brehms13

Check this out, I answered this post, it was put in here a day before I even read it. The questions asked if anyone knew anything of what's going on in the locker room, if the guys got along. I answered it. I then went on to say how I felt, just like u SENSIBLY? gave your opinion above. Reg doesn't have to feed me anything, did u even read the post. I made my own observations, and told u that Reg did have a talk with coach. So at least it would be known that he was making an effort. Oh and his defense, r u telling me u missed the last few games, did Reg's man win the games..I remember at Charlotte, DP's man scoring, at ECU DB's man scoring all the points, so I'm confused, playing both ends of the court, defense would imply that his man was scoring all the damn points. Taking time off the game, he had nothing to do with that, that was Coach's decision. He can't sub himself in and out of games, so what time off did he take? He sat almost 9 mins, because he picked up hsi 3rd foul, or at least that's what coach said. How could he control that? Besides if he's such a one sided player as u say, then it shouldn't matter how long he sat on the bench,If he's no help. So what was the problem then? Complaining to me about the coach? U're wrong, I didn't say that either...U're assuming, that was my point, u can only make assumptions. I've said nothing disrespectful, I've said nothing on here that I haven't already said to the people mentioned, I responded to the post. U're turned off because of the negativity I bring, I'm turned off because it's gotten to the point that when I make comments, Reg has to be telling me things. All this conversation on the board, do u actually think, I will clam up when given the opportunity to talk to the players, the coaches, or whomever. I ask questions, I make observations, I give my opinions, I make suggestions, I comment on things I like and don't like. That's who I am, the coaching staff can atest to that fact. I'm 8 years older than Reg. He doesn't tell me what to think or how to think. He doesn't spoon feed me inside info...Matter of fact how do u know COACH himself hasn't said things to me? I owned my issues, if u missed them. My issues are the coaches public displays of immaturity, the substitutions, its the guys not shooting, not feeding the big man, not setting screens properly, Reg not hitting his shots, the injuries, the communication gap that I personally see, the lack of support, THE REFS. I've stated these in all my post, before this one. I talked about defense, the starting line up, the guys confidence. If u're such an avid reader of my post, then u should know it's not always negative. And if it is, that's my %$#@*& opinion. I was the one saying I wasn't giving up on the team, I was the one saying Ian was better than every one thought, I was the one defending Izik, when someone made a racial comment, I said DP should shoot with more confidence...I said Coach was a good family man, I said he was a good coach, I never denied that. But I'm not gonna give him a pass, when he doesn't deserve one. Just like u're not giving Reg a pass, because u think he's not trying to play defense. So before u attack me, think about your own comments. See if u're not doing the same things as me, just not so candid as me. I don't sugar coat, if it means, i'm not allowed to post here anymore, then that's fine too. But while I am posting, I will say my peace. I'm not trying to be offensive to anyone. U know how many comments r made that I don't like, I don't get my panties in a bunch...it's someone's opinion. If My post has no value, then what value does your response account for? Exactly!!!!!

Yelling isn't a problem, its what he says, how he says it. Slamming chairs at games, temper tantrums, it caused I think ECU to agitate the players even more. Calling them terrible names, saying your coach doesn't even like yall...etc...on the outside looking in, u would've thought the same things as ECU. I'm not saying it's all on the coach, all I did was answer the question honestly, and gave my opinion.

Why won't u understand, that I don't talk for REGGIE!!! I talk for me. Just because I say things doesn't mean he's telling me. I never said he was MISERABLE..he's not, if he was he simply DOESN'T HAVE TO PLAY!! I talked personally to the players, I don't know what u see as laughing but it damn sure wasn't laughing coming from any of the games and practices I went to. Matter of fact the last practice I went to in St. Louis, I had to explain to my 8 year old why Brad was rolling on the floor screaming and acting crazy. He couldn't believe it. So don't hand me that crap about me being passionate as if I'm so emotionally attached to Reg that I can't make an honest opinion. I don't know what your problem is with me but I too have a Voice here and u NEVER have to like it. But don't discount my comments because u don't agree. In all of your post, I can almost go back and count how many negative references u've said in regards to Reg and that's cool, that's your opinion, but u have the nerve to talk about me? Please. How do u back up your facts that Reg hasn't stepped up? How do u back up your facts that it has nothing to do with the coach? How is Reg's game passive? Putting the ball in the young players hands is a good suggestion, but what if they don't know what to do with it? Obviously u know sooooooooo much, answer those questions for me. Matter of fact u have the whole team just about summed up, so it's no need to for anyone to ask a PUBLIC question on a PUBLIC board, because BILLIKAN knows all. Don't avoid the questions like usual, lets see if u can answer them. We're like Oil and Water and I don't mind the debate we have ongoing...but u kill me with this notion that I can't make an unbiased opinion because I"m related to Reg. U'RE FREAKIN KILLING ME WITH THAT!!!!

