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Good Idea!

Naptown24

New member
DaCoach, I really like the idea of having an ignore option on the site. I might have most of the posters blocked. Haha just kidding. But on a serious note, I have not been on this site just for that reason. Most of you may know that AW is my son and it is very hard for me to log onto the site and read all of the harsh and critical comments about him. Keep in mind part of his slump could be due to some coaching stratgies which are not designed for him. Keep in mind he is no DA or JJ and has more shooting range than the corner shot. Any true player know's that if your shot is not dropping the corner shot is not what you need to keep shooting. I am not denying that AW needs to get stronger and be more consistent. But when you have fans saying they have given up on him that hurts. Real fans stay with their team to the end. So when he starts taking over the team and really helping the Braves win, those of you who had given up on AW don't jump back on the bandwagon!
 
Anyone who said they would give up on AW is not much of a fan. I love his game and I am sure he'll become a more consistent player. We forget he is just at the early part of his sophomore season.

It pains me to see some of the over-the-top criticism we've seen lately. Please don't let it get to you. Be assured the great majority of fans are highly supportive of AW and this team. I've looked at the message boards of many other teams, and it's far worse everywhere else.
 
AW is still young and works very hard from what I have witnessed....he does not have to be a JJ or anyone else..he reminds me more of an Anthony Parker if you want to know what I think of his game.....by the time he is done at BU he will leave his mark and it will be a good one......

One thing though....I as a coach am critical of my players in certain situations and fans can be that way as well....it does not mean that they are any less of a fan.....to give up on a player is totally different, and, that is not a true fan....I remember when many were giving up oh JJ.......that really bugger me even though I was "critical" of his game....not sure this makes any sense.....but it would be tough to be a parent and read negatives directed at my son....


GO AW AND GO BU!!!!!!!!!!!
 
DaCoach, I really like the idea of having an ignore option on the site. I might have most of the posters blocked. Haha just kidding. But on a serious note, I have not been on this site just for that reason. Most of you may know that AW is my son and it is very hard for me to log onto the site and read all of the harsh and critical comments about him. Keep in mind part of his slump could be due to some coaching stratgies which are not designed for him. Keep in mind he is no DA or JJ and has more shooting range than the corner shot. Any true player know's that if your shot is not dropping the corner shot is not what you need to keep shooting. I am not denying that AW needs to get stronger and be more consistent. But when you have fans saying they have given up on him that hurts. Real fans stay with their team to the end. So when he starts taking over the team and really helping the Braves win, those of you who had given up on AW don't jump back on the bandwagon!

I'll be more frank than DC. I think some of the folks who make those over the top criticisms of our players know next to nothing about basketball or the difficulty of playing any team sport on a high level. And on this board and other places there are those who forget that these athletes are college students and often still teenagers and always very young adults. I like this board much more than others but I sure don't blame you for staying away.
 
AW is still young and works very hard from what I have witnessed....he does not have to be a JJ or anyone else..he reminds me more of an Anthony Parker if you want to know what I think of his game.....by the time he is done at BU he will leave his mark and it will be a good one......

One thing though....I as a coach am critical of my players in certain situations and fans can be that way as well....it does not mean that they are any less of a fan.....to give up on a player is totally different, and, that is not a true fan....I remember when many were giving up oh JJ.......that really bugger me even though I was "critical" of his game....not sure this makes any sense.....but it would be tough to be a parent and read negatives directed at my son....
GO AW AND GO BU!!!!!!!!!!!

MCD, you saved me a lot of typing.. Very well said.
Naptown, you are and should be very proud of your son. Andrew is a very fine representative of Bradley University.
 
I was critical of a player a couple years ago. Even though I was stating stats as reason to think the player wouldn't be someone to lead Bradley the following season until he shows more. That player not only was huge for Bradley last year, but JC led the nation in 3pt%. Eating crow or "jumping back on his bandwagon" isn't what made me feel bad and even eats at me to this day, it's the sadness I feel when I look him in the eye now.

I won't ever do it again.

