Bradley & Jim Les

[brocks]

Okay, I want some love. I was among the first to come on here and say that anyone who thought Ruffin, Franklin, Tauai, Andrews were going to get steamrolled this season had not carefully reviewed any tapes of last year's Sweet 16 run. No, this BU team is not as talented as last year's, but these are some seriously tough kids with experience, swagger, and a winning attitude.

As for Jim Les, if COY were voted on today, he'd win.

All that said, I KNOW I KNOW . . . plenty of basketball left. But at this point whatever happens from here forward is almost a non-issue; Les and Bradley have exceeded all expectations, have positioned themselves for post-season play when almost no one thought they would, and have kept Bradley in the national conversation in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

JL & staff are in the process of compiling the most talented recruiting classes at BU in decades for next year and beyond. Starting to really wonder what they can do when the reinforcements arrive. Might a Sweet 16 have been just the start?

Truthinesshurts need not reply. The glass is half FULL!:valley: :braves: :valley: :braves:

[redbirdtim]

Actually, I believe Royce Waltman would be COY if it was voted today.

[tennis08tarheels]

Actually, I believe Royce Waltman would be COY if it was voted today.

What he said.

[bcg]

Indiana State looked seriously unprepared tonight. It looked like they had the feeling that if they showed up, they'd win.

Jim Les is starting to get ahold of this coaching thing. Probably a lot of the credit goes to Chuck Buescher. The program is heading in the right direction. I think big things are on the horizon.

[beyondthearc14]

The coach of the year award right now would have to go to either
Royce Waltman or Jim Les.While Indiana State has exceeded expectations
slightly more than Bradley they haven't had to deal with a serious injury
thus far this valley season.Les has gone 3-2 with his leading scorer being
out with a knee injury.Les has also had to deal with the Ray Brown drug
suspension and Xavier Crawford not showing up because of grades.Jim Les
because of BU's lack of size compared to last year completely overhauled our
offensive look during the offseason.He has had a lot to deal with since
last March and has overcome BU's offseason troubles quite well.


If Waltman got the award though I wouldn't be that disappointed.

Who is the worst coach of the year in the Valley?

[Mikovio]

We're gonna get it now....

[BradleyBrave]

Who is the worst coach of the year in the Valley?

Porter Moser, hands down.

[getreal4]

Tom Davis, Drake Bulldogs, hands down. Best Drake team in 10 years, senior dominated team, and they are not prepared for the Valley. :no:

[azbirdfan]

I've always been a huge Les supporter, ever since his hiring and throughout some of the difficult times. He's always been an overachiever ever since he was in high school. Actually, at one point, he wanted to go to Illinois State and the coach at the time, Bob Donewald, told him he would never amount to anything and that he wasn't good enough for Division 1 basketball.

Needless to say, that gave Jim a little motivation to prove him wrong. He's always proved the naysayers wrong, winning the Nasmith award, playing in the NBA, and now as a coach at Bradley.

His hiring was an outside the box concept and it made a lot of sense to me. It was known that he would have to work on his in game coaching skills however being a successful salesman (which is critical in recruiting), and his work ethic were obvious. In addition to that, the fact that he has experience being in the NBA as a player is a huge bonus because every kid dreams of that. He can say first hand that he knows what it takes to get there and has testimonials from John Stockton and others saying what a great guy he is and how well he knows the game.

I am thrilled for Jim and happy that he his finally getting some acceptance as the coach at Bradley. Keep in mind, this is coming from an Illinois State fan as well.
:original:
At times, I've felt like his biggest supporter on here, if not his only one. Congrats to Jim and I hope he continues to bring that program to new levels. Oh, and I wouldn't mind seeing Illinois State getting there as well.......

[Mikovio]

Actually, at one point, he wanted to go to Illinois State and the coach at the time, Bob Donewald, told him he would never amount to anything and that he wasn't good enough for Division 1 basketball.

Really? Donewald? Are you sure about that?

I know BU coach Versace said that to him, which is why he went to Cleveland State for a year. After proving himself with a record-breaking freshman season, he transferred to BU, and the rest is history. If he really wanted to go to ISU as you say, I think he could have.

Also, his older brother, Tom, played for the Braves and Jim served as a ballboy as a kid....

[DUBulldog]

Tom Davis, Drake Bulldogs, hands down. Best Drake team in 10 years, senior dominated team, and they are not prepared for the Valley. :no:

Hey Mr Negative Prack....this is far from the best Drake team in 10 years.

