Who is Bradley's Closer ???? - Re: BUfan14 Jan 21st comment "Who Would You Trust"

[Go_Braves]

Yesterday after watching a very disappointing finish to the Bradley game against Belmont - I had the same thought as BUfan14 when he wrote

"As far as facing Belmont again, who would we trust at the end of the game? Our guys or their guys. Friberg could sink a three anywhere at any point. We don’t have that. We can’t even be trusted to make key free throws."

Not only Belmont - but finishing any game. Bradley has a no closer - a closer like Darrell Brown. I miss Darrell Brown who at the end of many games was a reliable closer. As BUfan14 asks "who today would you trust ?" Me - I have no idea - no suggestions. Comments ??? Thank you.

 

[Bball31]

It seems that in every close game we “hope” that someone can do it. That isn’t a recipe for success.

 

[Dub]

We don’t have one this year yet. Be ahead enough to not need one, I guess. Deen probably closest thing we have attitude wise, but not sure.

 

[PhiAlphaBoy]

I agree that this year's team has no reliable closer. Deen may be the best we've got but his size is easy to defend against when you know he's the guy to stop. I would say that the next in line to close would be Hickman but he's been too unreliable this year. Zek has the best athleticism and has a chance to grow into "that guy" but he's still too raw and unreliable as a ball handler. As mentioned above, our best bet is not to be in the position at the end of the game where a closer is needed.

 

[Tommy]

Deen for sure is that guy in my mind, and if not him, Malevy. Deen is small, but so was DB, so I wouldn't use that to discount him though he is even a couple inches shorter than DB so who knows. What I know for sure is that Malevy is our most reliable shooter and Deen is by far our best ball handler. Some here may disagree, but that is my opinion and based on that, those would be my go to guys.

 

[BUfan14]

We don't have one. Malevy has rarely taken charge on the court. Deen has a similar game to Darrell Brown, but he isn't quite him in any aspect. He cannot score near the basket like DB, is a little more erratic than DB was, and isn't quite as take charge as DB was. The extra couple inches does probably hurt. When Deen isn't shooting well, he isn't scoring. If you asked me who I would take for the last shot, Deen or DB, it is hands down DB. I mentioned our roster construction in another thread as a big problem, but we are too post heavy, so it makes it hard to have elite guards when posts seem to be the focus. That is not how mid-major college ball is played and won most of the time. Rienk is really the only other candidate as a go to guy (Zek isn't there yet, and Hickman hasn't had a great year), but he has mostly come up short when taking shots near the end of close games this year. His left-handed hook is his go to move, and I'm not sure it bodes well when a team's go to move at the end of a game is a post's left-handed hook. I just believe you need a perimeter closer to be elite in today's game.

 

[PhiAlphaBoy]

We don't have one. Malevy has rarely taken charge on the court...

I mentioned our roster construction in another thread as a big problem... I just believe you need a perimeter closer to be elite in today's game.

Agreed on Leons, he just doesn't have the one-on-one ability to get his shot. I also believe that roster construction has been Bradley's biggest downfall since the final years of Les, or since that Sweet 16 team. Every coach since then has been seemingly missing one or two key pieces each season, with the possible exception of the MVC Tournament Championship team. When Bradley has a good lead guard, two great outside shooters, and an inside presence they tend to have successful seasons as do most mid-majors.

 

[Tommy]

We don't have one. Malevy has rarely taken charge on the court. Deen has a similar game to Darrell Brown, but he isn't quite him in any aspect. He cannot score near the basket like DB, is a little more erratic than DB was, and isn't quite as take charge as DB was. The extra couple inches does probably hurt. When Deen isn't shooting well, he isn't scoring. If you asked me who I would take for the last shot, Deen or DB, it is hands down DB. I mentioned our roster construction in another thread as a big problem, but we are too post heavy, so it makes it hard to have elite guards when posts seem to be the focus. That is not how mid-major college ball is played and won most of the time. Rienk is really the only other candidate as a go to guy (Zek isn't there yet, and Hickman hasn't had a great year), but he has mostly come up short when taking shots near the end of close games this year. His left-handed hook is his go to move, and I'm not sure it bodes well when a team's go to move at the end of a game is a post's left-handed hook. I just believe you need a perimeter closer to be elite in today's game.

No, Deen isn't DB, but DB is one of the best Braves to ever play the game and will likely have his number retired so it's a little unfair to compare him especially at this juncture of his tenure at Bradley. Also, DB was not the greatest finisher at the basket either, as he was blocked more often than not and rarely got the calls from the contact he would inevitably cause. DB's outside game was at another level, but even he had some streaks where he was just terrible and I remember people on this very board calling for him to be benched because of it (For the record, I was not one of those people).

