Excitement growing......

While up on campus picking up my tickets I had a chance to talk with a couple people who have viewed some practices and there's a consensus on several things...
Yes, I know everyone is picking Bradley last but I am sure we don't have last place talent...
seems everyone who watches this team is impressed with talent, hustle, energy, athleticism, and effort.....
Most believe we are going to surprise people.......
Both TB and DSE bring back double digit scoring and other talents that could place them on the All Conference Team.
Then we have an improved Jordan Prosser and we saw that by late season last year he was more than serviceable - he was actually one of the better returning post players.
Add an improved Walt Lemon, Jake Eastman, and then some decent new talent with Shayok & DS - and I think we'll at least be able to compete with most Valley teams.
Those who have viewed the team playing all say we are loaded with speed, energy, and athleticism even if lacking good outside shooters.
If Geno can get them playing, having fun, and producing & developing - then I am hopeful we can win more than lose.
Anyway - we shall soon see..........
The main wild cards are depth - should we have more injuries, and that also means ability for the subs (Jake, AT, Milos..) can help out when others pick up fouls.
And then I expect the fans to be back -- many were there right at 9AM picking up tickets and all were enthusiastic for the games to start.

We all know that message boards are often the haven for the malcontents - and if you need any proof - go look at the SIU board.....
but a couple bad years at BU have brought out a few here as well.....but their rants about massive losses at the ticket office have thus far been wrong.
Note Bradley even after a couple down years ranks as the 6th best attendance among non-BCS schools...only Creighton, Wichita State, Dayton, Xavier, and Utah State did better...and Utah State is well within reach if we have a good year!

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/bdf2030046a3609298bddcc110a6426c/2011_NCAA_mens_basketball_attendance.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=bdf2030046a3609298bddcc110a6426c



Lastly - for those who thought the SEMO game would represent an obstacle to Braves fans and season ticket holders seeing this regular season game - WRONGGG..
No obstacles at all -- but if any season ticket holder does not come to the SEMO game it will be willingly and because they choose not to come.
Plenty of tickets are available and not only plenty but LOTS of very good seats within a couple rows from the floor.
I confirmed that just a couple hours ago as I stood at the ticket window and the clerk quoted me what seats are currently available in various sections - some good seats within the first TWO rows, and good seats at courtside!

One guy picking up a lot of season tickets right ahead of me got a batch of 15 season ticket books.....he was picking up for a certain Peoria business....but he was asked if he also wanted tickets to the SEMO game and the guy picking up the tickets said - nope - that's a game he was going to pass on !
So this proves that LOTS of the season ticket holders are not going to grab seats at the SEMO game - thus freeing up0 plenty for everyone who wants one.
Hey -- this should make everyone happy - as it proves the sky is not falling...
but I already see people whining because the season ticket holders AREN'T getting SEMO tickets!
So -- this proves another of my favorite points -- people will gripe even if they don't have a reason -- they wanted to gripe because they thought season ticket holders would get shut out of the SEMO game - and now that it isn't going to happen - they find something else to gripe about!