After a postseason lost... THEY’RE ACK

Back to work: Bradley women’s The more things change, the more they stay the same for excited for season ahead Bradley men’s basketball BY JOEY WRIGHT Petree and Haack are compli- BY LARRY LARSON season. return from back-to-back title Assistant Sports Editor mented nicely by the return of Sport Editor East, who received a waiver for squads. fellow starters Nyjah White and On Jan. 25, Bradley men’s basket- immediate eligibility, is a candidate Despite the graduation of starting For Bradley women’s basket- Tatum Koenig. White provides a ball had just seven players available to replace Brown as . As Koch Bar, the confidence is ball, there are a wealth of reasons balanced attack that features scor- for its road game against Indiana a freshman, the 6-foot-3-inch East high among the group. to believe that the best stretch in ing and rebounding, while Koenig is State. With just six scholarship play- led Massachusetts with 4.9 assists “I don’t think we’re going to program history will continue this a floor general that gives the Braves ers in the rotation, the Braves fell by per game to go along with 9.3 points. struggle rebounding,” Childs, last season. a strong presence at the point. eight points. In comparison, Brown averaged 4.7 season’s leading rebounder, said. On the heels of a 2019-2020 “I mean, it’s hard not to have Head coach Brian Wardle doesn’t assists per contest last season. “Reink Mast can space the floor. All campaign that saw the Braves your top defender not guarding anticipate running into that situation Sophomore guards Ville Tah- we need Ari to do is catch, turn and finish 22-7 and 13-5 in the Missouri Nyjah,” Gorski said. “And like I said, again this season. As Bradley begins vanainen and Antonio Thomas dunk, , shots … I think Valley Conference, the Braves Tatum’s come along so well.” its quest for its third straight Missou- could also receive big minutes after this frontcourt is probably going to enter the upcoming season with Mahri Petree is also expected to ri Valley Conference tournament title playing roles off the bench last year. be the best frontcourt in the MVC.” higher expectations than ever be- have a big sophomore season. Last and first regular season champion- Tahvanainen was second to Kennell With innumerous talent amongst fore. Bradley was chosen to finish season, Petree was a member of ship since 1996, depth may be the in 3-point percentage and averaged the group, team cohesiveness second in the conference behind the MVC’s all-freshman team and team’s biggest strength. over six points per game. Thomas remains paramount, especially in Missouri State in the preseason emerged as a regular threat from “Anybody can start, any given started seven games and stepped up 2020,which saw limited summer poll that was released on Oct. 13. behind the arc in 29 appearances off night,” senior forward Elijah Childs during Brown’s midseason injury. practices and off-court bonding But why all the hype for these the bench. said. “We could have guys that can Add in Kingsby, who averaged experiences. Braves, who are slated to begin “She’s so versatile,” Gorski said. play multiple positions. We have nearly eight points per game last “Chemistry is gonna be big,” MVC play on Dec. 31 versus “This year, it’s gonna be hard not to guys coming off the bench that can season, and Wardle has no shortage Wardle said. ”Our basketball IQ, how Drake? have her on the floor. She’s just im- start, play multiple positions and of options at the one and two guard smart this team is in picking up the For starters, Bradley returns four proved in so many areas defensive- finish games for us.” positions. offense and the schemes, is going mainstays from last season’s start- ly, especially. She’s always one of While the Braves return two “[McAdoo and Nolan] have a to be very important. Just getting ing lineup, including preseason our best rebounders . I have seen a starters, including Childs and fellow great feel for our system, our cul- the newcomers to understand what Missouri Valley