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Post by irishlion on Nov 17, 2009 14:56:15 GMT -5
I would like to call for a moment for the fans on this board to pause and re-evaluate one of our players. There have been some negative comments about him over the last few weeks - and quite frankly, they disturb me. I can't imagine how anyone close to this young man must feel when they see these comments?
Anyway - back to my point. We have taken shots at Brad Sweezy, and I strongly feel that they are inappropriate, and out of focus. Sweezy in not a scoring threat. But that isn't his role as defined by the coaches. He is a straight up blue collar worker, willing to run through walls for his team. He will set the screen, box out the big guy, sacrifice his body guarding 7 footers, dive on loose balls, whatever it takes to help his team. He had a handful of memorable dunks last year, and kept us competing when reality said we shouldn't be. There were a lot of pretty exciting Sweezy moments last year, and it amazes me when he's ripped on this board. If he plays, he plays hard. If he doesn't play, he's supporting his team from the bench.
Off the court, as is most of our team, he is a very charming, very respectful young man. His family fills the stands every game - regardless of our win loss, or regardless of Brad's playing time. His maturity is a good influence on this very young team. The "team first" attitude he carries needs to rub off on a few of our younger ones - which is just one more piece of the value he brings to this group.
So - can we all respect and appreciate the value Sweezy brings to this team? And if not - can we be a little more careful about the insults? I just don't get why we slam our own players. Especially the ones that have bought into the system, and do their jobs to the very best of the ability - every single day.
I for one am glad Mr. Sweezy is a Lion, and enjoy watching him compete. Let Viney, and Teel, and Davis score. Sweezy's got their backs.
Thank you for listening, and GO LIONS
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Post by stillalion on Nov 17, 2009 15:28:30 GMT -5
+1
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Post by runthesystem on Nov 17, 2009 16:01:02 GMT -5
Well said Irish.
I know it is hard to be a frustrated fan and suffer through years of losing. And sometimes it is easy to treat players you don't know with a lack of respect in a public forum. It's also easy to forget that those players came to our school simply because they were invited to do so and they accepted.
Obviously many of the posters on here are young and do not have children. If only they could save some of their posts and hold them for say, 10 to 20 years and then imagine that those things were being said about their sons or daughters, they might have a different view. Unfortunately by that time the damage will long have been done.
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Post by zagsfanforlife on Nov 17, 2009 16:59:30 GMT -5
When we say dont put sweezy in its no disrespect to the kid. We as fans are here to give our opinions, and some feel that other players are better suited to use up the 40 minutes allotted than Brad is. Just because we feel like a Given Kalipinde or Laron Armstead is better at basketball than Brad Sweezy does not mean we dont appreciate the effort he gives on the floor. Having many friends who play division one ball, every team tells the players and their families to not read message boards. Quite simply because message boards are arenas for fans opinions, and sometimes the opinions aren't always presented while wearing rose colored glasses. Brad seems like a very nice guy, works his ass off and has given his heart and soul to the program. However, that does not mean he deserves playing time over more talented players who are better served to help the team win. The truth is, college basketball is all about winning. From the players, to the coaches, to the fans, winning is priority. It is no knock against a kids personality when any of us say he should not be entered into the game. That being said, I do appreciate the effort Brad gives everytime he steps on the floor. If more talented people on the lions squad had his intensity and toughness, LMU would be hard pressed to lose a game.
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Post by irishlion on Nov 17, 2009 17:09:14 GMT -5
My point, however, is that there is no need to say "don't put in" a specific player. Turn it around and say - let's get Laron, or Kevin, or Given, or whomever, into the game. It doesn't have to turn negative.
I had the same problem reading the comments last year about Marco. I was taught, back in the day, that a fan loves and supports his team - all of them - with blind passion. Because my positive support will help them get through the tough times. It doesn't help anyone to mark a player for negative comments. And for anyone to say "Don't put this player in" ISN'T negative - well, they are just fooling themselves, or trying to fool us. It is negative.
We all have the right to our opinions. And it's free speech, etc. This is just my opinion of what is appropriate, and what isn't. For what that's worth.
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Post by lion99 on Nov 17, 2009 18:28:12 GMT -5
I don't think any of the regulars here have ever been overly negative or harsh towards the players. I think zagsfan put it well. We're all LMU fans. Go Lions!
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Post by lmumbbfan on Nov 17, 2009 18:46:37 GMT -5
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Post by uncurselmu on Nov 17, 2009 19:23:33 GMT -5
I agree that no one should be ragging on players, but the idea that we have to soften up and fluff analysis is a bit unfair.
These are basketball players, I understand not all of them will play professionally, but they need to get used to dealing with criticism. Just as someone who writes for the school paper needs to deal with criticism, (and yes their parents read too), basketball players, most of whom are getting a nice education in return should be able to handle this as well. it goes with the domain. As Alert2 said, some, although not all, end up getting a decent chunk of change from the University to pay for their education.
I'm sure my parents would have swallowed some criticism of their kid if it meant not having to swallow a couple hundred thousand in student loans.