My point is this, DB wasn't tall but he was definitely a closer, so I wouldn't make his height an issue. Deen is a little shorter than DB, but they are similar in the fact that they are both built like brickhouses. Do I think Deen will be as good as DB, of course not (at least not at this point in his carrer), but he's the best ball handler on the team (by far, in my opinion) and he has the ability to light it up, so based on those two things I think he's the obvious closer, or at least the guy we should look to give that shot to since nobody else is stepping up on a regular basis up to this point.

 

[egib52]

Agreed on Leons, he just doesn't have the one-on-one ability to get his shot. I also believe that roster construction has been Bradley's biggest downfall since the final years of Les, or since that Sweet 16 team. Every coach since then has been seemingly missing one or two key pieces each season, with the possible exception of the MVC Tournament Championship team. When Bradley has a good lead guard, two great outside shooters, and an inside presence they tend to have successful seasons as do most mid-majors.

I think this is true of most every mid-major team. Unfortunately it is usually a toss up. You go after the knock down shooter that is MM recruit and he is too slow on defense. You seem to always be sacrificing some skill set to bolster another. Alternatively, you try the development path and you have to hope that several develop at the same time otherwise you have different players blossoming at different times. I am sure the theory was for Ville to be a knock down 3 point shooter to space the floor, and that Hick could hit enough to keep teams honest, but unfortunately both are struggling right now. If Zek stays 4 I think he could be All Conference by Sr year. However, you also probably have to endure him making mistakes.

 

[BUfan14]

No, Deen isn't DB, but DB is one of the best Braves to ever play the game and will likely have his number retired so it's a little unfair to compare him especially at this juncture of his tenure at Bradley. Also, DB was not the greatest finisher at the basket either, as he was blocked more often than not and rarely got the calls from the contact he would inevitably cause. DB's outside game was at another level, but even he had some streaks where he was just terrible and I remember people on this very board calling for him to be benched because of it (For the record, I was not one of those people).

My point is this, DB wasn't tall but he was definitely a closer, so I wouldn't make his height an issue. Deen is a little shorter than DB, but they are similar in the fact that they are both built like brickhouses. Do I think Deen will be as good as DB, of course not (at least not at this point in his carrer), but he's the best ball handler on the team (by far, in my opinion) and he has the ability to light it up, so based on those two things I think he's the obvious closer, or at least the guy we should look to give that shot to since nobody else is stepping up on a regular basis up to this point.

100% agree with everything here. However, I also think that is the problem. DB was a very very good, but to me, not elite player for Bradley. Yes, he has a lot of counting stats from playing all four years, and he had some big moments. But you're correct that at times he was erratic and didn't shoot a great percentage. He was a really really good player and leader that I enjoyed watching. The fact that we don't even have that now is part of the problem. Deen is a solid player that I want on my team, but if he is the the go-to option by default (no other options or players with that killer instinct), then how far can we go really?

If we don't have anyone that is on course to be an all-time Bradley player, then we probably won't have a team that can go too far. The teams that we have had that are even relatively good have top 20-30 all time Bradley players at least, that is, in part, why they were good. I think several Sweet Sixteen members qualify, and that team didn't win conference either (albeit in a much much tougher conference). It's not like we have had a ton of sustained success either in a long time to clutter our list with tons of great players to pass up in recent years. The teams that have had success in the Valley and then the tournament in recent years had all time great players for their teams. We haven't been producing a ton of All-Valley performers over the years here recently. It seems to be part of why we are stuck in the middle, a lot of solid talent, but no player to really elevates it to another level. If teams like Loyola, Drake, Belmont can get those guys, I don't think it is impossible for Bradley to do so. I think we really need to target more scoring/shooting talent on the perimeter in future years.

 

[Bball31]

100% agree with everything here. However, I also think that is the problem. DB was a very very good, but to me, not elite player for Bradley. Yes, he has a lot of counting stats from playing all four years, and he had some big moments. But you're correct that at times he was erratic and didn't shoot a great percentage. He was a really really good player and leader that I enjoyed watching. The fact that we don't even have that now is part of the problem. Deen is a solid player that I want on my team, but if he is the the go-to option by default (no other options or players with that killer instinct), then how far can we go really?

If we don't have anyone that is on course to be an all-time Bradley player, then we probably won't have a team that can go too far. The teams that we have had that are even relatively good have top 20-30 all time Bradley players at least, that is, in part, why they were good. I think several Sweet Sixteen members qualify, and that team didn't win conference either (albeit in a much much tougher conference). It's not like we have had a ton of sustained success either in a long time to clutter our list with tons of great players to pass up in recent years. The teams that have had success in the Valley and then the tournament in recent years had all time great players for their teams. We haven't been producing a ton of All-Valley performers over the years here recently. It seems to be part of why we are stuck in the middle, a lot of solid talent, but no player to really elevates it to another level. If teams like Loyola, Drake, Belmont can get those guys, I don't think it is impossible for Bradley to do so. I think we really need to target more scoring/shooting talent on the perimeter in future years.

