ptownbraves wrote:I’ll take a shot at this.
It starts and ends with recruiting. Specifically, being unable to recruit or develop MVC-level guards.
When Geno was hired, there was a lot of hope that the coaching staff (i.e. Chin Coleman) would work the Chicago-area for recruits. That didn’t exactly pan out as expected and Bradley ended up with a handful of OK but not great players serving as starting 5 (Walt Lemon Jr being the sole bright spot during those years) for most of Geno’s tenure. The results on the floor were lacking and Geno was shown the door. In Geno’s last year, he landed Josh Cunningham and Donte Thomas. Cunningham was a top 100 prospect and ended up transferring to Dayton when Wardle was brought in. Donte stayed and ended up developing into the best player Bradley has seen in 5 years.
Wardle and a new AD were installed and they took the opportunity to clean house. The late recruiting start meant having to search far and wide for available players, but most of the Bradley faithful were ok with the overall process if it would mean winning in years 3 and 4. Everything was looking on schedule and year 4 (this year) was supposed to be the year they compete for the top of the league. Things were even looking fine with wins over SMU and Penn State. But then, it’s like someone flipped a switch and this team mentally forgot how basketball works. It’s bizarre and frustrating to watch as a fan. A lot of fans point to Wardle’s substitution patterns and players who are playing not to make mistakes. The simple explanation: this team is made up of guys who would be coming off the bench on most MVC teams. The two best scorers right now (Brown and Childs) are also turnover machines.
It’s a mess in Peoria and most of it comes down to recruiting misses. The fans are desperate for a winner they can get behind.
This sounds so familiar... Just thank your lucky stars that your AD didn't give Wardle an extension after last year. It could have been worse for the Bradley faithful.
