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

2021-22 outlook for Bradley Braves basketball

Brian Wardle is highly competitive and has shown the ability to recruit and build teams that peak at the right time. In Joey Loose’s recent head coaching rankings, Wardle ranked 173rd, which is good for fifth in the Valley. I would rank him higher.

This year’s team is deeper than last season’s squad. While they lack that preseason all-league kind of player at this stage, there are several players that could ascend into that kind of spot.
Leons could become a newcomer of the year kind of player.

Henry, Tahvanainen, and Boya are proven MVC commodities. If Howell and Roberts can approximate their previous accomplishments, this is a team that goes nine deep before you even think about talented first-year players.

In the crowded and talented Missouri Valley Conference, Bradley has the opportunity to sneak up on some teams. After the Valley’s four clear front runners, the rest of the league is anybody’s guess. Northern Iowa, Drake, Missouri State, and Loyola will be exceptional and the next six spots are up for grabs.

With a clean slate and a fresh start for Wardle and the Braves be prepared for some surprises from this team.