Clock_Tower

Agreed, but again, by all accounts AK had been ahead of both Obi and HD in the preseason and AK, himself, has contributed very little this year. Can't state if this is result of AK, Brad or combination of both (which I suspect) but again I truly believe experience cannot be overstated. I am still high on AK and believe he will be good for SLU, just not now. As such, I truly did not expect much from any of these 3 but, like fellow Bills fans, did hope that 1 of the 3 would have stepped forward. To that extent, am disappointed. While Stemler last spring would have been nice, I truly hoped we would have gotten a JUCO/tranfer the year prior. Without a JUCO/transfer 2 years ago, without Stemler, and then without a "Plan B" to Stemler, we were left to hope that 1 of our 3 first year players would step up - a tall order for most 1st year players. None have. Couple the above regarding our 4 and 5 positions with the lack of depth regarding the guard positions, could really have used a JUCO/transfer 1 or 2 guard the past 2 years, and you have the current situation where we are relying upon Danny Brown (has not stepped up this year) and another first year player, DM. Again, am still high on DM but unfortunately he has not been able to contribute and "hide" the recent holes in our recruiting. Yes, with a contributing powerforward, LM could be moved to 3 and our guards would then be deeper, but we have had real ballhandling and turnover problems all year long and more help at 1 or 2 would have really helped this year. SLU's best years in the past 30 or 40 years have been under Spoon and he relied heavily upon JUCOs and transfers.

Nice observations. I lack the insight to comment on your #2. Agree with Cheese that #1 and #3 are related. Never really expected IV, being a more passive type person, foreign born, etc. to be "vocal" team leader (your #1) as much as a strong, silent leader who "leads by example." In that regard, some blame for both your #1 and #3 can be placed upon IV. Also, your observation about lack of a real leader such as Drejaj, Brad has made similar statements, demonstrates that a leader need not be the best or even one of the best players on the team. This Board already knows, but IMO it is worth repeating, TL and KL are such special players that we forget they are only sophomores. As rare as it is for Freshmen, and now Sophomores, to be their team's best players, players relied upon to take the shot at the game's critical time, it is even more rare for such young guys also to be their team's leaders. With a disappointing IV, our senior class (IV and JJ) is poor. Not many teams have 20+ win seasons, win conference road games and make the NCAA with such a senior class. I believe you should also add #6 Lack of Depth/Players not on the team. Our Senior class should have 1 to 2 more guys - whether JUCO and/or transfer route.

Cheese. Agreed that Civic Progress as a group would not do anything and that there is/was no legal agreement. Instead, I had always presumed that that many consisting of Civic Progress were either alumni and/or probable donors who could and would step forward, individually, if SLU kept renting in the 90's and did not rock the boat when SLU eventually decided to build - now.

Reread the posts idiot.

The last few years average attendance has been closer to your 7,000 to 8,000 figure. Do you forget ten years ago when 10,600 would be a poor crowd. Not every game, of course, was 17,000 or more but believe 12,000 was more the average. Personally, I think 15,000 would have been too large as well but do question the 10,600. Believe 12,000 to 13,000 is what SLU needs and deserves. As far as the "extras", I don't have a list or a copy of the blue prints and instead am going on memory from my brother (SLU grad but not an avid basketball fan) who reviewed some of the original bid work v. the revised bid work on more of curious level and general discussion (his job was not architect, etc) but recall that the cutbacks were not obvious or big ticket items but instead were numerous small items along the lines of what would normally be done to bring a commerical building or even a house in under a reduced budget. Obviously, the single tier/bowl and roof construction reduced the price but also everything from the outside fascade/elevation/number of "towers" to number of electrical outlets and windows down to the building materials used. In fairness, many original bids probably start off many items or "extras" which would be cut regardless of the financial situation. At the same, I did hear that SLU told the builder to review each aspect/trade to find cost savings to bring the project into budget compliance with the funding reality. At this same time, recall the various plans and rumors swirling regarding the possible elimination of practice facilities, coaches offices, etc. As a result, I did not and do not find it hard to believe that a few "extras" were eliminated. Also, in fairness, I have no knowledge of what Fr. Biondi and the Trustees added back. In any event, I do not intend these posts to indicate that Fr. Biondi is building a facility that we should not be proud of or that I prefer a 2 tier arena over a 1 tier arena. Frankly, I will have good seats no matter what. Instead, the original post indicated that Fr. Biondi "went out on a limb...", is taking risk for basketball by building without the funding and is doing something unusual for a private school. Hogwash.

