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2025 and beyond recruits

Da Coach said:
Not sure where it shows A.J. Smith is 6'5". He has always been listed at 6'6", in high school, at USI, and at JMU.
And to repeat what I've said a few times, I do believe this team should add another good rebounding forward who can also defend. But A.J. Smith has proven to be a very effective rebounder. In 2023-24 at USI he averaged 8.8 rpg. Last season at JMU he averaged 6.3 rpg.
For comparison, Bradley's top rebounder last season was Darius Hannah with only 5.8 rpg.

The last Bradley player who averaged 8.8 rpg or better in a season was Luke Jackson (9.4 rpg) in 1988-89
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Of course I'm only speculating because I've only seen highlights and stats, but AJ's game does feel a lot like Ja'Shon's, and I'll take that any day. I saw he was last listed as 6'7", and I love that he crashes the boards on offense - probably moreso than Hannah.
Hopeful we can develop Kai Yu to contribute a little and play 6-8 mpg in place of Meta.
 
How many times have we seen recruits grow an additional inch or so after signing? Bradley has had 6'9" forward or two for its latest string of successful years, Leons for three years and Hannah.
 
LongTimeFan said:
How many times have we seen recruits grow an additional inch or so after signing? Bradley has had 6'9" forward or two for its latest string of successful years, Leons for three years and Hannah.
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You'll have to remind me! I don't really recall how often this has happened and don't remember any specific players recently. It's odd b/c I grew 4 inches in college (to my max ht. of 5'10") - a late bloomer was this Little Brave. ;)
 
Da Coach said:
Not sure where it shows A.J. Smith is 6'5". He has always been listed at 6'6", in high school, at USI, and at JMU.
And to repeat what I've said a few times, I do believe this team should add another good rebounding forward who can also defend. But A.J. Smith has proven to be a very effective rebounder. In 2023-24 at USI he averaged 8.8 rpg. Last season at JMU he averaged 6.3 rpg.
For comparison, Bradley's top rebounder last season was Darius Hannah with only 5.8 rpg.

The last Bradley player who averaged 8.8 rpg or better in a season was Luke Jackson (9.4 rpg) in 1988-89
Click to expand...


maybe he is 6'6", but even if he is, rebounding is one thing...alot of that depends on your motor and doing the work to block out as the ball goes up and seeking rebounds...but defending down there is another story....there is only so much you can do if you are giving up 4 inches on the block to a talented player, and more than likely results in an easy bucket or a foul....and I don't think he's a rim protector at all.

I just think we are missing that long, athletic rim protector to complete this team....I like the team we have, but if we roll into next season with this group, I think if a weakness arises it will low post defending and rim protection. Hope I'm wrong.

I know how hard it is to get those players, and I think coach Wardle has done an outstanding job getting what we have...I'm just stating the piece that would put us over the top IMO.
 
We have nice size among our newcomers!

7'0" Kai Yu
6'6" - 6'7" Richardson, Smith
6'5" Zobrist
6'4" Huibregste

And then our returning contributors:
7'1" Meta
6'10" CT
6'8" Timo
6'4" Burch

For a Valley team, this seems pretty strong.
And we've got a PG who goes strong and finishes in the paint perhaps better than any Brave in Bully!
 
Dubl R 1 said:
maybe he is 6'6", but defending down there is another story....

I just think we are missing that long, athletic rim protector to complete this team....I like the team we have, but if we roll into next season with this group, I think if a weakness arises it will low post defending and rim protection.
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Can't argue with ya on this Dub. Probably the biggest weakness I can see right now, especially as we've lost Hannah. Hopefully taking care of the ball better, stronger rebounding, and defending better on drives to the paint will improve with this group...if not, then this Big man rim protector deficiency may stand out more.
 
Just did a quick check on Corey T's stats last season...

When he logged 14 min. or more, he snagged 5+ rebounds in 8 of 12 games, including 11 boards in the NIT game in which he played more minutes (27) than in any other game in the season.
I think he's a solid rebounder, but his lack of PT made it hard to see.

