Highlighted by a 68-55 win at then No. "But I thought transition D was a huge key for us, getting back matching up. His death was . If you want to get me going, just say that. Jones brings coaching experience from the Missouri Valley Conference, Big Ten and Big Sky to the BU staff, filling the void created when longtime assistant coach Drew Adams left earlier this month for Cincinnati. They're gonna get numbers, but I thought we made them shoot a lot of shots to get them, and that's exactly what we wanted.". 2023 www.pjstar.com. To see the players celebrate, they deserve it. He was an assistant coach at Green Bay from 2005-10, before being named Phoenix head coach April 15, 2010. We just got to keep believing and keep getting better and staying humble and hungry one day at a time. "That's something he'll always remember, it's a memory our team will remember. He'd see her every time he came into town. I love 90's R&B. Wardles recruiting efforts at Green Bay resulted in several players of note. We did a good job of taking good shots all game.". G 6-5 Indianapolis, Ind. Spartanburg, SC . Missouri Valley Conference:Path is set: Bradley men's basketball gets schedule. Because that's the loudest I've ever heard Carver Arena. Bradley High School | 2800 Walker Road | Hilliard, OH 43026. [1] As a senior, he averaged 18.8 points per game. You have permission to edit this collection. Moline recorded a big victory over Bradley-Bourbonnais 71-39 on Feb. 24 in Illinois boys high school basketball. "That was my goal, because my parents told me if I wanted to go to college, I'd have to work my way through it," Wardle said. ", More: How Bradley Hall of Famer Lindsay Stalzer ended up back playing volleyball in America. Photo by J.B. Forbes, jforbes@post-dispatch.com, Bradley University's head men's basketball coach Brian Wardle works the sideline on Friday, March 8, 2019, in the second half of a game in theMissouri Valley Conference men's basketball tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Mo. Women's Basketball Hitting the Road for SIU and Missouri State - Bradley University Athletics. I couldn't figure out how a man could swim that long.". And for all the newbies that came today, bandwagoners: I love you, too. Jim played bass guitar. When it was all said and done, Wardles first two recruiting classes at BU graduated as champions as Bradley won back-to-back conference titles for the first time in school history. And I think this group has done that.". I leave that up to the experts to tell me where we're at. The Braves defeated Northern Iowa 57-54. Patterson), Bradley coach Brian Wardle talks to his team as they play against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in North Little Rock, Ark. I don't think anyone walked out of that meeting not believing in it. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik), Bradley head coach Brian Wardle watches his players in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Memphis Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht), Bradley head coach Brian Wardle is seen on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Drake in the semifinal round of the Missouri Valley Conference men's tournament Saturday, March 7, 2020, in St. Louis. It's well-coached, preparation's tremendous, everyone guards you. We got mentally tough for the season. We're gonna celebrate tonight and tomorrow we'll get back to work.". Bradley basketball fans hear Wardle often talk about wanting his teams to be tough and physical. Ferguson had suffered from dementia the last few . Former Bradley University basketball coach Dick Versace, who went on to coach in the NBA, died Feb. 25 in Chicago, which he made his home most of his adult life. "I don't get Coach of the Year, Rienk first team All-Conference, Malevy Defensive Player of the Year, Zek Most Improved team, Ja'Shon Sixth Man, all the guys, all the honors, none of that happens if we don't all work together," Wardle said. Academy for one season before returning to Ensworth as a fitness instructor and assistant coach in volleyball and basketball . "We're happy for him. Bradley C. Collier (VYPE) One of the most surprising teams in the UIL Playoffs are the Klein Oak Panthers. Coffee. It's an obsession of mine. Bradley University Head Men's Basketball Coach Brian Wardle has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He was previously the Wisconsin-Green Bay basketball coach. [4], National champion I'm practice swinging, taking too long to hit my ball, and my grandfather was a very blunt guy, very direct guy. Postseason invitational champion We've gotten to the NCAA Tournament. I think that's such a huge factor for mid-major schools. Now, we'd like to get back and win some games. 