Coach Wardle on WMBD at 8:30am - this morning - Wednesday

[tornado]

https://twitter.com/BradleySIDLive/status/636523541664526336

[Da Coach]

Nothing specific was said about the reason for the dismissal of Warren Jones.

[tornado]

Coach Wardle was interviewed for 20 minutes or so...

-he will be appearing many more times this fall on the same show for further interviews - on an as available basis...
He realizes how important it is to connect with fans and make the public feel like this is their team.

-he dwelt on academics and said there will be a news release soon about the athletes' GPA for the summer sessions but specifically said it will blow people away -
even though there's been a lot of bragging about how well Bradley athletes, and specifically basketball players, have done recently - that this past couple summer sessions were notably better.

-he noted that the new ideas that he & Chris Reynolds have instituted have done very well...

-the basketball players have all spent many hours out and about the city doing public service and it has been very well received and the players have really enjoyed it.
They have done work, cleanup, repairs & help in the projects, and interacted & done camps with kids

- he said that one thing he instituted right away was a culture change where the players had to be accountable and good citizens - specifically clean up after themselves. He somewhat implied that there had previously been a culture of just begin messy & leaving things both in the lockerroom & elsewhere a mess expecting others to come along & clean up - but that the rules now are different - each player has to not only keep lockers, lockerooms, gym clean - but also their OWN apartments & residences - and that Coach Wardle personally checks up on that!
Sloppiness is not allowed and not only is each player held accountable but even his teammates if they see a mess must take charge to get the player responsible to correct it or help out & do it themselves.

-the players have taken well to the strong rules, discipline & "culture change" - that they DON'T see it as hampering their college life or fun..
the players WANT to play for a coach & a system that includes discipline because it is the only fair way to be. Player know they can earn respect with their actions.

-did not reveal a specific reason for the Warren Jones exit but tied it to the new rules and expectations. He said he knows Jones will land somewhere else and have a good season - thus implying he might go DII as he wouldn't be able to play this season at DI without sitting out. He also said he believes Warren is a good kid who ought to do fine in the right system.

-There also is a NEW ticket package for families. Anyone or any family can get a package of four seats (upper bowl) - season tickets - all home games & exhibitions for JUST $150 total!
That's only about $2 per seat per game and he noted that those packages are actually selling pretty well.

-only ONE MONTH 'til the Auction (Sept. 26)

-only THREE WEEKS (Sept. 17) until the Itoo Spaghetti Supper...
they expect a sellout so call now to get tickets - 677-2625

[FortyTwo]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not necessarily concerned with the team or individual player GPA. I want them to be good citizens and people in general, and of course stay eligible, but give me a 4-star recruit that is generally a good representative of the program and I'm fine with him carrying a C average any day.

[Chico]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not necessarily concerned with the team or individual player GPA. I want them to be good citizens and people in general, and of course stay eligible, but give me a 4-star recruit that is generally a good representative of the program and I'm fine with him carrying a C average any day.

+1