Busting Brackets
Fansided

Bradley Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Braves

By Harry Schroeder

Dec 22, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Bradley Braves head coach Brian Wardle talks to forward Rienk Mast (51) during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Bradley Braves head coach Brian Wardle talks to forward Rienk Mast (51) during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Bradley basketball battles Colorado State and coach Niko Medved at the Paradise Jam. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Bradley basketball battles Colorado State and coach Niko Medved at the Paradise Jam. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Some key opportunities for Bradley basketball

Bradley’s non-conference schedule features several upper-level, mid-major teams. There isn’t one guaranteed ‘power six’ team on their schedule. There are two possibilities to meet major conference teams at the Paradise Jam.

The Braves open the season against Summit League champion South Dakota State and after their multi-team event, they meet Mid-American champion Toledo. Those two games are their best non-conference games.

At the Paradise Jam, they have a great test against Colorado State. Former Drake coach Niko Medved has led the Rams to back-to-back 20-win seasons and last season they and Toledo participated in the National Invitation Tournament. All five CSU starters return, including reigning Mountain West Player of the Year David Roddy.

Brown or Creighton await in the second round. If Bradley reaches the final of the Jam, they could play Colorado.

While teams are still reacting to last year’s scheduling nightmare, the Braves will play in a second multi-team event. BU travels to the Sun Bowl invitation for games with Sam Houston State (19-9) and either UTEP or North Carolina Central.

Bradley’s final non-conference game is with surprisingly good Bellarmine. The Knights were 14-8 in their first season at the Division 1 level and posted a 10-3 mark against ASUN teams. While ineligible for their conference tournament, they participated in and won a game in the College Basketball Insider Tournament. This year Bellarmine will play four power five teams and Gonzaga.