Fave Braves (besides the obvious)

[MacabreMob]

I have been observing Bradley since back in the 70's. Been schooled in the history by some life-long/deep-rooted/and dark-red-blooded fans.

I hold torches for players each year. My faves are not always the 'Hawkins' on the team.

Tony Bennett....

I knew once I saw you last year, you were a force! I have exchanged many debates over how much you mean to this team and you have proved me to be right. I LOVE YOU MAN!!! You are SO HUGE, you CAN NOT be an UNSUNG HERO.

As for my unsung hero...

JJ Tauai

JJ, if you are reading this board... I am the guy that yanked you toward me (at the airport) in the receiving line and screamed at you that 'YOU ARE THE MAN'. Then had to run down the line and hi-5 you again.

JJ - thanks for your heart, determination and performance this year.

[yahtzee]

I can't agree more with you on TB. The emotional leader on the floor and you know he is always leaving everything on the floor.

My unsung hero would have to be a tie between ZA and Hemmy. Both of them have been huge in the development of OB. In practive Hemmy provides a tall strog body for OB to work against while Zack is much quicker and a great leaper. Both have been crutial to pushing OB in practice as well as providing some key ingredients off the bench during the season.

[Da Coach]

I have always had the same kinds of favorites. The kids who overachieve, or give everything they have. These kind of players--
Chad Kleine, Trevor Trimpe, Tony Bennett, Rob Dye, etc.

Deon Jackson playing right after he had several of his teeth knocked out.

Just about everyone Joe Stowell recruited to Bradley.

And every single player on this current team. What a bunch of hard working guys who aren't interested in personal glory. For Boogie and Zach who have accepted playing off the bench. Their athleticism brings something the other teams can't match off their benches. I also appreciate the freshmen and soph players who have sacrificed playing time to help this team reach the point they are at; Brandyn Heemskerk who has put in more hours than anyone here (5 years) despite a lot of injuries; and Cellus, who has rebounded from a slump to be an impact player that will have a chance to make some money playing pro basketball after the Final 4.

I think they will all be successful in life after Bradley, even if most of them won't play basketball professionally. But I hope they all know how much Bradley fans appreciate what they mean to us.

[mplona]

from what ive gathered as a recent graduate & a fan of the last 4 years of bu basketball.

biggest cult following: heemy.
everyones fav: big pat.
hated, but now loved: j j.
underrated: ruffin
biggest dissapointment: people say crouch, but i dunno

my personal fav is... jim les's son, hes always making shots on the court before the game & i bet hell be one hell of a guard for bradley in like 10 years.

[BuBraves55]

If you dont have Heemer on your list....your messed up-- how many NCAA basketball players do you know that:

wear shorts that fitt
high socks
caucasian
could care less of playing time, just roots for the team

other than that- id say Dye, Roberson, J. Robinson, E. Roberson, A. Parker- thats all that i remember at least

[MacabreMob]

I remember many...

Tom Les was my 1st fave.
Ruffin's dad.
Bobby Ford.
'course Harold McM
Thirdkill was my fave on the NIT Champs team
I take that back - LOVED Barney Mines!!!

I could go on and on.

I am sure others could too. Chime in.