'06-'07 - Can BU reload?

[romar]

I've been watching the boards regarding next year and I pick up alot of negativity about next years team and I find it a little disheartening.

I have a much different perspective than most & see several reasons why next years team can reload and finish at or near the top of the MVC.

1) I think everyone has been spoiled by the fact that BU has had their first truly dominant big man in forever. A dominant big man is a luxury, not a necessity to win. SIU made the NCAA tournament w/a 6'7" center. Depending on Singh's recovery, BU will have Andrews, Singh, Salley, Jassey & Crawford. All but Singh are very athletic types and there is still a possiblity POB may return (a slim possibility I know).

2) It generally takes a full year to introduce a new coaching philosophy. I believe last years 2nd half run was the result of the lights going on as to what CB was teaching defensively. I believe the returning players will have a better understanding of what it takes to "get on the floor" and look for continued improvement on the defensive end.

3) We all remember Coach Mo and how BU won under him with little or no players that possessed truly explosive offensive skills (lots of hustle guys, but only Parker comes to mind as a skilled offensive player). In my POV there is much more offensive potential at BU now than most think. Players I feel may "step up" their games next year are Brown, Crouch, Andrews and Jassey. I also have a feeling that Warren is going to be an X-factor guy, the forgotten recruit that is going to step in and contribute right away. I look for Salley to be serviceable, but feel he will take a little while to adjust.

4) Without the main offensive threats from last years team (POB & Cellus), I think early in the season, it is going to be difficult for teams to pick who to focus their defense on. We all remember DePaul allegedly prepped to face POB & when he couldn't play it threw off their game plan. Next year I'm not sure BU's opponents are going to have any idea who to guard. (I know this one is a stretch).

5) To me the only true unknown is who is going to serve as the team leaders much like Cellus and TB. I see some guys who can potentially fill that role, JJ, possibly DA, but to me it remains to be seen who is going to be that guy who has that refuse to lose mentality (that TB always displayed).

I'd enjoy hearing the reason others feel that BU may be better than expected next year if there is anything I've overlooked.

[BuBraves55]

i think they're just going to have to 'fly under the radar' and hopefully be underestimated but i don't think it will be as bad as some people think.

[BU Bill]

The big difference between the Mo years and now is how much better many teams in the MVC have become. There has never been any season in the past when 6 teams won 20 or more games and 6 teams finished in the top 40 in RPI. Those other 5 teams are returning their teams mostly intact, except for UNI and Bradley. And the lower 4 teams will all be improved IMO. So I think Bradley will do better than most people think, but could still finish 5th-7th.

http://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2006/conference/Missouri%20Valley

[tornado]

I've been watching the boards regarding next year and I pick up alot of negativity about next years team and I find it a little disheartening.

I have a much different perspective than most & see several reasons why next years team can reload and finish at or near the top of the MVC.

Thanks romar, I like your perspectives.

Of course there are doom and gloom posts every single off-season. I don't think you should let other people's feelings determine how you feel.
I am optimistic and excited about this coming season.

Now Jim Les has taken his 3-year record of 40-49, and presently sits with a 4-year record of 62-60.

By comparison here are the records of some other MVC coaches:

Jim Les...............3-year=40-49, 4-year=62-60
Dana Altman........3-year=36-49, 4-year=54-59
Greg McDermott...3-year=44-41, 4-year=64-51
Mark Turgeon......3-year=42-45, 4-year=62-55
Porter Moser.......3-year=33-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 29 games next year to catch Jim Les)
Steve Merfeld.....3-year=30-55, 4-year=37-72
Barry Hinson........3-year=53-42, 4-year=70-54 -- (was 23-11 in his 1st year when he inherited an NCAA team)
Tom Davis..........3-year=37-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 25 games next year to catch Jim Les)

NOTE-- that despite all the complaining we hear, neither Altman, McDermott, Turgeon, Merfeld, nor Hinson won substantially more than Jim Les has won in his first four seasons. And Davis & Moser are way under even JL's three year records.
I am optimistic that the success will continue.