Conference player lot of progress with her.” senior Danya Kingsby, much of ture,” Wardle said. “Very talented; we stand for in our program. That’s of the year Lasha Petree and fellow Though four of Bradley’s five the squad’s depth will come from a quick, fast, they can playmake, they the unselfish play, we protect each first-team honoree Gabi Haack. starters will return and continue sizable class of newcomers – three can guard … I like our guard play, it’s other and we play for each other … Petree and Haack are staying playing at a high level, there is one transfers and five freshmen. very deep.” so far, it’s been really good. All our focused on the end goal despite the major area that Bradley will have to Those three transfers – junior guards Much of the team’s newfound transfers and newcomers have really accolades. address: the loss of Chelsea Brack- Terry Nolan and Kevin McAdoo depth is in the frontcourt, a spot bought in to the system and to the “Those are just preseason mann due to graduation. and sophomore guard Sean East II where Bradley was particularly thin culture of the program.” awards,” Petree said. “It’s a great Brackmann departed as Brad- – all enter with previous Division-I last season. All five of the team’s That culture, established by now- honor to be recognized in that ley’s all-time leading rebounder and experience and figure to make an freshmen can play forward, after tried-and-true mantras such as “be way. But personally, it doesn’t averaged 9.5 points per game in her immediate impact in the backcourt only featuring five total forwards last a star in your role” and “compete, change how we look at the season 117 career games. following the graduation of Darrell season. defend, rebound,” is what Childs and and how we’re going to go about Options exist for filling the role Brown and Nate Kennell. Of those five freshmen, Rienk others point to as a difference-maker things.” vacated by Brackmann. Return- “With Nate and DB, we lost Mast is the most experienced, having across the last two seasons. Though attention is rightfully ing senior forward Emily Marsh scoring,” Nolan, who redshirted last played for of the Dutch Bas- This season, that culture has taken directed toward Petree and Haack, headlines the cast of post players season in Peoria, said. “I kind of got ketball League. After tearing his ACL another step forward according to Bradley boasts a deep team that available at Andrea Gorski’s dispos- to pick up that role a little bit with during the summer of 2019 playing those in the locker room. will require a careful look at the al, and could play a big role in the the scoring aspect, leading, 3-point in the Netherlands, Mast spent his “We have a very vocally led team entire roster. conference portion of the season shooting and definitely defense also.” first season with the team rehabbing. this year, it seems like, more than the “Yes, everyone’s gonna be fo- after recovering from hip surgery. Nolan has shown off his scoring The 6 foot-9 inch, 240-pound Dutch- past years that I’ve been here,” Henry cused on them,” head coach Andrea Six-foot-2-inch forward Veronika and passing ability before in two man has impressed those inside the said. “A player-led team is what the Gorski said. “And they’re gonna Roberts should also be in store for a seasons at George Washington, program with his versatility. coaches always kind of preach and be probably one and two on the averaging 9.8 points and two assists In addition to Childs – the team’s scouting report. But you can’t real- per game. McAdoo has also scored leading returning scorer and lone see MEN’S PREVIEW ly spend all your time focusing on see WOMEN’S PREVIEW at a similar rate, averaging 8.6 points All-Conference preseason first-team those two, because there’s a lot of on page A3 on page A3 per game in two seasons at Eastern selection – junior forward Ja’Shon weapons ready to go on our team.” Michigan before his transfer redshirt Henry and junior center Ari Boya, A2 THE SCOUT November 13, 2020 ONE-ON-ONE Who has the best uniforms in the MVC?