I've been criticized for talking about behind the door stuff before, but who cares, i'm not being disrespectful. The guys all get along. But Coach is anything but encouraging and positive. I don't like his temper tantrums on or off the court, it's just ridiculous. Sorry I finally said it, I can't take it. East Carolina rode on every action , every word the coach screamed in time outs to the guys. They were yelling at the bench, repeating the coaches antics, it was crazy. Even when the guys win, they're still in the doghouse. I personally think the guys are confused, they're stressed, they have ideas and suggestions, but they're not the coach. I don't see how a leader can ever evolve on this team unless Coach Brad is prepared to let them lead first. The coach doesn't communicate with his players personally. Reg finally did after several attempts and it was a good talk, but nothing changed. So if he's vocal to the coach and he's encouraging the guys, but they're down and depressed. What else can one do. After the East Carolina game, these guys came out of the locker room sad, some talked to me and made comments but when a coach would walk by, they would quiet down etc..they're not telling the coaches most of how they feel. I could tell. I don't know what kind of relationship they have with him personally but I could tell they don't talk (him and any of the players, except in practice or a game, he instructs). Shoot, I can tell u that from personally knowing. Again, there's no excitement, no joy, it doesn't even seem fun for them, even if they do get a win. I've never seen a team so unemotional, even last year. When going to games and visiting the guys on the road. Guys weren't getting pumped up like most before a game, it was so serious, like if I said something, I would get smacked. I asked Reg is it always like this, he said yeah. I know I wasn't used to that. I think Coach is in a transition right now. Learning how to bridge a personal relationship with a working relationship with his players. He almost has to do that, to earn trust, to insure the guys that they have a valid voice on the team, to show support to the players, to have them believe that they can actually win games. Right now the players know it's all about the game and they're not a concern at all. At least that's my OPINION. I know comments are made on assumptions because many don't know what's actually going on. Sometimes it bothers me the comments that are made simply because they're not based on anything other than assumptions. I can assure u that Reg wants to lead, he has leadership in him. He has evolved vocally over the last few months, whereas he's no longer quiet about his feelings regarding the team, the plays, everything. He talks to the players on the court in the huddles, he's vocal to the coach, he's stepped up. I give him props for his positive attitude, because if it were me, I can see myself having much time on the bench. Because it would be ugly, this losing season with all the close games, I'd be on the players, the coaches, the refs, the media, everybody. He doesn't have to play, his future is set, but he still wants this team to be successful, he cares about this team and the staff. Some say let the younger guys take over. I say let them. I don't think it will make a difference because I don't think the players are the only ones who share blame in this losing season. I seriously was trying not to look on the board for a while, to not post because, It's always the same things. I guess I can't get enough. Hopefully nothing I've said will cause a riot, I've stated some facts and mostly opinion, which hopefully all can see the difference.

I wonder what will be the excuse next year if SLU's not doing better? Those REFS!! kept ECU in the game. I was there, they called so many fouls on JJ. IO was getting beat up, All the guys were, Ian was hot, nobody fed him the ball, Reg did a couple of times. Reg didn't hit many of his 3's that did hurt, but no one else was stepping up to shoot the ball. Too much passing. The ECU team could've lost and should've SLU went scoreless in the second half until single digits left on time...I didn't like the substitiutions.. I don't care how many shots Reg took, he should keep shooting if no one else is going to and hopefully he would get some baskets. By the way, ECU is a very tough school to play at, there students show so much support, the heckling cursing out the players by name, was never ending. We sat right in the middle of the student section, security was there and escorted the refs out...It wasn't an easy game. I'm still not stressed, we've already harped on what's missing.

Ultimately u don't have to buy it...no one does. If he's in the gym he's in the gym, he works with the weight trainer and with his teammates and he works out in the summer in his own country. Just because he's not here for the summer doesn't mean he isn't putting forth effort, I agree that u can have your opinions, it's the assumptions that rubs me the wrong way. U're assuming he's lazy, u're assuming he's not working out, u're assuming u know his body's metabolism and how quickly or not he can lose weight. U're assuming, do u converse with him after games?, do u ask questions in meetings? What r u basing your assumptions, because he hasn't lost ENOUGH weight, because he doesn't have ENOUGH muscles? I don't get it..most times I agree with you, but u're going overboard only because u're actually commenting as if u PERSONALLY know he's lazy and as a result of his laziness his game is (u fill in the blank, choose any word) Do u know this? If not, how can u come conclude some of your comments. What makes u think he's cheating? Have u seen him eat? Did u spot him at a fast food Drive-Thru? What? I don't get it. If u simply don't like him or his game for whatever reason, that's cool but every response I'm seeing comments as if u know something more about his situation than the rest of us, including me and I actually happen to know he works out, do u?

