Bradley

The Bradley University Braves represent a storied basketball history, blue-collar Midwestern grit, and the passionate community pride of Peoria, Illinois. Bradley's legacy is built upon its "Golden Age" as a national basketball powerhouse, a period that saw the Braves make two appearances in the NCAA National Championship game (1950, 1954) and win three NIT National Championships (1957, 1960, 1964). As a historic cornerstone of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Braves have forged a tough, competitive identity, producing legendary players like Chet "The Jet" Walker and Hersey Hawkins. The program re-captured the national spotlight with a magical run to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen in 2006, adding a modern chapter to its rich March Madness history. Fueled by one of the most dedicated fanbases in The Valley, the Braves create a formidable home-court advantage at Carver Arena, while a proud baseball program boasts its own College World Series history. The Bradley Braves stand as a proud pillar of Missouri Valley basketball, embodying a tradition where hard work and a deep love for the game are passed down through generations.