I agree. I believe we can also include UNI in that group. Jacobsen always seems to be able to recruit excellent shooters and better overall talent than us, and Cedar Rapids isn’t exactly a vacation destination.

 

[BUfan14]

I agree. I believe we can also include UNI in that group. Jacobsen always seems to be able to recruit excellent shooters and better overall talent than us, and Cedar Rapids isn’t exactly a vacation destination.

Absolutely. Even Missouri St. has been able to add elite scoring talent on the perimeter. They haven't always put it together like UNI due to other factors, but certainly they have landed the talent. SIU seems to have passed us up now too. That's not to mention what Murray St. did before the Valley in a "weaker" conference, even outside of Ja Morant. Bradley has always been one of the top fan draws in the Valley too, so it's certainly not that.

 

[LittleBrave]

I agree that this year's team has no reliable closer. Deen may be the best we've got but his size is easy to defend against when you know he's the guy to stop. I would say that the next in line to close would be Hickman but he's been too unreliable this year. Zek has the best athleticism and has a chance to grow into "that guy" but he's still too raw and unreliable as a ball handler. As mentioned above, our best bet is not to be in the position at the end of the game where a closer is needed.

Well said in all areas!

I think Zek has the most upside of one who can become a star, but it's sporadic. I think next season will be his time to shine.
I'd go with Malevy to make something happen, but not sure he's "closer" status.

 

[Classof77]

I am also in the camp of thinking we don't have anybody who could be considered a closer at this point.

My main reason for chiming in was to echo the opinions about Ben Jacobsen. He seems to have a knack for recruiting shooters. Not necessarily very athletic, but he has fielded so many teams where everybody on the court could shoot the ball. Guys like Nate Kennell.

 

[Go_Braves]

As the stats show from last nights Bradley vs Illinois State disappointing game - Bradley really does not have a true closer. Last night Bradley got really really lucky. Leon and Deen are the closest players to being closers. They were pretty reliable shooting their free throws. Rienk was not (1 for 7). and Ville - forget about Ville. I believe that Ville played better games his freshman year. If I were coach Wardle I would rely on Leon and Deen and maybe Zek. If I were the opposing team - I would foul Rienk and Ville. It is going to be a interesting rest of the season. I totally agree whoever shared that Wardle needs to recruit better / more reliable shooters like UNI - Ben Jacobson and Belmont. Comments ? Thank you.

 

[NashvilleBU]

I don’t think we have a true closer since we play team ball. Zek has the most potential to create and score…Deen has closing abilities but too short to shoot over taller defenders.

I think it has to be Mast or Leons but they are in the frontcourt and need guards to open it up for them.

 

[BUfan14]

Leons might be the most talented player on the team, but he also doesn't seem like a take charge player at this point. He is great on the defensive end (his defense is probably why we won yesterday), but just not a take charge guy on offense. He hasn't shown that trait yet at Bradley, so I think it doesn't make sense to keep expecting it. Deen has that trait, but isn't a complete enough player. He either is hitting threes or he isn't. Zek is still too raw to be that guy at this point, but might be able to some day. I guess in a spot where we need a three I want Deen taking it by default, but I don't feel great about it.

 

[Tommy]

Leons might be the most talented player on the team, but he also doesn't seem like a take charge player at this point. He is great on the defensive end (his defense is probably why we won yesterday), but just not a take charge guy on offense. He hasn't shown that trait yet at Bradley, so I think it doesn't make sense to keep expecting it. Deen has that trait, but isn't a complete enough player. He either is hitting threes or he isn't. Zek is still too raw to be that guy at this point, but might be able to some day. I guess in a spot where we need a three I want Deen taking it by default, but I don't feel great about it.

Deen showed the most fire yesterday and he was a key to the comeback at the end of the game. He's the guy from what I've seen. Nobody else even seems interested in being that guy.

 

[️ Fanatic]

After watching the replay of last nights game... I was surprised to hear Rooney say in OT - Bradley just scored their first FG since 3:15 left in regulation. As I recall, Bradley did not score the last 5:16 in the Belmont game. That says NO CLOSER to me... no one can make a shot in tight games at the end of the game... ADD our Free Throw percentage = This team will have challenges in St. Louis. I hope some things can get corrected the 2nd half of the conference season!

 

[Tommy]

After watching the replay of last nights game... I was surprised to hear Rooney say in OT - Bradley just scored their first FG since 3:15 left in regulation. As I recall, Bradley did not score the last 5:16 in the Belmont game. That says NO CLOSER to me... no one can make a shot in tight games at the end of the game... ADD our Free Throw percentage = This team will have challenges in St. Louis. I hope some things can get corrected the 2nd half of the conference season!

Wardle said on the postgame that they practice free throws every day. Seems like they need someone to teach them how to shoot free throws if that is the case. I recommend this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPt5MsUmXTs