Bradley signs ANOTHER

[tBU]

For next years BU games. Reports are BU has signed another. Thats 8 with the LOI from Theron Wilson. Averaged about 20-10 as a Juco. The Valleys favorite coach, Gary Williams, was courting TW.

6'5" slasher......bye bye to either Singh (SIU-E), non qualifier Williams or even some rumors DRuf will go to Europe though he stated he's coming back.

[brocks]

Being reported BU gets juco Theron Wilson, a 6-5 slasher who caught the attention of Rick Pitino among many others. ANOTHER 3-star recruit. There are so many 3-stars on BU's roster now that I literally could not name them all. As to where the schollie is coming from, early reports suggest Sam Singh is following Lennox Forrester to SIUE. Could be beneficial all around.

[brocks]

For next years BU games. Reports are BU has signed another. Thats 8 with the LOI from Theron Wilson. Averaged about 20-10 as a Juco. The Valleys favorite coach, Gary Williams, was courting TW.

6'5" slasher......bye bye to either Singh (SIU-E), non qualifier Williams or even some rumors DRuf will go to Europe though he stated he's coming back.

oops! Just started another thread about this. . . but two is okay!

[PIAFAN]

pjstar.com is reporting that Bradley has signed 6-5 JUCO Theron Wilson.http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/peoria_bradley_signs_another_player/

[tBU]

oops! Just started another thread about this. . . but two is okay!

Make it THREE....if the mods want to delete mine thats fine.

[tBU]

Looks like D Williams is indeed the odd man out as a non-qualifier.

[DUBulldog]

Being reported BU gets juco Theron Wilson, a 6-5 slasher who caught the attention of Rick Pitino among many others. ANOTHER 3-star recruit. There are so many 3-stars on BU's roster now that I literally could not name them all. As to where the schollie is coming from, early reports suggest Sam Singh is following Lennox Forrester to SIUE. Could be beneficial all around.

Where's he from?

[PIAFAN]

pjstar now reporting that DeAaron Williams will not become a Brave!http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/peoria_bradley_says_no_to_deaaron_williams/ (http://www.pjstar.com/php/index.php?/news/peoria_bradley_saya_no_to_deaaron_williams/)

[BeeLine]

From Seward Junior College in the JayHawk conference. Originally from the same Topeka HS as Bears recruits Kyle Weems and Lamont Austin. Not sure about the three star rating although they vary from site to site, but I think ranked about 71st juco on Juco Junction, right around where Bradley recruit David Collins was. A nice 6'5" slasher who can rebound well for his size.
I'm not sure Bradley is heading down the best path with so many jucos and transfer types. Alot of talent, but can be hard to assimilate two year players who all are looking for immediate time on the court into the best mix as a team sometimes. Some coaches have done well with that philosophy, but I still think you're best to build with 4 year players and fill with the selective 1-2 jucos or transfers. Should be an interesting year in Peoria; an impressive collection of athletes no doubt.

[DUBulldog]

From Seward Junior College in the JayHawk conference. Originally from the same Topeka HS as Bears recruits Kyle Weems and Lamont Austin.

Thanks...I knew he played at Seward, was wondering where he was originally from.

For those familiar with Kansas HS b-ball.....did that team, with 3 future MVC players win the state championship?

[BostonBird]

I think that Theron is going to be a serious player. I was holding out hope that he would come to ILSTU.

[ValleyBall]

Well I can't say I'm not dissapointed that Fears and Williams are gone. I thought they would be the most talented players next year ( I didn't say best ). As for Wilson, He has nice stats, except that 3 point and FT percentage. I was really hoping we would still have the 3 guard 3 point shooting team again. He might not fit in that plan. I bet he is very aggressive with his rebound & scoring average though. Another good player, however I am not sure they will all be able to gel. It helps that Ruffin and Crouch will be back though. They will be back, Right???? Who knows with the way it's going now.

[BeeLine]

Austin and Weems were sophs when Wison was a sr ; not sure if they won the state title that year but I don't think so. However, they were undefeated and State Champions this year , so I kinda like our two kids. That team also had a great frosh and a solid junior power forward in Modoupe[ 6'7"] who the Bears are also looking at.

[bcg]

Looks like I'm going to have to buy a program next year.

How dumb do you have to be a basketball player and denied entrance to Bradley twice?