Apreciate your comments but I stand by my statement "reduced size and quality of the arena." As to the size, the new arena will be a 1 level/bowl instead of 2 with several thousand fewer seats. How am I inaccurate. As to quality, my brother is one of the accountants for the contractor and I understand that many "extras" have been eliminated to reduce the cost. This should not be surprising since CL and others did everything they could to add back in the coaching offices, etc. which won out in favor of size. Again, how am I inaccurate. As to donations, SLU has had many campaigns going on at the same time. Granted, some donors would only give the medical building and never to a basketball arena, and vise versa, but I have to believe that many donors who would normally contribute were already tapped out for the other projects. If anything, I question more the timing of the arena project than donor committment. Further, placing an incompetent AD, Woolard, in charge made things even worse. Just my opinion and could be completely off base, but I really don't believe Fr. Biondi is really out there twisting arms and calling in all his favors on the arena project. BTW, where is civic progress? Was there not an agreement in the 90's for SLU not to build its arena and compete with then Kiel which was owned by civic progress and which appreciated and profited from the rent paid by SLU?

In defense of JJ, he was probably worth the risk. Brad recruited him only weeks after being named head coach when we were desparate for warm bodies following the exits of not only Romar but his players and recruits as well. The guys is a 6'8" and athletic. Brad did all he could including red-shirting him that first year. Not all guys pan out and he is definitely in that category. Danny is another that has not turned out. Both have physical ability but lack qualities between their ears.

Truly an amazing and breaking news post!! Nark/3-Star. SLU actually has a head coach who treats his star players differently than his walk-on players. Finally, I am now convinced that we must fire Brad immediately! As far our new coach, we need to find someone like my 5 year old's soccer coach - a coach who plays all players an equal amount regardless of performance. Don't want to hurt feelings. That's it. Let's find a nice coach and not a "jerk." Greece. If you don't bench an underperforming "star" like Ian, you find it objectionable to bench him with only a few games left? Are you serious? That may be the dumbest thing posted in awhile. Do you not realize that there is still a conference tourney which SLU, with an inspired Ian, could easily win. If not, there is still the NIT, pride and recruiting at stake? Dribble, dribble, dribble... Sure, glad you guys ran BROY off.

Re-read your own post. Often times, people on this Board post without thinking. Perhaps this will help: Fr. Biondi has been on the job for 20 years!! Dating back to 1987, Fr. Biondi has only talked about improved facilities and arena. After 17 years of talk, SLU announced the new arena plan. Yes, the medical center was in the works, time, effort and large donations were already being committed to that project but Biondi controlled the timing of the new arena announcement. Fr. Biondi did not go out on any limb. Instead, he simply went forward with the arena project he had promised after the plan had languished for 2 years, many small donors had already committed and paid money, $6 million or so of TIF money would possibly be lost if not pursued and SLU was receiving negative press. Further, Fr. Biondi reduced the size and quality of the arena. SLU will not be only private institution to have its own facility. Drive up to see U of Dayton's facility (13,500) built in the late 70s/early 80s. Agreed that Fr. Biondi is not in charge of recruiting, but to imply no role or responsiblity rests with the President of the school who is in charge of facilities, budgets, etc. is just plain naive.

Agreed but you are being quite kind to Woolard. Trivial example, vividly recall sitting at a table in JBucks restaurant after a game, noticing Woolard walk into the room and not one person in that part of the restaurant, said hello to him, seemed to notice or even look up from their table. Cannot imagine the athletic director of any Top 50 program receiving such treatment. More basic examples include the TV/radio packages he obtained, lack of decent marketing, poor fundraising, poor job on the new arena... Had heard second hand only that he alienating several key alumni who could have been/had been very large donors. In short, I truly blame him for our current situation. Could Biondi have done more? Absolutely. Has/is Biondi committed to making men's basketball a Top 50 program? Not at all. Would I take Biondi and SLU as it exists today over pre-Biondi SLU circa 1987? Absolutely.

