I agree SFP. I think the main thing that is needed is a good core of Assistants under JL. By saying this, I am not bashing our current assistants in any way. IMHO, we need to step up and hire 2 additional assistants and increase our pay scale to attract very qualified people.
Right Ben. JL needs some top notch assistants. I think a lot of our problem is JL didn't come up through the coaching ranks and in my opinion is not the best game manager or the best game strategy guy. He needs top notch assistants to help him with these areas. Experience matters.
I think a big reason sucessful programs are sucessful is that the coach hires great assistants. These great assistants come from contacts made over many years in the business and having a great network. JL doesn't have that network to draw from as he was in a different business.
I think CB and SM really helped JL in the past and their experience is missed. DV mentioned on a broadcast this year that he already has a job lined up for next year. Could it be on the Bradley bench? We could only be so lucky.
Don't read me wrong. I am a JL supporter. I talked about where JL is lacking so we need to balance that out with talking about where he excells. He is a very good recruiter and a great face for our program. I don't know the numbers but I am sure the guy brings a lot of money to BU. He is also loyal. He isn't going anywhere and that is worht a lot. He graduates kids and that means a lot.
I don't think any one is going to argue with what I just said. However some will point out that the results in wins and losses are not satisfactory. I agree but think the future looks bright. Let me cite some reason for my optimism.
Player Experience
This year our players have 12 years combined experience at BU. That doesn't count DD and only counts SS as 3 years. Next year we will have 18 years experience at BU if everybody returns. Pomeroy ranks experience a little differently and has our experience this year at #202 of 347. You have to guess a little at what our numbers will be next year but they should go up to maybe about #77 of 347. Go out a year after that and we return 19 years experience plus maybe three more if we add three players for next year and they don't redshirt. We will be moving a lot higher in the food chain. Northern Iowa starts three seniors this year. Didn't we have 5 or 6 seniors on the sweet 16 team? Experience matters.
Quality Players
Look at who is coming back next year. With WE,SM,TB,AW we will be returning something like 3 of the top 10 returning scorers in the conference, and two of the top 10 rebounders. The other statistical catagories show more of the same. That doesn't even count DD.
Also keep in mind JL is building a solid base. He is going away from the quick fix of juco players and getting guys who will be here a while . We also redshirted a guy this year. That is a sign of strength and a willingness to build for the future.
Lets fast forward a little and say JL gets a great assistant (like DV) and JW comes to BU next year and we get a couple of other real nice freshman recruites who will be around a while. And, now we will have first class facilities. If this all happens BU could go on a roll for years to come.
The losses suck. I agree. Let's be realistic though, BU is not going to eat the rest of JL's contract. JL is building for the future. The man is a winner and we are lucky to have him. Lets just get him a great assistant or two.
), just asking. I agreed with a lot, but not all, of what Braveatheart said in his lengthy post, and responded to it. I was surprised to see it wasn't there anymore. Oh well.