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This was predictable last summer and all year. We settled for good and didn’t go for great. We had a good NIT type year, but that shouldn’t be the height of this program and that’s what this year was supposed to be. We settled for good/safe in recruiting, scheduling, and roster construction. I’ve said it many times, Drake’s last 6 years should have been us. Again, this was a good year. But it’s hard not to feel like it should have been great and that it could’ve been with a few different decisions. Next year is the most unknown in a while. It should be interesting.
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Disappointing end to a great season. Drake was the better team today.Comment
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Good news is that with an NIT bid, we should win at least two games. Really hope we get more to show that the MVC is a quality conference.
And Drake was the better team today. Hope they make at least the sweet 16 to show the power of the MVCComment
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It's too close to the end of the game so I'm a bit emotionally upset, but sometimes I wonder if the basic structure of basketball and the resulting subjectivity of the refs causes me to rethink my fandom of basketball. This year has to be the one with the widest variation of foul calling I've ever seen in my life. There were a ton of games this year that every darn tricky tack foul was called and then you have games against Drake where they do constant slapping, hand checking, and body checking and barely any fouls are called. At least I saw Duke and CD starting to actually grab the Drake players cause they new they weren't going to get called. Gotta hand it to Drake I guess. They know how to work the system. That plus their hustle and discipline make them a good team. Sad to see BU lose. Hopefully they decide to play in the NIT. In the post-game interview, BW said he's not sure if the guys will want to play. They're still hurting in the lockerroom. Hopefully they'll reconsider after a little break.Comment
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We just couldn't get over the hump and beat Drake! We are a solid MVC team and probably could get to NCAA tourney in other lesser skilled leagues! SiUE made it in there league as well as others like high point. They may be 15 or 16 seeds, but at least they are in. Conversely though if we played say in the Big East, we would be lucky to be ahead of DePaul or Butler! So we're in the Middle! We're a good mid major team, but not Great! Will see next year with our decent recruiting class if we can at least get back to the Championship game! If Drake stays intact, they will be solid favorites next year. If they leave for a higher school, then the Valley could be wide open next year! That said, it would be nice to get to the NIT semi's at Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse like Indiana State did last year! I just don't know if we're a good enough mid major to get their! I feel sorry for all our seniors who worked so hard to be great. Maybe they can turn it up a notch in the NIT!Comment
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BW says the players may not want to play in the NIT, but I believe when they think it through, they'll reconsider. The NIT always has pretty decent teams and it's no shame to play and try to win as many games as you can. We will see, but my bet says BU will play postseason!Comment
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That game was extremely frustrating to say the least. We started the game going inside and getting buckets. The refs let it become a physical game and we stopped going inside. Then they started calling all contact inside and Drake attacked and we did not. Hannah's seeming refusal to post up seems to have short changed his season. Duke became one dimensional and all tournament teams just face guarded him to make sure he couldn't get going. Being a small guard if he can't drive he can't contribute much offensively. I'm disappointed by the end, but that says a lot about where Wardle has set the bar.Comment
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I think it was a good year for such a one-dimensional team on offense. Hopefully, there will be a more diverse set of skills on the floor in the future.Comment
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It was a good season but it could have been a great season. Unfortunately, this team just never showed up when the stage lights were on them. Some guys really tried hard as they could CD and DH. Drake was a good team and good coaches. Probably the next Iowa coach. We have a lot of holes to fill next year. If the seniors don’t want to play in the NIT or the Brian Wardle invitational then play the young guys for the next year for more experience. No reason to put there heads down. They will always be a brave!!!!!Comment
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I certainly hope the guys elect to accept an NIT invite as that last game would be a horrible way to go out for these seniors. Can’t imagine them not wanting to play together again.Originally posted by battlebasset View Post
The hard part is the incentive to win games in the NIT when all you worked for was to get to the NCAA tourney and nothing less.
IMO this was a great season aside from not getting past Drake once again.Comment
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The one thing I agree with on this season being a disappointment was not so much the record, but that I can’t think of 1 returning player who played up to their potential or expecation this year. The closest was CD, but he had a handful of unproductive games. Hannah came on strong the last 7-8 games but prior he had been mediocre compared to last season.
JaQuan was a bright spot and thought Meta made some strides, but needs to play well for a full game and not just good halves every other game.
Hurts not to cheer on this group in the NCAA tourney - a very likeable group who went to war for each other for 2-3 years.
Life goes on and Braves basketball will too, though it’s a down day and probably week ahead.Comment
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The players had a good season. They should not hang their heads. You are not going to want the season to end. Go to the NIT. You are not doneComment
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