Please define "culture change at SLU". If you mean that changes need to be initiated by Fr. Biondi, the entire athletic department needs to be overhauled, people and job duties changed, a real sports information director hired and a real TV and radio package obtained, then I agree. While I would give Brad job security only thru next year (and would have made up my mind after the close of this Fall's signing period), I would get rid of Brad now on condition that CL get her own people from the receptionist thru the head coach. To all of you calling for Brad's head now and placing all blame on him, 27 years of experience has taught me that changing the head coach alone will not help. Initially optimism will be offset by the new coach's learning curve. Initial success recruiting (not guaranteed simply by making a change) will fade as SLU's inherent institutional deficiencies drag down the initial success and cause frustration with the new coach causing him to either "retire" or move on to another program.

First, Billiken fans do not wish negative press upon their team. Second, the amount of press given the Bills is insufficient but probably will not increase much without success on the court. Still, someone enlighten me about all of the press SLU is receiving regarding the new arena. Sure, it's been reported but I do not believe to be greater in proportion to the rest of their coverage. Third, would simply giving the arena a name satisfy you, Digger? Last I checked, the naming rights is decision/responsibility for CL and Fr. Biondi and not Brad and therefore does not belong in a child post about Brad being an idiot. Fourth, in response to a comment from another thread, I do not expect Fr. Biondi to provide certain level airline flights for the team but do expect him to show some greater interest in SLU sports and basketball in particular hope is working on donations with CL. Cheese. Cannot and do not wish to debate any plan, flawed or not, when posters have no grasp of what the current or intended plan is. Ag

Digger. A bit of advice. When you lack both common and basketball sense, post less not more.

The animosity on this Board has hit a new peak. What a shame. Even worse, how boring are your posts. Do many of you have nothing else to do in your lives but to continually post the same things as if you're fighting yourselves! Contradicting what you said last week or even last month. Last time I checked, SLU has a winning season and is lead by 2 promising sophomores. New facilities are underway and we have a promising AD at the helm. Of course we need more recruits and, sure, it is quite debateable whether or not Brad is best to continuing leading SLU especially as we get set to for new era in the new arena. But why go off the deep and act like lunatics? By that I mean: 1. Ask yourself if SLU really is a guy's first choice if he verbally commits to another school 6 months prior to his early signing period? Facts please and not rumors and second hand gossip. 2. Just because Brad has not been able to land a few guys (Stemler, legit PF,etc.), do you really think Brad doesn't make the effort? is not smart enough to evaluate talent? shows no interest or not enough interest? Again, facts and not opinions. 3. If TL flat out tells a respected poster/insider that SLU made no offer to him just prior to committing to SLU, why should we abandon logic and believe anything recruits (especially those on the day they are announcing their decision in favor of another school) say with the pressure and spotlight on them. These recruits have had coaches express interest in them dating back to Jr. High if not before. Could they not be trying to intentionally mislead people because the pressure on them is so great? Could a 16 or 17 year kids not express his thoughts as well as a middle-aged alumni fan? Could he even be misquoted or taken out of context? 4. Is Brad supposed to express interest and offer a scholarship generally to an underclassmen or is he to hold and guarantee a scholarship to a guy most seem to confirm is only a "second tier" recruit who may or may not turn into something special. Have not most on this Board already given their thoughts on how Brad should recruit but now, when faced with a mild disappointment, not follow their own comments or what that just yesterday's dribble? 5. Does Brad truly offer scholarships to HS Juniors and make promises to them not to recruit other shooting guards (DM) or does he ignore HS Juniors (Roundtree) except for guys like his son and SUGGS? 6. Could grades and SAT/ACT scores be a major factor with Leon Powell? No first hand or inside info but those who apparently do have indicated prior academic problems at Vashon. Hopefully those are in the past but can anyone state, with facts, that Powell has met all academic standards to date and that he will not be another Nick Kern? Sounds like extensive interest from many schools but not many "offers." Guess if we don't land him, Brad cannot evaluate talent and waited too long to "offer" him just like Stemler. "If only Brad offered him in the fall...." 7. This team needs immediate help next year. Are not most JUCOs signed in the spring instead of the fall? Waiting on freshmen, such as the Western IL kid, to develop project is not the answer for next year. Remember, immediate playing time and lack of competition, is not a sign of good program but may be what some JUCOs want to hear. 8. Traditionally, The Valley has been full of guys who got picked over for one reason or another. Now, Western IL, and all the other B and C level schools are taking fliers on some St. Louis kids. Speaking of low expectations. Not too long ago SLU was competing and on the level of Mizzou and Illinois or are those days over. Now, Indiana State is our competition? Powell and 2 JUCOs would sure change the discussions on this Board. If no Powell, then 2-3 JUCOs or transfers would be nice as well. Once again, my faith, possibly blind faith, is in the hands of Brad and Jamaal Walker who obviously was brought in for his JUCO connections.