Indiana State vs. Valparaiso

It’s not the blue that Larry Bird Out of all the threads worn by wore, but it’s better. the Missouri Valley Conference Indiana State has always raised basketball squads, Valparaiso’s dark the jersey game in the Missouri yellow road uniforms should be Valley Conference, and these royal considered the best. blue jerseys with white and black Being a traditionally bright accents bring a lot to the table. color, it’s well-known that yellow The jersey uses the classic is difficult to deal with when Indiana State lettering, with the first considering the visual appeal of a “I” being the state outline. The letters sports uniform. You could go with are white with a black outline, and the University of Oregon approach, in between the two words is the where your eyes may hurt while players’ number in black, outlined looking at a brightly-colored jersey in white. for 40 minutes. On each side of the jersey is a On the other hand, you could TRending UPWARD: solid white stripe that slowly breaks try the Jacksonville Jaguars color up and eventually turns to black as rush uniform and its horrendous it progresses down the side. The rest attempt at a dark yellow design. High Expectations nothing new for Gabi Haack of the jersey is a solid royal blue But the balance found by Valparaiso that sharpens the white and black to incorporate the exact shade of BY JOEY WRIGHT sophomore and junior seasons. But that high going into a conference Assistant Sports Editor again, St. Michael-Albertville was tournament. So last year, going to the accents. yellow in their uniforms makes it Bradley senior Gabi Haack has there to deny Elk River a chance at tournament I was really pumped.” The shorts are also primarily one of the most appealing basketball the state playoffs in the sectional title Of course, the ongoing pandemic royal blue with a solid black stripe uniforms in the MVC. good reason to believe that her senior campaign will be her best game. But it was during Haack’s final thwarted the Braves’ chance at making on the side that slowly breaks up and And, of course, Valparaiso’s one yet. season as an Elk that the tide finally a run in the postseason after a 22-7 transitions to a solid white stripe at jersey is one that stands out from She enters the 2020-21 season turned. regular season. But the bitter taste the bottom. On the lower left side of the rest. They are the only team as a member of the preseason all- The Elks again won the conference of last season will not serve to stop the shorts, a patch of the Sycamores’ in the MVC to frequently don a Missouri Valley Conference and and, after a 32-0 season, reigned as the Braves from fighting back this logo finishes it off. uniform with yellow as the main will play a key role on a Bradley Minnesota AAAA state champions. year. Bradley returns a solid core and Now, with respect to the color. team that has more expectations For her contributions to the run, figures to be in the conversation for a Haack was named Minnesota’s conference title yet again. Crusaders, yellow and brown is not However, the primary jersey than ever before. But it wasn’t all that long ago Gatorade Player of the Year. It’s not just a conversation, either. a good pairing, so these all yellow color is not the be-all and end-all “So my career is kind of similar It is a pursuit that the entire team is jerseys are hard to gaze upon. of the aesthetic. The white letters that Haack was a preps standout in Elk River, Minnesota. Oddly to my high school career is kind focused on. The shortened ‘VALPO’ on the spelling ‘VALPO’ outlined by a thin enough, the successes that Haack of similar to college,” Haack said. “I think their perspective is chest in white is nice, and the shield and dark brown border are a nice has enjoyed at both levels mirror “Starting [with a .500 winning single-focused,” head coach Andrea on the side of the shorts is a good touch to the front of the uniform. each other closely. percentage], and then we just kind of Gorski said. “It’s win a Missouri Valley touch, but it takes a lot to make all The players’ names and numbers “I started playing basketball in slowly get better.” championship and that’s what their yellow look good, and in this case, are listed on the back of the jersey kindergarten. Absolutely loved it,” Before Haack could contribute goal is individually and they’re not this jersey leaves much to be desired. in similar fashion, and the uniform’s Haack recalled. “My dad was my toward Bradley’s improving culture, going to be happy unless we do that.” she had to make the decision to attend Haack enters her senior season as a You could make an argument shorts feature the dark yellow with coach. And he ended up coaching me all the way up until my eighth the school. It was assistant coach member of the MVC’s all-conference that there are better jerseys in this a Valparaiso logo stitched on one of Paul Fessler who had a conversation preseason team. It’s the first time she’s conference than the Sycamores road the sides. grade year. And I played other sports, volleyball, softball, but