By: Ben Fries, Jake Zielinski and Madison Pratt
Bradley Basketball has been on an upward trajectory the past two seasons with the men’s team bringing home two straight conference titles, and the women’s team posting back-to-back winning campaigns. However, like the rest of the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic is taking center court for this season. Possible game cancellations, how to work in potential make-up dates and no fans in the stands are just some of the concerns currently facing the teams and athletic department officials.
As reported in Sports Illustrated on Dec. 10, perennial powerhouse Duke University has cancelled the rest of its non-conference men’s basketball games citing COVID-19 concerns. To date, Bradley has been incredibly lucky compared to other schools with only one men’s game called off due to COVID restrictions or concerns. In addition, both the men’s and women’s teams are still playing non-conference games. As the season transitions into conference play, Bradley will hope the luck continues and both teams are able to play complete seasons as scheduled.
Fans Adapt to Abnormal Season
During a year that is anything but normal, both Bradley basketball teams will have to rely on the bench to create the support usually provided by fans in the stands. The energy usually can be felt throughout Carver Arena or Renaissance Coliseum by fans coming to support the Braves. Thanks to COVID restrictions, the only fan support the Braves will be able to feel is virtual.
Junior sports communication major Joe Spotanski regularly attends Bradley basketball games. This year, like everyone else wanting to support the Braves, he has been forced to watch the games online.
“I miss the atmosphere of being able to go to the games,” said Spotanski. “Whenever it was game day there was a real sense of excitement in the air for me and my girlfriend.”
Peoria native and Bradley junior Olivia Richmond has been a Braves supporter since the mid-2000s. Richmond said she is feeling the side effects of not being able to attend games and is missing the atmosphere of the live action during this abnormal season.
“I miss it so much,” said Richmond. “Watching the games online and seeing the student section and the whole arena empty makes me so sad that we aren't there to cheer on the team.”
Teams Prepare for the Season
While not being able to watch the Braves in person is certainly disappointing to most, fans of both teams still have a great deal to look forward to this season. Both teams have started their seasons strong and both the men’s and women’s teams are predicted to be top-three teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Men’s Basketball Team Manager Devin Brevig is intrigued by the start to the season. “Both of our losses were to tough teams and Terry Nolan looks like a great transfer from George Washington.” Brevig went on to say that while the team is still getting adjusted to a new season, signs of promise for the team are appearing.
“Northern Iowa’s best player is hurt and I don’t think there is another team in the Missouri Valley that can compete with us,” he added.
Missouri Valley Conference play starts later this month with both teams looking to advance conference tournament action. The Arch Madness Men’s Basketball Tournament is scheduled for March 4-7 in St. Louis and the Hoops in the Heartland Women’s Basketball Tournament will be played March 11-14 in the Quad Cities. The men have their sites on booking a ticket to March Madness for a third straight year while the women hope to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever.
Currently, the men’s team has a 3-2 record; with both losses coming with less than five points. The team faces off with Jackson State at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Carver Arena. The game will be aired on ESPN3.
The women’s team currently has a 2-2 record. The Braves host Northern Illinois at Renaissance Coliseum on Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. The game also will be aired on ESPN3.
For the most up-to-date information, follow Bradley Men’s Basketball on Twitter @bradleyumbb and Bradley Women’s Basketball on Twitter @bradleyWBB.
Infographic: Link.
Share this post