Ayrton Oneill
Bradley University's basketball team, the Bradley Braves, competes in NCAA Division I basketball. The team is currently coached by Brian Wardle and plays its home games at Carver Arena. The Braves have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments, including two Final Fours and national championship games in 1950 and 1954. They have also won four NIT championships and are the only NCAA Division I school that sponsors men's but not women's soccer. Bradley University is located in Peoria, Illinois, and its athletic program is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Division | I |
| Location | Peoria, Illinois |
| Conference | Missouri Valley |
| Nickname | Braves |
| Colors | Red and White |
| Mascot | Kaboom! the Gargoyle |
| Coach | Brian Wardle |
| Home Games | Carver Arena |
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What You'll Learn
Bradley Braves compete in NCAA Division I
The Bradley Braves are the intercollegiate athletics teams of Bradley University, located in Peoria, Illinois. The Bradley Braves men's basketball team represents Bradley University in NCAA Division I basketball competition. They compete as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Bradley Braves basketball team has a rich history, dating back to the 1902-03 season when they first debuted. Over the years, they have achieved significant success, including appearing in nine NCAA tournaments and advancing to two final fours and two national championship games. They have also won the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) four times and have been runners-up twice.
The Braves are currently coached by Brian Wardle, who became the program's 14th head coach in 2015. Under his leadership, the team has continued to excel, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in 2019 and finishing with an impressive overall record of 23-11 in the 2019-20 season. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA tournament was cancelled that year, preventing the Braves from making a postseason appearance.
The Bradley Braves basketball team has a passionate fanbase and a unique mascot, Kaboom! the Gargoyle, representing the mythical creatures that sit atop Bradley Hall. The team's school colours are red and white, and they play their home games at Carver Arena. With a proud history and a dedicated following, the Bradley Braves continue to compete at the highest level in NCAA Division I basketball.
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They are members of the Missouri Valley Conference
Bradley University's basketball team, the Bradley Braves, is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). The Braves compete at the NCAA Division I level.
The Braves have enjoyed a rich history of success in college basketball, appearing in nine NCAA tournaments, including two national championship games, three Elite 8s, and four Sweet 16s. They have also won four NIT championships (1957, 1960, 1964, and 1982) and have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament 23 times.
The Bradley Braves have a long-standing rivalry with Illinois State, known as the I-74 Rivalry or The War on I-74, due to the universities being located less than 40 miles apart on Interstate 74. The rivalry game is held annually and fuels the competitive spirit between the two schools.
As members of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Bradley Braves compete against other universities within the conference. The MVC provides a platform for regular-season games and tournaments, allowing the Braves to face off against peers and build their reputation in the region. In the 1985-86 season, the Braves won the MVC title before advancing to the NCAA tournament, showcasing their prowess within the conference.
Being a part of the Missouri Valley Conference offers the Bradley Braves a sense of community and shared competition. The conference fosters athletic excellence and provides a platform for the Braves to showcase their talent, strategy, and team spirit. The MVC also enables the Braves to develop rivalries and traditions, enhancing the overall collegiate athletic experience.
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The team has appeared in nine NCAA tournaments
The Bradley Braves men's basketball team represents Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. The team competes in NCAA Division I basketball as part of the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Braves have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments, including two Final Fours and national championship games in 1950 and 1954. They last appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2019, qualifying again in 2020 before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team first appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 1939, but they turned down the offer, instead participating in the second-ever National Invitation Tournament (NIT). They lost in the semifinal to Long Island, 36-32. In 1947, the Braves qualified for the NIT again, losing in the quarterfinals to West Virginia, 69-60.
The Braves have had more success in the NIT, winning four championships (1957, 1960, 1964, and 1982). They have appeared in 23 or 24 NITs, with an all-time record of 27-20 or 28-21.
In the NCAA, the Braves have an overall record of 11-9. They have reached the Sweet Sixteen four times, the Elite Eight three times, and the Final Four twice.
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Bradley Braves have won four NIT championships
The Bradley Braves men's basketball team represents Bradley University, located in Peoria, Illinois, in NCAA Division I basketball competition. They are currently coached by Brian Wardle and play their home games at Carver Arena.
The Braves have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments, including two Final Fours and national championship games in 1950 and 1954. They last appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2019 and qualified for the 2020 tournament, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bradley Braves have also appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 23 or 24 times with an all-time NIT record of 27–20 and have won four NIT championships (1957, 1960, 1964, and 1982).
The Braves first won the NIT championship in 1957, under head coach Chuck Orsborn. In 1960, the Braves won their second NIT championship, defeating Providence in the title game. They were led by Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Chet Walker. The Braves won their third NIT championship in 1964, and their fourth in 1982, defeating Purdue 67–58 at Madison Square Garden. This 1982 win was under the leadership of coach Dick Versace, who also led the team to the MVC regular-season championship and tournament championship in 1980.
The Bradley Braves have a rich history in basketball, with their team being the university's most successful. They have competed in numerous tournaments and continue to strive for more, with their eyes set on future NIT championships.
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The team's current head coach is Brian Wardle
The Bradley Braves men's basketball team represents Bradley University, located in Peoria, Illinois. The team currently competes in NCAA Division I basketball as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The team's current head coach is Brian Wardle, who became the program's 14th head coach in 2015.
Wardle has led the Braves to several successful seasons. In the 2018-19 season, Bradley finished with a 9-9 conference record but went on to win the conference tournament. This victory earned the Braves an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking their ninth appearance in the tournament. Unfortunately, the team's 2020 NCAA Tournament qualification was left without a postseason appearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the 2019-20 season, Wardle guided Bradley to another impressive campaign. The team finished with an overall record of 23-11 and 11-7 in Missouri Valley Conference play. They successfully defended their MVC tournament title, claiming it for the second consecutive year.
Brian Wardle's leadership has contributed to the Bradley Braves' recent achievements, including their appearances in the NCAA Tournament and their consistent performance in the Missouri Valley Conference. His coaching has helped the team reach new heights and establish themselves as a competitive force in Division I basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Bradley University Basketball, also known as the Bradley Braves, is a Division I basketball team.
The Bradley Braves are a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Bradley Braves have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments.
The Bradley Braves have won four NIT championships.
Brian Wardle is the current coach of the Bradley Braves.