I'm not saying they should receive cheap shots, be scapegoated, or ridiculed, but fair analysis of matchups and player limitations shouldn't be painted as taboo.
With regards to brad, he's a solid role player who has earned a spot on this team through sheer effort. No one questions what he brings to the table, but there are times where we might need more size inside on the defensive end (just as there might be times where we need brad, someone a bit quicker inside to guard smaller bigmen). I guess what i find inappropriate would be simple blanket statements, player X is killing us, Player x shouldnt be on the floor. but if they are given context, are warranted, and aren't personal attacks then I don't see a problem.
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Post by ironlions on Nov 17, 2009 19:38:23 GMT -5
Its really nice to see the board become so active. I also agree that there are correct ways to make criticisms about a player. I'm guilty of calling out players when the are not showing effort or stinking it up. (Well maybe just Marco)
This however is a message board, and this is America, and some criticism is expected. If anyone who disagrees you should come check out a practice. I can guarantee coach's criticism of players makes stuff on this board sound like a sonnet.
Go Lions
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Post by irishlion on Nov 17, 2009 20:29:23 GMT -5
Hey guys, I'm not saying you can't get on guys for specifics (like damn it, Larry, make a free throw!). But the random - Don't put Sweezy in - that's my complaint.
And as far as players getting scholarships, so they are fair game - I disagree. Not for random personal insulting comments. Since when is it acceptable to treat another human being with anything other than respect and courtesy? Society may accept reality show behavior - I don't think we should. Lets raise the standards one place at a time, and maybe it will make an impact.
I remember insulting one of my kids teammates. In the privacy of my own home, with no one around except my family. And boy did my son call me out on it. We are teaching our kids to be better people, so should we.
OK - I know I sound preachy - and I'm sorry to be so annoying. But if one person thinks twice before shooting down one of our team - then I guess it was worth all these key strokes.
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Post by lmumbbfan on Nov 17, 2009 21:48:27 GMT -5
OMG!!!!!! Alert2 I was poking a little fun at Wrschnicke.  .Because he and I alone knows who is his least favorite player  ;D ;D.And I feel also Wrschnicke is a source of great info and knowledge about our team and div-1 bball period  .And man is gonzaga playing the #2 team in the nation TUFF. |
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 17, 2009 22:58:27 GMT -5
lmbbbfan - I am also a fan - I like Brad and his spirit - I hold no grudges re your comments - if Brad can contribute and he surely did last year, that is great. If not, we need to move on. I wish Brad and his family only well this season. I can see he is a hard worker, "Blue Collar," and I think I have expressed these feelings in the past. In any case, I appeciate your honest postings and your reaction to my spontanious postings during game time. You have a point, positive comments only from now on.  Thanks Alert2 for the support. ;D Go Lions. |
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Post by lmutourney2011 on Nov 19, 2009 13:11:21 GMT -5
So after last nights game I looked at the box score and play by play and its hard to think that after a block and 2 rebounds, yeah he goes 0 for 1 from the field butwhy not put brad in? Do we want anyone taking shots outside of drew or larry? Obviously we need a defensive presence, someone that constantly gets under the skin of the opponent, someone like brad. And he only does the small things of the floor which gets his teammates open with his screens. He isn't trying to do anything special offensivly he just wants to get a few mins, his education and his food. Put the guy in! He plays his ass off even after Bayno tried to get rid of him.
And this is not speculation, but the players read this board, they probably shouldn't but they find it funny when people make unknown comments. All of last year Marco knew the sh*t that was talked about him, and just think about it, who wants to win a game when no matter what you are gonna be a scape goat. Please we need to build these guys up, this is a trying time to be a lion and greatness is ahead but negatives won't ever help anyone. Thes guys are getting an education but the full time job of being a student along with the full time job of being an athlete is a lot to take on, they aren't getting paid and what they receive is small compared to what the school makes. If the school isn't making money then why would they have the program? Yes players will have bad games but please let's stay away from the pointless blaming and comments made towards the players.
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Post by irishlion on Nov 19, 2009 17:07:53 GMT -5
The thing that doesn't show up in the box score were the plays that Sweezy is battling for rebounds and loose balls, but not come up with them. He works his ass off on the things that don't get press. And he's one of ..... maybe one..... that has that mentality on our team.
I'd play him more minutes because of those intangibles. I don't give a rat's behind if he scores. He adds the things that were missing last night. You need his heart on the court to toughen up the defense and rebounding, and his screens to make the plays run correctly. IMHO.
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Post by LIONS90045 on Nov 19, 2009 22:10:00 GMT -5
I thought Sweezy played pretty well last evening - his rebounds were solid, he has good hands. The opponents seem to slack off on Brad on the perimeter, inviting him to shoot, which is not his strength. He will play some key minutes within his game in the clutch at some unexpected time this season for LMU and take those memories with him into his future career.
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.HEY WRSCHNICKE!!!!!! I did not have to call you out about your negative comments you slide in from time to time about a certain player you don't like.Some one else saw your evil ways and did it 4 me 
.Because he and I alone knows who is his least favorite player 