it with Haack’s high school head coach, been tabbed for the preseason honor, blue, but the Valparaiso all-yellow Indiana State’s solid blue wasn’t the same as basketball.” which eventually led to in-person but far from the first time she’s been option is not one of those arguments. uniforms with white lettering are Haack, who had a small scouting at an AAU game and Haack’s recognized among the conference’s a very close second to Valparaiso’s basketball court in her backyard first visit to the Hilltop with her best. Twice an all-MVC first-teamer, road uniforms. However, the – a lane, as she recalls – simply parents. she was thrice a Valley player of the vibrant and unique color scheme of was not invested in those other “When I got here, got to meet week award winner last season. the former puts it at the number one sports to the extent that she was all the coaches, got a tour of the “It’s deserved,” Gorski said of campus, got to meet the team,” Haack Haack and fellow honoree Lasha spot in the MVC. in basketball. “Basketball was always my first said. “And I just loved everything Petree. “I mean, they work extremely love,” Haack said. And I always about it. The facilities were amazing. hard. They are always in the gym. love going to basketball practice ... The coaches were very nice and They love the game, they want to win. the other practices, I just did not personable … Driving home after They’ve taken a lot of pride in moving want to go to them. But I loved the visit, I was just talking with my this program forward.” every second of basketball.” parents and I just like it just kind of The accolades and expectations Every summer, Haack feels like a no brainer to go there.” only add to a list of memories that competed in a shooting and Haack’s freshman year at Bradley have piled up over Haack’s four years dribbling competition in her was rather quiet. Haack had a nice on the Hilltop. Haack said beating hometown. Her rebounder was campaign, starting 21 of 31 games and Drake last season was a particularly her father, Dan, who Haack averaging 10.4 points per game and a fond memory, but not necessarily the credits as her biggest supporter in tick under six rebounds. The season best one from her time at Bradley basketball. resulted in a spot on the MVC all- thus far. “He taught me so many skills freshman team. All parties involved “As far as memories, I guess most that I couldn’t have learned like will point to the team’s record first, of my memories are just the time I get any other way,” Haack said. “ though, and the 13-18 mark that the to spend with my team,” Haack said. He taught me how to be a hard Braves posted was soon to improve. “I’ve been close with all my teammates worker, how to set goals and just Haack’s sophomore season ended on all the teams I’ve been on. So all everything like that.” with a loss to Illinois State in the those memories and the friendships At Elk River High School, MVC tournament – a frustrating loss, I’ve developed is one of the biggest Haack’s teams started off slow. said Haack, to a team that Bradley had things that stands out to me.” A four-year varsity starter, she downed twice in the regular season. recalled that the Elks only won But the Braves were proving they about half of their games during were ready to compete with a 20-win her freshman campaign. However, season. the Elks mounted a run to the “My junior year, I was like, okay, sectional final before falling to this is like our year to actually do St. Michael-Albertville in the something in the Valley,” Haack said. sectional championship game. “And we actually got the win record - MATT LUCAS - NICK ZOLL The team continued to for the school. And then we were improve, winning the conference projected, we got that third ranking, championship in Haack’s which we’ve never gotten ranked November 13, 2020 THE SCOUT A3

As the old adage goes, “The more Basketball Preview Verano in the ability to play quality different than previous years. MEN’S PREVIEW things change, the more they stay minutes at any point in the game. “But I definitely think we have continued from page A1 the same.” WOMEN’S PREVIEW Expect Bradley to use all of the more motivation this year to go get So, despite the new-look ros- continued from page A1 assets at its disposal as the season a championship because we did get that’s what I’ve noticed.” ter and changes brought about by big sophomore campaign. moves along. cut and that kind of hurt . to not Having earned an NCAA Tour- COVID-19, the goals and the mantras From there, the Braves boast a “I think last year, we played even get to play for the chance of the nament bid each of the last two preached in the Braves’ locker room strong cast of newcomers, including seven, eight continuously decent championship,” Petree said. seasons, the Braves are hungry for remain. 