Actually Ian did drop some pounds and he has to lose the weight first before it turns into muscle, if that's what u're looking for, but Tom wasn't in shape either. This is ridiculous anyway, u don't have to like him, I just don't like assumptions, I know Ian works hard, he is one of the few who does work out extra with Reg, Anthony and Izik, so it's not true that he isn't trying. That's all he can do is try anyway, he's putting forth effort, he's not complaining of injuries and he has the will and the skill to get better. What center have we had that in the last few years that emobodied all of those qualities?

I think Ian was the best center on the team when we had Tom. I think Ian can get drafted in the NBA right now, if he does nothing but get a few shots, because of his size and his POTENTIAL!!. That's what u're missing, his potential he's what 19 and a sophomore and is playing better than the senior did at all this year. So he deserves credit, but u're not the only one who harps on the negative of a player, I feel that Billikan does the same thing, mostly points out the negative and doesn't give much props to Reg because of me. So that's like the pot calling the kettle Black. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of a player, I don't remember anything derrogatory being said about Ian, so it's all good Roy, Just like I don't remember anything derrogatory being said about Reg, I don't agree with your synopsis of Ian as a player and think, it will change as he improves. I don't know the school u referenced but doesn't sound flattering from all the feed back.

Yes they stepped up at the end and got the win and ultimately that's what matters, but I know that Reg and Izik could do better. I said the same thing to Reg tonight, he wen't scoreless too long, his frustration set in. I'm his worst critic and I call it like I see it, in this case hear it..

This game was ugly for the seniors, but good for the rest of the team. Polk, Newbourne,Danny,Ian and Anthony all played well. I know the guys had a hard practice last night, with the long scrimmages, but hopefully they'll rest up and play well against East Carolina.

I wish I would've seen this game instead of listen to it. Because Polk actually got rid of the ball and kept moving. Charlotte game was total opposite. In the Charlotte game I saw him dribble to much, pass to much and hold the ball. Was wide open for shots and passed them up. So it sounds like the guys are switching rolls then, if in fact what u say is correct that Drejaj did these things against So. Miss. A win is a win. But when Reg is being Hounded by 2 or 3 defenders if we're gonna leave Polk in, then he should at least shoot, he's open almost all of the time. I'm sure it will come with experience he is just a freshman...but I still stand behind my point, that's when Drejaj comes in. If Drejaj slows the game down as everyone says and Polk speeds it up, then we should literally wear our opponents out, but we don't so to me that's not the issue. We should have two PG ready to play their game and make the opponents adjust to SLU'S changes, we were predictable. The fact that coach has finally changed the offense is what's winning the games, your shooters r getting open looks.

Again I definitely agree with u on the subbing issue. I mentioned this before in other posts. I'm glad I'm not the only one seeing this. I think this subbing though just doesn't occur with Polk, it happens with all the players. I think when the guys are up, and on the run, keep them going, unless someone ask to come out leave them in. If they're not falling out leave them in...now if foul trouble begins etc, understandable. I like the line up when VN is out actually replace him with JJ or DB, I like them in the line up u listed above instead of VN.

I like Anthony because he plays hard, even if his offense is off, he provides a defensive edge. More importantly he provides experience and he's definitely not afraid to shoot, or hesitant, I saw the games, I saw Polk's drives, then he dishes off and most times, the ball is turned over. I feel like Polk has an edge on Anthony, but I don't understand why he doesn't shoot, especially when he drives and is directly in line for the shot. That leads me to believe, his confidence needs tweeking. So while he tweeks, Drejaj should be next in line. Where's the loyalty to players...it's nothing new, I've said this from the beginning, so we will definitely agree to disagree on this one. I don't know what Coach might have thought when recruiting players, but I do think, if they were worth the recruit the scholarship then they're worth the time as well. Polk and Drejaj both.

Welcome to the board, U're right, post was totally crazy. I wish I had read this earlier, u can look at this thread. I said at the beginning that I hear Ian could start over Tom, that Ian was very good, I"m finally glad to see he's proving it. He's only a sophomore, imagine what he'll be as a senior. I would be careful the words we write, u can take them back later. I wouldn't agree with this post at all. Or the metaphoric statements made either.