[BradleyBrave]

I've been watching the boards regarding next year and I pick up alot of negativity about next years team and I find it a little disheartening.

I have a much different perspective than most & see several reasons why next years team can reload and finish at or near the top of the MVC.

Thanks romar, I like your perspectives.

Of course there are doom and gloom posts every single off-season. I don't think you should let other people's feelings determine how you feel.
I am optimistic and excited about this coming season.

Now Jim Les has taken his 3-year record of 40-49, and presently sits with a 4-year record of 62-60.

By comparison here are the records of some other MVC coaches:

Jim Les...............3-year=40-49, 4-year=62-60
Dana Altman........3-year=36-49, 4-year=54-59
Greg McDermott...3-year=44-41, 4-year=64-51
Mark Turgeon......3-year=42-45, 4-year=62-55
Porter Moser.......3-year=33-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 29 games next year to catch Jim Les)
Steve Merfeld.....3-year=30-55, 4-year=37-72
Barry Hinson........3-year=53-42, 4-year=70-54 -- (was 23-11 in his 1st year when he inherited an NCAA team)
Tom Davis..........3-year=37-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 25 games next year to catch Jim Les)

NOTE-- that despite all the complaining we hear, neither Altman, McDermott, Turgeon, Merfeld, nor Hinson won substantially more than Jim Les has won in his first four seasons. And Davis & Moser are way under even JL's three year records.
I am optimistic that the success will continue.

I think that most people are more concerned with replacing the personnel that has departed than the abilities of the coaching staff.

[AV23]

It's going to be a tuff year for BU. I can see them finishing about .500 in the MVC. I hope I'm wrong, but that how I see it going for BU this year.

[brocks]

It's going to be a tuff year for BU. I can see them finishing about .500 in the MVC. I hope I'm wrong, but that how I see it going for BU this year.

I think you're right, and I see no problem with that result. Don't need a Sweet 16 EVERY year. Next year's goals should be to get to post-season play and sign the best recruiting class of the Les era. Do those two things and JL will be on his way to being one of BU's coaching greats.

[Dallas Brave]

AV23, you're OK by me.

We don't usually see eye-to-eye, but I've come to live with it. A little ribbing from time-to-time is good for the soul.

[cpacmel]

Jim Les...............3-year=40-49, 4-year=62-60

Tom Davis..........3-year=37-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 25 games next year to catch Jim Les)

And Davis & Moser are way under even JL's three year records.

Good stats Tornado.

I hate to nit-pick, and I am not sure why I am standing up for Dr. Tom, but over those 3 years, Les coached in 5 additional games than Davis. Their winning %'s are: Les 45% Davis 44%.

And even without the difference of those 5 games, I wouldn't consider 3 less wins way under JL.

Moser is a way different story.

[flipper]

I've been watching the boards regarding next year and I pick up alot of negativity about next years team and I find it a little disheartening.

I have a much different perspective than most & see several reasons why next years team can reload and finish at or near the top of the MVC.

Thanks romar, I like your perspectives.

Of course there are doom and gloom posts every single off-season. I don't think you should let other people's feelings determine how you feel.
I am optimistic and excited about this coming season.

Now Jim Les has taken his 3-year record of 40-49, and presently sits with a 4-year record of 62-60.

By comparison here are the records of some other MVC coaches:

Jim Les...............3-year=40-49, 4-year=62-60
Dana Altman........3-year=36-49, 4-year=54-59
Greg McDermott...3-year=44-41, 4-year=64-51
Mark Turgeon......3-year=42-45, 4-year=62-55
Porter Moser.......3-year=33-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 29 games next year to catch Jim Les)
Steve Merfeld.....3-year=30-55, 4-year=37-72
Barry Hinson........3-year=53-42, 4-year=70-54 -- (was 23-11 in his 1st year when he inherited an NCAA team)
Tom Davis..........3-year=37-47, 4-year=N/A (but he'd have to win 25 games next year to catch Jim Les)

NOTE-- that despite all the complaining we hear, neither Altman, McDermott, Turgeon, Merfeld, nor Hinson won substantially more than Jim Les has won in his first four seasons. And Davis & Moser are way under even JL's three year records.
I am optimistic that the success will continue.

what does all that mean? who do you think is the best coach in the valley? how would you rank them?

