MVC Basketball: Way-too-early preseason power rankings for 2019-20

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Ja'Shon Henry #22 of the Bradley Braves runs on to the court with his teammates after beating the Northern Iowa Panthers during the final game of the MVC Basketball Tournament at the Enterprise Center on March 10, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bradley Braves beat the Northern Iowa Panthers 57-54 to win the MVC Championship. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 9: Darrell Brown #5 of the Bradley Braves shoots the ball over Bruno Skokna #4 of the Loyola Ramblers during the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Enterprise Center on March 9, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

3) Bradley Braves

Coach Brian Wardle led Bradley to a historic late season run that included running the table in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and going toe to toe in a near upset bid over Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament. They finished the season 20-15 overall and gained invaluable experience, confidence, and momentum that they will be able to carry into the 2019-20 season.

The Braves return most of their core from last season, which is headlined by dynamic guard Darrell Brown (14.8 PPG) and forward Elijah Childs (MVC Tournament Most Outstanding Player). They also bring back Co-Sixth Man of the Year Nate Kennell and crucial role players Koch Bar and Ja’Shon Henry.

After back-to-back 20 win seasons, Bradley will look to take another step forward and challenge for the regular season league title. The talent is certainly on the roster. The challenge for the Braves will be to find consistency and bring it night in and night out in a conference that will be much improved from last season.