Some reflections on this season

[it's boogie time]

I can't say that I'm worried about the backcourt or the offense. It's Bradley's defense and rebounding that have kept them from reaching the level that most fans have expected or hoped for.

Bradley needs some quality players on the inside to go with the quality players on the outside. You need to rebound or create steals to run an effective fast break.

I haven't kept up with recruiting throughout the season, but it looks like we currently have three guards committed in various forms.

[basketball nut]

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 post Iceman, I would agree w/ alot of what you have said. It was a pleasure to watch DU yesterday and how they run their O and how they play "D" and more so how they rebound. My biggest complaint w/ BU this year is they had no inside presence. DU had guys that could handle the ball when it was passed to them on the inside. We had guys that couldn't even touch the ball besides handle it and when they did they still couldn't shoot.
On the bright side for next year is RA & SS along w/ AT & WE that may change. I realize that we have some out their that have their doubts about WE but then look what so many said 2 years ago about JC and today I really don't beleive their are to many on this board that don't think he turned out to be one the best players at BU in a long time. Hard work pays off and I see JC as a good enough leader to pass that work ethic onto the younger players.
Am I going to get caught up in the hype we had this past summer? Absolutely not, but will I still be supporting the Braves? You bet and if we are lucky we will see improvement on the inside and we already know what we have coming back on the outside. If one or two of the incoming players comes through for us that is a bonus.

[amckillip]

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?

No way Sam M plays the 2, much more likely Eddren plays a second PG, like WF did last season.

And I have been giving Sam props since late '06. Ask anyone I go to games with. I don't shut up about him, his work ethic and winners mentality are incredible. At the end of the CU game over the weekend I asked my friend who takes the shot if you got your choice. We both immediately agreed NOT DRUFF, and then thoughts of the season ran through our head, and we both came to the conclusion... Our freshman guard... Sam M, he has been more clutch than anyone except maybe Theron this season... Remember Drake(h), or ISU(h)? He hit the big shots and nearly stopped the onslaught under the basket by Drake.

Sam M is not the smoothest, quickest, or best shot on the floor. He probably never will be - but he will out work, out hustle and out last anyone on the court, and in College BBall that means alot more than anything else sometimes. He'll make mistakes but he'll own them, and at the end of the game he wants the ball, and plays smart, and that'll let him be a game changer for the team for the nest three years. I look to him to be THE team leader and a steadying influence for the team as a SOPHOMORE...

[BU ICEMAN]

...he will out work, out hustle and out last anyone on the court, and in College BBall that means alot more than anything else sometimes.

Just ask the Tyler Hansbrough Fan Club!

By the way, on a sidebar, for those of you who also think Hansbrough's way overrated, check out Rick Morrissey's article on chicagosports.com

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/cs-080308-tyler-hansborough-morrissey,0,6474754.column

[basketball nut]

Just ask the Tyler Hansbrough Fan Club!

By the way, on a sidebar, for those of you who also think Hansbrough's way overrated, check out Rick Morrissey's article on chicagosports.com

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....6474754.column

I would put Tyler H on my team anytime. I can't think of any big guy in the country that I would rather have. He is a winner and he doesn't quit. One of the hardest working players in the country. By the way I would put Samman right there as far as working his tail off and never giving up. JC also had a good work ethic but I really think he ran out of gas by the end of the season w/ all the double & even triple teams he seen and he never ran through the middle w/o getting banged 3 or 4 times-that will wear on anyone.