Billikenbooster Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 I am intrigued by coach closing the first week of practice to the public. To my knowledge this is the first time this has ever happened at SLU. Anyone ever remember this happening before? Also, any thoughts on what this secret "incentive" might be at the end of the first week of practice? Quote
gister Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 My impression is that this is a new marketing department strategy. I don't believe it was Coach's decision. Of course, Coach had to agree to it. The announcement was made by the new marketing person whose name escapes me. Quote
Billikenbooster Posted October 9, 2003 Author Posted October 9, 2003 Do you mean increase fans appetite by not letting us see them practice. Isn't that the opposite of what we are all about? We are for increased exposure so we can tell all how great we are? Quote
Quality Is Job 1 Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 No, they just want the energy to build up. We've got to "feel the energy"! Quote
SluSignGuy Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 There has to be some marketing gimmick behind it. I really like the sound of the idea of Old Billikens vs. New Billikens. But if that were to happen, what players would everyone like to see? I am thinking: Hughes Highmark Love Bonner Tatum Off the Bench: Brown, Heinrich, Jeffers, and Perry That would be a game.... Steve Quote
NashvilleBilliken Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 That would be an awesome game. But what would be the point of closing practice for the first week if that were the case? Question, when does practice start anyway? Quote
Quality Is Job 1 Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 >There has to be some marketing gimmick behind it. I really >like the sound of the idea of Old Billikens vs. New >Billikens. But if that were to happen, what players would >everyone like to see? >I am thinking: >Hughes >Highmark >Love >Bonner >Brown (Don't know of another big man that is that great) > >Off the Bench: >Heinrich, Jeffers, and Perry > >That would be a game.... >Steve I've been thinking that the group of former Billikens I'd like to see scrimmage against the then current Bills during the summer of 2004 would consist of Brown, Bonner, Hughes, Love, and Fisher. But I don't know if such arrangements would happen during preseason this year. Most of the named players have other commitments. Hughes is playing for the Washington Wizards. Highmark, as far as I know, hasn't been playing ball. Love is out of the country. Bonner will likely be out of the country by then. I believe Perry and Jeffers will be with their pro teams. I don't know what the other will be up to, but I doubt they'll be available to scrimmage against the Bills. Quote
SluSignGuy Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 I don't know when practice starts, but I think the point of closing practice would be so that Brad could get them in somewhat of shape (actually playing a game, and not just pick ups), and maybe he will want to use those players (Hughes, etc) in scrimages for practice. It may just keep things hush hush. No clue actually. This is entirely speculation. Steve Quote
billiken_roy Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 i doubt seriously if the former players we would like to see, i.e. love, hughes, baniak, heinrich, jeffers, bonner and perry would or could be here. they all are playing proffessionally and have recently begun workouts for their own seasons. i dont think that is the "gimmick". i am purely guessing, but i think the closed practice is brad's idea. and not for marketing purposes, but for intense practice purposes. those of you that have witnessed a brad soderberg practice knows they are intense. he doesnt want any distractions no matter how obscure that might be. to make it up, my guess is they will have some sort of fun open house night. isnt it missouri that used to (maybe still does) have a scrimmage on holloween? maybe that is what jill and brad would do as well. just pick out an evening after the campus students are all back in town to have a little partylike scrimmage night. Quote
Quality Is Job 1 Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 The first day of practice is Saturday, October 18. I seriously doubt many (if any) SLU alumni will be available, if it's even permissible. And I don't think Coach Soderberg would go against the rules, if it's against the rules. (I don't know the rules, but I doubt alumni are allowed to participate in regular in-season practice. Quote
Schasz Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 BRoy, Harkening back to my days of having season Mizzou football tickets back in the '70-'80's...Mizzou did have a basketball scrimmage that they encouraged folks at the football game to attend. It was held on the Saturday closet to 10/31. I have no idea if they still have that scrimmage, and you are right that they did have some catchy name for it. Quote
gister Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 Again, this was presented by the head of marketing, Kosha Irby. He promised that we would not be disappointed by whatever it is that will happen. Quote
Basketbill Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 Now that may be a tall order but......why do you all "know " this is a marketing ploy.....was there some announcement?? Quote
NashvilleBilliken Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 My understanding is that this was said at a Billiken lunch last week. Apparently the new marketing guy said that practice will be closed for the first week and that we won't be disappointed. I guess we think it's something to do with marketing since the marketing director made the announcement. Quote
gister Posted October 9, 2003 Posted October 9, 2003 That is correct. The announcement was this past Monday at the Coaches' luncheon. The Tipoff Club meeting next Tuesday will be an opportunity to get more information, possibly. Quote
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