Some reflections on this season

[Bravesfan]

I just finished watching the game that I taped earlier today. Just a quick observation or two regarding this game and the season. It was a terrific effort by the Braves as usual. I think though that it is quite obvious (and I'm talking about this team at full strength with Ruffin in the lineup) we are a step or so behind the Valley elite in terms of our talent.

Yes, everyone will say we have on paper the best talent in the league. Maybe, but it all comes down to development and team chemistry. You could say some of this is Les's fault, but he does not play in the game. The effort has been here all season, it's just all the pieces as a whole were not meant to add up to a great season this year. This is not the players fault or the coaches fault. They gave it their all. Yes, missing Andrew Warren hurt a bit, but we had enough pieces in place to potentially do better. It's just we probably got as much out of this team as we could get, and I believe it was ultimately the lack of experience playing together that kept us from finishing higher (again, this despite injuries and suspensions). A new season will change the chemistry, and another summer and fall practice period will give this team more experience together, with new leaders of course. And all you have to do is ask Drake and Creighton. They epitomize the old adage, "addition by subtraction".

Now having said all this, I still believe we should be allowed to play a little longer this year. Hopefully the NIT or CBI will come calling so we can say we had a good enough year to be at least rewarded with a little more recognition. It's a bit of a longshot, but I think we have some players that deserve an encore, and hopefully we will get at least one more game in front of our devoted fans!

[ph]

Good observations

Lucky you had a recording. For the first time in the last 4 years, my Tivo failed me It locked up and did not record anything.

Chemistry had to mean something. We fought through a lot of adversity with the first Ruff injury, and played for the once this season as a top25 team with the Creighton and Drake wins, then lost a piece (Ruff) again and never recovered.

We had 4 really talented guys (DR, JC, TW, and AW) that would be good role players on most BCS teams, and a hard-working, fairly smart SM. We, however, had no size talent, and that probably hurt us the most. When our 5 guards were at the top of their game we were really good, but they had no safety net.

[Bravesfan]

Good observations

Lucky you had a recording. For the first time in the last 4 years, my Tivo failed me It locked up and did not record anything.

Chemistry had to mean something. We fought through a lot of adversity with the first Ruff injury, and played for the once this season as a top25 team with the Creighton and Drake wins, then lost a piece (Ruff) again and never recovered.

We had 4 really talented guys (DR, JC, TW, and AW) that would be good role players on most BCS teams, and a hard-working, fairly smart SM. We, however, had no size talent, and that probably hurt us the most. When our 5 guards were at the top of their game we were really good, but they had no safety net.

I could send it to you if you want (I recorded it on DVD). Of course you may not want to see it considering how close the game was at the end!

[VeveJones007]

I had higher expectations for the team this year. I'm really looking forward to 2009 though. I really think that Thompson could be a perfect fit at the 5 in this offense, and Egolf would be a perfect 4. Add to that a senior Warren, junior SM and I think we'll be fine in the years to come.

[ph]

I could send it to you if you want (I recorded it on DVD). Of course you may not want to see it considering how close the game was at the end!

Thank you for the kind offer! But you're correct, I do not want to see it. It was extra disapointing to have my two main hobbies, Bradley and technology fail me at the same time.

[Bravesfan]

Thank you for the kind offer! But you're correct, I do not want to see it. It was extra disapointing to have my two main hobbies, Bradley and technology fail me at the same time.

No problem. But I don't know how much longer I'll keep this myself. I think I may file this in my circular "file" within the next couple of days! But I'll probably hang on to it for a little while in case anyone I know would want to see it.

If there's any consolation, I think our Valley brethren in Carbondale are feeling pretty lousy at this moment! Though I know they can't score enough points (except in Peoria!), I did NOT expect them to lose to UNI! But that's what makes conference tourney season fun, except when our team loses!

[tornado]

I had higher expectations for the team this year. I'm really looking forward to 2009 though. I really think that Thompson could be a perfect fit at the 5 in this offense, and Egolf would be a perfect 4. Add to that a senior Warren, junior SM and I think we'll be fine in the years to come.

