Bradley's new mascot "Kaboom!" the Gargoyle

[Da Coach]

why do they claim multiple times in that one article that Kaboom! doesn't speak English?

Because he doesn't speak at all. Check out this video produced by Bradley where he requires a "Gargoyle linguist" to speak for him-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQgigKPXraY

However, the Gargoyle must understand English, because he answers Dave Snell's questions just fine, but requires the "linguist" to speak for him.

[Dub]

I didn't want to like him, but I do.

It doesn't hurt that my 3yr old son couldn't take his eyes off him the entire game.... Although he had to admit that kaboom was "a little bit scary" after we saw him in the hallway and my son startled and threw his popcorn into the air.

[Chico]

JJ Putz, Diamondback relief pitcher, had a spot on local TV a few days ago where he was having teammates imitate a gargoyle. Wonder if he knew about BU's choice of a mascot.

[Braves2006]

https://www.survivingcollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Mascot-Monday-The-Drexel-University-Dragons-Drexel-Dragons-Mascot.jpg

Here's Drexel's mascot. Pretty close!

[Da Coach]

Just watched Jim Mattson's Sunday Night Overtime TV call-in show. Several callers ripped the Bradley gargoyle mascot. But Jim also hosted an internet poll about the mascot, and the results were:
Love it: 14%
Hate it: 86%

Was this thing market tested on anyone other than those four 5 year olds?

I actually liked it a little, but it does not seem to be getting good reviews from the public.

[LG281]

Internet polls aren't worth the paper that they are...oh...yeah...

My older kids loved him and they are 2nd grade and preschool aged.

Haters were going to find anything to hate about any new mascot. Personally, I'm glad he isn't a bird, cat, or dog...and you can through bear and squirrel in there as well. He was the only option worth seeing through to fruition, IMO.

I like him and I'm glad he is here...wish his name was something different but I'll take what we can get- this program needed a little excitement and something to hook the young ones early.

[tornado]

Just watched Jim Mattson's Sunday Night Overtime TV call-in show. Several callers ripped the Bradley gargoyle mascot. But Jim also hosted an internet poll about the mascot, and the results were:
Love it: 14%
Hate it: 86%

Was this thing market tested on anyone other than those four 5 year olds?

I actually liked it a little, but it does not seem to be getting good reviews from the public.

that's what can happen when you keep things under wraps and do NOT test market it on more than a few or a narrow audience - shoulda learned from the Edsel & Obamacare

[bravesfan6]

Haters will always voice their opinions louder on any issue. I think the mascot is great. All mascots look a bit creepy at first, but then they grown on you. I think it is a great combination of something that represents the university and something that represents athletics. I think it will grow on people and there were 8,000 people at the game so obviously people were interested.

[egib52]

Its a mascot. I wish we got this regional attention for our athletic programs. However, I love that the school is back in the news regardless of whether people like out mascot. I personally like it. Its unique, love the name, and I think it will help the programs. Some of the best nicknames/mascots are unique. I hope we never change the Braves, and to PC (aka the NCAA made us) we had to get away from native American imagery, so I like the solution. Better than a dog, any form of a cat, or any other overused mascot.

Along the lines of what Da Coach is pointing out, if every school that currently has a mascot released them right now how many would get positive reviews? As I have heard over and over, the mascot is not for the adults its for the kids. I am 31, and although I like the concept, he will be my favorite if he never takes away from the sporting event I am watching.

Let's focus on taking out a team with another great mascot tomorrow.

[amckillip]

Its a mascot. I wish we got this regional attention for our athletic programs. However, I love that the school is back in the news regardless of whether people like out mascot. I personally like it. Its unique, love the name, and I think it will help the programs. Some of the best nicknames/mascots are unique. I hope we never change the Braves, and to PC (aka the NCAA made us) we had to get away from native American imagery, so I like the solution. Better than a dog, any form of a cat, or any other overused mascot.

Along the lines of what Da Coach is pointing out, if every school that currently has a mascot released them right now how many would get positive reviews? As I have heard over and over, the mascot is not for the adults its for the kids. I am 31, and although I like the concept, he will be my favorite if he never takes away from the sporting event I am watching.

Let's focus on taking out a team with another great mascot tomorrow.

Agreed completely with this post. I think Kaboom! is as good as we can get given the parameters marketing had to work with.

[TheRookie]

So is the fireworks and smoke- let's do that again Tuesday!

You gotta be kidding! You want another set of fireworks and you want to not be able to see the first half of the game? Wait a minute, maybe you just don't want to see the game.

Kaboom! YES!! Fireworks, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scoretable]

Kaboom is launched

7 yr old granddaughter was at game Saturday. Her view when asked; Kaboom is awesome. I agree and I have been attending games since 1950. Mike Cross, the marketing dept, and Bradley University should be pleased as it is a great start. The introduction was well done and it did not take away from the importance of the game. Only suggestion. Smaller wings could improve mobility.

[LittleBrave]

At first look, the Gargoyle is ugly and a bad choice, but after a few other pictures, kinda cool.

I won't bash this idea - couldn't hurt right? After all, we should be critical of other things not going right with the hoops program.

[Da Coach]

As I said, I liked the concept, but after talking to more people, it seems the majority do not like it. That sentiment seems strogest among those who are not Bradley fans, but older BU fans also are not very impressed. Maybe it will take time. I agree that smaller wings are needed so Kaboom! doesn't need a crew of people to follow him around and guard against the wings poking people or getting grabbed by kids. I also thing his outfit could be improved, instead of a drab red tee shirt and gym shorts. Maybe a Bradley basketball uniform?

[basketball nut]

What is the purpose of "Kaboom!"? Is it to satisfy the older people? If that is the case then it probably was a failure. If it is to get people excited it might be successful. I had 3 grandchildren at the game and they all loved it.
I was talking to a staff person @ the Ladies game yesterday and she stated the line for pictures was unbelievable-she wasn't even sure if everyone that wanted pictures got them but were still taking pictures after the 2nd half started.
I have a 10 Y/O grandson that was very happy they had the mascot at the game yesterday so he could get a picture because due to the loing lines he didn't get one saturday night.
They might need to make some changes in the costume, like smaller feet, so the mascot can get around easier. As Dan Diorio said this morning they need to make Kaboom! part of the introduction along w/ DS audio so people know where the name comes from.