Sick of the Criticism

[tornado]

you turned down those lucrative offers???

[mrcoachdude]

Yes sir. People are far too sensitive. Do you think that there is no honest discussion and evaluation of players/coach/state of the program on every other message board in the country?

If a player isn't performing, the fans reserve every right to call him out for it. And an honest person will give that same player all the credit he deserves if he IS performing.

The people that complain about people "bashing" players are the same ones that chastise people for cheering loudly during games.

I am one that complains about the bashing of players....and my cheering, I would say is above average and never complain about others cheering loudly...

I guess the line that is drawn between a critique and just blatant bashing is a difficult one..

1. Player A had a bad game or a bad stretch of games.
2. Player A should take a hike, he isn't worth his scholarship and is just a pathetic player.

To me I will support who we have, whether its a coach a player or a manager...I am a fan of the team, and will support who we have...

[Bravesfan]

Well said FWO. I think respectful criticism of college players is fine as long as it doesn't cross the line. Unfortunately, determining what that line is varies from person to person. Hence, the problem.

FWIW, I think this site does a great job in moderating this player criticism to prevent things from getting too personal and out of control.

Agreed. And I think many forget that most of the players in the Valley and other similar mid-major conferences are not going to be playing at the pro level. Most play basketball because they like to, but also most play in this league to receive an education. That's why I would never make any respectful criticism of a player personal. Anyone who calls a player slow, a vulgar name, or stupid should seriously be banned from any message board around since that is absolutely uncalled for. Fortunately I have not seen much of that here, but if I do, I am very quick to call the person out who does says these things.

Conversely, I would have no issue if someone made a general observation such as "he has not developed as much as we had hoped for". That does not mean the person is stupid, and it does not mean they are a bad person. I'm sure the degree they receive from here will be a lot more valuable than had they won a championship here. Obviously we all want to see more championships here, but that does not make a player any better or worse when it comes to their character or for what they plan to do with the rest of their lives, outside of those few who do play at the next level. And even regarding the pro players, it ultimately comes down to their character and how good a person they are.

[tornado]

speaking of message boards - the head coach of Seton Hall had criticized people on message boards - now he completely validates their opinions & admits they were right!

http://www.nj.com/setonhall/index.ssf/2013/02/kevin_williard_seton_hall.html

[panther12thman]

The overhype of the program and where it is now by Reynolds and Wessler is why many of us have such a hard time of not responding in a negative way. I have stated many times that I have nothing against Geno and hope he has success. However, for the DR and KW to constantly tell us how much improved we are and to continually dig at the last staff is out of line and does not hold up when you look at the facts. Can Geno recruit? The answer is still out on that question. We haven't seen the two redshirts play yet - but what we have seen is a disappointing Shayok, a dispappointing Crawford and a very inmature and inconsitent Pickett. It is hard to give Geno a slap on the back and say good job with bringing in those three. The success of this years team, if you call it that, is with players from the past staff. If you want to applaud Geno for the improvement of those players so be it - then you have to also blame him for the lack of improvement of JP. It would have been hard given this years non-conference schedule not to win 15 or 16 games. As far as the conference record it is disappointing in my view - we had arguably the best two guards in the conference, an improved inside game with Pickett (at times), steady play from Eastman and a big in Egof who had his best year and yet we finished a game out of last (and yes I know, a game out of 6th.) This is not what Glasser had in mind for year one or two. Geno's hire was hers and she has to be feeling a little heat. With all that said, I wish Geno good luck and do hope he gets things going again. Till then
lets hope our crack JS dual will quit printing all the bull and call the program out for under achieving, under recruiting and under coaching.

[tornado]

agree - none of us wants to be at the bottom and all of us want to be better..
but why the disconnect with our media so incredibly content with such a mediocre year??

[lefty]

Doesn't seem like overhype at all.....just realistic

[Old Coach]

Doesn't seem like overhype at all.....just realistic

I agree.

[BradleyJD]

Doesn't seem like overhype at all.....just realistic

Agreed. This year saw tremendous improvement. The only people I ever see not pleased are A few posters above this post.

All the other fans I know we're pleased with the steady climb BU made this year. All the people I talk to also realize this is a big rebuild and it takes time. No doubt years 3 and 4 need to see more growth.

The entire staff is working hard to get it done. Very nice to see.

Also, the bashing of the PJStar cracks me up. Dave Reynolds was the Illinois Sportswriter of the Year for the 3rd time in the past 4 years. Also the entire sports department received national awards for the annual Hoops preview section.

If you don't like them, fine....but they're good at what they do and are awarded nationally and state-wide to validate it.

Go Bradley!

[Da Coach]

Yes, there has been improvement, but it has as much to do with the cushy schedule, and fans know that. The positive articles are nice, but fans need to see better opponents, an infusion of new talent, and even more improvement next year. The leftover talent won't be here forever. If we don't land a couple more quality players, will the improvement continue?

[BradleyJD]

Yes, there has been improvement, but it has as much to do with the cushy schedule, and fans know that. The positive articles are nice, but fans need to see better opponents, an infusion of new talent, and even more improvement next year. The leftover talent won't be here forever. If we don't land a couple more quality players, will the improvement continue?

Time will tell. This year's schedule was appropriate for our talent and team. Coach Ford and staff have much work left to do. Big projects take time.