Bradley future

[brocks]

I'm a little nervous right now. Most of us recall the last time BU was in a position to really elevate. That was 1996. At that time, we'd had 3 20-win seasons, steady improvement, good press, and an NCAA appearance. Our coach had turned down NC State. The question was whether the staff could then get BU to "the next level." And while that staff eventually landed Joah Tucker and Granger et al, what makes me nervous now is that, fundamentally, BU failed to sell its success and put Bradley in position to become like Gonzaga has since become.

Contrary to what many seem to believe, the future of Bradley basketball does not hinge on POB's decision; it hinges on the next two signees. Will they be impact blue chippers who were looking at the bigs, or will they be kids we get over the likes of Toledo and Northern Illinois? I know those seem like superficial criteria, but at this point in time, the answer to that question will tell us whether Les can do what Mo could not. (PLEASE . . . this is not a slamming-Mo post; it's about the future.)

So which will it be this month? Will JL sell BU to blue chippers and get BU back for good, or will we have a slide a-la-'96?

I think JL is the kind of guy who can get it done, with his personality and salesmanship. Go get 'em!

[dogsrus]

Good points...recruiting IS about 80% IMO. We need to land some studs.

[user1]

I have heard wind of a rumor that we may be hearing good news on this front within a week.

[Majik45]

I wouldn't be so worried about who we land with the last 2 scholarships as a lot of blue chippers are gone already for this year. We need to get a couple players who can come in and compete for playing time to fill the minutes we lose from Bennet, Sommerville, and Wright.

Next year is when Les needs to land some big time players with the success we had this year.

[Grassman]

Re: Bradley future

I'm a little nervous right now. Most of us recall the last time BU was in a position to really elevate. That was 1996. At that time, we'd had 3 20-win seasons, steady improvement, good press, and an NCAA appearance. Our coach had turned down NC State. The question was whether the staff could then get BU to "the next level." And while that staff eventually landed Joah Tucker and Granger et al, what makes me nervous now is that, fundamentally, BU failed to sell its success and put Bradley in position to become like Gonzaga has since become.

Contrary to what many seem to believe, the future of Bradley basketball does not hinge on POB's decision; it hinges on the next two signees. Will they be impact blue chippers who were looking at the bigs, or will they be kids we get over the likes of Toledo and Northern Illinois? I know those seem like superficial criteria, but at this point in time, the answer to that question will tell us whether Les can do what Mo could not. (PLEASE . . . this is not a slamming-Mo post; it's about the future.)

So which will it be this month? Will JL sell BU to blue chippers and get BU back for good, or will we have a slide a-la-'96?

I think JL is the kind of guy who can get it done, with his personality and salesmanship. Go get 'em!

Well said. I am getting nervous. ISU, EVANSVILLE, AND SOUTERN IL. all have posts talking about verbals. all I see on BU is offered, but------------?
Another good year in 06-07, would prove this year was not a fluke, get us more TV, and "Bigger, Faster. Stronger" recriuts.
We need 2 studs, like, right now!

[chitownBUB]

Grassman--
some of it depends on how high you aim.
If BU aims low, and offers scholarships to kids who aren't being pursued by anyone else, then they'd have a few "verbals".
I like the fact that BU is aiming high. If they don't get some of the kids they've aimed at, then so be it. But when the verbals come, they will be from high caliber recruits.

[Big Mike]

I still think next year hinges mainly on PO'Bs return! If he does not come back we will go into a rebuilding year IMO.......5 players lost already and if PO'B leaves that's 6.........we are not north carolina...........it will take us longer to reload........if he stays it should help to recruit someone who wants to be seen playing in front of NBA scouts night after night...... just by playing on the same court as Big Pappy you could get noticed.........this means a lot to most kids........we would be very weak at center if he goes this year!

[Fetz86]

5 players? . . .boogie, Cellus, TB, Heemy, and . . .?

[Big Mike]

Dan Adams!

[Fetz86]

so he is offically done, disapointing.

[Big Mike]

I think if someone did leave that maybe he would gain a ride and come back next season.........that's a lot of $$$"s to play 5 or 6 minutes a game when your paying your own way!

[cpacmel]

I still think next year hinges mainly on PO'Bs return!

Big Mike is extactly right. POB comes back and you guys are right with the top teams in the conference.

For some reason, i see Bradley going with a lineup that features both POB and Andrews at the same time.

I also think Franklin and Ruffin will be starting together next season.