Bradley basketball is back underway as both the men and women’s regular seasons have tipped off. The Scout Sports staff has made our picks for who we think the top breakout players will be this season.
Timoty van der Knapp
By Ethan Diamond
While Timoty van der Knapp didn’t make much of an impact in his freshman season at Bradley, his sophomore campaign is certainly set to be an impactful one.
Despite playing over 10 minutes just once in the regular season last year, van der Knapp logged two starts in the NIT, with his most productive round coming in the first round against North Alabama. In that game, van der Knapp played for 20 minutes, scoring eight points off 3-for-8 from the floor and picked up three rebounds. Van der Knapp also saw significant action in Bradley’s opener against St. Bonaventure, logging 22 minutes and picking up four rebounds.
If the scoring can come along, van der Knapp could solidify himself as a top breakout player for Bradley this season.
Demarion Burch
By Jake Aimone
With Duke Deen gone, someone has to fill the gap as the leader of the Braves. Enter Demarion Burch. Not only is Burch eight inches taller than Deen, but he’s been playing under him for the past two years. Additionally, he’s seen considerable playing time over his freshman and sophomore years.
Burch is poised to be the main point guard and will most likely, barring an injury, start every game this season. The Braves will be relying on the explosive lefty to not only rack up the minutes this season, but to also lead the way in the offensive attack.
Corey Thomas
By Jaylen Harris
Corey Thomas is poised for a breakout senior season when looking at the significant roster turnover. As one of the few returning contributors for Bradley, the 6’10” forward will see a major increase in opportunity and minutes.
Thomas is a highly efficient scorer who shot 53% from the field and 37% from three-point range in his junior year. This versatile skillset – size with floor-stretching ability – makes him an ideal fit for the Braves’ offense, positioning him to become a key offensive focal point and one of the MVC’s most improved players.
Montana Wheeler
Latif Love
Wheeler has impressed to begin the season. He made his mark in Bradley’s exhibition against Green Bay and then provided a spark in their first game of the season against St. Bonaventure. He’s usually the small-led player on a court, but also the toughest. He has an outstanding balance of scoring and playmaking and has looked confident in his shot. It’s rare for Coach Wardle to trust freshman guards early in the season, so he has to have proved himself in practice already. Wheeler could be this year’s Jaquan Johnson.
Mya Wardle
By Mark Wagner
After the exhibition against Saint Louis, Bradley fans found out exactly what Mya Wardle can do on the court against Division I opponents. Coach Pop has shown she’s not afraid to give the freshmen and sophomores a chance to shine, and despite Wardle coming off the bench in all of her Eastern Kentucky appearances, this sentiment applies to her too.
When put in the right environment, the Peoria native can be a starting-caliber guard, which is what she has been at Bradley so far. It’s only been two games, but if Wardle continues her fantastic form, her breakout won’t be far away.
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