Thank You Braves Players/Coaches

[BUBraves2006]

For years I've been quietly lurking like many do on the boards, following the ups and downs of the program from afar. I used to be a regular poster but was locked out of my account for awhile and finally was able to take the initiative to get it restored (thank you Da Coach!).

I know that I'm not alone as one of the many quieter fans from afar who continue to watch and hope for the best for the program. I felt like this conference tournament championship was inevitable with our trajectory. For as much grief and frustration that is dished out at times, I thought this would be the perfect time to show some gratitude for this season.

Here goes on the long list of thank yous ...

Thanks to THE TEAM for reminding me why I love Bradley basketball so much. It's why I listened to the postgame show for an hour after the championship just because I could tell how much it meant to Dave Snell. It's why I sat in with lots of annoying Loyola fans in Chicago in a rough loss but I could see that we had the ability to knock them off.

Thanks to Coach Wardle, who I have never doubted, even when we were only winning 5 games or starting this year 0-5 in conference. Even when we were losing a lot, I saw a team that played hard and were learning, even when were young or not as talented. He's a great coach and has really turned around our program for the better. I love the fact he continues to prove the doubters wrong and uses that chip on his shoulder to help his team succeed.

Thanks to DLO, whose junkyard dog mentality on the court is so admirable. To see someone grow his game to the point where he's a critical defender, can score shoot or knock down clutch free throws, he's the "soul" of this team. We continually hear about your accolades and how you rank up with some of the Bradley greats with your multi-facet game.

Thanks DB, whose maturity as more than just a scorer has really helped this team grow. I feel he's the true "heartbeat" of the team. If he's struggling, we can have rough moments. But every game he inevitably seems to find a way to make 1 or more clutch shots. His decision making has really improved and he can flat out score.

Thanks to Elijah Childs, whose inside/outside game has also grown so much in just two seasons. I can't remember the last post player we had that if he's left open from 5-15 feet, I always am expecting the shot to go in. He just keeps getting better and better.

Thanks to Luqman Lundy, who has transformed from an afterthought bench player to a guy we can count on for major minutes every game. He also happened to single-handedly bring us back to having a chance in the most important game we've played in years. That performance alone cements your Bradley legacy.

Thanks to Luuk van Bree for continually showing improvement and having the ability to chip in with a big rebound or 3-pointer throughout his career.

Thanks to Nate Kennell, one of the best pure shooters we've had in awhile. When he's on, does anyone ever expect him to miss? But that he's always had. His improvement as a defensive player and also adding in a drive/score element to his game has really made him earn that 6th man of the year award.

Thanks to Koch Bar, who I've been amazed at how much his footwork has improved. That has led to an effective low post game and he even shoots free throws well now. Another guy who I believe the program has really gotten the most of and has shown marked growth.

Thanks to Ja'Shon Henry, who even as a freshman is turning into one of my favorite players on the team. The strength he has to rebound and score on the inside is something I'm really excited to see where he will take it. (All conference player, I believe.)

To the rest of the guys (Boya, Brummett, Pittman, Hanley, Hodgson) - even if your contributions in game action isn't as much as some of the others, you're all valuable in helping the group get better.

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By the way, you're not done yet. Let's show that #thearrival is just the beginning and let's get a win in the dance!

[Da Coach]

Great post! I concur with everything!

[tornado]

nice - thank you

[Bradleyfan1]

Ditto. Hamerin Hank Henry.

[luckydog]

Awesome post! I agree with everything too.

[BradleyBrave91]

Excellent post. There are very good things ahead on the Bradley Braves horizon athletically. We are looking forward to enjoying the Braves games with our daughter (an incoming freshman).

[molar50]

Just think how far this program has progressed in the past four years. So much positive news for the fans and Bradley University. Thanks to all the Board members that helped to institute the changes to get the right people here to make the changes for the better of Bradley

[Classof77]

Great post!

[Go_Braves]

Wait a minute - Now that's an idea? (Guardian Angel Clarence quote from the movie - "It's a Wonderful Life").

For years I've been quietly lurking like many do on the boards, following the ups and downs of the program from afar. I used to be a regular poster but was locked out of my account for awhile and finally was able to take the initiative to get it restored (thank you Da Coach!).

- saving space -

Thanks to DLO, whose junkyard dog mentality on the court is so admirable. To see someone grow his game to the point where he's a critical defender, can score shoot or knock down clutch free throws, he's the "soul" of this team. We continually hear about your accolades and how you rank up with some of the Bradley greats with your multi-facet game.

- saving space -

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By the way, you're not done yet. Let's show that #thearrival is just the beginning and let's get a win in the dance!

Before I share an idea > I totally concur - an incredible post... Thank you BUBrave2006. And your post "sparked" an idea.... "That's It"

Sharing an Idea > The last 3 games that the Braves have played - reminded me of the 1983 North Carolina State Cardiac Kids.
Each 1983 game not being decided until the last few seconds - just like Bradley's last 3 games... I thought - these Braves need a nickname.
But the nickname Cardiac Kids was already used.

And then BUBrave2006 used "Junkyard Dog Mentality" to described DLO. That's my idea - that's my suggestion - A nickname that
describes these Braves - is Junkyard Dogs. This same nickname was given to the 1985 Chicago Bears Defensive team. Just like
the Bears Junkyard Dogs - these Braves are not scared of anyone or any team. Playing a incredibly physical defensive game in the paint,
under the rim with the message to the opposing teams - don't come in here or you will pay. Bradley's defense these past 3 games has been
awesome all 3 games - and the offense ignited in the second half of the Championship game. Anyway - should a nickname for this team be
considered? I'm sharing my 2 cents - Any comments or other suggestions ? Thank you and GO BRAVES !!!!