Bradley News & Notes (5/5)

I received an e-mail today from the Chicago Area Bradley Alumni Network notifying of some upcoming events. It looks like Geno Ford is making the rounds to meet alumni and generate some buzz about the basketball team. On June 26th, at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott, the BU Alumni Network is hosting a Complimentary Reception to meet Coach Ford. The event is from 3-5 pm and more information is available via the BU Alumni Office at 800-952-8258.

Today was a good day for Geno Ford's predecessor, Jim Les, who was hired as the head coach at UC-Davis. Les' son Tyler is a guard on the team, and UC-Davis is fairly close to Sacramento where Coach Les played for the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Even though his coaching tenure didn't end on the best note, Jim Les is an important figure in Bradley basketball history and I hope he has a successful tenure at UC-Davis.

Bradley cans Coach Les

After a season of speculation, Bradley coach Jim Les was relieved of his duties today by the university, days after finishing his ninth season on the Hilltop. As a fan, during the season, I had gone back and forth on whether I thought the university should fire Coach Les. My contention was that Les deserved another year (in part due to the Sam Maniscalco and Taylor Brown injuries), but if he was fired than BU would have been justified in doing so.

Based on the performance of this past season, especially the last 10 games, Jim Les clearly deserved another season. At one point, Bradley was 6-16 on the season. Bradley ended the season with a 6-4 record in their last ten games and Les had been a key factor in helping the team bond and weather the storm of injuries that hampered the Braves this season.

Ultimately, the decision to fire Les wasn't based on this season alone, but rather his whole body of work at Bradley. Other than the Sweet 16 appearance in 2006, and an NIT appearance the following season (my freshman year at Bradley), Bradley basketball has consistently been in the middle of the Missouri Valley Conference during Les' tenure. Les' record of 154-140 indicates the mediocrity of Bradley basketball (save for the Sweet 16 over the past decade).

Les, though, should be commended for his character during his time on the Hilltop. Bradley has developed some real quality student-athletes, and this isn't something that every coach can necessarily do in college sports. Les has definitely ran a clean program unlike John Calipari or Bruce Pearl, or some of the other scumbags in college coaching.

I think Bradley is going in the right direction, as I think they can regularly compete for MVC Championships. I think they can legitimately make the NCAAs every three years with the right coach. I hope they hire someone who will value character and student-athlete performance as much as wins. Aside from President Glasser, the head basketball coach is the most prominent ambassador for BU. Don't get me wrong, wins matter, but I'll be really disappointed if Bradley hires someone like any of the following people: Calipari, Pearl, Tim Floyd, Kelvin Sampson, Larry Eustachy (google their college basketball rap sheets).

Bradley vs. Drake (MVC Tournament Preview)

Tonight at 8:30, Bradley will play Drake in an opening round game of the MVC Championship Tournament. As the Peoria Journal-Star's Dave Reynolds points out, Bradley faces an uphill battle in its attempt to win the tournament and the MVC's automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. Bradley has its work cut out for itself as no team has made it from the Opening Round to the Championship game.

This is the third game of the season between the two schools. In the regular season finale this past Saturday in Peoria, Bradley crushed the Bulldogs 90-64. Bradley shot 63 % in the game, which was one of the Braves' best offensive performances in years.

Will Bradley win? I think so. By 26? Probably not. As Drake coach Mark Phelps mentioned, the game will take place on a neutral court so that will somewhat level the playing field. Also, I don't think that Bradley can shoot as well as they did on Saturday. However, I don't think Drake can stop Andrew Warren. If they set up double- and triple teams on Warren, I don't think the Bulldogs can stop Bradley from exploiting the paint area with their slashing guards and their bigs. It would be great if Bradley could build a big lead and take out the starters, as the Braves play again tomorrow (if they win), and have three possible games in the next three days. This game will be a lot closer.

