Missouri Valley Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season
By Tim Edmonds
3. Bradley Braves
After back-to-back conference tournament wins, it’s finally time to give Brian Wardle and the Bradley Braves some serious respect, however, graduations will make it incredibly hard for them to repeat once again.
Led by the now-departed Darrell Brown, the Braves made quick work of the MVC last March and punched their ticket to a second consecutive NCAA tournament before its cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now they return a solid amount of talent this season, especially Preseason First-Team forward Elijah Childs. The senior found himself on the MVC Preseason First Team following career highs in points, rebounds, and assists last year and is paramount to a potential three-peat this season.
Outside of Childs, senior guard Danya Kingsby and George Washington transfer Terry Nolan Jr will be incredibly important in helping replace the lost production of Brown in the backcourt.
Overall, Bradley is firmly in the tier of contenders in the MVC and have the players to do so. And if they’re able to replace Brown quicker than expected, a three-peat isn’t completely out of the question.