Press "Enter" to skip to content

R-E-L-A-X Bradley fans, men’s basketball will be fine

On Sept. 23 following a 19-7 loss to the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a very quick five-letter message to Packers fans everywhere after his team started 1-2.
That message: “R-E-L-A-X.”

After Bradley’s men’s basketball team fell to Division III Augustana 58-56 last week, many fans – including those inside The Scout office – had many doubts. They took to social media to describe how disappointed they were, jumping to the conclusion that the season was already over.

First, take a deep breath, and second, please relax, because this season is far from over. In fact it has not even started yet. Tonight, the Braves will take on Texas-Arlington to officially kick off the 2014-2015 season.

I’m aware the Braves did not play up to standards last week. I was sitting as close as anyone to the debacle that went on at Carver Arena.

As to be expected, head coach Geno Ford held nothing back in his postgame comments. When asked if the team took the Augustana Vikings for granted, Ford and junior shooting guard Omari Grier said they did.
“Of course,” Grier said after the loss. “A lot of guys went into this game casual and not really looking to execute.”

I’m not one who enjoys making excuses for myself or trying to make excuses for our school’s team, but there are some reasons for the embarrassment at Carver last week.

One, this was the first time that this very young and inexperienced team played together in front of fans. This year’s squad features eight players out of 14 who are transfers or freshmen and thus have never played a minute in a Bradley uniform.

Two, as mentioned above, the whole team took this Division III school for granted and came out laughing, not prepared to treat Augustana with the respect they obviously deserve.

Hopefully the leaders on this Braves roster grab a hold of this team and never underestimate a team again because, if they don’t, the Braves will be a laughing stock on the court.

Maybe the Braves’ only exhibition was the right “wake up call” the team needed before the season begins? If that is the case, honestly, I’m happy that it happened in an exhibition game and not in the middle of Missouri Valley Conference play.

Braves fans, yes, I was as upset as you were to see our team fall right on their faces to a Division III team. But please take a step back and wait to see how the team responds in its official opening to the season.

For Packer fans, relaxing worked out quite fine. After Rodgers’ call to “R-E-L-A-X,” Green Bay has gone on to win five out of its last six games.

Put some faith in Ford, his coaching staff and the players that they will respond with vengeance and give the Bradley faithful a big victory to start the season.
See you at Carver.

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.