SHOX at Braves

[rlh04d]

I'm glad Peoria came out to support Bradley in this nationally televised game. WSU's ability to move the ball around, create shots and execute is really impressive. Bradley just didn't have enough weapons to compete. I'm impressed with how few bad shots WSU takes. They really take ownership of the possession. One number I was totally surprised at is Bradley's 16 offense rebounds and 37 total rebounds when we are averaging only 22.4 total rebounds/game.

I think that's the real improvement for this year's team over last year's. Our offense makes much better decisions. Armstead was a hell of a PG last year, particularly on D, but he took some bone-headed shots. Early did as well. Our decision making on offense is just so improved this year. The ball movement is better, the shot selection is better, etc.

We've progressed from 30th in offensive efficiency last year by KenPom to 10th this year. That's an incredible jump. And it wasn't matched with a drop off in defense at all, improving from 25th to 14th. Never would have thought this team would actually be better on offense than defense.

Bradley deserves credit for out-rebounding WSU. The offensive rebounds surprised me.

[Wufan]

Lots of attempted blocked shots by the secondary defender. This left some opportunities for BU to rebound. Also, just a ton of hustle and effort on the boards by the Braves.

[bcg]

The effort was there for Bradley, just not the decision-making and execution. It looked like WSU was toying with them at times.

[Majik45]

Congrats to the Shocks. They were even more impressive in person than what I've seen on TV this year. WSU plays with a very high basketball IQ, making the extra pass, and just good basketball plays. They are a fun team to watch for sure. Unfortunately Bradley does not have the horses to compete on Offense right now.

The only bright spot of the night is that Bradley is locked into the 7 seed, so if we somehow win a game or two in St. Louis, we won't see the Shockers till the last possible game.

[ictjay]

Lemon had 0 turnovers

I think my head just exploded

69-49 final, this one went about as scripted. Better effort, horrible offense as usual.

Biggest surprise of the game. Of course, he also shot 30% and only had one assist.

Black hole, not sure how many shots he put up but odds were with you that once he touched it, it was going up. Braves had a nice pick and pop assist in the first few minutes of the game and that was about it.

Not a whole lot of interest in running offense.

[Ricardo del Rio]

One of my favorite moments.

Bell is in the right corner. Lemon is at the top of the circle with the ball.

There is not a defender within 10' of Bell. Maybe 15'.

Bell is jumping up and down and calling for the ball.

Lemon was too busy looking for his shot. Bell was disappointed.

After Lemon's eligibility has run, the Braves' team will instantly improved.

Pickett, while not shooting great, played hard. On the boards, he gave fits to the Shockers. I hope he is not a senior.

[RoyalShock]

One of my favorite moments.

Bell is in the right corner. Lemon is at the top of the circle with the ball.

There is not a defender within 10' of Bell. Maybe 15'.

Bell is jumping up and down and calling for the ball.

Lemon was too busy looking for his shot. Bell was disappointed.

After Lemon's eligibility has run, the Braves' team will instantly improved.

Pickett, while not shooting great, played hard. On the boards, he gave fits to the Shockers. I hope he is not a senior.

I think Pickett is a senior.

[bleach]

When Walt, Pickett and Prosser are gone (best ball handler, best rebounder, best big man) next year, I can't see Bradley rising to the top. Everyone always has to replace seniors but this is the heart of their team.

[Wufan]

When Walt, Pickett and Prosser are gone (best ball handler, best rebounder, best big man) next year, I can't see Bradley rising to the top. Everyone always has to replace seniors but this is the heart of their team.

Lemon is a poor excuse for "best ball handler." Prosser is NOT their best big. Taylor probably is. Pickett, while a good rebounder, is not their best. Barnes is.

Rise to the top? No. Skip Thursday play? Yes!

[uniftw]

When Walt, Pickett and Prosser are gone (best ball handler, best rebounder, best big man) next year, I can't see Bradley rising to the top. Everyone always has to replace seniors but this is the heart of their team.

Lemon is a poor excuse for "best ball handler." Prosser is NOT their best big. Taylor probably is. Pickett, while a good rebounder, is not their best. Barnes is.

Rise to the top? No. Skip Thursday play? Yes!

Who falls into their Thursday place?

WSU? Maybe in 50 years....
UNI? It has been 11 years now...but...the entire team comes back next season.
ISUr? Who knows, maybe another season full of departures and full roster turn over does it for them.
MSU? Likely not
ISUb? Will slide but not that far
SIU? Not with the way Barry has them going



Who do they replace that isn't a Thursday team?

The Thursday match ups for next year look the same as this year. Evansville is the only one I see moving into 6th and that seems like a long shot.