I think I'd take the team with Danielson, Andry Sola, McDonald, Dontaie Smith, Lamont Evans, Aaron Knight, etc...or even KK's last team with Danielson, JJ Sola, McDonald, Josh Robinson, Randolph, etc.

Maybe if this team had a consistent outside shooter, I'd agree with you.....which is a very scary thought. :lol:

[Mick Taylor]

The coach of the year award right now would have to go to either
Royce Waltman or Jim Les.While Indiana State has exceeded expectations
slightly more than Bradley they haven't had to deal with a serious injury
thus far this valley season.Les has gone 3-2 with his leading scorer being
out with a knee injury.Les has also had to deal with the Ray Brown drug
suspension and Xavier Crawford not showing up because of grades.Jim Les
because of BU's lack of size compared to last year completely overhauled our
offensive look during the offseason.He has had a lot to deal with since
last March and has overcome BU's offseason troubles quite well.


If Waltman got the award though I wouldn't be that disappointed.

Who is the worst coach of the year in the Valley?

Actually, Indiana State lost Cole Holmstrom for a month, but it wasn't in the Valley, so I see what you're saying.

[Dawg_tired]

Tom Davis, Drake Bulldogs, hands down. Best Drake team in 10 years, senior dominated team, and they are not prepared for the Valley. :no:

Get real buwipe. You know shat about basketball.

[beyondthearc14]

I've always been a huge Les supporter, ever since his hiring and throughout some of the difficult times. He's always been an overachiever ever since he was in high school. Actually, at one point, he wanted to go to Illinois State and the coach at the time, Bob Donewald, told him he would never amount to anything and that he wasn't good enough for Division 1 basketball.

Needless to say, that gave Jim a little motivation to prove him wrong. He's always proved the naysayers wrong, winning the Nasmith award, playing in the NBA, and now as a coach at Bradley.

His hiring was an outside the box concept and it made a lot of sense to me. It was known that he would have to work on his in game coaching skills however being a successful salesman (which is critical in recruiting), and his work ethic were obvious. In addition to that, the fact that he has experience being in the NBA as a player is a huge bonus because every kid dreams of that. He can say first hand that he knows what it takes to get there and has testimonials from John Stockton and others saying what a great guy he is and how well he knows the game.

I am thrilled for Jim and happy that he his finally getting some acceptance as the coach at Bradley. Keep in mind, this is coming from an Illinois State fan as well.
:original:
At times, I've felt like his biggest supporter on here, if not his only one. Congrats to Jim and I hope he continues to bring that program to new levels. Oh, and I wouldn't mind seeing Illinois State getting there as well.......

Thank you for your kinds words Azbirdfan about Jim Les.One thing that
bothered me during Jim Les's first 3.5 half years was how much Bradley fans
would rip on him for percieved stupid decisions,getting technicals at the
wrong time,bad recruiting,etc..About twice a week I go over to redbirdfan.com and I read most of the threads about ISU.I can't believe
how negative some of the threads are about the team and Porter Moser.
I think that ISU's main problem is that they have and lot of freshman and
1st year Jucos.If ISU can just get some stability and not have 2 or 3
unexpected departures every year then the team might be able to become
a midpack Valley team in a year or two.
I also have to say that I never knew that Jim Les was interested in
playing for Illinois State.

Once agian amazing to hear kinds words coming from an ISU fan towards BU.

[beyondthearc14]

Actually, Indiana State lost Cole Holmstrom for a month, but it wasn't in the Valley, so I see what you're saying.

How many nonconference victories do you think that Indiana State
lost out on as a result of the Cole Holmstrom injury?Was he healthy for
the 7 point loss at Indiana?Even with the loss to Bradley Indiana State
still has an outside shot at the NCAA tournament and a very,very,very
strong shot at the NIT.I'm very impressed with how Indiana State has played
throughout the year at home.Bulter-defeated!!! Purdue-defeated!! :sycamores:

[beyondthearc14]

I've always been a huge Les supporter, ever since his hiring and throughout some of the difficult times. He's always been an overachiever ever since he was in high school. Actually, at one point, he wanted to go to Illinois State and the coach at the time, Bob Donewald, told him he would never amount to anything and that he wasn't good enough for Division 1 basketball.

Needless to say, that gave Jim a little motivation to prove him wrong. He's always proved the naysayers wrong, winning the Nasmith award, playing in the NBA, and now as a coach at Bradley.

His hiring was an outside the box concept and it made a lot of sense to me. It was known that he would have to work on his in game coaching skills however being a successful salesman (which is critical in recruiting), and his work ethic were obvious. In addition to that, the fact that he has experience being in the NBA as a player is a huge bonus because every kid dreams of that. He can say first hand that he knows what it takes to get there and has testimonials from John Stockton and others saying what a great guy he is and how well he knows the game.

