Facing Adversity - Two paths...

[PTownHawkeye]

The situation with TB puts the program at a fork in the road. There are shades of grey, but I see two primarily black and white paths:

Path one - the team folds and collapses because their most dynamic scoring threat is out for the season. Players give up before the season really starts, and internal turmoil dominates the team.

Path two - the team uses TB as their inspiration and each player commits to picking up the slack for their fallen (sorry - overly dramatic word) teammate. Hard work and effort in practice translate into results in game situations. JP turns out to be a solid 5, WE thrives with his switch out of the deep post, and the teamwork that has seemingly been lacking becomes evident during games.

I am an optimist and would love to think that Bradley players choose path two. Remember, this is a choice, not a pre-determined destiny.

 

[BradleyJD]

The situation with TB puts the program at a fork in the road. There are shades of grey, but I see two primarily black and white paths:

Path one - the team folds and collapses because their most dynamic scoring threat is out for the season. Players give up before the season really starts, and internal turmoil dominates the team.

Path two - the team uses TB as their inspiration and each player commits to picking up the slack for their fallen (sorry - overly dramatic word) teammate. Hard work and effort in practice translate into results in game situations. JP turns out to be a solid 5, WE thrives with his switch out of the deep post, and the teamwork that has seemingly been lacking becomes evident during games.

I am an optimist and would love to think that Bradley players choose path two. Remember, this is a choice, not a pre-determined destiny.

There is absolutely no reason Bradley does not fall into #2 there. This team is talented and experienced. They have the coach with the longest tenure, new assistant coaches, and a full house supporting them at home.

GO BU

 

[Buesch N Chips]

The situation with TB puts the program at a fork in the road. There are shades of grey, but I see two primarily black and white paths:

Path one - the team folds and collapses because their most dynamic scoring threat is out for the season. Players give up before the season really starts, and internal turmoil dominates the team.

Path two - the team uses TB as their inspiration and each player commits to picking up the slack for their fallen (sorry - overly dramatic word) teammate. Hard work and effort in practice translate into results in game situations. JP turns out to be a solid 5, WE thrives with his switch out of the deep post, and the teamwork that has seemingly been lacking becomes evident during games.

I am an optimist and would love to think that Bradley players choose path two. Remember, this is a choice, not a pre-determined destiny.

#2. No doubt in my mind. They will give it everything they have.

 

[srw]

I think all this stuff lasts for one game or two...

It really is going to all come down to defense...

 

[Big Mike]

I also think keeping WE out of foul trouble will go a long ways for this team! :wink:

 

[it's boogie time]

I assume the effort will be there, but there just isn't the rebounding without TB.

 

[thefish7]

Another way to look at it... As far as I can tell this basically forces prosser into a starting role. Maybe he'll answer the call (#2 above) and bring a post dimension this team hasn't had in a long time.

 

[Out of Balance]

The situation with TB puts the program at a fork in the road. There are shades of grey, but I see two primarily black and white paths:

Path one - the team folds and collapses because their most dynamic scoring threat is out for the season. Players give up before the season really starts, and internal turmoil dominates the team.

Path two - the team uses TB as their inspiration and each player commits to picking up the slack for their fallen (sorry - overly dramatic word) teammate. Hard work and effort in practice translate into results in game situations. JP turns out to be a solid 5, WE thrives with his switch out of the deep post, and the teamwork that has seemingly been lacking becomes evident during games.

I am an optimist and would love to think that Bradley players choose path two. Remember, this is a choice, not a pre-determined destiny.

Sorry but there is only one path, as #1 is not a path:!: This team has senior leadership and a coach who has never laid down even after all that has happen though out his coaching tenure:!: Players have to step up and will step up:!: There is NO Other Path:!: End of Story:!:

 

[PTownHawkeye]

Sorry but there is only one path, as #1 is not a path:!: This team has senior leadership and a coach who has never laid down even after all that has happen though out his coaching tenure:!: Players have to step up and will step up:!: There is NO Other Path:!: End of Story:!:

Great post.

 

[Missouri Brave]

Definitely #2, no question. Not only because this is a veteran team but also because, with the suspensions the past couple of years, they are used to playing without TB in some big spots.

Get well, TB. It will be great to have you on the hilltop for two years after this one!

 

[AZ BU Fan]

As they say, past performance is no guarantee of future results...Let's hope this is true with the current cast of players at BU under JL.

Time for JP, WE, AT to step up. If AW is now a true 3, AT/JP in the center, WE at the 4 and the suddenly taller AW at the 3.

If MK can't play at this level, find him a good home at another DI or DII school JL, where he can keep a scholie and play. Then try to find some better talent.

 

[romar]

As they say, past performance is no guarantee of future results...Let's hope this is true with the current cast of players at BU under JL.

Time for JP, WE, AT to step up. If AW is now a true 3, AT/JP in the center, WE at the 4 and the suddenly taller AW at the 3.

If MK can't play at this level, find him a good home at another DI or DII school JL, where he can keep a scholie and play. Then try to find some better talent.

Wow, two games into his Soph year and some are already gonna give him the boot? I'm glad JL is running this team and not the fans. MK is a proven outside shooter and plays very hard on the defensive end. Like Snell & Adams were saying "off air" during one of the breaks, they think he just needs a little confidence, to get that first shot to drop. He's pressing right now. I'll bet he's a different player in practice and that is why JL is giving him every chance to translate that into game play. I remember a DR article/blog last summer that just raved about his shooting ability and range. Before all is said and done MK will contribute at BU. Plus he clearly has a good motor and the right attitude (based on A DRU post).

 

[SFP]

I have to say right now the best part of MK is his attitude! He seems like a genuine happy guy and I bet he is one of the most liked guys in the locker room. I want to see him contribute right now like the rest of you and I'm betting once that light goes off he'll be huge for us. Patience guys!

 

[shaunguth]

I have to say right now the best part of MK is his attitude! He seems like a genuine happy guy and I bet he is one of the most liked guys in the locker room. I want to see him contribute right now like the rest of you and I'm betting once that light goes off he'll be huge for us. Patience guys!

I agree with this. I love MK's attitude as he's one of the biggest "cheerleaders" on the bench. Now.....let's turn that light on and translate that energy into gametime contributions!

 

[real fan]

No reason why our veterans cannot lead this team to more wins, disappointing that we most likely lost out on a chance to win the conference but if our veterans can play up to their capabilities we have a chance at 3rd. We need to shoot the ball a lot better and not take so many 3 point shots, most of our players are good free throw shooters that they need to drive more and pull up and take the 15 ft. shot.

 

[AZ BU Fan]

All I said is IF MK can't play at this level, try and move him on. JL has the decision to make as he knows MK's potential. Sorry if I inferred this decision is made now after one year and 2 games....but.....as other people have said, still seems lost.

People much smarter than I who contribute to ESPN have made the comment WYSIWYG with college BB players after a year or two on campus. IE, don't expect major improvement from no playing time to ALL MVC...

This assumes MK would prefer to go to a school where he could play and be a bigger part of the team/offense vs remain at BU and try to work his way up and beat the odds.