I wouldn't rule out the Braves' chances in 2008-2009 with five seniors and a possible POY candidate, Theron Wilson?

[BradleyBrave]

I wouldn't rule out the Braves' chances in 2008-2009 with five seniors and a possible POY candidate, Theron Wilson?

I agree. Outside of Creighton, we return more than anyone else in the league. We bring back an all-freshman point guard, an all-conference caliber shooting guard, and an all-conference caliber small forward. Plus, all of our 1st year players now have a year of experience under their belt. If we can learn how to play any defense whatsoever, I truly believe that this team can can be a top 3 team in this league.

In regards to the season, quite frankly the tone was set in the opener against UIC. We let a previously unknown guard go for a career-high, got down by a ton of points, came all the way back, but couldn't get over the top. BU never really grew as a team from that game. Yes, some players grew individually, and there's no doubt we had a great deal of adversity to deal with. But as a team, more often than not, we would get down by large margins due to terrible defense only to come back because of our great offensive ability, only to fall short because of our inability to get a stop when we need it. This season was as frustrating as they come, not only because of our erratic play, but also because every time it seemed like things were coming together, something happened. It just wasn't meant to be this year.

[Stryker]

I want to see Warren become a team leader next year. When he has the attitude he can be dominate. If EM can come in and contribute as much as Sam Maniscalco did this year, and Thompson turns out as good as advertised, we have a lot to look forward to next year.

[BradleyBrave]

I want to see Warren become a team leader next year. When he has the attitude he can be dominate. If EM can come in and contribute as much as Sam Maniscalco did this year, and Thompson turns out as good as advertised, we have a lot to look forward to next year.

I think on paper we have a lot to look forward to without having to put expectations on incoming players (aside from Dodie Dunson, who I think we can make reasonable assumptions about because he's played a year of Division I). We have 3 very good (2 all-conference caliber) perimeter players, and an experienced frontcourt returning. The talent and experience is there for conference title contention IMO. Whether or not it comes to fruition remains to be seen.

[onetuffshot]

Post reply

When you get right down to it, it really is surprising that this team won 17 games, considering the 1)important players missing so many games, and 2)lack of an inside presence at both ends of the court.
IMO, the second point is the greater factor. Inside we were undersized and fundamentally underskilled. Much of those problems were caused/related to the fact that we had no true 5 player. That meant we went into game after game with our 3, 4, and 5 players out of position. The people thrust into those positions did their best. They were not lacking in effort, but for the most part they were playing out of position.
You don't beat Michigan State (although it was close to happening), Vanderbilt (close there, too) and Butler(their freshman post player killed us) without a strong inside game.
I don't know if it is our offensive philosophy or the lack of skilled low post players, but the most successful programs in the game today, all are able to hold there own when it comes to low post play.
IMHO, we were just one player away, that being a player who could score from the low post with his back to the basket, from fulfilling all those pre-season predictions. Frosting on the cake would have been if he could have changed a few of those shots coming from drives to the basket.
Anyhow, we played with the hand we were dealt. Based on effort, I'd like to see us play on into the post-season, wherever that may be!!

[BU ICEMAN]

After watching Drake just totally dismantle ISU today , I wonder how Bradley would have done running the Drake offense this year? Drake didn't really utilize any of their big guys in a traditional sense, but man that offense was lethal!

I still don't know where I stand, obviously results-wise, this season stinks, but at the same time, given all the troubles we had, was it as good as it could've gotten? Big Buescher alluded to this during the radio broadcast last game, and I kinda want to agree with him, but given all the hype we all created and were told prior to the season, I can't help but lean towards disappointment.

It just seemed as if we never gelled completely and maybe we did when we had the good run, but then it fell apart pretty fast. The consistency wasn't there this year. Unfortunately, I don't think the consistency was there due mostly to the self-inflicted problems of some poor decisions off the floor. Yes, AW's and DRuff's injuries are big reasons too, don't get me wrong, but I think the psychological effects from the others weigh a little heavier.

