The Bradley Braves have been a picture of consistency in the Missouri Valley Conference, and they have always been a team to look out for. Bradley was once again in the MVC title game a season ago, but were absolutely embarrassed by the Drake Bulldogs in that matchup. Brian Wardle returns as head coach for his 11th season, but he's one of the only familiar faces remaining. Despite some unbelievable turnover, Bradley should still be a team to watch in 2025-26.
A New Look Lineup
Bradley enters the 2025-26 season with one returning starter, JaQuan Johnson (6.6 ppg, 2.4 apg), and only six returners overall. Johnson is expected to take a big step in his sophomore season, but he isn't the player to watch.
Demarion Burch didn't start for the Braves a season ago, but he was a player that provided an instant spark off the bench. Burch made over 50% of this three-point field goal attempts a season ago, and he's also a high-flyer. Bradley is a team that wants to be more athletic than other teams in the MVC, and Burch gives them that threat.
Shooting guard Alex Huibregtse comes to Bradley after a great career at Wright State, and he can fill it up. He scored nearly 14 points per game last season, and he is likely going to be the leading scorer for Bradley in 2025-26.
The other two starting spots are likely to go to AJ Smith and Ahmet Jonovic. Smith played last season for the JMU Dukes and Jonovic is a 7'1" center that is going to be a massive problem for other teams in the MVC.
Senior Corey Thomas and freshman Dietrich Richardson are likely going to play huge roles for this team, and Wardle won't be afraid to go deep into his bench early in the season. Despite some huge holes, there is enough talent on this roster.
A Challenging Schedule
Head coach Brian Wardle knows that trying to navigate the MVC portion of the schedule will be challenging, and he wants to make sure his team is prepared. Bradley has once again put together a terrific non-conference schedule, and there will be a chance for some big wins.
The Braves begin the regular season with a matchup against St. Bonaventure in Rock Hill, South Carolina in what should be a great matchup. They then return home to host the Central Michigan Chippewas out of the MAC.
in order to prove that the Braves aren't afraid of anyone, Wardle has scheduled a matchup with the San Francisco Dons in mid-November. That game is going to be a huge test for this Braves squad, but a win in that game could be a springboard for a big season.
Bradley will be competing in the Terry's Chocolate ESPN Events Invitational and the other three teams in the field are Princeton, Temple, and UC San Diego. Bradley might be the weakest team in the field, but coach Wardle will have his team ready to play.
A Look at the MVC
The Drake Bulldogs might be the defending champions of the Missouri Valley Conference, but they are not expected to be a factor this season. Drake had a mass exodus after being a Cinderella story a season ago, and that leaves a huge opening in this conference.
Bradley was picked to finish 4th in the preseason poll, but that just feels too low. The Braves are always in the mix under Brian Wardle, and they have some exciting newcomers. Not only were the Braves a bit disrespected in the poll, but it was their arch rival that was picked to win the conference. Wardle now has some bulletin board material to use as the Braves will have their sights set on taking down Illinois State.
Bradley might not be the team to beat in the MVC, but you can expect them to be a factor at Arch Madness once March begins. Look for the Braves to be impossible to beat at Carver Arena in Peoria, and they will stun some teams on the road.
It will take some time to get used to this version of the Bradley Braves, but they will soon become nightmares for opponents.