I agree with the winning aspect, but a few years ago there was a very disapointing student turnout for a nationally ranked Northern Iowa team. Unfortunately, the Michigan's and Michigan State's don't come to town very often and isu only comes once a year. Something either needs to be done to get the students there or maybe reach out to the community and focus on the fans that will be here when these students are gone. Right now, I don't see either of these things happening. In fact, this administration seems to be having the opposite effect on some loyal fans.
So much for playing regular season games on campus to create student interest. Couldn't see through that money-grab from the very start! :roll:
I don't think students know the history of Bradley basketball. I didn't when I came to BU, all I knew of was the Sweet 16 and that Hersey Hawkins went here.
I don't think students know the tradition of the Valley, and about most of the Valley teams. They may care about isu, and SIU if they are good, and if a MVC team is nationally ranked, but I doubt the average student cared about Evansville or knows who Colt Ryan is.
I don't think that video games are the thing that is keeping students away, I think most students would rather go out and drink than watch a last place basketball team.
I don't know how it is now, but a few years ago there did not seem to be a big connection between the team and students. Maybe that idea is a thing of the past, but it might have made a difference if the basketball players stood up in class and asked other students to support the team and told the students that they were playing for them.
Bradley needs to make basketball games the biggest party and the best thing going on campus. They need to get the Greeks and the dorms involved.
I agree with you that playing on campus games "for the students" in RC against bad teams isn't going to get students excited.
Edit: It isn't my intent to bash the student section. I want BU to have a dominant home court advantage. I want Carver to be so loud that my ears ring after games. A loud, rowdy, intimidating student section is a probably the most important part of that. I give a ton of credit to the hardcore students that are showing up for games now.