tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37204792512502201672011-10-27T12:29:04.880-05:00This blog is intended to provide and share facts, information, and--most importantly--opinion regarding Billiken Basketball.davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.comBlogger551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-36471770784723665422008-11-10T22:18:00.009-06:002008-11-10T23:39:29.835-06:00

As you may have noticed, I haven't blogged in well over a year.  In fact, I had no intention of bringing the blog back, but when I did a random search of Billiken Basketball, this blog came up in the top 3 on google.com so it inspired me to ramble. As most people reading this blog probably know, this Friday the Billikens debut their brand new, on-campus Chaifetz Arena.  While everyone is excited

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-20297282876096786812007-11-05T12:02:00.000-06:002007-11-05T12:18:43.230-06:00

Every year I have to tell myself not to get too excited about preseason games, to focus on individual efforts as opposed to just statistics. Of course, it can be easy to lose perspective sometimes, when the Bills are putting up eye-popping numbers against Division II and NAIA opponents. Heck, even the offensively-challenged squads of the Brad Soderberg regime used to occasionally drop 80-90

Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00654629805975076136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-12516259855088936752007-07-09T16:28:00.000-05:002007-07-09T16:36:45.660-05:00

According to Nate Latsch of Billikenreport.com, Majerus has landed his fifth commitment for the Class of 2008 from Brian Conklin, a 6'8/9" power forward from Eugene, Oregon. Conklin is described as a strong and athletic power forward who only recently began to focus exclusively on basketball. Conklin was the Oregon Class 5A player of the year and led his team to the state championship and an

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-33881979711492479972007-07-08T08:05:00.000-05:002007-07-08T20:09:28.362-05:00

This past week, I finished reading Rick Majerus's book, My Life on a Napkin. This book should be required reading for every die-hard Billiken fan, player, recruit, and--most importantly--recruit's and player's parents. Throughout the book, Majerus is very candid about his thoughts and philosophies regarding coaching and life. The following is a brief summary of some of his quirks and philosphies

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-20363673263385109352007-06-26T13:46:00.000-05:002007-06-26T13:51:50.854-05:00

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Cheryl Levick has resigned from her position as athletic director at SLU to accept the Chief of Staff role in the University of Maryland athletic department. Ms. Levick was intelligent and enthusiastic during her brief tenure at SLU and was an asset for the university. I am sure she will have enormous success at Maryland and beyond, and I wish her the

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-5290804876386452732007-06-24T17:14:00.001-05:002007-06-24T17:50:18.640-05:00

Scout.com is reporting that Femi John, a strong and athletic 6'4" guard from McCluer North High School in St. Louis County, gave Rick Majerus another oral commitment this afternoon. John is the fourth player to commit to the Billikens from the Class of 2008. Depending upon the unclear status of Paul Eckerle's long-term scholarship situation (i.e. whether he has been promised an athletic

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-70611314495558459742007-06-13T16:45:00.000-05:002007-06-13T16:50:30.168-05:00

6-0 Kwamain Mitchell verbally committed to SLU for the 2008 Class. Mark Miller of Wishoops.net was kind enough to post his story on Billikens.com here. Credit should also be given to Nate Latsch and p diddy who told us to anticipate good news.Mitchell is the 3rd recruit to commit for the 2008 class.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-77314096750582266362007-06-12T08:46:00.000-05:002007-06-12T21:51:17.135-05:00

Willie Reed, a 6'11" center in the Class of 2008, gave an oral commitment to Rick Majerus and his staff earlier today. Skinny but athletic, it has been reported that Reed has been growing and adding strength to his wiry frame over the last several years and may continue to grow. Reed was rated as a top 30 center nationally by scout.com. He selected SLU over University of Missouri, which

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-44944094383034342562007-06-10T15:06:00.000-05:002007-06-10T15:21:13.563-05:00

After studying the season tickets plans and netting out the new ticket price/mandatory donation model, I have concluded that this is merely a complicated scheme to raise ticket prices and provide for a tax deduction benefit for the best seats. The net effect is as follows:Courtside Tables = $3,950 per seatCourtside Rows = $2,950 per seatApprox Top 70% of baseline-to-baseline seats = $850 per