Prediction:
Bradley 68, Drake 60

The Fight for the No. 9 Seed

Bradley (10-18, 3-13 in Missouri Valley play) and Illinois State (11-17, 3-13) square off tonight in Bloomington-Normal, IL for the return game of the "War on 74" series between the two rivals. Tonight's game might be remembered for the wrong reason, as the loser of the game will be locked in to the No. 10 seed for Arch Madness and most certainly finish in last place in the MVC.

Last Game:
Bradley traveled to Tennessee-Martin as part of the BracketBusters series and rallied to beat Tenn-Martin 81-75. Without point guard Dodie Dunson, freshman Walt Lemon started and scored a career-high 20 points, including four made three pointers. Fellow freshman Jordan Prosser recorded his first double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Last Game vs. ISU:
The first game between the rivals this season was a heart-breaker for Bradley, suffering a 79-78 overtime loss to the Redbirds. In that game on Jan. 26, the Braves had jumped out to a big lead, 23-8, and even lead 61-52 with 2:40 left in the game. It appeared that Bradley would win its first MVC game. This was not to be, and the Braves fell to 6-15.

Analysis:
Bradley and ISU come into this game in opposite directions. Bradley has won four of its last six games and has looked like a completely different team from the one that lost its first 11 MVC games. ISU has lost its last six games. While winning this game wouldn't appear to be that big of a deal, it would be a huge boost for Bradley not to end up as the No. 10 seed. Hopefully, Dodie Dunson will be able to return to the lineup. One of the big differences, I think, will be the fact that Bradley is no longer the Andrew Warren show. Bradley has other options and I expect Dyricus Simms-Edwards and Jordan Prosser to continue to preform at a high level.

Prediction:
Bradley 75, ISU 66.

Weekend College Basketball Review (2/12-2/13)

Its been a pretty good weekend of college basketball, and there are no longer any undefeated teams. #1 Ohio State lost on the road to Wisconsin and Jordan Taylor. Taylor scored 27 points and is having a breakout season, yet somehow, was not named a finalist for the Bob Cousy award for the nation's best point guard. I still think that Ohio State should keep the #1 ranking as the loss came in a really tough environment, and there are only a handful of teams in college basketball with one loss. #2 Kansas, by comparison, suffered their only loss at home.

Northwestern (14-10, 4-9) lost pretty badly to Penn State today, 65-41, which makes two bad, ugly losses in a row for the Wildcats. I haven't seen either of the past two games (fortunately), but it seems like there hasn't been a ton of effort from NU anyway...

It's kind of telling that I would rather watch Bradley (9-17, 3-12) who beat the hottest team in the MVC, Evansville (had won 5 of their last 6) pretty impressively and displayed a lot of effort and teamwork. Dyricus Simms-Edwards continues to emerge as up and coming star for the Braves, recording a career-high 25 points and eight rebounds in the win. Jake Eastman added seven rebounds and took four charges, the kind of energy and effort you need to win.

Andrew Warren, who passed 1,500 career points in the win, was featured in a an Indianapolis Star article written yesterday

Next up for Bradley: a home game this Tuesday against Northern Iowa

After profiling Valparaiso yesterday, they took care of business and beat Wright State in a close game yesterday. They are in good shape to claim that double-bye as one of the top two teams in the Horizon League tournament. Their next game, this Wednesday at Wisconsin-Milwaukee is probably the toughest of their four conference games left. They also have the BracketBusters game next Saturday when they host Missouri State.

Speaking of the Horizon League, Cleveland State's Norris Cole had a ridiculous game yesterday, recording 41 points and 20 rebounds. Cole's 40-20 game was the first in college basketball since Blake Griffin in February 2009. What makes it even more impressive is that Cole is a 6-foot-2 guard.

Bradley Basketball in 2010-11

Not having homework this year means that I can follow college basketball more closely, and one of the teams I follow closest is Bradley, naturally.

Bradley's basketball season thus far has fallen short of preseason expectations. As it stands, the Braves are 8-17 overall, and 2-12 in Missouri Valley action. In the past several seasons, the Braves have entered the MVC conference tournament as a four or five seed, but this year the Braves will be playing in the Opening Round of "Arch Madness" as a team seeded anywhere from seven to ten. If Drake wins again, the best Bradley can finish is 8th.