[georgethedog]

Re: '06-'07 - Can BU reload?

I've been watching the boards regarding next year and I pick up alot of negativity about next years team and I find it a little disheartening.

I have a much different perspective than most & see several reasons why next years team can reload and finish at or near the top of the MVC.

1) I think everyone has been spoiled by the fact that BU has had their first truly dominant big man in forever. A dominant big man is a luxury, not a necessity to win. SIU made the NCAA tournament w/a 6'7" center. Depending on Singh's recovery, BU will have Andrews, Singh, Salley, Jassey & Crawford. All but Singh are very athletic types and there is still a possiblity POB may return (a slim possibility I know).

2) It generally takes a full year to introduce a new coaching philosophy. I believe last years 2nd half run was the result of the lights going on as to what CB was teaching defensively. I believe the returning players will have a better understanding of what it takes to "get on the floor" and look for continued improvement on the defensive end.

3) We all remember Coach Mo and how BU won under him with little or no players that possessed truly explosive offensive skills (lots of hustle guys, but only Parker comes to mind as a skilled offensive player). In my POV there is much more offensive potential at BU now than most think. Players I feel may "step up" their games next year are Brown, Crouch, Andrews and Jassey. I also have a feeling that Warren is going to be an X-factor guy, the forgotten recruit that is going to step in and contribute right away. I look for Salley to be serviceable, but feel he will take a little while to adjust.

4) Without the main offensive threats from last years team (POB & Cellus), I think early in the season, it is going to be difficult for teams to pick who to focus their defense on. We all remember DePaul allegedly prepped to face POB & when he couldn't play it threw off their game plan. Next year I'm not sure BU's opponents are going to have any idea who to guard. (I know this one is a stretch).

5) To me the only true unknown is who is going to serve as the team leaders much like Cellus and TB. I see some guys who can potentially fill that role, JJ, possibly DA, but to me it remains to be seen who is going to be that guy who has that refuse to lose mentality (that TB always displayed).

I'd enjoy hearing the reason others feel that BU may be better than expected next year if there is anything I've overlooked.

Repsonses to 1-5.
1) What made us different was a 7 footer. Bye-bye to that.
2) Yes, and it will take a full year to introduce it to the new players too.
3) If you are counting on Andrews and Crouch to step up offensively, better make sure we schedule a lot of division 2 schools.
4) Yes, it will be difficult for teams to focus on who to guard offensively. This was true for Indiana State this year when Moss was hurt. How well did they do when teams were not sure who to guard because there wasn't anyone to guard?
5) The new players are the ture unknown (along with whether or not we can win in the play-in round).

Sorry, couldn't resist being a smart-___. Nothing personal, just having some fun. I have been going to games since the early 70's and I fully support the team and the coach, but I have significantly lowered expectations for next year. Look at what we lose compared to what we have coming in. Not convinced? OK, I will take the old players vs. the new players in a four on four. POB, Cellus, Wright, Bennett vs. Jassey, Crawford, Salley and Warren.

[BU Bill]

3) If you are counting on Andrews and Crouch to step up offensively, better make sure we schedule a lot of division 2 schools

Are you saying these 2 guys are not Div I players?

I disagree. Andrews played great against Pitt and their big guys. He obviously had trouble at first adjusting to the speed and size of players in Div I, but I think he will have a great year next year. And there is no doubt he has Div I talent.

Crouch was a valuable part of the team 2 years ago, and will be again. I have seen enough of Jeremy to say he also has Div I skills. He will average double digits next year. He averaged 8.3 ppg as a freshman and shot 37% on 3s.

[romar]

Re: '06-'07 - Can BU reload?