Brad and the prior head coaches certainly should accept some of the blame. Had the program been in good shape before Brad, I would be leading the charge to get rid of him. As you know, however, SLU has been an underachieving program for years. Compare our facilities, TV package, radio package and tradition with XU and MU and you will find we simply are not on the same level. It all starts at the top. 20 years of Biondi and nearly 10 years of Woolard will do this to a program. BTW, the good folks at AB would be offended with your spelling - it's bush league.

SLU72. In response to your questions: 1.) Is CSTV Charter? We have CSS (Cable Sports South) here via Comcast. For a couple of years they broadcast our games w/ Charlotte. But I've never seen a channel for CSTV. No. Charter Cable, a national cable company, is the largest cable supplier here in St. Louis. CSTV is rather new broadcast channel. Go to it's website to get more info. In short, the A 10 signed a deal to have their games broadcast by CSTV for 5 years. This is our first year under the plan. The problem is that CSTV is can be viewed on dish but since each dish provider must pay for this channel, each dish provider must decide how to charge and pass this cost on to its customers. Charter has chosen not to pay for this channel and therefore no Charter customer can get CSTV. 2.) How did we make it on ESPN U and ESPN 2 this year? An A-10 deal? Believe but are not certain that ESPN agreed to air this game and then decided (as they apparently were allowed under their contract) to satisfy this agreement by broadcasting the game on a lesser one of their channels (ESPN2 to ESPNU). St. Joesph's and the Philly TV market had more to do with us being on ESPN2 a few days ago than anything. 3.) The TX A&M game was viewable here on direct TV, which I don't have but a friend does, but it was listed as a Fox MW sports broadcast...is that because of a deal the Big 12 has with FSMW? Of course, the game got preempted for beach volleyball with never an ezplanation why. But the way we played, I'm kind of glad we didn't get it. Yes. The TX A&M game was on FOX Sports MW because of the Big 12. A mistake was made and the first few minutes were not shown in favor of beach volleyball but then the rest of the game was aired. 4.) Can Cheryly go out and negotiate a separate deal for SLU hoops, ie independent from A-10 package? If so, why not. Hell, we draw 8,000+ fans for most games. And if it's a biggie we get +10k. This ought to say something about fa CLn interest. Yes and no. SLU is part of the A10 and must follow A10 rules. SLU cannot go directly against the A10. At the same time, the A10, SLU and others were lead to believe that CSTV would have had more serious negotiations and efforts regarding Charter. Hence, SLU's attorneys are working to find an exception or loop-hole to get out of some of the CSTV contract to cut its own rights presumably along with CSTV. In short, recruiting and respect (being on par with Mizzou, Illinois, etc.) depend upon a good TV package that most people can watch as cheap as possible. Limiting games to only those with cable and now only those with a dish -- and willing to pay some of the higher/more expensive tiers -- is not a favorable package. Recognizing that free TV (NBC, ABC, CBS, etc.) is not a reality, pay TV (FOX MD, ESPN etc) is fine; however, if I must dump my cable for a dish and then pay extra for this channel, then no thanks. That, the current system this year, is TV program for a very limited market.

Don't want to jump you for a simple two line post, but cannot be saying that all TV appearances are equal. For a St. Louisan with Charter cable, your are correct in that I was able to watch the Bills the past several years. 16 times or so with Frank C., Wiley and Highmark was decent for me - a local fan. The quality of the broadcasts, though, were terrible - highschool level quality. While not expecting CBS and ESPN in HD for each of the 16 games, at least there were 16 games. Where I take issue with you, though, is that recruiting is definitely affected. Improving the quantity and quality of the broadcasts does more than improve the quality of life for middle age fans like me. Would it not assist in recruiting if Brad could tell all potential recruits our 16 broadcasts were all on Fox Sports Midwest, ESPN, ESPN2 and/or CBS (viewers can watch with either a dish or cable) instead of Charter's local access station airing just prior to Chalk Talk? Also, what is the reach of Charter's channel 3? Could be wrong but doubt that it extends throughout Missouri (Jeff City, Springfield, Columbia, Cape G. and Kansas City). Had we had a better TV package over the past few years, recruiting could have been better. But for our TV package, would we have signed Tyler Hansbrough? Of course not. Then again, maybe we would have had a better chance with his brother Ben and/or other guys like Ben throughout the the state.