There is a silver lining to Bradley's record. Bradley narrowly lost to the co-conference leaders Missouri State, and won their two previous MVC. The record also doesn't indicate that the Braves have played their entire season without two of their three players, honored before the season as preseason All-MVC candidates, Taylor Brown and Sam Maniscalco.

Both players are sitting out the season with medical redshirts and their losses have been a big blow to the Braves. Brown, a small forward led Bradley in rebounding last year and was named the conference's most improved player. Brown is sitting out the season for a mandatory 90-day rest period necessary to evaluate a heart condition. Maniscalco, Bradley's starting point guard during the past three seasons, is sitting out the year due to ankle issues. The loss of Brown and Maniscalco has been a big blow to the team, and you can't simply replace players like that. Both players should be eligible to return next year, which means Bradley could have a vastly improved record next season.

The third of the preseason award candidates, Andrew Warren, has been the biggest bright spot for the Braves. Warren was always a great shooter, but this season he has become a complete player and one of the best in the MVC (full disclosure: Andrew and I have the same major, so we had several classes together). Andrew leads the MVC in scoring (19.0), free throw percentage (.886), and three point field goals (59). I think he's a shoo-in to be named to the MVC's First Team All-Valley.

Since Bradley beat Creighton during Snowpocalypse, the team has been playing a lot better (the two wins, and the close game at MSU). As of late other good options have emerged around Warren, Dyricus Simms-Edwards has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat in his second season at Bradley, and could be the type of player to lead Bradley in scoring during his next two seasons. Freshman Jordan Prosser is also emerging as a good option in the post, and I could see him averaging at least 10 pts, eight boards in the near future. Jake Eastman, a reserve guard for now, is a solid defender and developing a consistent three-point shot. Also, freshman Walt Lemon, is learning how to harness his athleticism and could develop into a top-level guard in the MVC.

As bad of a season as its been, I don't think head coach Jim Les will be fired, no do I believe he should. It's almost impossible to overcome the loss of two of your three best players. Additionally, he is bringing in a solid recruiting class, led by guard Remy Abell from Louisville, the best player on the top ranked high school team in Kentucky (basketball is kind of a big deal there). Besides, there is always the issue of who would you replace Coach Les with. I think next year if Bradley doesn't finish in the top of the MVC, then his job should be in question.

Down the stretch, Bradley has a pretty favorable schedule, and Northern Iowa is the only game against a team near the top of the MVC. Bradley plays host to Evansville on Saturday, and I think they can definitely win 4 of the final 5 games on the schedule. Bradley is definitely the type of team no one will want to face at Arch Madness. Without a powerhouse team in the MVC, Bradley could make a little run in St. Louis.

What were you thinking, Bradley?

Bradley decided to name its new arena the Renaissance Coliseum. I think its a really tacky name. Here's a letter I'm writing to Bradley and it pretty much says what I think about the naming:


Dear Bradley University,


I was shocked to find out that the new on-campus arena was named the “Renaissance Coliseum.” The online news release on the BU website gave no indication as to why the university chose the name Renaissance Coliseum, a name that I feel is extremely ill-suited for the arena. Without a doubt, the new facility is an impressive structure and the university should be commended for it. However, naming it the Renaissance Coliseum presents many flaws.

First and foremost, choosing a name simply to flaunt a building misrepresents the ideals that are taught at Bradley, namely modesty. As Shakespeare said “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Likewise, the new facility would be associated with excellence, no matter what it is named. After all, the signature building on Bradley’s campus is simply referred to as Bradley Hall, not “The Magnificent Castle of Learning.” Also, no student is going to constantly say the name “Renaissance Coliseum” in conversation, as in “I’m going to have to pick up tickets at the Renaissance Coliseum,” “I’m passing by the Renaissance Coliseum.” The name is going to be shortened to “The Ren” which doesn’t indicate any sort of prestige.