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-43517584483381520072007-06-09T21:18:00.001-05:002007-06-10T07:50:01.422-05:00

Much has been reported and stated about the possibility of Majerus hiring Paul Biancardi as an assistant head coach. I am hearing that this move may be on hold for strategic reasons. Specifically, Biancardi is suspended by the NCAA from recruiting until this October. However, in his current role as a college basketball reporter he has no limits on his contact with players. By waiting several

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-1187561324960231592007-06-09T14:04:00.000-05:002007-06-09T15:48:47.938-05:00

Bill_Ken R posted the following on Billikens.comReceived my ticket renewal and announcement of the minimum required gifts for certain seats upon moving to Chaifetz. Required gifts are $3,500 per seat, per year, $2,500, $400,and $150. This leaves general reserved seats, which are basically the ends, for which no annual donation is required. Season ticket for 2008 will be $450 per seat. $50 deposit

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-47964959298419427732007-06-05T16:30:00.001-05:002007-06-05T16:42:27.389-05:00

According to the Dayton Daily News, former Wright State head basketball coach Paul Biancardi is the front-runner for an assistant coaching job on Rick Majerus' staff at SLU. In two seasons at Wright State, Biancardi posted a 27 - 29 record. Prior to landing the head coaching job at Wright State, Biancardi was one of the top assistants and lead recruiters at Ohio State. Biancardi's hire would come

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-10910045214824683912007-05-28T16:27:00.001-05:002007-05-29T10:39:44.406-05:00

In the last week or so, I have heard the following hearsay and rumors (take them for what they may be worth):Majerus has studied video of his current team and is going into the season planning to use Lisch as his point guard, Liddell as his two guard, and Meyer/Relphorde as the small forward. The center spot is Husak's to lose. In general, look for a taller lineup under Majerus.The staff believes

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-76885846666189251802007-05-24T18:07:00.000-05:002007-05-24T22:57:02.444-05:00

Kwamain Mitchell, a 6'0" point guard in the class of 2008 from the Milwaukee area, made an unofficial visit to SLU today. This is very good news for SLU fans. Even better news -- it is rumored that Scott Suggs, Jesse Perry, and Femi John joined Mitchell during the visit. For those counting, this is Sugg's, Perry's, and John's second unofficial visit in less than a week. Hey Mizzou fans, isn't it

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-91737409416323254562007-05-22T21:58:00.001-05:002007-05-22T22:43:29.554-05:00

Nate Latsch of the new Billiken Report on the Scout.com network is reporting that 6'7" Jesse Perry of Gateway Tech made an unofficial visit to SLU last week. According to Nate, Coach Majerus hopes to persuade Perry to come to SLU with his good friend Scott Suggs.For those who are unfamiliar with Nate Latsch, Nate was the primary prep basketball writer for the Post-Dispatch the last several

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-77598263226370411122007-05-21T06:48:00.000-05:002007-05-22T22:40:47.588-05:00

More recruiting bits:Last week, Tyler Griffey, the highly-rated Class of 2009 power forward from Lafayette High School, made an unofficial visit to Rick Majerus at West Pine.On Sunday, Matt Roth, a 6'3" sharp shooter from Washington, IL who is being recruited by several Big 10 programs and has been offered by several MVC programs, made an unofficial visit with Majerus.This week Majerus is being

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-32500943643654398362007-05-19T18:52:00.000-05:002007-05-22T22:42:17.397-05:00

The spring signing period has ended and practice doesn't start for several months. The following are some bits to fill these dog days of Billiken Basketball:I have heard from reliable sources that Rick Majerus has had a stream of local recruits and their families and coaches visiting him down at West Pine in recent weeks. Majerus is wasting no time establishing ties with the local talent. Majerus

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-79123590213080363102007-05-16T09:40:00.000-05:002007-05-22T22:42:33.797-05:00