7:48 p.m.: Referee showed up in Bradley huddle during timeout and called a T on coach Brian Wardle when they asked him to leave. Jones was associate head coach at ISU the last three seasons . Bradley University 2023 All Rights Reserved 1501 W. Bradley Avenue Peoria, IL 61625. The youngest head coach in Division I when he took over with the Phoenix, Wardles Green Bay teams averaged 19 wins per season while facing stiff competition. Working in the sign shop instilled in the coach a type of work ethic and attention to detail that remains today. There was a problem saving your notification. Dick Versace, one of the most successful men's basketball coaches at Bradley University, died Friday at the age of 81. Biography. Jan 11, 2023 @ 1:20pm. We had a conversation, then I came over for lunch, then a couple days later he chose me. I tried to soak up the whole day, honestly, and the players. The team's schedule is listed below with date, day of week, location, opponent and time, according to bradleybraves.com. I did try to play," Brian Wardle said, laughing. "I went over and got a glass of water. At Lawrence, Bradley was a starter and helped the Vikings to two NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2005-06. More Videos. Final. "I was able to prepare against Bradley, scout, do all that, so I come in here feeling like I know this team pretty well.". I don't know the numbers well enough. I do believe that, no doubt about it, but it's a matter of: Do our numbers add up? 'Part of history':Catching up with Bradley's last Missouri Valley basketball champion. Bradley Beal scored 37 points and Kyle Kuzma added 28 as the short-handed Wizards stifled Trae Young and the Hawks when it mattered most. 15 Miami, Wardle's final Green Bay squad followed with a 24-9 record in 2014-15 and earned an at-large selection to the NIT after finishing as runner-up in the Horizon League regular season and postseason tournament. Wardle was asked to keep wearing a red pair of shoes his wife had bought him. Having reestablished Bradley mens basketball as a championship-level program, Brian Wardle is in his eighth year as head coach of the Braves. They are guys who have helped build this program to sustained success and been a huge part of it. Promotions and Red Sea Email Sign Up 50/50 Raffle PNC Bank Achiever of the Game Molly Maid Game Day Crew Voice of the Braves Coaches Show Yearbook Bradley All-Access Live Events . ', "It was a lot of fun to get on the train and go downtown with him, go to work with him and all the older guys messing with you all day and learn how to do blue-collar work. "But he was a no-nonsense guy, competitive, worked really hard. Is there extra motivation to get back to the tournament because you won the bid in 2020, but you missed out because it got canceled? ATLANTA (AP) The Washington Wizards spoiled Quin Snyder's Atlanta coaching debut, getting 37 points from Bradley Beal and 28 from Kyle Kuzma in a 119-116 victory over the Hawks on Tuesday . 03-01-2023 . Bradley will open play in the MVC Tournament against defending champion Loyola at 2:30 p.m. Friday. . And how Brian Wardlegot his middle name, Murphy. "Hasn't been done in a long time here. Bradley Braves Athletics. Still, Jones says he won't carry any grudge into those rivalry games in 2022-23. 2022-23 Klein Oak Basketball. So last night I probably slept six straight hours. He was head coach at North Dakota from 2006-19, and after the program's transition to NCAA Div.-I, led the team to three Big Sky Conference tournament titles and six postseason appearances in his last eight years. You know what Arch Madness is. Bradley announced Versaces death in a news release Saturday morning, hours before the Braves finished the regular season with a 79-55 win over Valparaiso at Carver Arena. The first game Friday (at the MVC tournament) is always the hardest. He has won nearly 69 percent of his games during his nine years as a Division I head coach, recording seven 20-win seasons. Brian Wardle: A look at the Bradley University basketball head coach. Kenny Strawbridge, UE Sr. G 6-6 Rockford, Ill. (Rockford Lutheran)/Alabama St. Garrett Sturtz, Drake Gr. What to watch for Bradley at the MVC tournament, How to watch Bradleyat the MVCtournament TV, tickets, game time, How Bradley Hall of Famer Lindsay Stalzer ended up back playing volleyball in America, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. And we stayed healthy, knock on wood, this whole regular season and that's what led to a consistent