Thank you, Braves

[IlliBraves]

We've waited just to play in this tournament for 10 years, and now, we didn't only do that, but we made history. The year started off shaky, looking like it might end the way the past two seasons did, but you guys proved you could play with anybody. For the first time in 51 years, we made the NCAA tournament. Finally, Bradley has a little respect. It's been nice spending a week in the spotlight. Tonight, we just weren't able to hit our shots, and the defense did not play the way we did the first two games. The pressure of Memphis got us in the end. For once in a long while, the city of Peoria united, and for once, basketball fans accross the state were pulling for us. This season is not the end, but the beginning. The beginning of the re-birth of BU basketball.

This season would not have been possible without the heart of 'Cellus, Boogie, Tony Bennett, and Brandyn Heemskerk. It's a shame that the BU careers of these men had to end in defeat. Thank you, Braves. Your effort is more than what any of us could have ever asked for.

[BTID]

Considering the prospects of another so-so season in mid-January, this season-ending run was surprising and sensational. I really hope this kind of year is a turning point for Bradley basketball in the future. After Larry Bird left Indiana State and Wichita State made the elite 8 in 1986, the Missouri Valley sorta languished until the mid-90's. Tournament successes from Creighton, Southern Illinois, Missouri State, and Indiana State in the past 10 years have helped put our league back on the national radar. With a six-team dogfight this year, and BU and WSU doing so well in the tournament, it will be very interesting to see what the future brings to the Bradley campus. Jim Les pledged to put Bradley basketball back on the map four years ago. I hope he continues to lead the Braves to more "Rand-McNally" finishes like this year.

[mike radigan]

Yes, indeed, thank you Braves.

[squeaky]

Well said, guys. I think everyone can be proud of these guys. I am sure they are disappointed, but there is no shame in making the Sweet 16 and playing a tough game and losing to an awesomely talented team like Memphis. They have so many weapons, it's fantastic that Bradley was able to hang with them for most of the game.

Congratulations Bradley.

[user1]

Thanks all those who are affiliated with BU and their fine run to the Sweet Sixteen.
I know I sure enjoyed it all and am looking forward to doing it again all over next season!

[andypt7]

Thanks for bringing back my Bradley pride

Not that I had lost my Bradley pride, but living in Southern Wisconsin, amazingly very few people know much about Bradley (even though I'm only about 15 minutes north of the state line). I have half heartedly followed Bradley in the 8+ years since I graduated, but rarely have been able to get down to Peoria for games, and rarely find any Valley games televised throughout the year (a fact that is certain to change after this year). I was excited at the prospects of this season, and even noted to my Big 10 friends that the Valley went 4-2 vs. their conference this year. As the Braves made their late season run, I was on the edge of my computer seat watching the daily bubble watch. I called in sick to watch the Quarter final Valley tournament game, made my wife (a Wisconsin grad and general non basketball fan) watch the semi-final game, and knew after that point that the Braves would be dancing. Still, to see my school's name pop up on that screen on selection sunday brought my Bradley Pride back 100%. I knew we could play with Kansas, was shocked at the fact that we dominated Pitt, and on Monday morning, I walked into work to co workers (who last week didn't know where Bradley was) saying "Hey, how bout Bradley?" and "didn't you go there?" While I was disappointed in the loss on thursday, I am overjoyed that people know about Bradley basketball now, and that people know that that's my team. I hope that this season isn't a one hit wonder (I don't think it will be), but at any rate, I will not let my Bradley pride waver anymore. I promise that next year I will make the drive down I-39 to I-74 and get to a game or two. And I'll keep those 8 to 10 year old bradley T-shirts and sweatshirts that I pulled out of the drawers in the last few weeks out and wear them around town with my head high. Thanks, 2006 Bradley Braves, for bringing me back.

[Da Coach]

I have heard similar sentiments from a lot of Bradley fans. People can't get enough Bradley shirts and memorabilia, and there are suddenly numerous new Bradley fans all around the country.

I have no doubt that Jim Les will recruit well and keep things going. Does anyone think Jim feels sastisfied with this year's success?

[andypt7]

I agree. this was a breakout year for the Valley, but we all know that the quality of play has been there for awhile now. It's just that this year, the conf. got the quality wins in the non-conf. and really made some noise. I think the top six valley teams will maintain, and I hope that the bottom 4 will make the strides to make the conf. solid from top to bottom (then again, evansville and indiana state did have wins over the big 10). Hopefully the so-called "power" conference teams will have the b***s to schedule Valley teams. That is essential to the continued success of this conference.
As for the Braves and JL, you could tell that they didn't treat the Sweet 16 as a point of satisifaction. They wanted more.

Looking forward to next year.

Any early word on non-conf schedule for next year?

[user1]

One non-conference game will be on the road at Tennessee Tech as payback for the Bracket Buster.