SLU Alum and fan Frank Cusumano Sr. died yesterday. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family. Below is the obituary published in the Post-DispatchCusumano, Sr., Frank J. Died Wed., May 15, 2007 at age 86. Baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection. Best known as owner/ GM of Kemoll's Restaurant. Frank was one of nine children born to Sicilian immigrant parents. When his mother died, he

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-23667016365614598002007-05-15T17:02:00.000-05:002007-05-22T22:42:50.412-05:00

Brett Thompson, the number 79 ranked recruit in the Class of 2008 according to Scout.com, has given Rick Majerus his first verbal commitment for the Class of 2008. The 6'11", 255 lbs. center is a four-star recruit. SLU has five additional scholarships to use for the Class of 2008.Discuss this and other Billiken Basketball topics at Billikens.com.

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-77421746534566623742007-05-09T09:17:00.000-05:002007-05-09T09:22:11.713-05:00

According to Internet reports, Michigan is close to filling its staff without Brad Soderberg. Here is a copy of the Internet report:Former Penn State head coach Jerry Dunn will join John Beilein’s Michigan men’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant, according to an individual with ties to the U-M athletic department. Dunn was reportedly a finalist for the South Carolina State head coaching

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-51055511262046220792007-05-08T19:43:00.000-05:002007-05-08T19:50:37.781-05:00

Rumors are circulating that John Beilein, the newly hired head basketball coach at Michigan, is targeting Brad Soderberg as an assistant coach for his new staff. If true, this is great news for Brad but may further increase the competition for the local recruits with whom Brad has relationships.Sources: Tigerboard.com and TheWolverines.com

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-32051185300554008072007-05-05T18:46:00.000-05:002007-05-06T18:58:51.180-05:00

Enough of the SLU to the Missouri Valley rants! Neither Fr. Biondi, Rick Majerus, nor any other employee of Saint Louis University has ever stated that they are considering such a move. This “rumor” has been started and perpetuated by members of the local media who have demonstrated little knowledge of the situation. Unfortunately, this flawed rumor has been further spread by several members of

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-48300440433227169762007-05-03T15:32:00.000-05:002007-05-03T15:33:50.340-05:00

Reported by SLUSaint Louis head men's basketball coach Rick Majerus today announced that Porter Moser will join the Billiken men's basketball staff as an assistant coach. The former Creighton guard was the head coach at Illinois State from 2003-04 to 2006-07 after a three-year stint as the head coach at Arkansas-Little Rock.Click here for full release

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-42485173881236438542007-05-02T20:16:00.000-05:002007-05-02T20:59:16.654-05:00

Hoopwise.com first reported that Barry Eberhardt committed to SLU, marking Majerus's first recruit as the Billiken's head coach. The 6'6", 250 lbs. junior college power forward will compete for immediate playing time at the power forward spot for the Billikens.SLU Official Release

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-58018356394321874152007-05-02T10:49:00.000-05:002007-05-02T10:51:05.184-05:00

Since Saint Louis University introduced Rick Majerus as its head basketball coach on Monday, Majerus has been on a non-stop media tour. I have heard and seen several of his numerous media appearances. One thing that has struck me is his ability to use these opportunities to subtly, but effectively, recruit local players who might be listening or hear a sound byte or two. When I hear Majerus say

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-67940588807536071512007-04-30T11:57:00.000-05:002007-05-01T00:02:42.411-05:00

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-74165990054394705512007-04-28T01:59:00.000-05:002007-04-28T02:41:25.898-05:00

Think the Billikens don't get any coverage? Well they are today. This is just a small sampling.Local GuysTimmerman Write-Up - It's official: Majerus will coach BillsTimmerman Blog - The Billikens New WorldBernie's Bits - Hiring Majerus shows SLU has had enough of mediocrityBelleville News Democrat - It's Official: SLU hires MajerusKSDK - AP Article - Big Man On Campus: Majerus Named As SLU Head

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-44664336827262901462007-04-27T19:16:00.000-05:002007-04-27T22:12:35.714-05:00

Rick Majerus will lead the Billikens into the 2007-08 season. April 27, 2007ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., announced today that Rick Majerus will be the new Billikens head men's basketball coach. Prior to working as a college basketball analyst for ESPN for the last three years, Majerus amassed a 422-147 career head coaching record and took his teams to the

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-14164001105743898092007-04-27T16:34:00.000-05:002007-04-27T17:03:50.065-05:00

According to Frank, Bernie, & Slaten there should be a Press Conference Monday. - Source ESPN CONFIRMS WITH MAJERUS QUOTES - SOURCENothing official from SLU yet.