You are abosutely correct: Brad did turn them around and the guys did show a lot of heart. Brad deserves real credit for making this a 4 point game at half time. Down by 8, the guys came up with a big stop to keep the lead from going back to 10 or 11. Later, Brad called a key timeout and has the guys run a nice in-bound play - lob pass to TL in the lane for a high percentage shot in the lane. TL gets fouled on the play, hits both FTs and then its a 6 point game later cut down to 4. Well done Brad. As to playing with heart, the guys certainly did. Then again, starting the second half down by only 4 (could easily have been 10) and playing at home (good crowd) helped as well.

Absolutely no reason not to play Dustin more than a few seconds. Very disappointed with Brad. Less than a minute with a 13 point lead is not much of a reward.

Good summary but since this is such a complicated question, I believe there is more: 1. Yes, the arena is being built but recall that SLU adminstration was to begin in 2003 "provided" they raise the appropriate money - $45 million I believe. Construction started in 2006 after SLU received bad local press for several years while the building plans languished. Then, our AD, Doug Woolard, finally left after doing a rotten job including a poor job raising money and selling naming rights, etc. Cheryl Levick was basically brought in to fundraise and get the arena going. Finally, after a decent effort by Cheryl, the administration decided to start the building even though we were not all that close to raising the "required" money. Just prior to building, though, rumors spread about the administration's ideas of either building the 13,000 seat arena as promised but without coaches offices or full practice facilities or to build a smaller arena with the offices and facilities. In classic SLU form, the administration kept silent and no one could get a straight answer. Then, the good news, that construction would start, was announced but many of us were stunned and felt blindsided by the decision to build the arena, with offices and facilities, but on a smaller scale - 10,000. Then, an additional 600 seats apparently were added. Am I excited about the arena? Of course. Am I concerned about other surprises or cutbacks? Of course. BTW, has anyone heard how much has been raised to date? 2. Our radio and TV contracts are of high school quality. Even before the A-10 disaster of a contract with CSTV this year, our TV exposure consisted almost exclusively of broadcasts on the local access channel for Charter Cable. My understanding is that Charter gave us basically free access and SLU paid for the announcers and cameramen. The quality of picture and sound reminded me my high school and its audio-visual room. NO games on CBS, NBC, ESPN and few were on Fox Sports Midwest. In short, only those with Cable TV (not available to satellite owners) could watch the Bills. Now that we are no longer on Charter, Charter literally is broadcasting highschool basketball in our place. As for radio, no one can get good reception. Left the game the other night, was on the highway ramp getting onto Hwy 40 with the Savvis/Scotttrade in my sight, and tried to listen to the post-game show, but the reception was so bad I had to drive a good mile before the reception came in. My home is 20 miles from the SLU in West County and I can only get the Bills on 1 radio in my home. Could go on but this is enough. None of this is Brad's fault.

If we are truly to have a home court advantage, the "entertainment" during tiemouts must be curtailed and/or eliminated. When the Savis/Scottrade is 1/3 full, it is an afternoon game and the play is not intense, the "entertainment" fills a void of silence. Recall, though, in years past when its a Saturday night, the play is good, the building is full, our defense makes a stop and keys a fast break, the other team is on the ropes, their coach calls a time out, the crowd is excited... then some idiot with a microphone comes out to silence the crowd and the Band all for some Joe to "win" a case of bottled water from Shop N Save or an oil change from Jim Trenary under the watertower in St. Charles. Often, the crowd would never get back to that level excitement and the homecourt advantage is gone. Would also be nice to get 3 beers for twenty spot.

Close? Romar is great recruiter because he was close? Big Deal. Brad came in second for Stemler, Grimes and Shaw. Spoon came in second for Jahadi White and Chris Carawell. Could go on and on but would serve no purpose.

