2007 BU commitment- David Collins

[JT#32]

I want to thank the fans who make Bradleyfans.com possible, and those who contribute here.
This is a great place to read and keep up with all things Bradley. I can't believe there wasn't a place like this before Bradleyfans started, but now we have everything we need as fans.
Thanks to this site, we have known about David Collins for about a year. I remembered reading about this big kid after last season's Sweet 16. So I looked it up, and here were the early posts reporting about Collins.

http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=20333#20333

http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=21923#21923

http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4194

http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=30521#30521

Thanks again for the great stuff.

[dogsrus]

It's amazing the interest the signing of a big man generates. This thread has been going for just 2 1/2 hours and has 56 replies and almost 700 views. Unbelieveable!

Here is an article from ChicagoHoops.com, usually the first site in the Illinois region to pick up on Bradley and other college commitments--
Head Coach Jim Les And The Bradley Braves Land 7-0 Juco Center David Collins From Missouri State-West Plains
http://www.chicagohoops.com/articles...nsbradley.html

If Chicgo Hoops is not stretching it too much in saying, "The 7-0 Collins is a long and highly active player on both ends of the basketball court. His length, athleticism and ability to run the floor make him an ideal fit for the Bradley system" then this signing is fantastic.

DB....perhaps we will be watching him together with a few other Brave fans at the San Padre Shootout then discussing a BU win over a couple cold ones and victory cigars at a local Texas golf course.

Don't forget the sailboat!

"A" sailboat or "the" sailboat.......IF you have one we may never leave .

Hoping to speak with KK soon to see the chances that BU is indeed looking at this tournament.

[Beninator]

Jumping back a bit in the conversation, if he can shoot out to 17 feet, I'd consider that a bonus as long as he doesn't think of himself as a jump shooter. Force the opponent's center to step outside with him and free up the lane occasionally.

Granted this without knowing who would likely be gone beyond the DW grade questions, but if Bradley were to still get Knapp or Coley, that would have to signal the death knell to the four guard offense being a regular feature, right? Especially if Egolf is ready to contribute at least a few minutes. Although I guess I could see Les occasionally still going small with Brown at the 4 if Collins is playing.

Looks like this could be a really good get. If he can play interior defense and rebound, it will go a long way toward Bradley being successful next year.

I dont think that this will be the death knell to the four guard offense. In my opinion, the addition of Collins means that we can diversify our offensive schemes. This gives BU much more depth and will make it more difficult to scout BU. Of course this all depends on how well Collins can adapt to playing here.

[BradleyBrave]

Jumping back a bit in the conversation, if he can shoot out to 17 feet, I'd consider that a bonus as long as he doesn't think of himself as a jump shooter. Force the opponent's center to step outside with him and free up the lane occasionally.

Granted this without knowing who would likely be gone beyond the DW grade questions, but if Bradley were to still get Knapp or Coley, that would have to signal the death knell to the four guard offense being a regular feature, right? Especially if Egolf is ready to contribute at least a few minutes. Although I guess I could see Les occasionally still going small with Brown at the 4 if Collins is playing.

Looks like this could be a really good get. If he can play interior defense and rebound, it will go a long way toward Bradley being successful next year.

I dont think that this will be the death knell to the four guard offense. In my opinion, the addition of Collins means that we can diversify our offensive schemes. This gives BU much more depth and will make it more difficult to scout BU. Of course this all depends on how well Collins can adapt to playing here.

Death knell? Hardly. A good big man is what makes the 4-guard offense go! A good, rebounding big keys the break on the defensive end, and draws the defense on the offensive end. All he needs to be able to do is rebound, defend, run the floor, and finish around the basket to be an invaluable part of the 4 guard offense. Sounds like that fits Collins' skillset perfectly.

[Chucky T's]

If Collins is an offensive threat at all it just gives the team another option to score...I agree, it will make things just that much more difficult for opposing teams when they work on their game plans for BU....

[One rabid squirrel]

Jumping back a bit in the conversation, if he can shoot out to 17 feet, I'd consider that a bonus as long as he doesn't think of himself as a jump shooter. Force the opponent's center to step outside with him and free up the lane occasionally.

Big men that can shoot from the outside tend to gravitate to the perimeter and shy away from contact. Plus, it's hard to get rebounds when roaming the perimeter. I like having that one or two low post player that the only shot over eight feet is a free throw.

When considering all options, I'm usually happy when the other team's center shoots a mid-range jumper. The center has to be a really good shooter to draw the defender out consistantly.

But didn't someone say he shot 60% from the field? So either he is that good of a shooter or, more likely, he just takes one or two a game if left open. Like I said, if he can do it but doesn't think of that as his primary offensive game. But you're right, the mindset is key.