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-38232121233677007392007-04-26T15:57:00.000-05:002007-04-26T16:14:34.107-05:00

It is being reported on Billikens.com that Julius Hunter, VP of Community Relations at SLU, has verified that Rick Majerus has been on-campus this afternoon meeting with SLU officials. As noted below, earlier today Frank Cusumano reported on his radio show that Majerus was meeting with officials at SLU this afternoon, would meet with the current team later this evening, and a press conference

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-46737564940588793212007-04-26T10:38:00.000-05:002007-04-26T12:35:30.115-05:00

UPDATE: Frank Cusamano is now reporting that:Majerus and his attorney should be in St. Louis tonight (yet more hotel rooms booked)Majerus is to meet with the team tonightPress Conference TomorrowIt should be noted that SLU has denied these reports, and all of this information comes through posters of Billikens.com. Therefore, once again, choose to believe what you will. - Source---The general

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-62108466878049615292007-04-25T16:57:00.000-05:002007-04-25T18:32:49.694-05:00

Despite the hopes of many Billiken fans, the consensus seems to be that there will not be a press conference today. - SourceReports on Billikens.com today have ranged from:It being a done deal - SourceMajerus was being picked up at the Airport - SourceMajerus has a hotel room reservation and will be in St. Louis Tonight - SourceKSDK's Rene Knott reports that SLU is in negotiations with a hotel

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-40443393314812595762007-04-25T10:03:00.000-05:002007-04-25T14:12:20.369-05:00

Tim Mckernan of KFNS radio is reporting that the contract with Majerus is signed and that a press conference will take place at SLU on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning. We will add more details as they become available.UPDATE: It has since been reported by multiple sources that the deal is still very close to being complete but is not yet signed and official. There is also a rumor that

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-82295890786903892832007-04-24T21:55:00.000-05:002007-04-24T21:59:56.919-05:00

Anonymous posters claiming to be "in the know" have reported on Musketeer Madness, Tigerboard, and Billikens.com that SLU will announce tomorrow that Rick Majerus has signed a contract to be SLU's new head coach. This blog stresses that at this time these are unconfirmed rumors, but these rumors are consistent the radio reports mentioned below. Check back often for updates.

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-37894700105435232562007-04-24T16:12:00.000-05:002007-04-24T16:32:51.168-05:00

moytoy, a Billikens.com poster & blogger, reported that Bernie has said the following things on his radio show:"Rustlings on campus that make you think that this is going to happen"..."such as getting the band ready and getting local dignitaries ready for a press conference/celebration"moytoy later posted: BM is told the momentum is "very good" and that slu apparently seems willing to give RM "

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-42455512757708194842007-04-24T11:33:00.000-05:002007-04-24T11:38:02.836-05:00

Frank Cusumano of KSDK television and KFNS radio reported this morning that the Majerus-to-SLU deal is close to final barring some unforeseen issue. The venerable and much-trusted p diddy of Billikens.com says the "word on the street" is that Majerus has two new mystery recruits set to joint him at SLU: a foreign player and a Mormon coming off a mission abroad.