The sun is shining where I am - Must be a bleak dark corner of the world where you are in Pekin. You're entitled to your POV - I just don't think the sky is falling quite yet. I don't see the cupboard as being completely bare. Now the year that Jerome Robinson was going to be a senior along with Rabey, I thought the cupboard was bare - but that team came together and made the NIT. Stranger things have happened.

Just curious if you were one of those who had BU buried before the late season run? I'm sure if you wrote anything about that on a message board anywhere, Big Wind will come up with a link to document it. ha ha

I've been watching the boards regarding next year and I pick up alot of negativity about next years team and I find it a little disheartening.

I have a much different perspective than most & see several reasons why next years team can reload and finish at or near the top of the MVC.

1) I think everyone has been spoiled by the fact that BU has had their first truly dominant big man in forever. A dominant big man is a luxury, not a necessity to win. SIU made the NCAA tournament w/a 6'7" center. Depending on Singh's recovery, BU will have Andrews, Singh, Salley, Jassey & Crawford. All but Singh are very athletic types and there is still a possiblity POB may return (a slim possibility I know).

2) It generally takes a full year to introduce a new coaching philosophy. I believe last years 2nd half run was the result of the lights going on as to what CB was teaching defensively. I believe the returning players will have a better understanding of what it takes to "get on the floor" and look for continued improvement on the defensive end.

3) We all remember Coach Mo and how BU won under him with little or no players that possessed truly explosive offensive skills (lots of hustle guys, but only Parker comes to mind as a skilled offensive player). In my POV there is much more offensive potential at BU now than most think. Players I feel may "step up" their games next year are Brown, Crouch, Andrews and Jassey. I also have a feeling that Warren is going to be an X-factor guy, the forgotten recruit that is going to step in and contribute right away. I look for Salley to be serviceable, but feel he will take a little while to adjust.

4) Without the main offensive threats from last years team (POB & Cellus), I think early in the season, it is going to be difficult for teams to pick who to focus their defense on. We all remember DePaul allegedly prepped to face POB & when he couldn't play it threw off their game plan. Next year I'm not sure BU's opponents are going to have any idea who to guard. (I know this one is a stretch).

5) To me the only true unknown is who is going to serve as the team leaders much like Cellus and TB. I see some guys who can potentially fill that role, JJ, possibly DA, but to me it remains to be seen who is going to be that guy who has that refuse to lose mentality (that TB always displayed).

I'd enjoy hearing the reason others feel that BU may be better than expected next year if there is anything I've overlooked.

Repsonses to 1-5.
1) What made us different was a 7 footer. Bye-bye to that.
2) Yes, and it will take a full year to introduce it to the new players too.
3) If you are counting on Andrews and Crouch to step up offensively, better make sure we schedule a lot of division 2 schools.
4) Yes, it will be difficult for teams to focus on who to guard offensively. This was true for Indiana State this year when Moss was hurt. How well did they do when teams were not sure who to guard because there wasn't anyone to guard?
5) The new players are the ture unknown (along with whether or not we can win in the play-in round).

Sorry, couldn't resist being a smart-___. Nothing personal, just having some fun. I have been going to games since the early 70's and I fully support the team and the coach, but I have significantly lowered expectations for next year. Look at what we lose compared to what we have coming in. Not convinced? OK, I will take the old players vs. the new players in a four on four. POB, Cellus, Wright, Bennett vs. Jassey, Crawford, Salley and Warren.

[oilerpimp]

I don't quite understand the negativity either, mainly because we haven't even tipped off yet. Every question has an answer and Jim and the Gang are smart guys. They'll figure it out.

FWIW...the sun's shining in my corner of Pekin.

[georgethedog]

I don't quite understand the negativity either, mainly because we haven't even tipped off yet. Every question has an answer and Jim and the Gang are smart guys. They'll figure it out.

FWIW...the sun's shining in my corner of Pekin.

A wise man once told me the secret to life is having "low expectations" because then you can rejoice in even the smallest success! I do not understand the FWIW (I don't have the lingo down) but the sun was shining a little today on my side of Pekin also.