[ValleyBall]

If anyone has seen him play I would love to hear your opinion, even if it's negative. I picture him as a leaper, slam dunker, who can run the court but can't
shoot. I have no idea though. Anyone seen him play?

[ValleyBall]

Looks like I'm going to have to buy a program next year.

How dumb do you have to be to a basketball player and denied entrance to Bradley twice?

Might want to fix your typo when you are asking this kind of question.:grin:

[bcg]

frustration.

[tBU]

Thanks...I knew he played at Seward, was wondering where he was originally from.

For those familiar with Kansas HS b-ball.....did that team, with 3 future MVC players win the state championship?

Sewards the same Juco another Brave played for......one of the most popular of alltime at tBU. Went on to a VERY good pro career but never made a basket or grabbed ONE darn rebound. Still playing too.

Any guesses....

[bcg]

Pollard just signed with the Seahawks, right?

[bugregshu]

Well, first time poster on valleytalk, but I just thought i would post since i can't on bradleyfans... i think it just shut down due to traffic!

[DoubleJayAlum]

Well, first time poster on valleytalk, but I just thought i would post since i can't on bradleyfans... i think it just shut down due to traffic!

I've been waiting for you to post so that I can ask how you got that perfect score on Hexxagon? That is the only game in the arcade that I enjoy playing regularly...

[bugregshu]

I've been waiting for you to post so that I can ask how you got that perfect score on Hexxagon? That is the only game in the arcade that I enjoy playing regularly...

Haha, thats funny. I dunno, i was just lucky. Off the start i just made 3 moves and then they had no more pieces left. never happened before or again.

[Clawinball]

Boy, must be great how Bradley can throw a recruit to the wolves and then pull another rabbit out of thier hats !:lol: :bears:

[LincolnJay]

Wow, spin it whatever way you want to but trading a kid who was consensus Top 25 juco on pretty much all juco reruiting sites {Williams} for one who made some Top 100's {Wilson} but not all cannot be seen as a good thing.

[Little Eddie]

Theron Wilson sounds very familiar...my only guess is that my bro tried recruiting him out of high school while he was still at UNO. I know I've heard that name before though...

[bcg]

Wow, spin it whatever way you want to but trading a kid who was consensus Top 25 juco on pretty much all juco reruiting sites {Williams} for one who made some Top 100's {Wilson} but not all cannot be seen as a good thing.

It's never a good thing when your signed recruits don't make it to campus. It's been rumored for some time that DeAaron Williams was having troubles on and off the court at ICC. He was suspended for some games down the stretch this year and his classwork has always been in question.

I guess the only bright point is that BU isn't left out in the cold with his scholarship like they have been with other players in the past.

The recruits that Jim Les has been getting with red flags haven't been paying off the past years. Crawford (academics), Jassey (project), Fears (double transfer), Buycks (academics), & Williams (academics) have bitten Bradley in the *** lately.

[mexicobufan]

This kid is a 3 star recruit with much, much better numbers than Williams. Theron had better numbers playing at a D1 JC unlike Williams at a D2 JC and Theron did it in one of the best JC conferences in the country. He was recruited at one time by Pitino and Weber among other high majors. The kid is not a cancer on his team and is a leader. Williams has made no effort to get his grades in order and had problems being held to the same standards as his teammates at ICC.

Theron will be an impact player at BU. I would make this trade any day of the week.

[Mike]

So, is it just rumor or a fact that Dwight Buycks from Milwaukee, WS and DeAaron Williams from East Peoria, IL will NOT be at Bradley next fall? They are both still shown on Rivals as Bradley commitments. Of course, so is the WSU recruit who died.

[Brave2001]

So, is it just rumor or a fact that Dwight Buycks from Milwaukee, WS and DeAaron Williams from East Peoria, IL will NOT be at Bradley next fall? They are both still shown on Rivals as Bradley commitments. Of course, so is the WSU recruit who died.

My understanding is that:

Dwight Buycks: did not academically qualify for Bradley due to low ACT scores or something. As a result he chose to go the Prep school route (he may or may not come to Bradley next year, it depends if he reopens recruiting)

Dearon Williams: will not earn enough credits at ICC to be able to transfer to Bradley and thus was let go.