Secondly, the name Renaissance Coliseum does nothing as far as preserving the history of BU. There would be nothing wrong in naming the facility the Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse, which was a huge branding aspect of the university. When you have a great name for an arena, you should keep it. When the New York Yankees built a new stadium, they only name on their mind was Yankee Stadium. The name Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse evokes some of the great moments of BU history, while the Renaissance Coliseum evokes confusion as to why the facility was named that.

Even if the university was set on another name, there were many good choices available. The arena could have been a way to honor one of the many people who have made a great contribution to the university or Bradley Athletics. Everything at Bradley has a named attached to it, except the arena. The Smith Career Center, Cullom-Davis Library, even the new practice court is named after Mitchell Anderson. But no name could be given to the new arena? Were naming rights available for a generous donor?


In writing this letter, I hope one of two things can be accomplished. I hope sometime in the near future, the facility can be renamed to honor someone who has made a significant contribution to the university or Bradley Athletics. I can think of no better person than Coach Joe Stowell, a BU player, coach, administrator, and broadcaster associated with BU for the past 60 + years. If the school does not want to name the facility after a person, I hope BU will allow corporations to bid for the naming rights, allowing the school to generate revenue. Perhaps Caterpillar would have some interest.


Sincerely,

Aaron Friedman

For the non-sports fan at college

For non-sports fans at college (or who went to college), the money universities allocate towards their athletic departments can easily seem unjustifiable or wrong. While some students go to Kansas for basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse and Ohio State for football in the Horseshoe, athletics have little to do with many prospective students college choices. Especially at small schools, which may not even field a football team, athletic experiences can be hard to justify to students who don't care about sports.

At many colleges, the basketball or football coach may be the highest paid employee, which in an academic institution may seem unjust for those whose choice of education had little or nothing to do with sports. Click the links for contracts of Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber, and Kansas basketball coach Bill Self, courtesy of USA Today. In short, college basketball and football (the two sports that make universities the most money) get paid a lot and it comes across as unfair to some. I know this first-hand from an argument that ensued during one of my classes at Bradley (Basketball coach Jim Les is the school's highest paid employee, including President Glasser).

Especially during tough economic times, as ESPN.com's Dana O'Neil points out, it can be hard to justify the merits of college sports. One of the biggest reasons coaches are paid so much is because of success on the playing field can improve the perception of a college like few other things. O'Neil's article mentions how Northern Iowa's run in the NCAA Tournament helped dramatically increase both awareness and contributions to the school. During their NCAA tournament run, Northern Iowa experienced a 1,577 % increase in online store sales and a 30 % increase in admissions calls.

For the non-sports fan, the attention given to college sports teams can be overwhelming and obnoxious. Yes, its true their are more important things than sports that should never be forgotten at a college. The academic mission of a university should always remain a priority, but their is certainly a place for sports. Sports have the potential to help every aspect of a university. At smaller schools and private schools, like Northern Iowa and Bradley, sports success benefits at a greater degree than your typical state school. Simply put, more people nationally are aware of Bradley when the basketball or soccer teams have success on a national stage.

For the non-sports fan, I'm not saying you should run out and by season tickets or follow every game, but just to simply recognize that sports can elevate the profile of your university.

Bradley vs. Duke

In a Peoria Journal Star article published yesterday, it was announced that the Bradley Basketball will play at Duke in the upcoming 2010-11 basketball season. The defending champion,Duke beat Butler last April to win the 2010 NCAA Tournament, andthis match certainly won't be easy. According to a more extended article, Duke and Bradley meet previously in 1951, when Bradley was one of the best basketball teams in the country. The tables have turned, and while Bradley has not been awful the past few years, they certainly have not achieved the national prominence they had when they made the Sweet 16 in 2006.

When it comes to scheduling, many schools believe that it is smart to schedule easier opponents, which may guarantee more wins. However, in the past few years, teams have been criticized and even potentially left out of the NCAA tournament field because their strength of schedule was not good enough.

