Inaugural Hilltop Hoopin' event Monday, July 11

[Da Coach]

Red is getting good shots but nothing is falling. White continues to make their shots, and the score is now Red 40 White 37 with 3:35 left

[Da Coach]

The White team's rally stalled and Red hung on for a 46-41 win.

There will be a 3 point contest for the alumni and fans, and a Super Shootout for fans, now at the conclusion of the scrimmage.

Leading scorers:
For Red team- David Collins with 12 points
For White team- Marcellus Sommerville with 14 points

[tornado]

Great event - thanks to BU and those individuals who got it going..
we had a great time and so did the current team, who were having a blast... I talked with many of them and they were both impressed and enjoying the event and the chance to meet & interact with the past Bradley players - and to see how much the fans continue to follow & admire their guys..
I think it had a big impact on our current guys!

They want to make this a yearly event and I hope it catches on...

also heard some very good talk about a few of the new guys...


btw-DR tweets maybe 1000 in attendance..

[tornado]

some pictures that were posted elsewhere

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13631584_10102061398393267_8475801141561730961_n.jpg?oh=2294228014b61f58b4f8ff9a540f1851&oe=582BE84A

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13612240_1636026676710938_6100721196133354056_n.jpg?oh=9ec789865b0784b8a146a3674c6930c9&oe=5826FF97

again- thanks to Coach Wardle & Bobby for putting the event together... it was great and I was surprised how enthusiastic the fans were -
at least as loud as any home crowd at a few of the other Valley teams!


One more thing - I enjoyed talking with assistant Jimmie Foster who still keeps tabs on all his past players from Green Bay..
He rattled off the stats and performances of all the Green Bay kids currently playing pro ball... Sykes in the D-League and currently playing extremely well in the NBA Summer League, then Alec Brown, Fletcher, McKinnie, Mays, Perine and few others - some of whom I had never heard of - who are all still playing well in different pro leagues around the world. I was impressed how many of the Wardle/Foster players went on to extended pro careers - proving they were extremely well coached and well prepared.

[tornado]

More pictures from last night

http://bradleybraves.com/galleries/?gallery=442

[kds]

Thanks for the pictures T wish I could have been there. Can we start the season tomorrow I'm ready.

[Da Coach]

Thanks for the pictures T wish I could have been there. Can we start the season tomorrow I'm ready.

Here are a few more pictures from professional photographer Bob Hunt's page-

https://www.facebook.com/287719068077147/photos/pcb.683609641821419/683608638488186/?type=3&theater

And I talked to a bunch of fans there last night, and they all echoed the same thoughts- they couldn't wait to see the new players, and to get the season started.

I also had a chance to talk to Bradley President Gary Roberts a bit. One of the things we talked about briefly was the Squeaky Melchiorre issue. He has already heard differing opinions from a number of sources, and it seems he does not seem anxious to reopen the issue right now.
I also had the chance to meet the new Provost, Walter Zakahi, a 1978 Bradley grad-

http://www.pjstar.com/article/20160502/NEWS/160509967

http://www.bradley.edu/offices/academic/provost/staff/profile.dot?id=e009a4d3-1b1d-4db8-83b9-cb842c6daaf0

[tornado]

heard an interesting report about a scrimmage game between our current team of players and the Always a Brave team...
It was a voluntary game, not part of the team practice and not in the presence of any staff....

https://twitter.com/dbcinco5/status/753024605573550080

[tornado]

Here are a few more pictures from professional photographer Bob Hunt's page-...

speaking of Bob Hunt...he has been at and seen virtually every Bradley event, every home game, every auction, ITOO, summer event, fundraiser, and even scrimmages....

and he just posted this comment on his site...
"..Special thanks to Bobby Parker, Head coach Brian Wardle and all the
Braves staff for a great afternoon of fun on the Hilltop. So happy to see all of
the players back on campus. Dr. Chris Reynolds has completely changed the
environment in the athletic department. GO BRAVES !!!!!!

Bradley University inaugural Hilltop Hoopin' Summer Slam fan festival held on
the Alumni Quad Monday afternoon was a great fun for everyone. Some
snapshots of the kids, athletes and coaches enjoying the sunshine and warm
weather. Kudos to everyone at Bradley that made it a successful event."


and for the record...
I add my thanks and appreciation to BP, the staff, and all the players who came to the event and
who made it fun for everyone, adults & kids alike..Go Braves!

[Da Coach]

Check out Dave Snell's newest Voice of the Brave podcast with video and interviews from the Hilltop Hoopin' Summer Slam, including highlight video of the alumni game-

http://bradleybraves.com/watch/?Archive=780