MVC Champions 2019 -- Why not BU?

[BUSongwriter]

As has been posted elsewhere, the MVC seems to be having a down year. Loyola isn't performing anything like a year ago, ISU-red has been decimated by injuries, etc.

Bradley was a popular No. 4 pick in most pre-season polls, but judging from the pre-conference season so far, I say why not BU to win it? Yes, we're still figuring things out more than I'd like, but bring back a healthy and effective Ari Boya, snare a few early conference wins on the road, hold the home court, and I don't see why this can't really be the year of "The Arrival."

SIU seems capable, Drake could surprise . . . but I'm feeling this is our year. I can't wait till conference season. Every game will be important -- and it's been a long time since that was really so for our Braves.

[Da Coach]

Yes, if Bradley can play like they did in Cancun, or like they did in the second half in Little Rock, I believe they can beat any team in the MVC. The only MVC team that will get an NCAA bid is probably the team that wins on Sunday, March 10th in St. Louis. We can do it! go Braves!

[Dub]

I like the optimism! Besides the fact that he’s ridiculously tall and looks the part, what evidence do we have that Boya will be a contributor this year when/if he’s healthy? Are there any eyewitness reports or observations besides good vibes and optimism?

[Go_Braves]

For me - it will be interesting to see if the 11 day layover until Bradley's next game against Eastern Illinois causes any "rust" to occur to Bradley's play. The away game with Georgia Southern is another major "away" game test - (Can these Braves truly play on the road on an opponents court? Cancun was a neutral court), Ben Jacobson (Northern Iowa) is facing his toughest coaching challenge in years is likely elated that the Panthers are playing at Bradley during Winter Break (fewer cheering students). It will be interesting to me to see how Bradley has done almost a month from now after playing Valpo on January 8th before I share similar views. If someone would have asked me this question after the Penn State game - I would have said "Heck" ( well actually another word - other than heck) Yes. But the losses to IUPUI and New Mexico took the wind out of my sail.. For now I am cautiously optimistic.

[Da Coach]

I like the optimism! Besides the fact that he’s ridiculously tall and looks the part, what evidence do we have that Boya will be a contributor this year when/if he’s healthy? Are there any eyewitness reports or observations besides good vibes and optimism?

I have been to a couple practices before Ari's injury, and he was the dominant player on the floor. He grabbed more rebounds than pretty much all the other players combined (both teams), and he blocked a bunch of shots. I am not predicting he will be that good every game against MVC competition, but he will Bradley a weapon that no other MVC team has. He is limited offensively, and will take time to improve that part of his game. And I expect him to take some time to get back to 100% after the leg injury. But I definitely think he will make Bradley better right away.

[Go_Braves]

Has Wardle made any comments or hinted when he expects Ari to play his first game this season ?

[Heemeskerk]

I have been to a couple practices before Ari's injury, and he was the dominant player on the floor. He grabbed more rebounds than pretty much all the other players combined (both teams), and he blocked a bunch of shots. I am not predicting he will be that good every game against MVC competition, but he will Bradley a weapon that no other MVC team has. He is limited offensively, and will take time to improve that part of his game. And I expect him to take some time to get back to 100% after the leg injury. But I definitely think he will make Bradley better right away.

Thanks Coach...This report gets me excited. Maybe the injury/delay will make Ari extra hungry to dominate! :-)

[Dub]

I have been to a couple practices before Ari's injury, and he was the dominant player on the floor. He grabbed more rebounds than pretty much all the other players combined (both teams), and he blocked a bunch of shots. I am not predicting he will be that good every game against MVC competition, but he will Bradley a weapon that no other MVC team has. He is limited offensively, and will take time to improve that part of his game. And I expect him to take some time to get back to 100% after the leg injury. But I definitely think he will make Bradley better right away.

Thanks DC. That is a meaningful description of what he can do right away, depending on his level of health. The only bit of circumstantial evidence I could think of relates to the decision not to redshirt... indicating the staff felt Bradley had a chance of a meaningful season, and that Boya would be able to help in a meaningful way that made missing 1/2 the season worthwhile.

Do we have any specifics on the injury itself? i.e. was it caused by a sudden event vs a stress reaction over time? I'm wondering if the type of injury (and what caused it) can help indicate his likelihood of durability moving forward this season as they reintroduce him into the rotation.

[Da Coach]

....Do we have any specifics on the injury itself? i.e. was it caused by a sudden event vs a stress reaction over time? I'm wondering if the type of injury (and what caused it) can help indicate his likelihood of durability moving forward this season as they reintroduce him into the rotation.

It was from an injury that happened in practice on Oct. 10. I don't know anything more about it other than what has been described publicly. But I doubt it reflects on any tendency for him to be injured more easily.

[tornado]

FWIW, I have heard it was a freak injury and that Ari has never had problems with injuries before - but nobody knows the future...