Naptown - I love AW's play. Mrcoachdude said a likeness to AP (I agree) but also a little like Tayshaun Prince.
 
Well I hope I do not come across critical to our players ever. They are young men still trying to find their way. I have always said this is only a sport not life or death and some individuals take sports to personally and love to take out their anger on the players.

I always felt and still feel that AW has more talent then anyone on the floor. I just wish he would realize that and start playing like that every game. He hase the physical attributes to be a star and make it to the next level. Now, can he mentally make the jump this year or will we have to wait? That is the only question I have.

All that I have heard about AW is that you have done an outstanding job raising a fine individual that I am proud to have represent Bradley! At the end of the day that is what counts.
 
Naptown-

Ignore the naysayers...some people crumble when tough times fall on them. Bradley is in a tough spot and AW was on a bit of slump. I for one think he is a great ball player and you should be very proud as I have also heard that he is a genuinely good kid. I refer to him as Future, because I think that he will become one of the best players Bradley has seen in years. He's got the talent and he will eventually string it together.

-MML
 
I agree. . .the difference between missing out on the NCAA in 2005 and a Sweet 16 in 2006 was an overhaul in coaching strategy.

2007 JL changed everything adequately out of the gate and the shots fell all year, so we were ahead of the curve.

This year shots aren't falling and now with an injury to Ruffin, we've been forced to change to a frontcourt oriented game, but guys are struggling to adjust to their new roles. As a result, teams have been able to keep Crouch and Warren (our two most dangerous scorers) in check by double-teams while the pressure mounts on them to perform. Once a rotation and contributions from individuals become more regular down the stretch, the game should open up for Andrew.

Poor Crouch expends probably 85% of his energy every game just trying to get his shots.

The only thing in AW's game I am disappointed in is that I expected him to have more of a kill mentality that took over games this year, however wasn't counting on Ruff getting hurt or such inconsistency from the frontcourt. . .so I understand that puts him at a disadvantage, and he should know we all know the position he's in and are 100% supportive.

He's a tremendous representative for the U. and if you're ability to stomach posting on an internet forum is any indication of his guts. . .it's only a matter of time before we are in unison in celebrating his contributions to the game.
 
Ahh, its a lovefest, haven't had one of these for a while!

This is a great thread because its putting a lot in perspective. We all are overly critical of these 18-22 year old kids, sometimes deserving, usually not. We all get emotional in the heat of a close game and say things on a board or in a chat that may not be said if more thought was put into it. I get sick at the thought of a player's PARENT reading some of the crap we write. If I had children I can't imagine how defensive I would feel if somebody was saying these things about my son/daughter. I hope Matt Salley's mother wasn't on the game chat tonight!

Personally I had no idea that you (Naptown24) are Andrew's father. All I can say is you must be incredibly proud of what a great kid he is...both on and off the court from what I've been hearing. Around this time last year I was making a reference to AW = AP after that incredible Drake away game where he hit the 2 clutch 3s late in the game (I was lucky enough to be at that one). I hope you continue to post here and join for game chats and always feel welcome here...don't let the minority scare you away because most of this board would happily call themselves fans of your son and are excited to see what the future holds for him.
 
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I think AW's a very fine player and is just experiencing the growing pains that a lot of young players have to work through. I've met Andrew a couple of times and am very excited about his next couple of years here at BU. His inconsistency is frustrating at times, but not many players in this conference have been met with the same expectations as him in the first year or two at college. I'm sure he'll turn out to be a great player when all is said and done.
 
I always do wear and will continue to wear my andrew warren jersey shirt to every game. My personal favorite AW game that I have been to was the bradley game at Drake last year. Me and a couple friends sat in the upper bowl and watched as AW drained some back breakers against Drake in Des Moines.
 
Naptown,

Thanks alot for your insight and participation in the board. I think you have a lot of courage to share you feelings with us and I certainly appreciate the concern you have for your son.

I think if you rate this board against others, and how our players are treated here, you will find this to be very educated and realistic. Sure there are a few who are on the fringe, but overall they are in the minority.