6-foot-4-inch center Uche Ufochuk- minutes,” Gorski said. “I think this COVID-19 also had an impact that same taste of success. How- “We get after it, we still do our wu, who will play out her senior sea- year, you’re going to see us in 10 or on the offseason, as Bradley and ever, revenge is a dish best served regular stuff … As far as the season, son on the Hilltop after spending the 11. So, very deep team, we’re two other teams were forced to design cold and the team knows that come I really don’t think a lot of things are previous four seasons at Winthrop. or three deep at every position. And summers around largely individual conference play, they’ll be circled on changed,” Childs said. “My expec- Although her tenure with the Eagles that’s the first time that’s been the workouts. But that hasn’t been a opponents’ calendars. tations for this year are to just be was affected by injuries, she should case since I’ve been here.” huge detriment to the Braves, who “We have to act like we haven’t in the same spot that we were last make an immediate impact in Peoria To focus too intently on last continue to gel as a unit. won anything; I think that’s the year… I want to be at the top of the as the tallest player on the Braves’ season is a grave mistake. This year’s “We did a lot of individual work- biggest thing,” Childs said. “If you get league. I feel like this team can be at roster. Bradley squad – and every Division-I outs and everything,” Haack said. too comfortable, you can get passed the top of the league.” Freshmen Tete Danso, Sami Mar- team, for that matter – is a new one “But recently, [in] the last month, by. We just stay hungry and be ready tin and Isis Fitch round out a deep with a fresh start. But what was we’ve been able to play together. And to work every day we step on that frontcourt for Bradley that should left unfinished last season was the we’re learning how to play together floor.” have little problem defending the story of arguably the best season in with the newcomers. And it’s been basket. It’s no surprise that four of Bradley’s history, with the ongoing really fun, like we’ve been working No shortage of motivation for Childs Bradley’s five newcomers have the pandemic forcing the cancellation of really hard, really competitive.” opportunity to make contributions postseason play. With a new season on the hori- entering senior season early on. How does that change the way zon, the Braves are ready to get back It seems as if Childs shines the “Our five newcomers fit in Bradley’s key players are focusing on to work. BY LARRY LARSON “We’ve got a lot of soul on this Sports Editor brightest in the spotlight. In the final perfectly with our team,” Gorski the upcoming season? team,” Petree said. “I think this team When senior forward Elijah game of his sophomore season, he said. “They just blend in really well. “The main goal of your season is is hungry. It’s the team where every Childs was a freshman, then-senior led the Braves with 19 points in their They’re quick learners, they’re very to get to that tournament, and then single person on the team wants a star and starting forward Donte narrow first-round loss to Michigan competitive as well. And they all win that tournament,” Haack said. ring. Everyone wants the champion- Thomas kept his words of wisdom State in the NCAA Tournament. bring something different.” “So just not having that just kind of ship, everyone’s on the same page, simple to the up-and-comer. Last season, in a road loss against Bradley’s other newcomer, junior felt like our season was unfinished, and everyone’s looking to get every- “Just hard work, stay in the gym,” nationally ranked Memphis, Childs Chloe Rice, offers the Braves an add- like, we have something [still left] to one else better too, not just them- Childs said of Thomas’ advice. “He picked up the Braves when Brown ed backcourt depth. Rice played reg- do. So I’m definitely extra hungry.” selves. So I think that we’re gonna be just told me just to play my game struggled, scoring 21 points against ularly in a depth role at St. Louis and Petree agrees, and added that the really good with that.” and let the game come to me.” soon-to-be NBA draft pick, Precious joins Annah Interrante and Violetta team won’t approach this season any Three years later, Childs’ game Achiuwa. has led him to a laundry list of “I think it just says I live for those Koenig embraces role of ‘The General’ accolades entering his senior season; big games,” Childs said. “If I feel like we’re underappreciated or some- 2019 Missouri Valley Conference BY JONATHAN MICHEL coach at West Branch High School the offseason. She’s a strong passer, tournament most outstanding player, body’s talking about another team Contributor and encouraged his daughter to play pacing the Braves with 108 assists more than they’re talking about us, 2019-20 All-Conference second team, The Bradley women’s basketball football starting in fourth grade. in 2019, but that’s not enough to don’t give us respect, I take that to 2020 MVC All-Tournament team and team bestowed the nickname “The Koenig’s football career culminated in satisfy her. Having better vision and heart and I go out and play.” 2020 Preseason All-Conference first General” on point guard Tatum earning defensive MVP honors in her executing more skilled