As far as biggest disappointments, I'm going to put forth TCS and Ruffin. I remember the buzz after the exhibition performance TCS put on, but that was nowhere to be seen after that. He's got some work to do this off-season. As far as DRuff, I'm amazed at what happened to him on the defensive end this year. After watching him completely shut down Eric Maynor last year, I was totally confident that he'd be able to shut down opposing guards every night. And of course, getting caught up in a bad situation really interrupted the momentum we seemed to be building.

To end on a positive note, Maniscalco and Wilson were amazing this year. To step in and play the minutes he did as a freshman, Maniscalco deserves a big atta boy. There's certainly a long way for him to go, and there were a lot of times this year he played just like a freshman, but he did have some real good games that really showed his potential. With this year and experience under his belt, I can't help but have some big expectations for him. Wilson had a great season this year and was definitely the "glue guy" that every team needs. Somebody above said he might be a POY candidate in the future; I think that might be a tad optimistic, but if he develops a more reliable 3 point shot and picks up the FT %age a bit, I won't rule it out.

OK, I know I said I'd end on a positive note, but I just realized I didn't make a prediction for this year's post-season. And with that lead-in, I'm sure you already figured out I think this year is over. 17-15 isn't going to cut it.

And finally here's one thing I thought I'd never, ever write: Go Drake! Go out and make the Valley proud in the Big Dance!!!

[BradleyBrave]

After watching Drake just totally dismantle ISU today , I wonder how Bradley would have done running the Drake offense this year? Drake didn't really utilize any of their big guys in a traditional sense, but man that offense was lethal!

I still don't know where I stand, obviously results-wise, this season stinks, but at the same time, given all the troubles we had, was it as good as it could've gotten? Big Buescher alluded to this during the radio broadcast last game, and I kinda want to agree with him, but given all the hype we all created and were told prior to the season, I can't help but lean towards disappointment.

It just seemed as if we never gelled completely and maybe we did when we had the good run, but then it fell apart pretty fast. The consistency wasn't there this year. Unfortunately, I don't think the consistency was there due mostly to the self-inflicted problems of some poor decisions off the floor. Yes, AW's and DRuff's injuries are big reasons too, don't get me wrong, but I think the psychological effects from the others weigh a little heavier.

As far as biggest disappointments, I'm going to put forth TCS and Ruffin. I remember the buzz after the exhibition performance TCS put on, but that was nowhere to be seen after that. He's got some work to do this off-season. As far as DRuff, I'm amazed at what happened to him on the defensive end this year. After watching him completely shut down Eric Maynor last year, I was totally confident that he'd be able to shut down opposing guards every night. And of course, getting caught up in a bad situation really interrupted the momentum we seemed to be building.

To end on a positive note, Maniscalco and Wilson were amazing this year. To step in and play the minutes he did as a freshman, Maniscalco deserves a big atta boy. There's certainly a long way for him to go, and there were a lot of times this year he played just like a freshman, but he did have some real good games that really showed his potential. With this year and experience under his belt, I can't help but have some big expectations for him. Wilson had a great season this year and was definitely the "glue guy" that every team needs. Somebody above said he might be a POY candidate in the future; I think that might be a tad optimistic, but if he develops a more reliable 3 point shot and picks up the FT %age a bit, I won't rule it out.

OK, I know I said I'd end on a positive note, but I just realized I didn't make a prediction for this year's post-season. And with that lead-in, I'm sure you already figured out I think this year is over. 17-15 isn't going to cut it.

And finally here's one thing I thought I'd never, ever write: Go Drake! Go out and make the Valley proud in the Big Dance!!!

Great points, each and every one of them.

[Braves4Life]

My thoughts:

How many said Maniscalco would be "all that"?! I know I did! Seems he still has a lot of doubters here (don't know why) but I still say he'll go down in BU history.

Question though: What happens to Sammy if Eddren McCain is "all that"? If he's the "next big thing". Where does that leave Sammy and where does he play? SG?

[pfunk880]

My thoughts:

How many said Maniscalco would be "all that"?! I know I did! Seems he still has a lot of doubters here (don't know why) but I still say he'll go down in BU history.

Question though: What happens to Sammy if Eddren McCain is "all that"? If he's the "next big thing". Where does that leave Sammy and where does he play? SG?

I think the two of them would make a great backcourt pairing.