they should stick around and win the MVC next year. They have worked their tails off for 2-4 years and have developed a deep chemistry. If they think they can win the title, then do it for themselves, if not JL. They have worked hard to get to this point of their basketball careers. Breaking apart and going to other schools does nothing for JL's legacy.