***Jim Les Live Tonight (Monday) 7pm - 1470***

[SFP]

I was at the event last night too. Big Mike pretty much summarized it all accurately. It was interesting to see the video of the new facilities, and I can see how it would definitely help recruiting. It will be on par with what other programs have. It's a wonder we've been able to recruit any good players with our current facilities. Les said that eventually one of the big name recruits is going to make the jump and come here.

JL's been recruiting with a hand tied behind his back, imagine when he has it all, a new class A facility and a track record of winning. Jim is a class act, extremely positive person and I personally believe he will get this program to where we all expect to be a top program not just in the Valley but in the nation year in and year out.

[Majik45]

You reminded me of another thing Les said last night SanFran Pete. One thing Les always tells his players is that they are the ones who will make the program what they want to make it. He said he asked Daniel Ruffin a few years ago what he wanted to make the program into, and Ruffin said he wanted to be the Gonzaga of the midwest, a perenial top 25 team that is always making the tournament and winning games. Les thought there were a lot of similarities between Bradley and Gonzaga, small private institutions in similar sized communities (Peoria and Spokane). He thought these new facilities would really help us get there.

[dogsrus]

Thanks everyone for the reports. Nice to see JL mentioning Collins again like he did at the Smoker. A 7 footer can thrive in the Valley with any skills at all.

Depending on matchups I see him and Salley either splitting tiome or BOTH in there when we need size/rebounds. This is based on preseason comments alone where both are getting early praises from the coaches.

I also agree on the facilities. HOW any coach (Mo included) can get or could get players to committ with our embarassing facilities on campus is beyond me.

Friday can't get hear soon enough.

I HOPE they have good plans in place. That foyer will NOT hold the itoo crown AND the crowd that goes for the red n white.

[Da Coach]

Jim Les talked last night about Collins and how they are emphasising one main point for him to concentrate on-- "finishing at the basket". He can be very successful as a 7 footer if he can develop that skill. He said that BU had the guards who will get him the ball, but he has to get the ball in the basket consistently. It sounds like he is gettting the message.

[tornado]

Hey....I also noted this announcement in the paper.........


"South-West Kiwanis Club of Peoria: Jim Les, Bradley University men's basketball coach, will discuss the upcoming season at noon Thursday (10/25) at Radisson Hotel, 117 N. Western Ave."



Rotary Club of Peoria: Coach Jim Les will present "Bradley Basketball" at 11:45 a.m. Friday (10/26) at the Hotel Pere Marquette, 501 Main St."

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/102207/MAT_BEN6KH19.047.php

Sounds like Coach Les is doing the leg work on promotions!!
Good job.......I have meetings all day and can't get to either of those sites, so
maybe some of the posters can try and give a report........

[dogsrus]

Jim Les talked last night about Collins and how they are emphasising one main point for him to concentrate on-- "finishing at the basket". He can be very successful as a 7 footer if he can develop that skill. He said that BU had the guards who will get him the ball, but he has to get the ball in the basket consistently. It sounds like he is gettting the message.

And even with MY limited knowledge of the game its all about positioning. With that height all he has to do is work hard to get close to the basket and be ready for some great passes from DR and JC.

[mrcoachdude]

Jim said that Matt is actually dominating in practice!!!! The other thing I noticed is that when Dave asked about Will, Jims voice gave away his excitement about how good this kid is and could be. Jim also said that Sam is playing very very well and is pushing DR................

He did get pretty upbeat when he talked about Will......

Will.......an athletic Larry Bird

[Lakeview Brave]

Ill be giddy if he is an athletic Matt Bullard!

[Da Coach]

I'd take an athletic Chad Kleine!

[Beninator]

I'd take an athletic Chad Kleine!

I like Chad Kleine, but I think that we can now do better.

[ser_solace]

It's a pleasant surprise to hear Matt Salley is dominating in practice. I'm happy for him and am sure this just pushes everyone else to be better.

In fact, it sounds like they're all pushing each other to be better. Looking forward to seeing them all play.