passes are two In this season’s non-conference team, to name a few. Koenig. It only seems fitting, since one season of playing in high school. focal points for Koenig this upcoming slate, the Braves’ Dec. 22 date with As Bradley’s top returning scorer the junior’s biggest goal is to lead the Cross country, track and softball season. Mizzou is already circled on the cal- entering the 2020-21 campaign, the Braves on a conquest of the Missouri also appear on Koenig’s athletic Koenig chose Kyrie Irving as an endar for Childs. During the Kansas 6-foot-8-inch star is far from a well- Valley Conference title. resume. She mentions that her NBA player she’d like to emulate on City native’s senior year at Lee’s kept secret. His paint presence and Koenig’s leadership role is teammates have always played a big the court, citing his passing and ball- Summit West High School, Childs’ left-hand hook have been known by showcased on the court, but also role in enjoying whatever sport she’s handling as something she’s always Titans lost the state championship opponents in and out of the Valley. extends to the huddle, the locker played. This year, Koenig looks to wanted to emulate. Irving’s ability to basketball game in blowout fashion Following the graduation of room and off the court. A point finish at the at Mizzou Arena. leading scorer and volume shooter guard is to a basketball team what a rim is a feature “I’m definitely looking forward to Darrell Brown and paint defender quarterback is to a football team. that the 5-foot- the game,” Childs said. “I got a little Koch Bar, Childs’ role as a scorer and After leading the team in assists in 7-inch Koenig revenge coming for Mizzou … It defensive juggernaut will become 2019-20, Koenig pairs up again with plans to add to just means a lot for my family, they even more prevalent. Lasha Petree, Gabi Haack and Nyjah her arsenal, but can come to the Despite the seniority, White, all holdovers from last year’s scoring is not a game and it’s Childs’ mindset remains starting lineup. particular issue close to home the same as in previous “The experience we’ve gotten the for her. Koenig and I just want years. last three, four years is what’s put us at averaged 7.6 to put on a good “I feel like the team the top,” Koenig said. “It’s going to be points per performance for does look to me to get us amazing what we’re going to be able contest in her them and get a going, if we are struggling, to do.” sophomore win.” to go get a bucket and rally Coach Andrea Gorski’s team is year while That chip- Photo by Kayla Johnson everybody,” Childs said. seeking redemption after finishing her on-the-shoulder “But my mindset doesn’t third in the conference before their inspire and energize her fellow Braves percentage astoundingly stood near mentality has change. I want to win. I like season was cut short by the pandemic. in a season of uncertainty. 50 percent, compared to 40 percent in done the Braves to win, even if I’m not scor- This year, Koenig believes that this her freshman season. well the past “Bradley fans can expect me ing, I can do other things. Braves team can dethrone nationally Koenig can be a true force for two seasons on to keep the team engaged this year Rebound, block shots, bring ranked Missouri State on top of the Bradley in the 2020-21 season, but their way to because we don’t know if we’re going guys along, pick guys up.” Valley. she spoke little of how her play would back-to-back to have fans at our games,” Koenig According to Bradley “I think we have more threats,” benefit herself. Instead, she repeatedly MVC Tourna- said. “We don’t even know if we’re head coach Brian Ward- Koenig said. “We’re just going to emphasized how her play would help ment Cham- going to have all our games this le, the senior’s off-court amp up what we did last year. We’re others. pionships and season.” contributions have been going to be better in transition, better “I want to be more known as a based on Childs’ A good leader ensures that innumerous as he’s picked defenders and get more steals.” passer just because we have so many demeanor, that their teammates are also receiving up a leadership role, much She said a big focus of the team’s offensive threats on our team like won’t be chang- encouragement. Koenig certainly like Thomas led him. preseason practices is being more Lasha, Gabi and Nyjah, so I know ing. checks that box, singing high praise “It’s kind of how our active on defense and scoring more my role is more to find them and get Even as the for a number of teammates, notably program has grown,” Ward- points per game. Bradley ranked them open,” Koenig said. awards, honors Haack and White. le said. “You want your eighth out of the 10 teams in the The Braves have stars on their and champi- The Bradley women welcome five juniors and seniors to guide Missouri Valley in steals with 6.6. roster this year, namely the preseason onships have newcomers this year, one of them and help the freshmen and Their scoring offense ranked third at Player of the Year in Petree and accumulated being fellow Iowan