I am thrilled for Jim and happy that he his finally getting some acceptance as the coach at Bradley. Keep in mind, this is coming from an Illinois State fan as well.
:original:
At times, I've felt like his biggest supporter on here, if not his only one. Congrats to Jim and I hope he continues to bring that program to new levels. Oh, and I wouldn't mind seeing Illinois State getting there as well.......

Thank you for your kinds words Azbirdfan about Jim Les.One thing that
bothered me during Jim Les's first 3.5 half years was how much Bradley fans
would rip on him for percieved stupid decisions,getting technicals at the
wrong time,bad recruiting,etc..About twice a week I go over to redbirdfan.com and I read most of the threads about ISU.I can't believe
how negative some of the threads are about the team and Porter Moser.
I think that ISU's main problem is that they have and lot of freshman and
1st year Jucos.If ISU can just get some stability and not have 2 or 3
unexpected departures every year then the team might be able to become
a midpack Valley team in a year or two.
I also have to say that I never knew that Jim Les was interested in
playing for Illinois State.

Once agian amazing to hear kinds words coming from an ISU fan towards BU.

[Aceman96]

I'm glad Jimmy is doing so well with Bradley. He has a load of Pride in that school. I still remember him coming to my 2nd grade classroom when he played with Hersey. They both came to talk to us on a couple of occasions. I think a teacher in the school knew Jim. He has grown a lot as a coach. His recruiting is improving, and he is becoming a good in-game coach. Like I said, I'm sure it means a lot to him to have is alma-mater back to getting national attention. I also love that these guys are going back to their alma-maters like Les and Lowery. Hopefully they can stay around and continue to improve their coaching and teams! It's a bright future at each school!

[azbirdfan]

Really? Donewald? Are you sure about that?

I know BU coach Versace said that to him, which is why he went to Cleveland State for a year. After proving himself with a record-breaking freshman season, he transferred to BU, and the rest is history. If he really wanted to go to ISU as you say, I think he could have.

Also, his older brother, Tom, played for the Braves and Jim served as a ballboy as a kid....

Yeah, I'm positive about that. Jim was a friend of our family. I won't bother going into the specifics but needless to say, we had some personal conversations. I'm only 32 so at the time, I was pretty young but I remember pretty well.

[redbirdtim]

Jim Les has really improved at BU, but as a head coach, you are responsible for your recruits. I know Porter has run into that problem too.

"Les has also had to deal with the Ray Brown drug
suspension and Xavier Crawford not showing up because of grades."

Unfortunately, even some honor roll student athletes in high school aren't qualified to play b-ball in college because they can't get the minimum on the ACT. Also, I can remember posters criticizing the SIU coaching staff for having a lot of athletes who have "issues" regarding criminal charges. Well, Ray Brown's drug "issues" would be no different then, right?

[Mick Taylor]

How many nonconference victories do you think that Indiana State
lost out on as a result of the Cole Holmstrom injury?Was he healthy for
the 7 point loss at Indiana?Even with the loss to Bradley Indiana State
still has an outside shot at the NCAA tournament and a very,very,very
strong shot at the NIT.I'm very impressed with how Indiana State has played
throughout the year at home.Bulter-defeated!!! Purdue-defeated!! :sycamores:

I'd say his absence cost them the Ball State game for sure. During the late stages of that game, when ISU needed offense, Harry Marshall -- a good defender, but offensive detriment -- was on the floor when Holmstrom would normally be. ISU couldn't deliver any kind of death blow in that game and Marshall took a bad shot late.

You can make a case for Middle Tennessee too, but it would be far weaker. ISU was in the mix late, Holmstrom's shooting would have helped, but ISU was defending so poorly that game it might not have mattered.

[Mikovio]

Thanks az. Interesting indeed. That Cleveland State coach deserves a lot of credit for being one of the few to recognize Les' abilities and offer him out of HS.

Also, I can remember posters criticizing the SIU coaching staff for having a lot of athletes who have "issues" regarding criminal charges. Well, Ray Brown's drug "issues" would be no different then, right?
When did Ray Brown ever face criminal charges?

[Bradleyfan]

Get real buwipe. You know shat about basketball.

Wait a minute. What kind of response is that? The Dr. Tom Davis experiment has gone on long enough. As stated, they are a senior laden team, that as I can recall, knocked off a couple of good, not great, but still decent teams at home. Now the other day, they just barely beat IL St at home, arguably the worst team in the Valley! If I were associated in any way with Drake, I would not tolerate another losing season like that, especially with the talent and coach they have. Time to pull the plug on the Dr. Tom Davis experiment.