I do recall him getting pushed around a bit on the block in defending, so hopefully adding 10-15 lbs will make him more of a "rim protector" than we've witnessed.
 
Da Coach said:
Not sure where it shows A.J. Smith is 6'5". He has always been listed at 6'6", in high school, at USI, and at JMU.
And to repeat what I've said a few times, I do believe this team should add another good rebounding forward who can also defend. But A.J. Smith has proven to be a very effective rebounder. In 2023-24 at USI he averaged 8.8 rpg. Last season at JMU he averaged 6.3 rpg.
For comparison, Bradley's top rebounder last season was Darius Hannah with only 5.8 rpg.

The last Bradley player who averaged 8.8 rpg or better in a season was Luke Jackson (9.4 rpg) in 1988-89
Click to expand...
looking back at his box scores vs big teams his rebounding numbers remained really strong...maybe I'm underestimating him and what he can do in the post
 
LittleBrave said:
Just did a quick check on Corey T's stats last season...

When he logged 14 min. or more, he snagged 5+ rebounds in 8 of 12 games, including 11 boards in the NIT game in which he played more minutes (27) than in any other game in the season.
I think he's a solid rebounder, but his lack of PT made it hard to see.

I do recall him getting pushed around a bit on the block in defending, so hopefully adding 10-15 lbs will make him more of a "rim protector" than we've witnessed.
Click to expand...
yeah Corey is an X factor...he has shown glimpses of being really good...just consistency and lack of playing time, and maybe the lack of playing time is due to the inconsistency, but he has the size, athleticism and his ability to shoot the ball and stretch the defense is a real asset
 
LittleBrave said:
We have nice size among our newcomers!

7'0" Kai Yu
6'6" - 6'7" Richardson, Smith
6'5" Zobrist
6'4" Huibregste

And then our returning contributors:
7'1" Meta
6'10" CT
6'8" Timo
6'4" Burch

For a Valley team, this seems pretty strong.
And we've got a PG who goes strong and finishes in the paint perhaps better than any Brave in Bully!
Click to expand...
and 6'8" Mayar Wol
 
There was an AJ Smith that was in the portal last year and transferred to Temple that was 6'5".

However, on the original point. Look at measurements for the pro draft and see the differences in most cases. As for
Bradley I have seen comments on the boards and on TV about at least one players height.

I would be very surprised if all Bradley players are listed at their actual height and weights. To forestall any offers of betting, I have never been a betting man outside of an office pool.

I need to save money for NIL, although I am unsure how that is going to work now. Does anyone know how it will work? I have read that they will be paid by the colleges.
 
houstonbrave said:
In the PJSTAR article Brian indicates they are likely done adding players for this year.
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Dubl R 1 said:
maybe he is 6'6", but even if he is, rebounding is one thing...alot of that depends on your motor and doing the work to block out as the ball goes up and seeking rebounds...but defending down there is another story....there is only so much you can do if you are giving up 4 inches on the block to a talented player, and more than likely results in an easy bucket or a foul....and I don't think he's a rim protector at all.
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The guy who led the MVC (conference stats) in rebounding this past year is 6-4
 
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Always an exception to the rule. Remember the "round mold of rebound", pro league?

A lot of teams are getting bigger. Drake has a 7'1" junior and a 6'10" 4.5 star, according to verbal commits, small forward. Murray got several players 6'8", I think. and above. Wes Unseld was short for a pro center.

You are correct rebounding is a lot of instinct and effort.
 
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LongTimeFan said:
There was an AJ Smith that was in the portal last year and transferred to Temple that was 6'5"....
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That is a completely different A.J. Smith (played at Charleston this past season and transferred to Temple)
www.espn.com

AJ Smith - Charleston Cougars Guard - ESPN

View the profile of Charleston Cougars Guard AJ Smith on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

Bradley's A.J. Smith (played at James Madison this past season and transferred to BU)
www.espn.com

AJ Smith - James Madison Dukes Guard - ESPN

View the profile of James Madison Dukes Guard AJ Smith on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
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