Chloe Rice, a sophomores along, and 70.5 points per game, but the Braves another first team all-conference for Bradley’s transfer from St. Louis. Koenig noted Elijah is a perfect example are now without the services of lone senior in that adding freshmen such as Tete member in Haack. However, it is of that … He’s a vocal and forward Chelsea Brackmann. the frontcourt, Danso and Sami Martin in the paint safe to say that one of the biggest by example leader, and you Koenig is adamant that Braves fans if you ask him, diversifies the array of weapons the cornerstones of Bradley’s success is love having leaders that will see her and her teammates engage there’s still plen- Braves have at their disposal. Koenig. can do both.” in more aggressive gameplay this ty to accomplish. “We’ve just been learning what our With her at the controls, the Braves However, it’s tough to season. However, the Iowa native is “I’ve put the work in, I’ve waited strengths and weaknesses are over the seem poised to have their best season find a game where Childs fails to mild-mannered off the court, enjoying my time and I definitely feel like this past month and a lot of the freshmen in recent memory, provided they play contribute in a big way in the scoring reading, hiking and biking in her free is the year that we get that number brought in different strengths,” Koenig their full slate of games. Uncertainties department. Throughout the 2019-20 time. one spot and I get the player of the said. about the season aside, Koenig has season, he averaged 14.8 points per She also happens to co-own a year,” Childs said. Bradley’s point guard is no her sights set on only one thing: game, along with 8.7 rebounds and tarantula with her mom, a science different, addressing the stronger “An MVC title.” 1.3 blocks. teacher. Her dad was a football and weaker parts of her game over A4 THE SCOUT November 13, 2020 Then & Now: Gorski’s BU playing career shapes coaching experience

Bradley head coach Andrea Gorski draws a play during a timeout in a game against Southern Illinois in Andrea Gorski drives past a defender in a 1991 game against Indiana State. Photo via Scout Archives. February 2020. Photo by Kayla Johnson. BY JACOB STEINBERG played. In 1996, she was inducted she did. Players are now limited to a program that rarely finished more changing landscape of the sport to Contributor into the Bradley Athletics Hall of 20 hours of team activity per week, than a few games over .500 while she help build a winning culture at her Fame. which wasn’t a rule during her was away. When she came back to alma mater. Now in her fifth season An alma mater is a source of pride Since Gorski last took the court, playing days. her alma mater in 2016, the team had of coaching the Braves, the team for many college graduates, and the women’s basketball landscape “If our coach wanted to have us gone through four straight losing is going for a third-straight 20-win Bradley Women’s Basketball head has changed dramatically. Recruiting, practice and watch film and do all seasons and three straight seasons season, which would be a first in coach Andrea Gorski is no exception. for example, used to be done by that for 30 hours a week, they could with single-digit win totals. program history. The Dearborn, Michigan native going to basketball camps and tips on have,” Gorski said. “If we had a bad However, the turnaround under As a graduate of the program that was a point guard for the Braves players from certain high schools. game and we wanted to get off the Gorski gained the program more she is now in charge of, Gorski’s during her college career and was “That’s how Bradley found me: at bus and practice at midnight, we positive exposure through the experience at Bradley is a primary responsible for running the offense an all-star camp in Indiana,” Gorski could have.” media. Because of the MVC’s rights motivator for her coaching style on the court. She chose to come to said. “Recruiting is probably more Since those rules have been in deal with ESPN, every game is now “I came as an 18-year-old the Hilltop because of a feeling of efficient now than it used to be.” place, players have been able to televised through ESPN+ or ESPN3. to Bradley … not as confident community amongst peers. That’s because the sport is now shape their own college life. Women’s basketball was rarely as I should have been and it’s “It was a perfect size where I based on exposure, mostly through “[Players] definitely have more televised during Gorski’s playing transformed me and I felt after my felt like I could get to know enough the AAU travel circuit. say in what their experience looks career. time at Bradley, I just really, truly felt people and professors and be able to “Now . you find [players] at a like,” Gorski said. “The players really “I think there’s more attention like I could do anything,” Gorski said. leave my mark,” Gorski said. tournament that has 50 games going have probably more time now in to women’s basketball now … the “That’s really what drives me now as Gorski left that mark on the all- on