As I sit down to analyze the Bradley Braves' roster for the upcoming season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and curiosity that comes with preseason analysis. Having followed college basketball for over a decade, particularly the Missouri Valley Conference, I've developed a keen eye for spotting teams that have that special combination of talent and chemistry. This year's Bradley squad appears to have both, and when I think about what could make or break their season, one quote from coach Brian Wardle keeps coming to mind: "And that speed, that power changes everything."
Let me start with what I consider the most exciting aspect of this team - their backcourt. Senior guard Terry Roberts returns after averaging 14.7 points and 4.1 assists last season, and I genuinely believe he's one of the most underrated players in the conference. His quickness off the dribble is something special - when he gets a full head of steam going toward the basket, defenders simply can't stay in front of him. That explosive first step creates opportunities not just for him but for everyone else on the floor. Watching him in their preseason scrimmage last week, I noticed how his ability to penetrate collapses defenses, leaving shooters open on the perimeter. It's exactly what Wardle meant about speed changing everything - Roberts' pace forces opponents to adjust their entire defensive scheme.
The frontcourt presents what I see as both a strength and a potential concern. Junior forward Rienk Mast stands at 6'9" and put up solid numbers last year with 11.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. What impresses me most about Mast isn't just his size but his basketball IQ - he understands spacing, when to roll to the basket, and how to use his body effectively in the post. However, I'm slightly worried about their depth behind him. Sophomore Darius Hannah shows promise but only averaged 3.8 points in limited minutes last season. If Mast gets into foul trouble or, heaven forbid, suffers an injury, the Braves could struggle against teams with deeper frontcourts.
Now let's talk about what I consider the x-factor for this team - their three-point shooting. Last season, Bradley shot 34.8% from beyond the arc, which placed them right in the middle of the MVC. But with the addition of transfer guard Duke Deen, who hit 41% of his threes at Troy last year, I expect that percentage to climb significantly. In today's college basketball, having multiple reliable shooters isn't just an advantage - it's a necessity. When you combine Deen's shooting with Roberts' driving ability, you create the kind of offensive balance that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
The defensive end is where I believe this team could really separate themselves. Last season, they held opponents to just 65.3 points per game, and with nearly everyone returning from that squad, I anticipate even better numbers this year. Their ability to switch on screens and recover quickly reminds me of some of the best defensive teams I've covered over the years. That defensive intensity, coupled with their transition offense, creates those momentum swings that can completely demoralize opponents. It's not just about stealing the ball or getting a block - it's about converting those defensive stops into easy baskets on the other end.
What really excites me about this Bradley team is their chemistry. Having covered college basketball for various publications since 2015, I've learned that talent alone doesn't win championships. The best teams have that intangible connection - players who know each other's tendencies, who communicate seamlessly on defense, who genuinely enjoy each other's success. From what I've observed in their practices and preseason interviews, this group has it. They've kept their core intact while adding just the right complementary pieces, which in my experience is the perfect recipe for success.
Looking at their schedule, I'm particularly interested in how they'll handle their non-conference games. Matchups against teams like Auburn and Memphis will test their mettle early, and I believe these games will tell us everything we need to know about their tournament potential. Last year, they finished 20-13 overall and 11-7 in conference play, but I'm predicting they'll improve to around 23 wins this season if they stay healthy. The MVC is always competitive, but something tells me this Bradley team has the pieces to make a serious run.
As the season approaches, I keep coming back to that idea of speed and power changing everything. In Bradley's case, it's not just about physical attributes - it's about the speed of their development as a team, the power of their collective will, and how these factors could transform them from a good team into a great one. Having watched countless teams throughout my career, I've developed a sense for when a program is on the verge of something special, and everything about this Bradley squad suggests they're heading in that direction. The pieces are there - the question is whether they can put them all together when it matters most.