Jeremy Fears: will not return to Bradley due to family issues

Saihou Jassey: will not be returning, I'm not sure as to the specifics of this, someone else will have to fill you in

Xavier Crawford: Bradley recruited him for 2006-2007, but did not academically qualify. Is currently finishing his first year at Yuba Jr. College. May transfer to Bradley after next season. (Could possibly reopen recruiting).

Daniel West: is a 2008 Recruit with a verbal.

Thats as much as I know. Someone closer to the situation or who follows it more closely could give you specific details on each situation.

Below is the completed roster for 2007-2008 (I cant possibly see us recruiting anyone else)

Jeremy Crouch Sr. 6-5 G
Daniel Ruffin Sr. 5-10 G
Matt Salley Sr. 6-7 F
Ray Brown Jr. 6-6 G
Sam Singh Jr. 6-9 F/C
Andrew Warren So. 6-5 G
Will Egolf Fr. 6-10 F
Sam Maniscalco Fr. 6-0 G
Anthony Thomspon Fr. 6-10 F/C
Theron Wilson Jr. 6-5 G - JUCO Transfer
Rashad Austin Jr. 6-7 F - JUCO Transfer
Tyron Cole Scott Jr. 5-10 G - JUCO Transfer
David Collins Jr. 7-0 C - JUCO Transfer

[DUBulldog]

Who is WS?

Wichita State

[Brave2001]

I'm an idiot. WS is for wisconsin. For some reason I read it as an abbreviation for a player. Ignore that question.

[Brave2001]

Now for my commentary.

I'm dissappointed we lost Fears and Williams, they were supposed to be very good. However it seems we have replaced them with JUCO transfers that at least on paper (I've never seen any of them play, and I'm only going based on what I've read) seem to be as good as they were and may gel with the team better. If (I say if because all I've read is secondhand accounts) DW and JF would have been detrimental to the team chemistry as others have suggested, then I'm definitly happy with how this turned out even though at first glance it was relatively shocking.

We'll see how things go. I'm very optimistic. I can't remember a time Bradley started a season with 4 three star recruits (Ray Brown, Sam Maniscalco, Anthony Thomspon, and Rashad Austin). Add that to the fact we still have the best PG in the league in Ruffin, and Crouch as one of the best 3 pt shooters, and we seriously upgraded our size (should help with rebounding), and I really cant complain.

And the year after next looks pretty good too, especially if we can somehow hold onto Xavier or Dwight and maybe even pick up Matt Roth (Crossing fingers on all 3).

[tBU]

Wow, spin it whatever way you want to but trading a kid who was consensus Top 25 juco on pretty much all juco reruiting sites {Williams} for one who made some Top 100's {Wilson} but not all cannot be seen as a good thing.


I don't see it as spin at all Jay....every program in the MVC, heck in the nation, goes through this stuff. Its the nature of the beast. Coaches leave, players fall through for various reasons.

The sign of a good coach and program is to have good backup plans. BU APPEARS to have done that with two very good late signings.

The reports on Austin and Wilson (the two late signings) are all positive as far as talent and ATTITUDE. Les says Wilson made an amazing impact on BU admins/coaches the day of his visit with his attitude.

BOTH players coaches have given glowing reports. Austin had PAC 10 and some BIG east interest but his coach stated he (Ausitn) felt the MVC as a conference gave him a greater chance to play his desired position as Center. His coach stated that he showed an intellect in choosing a school not usually seen...IOW he put his ego aside and went with "fit".

After the dust has settled at BU most everyone is thrilled and quite amazed at how things have panned out.

IF thats a spin we'll see ya in the fall......:naughty:

[LincolnJay]

Yes, we will see you in the fall Spindoctors.

Looking at that many new faces, I think you need this...:helpsmilie:

[Brave2001]

Yes, we will see you in the fall Spindoctors.

Looking at that many new faces, I think you need this...:helpsmilie:

You would know. You guys learned from the ultimate spin master.... Dana "woooooo-PIG-soooeee" Altman.

[Majik45]

I don't even know what to think at this point. I guess Bradley is done at this point (of course we thought that after the Austin signing two days ago). I'm glad we've a bunch of players to replace guys we're losing. Hopefully Les can continue to have luck with all the Juco players we're bringing in. At some point I'd love to start seeing a few more four year guys and just the occasional Juco guy. At this point, I'm not going to complain because we have back to back 22 win seasons.