I'm sorry, I'm also a Wisconsin Badger fan, and I guess I'm still having nightmares about Oden being able to clog the lane in part because he didn't have to guard Jason Chappell beyond 5 feet from the hoop, even when he had the ball.

[One rabid squirrel]

Jumping back a bit in the conversation, if he can shoot out to 17 feet, I'd consider that a bonus as long as he doesn't think of himself as a jump shooter. Force the opponent's center to step outside with him and free up the lane occasionally.

Granted this without knowing who would likely be gone beyond the DW grade questions, but if Bradley were to still get Knapp or Coley, that would have to signal the death knell to the four guard offense being a regular feature, right? Especially if Egolf is ready to contribute at least a few minutes. Although I guess I could see Les occasionally still going small with Brown at the 4 if Collins is playing.

Looks like this could be a really good get. If he can play interior defense and rebound, it will go a long way toward Bradley being successful next year.

I dont think that this will be the death knell to the four guard offense. In my opinion, the addition of Collins means that we can diversify our offensive schemes. This gives BU much more depth and will make it more difficult to scout BU. Of course this all depends on how well Collins can adapt to playing here.

Death knell? Hardly. A good big man is what makes the 4-guard offense go! A good, rebounding big keys the break on the defensive end, and draws the defense on the offensive end. All he needs to be able to do is rebound, defend, run the floor, and finish around the basket to be an invaluable part of the 4 guard offense. Sounds like that fits Collins' skillset perfectly.

I agree, but if we get Coley too, doesn't it become a numbers game? If Egolf is as ready to contribute as some say, and of course the JUCOs don't disappoint, that gives you at least 4 big men to find minutes for, and everyone seems to be in agreement that if you get Coley, you shouldn't be playing him a lot at the 5. I'm not saying that you don't use it occasionally as a change of pace or to take advantage of matchups, and if we don't get Coley, a Ruffin, Fears, Crouch, Brown, Collins lineup could be pretty exciting (and I doubt, no matter what, that we revert to the inside-out offensive mindset of the Sweet 16 year). It's just that the more depth we have on the interior, the more likely it is that the 4-guard won't be our default lineup.

[amckillip]

I agree, but if we get Coley too, doesn't it become a numbers game? If Egolf is as ready to contribute as some say, and of course the JUCOs don't disappoint, that gives you at least 4 big men to find minutes for, and everyone seems to be in agreement that if you get Coley, you shouldn't be playing him a lot at the 5. I'm not saying that you don't use it occasionally as a change of pace or to take advantage of matchups, and if we don't get Coley, a Ruffin, Fears, Crouch, Brown, Collins lineup could be pretty exciting (and I doubt, no matter what, that we revert to the inside-out offensive mindset of the Sweet 16 year). It's just that the more depth we have on the interior, the more likely it is that the 4-guard won't be our default lineup.

Don't forget Salley, now that we have a true 5 I wouldn't be surprised if we see Salley at the 4, his natural position. Now that we have a little depth at big man and our starter (cross your fingers) isn't in perpetual foul trouble we could, without Coley, play 2 Big Men. People forget that Salley was effective last year, 7 and 5 in 21 minutes a game, shooting .500, at the D1 level, and we're excited about just a bit better stats from a JUCO. Don't get me wrong I'm excited about Collins and the fact that he is a solid 7 footer, but don't forget what Salley can do after another summer in the weight room, more minutes, and a years worth of experience.

[georgethedog]

Jumping back a bit in the conversation, if he can shoot out to 17 feet, I'd consider that a bonus as long as he doesn't think of himself as a jump shooter. Force the opponent's center to step outside with him and free up the lane occasionally.

Granted this without knowing who would likely be gone beyond the DW grade questions, but if Bradley were to still get Knapp or Coley, that would have to signal the death knell to the four guard offense being a regular feature, right? Especially if Egolf is ready to contribute at least a few minutes. Although I guess I could see Les occasionally still going small with Brown at the 4 if Collins is playing.

Looks like this could be a really good get. If he can play interior defense and rebound, it will go a long way toward Bradley being successful next year.

I dont think that this will be the death knell to the four guard offense. In my opinion, the addition of Collins means that we can diversify our offensive schemes. This gives BU much more depth and will make it more difficult to scout BU. Of course this all depends on how well Collins can adapt to playing here.

And the 4 guard offense got us where? NIT second round... not bad, but...

[it's boogie time]

Don't forget Salley,

I believe that Matt Salley's improvement may be one of the most important aspects of the upcoming season. He's going to be the main guy setting the screen in the 2 man pick and roll offense.

