Final score: Illinois State 88 Bradley 71

[bradleyfan124]

I have never seen a Bradley team disintegrate like this team has. I, like alot of others, expected this team to win the conference. Now they cant even beat the last place team. I still think this is a talented group. They just have to put it all together

[LittleBrave]

I have never seen a Bradley team disintegrate like this team has. I, like alot of others, expected this team to win the conference. Now they cant even beat the last place team. I still think this is a talented group. They just have to put it all together

It's unreal Bfan124 - like polar opposite of what happened 2 yrs ago.
I remember telling my friend (grad from BU) that I won't watch another game of the season (after we'd dropped to 0-5 in MVC) and then I ended up with tears (of joy) watching the Braves fans storm the court in St. Louis 2 months later.

Fast-forward to this season, at 9-4, I told that friend that we have more depth and talent on this team than any other since the Sweet 16 team. Now, as you said, it's just disintegrated beyond our wildest thoughts - to the point where ISU-red is laughing at how bad we are, and I almost had tears (of sadness) last night, thinking of how quickly we turned from contender to bottom-feeder.

I do agree that we have the talent (at full strength), but after what I saw last night, no way can I back that up.
If there is ONE positive from last night, it's much better ball movement, which we've seen the past 4 games now.
For a few games prior, it was looking like some of Geno's awful teams!

[basketball nut]

I'm sure that it's about half that really like East's potential and half that are disappointed.

Let's not forget he was our most consistent guard until about 1 month ago (prior to game at ISU-red)
He had 57 assists to 18 TO's (3:1 ratio), and was scoring 8+ ppg, and 39% from beyond arc (not bad for 3rd or 4th option)
When was last time we had a PG with that A/TO ratio??

I'm not sure what more you can expect, unless you criticize (justifiable) a 3-game stretch before his medical condition.
He returned - played decent the last 2 games (vs Mo St with limited min.) and had a bad game last night.

East (from my perspective) does things that allow easier shots for others and he takes smart shots - all but 1 last night. He could be a play-maker, but he's not overly flashy to the point of taking low-% circus shots (aka Mr. McAdoo)

He really should have scored 10+ last night (which we can expect from him), but missed some easy ones he usually makes.
His defense is underrated as well.

I am probably in the minority, but I think he's a more well-round PG than DB Jr. at this point in his "career".

I would agree with what you are saying. The one thing I see from East is sometimes he is way past the speed of the younger players although I think Mast is catching up to him. He is the first true PG since DR. DB did a great job at the point but wasn't a true PG.

[basketball nut]

I am also very disappointed with how this team has not gelled. Reminds me of MSU 2 or 3 years ago when everyone thought they were going to run away with the conference and they fell flat on their face similar to what has happened to BU this year.
I do wonder if Boya was healthy if that wouldn't make a difference right now. Boya in the middle with Mast and Henry and Hannah coming off the bench would open many things up for our guards.
O really think we will take strides forward next year but this year has been a total flop.

[Tommy]

I am probably in the minority, but I think he's a more well-round PG than DB Jr. at this point in his "career".

DB will be in the BU HOF. I think East shows some promise, too, but that comparison might be a bit hopeful. It would be nice if we got something better than DB. Unlikely, though.

[Tommy]

I am also very disappointed with how this team has not gelled. Reminds me of MSU 2 or 3 years ago when everyone thought they were going to run away with the conference and they fell flat on their face similar to what has happened to BU this year.
I do wonder if Boya was healthy if that wouldn't make a difference right now. Boya in the middle with Mast and Henry and Hannah coming off the bench would open many things up for our guards.
O really think we will take strides forward next year but this year has been a total flop.

Boya definitely makes a huge difference. He contests every shot inside and that has been a real problem for us since he's been out. With Childs out now, there is nobody contesting at the rim.

[houstonbrave]

Yes I agree Ari being out really hurts. I just worry whether he will ever be healthy. I hope for his and our sake he can stay healthy but that is a huge question and without him in the middle we are right back here next year except we don’t have Eli for the whole season. Sorry to be a downer.

Assuming Eli moves on...

[basketball nut]

DB will be in the BU HOF. I think East shows some promise, too, but that comparison might be a bit hopeful. It would be nice if we got something better than DB. Unlikely, though.

Sorry if I gave you the idea that East would be as good as DB. You're right in saying DB will be in the BU HOF.
I'm just saying he's a true PG that isn't going constantly take shots although I think he has the ability to shoot more then he does.

[Bradley3342]

Boya definitely makes a huge difference. He contests every shot inside and that has been a real problem for us since he's been out. With Childs out now, there is nobody contesting at the rim.

Totally agree with you Tommy. He is a huge presence inside that makes it a lot more difficult for other big men to score off him.

[LittleBrave]

DB will be in the BU HOF. I think East shows some promise, too, but that comparison might be a bit hopeful. It would be nice if we got something better than DB. Unlikely, though.

I would never compare DB Jr. as a complete player to anyone.
He's been the best Brave in the last decade by far in my book.

Just saying that I think East is a more well-rounded/truer PG than DB Jr. when he was a sophomore.
East has a loooooonggg ways to go to gain the praise of BU fans, and nowhere close to being a Valley star, but I'm HOPEFUL that he will be by his senior season.