Announcement

**Bravesguy** · 06-27-2006, 12:58 PM

Just as an interesting reminder of what was being said last fall about Patrick, here are some quotes from the Fall 2005 "HOOPS" insert of the PJ Star about Patrick.

"Nearly every one of the Bradley basketball practices this fall has included a special guest or two from the National Basketball Association.
They watch the workouts closely, scribbling notes and forming opinions."

"His name began appearing on NBA mock draft lists on the Internet, as high as the 35th pick in 2006 on one list. Another site pegged him as the 20th-best college big man in the nation."

"He has high expectations for himself.
Those expectations, of course, place him on a direct path to the NBA. The only question, as long as he stays healthy and keeps improving, is how soon he heads down that road.
When asked if a great sophomore season could sway him toward such a leap next spring, O'Bryant shrugged.
"That's something I'll decide once the season is over," he said. "Right now, I'm more concerned about the next five months."

**brainiac** · 06-27-2006, 01:13 PM

Also for reference, the preseason Kirk Wessler contribution to
the Hoops insert each of the past two seasons has been
essentially the same article. If it wasn't a rehash of his own
stuff it'd be close to plagarism.

In November of 2004 he wrote the piece called:
"Young Braves Convinced Their Time is Now"

In 2005 he wrote:
"Time is Now for Bradley's Return to Winning Ways"

In both columns he rehashed the disappointments going all the
way back to the 90's (many of which were not Jim Les' fault at
all), and placed the onus upon Jim Les to get it done NOW, and
raked him for not doing more with the players he inherited. Also
in both pieces he mocked the "five year plan" and ridiculed JL
with comments like
"He shouldn't have to admit mistakes because he never makes one"

and

"he never promised immediate success; his game plans are flawless, but the players refuse to execute them, and Molinari
left a bunch of head-case athletes who weren't as talented as everyone thought"

and he flatly states that Les is expected
"to be back in the postseason by now"
or else be held accountable (meaning cut loose.)

So are we going to see a piece this fall that apologizes for the
premature and unfair criticism, or that gives JL some credit for
bringing something to BU basketball we haven't seen in a couple
decades, and which JL actually promised within 5 years, but
delivered in just FOUR?
I wouldn't hold my breath...

**Dallas Brave** · 06-27-2006, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by brainiac

Also for reference, the preseason Kirk Wessler contribution to
the Hoops insert each of the past two seasons has been
essentially the same article. If it wasn't a rehash of his own
stuff it'd be close to plagarism.

In November of 2004 he wrote the piece called:
"Young Braves Convinced Their Time is Now"

In 2005 he wrote:
"Time is Now for Bradley's Return to Winning Ways"

In both columns he rehashed the disappointments going all the
way back to the 90's (many of which were not Jim Les' fault at
all), and placed the onus upon Jim Les to get it done NOW, and
raked him for not doing more with the players he inherited. Also
in both pieces he mocked the "five year plan" and ridiculed JL
with comments like
"He shouldn't have to admit mistakes because he never makes one"

and

"he never promised immediate success; his game plans are flawless, but the players refuse to execute them, and Molinari
left a bunch of head-case athletes who weren't as talented as everyone thought"

and he flatly states that Les is expected
"to be back in the postseason by now"
or else be held accountable (meaning cut loose.)

So are we going to see a piece this fall that apologizes for the
premature and unfair criticism, or that gives JL some credit for
bringing something to BU basketball we haven't seen in a couple
decades, and which JL actually promised within 5 years, but
delivered in just FOUR?
I wouldn't hold my breath...

My impression of KW is that he thinks he is the news rather than someone who covers the news.

**Da Coach** · 06-27-2006, 11:20 PM

I saw a TV interview with Patrick today. He is now clean-shaven with much shorter hair. Must be sprucing up for his stroll up to the podium.

**MacabreMob** · 06-27-2006, 11:38 PM

Originally posted by Da Coach

I saw a TV interview with Patrick today. He is now clean-shaven with much shorter hair. Must be sprucing up for his stroll up to the podium.

Always figured OB to have a little class over the 'all about me' attitude. That will carry over to his success in life.

**Da Coach** · 06-28-2006, 07:01 AM

I agree, POB is unusually mature for his young age.

The PJ Star sent Dave Reynolds to NY to cover POB and the draft. Here are a couple articles in Wednesday's Peoria Journal Star--

http://pjstar.com/stories/062806/BRA_BA7QNAH5.080.shtml

http://pjstar.com/stories/062806/SPO_BA7QN6GT.080.shtml

http://pjstar.com/stories/062806/SPO_BA7QN8CB.080.shtml