[ph]

I agree, but if we get Coley too, doesn't it become a numbers game? If Egolf is as ready to contribute as some say, and of course the JUCOs don't disappoint, that gives you at least 4 big men to find minutes for, and everyone seems to be in agreement that if you get Coley, you shouldn't be playing him a lot at the 5. I'm not saying that you don't use it occasionally as a change of pace or to take advantage of matchups, and if we don't get Coley, a Ruffin, Fears, Crouch, Brown, Collins lineup could be pretty exciting (and I doubt, no matter what, that we revert to the inside-out offensive mindset of the Sweet 16 year). It's just that the more depth we have on the interior, the more likely it is that the 4-guard won't be our default lineup.

Don't forget Salley, now that we have a true 5 I wouldn't be surprised if we see Salley at the 4, his natural position. Now that we have a little depth at big man and our starter (cross your fingers) isn't in perpetual foul trouble we could, without Coley, play 2 Big Men. People forget that Salley was effective last year, 7 and 5 in 21 minutes a game, shooting .500, at the D1 level, and we're excited about just a bit better stats from a JUCO. Don't get me wrong I'm excited about Collins and the fact that he is a solid 7 footer, but don't forget what Salley can do after another summer in the weight room, more minutes, and a years worth of experience.

I agree that BU will still have to rely on other big men. I am not sure if you can pencil in Collins for more than 20 min a game. (Can Singh do a JC like improvement this summer and fill in quality minutes?) That still leaves about 20 minutes to fill with others, or different options.

[tornado]

Now this thread has almost 1000 views in less than 3 1/2 hours. I am sure that's some kind of record. Some threads take weeks to get to 1000 views, and of course, some never get there.
It shows the resurgent interest in this team, and in next year.

I agree, it reflects clear evidence of soaring interest in Bradley basketball....especially considering we are now into the off season!

Now this thread has well over 2000 views and closing in on 100 responses.
No other thread going back over 100 pages even touched it, not the ones on the Providence game, the VCU game, and it's on solid pace to become the all time most active post ever on BradleyFans.

At this point, on the basis of views and responses, here is the busiest post of all time, 95 responses + 4761 views

http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4500

[dogsrus]

Jumping back a bit in the conversation, if he can shoot out to 17 feet, I'd consider that a bonus as long as he doesn't think of himself as a jump shooter. Force the opponent's center to step outside with him and free up the lane occasionally.

Granted this without knowing who would likely be gone beyond the DW grade questions, but if Bradley were to still get Knapp or Coley, that would have to signal the death knell to the four guard offense being a regular feature, right? Especially if Egolf is ready to contribute at least a few minutes. Although I guess I could see Les occasionally still going small with Brown at the 4 if Collins is playing.

Looks like this could be a really good get. If he can play interior defense and rebound, it will go a long way toward Bradley being successful next year.

I dont think that this will be the death knell to the four guard offense. In my opinion, the addition of Collins means that we can diversify our offensive schemes. This gives BU much more depth and will make it more difficult to scout BU. Of course this all depends on how well Collins can adapt to playing here.

And the 4 guard offense got us where? NIT second round... not bad, but...

but.....it was the first year we ran it AND we were undermanned IMO. Give all the returners another year of it, more height, depth and the coaching staff time to perfect it and it only gets better.

To me its just a fancy name anyway. We still take open looks, try to pound it inside if available, cut, slash, set picks, etc.

[dogsrus]

Now this thread has almost 1000 views in less than 3 1/2 hours. I am sure that's some kind of record. Some threads take weeks to get to 1000 views, and of course, some never get there.
It shows the resurgent interest in this team, and in next year.

I agree, it reflects clear evidence of soaring interest in Bradley basketball....especially considering we are now into the off season!

Now this thread has well over 2000 views and closing in on 100 responses.
No other thread going back over 100 pages even touched it, not the ones on the Providence game, the VCU game, and it's on solid pace to become the all time most active post ever on BradleyFans.

At this point, on the basis of views and responses, here is the busiest post of all time, 95 responses + 4761 views
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4500

Just wait till Coley verbals...better order more bandwidth

[Beninator]

Now this thread has almost 1000 views in less than 3 1/2 hours. I am sure that's some kind of record. Some threads take weeks to get to 1000 views, and of course, some never get there.
It shows the resurgent interest in this team, and in next year.

I agree, it reflects clear evidence of soaring interest in Bradley basketball....especially considering we are now into the off season!

Now this thread has well over 2000 views and closing in on 100 responses.
No other thread going back over 100 pages even touched it, not the ones on the Providence game, the VCU game, and it's on solid pace to become the all time most active post ever on BradleyFans.

At this point, on the basis of views and responses, here is the busiest post of all time, 95 responses + 4761 views
http://www.bradleyfans.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=4500

Just wait till Coley verbals...better order more bandwidth

DRU, if Coley commits to BU then you might as well shut down this site as a result of too much traffic!