Bradley sophomore Elijah Childs wasted no time making his presence known on the court last season. But the 6-foot-7-inch forward’s story didn’t start on the hardwood, it started on the football field.
Childs grew up as a football fan in Kansas City, Missouri, hauling in receptions, rather than rebounds. He didn’t start playing basketball until the eighth grade, which is why his incredible freshman season at Bradley was so unexpected.
“It was amazing seeing my growth as an individual player and seeing my team come together as a unit and dominate the court like we want,” Childs said.
Last year, Childs played in all 33 games and started 11 of them. He averaged eight points per game and was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team.
Childs has had a busy offseason. Over the summer, he focused on expanding his range beyond the three-point line and fine-tuning his decision making skills.
“My perimeter shooting as well as my strength and conditioning routine has increased a lot and [I’m] learning to be places at the right time,” Childs said. “I’m not a mind reader, but I try to read what my teammates are going to do to judge on where to go.”
Head coach Brian Wardle also noted the work Childs has put in to better his game over the offseason.
“His body’s stronger and he’s more comfortable in the system,” Wardle said. “His jump shot has come a long way. He’s very comfortable in the post. I think he’s just going to get better and better too.”
This season, fans are wondering if Childs can fill the shoes of Donte Thomas at power forward. Last year, Childs had the opportunity to play alongside Thomas and said he’s ready to take on the role and make it his own.
“It was good playing behind him because I looked up to him in a way,” Childs said. “He taught me how to be a leader on and off the court regardless of my ranking. I know I’m not a senior, but we all need to be leaders on the team.”
Three weeks ago, freshman center Ari Boya suffered an ankle injury, which will keep him out for 10-12 weeks. Due to the injury, Childs will see more time at the five and will play a lot of his starting minutes alongside junior center Koch Bar, who he’s had a lot time to mesh with.
“They’re different players,” head coach Brian Wardle said. “Elijah’s strengths aren’t Koch’s strengths and Koch’s strengths aren’t Elijah’s strengths, so they really combine very well together and play off each other well. With Elijah and Koch, it’s going to be a lot of fun to see how they develop together.”
As for the team, Childs believes they’ve grown closer, which will help them stick together throughout the course of the season.
“We’ve done more bonding whether it’s at tailgates, coach’s house or other games at school. We’re a lot closer and I think it’s going to carry us a long way.”
Childs knows there’s more to learn and he’s dedicated to bettering himself everyday. The second chapter of his Bradley career is just getting under way.
