Darian Norris Quote...

[PTownHawkeye]

There's one part of today's Dave Reynolds article that gave me chills because it shows we're moving in the right direction, or at least doing something right:

"I've seen Ruffin play on TV and our games are pretty similar."

I honestly think this is the first time I've seen a recruit publicly say that they saw Bradley play on TV and due to something they saw, they moved Bradley higher on their list, as his quote implies. Even as recently as 3 seasons ago, I remember not playing a single game on national TV. This year, I believe we played on ESPN2 twice, plus played several games between ESPNU and Fox affiliates that are available to almost anyone who has an upgraded cable or satellite package.

We've talked about our Sweet 16 window, but maybe we've moved into a whole new era because of it. I hope our recruits keep watching us on TV!

[BradleyBrave]

That is a great post PTown, and I think proof positive that the CBI was a positive thing for this program. We were on a nationally-available outlet 14 times this past season - 5 of those were in the CBI. I don't want to start this debate again on the pro's and con's of the CBI, but I think we'll continue to see benefits next season when networks are looking for teams to put on TV. BU's run to the inaugural CBI title series is a story, and networks love stories. We have some national name recognition from the Sweet 16, NIT, and CBI. I think we will continue to see BU get more TV games, and I think we will reap the benefits of the exposure.

Remember - Programs like BU don't truly start to see the benefits of a Sweet 16 run until 2-4 years down the road (recruits, TV exposure, facilities). Next year is the beginning of the true 'window' of which the benefits of the Sweet 16 can be judged IMO.

[Da Coach]

It very likely was the CBI where he saw Bradley, because the other Bradley TV games were mostly on when there were other games more attractive to the TV viewer. But the CBI games all occurred when no other college basketball game was being played anywhere in the US. They were the only game to watch for a kid looking at TV wanting to see a game.
For that reason alone, it was worth playing in the CBI.

[BU ICEMAN]

I'd be pretty happy if we got the same contribution outta Norris as we did Ruffin.

Of course we'd have to ask the kid, but it's entirely possible he'd choose to watch BU than the other "more attractive" games, considering BU is the one recruiting him. I wouldn't be quite willing to put it all on the CBI, but it certainly gave us more opportunity/exposure for guys to get another look at us.

As far as the window, we're starting to see some benny's, agreed, but as many of us have said, we don't want that window shutting after the 2-4 years. I want that sucker wide freakin' open! Gonna have to get some more postseason success within that 2-4 year window.

[BradleyBrave]

As far as the window, we're starting to see some benny's, agreed, but as many of us have said, we don't want that window shutting after the 2-4 years. I want that sucker wide freakin' open! Gonna have to get some more postseason success within that 2-4 year window.

Agree 100%. Contending for conference titles and NCAA appearances are paramount right now. It can take this thing from an open window of opportunity to wide-open double door.

[shaunguth]

"I've seen Ruffin play on TV and our games are pretty similar."

This is exactly what I've been saying since Big Mike posted all those links to the DN articles describing his game. I could have easily been reading about DR!