But not before the play in Peoria later this season! :grin:

[Bradleyfan]

Hey Mr Negative Prack....this is far from the best Drake team in 10 years.

I think I'd take the team with Danielson, Andry Sola, McDonald, Dontaie Smith, Lamont Evans, Aaron Knight, etc...or even KK's last team with Danielson, JJ Sola, McDonald, Josh Robinson, Randolph, etc.

Maybe if this team had a consistent outside shooter, I'd agree with you.....which is a very scary thought. :lol:

Well, if that's far from the best Drake team in 10 years, who do we blame for that? The recruiter, Dr. Tom!

[ValleyGuy]

Well, if that's far from the best Drake team in 10 years, who do we blame for that? The recruiter, Dr. Tom!


You don't really think Porter Moser is a better coach than Tom Davis do you?

[redbirdtim]

I never said that he had criminal charges against him; I was just comparing it to when the SIU players had criminal charges against them and blamed the SIU coaching staff.

[Mikovio]

I never said that he had criminal charges against him; I was just comparing it to when the SIU players had criminal charges against them and blamed the SIU coaching staff.

You proposed that Ray Brown's "issues" were "no different" than the SIU athletes' "issues regarding criminal charges."

Well, I don't believe that failing a drug test is a crime. Last I checked, so-called "status crimes" were unconstitutional.

It's a bit different than getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, and thus putting the general public at serious risk. That IS a crime, and resulted in criminal charges.

So my answer is, no, they are different....

[user1]

Thanks az. Interesting indeed. That Cleveland State coach deserves a lot of credit for being one of the few to recognize Les' abilities and offer him out of HS.


When did Ray Brown ever face criminal charges?


Didn't Cleveland State have a coaching change immediately after Jim Les got to Cleveland State, which led to him leaving?

[Mikovio]

Didn't Cleveland State have a coaching change immediately after Jim Les got to Cleveland State, which led to him leaving?

I'm not sure. But regardless Les stuck with his commitment and played a season....

[redbirdtim]

"Well, I don't believe that failing a drug test is a crime."

Depends on what the drug was because I believe it is illegal to possess many of the drugs that cause you to fail a drug test. The police in Peoria probably will not ask how he failed a drug test, but it would be interesting to know what drug caused the failed test.

Also, my comments were more along the lines of, is a coach responsible for the actions of his players. Obviously Brown did something wrong or he wouldn't have been suspended. Like when SIUs coaches were being blamed by some for recruiting "criminals." If you put blame on SIUs coaches for bringing in players who would commit crimes, could you not try and blame Les for Brown using drugs that could be against the law (hence the possibility that he committed a crime).

[Mikovio]

"Well, I don't believe that failing a drug test is a crime."

Depends on what the drug was because I believe it is illegal to possess many of the drugs that cause you to fail a drug test. The police in Peoria probably will not ask how he failed a drug test, but it would be interesting to know what drug caused the failed test.

Also, my comments were more along the lines of, is a coach responsible for the actions of his players. Obviously Brown did something wrong or he wouldn't have been suspended. Like when SIUs coaches were being blamed by some for recruiting "criminals." If you put blame on SIUs coaches for bringing in players who would commit crimes, could you not try and blame Les for Brown using drugs that could be against the law (hence the possibility that he committed a crime).

Possession and use are illegal, sure.

But it's not exactly a slam-dunk (pardon the pun) case. For instance, it could be non-self-induced or pathological. Maybe he had recently been to a party where someone else was using it, and inhaled it into his system. Or maybe some spiteful Redbird fan spiked his food or drink :twisted:

Of course, that's all unlikely but we'll never know because he'll never get a trial. Because there isn't enough evidence to justify prosecution.

Also, and this is the libertarian side of me speaking out, I think there is a big difference between violent crime and non-violent crime. I know this is probably the wrong forum for this but it really shouldn't be any of the government's business what you put inside your body... Unless we're talking about a communicable disease that could put the general public at risk...

But, should Les have been more careful to see to it that Brown followed the NCAA guidelines? Probably, yeah....

[bcrawf]

Also, the Marcellus Sommerville transfer from Iowa was less than ethical, if you believe Jon Miller...

[Mikovio]

Also, the Marcellus Sommerville transfer from Iowa was less than ethical, if you believe Jon Miller...

The Danny Granger transfer from Bradley was less than ethical, if you believe the NCAA....