I think that it is great and gutsy that Bradley scheduled this game against Duke. Duke, with a long winning streak against non-conference opponents, will be heavily favored. However, Bradley is challenging itself and will get good exposure from throwing itself out there. By playing such a quality team like Duke early in the season, Bradley will be able to measure its team against one of the best in the country. Their are a lot of players coming back, including Andrew Warren, Sam Maniscalco, and Taylor Brown, and Bradley has the potential to once re-emerge as a MVC power.

Bradley's Student Commencement Speaker changes

In the past, Bradley used to allow any student to audition to speak at graduation but that policy has changed, and the university has kind of been shady/secretive about it. Read about it here in an April 9th Bradley Scout article and here in a April 16th editorial from the Scout.

My Bradley Take

Today, I noticed on my Facebook newsfeed, that a friend or two of mine had joined a group called "I'm Dissastified with My Bradley University Experience." The group, which can be found here appears to be made up of two Bradley students, who appear intelligent, frustrated with their experience at Bradley and looking to harness the negative energy of the student body to ultimately produce change. In their description, they cite several reasons why they dislike their experiences. Also, included in the group's discussion wall is somewhat of a sister site,BU Soundoff I'll give you my take, and being a senior, I definitely feel qualified to address this.

Before I start, I'm not going to make this post into a "Bradley Lovefest," pretending like I'm an admissions rep giving a tour to a BU perspective. I'll admit, I have a little bias since my parents met here. But going to Bradley was very much my own decision. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have been quick to make a comment about some part of the university that I disliked at the time or still do. Bradley is far from perfect, and perhaps even farther from the dream school that BU Admissions portrayed. After all, there job is to get you to come to the school, and it is not their direct responsibility for you to enjoy your college experience. Many of the complaints listed on the facebook are legitamate. One of my pet peeves at Bradley is when it rains in a part of campus, the water pools and makes it impossible to walk around it without getting wet. Ok, so we all have things we don't like about our school. Students at every school have things they do not like, its human nature.

I've actually really enjoyed my Bradley experience. Its been far from perfect, but I can't picture going anywhere else. I actually like Peoria, even for its flaws, which there are many. I grew up in the North Shore, where a lot of the time it seemed like whoever had the most money mattered, so it was nice to be able to leave that. Bradley is a solid school, and any criticism of Bradley has to be attributed to any other school. Universities are far from a perfect and they are all plagued by similar problems. Just because you don't like your experience here, doesn't mean that they will be better elsewhere.

One of the first issues listed by the group is Braldey's library. People who don't like Bradley, often first point at the Library as it has developed some notority for being at the top of the Princeton Review's list of worst libraries. The library is far from the best, but people never mention the resources that the library has. With Interlibrary loan, you can get most books that you need for an assingment. The group talks about the quality/availablity of food on campus. Well, I can't think of another place where you can get all the breakfast, omlets included for $1.90 (gotta love that off-campus meal plan). The group also laments about the quality of teachers. I think that is actually one of the strong suits of the University. Most if not all have a Phd. At a bigger school, it would be impossible for a teacher to read a senior thesis and critique it in depth like at Bradley. Also, through another teacher, a brodcast management internship was created for me.

I think a lot of the people who don't like Bradley are unrealistic in what should be available to them here. Likewise, there are an equal number of people who do not ultilize the resources that the school does provide. People get so caught up in one negative aspect about the university that it ruins their entire experience.The cost of the university is a huge (no pun intended) concern to many. Last year, I was able to go into the financial aid office, and I came out with a scholarship application for a scholarship I had no idea the school provided. For my senior year, the university gave me an additional scholarship basically for going into the office and asking. There are a ton of seminars, lectures, and training avaiable through the library and the Career Center which I don't think people ultize. Speaking of lectures, the school also brings some pretty good speakers, which a lot of students only attend if its mandatory. I think the Study Abroad and Global Scholars (there's a little box for it the Degree Audit online) also are experiences that many people don't know about.

My advice would be to make the most of your Bradley/college experience. Take advantage of what the school does offer, not what it doesn't offer. Enjoy college, its only 4/5/6 years, so make the most of it!