PEORIA, Ill. — For the third straight season, Bradley Men’s Basketball was selected in the top four of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) preseason poll.
It’s the first time the Braves were selected that high for three consecutive seasons since a five-year stretch from 1993-98.
However, Bradley Head Coach Brian Wardle said he doesn’t place much weight in preseason polls.
“Every season is a new novel, a new roller coaster ride,” said Wardle. “You can throw [preseason polls] right out the door this season more than ever.”
Wardle noted the experience of the teams selected above Bradley in the poll.
“If teams stay healthy, obviously Northern Iowa and Loyola have a lot of seniors back this year,” said Wardle.
Northern Iowa junior guard A.J. Green was selected as MVC preseason Player of the Year.
Green was joined by Bradley senior forward Elijah Childs on the Preseason All-MVC First Team.
Wardle said Childs is self-driven, and he doesn’t have to be on the star senior to take shots or watch film.
Childs was named Arch Madness Most Outstanding Player in 2019, when he helped the Braves to the first conference championship in 31 years. He then collected All-Tournament Team honors in the second championship in as many years in 2020.
The Braves return six letter-winners and two starters as the team aims to become just the second program in conference history to win the MVC Tournament and NCAA automatic bid in three-straight seasons.