in the same facility and then terms of away from basketball than caliber of players we have now a coach, is I want our young women time women’s basketball leaderboard you’ll follow up and go to their high we did.” coming into Division I basketball to feel that, you know, gain that at Bradley, as she finished her career school game a few months later,” Since Gorski graduated from programs, it’s higher,” Gorski said. “I confidence freshman year through with 980 career points, which is 21st Gorski said. the Hilltop in 1992, the women’s think people, probably the casual fan, their senior year.” on the all-time scoring list, fourth in From a player’s standpoint, the basketball program at Bradley has appreciate the women’s game more career assists, seventh in three-point players Gorski now coaches have an seen ups and downs. A 21-win now than they used to.” field goals and eighth in minutes entirely different college life than season in 2009 was the high point of All told, Gorski has used the Dutch Dynamite: After redshirt season, Mast looks to continue BU’s international movement BY HERNAN GUTIERREZ “[Why I moved on to basketball] he believed Bradley offered him the feel a part of the team … I don’t like round out his lineup. Sports Reporter is still a question my dad always asks academic challenges to succeed in his winning without doing anything.” “He’s a unique … skilled big that me,” Mast said. “Nobody else played physics major. Mast was cleared for competition you just don’t see many of,” Wardle In recent years, the Bradley it, so how did I end up wanting to “Next to basketball, I like to also back in June, but he also recognizes said. “He’s a really good passer. I basketball program has established a play it?” be challenged in education,” Mast that there is still room for him to think with his basketball IQ … and legacy of recruiting European stars. Basketball started to become said. “I wanted to [go to] a university improve and recover. feel, he gives us another weapon.” Now, after a season on the sidelines a serious part of Mast’s life when that had a good education in my “Ever since [June], I’ve been Looking ahead to the upcoming due to injury, redshirt freshman he entered high school. While major.” trying to get back into my original season, while there is still work to be hopes to continue that academics and athletics tend to be shape,” Mast said. “After a whole year done, the goal is clear for Mast and The 19-year-old already has a tradition. separate for most European student- of sitting out with this kind of injury, list of impressive accolades on the the rest of the Braves. Growing up in the Netherlands, athletes, Mast attended TopSport it’s not going to be the same right court. Mast was named the Dutch “We still [have] a lot of work to basketball wasn’t a family tradition TalentSchool in his hometown of away.” Basketball League’s Youth Player of for Mast. Instead, he and his family . There, his class schedule The 6-foot-9-inch, 240-pound do,” Mast said. “I think we got all the the Year and Most Improved Player played korfball, a game that shares worked around his club’s practices. star is clearly a force to be reckoned pieces we need to be really, really of the Year playing for his hometown similarities with both basketball and Mast started to make a name for with, and head coach Brian Wardle good . The goal is first and foremost club Donar in 2019. netball. However, he knew from a himself and was soon called on to is excited to finally get to use Mast to It was with Donar that Mast ran [to] win a third championship.” young age that basketball was his try out for the youth national team into injury problems, tearing his Rienk Mast true calling. and made the cut. At the U16 level, ACL early in 2019. His subsequent pumps his fist “Since I was seven, I always said I his team took the silver medal in surgery and rehab benched him for in celebration wanted to play basketball,” Mast said. the 2017 International Basketball during the the Braves’ repeat tournament title “You couldn’t get on a team [until] Federation European Division B 2020 MVC season last year. Despite being on the you were eight … Right on my eighth championships. A year later, he Champion- team for its championship run, Mast birthday, the next day I was at my captained his team to a gold medal at ship game felt disconnected from the process. first basketball practice.” the U18 level. on March 8, “It’s extremely tough not being 2020. Photo Making the transition from Coming to the United States able to do anything,” Mast said. “You by Anthony korfball to another ball and net to play basketball was always in can still do a lot of things — of course Landahl. sport was easy for Mast at a young Mast’s plan. Thanks to his success in in a limited role — but you can’t age. While picking basketball was a Europe, Mast was recruited by many really show what you mean. You’re a no-brainer for him, it left some of his different colleges. While athletics part of the team, but you don’t really family members confused. have always been his main focus,