Bradley basketball has been one of the MVC’s most stable contenders for years. Under head coach Brian Wardle, the Braves have consistently stacked 20-win seasons, earned NCAA Tournament berths and made regular appearances near the top of the league standings.
Continuity has been the Braves’ calling card. While other programs reshuffle their rosters every spring, Bradley has stayed the course. The Braves returned 10 players in 2023-24 and 11 more in 2024-25 — an impressive feat in an era of widespread player movement.
That all changed this offseason.
Following their postseason loss to Chattanooga, the Braves said goodbye to five key contributors, including four long-time pieces: Duke Deen, Zek Montgomery, Darius Hannah and Christian Davis. Each spent at least three years on the Hilltop, becoming foundational pieces on and off the court. Bradley also lost rising junior Almar Atlason to Miami (Ohio).
The Braves watched 68.4% of their scoring walk out the door.
Wardle knew what was coming. And he didn’t waste time reacting.
“You can’t relax,” Wardle said after the season-ending defeat. “You can’t even reflect on the season much anymore. You gotta dive right into it. We’ve lost a lot, and we gotta get some vets and some older guys to mix in with our good young talent. We’ll get to it as a staff probably tonight actually.”
Since that moment, Wardle and his staff have done precisely that.
Bradley Hits the Portal
The Braves entered the offseason with needs, and they addressed them quickly.
Bradley’s portal additions bring leadership, experience and versatility. More importantly, they get the scoring, rebounding and defense the team lost in March.
AJ Smith (James Madison)
Smith was Bradley’s first addition after weeks of waiting for news, and he was built like a prototypical Wardle wing.
At 6-foot-6, the JMU transfer is a relentless rebounder, ranking among the best in the country in offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. His motor never stops. He defends multiple positions. He runs the floor. He also brings a physical edge that fits perfectly in the Valley.
Smith still needs to improve his touch around the rim and manage foul trouble, but his athleticism and effort make him a strong candidate for a starting role.
Alex Huibregtse (Wright State)
The Braves’ second addition, Huibregtse, checks many boxes. The 6-foot-4 guard brings experience, shooting, and playmaking to the backcourt. He knocked down over 37% from 3 last season on high volume and scored 13.5 points per game in the Horizon League.
He’s dangerous in ball screens, can shoot on the move or get to the basket. His play style is ideal for Wardle’s half-court sets.
Mayar Wal (Eastern Kentucky)
If Huibregtse is the shooter and Smith is the glue guy, Wal might be the ceiling-raiser.
The 6-foot-9 forward brings size, versatility and shooting to Bradley. Wal has a smooth jumper with a high release point. The wings fit seamlessly into Bradley’s four-out offensive scheme because they stretch defenses and attack closeouts.
He’s still growing into his frame, but the flashes of skill suggest high potential. Expect Wal to compete for significant minutes immediately.
Kai Yu (Liberty University)
Yu did not play much in his redshirt sophomore year at Liberty, but when he was on the floor, he showed potential to be an interior threat on both ends. Yu will need some time to develop throughout the season, but due to his size and athleticism, he could play an important role in specific matchups.
Fresh Faces on the Hilltop
While the transfer class brings much-needed experience, Bradley’s incoming freshmen offer long-term upside — and maybe even some immediate impact.
The 2024 recruiting class features three guards with high ceilings and local ties, including one of the highest-rated high school signees of the Wardle era.
Matthew Zobrist (Metamora Township – Metamora, IL)
Zobrist, a 6-foot-5 guard, is just 40 minutes east of Peoria. He is a strong, physical wing who can score from multiple levels and defend.
The sharpshooter has strong ties to Bradley. His father, Aaron, is a former Brave and a member of the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame. His cousin, sharpshooter Nate Kennell, also attended Bradley from 2015-19.
Dietrich Richardson (Peoria Manual – Peoria, IL)
Arguably the headliner of the class, Richardson is a 6-foot-7 wing who’s blossomed into one of the Midwest’s most sought-after prospects. He’s the second-ranked player in Illinois for the 2025 class, a four-star recruit per 247Sports, and one of the highest-rated commitments Wardle has landed.
Richardson is a talented scorer and an underrated facilitator. He averaged 18.5 points, six rebounds, and five assists as a senior.
The wing could compete for starting minutes — and eventually grow into a program centerpiece. He also continues a family basketball legacy, following in the footsteps of his uncle, former Illinois star DJ Richardson.
Montana Wheeler (Xavier Academy – Houston, TX)
Wheeler, a 5-foot-10 point guard, brings speed and a unique passing ability from one of the country’s most competitive prep circuits.
Wheeler is a confident shooter who often takes threes far beyond the 3-point line and handles the ball on a string. The guard finished his high school career with over 2700 points and 1000 assists.
Jackson Seastrunk (Xavier Academy – Houston, TX)
Wheeler’s high school teammate, Seastrunk, was a late addition to Bradley’s signing class. Seastrunk is a 6-foot-4 lefty who loves to score the basketball. He scores efficiently from multiple spots on the floor and has excellent footwork on drives.
Seastrunk will be a developmental piece in 2025-26 as he redshirts to get stronger.