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-69573864269473048682007-04-23T19:45:00.000-05:002007-04-23T20:05:27.096-05:00

Frank Cusumano of KSDK television and KFNS radio has reported that SLU and Majerus are exchanging bulleted lists (i.e., a "term sheet" in legal terms) setting forth their respective contractual demands. Frank reported that salary and assistant coaches salaries are not at issue. Frank further reported that the primary issues are (i) commercial versus charter air travel, (ii) academic resources

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-12073781704308939132007-04-22T21:46:00.000-05:002007-04-23T23:08:55.893-05:00

If you have been trying to follow the SLU, Soderberg, Majerus madness recently, you may think you are in a middle school full of gossip. Well...that is probably a good way to describe it.The last time Billikens nation was in the tizzy it is in now was when Tommie Liddell's recruitment fell into jeopardy with the UNLV, street agent fiasco. If Billikens.com traffic is any indication, Tuesday the

Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17695521259277780530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-66003634978198132822007-04-19T10:41:00.000-05:002007-04-19T10:59:39.853-05:00

The latest rumors circulating the Internet suggest that Rick Majerus is SLU's top target for the open head coaching position.Frank Cusumano reported on his KFNS radio show that (i) Rick Majerus is Biondi's number one target, (ii) Majerus has pulled video of SLU's team to review, (iii) Majerus has publicly stated he is interested in the SLU position, and (iv) Majerus is meeting today in Chicago

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-16038670883719294002007-04-18T13:54:00.000-05:002007-04-18T14:18:59.640-05:00

Despite the fact that Brad Soderberg's disappointing five-year tenure at SLU yielded ZERO NCAA Tournament bids, his teams did provide Billiken Nation with some great memories. Here are my top five wins of the Soderberg era:2/12/03 – SLU 59, Louisville 58Marque Perry and the boys shock Rick Pitino’s #2-ranked Cardinals in one of the greatest wins in school history. The students swarm the court.

Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00654629805975076136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-38412329771997321882007-04-17T20:03:00.000-05:002007-04-19T13:59:21.522-05:00

In the wake of the shocking firing of Coach Soderberg that no one saw coming, a lot of the media outlets have been interviewing people only remotely associated with the current program. Of course, this approach is necessitated by the bizarre, Kremlin-like nature of the SLU administration's handling of the firing. (This is a topic worthy of discussion, but I will reserve comment for now.) Perhaps

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-68061926437438544442007-04-17T16:58:00.000-05:002007-04-17T17:53:40.026-05:00

I know my passion for Billiken basketball has not changed, but I feel an awkward calm after a pretty unexpected announcement of Coach Soderberg being fired today. I can attribute this calm to many things, but I think these days it's just my overall optimism.It's way too early to declare this firing a disaster. Does it have the makings for a disaster - sure? But, it can also turn out to be a

David Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596748891505066172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-16468723139419671432007-04-17T14:19:00.000-05:002007-04-17T14:25:18.136-05:00

Saint Louis University fired men’s basketball coach Brad Soderberg today. Isn’t there an old adage that says timing is everything? Assuming the firing of Coach Soderberg is step one in a well thought out plan to immediately upgrade SLU basketball and finally move it towards the long echoed but unfilled sentiment of a “top 50 program”, then over the long term, I think the timing is ok. Not great.

moytoy12http://www.blogger.com/profile/17282723906757384938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-10638990322465951592007-04-17T10:20:00.000-05:002007-04-17T10:26:35.106-05:00

As first reported on Billikens.com and confirmed in a statement issued by Saint Louis University, Brad Soderberg and his entire staff have been fired. The following is the official statement from SLU:SLU Statement on Brad Soderberg Institution decides to change leadership in the men's basketball program.April 17, 2007 ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University has today informed Brad Soderberg that he

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-49096541272774634482007-04-11T20:32:00.000-05:002007-04-11T20:48:01.010-05:00

The National Signing period began today, and to no one's surprise the Billikens signed two players, 6'4" small forward Anthony Mitchell of East St. Louis and 6'7" swingman Marcus Relphorde. The Billikens still hope to sign at least two more recruits before the signing period ends on May 16th. Unsigned players SLU is still recruiting include point guards Jeff Peterson and Marcus Walker and the

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-87095579291290320372007-04-10T22:11:00.000-05:002007-04-11T17:32:09.744-05:00

There has been great debate on Billikens.com in the last month regarding whether the level of administrative resources or the quality of the head coach is more important in determining a men’s basketball program’s success. Many fans take a black and white view of the issue and primarily isolate one factor or the other as the primary source of the six-year NCAA drought at SLU. Those who pin