play, and guys being stars in their role. I'm a very competitive person. And being able to get guys a round of applause and get them out of the game in the last minute was big for me. "When we look at the record we have with Reink in the lineup with (Henry) and Zek (Montgomery). Prior to being at North Dakota's helm, Jones was an assistant coach under Steve Alford at Iowa. Visit ESPN for the play-by-play of the Northern Iowa Panthers vs. Bradley Braves NCAAM basketball game on March 3, 2023 . Wardle also remembers, at age 13,how playing golf with his father and grandfatherforever changed him. We got to get better at some things still this week. Conference tournament champion. Dave Eminian is the Journal Star sports columnist, and covers Bradley men's basketball, the Rivermen and . Does Bradley deserve to go? (2000) Coach Bradley has worked as an gym clinician for the past 20 years in over 12 . "I remember so many little things with him like that. PEORIA Former Bradley athletic director and Thornridge basketball coach Ron Ferguson died July 8 at a Peoria senior care facility at age 89. Full Release (PDF) His parents never had to tell him to go practice. "I was very impressed with the whole program," Jones said. . No cause of death was given. We have five 20-win teams in the league. 214-768-2886. Give us a little bit of the day. He had a 95-65 record at Green Bay but failed to make the NCAA Tournament.[2]. People aren't coming out to watch games live as much anymore, and there's multiple factors for that, there's not just one, there's multiple. That was kind of our claim to fame. Congratulations Coach Wardle, and the entire staff. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com, Bradley coach Brian Wardle slows his team as they play against Southern Illinois in the second half of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center on Friday, March 6, 2020. As for recruiting overseas, Drew's connections and relationships are my connections and relationships too. "My strength is player development and game-planning," Jones said. Gr. We eat at 11, and then I go home and relax and then come here and the best part was driving in. "These reflect on the team, on all of us. High Point University has fired men's basketball coach G.G. Ultimately that's our goal. "I would wait 45 minutes, an hour, to get an opportunity. The Celtics announced Wednesday morning that head coach Brad Stevens is transitioning from his head-coaching position to becoming the franchise's new head of basketball operations, replacing . Title. He played basketball at the YMCA, where the young players wore color-coded wristbands so they knew who to guard on the other team. [1], Bradley's current head coach is Brian Wardle. Box Score. Still has it, I think, in his office.". He posted a 73-87 record over parts of three seasons with the Pacers. It remains to be seen how long Coach Wardle will stay with BU, as his success in . He died in 2019. She has been on the Hilltop since Travis Mays was named head coach in 2016. He is the seventh Bradley coach to win the honor. G 6-0 Calumet City, Ill. (Bishop Noll)/Siena, Ben Sheppard, Belmont Sr. G 6-6 Atlanta, Ga. (Greater Atlanta Christian), Bowen Born, UNI So. My favorite. I had no problem being alone, basketball was my outlet for a lot of things.". 1 seed and outright regular-season champion for the first time since 1996. Then the guys would come in at 10:30, and we do our film and walkthrough. "It's crazy how it all worked out. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. I don't think it was my calling. Getting ready for who we might play. "Yeah it is. Feb 1, 2023 @ 7:07pm. We were able to overcome it, but our defense our rebounding and I thought we had good shot selection, too. FIGHTERS: Klein Oak in Regional Semis. Goal's to get back to that NCAA Tournament and hopefully put ourselves in a position to win some games it's one day at a time, one game at a time. We played around hotels, arenas and churches, places like that.". Bradley University head men's basketball coach Brian Wardle has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year during the MVC Awards Banquet on Wednesday, March 1, in downtown St. Louis. "Guitar? The purpose was to honor those coaches who had been successful for many years. Do you guys feel like you could beat anybody in college basketball right now? If we were healthy, I think we would have. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson), Bradley head coach Brian Wardle talks to his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Columbia, Mo. "But when we face them, I'm old enough and been around long enough to know it's a job, it was a tough circumstance. Bradley announced Versace's death in a news release Saturday morning, hours before the Braves finished the regular season with a 79-55 win over Valparaiso at Carver Arena. They are turning heads in H-TOWN. The enigmatic team flopped down the stretch in Snyder's Atlanta coaching debut, losing 119-116 to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sports column for pjstar.com. bradleybraves.com. We'd go up to Wisconsin and he'd get up in the morning and swim the length of Kangaroo Lake, where we stayed, all the way to the other side and back. "I don't care what anyone says: That's the identity of our program. Execution's huge. Login "He picked up the guitar a little bit. It's just a really good league. He was hired in March 2015[2] to replace Geno Ford, who was fired after the 201415 season.[3]. I know it means a lot to the city, to the university, to the community. The Braves and Ramblers split their two regular-season matchups, with Bradley dropping a 78-71 overtime decision on Jan. 8 in Chicago and claiming a 68-61 victory on Feb. 9 at Carver Arena. You better pull your own weight and keep up. . Oh, and it definitely helped my golf game. The Braves added their second regular-season tournament crown under his watch (and just the sixth in school history) with the 2021 Sun Bowl Invitational title. Photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com, Bradley coach Brian Wardle yells at the referee on Sunday, March 10, 2019, during the championship game of the Missouri Valley Tournament that was won by Bradley over Northern Iowa 57-54. ST. LOUIS, Mo. ", More: How to watch Bradleyat the MVCtournament TV, tickets, game time. No Braves player had won it outright. When he needed those 6-inch by 6-inch vinyl adhesive removable signs for the BU floor, he turned to his father. Wardle is the first Bradley coach win league honors since Jim Molinari in 1996. 2022-23 Men's Basketball Coaching Staff. "I'd want to go practice and play that person again. All . I'll reflect on this award in April some time.". Wilkins in transition right away. Wardle led the Braves to a 23-8 overall record and a 16-4 mark in . He was selected by the Boston Celtics in the first round (23rd pick overall) of the 1981 NBA draft.Born in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Bradley was a 6'5" shooting guard from the University of Wyoming.He played in three National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons, from 1981 to 1984, with the Celtics . 1 seed and outright regular-season champion for the first time since 1996. You're playing a really, really good team. And you can find us executing better and better as the year went on, just because we were able to stay healthy and get our rotations down consistently. G 6-0 Greeneville, Tenn. (Greeneville High), Chance Moore, Missouri St. Bradley University Head Men's Basketball Coach Brian Wardle has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. G/F 6-6 Eldridge, Iowa (North Scott High), Darnell Brodie, Drake Sr. F 6-10 Newark, N.J. (Newark East Side)/Seton Hall, Zek Montgomery, Bradley So. Wardle is the first Bradley coach win league honors since Jim Molinari in 1996. Assistant AD for Marketing and Fan Experience . (Doug DeVoe, MVC), Bradley coach Brian Wardle yells to his team against Southern Illinois during first half action of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center on Friday, March 6, 2020. Most of the discussion on BradleyFans.com is about basketball and specifically, Bradley basketball, so click on the top Forum titled Basketball Fan Talk. In his tenure, Bradley has won back-to-back arch madness tournament championships in 2019 and 2020, as well as leading Bradley to their first regular season championship since the 96-97 season, while being the favorites to win 2023's Arch Mandess tournament. 1 seed. Arkansas, Eric Musselman (4th season). Bradley was 8-0 when Wardle wore these shoes. That was one of the hardest things to go through as a coach, when that happened to that group, but we'll see. Dave Eminian is the Journal Star sports columnist, and covers Bradley men's basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. Is that the biggest thing you guys have going for you down there? We stayed in the middle better, and all those things are gonna be huge going into Arch Madness.". Bradley is the No. I have the best staff, just love 'em and our players. F 6-7 State College, Pa. (State College)/Princeton, Cade Tyson, Belmont Fr. During his thirteen seasons as Bradley's head coach he won 197 games. F 6-6 Saskatoon (Athol Murray College of Notre Dame), *Tytan Anderson, UNI So. Transition defense was huge to make up for our turnovers, because 15-15 with the points off turnovers when you have 16 (turnovers) we haven't had that many in a long time. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh), Bradley head coach Brian Wardle calls in a play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Drake in the quarterfinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, Friday, March 2, 2018, in St. Louis. Men's Basketball at Session I - First Round 7 vs 10, 6 vs 11 March 2, 2023 6:00 PM. I felt like two practices, were very efficient, intense. "By the time he won a national championship as a 16-year-old, I knew he was going to be a coach," Jim Wardle said. They were based in Las Vegas, and had an agent who booked them for lounge shows in Vegas and Reno. The BCAM Hall of Fame inducted the first members in 1985. Reach him at 686-3206 or deminian@pjstar.com. And I never played sports, only a little bit in high school. We've got to keep improving and playing with confidence and executing. Wardle earned first-place votes in 37 of 56 ballots, and finished nearly 100 points ahead of Indiana State's Josh Schertz (8 first-place votes) and Belmont's Casey Alexander (8). "Not well, and not for long. Jeanette Bradley: Athletics Business Manager Amanda Brooks: Athletics Accountant Taylor Patterson: Business Office Graduate Assistant . (Manual High)/DePaul, Cameron Henry, IndSt. . "I remember the little details of things with him," the BU coach said. The success showcased by Wardle at Bradley is nothing new for the head coach. Jones was associate head coach at ISU the last three seasons, where he specialized as offensive coordinator and helped the Redbirds to top 3 spots in scoring offense in the Valley the last two years. Brown left the team partway through the 191920 season; Allen coached the last six games of the season. 76-65. We had to be strong with the ball, that was one of the keys to the game offensively downhill and two hands on the ball and be strong. Brian Wardle won the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year award in a vote of media, coaches and SIDs, while senior forward Malevy Leons was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Bradley University has extended the contract of men's basketball coach Brian Wardle through the end of the 2022-2023 season, according to an announcement by Bradley Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds. As expected, he was named MVC Sixth Man of the Year on Wednesday night. The Braves have added the 2019 MVC Sixth Man of the Year and one All-Defensive Team recipient in Wardles seven seasons on campus. Indeed, the coach has it framed. "That's probably right," Jones said, chuckling. I said we're gonna win these next three games starting with Southern we're gonna win it because we're gonna be connected and we're gonna execute and play with all-out effort and play together. PEORIA The Bradley Braves opened the Missouri Valley Conference awards season with a couple of honors on Tuesday, then turned it into a trophy haul on Wednesday. When was the last time you coached in front of a home crowd like that? He had to come put the typeset blocks away. PEORIA The Bradley Braves filled their vacant assistant coach position with former Illinois State associate head coach Brian Jones on Wednesday afternoon. It's a huge, huge factor, and I couldn't be prouder of our guys. Visit ESPN for the box score of the Northern Iowa Panthers vs. Bradley Braves NCAAM basketball game on March 3, 2023 . Whoever we face. Darius (Hannah) has been huge for us all year. "I know they are talented, but I'm even more impressed with the character of the kids here. Bradley led Michigan State at half 35-34, dominating the boards in the first half. ST. LOUIS, Mo. He can be reached at 686-3206 or deminian@pjstar.com. www.uscupstate.edu . Having reestablished Bradley mens basketball as a championship-level program, Brian Wardle is in his eighth year as head coach of the Braves. It was a passion. It pushed me to figure things out, keep up with everyone or be in the lead. Location: Peoria, Illinois Seasons: 119 (1902-03 to 2022-23) Record: 1743-1251 .582 W-L% Conferences: MVC and Ind. "Box 1 I wanted to check while being the coach at Bradley, no doubt. I felt confident. The school's boys basketball program has 14 . STA00221PO23 . "But what really gets me going? I love the size and physicality on the roster, too.". With my bad hip, I definitely don't sleep well, I'm tossing it turning and up a lot. Guard Duke Deen was named to