I don't think it was his ankle, Coach has taken Polk out a lot lately and put in Drejaj and I simply think that's because, Polk can run, but he hesitates in shooting and he's still learning, Coach does want experience on the floor as well. While I don't like his subbing, when the team is on a run either, I do agree Drejaj should get more of Polk's time.

See that's what I don't get, DB played very well last night, he's exhibited this play in several games, he's the only new person I believe that actually came to play this year. I really hope he gets in that starting line up along with Drejaj and Polk. Lisch and Liddell will need to earn they're spots, especially Liddell (yes I mean his mindchanging fiasco this summer). He shouldn't come right in and start...make these guys compete and work for the spot, no hand outs. I believe Polk, will be used to the system a little better by then and will shoot with more confidence, and Danny knows the system and will improve as a player...he has already helped us a lot this year, so I'm hoping his efforts and contributions will work for him next year.

Yeah I agree, i don't think Brad will get fired, besides he is in the rebuilding stage, he'll grow from experience just like the players. I don't necessarily think it's his fault alone that the team isn't winning, basically the whole team including coaches, health issues and the C-USA refs, can carry weight in their losses this seasns. I was pissed last night at the game, those refs were terrible. I just can't even believe it, I know the refs were normally terrible but this took the cake. I believe the refs (mainly one ref) took SLU out of their game. I also can't believe Polk wasn't shooting last night..he had open looks and passed it up. But as he continues on I'm sure that will improve. The guys were playing so good. I actually like the line with DP, DB, RB, IO, IV and AD, DB, RB, IO, JJ.... All in all, for the first time, I saw how good this team is, and what they're missing, they just need to get that agressiveness, that animalistic drive on the court, I think and then they'll be fine. I saw a little of that from Ian at one point. I just read post about Tom, I asked where he was, So is he not allowed to travel with the team, because he has concussions? I would think he could support the team from the bench..it is his senior year? Anyone knows whats up with that. Hey Steve, Reg said he talked to you the other day, he just knew u were the sign guy until you two had a conversation. He was very impressed by you. Said you were nice. Also said, dang, my sister is more known than I am..hahahahaha

Right, I understand that too, and Jihad (Cincy) is a Muslim, so I thought it was a pot shot at the religion, which I could be Muslim or any other reader on this board and it's borderline offensive, or could be perceived as such, that's why I asked for clarity. Now if it's as Roy says clearly a name Reference (meaning), then everyone is basically saved from one of my speeches about prejudices and religion etc...

I feel u, I'll give u that the way Huggins went about get Jihad, was grimey..no doubt about that

I got it Rich, a little slow on the comprehension, but Roy spelled it out for me..

thanks for the clarity on Jihad, didn't understand that comment .. I assumed it was after the coach left wasn't sure though...but even still I think it would be hard getting players and parents to want their child to be on a basketball team there, wounds to fresh during the 2003-2004 season for me anyway. I think the whole basketball program failed all of those kids in the midst of the scandal, not just Pat Dennehy for that matter. The coaches and Athletic staff knew guys were failing drug test, they knew things were out of control and yet they didn't keep good communication with the guys they really dropped the ball outside of Basketball...so for that reason, It would be hard for me to trust that program again, I would have to see a significant change first.

Was this before or after the Baylor scandal? I don't know, I don't put much on those verbal intents anyway. Most would be crazy to turn down other programs, that are bigger and better than another. The coaches and schools are all business when these players get on the team, Rarely do they care about your personal life after recruitment (not all coaches, just my opinion..since Baylors track record) then it's only right the players are all business when choosing. I know the saying "your word is your bond" but then schools aren't necessarily upholding their ends of the bargin lately. Especially Baylor. So he made a good decision I think. Remember I was leary of Liddell, his mind could've changed, Many kids change their minds after verbal committments and early signings, I can't fault them for that. Wouldn't want them to base their careers on sticking with a bad decision because they feel "obligated" to do so.

?? What is meant by that?

this is true most kids only stay in an extra year if they're trying to pursue basketball, but if he doesn't decide and he is going to graduate school, this would be a great opportunity, he can take graduate studies.

It did for me, this wasn't a one time show, its a series and every week I've been watching. Their relationship as a team is good, they respect their coach, they listen and they play hard...I definitely like that, it's unfortunate it couldn't be SLU on there in a better light, but it's all good, at least the media is starting to recognize college players in another light beside just on the court.