Good points. Even with JUCOs and transfers, alot of guys actually would like the chance to come back home to play. Guys like Jamal Johnson (if I am correct). Believe there was a kid from Hazelwood as well. Evan Pederson is an example of a transfer coming home.

Those of us calling for a little patience do NOT think "everything is just great with the program." I am more upset with what Doug Woolard did and didnt' do to the program over the years. Also, am not happy with Biondi. Have heard great things from Cheryl Levick but have not seen much yet - too early in many regards. For all who want to fire Brad right away, tell me how Biondi escapes blame and has demonstrated his alleged goal of making SLU a "Top 50" program. Hasn't that turned out to be a hallow statement in 1987? if your answer is the new arena, how can you explain the lack of funding/donations and the decision to cut back in size. Our arena now will be too small to hold an NCAA event (believe 13,500 is needed). Sure beats the alternative of not building coaching offices and/or practice area. Debbie Yow is Top 50. Possibly Cheryl is Top 50. Woolard was and is not. Instead, many of us have seen a pattern over the years which has plagued some pretty good coaches. I don't hold myself out as an "old-timer", know that many on this Board have more experience and knowledge than me, but since my hair is graying, I can say that I laugh when hear the talk about the qualities need for a new coach. We've tried it all before: Rich Grawer was probably "The High School Coach" in his era. Not only was DeSmet winning state champions and sending very good players to colleges where they did quite well, but also he may have been the only guy back then to bridge the gap between the City and the County, the Whites and the Blacks. He had great relationships with all the coaches, White and Black, throughout the area. There was no more "insider" with connections than him. He had recruiting problems which proved to be his undoing. Spoon and his staff did the best for SLU in recent years. He kept and got some pretty good talent, high majors, much like Brad has done with TL and KL, but unlike Brad, he used his JUCO background to plug some real holes via JUCOs and to give the "high majors" the assistance they needed. Aside from Larry, though, he could not land guys like Jahadi White, Chris Carawell and others. Still, with his name, reputation and past success, most would agree that his least strongest aspect was recruiting. Romar was a very good game coach but could not get the job done recruiting. He left the program with less quality and talent than he found it. Without getting into another discussion on this, I am not sure he was that close to getting a pipeline for high major recruits. In fact, he seemed to miss on the non-local guys, both high majors and role players, and started getting away from the locals (Sloan) while picking out of state guys, some decent and some not. If he stayed any longer, he may never have had the chance to go to the PAC 10, at least not without another stop somewhere else. With Romar, we tried a non-local guy, first Black coach, with NBA experience and ties to national power UCLA. Similar results. Now, Brad is having similar problems recruiting. Midwest White guy from Big 10 school and key part of their recent Final Four. Similar results. There is no easy quick fix by simply changing coaches. Keep in mind, no one is saying the status quo can and must stay the same indefinitely. Had Conf. USA not broken apart and had the new arena been started in 2003 when promised (if money had been raised - Woolard & Biondi), would Brad have a team of McDonald All-Americans? Of course not... but maybe things would not be quite as bad. Waiting until after the season, and most likely until after next season, will not permanently hurt SLU's program and/or be an example that we don't care.

Agree with your assessment in general but not sure injury to JJ is what caused him to be useless this year. While it did not help, I truly think that he been 100% healthy, he would have started off well against lesser competition (exhibition games), got the fans excited but then return to form by regressing during the non-conference schedule and then becoming a non-factor when the conference began. No spin (not inferring that you are spinning) can suggest that JJ is anything but a total bust. BH is and will remain the same next year. Even good coaches experience a total bust every so often. Brad, seeing him every day, has known this for years. This is what has made Brad's lack of recruiting a 4 so frustrating. Not only did OI not step up but HD (grades) apparently was a long shot as well. Immediate help is what was/is needed. Waiting on freshmen to develop and contribute (especially when one is injured, overweight and whose dedication to recovery is questionable)is either questionable judgment or even worse recruiting than I give him credit for. Knowing the importance of depth and filling this hole at the 4 position, how could Brad not land a JUCO or transfer? Brad knew JJ would be of no help. Fine, we missed on Stemler. I would have been happy with an Eric Jones or Ross Varner! Remember, this goes back to Vashun Newborne enrolling and being more of a 3 than the 4 they had hoped for.