the MVC All-Newcomer team. Here's everything Wardle said in his news conference after Bradley's 73-61 victory over Drake in Peoria: Champions: Bradley beats Drake to win the MVC men's basketball championship. PEORIA, IL - A rising star in the coaching profession, Northwestern Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Kate Popovec has been named the 10th head coach in Bradley University Women's Basketball history, according to an announcement from Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds Wednesday morning. Follow him on Twitter @icetimecleve. He is the only player in Horizon League history to accumulate 2,000 points, 500 assists and 400 rebounds (467) and would eventually play for the Indiana Pacers during his professional career. Not content with a one-year run, Wardle and the Braves repeated as Missouri Valley Conference Champions in 2020 with an 80-66 victory against Valparaiso. The Braves have also been very active within the Peoria community and consistently lead the athletic department in volunteer service, totaling more than 5,000 hours of community service under Wardles leadership. Brian Wardle (born October 9, 1979) is an American college basketball coach and the current men's basketball coach at Bradley University. Bradley University Head Mens Basketball Coach Brian Wardle has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. * Brian Wardle, Bradley $708,920; Dan Muller, Illinois State $564,000 . Versace leaves behind two adult children. (AP Photo/Michael Woods), Bradley coach Brian Wardle on the sidelines against Arkansas during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in North Little Rock, Ark. "Let's see, 7 a.m., what'd I do? They ended up traveling all over the country, everywhere, says Wardle, but Alaska and Hawaii. In 2015, he left to take the coaching job at Bradley, which posted a 9-24 record the season before his arrival . "He was a big swimmer. That included the program's first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Woods). That hurt. Bravescoach Brian Wardle wanted them, and knew just who to get them from: His father, Jim Wardle. Bradley Braves Men's Basketball Coaches. 1 seed and outright regular-season champion for the first time since 1996. ", Technology, trust and an 11-hour flight:How Bradley landed a unique 7-foot-1 recruit. When I work out, when I'm in the car, all the time. After attending Bradley University and playing on the basketball team from 1947-50, he returned as an assistant coach in 1956 and became Bradley's ninth head coach in 1965. Barone grew up on Bradley basketball as his father, the late Tony Barone Sr., was an assistant coach with the Braves from 1978-85. "I've been coaching for 27 years and that was the first time I've ever been on a staff that was let go," Jones said. The Washington Wizards spoiled Quin Snyder's Atlanta coaching debut, getting 37 points from Bradley Beal and 28 from Kyle Kuzma in a 119-116 victory over the Hawks. He's been in the signage business for 45 years. But all we can do is win games.". So is my staff, and I got a great staff. "I always tell the team, 'No individual accomplishments happen without the team around you.' Shane Steichen confirmed Jim Bob Cooter will be the Colts offensive coordinator, Cam Turner will coach QBs and Reggie Wayne will return to coach WRs. To qualify for the Hall of Fame a coach must have coached Varsity/College Head Basketball for 20 years or more and/or accumulated 300 or more victories. Coach. By the time he left, he had set the University of Arkansas and Southeastern Conference all-time records for three-point field goals made (366) and . Wardle is building his own family now. Matthew Ogle. 1 in the U.S. and won a Grammy). I had to pick up my ball and just keep up, keep up. I love proving people wrong. "But defense wins, and you got to have balance on offense this time of year. Bradley opened the 2018-19 season by defeating Penn State in the Cancun Challenge Championship as the Braves claimed their first regular-season tournament trophy since 1983. Bradley lost the game Bradley beat Valpo 80-66 to take the MVC championship. "I'm watching film right now. I mean they're good at choking down in the post and just diving into the ball hand lanes. Bradley won 57-54. No excuses': How Bradley basketball moves forward after a tough week. "That was a scary game," Bradley head coach . "Well, I think we're definitely good enough to go and win games. He knew everything that was going on.". He has a recruiting network from so many years of experience in the game, and we needed those connections with (Drew Adams') departure.