As it relates to Andrew, I think the consensus is that he is a fine player and a great kid. He has a lot of skill and potential and we love having him at Bradley.

We are however devoted fans who want the best from our team. That passion is a big part of what makes Bradley such a great place to play and also to be a fan. When our team isn't playing up to it's potential we are going to have opinions as to why. When they are playing great the praise will be thick. We are just watching the game and sharing what we think.
 
Well said, DD.

Andrew will be Bradley's top scorer next year. And I predict he will become our top defender, too, with his long arms and basketball intellect.
 
The ONLY time I'll go "negative" on a player is when they give up. I supported Reggie Hall on the old pjstar board during some rough times and took alot of heat for it. I used the same philosophy...as long as a player gives us all he has I have his back. PERIOD.

I also supported JJ his first couple years when others hung him out to dry. Now look at him....one of BU's alltime favorites.

AW gives us 100%......thats all I ask.

Nap.....it doesn't matter what others say or feel. You love and support him and thats all that matters.

Stay strong....
 
Anyone who said they would give up on AW is not much of a fan. I love his game and I am sure he'll become a more consistent player. We forget he is just at the early part of his sophomore season.

It pains me to see some of the over-the-top criticism we've seen lately. Please don't let it get to you. Be assured the great majority of fans are highly supportive of AW and this team. I've looked at the message boards of many other teams, and it's far worse everywhere else.


I agree Coach. I've been appalled lately reading these knee-jerk reactions from posters, many of whom predicted a 7-5 or worse non-conference record for Bradley and a 4th or 5th place conference finish. Seems like a lot of these people have selective memory!

As much as I would like to see this team make a run for the tournament, I knew a lot of new pieces would be tough to mesh early in the season. I think the goal now is for Bradley to learn how to play as a team with less relience on one player. I think the first half of last night's game at MSU (which would have been tough to win even with Ruffin playing) showed we are improving, and I think it will pay off really soon.
 
Naptown,

I have talked to you a few times at games the last two years. I will point myself out next time. After talking to you and your family it is easy to see where Andrew gets his class. Every time there is a mic in his face he says the right thing about team and work ethic. Could have a comedy career in the making? I am very impressed at how many of your family attend home games. I have a brother in Plainfield so I know it is not a short drive for you. I even heard Snell talk about the "Warren Contingent" on the air during the Wright State game from Dayton. I sat a few rows in front of the throng of AW supporters in the upper deck at Butler. There were many in the lower bowl I noticed too. Your son represents BU with class but it is important that you know so do you and your family. Thank you.

As for Andrew. I bet there are 9 coaches in this league that don't look forward to his continued improvement. We have not seen nearly the best yet. I can't wait.
 
Naptown24-a great name for the father of one of the best players BU has. I know in the section I sit in your son is not only a favorite but is often compared to another BU great know effectionately around these parts as AP. with your son only being a 2nd year player and doing the job he has been doing is just great. "Feel Proud" of what he has accomplished and not what of few of these people, that only think they know basketball, are complaining about. We have some on this board that want to sit down out best scorers (AW & JC) and biggest threats and play guys aho have trouble figuring out what defense we are playing and can't handle the passes that are thrown to them causing many more turnovers this year. These same guys are still calling for our top 3 scorers from last nights game to not start.
You're are a brave soul to air your feelings and you have made a lot of friends in a hurry because of it. Do not stop posting, just ignore the dumb ones who really are not that basketball savvy.
Goe Braves. Go AW. Go JC. Go SM and go Team.
 
Beyond the court- AW is a very nice kid with a bright future beyond basketball. It is very easy for anyone to blame one player or the next, but know that AW is well-liked and respected around campus. He does not have a big head (which most players in D-1 have) which is very admireable.

With that being said, people are able to voice their opinions, right or wrong, over the top, etc. It is a freedom of opinion which makes this website so great.

Thank you for your post and know that AW is a great kid and I look forward to seeing him develop into a leading scorer
 
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