[tBU]

Yes, we will see you in the fall Spindoctors.

Looking at that many new faces, I think you need this...:helpsmilie:

Where have I heard this before.....oh yearh the year before when BU lost 3 that turned pro and the heart and soul of the sweet 16 team Bennet. Seems like BU bounced back well and are losing less this year.

4 major contributors back including the nations leading 3 pt shooter and arguably the best pg in the Valley.

[Canevision]

Lincoln, I know where you're coming from. It seems that Braves fans are spinning as far as being just as happy with one lower rated guy than another.

But, I can see where Bradley fans would make that trade, and have no problems with them spinning nad be excited over a kid with obvious talent.

It also seems like you're stirring things up a bit, but that's ok, it's the offseason and it's entertaining :lol:

[Brave2001]

Lincoln, I know where you're coming from. It seems that Braves fans are spinning as far as being just as happy with one lower rated guy than another.

But, I can see where Bradley fans would make that trade, and have no problems with them spinning nad be excited over a kid with obvious talent.

It also seems like you're stirring things up a bit, but that's ok, it's the offseason and it's entertaining :lol:

You know, its funny, most of this board completely ignores Bradley all season, but now we are appearently worth "stirring" and "spinning". I'm not sure, but I think I smell fear that the Valley's status quo is about to change. Which means, of course, that some on here must think we have a pretty decent team returning whether they publicly admit it or not.

[BradleyBrave]

Well, of course there is disappointment that neither BCS-caliber players Fears (Iowa St) and Williams (Wisconsin) won't be suiting up for the Braves. They both had baggage coming in, but both were talented enough to take a chance and try to work through the difficulties. The hope was that Fears left his attitude problem in Ohio (he didn't), and that Williams realized that you have to go to class (relatively speaking) to be able to play (he didn't). Williams also has had some attitude issues dating back to his high school days, and was suspended for a while this season at ICC (his JUCO).

That being said, BU deserves credit for not compromising their character or academic standards for these two players, and also for finding 2 quality players to replace them. They were both very talented players, but sometimes bad attitudes and behavior can offset the on-court benefits (see Danny Granger).

I don't think BU is going down the 'dangerous' road of JUCOs and transfers that some have intimated. Obviously BU would prefer to have 4 year players, but players leaving this late in the game put BU in a tough spot. There really weren't any quality 4 year players available this late. BU is bringing in 3 high schoolers next year (would have been 4 had Dwight Buycks qualified), and is looking to add three more next year (hopefully Daniel West and Dwight Buycks stay true to their word, plus we have one more scholarship).

Chemistry of course will be key, but don't forget we still have Ruffin, Crouch, Warren, and Salley as core returnees. If we didn't have those 4 contributors returing, chemistry might be an issue. However, with those 4 guys intact, they'll set the tone and should allow our JUCOs to step in and fill important roles, whether it be scoring (Cole-Scott/Wilson), or defense/rebounding (Austin/Collins). The three freshman won't be and shouldn't need to be relied on for anything, so I don't think the chemistry problems will be as drastic as some may seem.

Overall, obviously I would have loved to have Fears and Williams on board in both mind and body, but I think the staff has done a great job at finding replacements for them, and I still expect BU to contend for the MVC title next year.

[Canevision]

You know, its funny, most of this board completely ignores Bradley all season, but now we are appearently worth "stirring" and "spinning". I'm not sure, but I think I smell fear that the Valley's status quo is about to change. Which means, of course, that some on here must think we have a pretty decent team returning whether they publicly admit it or not.

anyone who is not worried about the Braves, is folling themselves. They obviously have some talent returning, and seem to have some great athletes coming in.

How Les gets them to assimilate to the system will be the biggest key to their season IMO. Nice class coming in, I'd be excited as well!

:braves: :valley:

[MoValley John]

You know, its funny, most of this board completely ignores Bradley all season, but now we are appearently worth "stirring" and "spinning". I'm not sure, but I think I smell fear that the Valley's status quo is about to change. Which means, of course, that some on here must think we have a pretty decent team returning whether they publicly admit it or not.

I thought you were Dawgie's brother. This post has a hint of ColdBlooded in it. You sure your not from Wichita? Here are the facts, nobody fears Bradley and nobody obsesses Wichita State.