Bradley’s Trio of Stars
Bradley coach Brian Wardle landed two of the top ten players from the State of Illinois and one of the top players from Texas. Wardle says this is probably the best freshman recruiting class during his ten years at Bradley.
Some services have called Dietrich Richardson a four-star recruit and at times was ranked as Illinois’ top player. The 6’6 wing comes from Peoria’s Manual Academy and can play multiple positions and is a dynamic athlete and Wardle says he is very talented.
“He’s a very, very talented young man,” said Wardle. “I think you’re going to see him grow as the year goes on.”
He averaged 18.5 points, six rebounds and five assists during his senior campaign and is ranked the nation’s 177th best player.
While Matthew Zobrist nabbed ‘only’ 3.63 stars, he was actually ranked higher in Illinois (third & Richardson tenth). His father (Aaron) and cousin (Nate Kannell) each played at Bradley. Wardle says Zobrist can score.
“Zo can just score,” said Wardle. “He can fill it up. He had to play point guard during his senior year, but that’s not really his primary role.”
Zobrist’s Metamora High School team won over 100 games during his four year career.
Montana Wheeler is a 3.47 star guard from Houston, Texas and ranked seventeenth in the Lone Star State. The 5’10 guard who Wardle describes as ‘a load’ who can pass and score. Wheeler has been the most consistent of the three Bradley rookies during preseason practices.