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-68732318305125503592007-04-07T12:19:00.000-05:002007-04-07T12:21:29.516-05:00

Coach Brad Soderberg has been getting a lot of negative attention in regards to his recruiting ability. There seems to be arguments both ways, but what aren’t arguable are the results on the court. Coach has improved his win total the last few years and has now just completed a twenty win season. Achieving twenty wins though did not get the Billikens to any post season play which has to be the

David Louishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596748891505066172noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-90469943986269938382007-04-05T22:03:00.000-05:002007-04-06T07:22:45.340-05:00

IntroductionDifferent fans follow college basketball for different reasons. Some fans just love the college game. Some fans follow the local university because they follow all the local sports teams in a city or region. Other fans are alumnus (or have a close relative who is an alumnus) of a university that they follow out of a sense of loyalty or allegiance.Many university administrators have a

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-29460913130277673662007-04-01T17:23:00.000-05:002007-04-01T20:49:24.889-05:00

As noted below, Jeff Peterson has decided to play the waiting game. This is not good news for Billiken fans. It is generally believed that the longer Jeff waits to make a decision after his official visit to SLU a week ago, the less likely he will commit to SLU.The good news is that a few more front court recruits have been rumored to be considering SLU. The following is an updated list:Mantas

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-55142039997233966772007-03-27T21:48:00.000-05:002007-03-27T22:13:22.780-05:00

All of the pieces appeared to be falling into place in the recruitment of DeMatha High School point guard Jeff Peterson:Xavier received an oral commitment from coveted recruit Brad Redford.Steve Alford announced he was leaving Iowa to take over the head coaching position at New Mexico.Peterson had initially indicated that he was prepared to make a decision after his visit to SLU this past weekend

Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00654629805975076136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-48921589237101719482007-03-23T15:35:00.000-05:002007-03-23T15:43:20.153-05:00

On the weekend that the Midwest Regional will be held in downtown St. Louis, Jeff Peterson will make an official visit to Saint Louis University according to Rivals.com. The latest reports indicate that Peterson has narrowed his choices to Iowa, Xavier, and SLU. He has previously visited Iowa, and it is unclear whether he will still visit Xavier. In fact, Jeff was recently quoted as saying he

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-54931159368895403832007-03-22T10:21:00.000-05:002007-03-22T12:44:23.338-05:00

The Columbus (Nebraska) Telegram has published a new article about Marcus Walker. SLU is not mentioned in the article, and it implies that his recruitment is wide open. Perhaps most concerning for Billiken fans are these quotes from Marcus in the article:“The way I play and the way we played last year [at Nebraska] just didn't fit,” Walker said. “We had a lot of set offense, we didn't press that

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-46640243245276485792007-03-22T07:22:00.000-05:002007-03-22T07:30:30.617-05:00

As reported below, Gary Correia, a 6'1" point guard from Massachusetts made an official recruiting visit to SLU last weekend. Scout.com has since reported that Correia has given a verbal commitment to UMass. This puts even more pressure on Brad and his staff to sign Marcus Walker or Jeff Peterson, who is supposed to visit this weekend. If Marcus and Jeff also take a pass on SLU, we can expect

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-30369592095092549882007-03-21T21:05:00.000-05:002007-03-21T23:13:48.602-05:00

Spring Recruiting ThoughtsBackgroundThe spring signing period begins on April 11--just over three weeks away. Unfortunately, Coach Soderberg's staff was unable to sign any players during the fall signing period and lost two scholarship players mid-season, so there is a lot of pressure to land four or five quality players this spring. This presents several problems. First, in the modern era most

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720479251250220167.post-61022915892656637302007-03-21T19:50:00.001-05:002007-03-21T21:05:26.097-05:00

Welcome to my new blog. This blog is intended as a companion piece to Slusignguy's Billikens.com website and message board. When you are finished reading this blog and its comments, please make sure to visit Billikens.com. In the meanwhile, please enjoy my facts, thoughts, and opinions regarding Billiken Basketball.NOTE: While fellow posters on Billikens.com know I have reservations and concerns

davidnarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02117088723974325995noreply@blogger.com0