Bradley Braves take new approach to transfer portal

Head coach cites need to address point guard issues after Arch Madness losses

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange representing the dynamic action on the court.Bradley's new transfer portal strategy aims to bolster the team's point guard depth and size to overcome recent postseason struggles.Peoria Today

Bradley Braves head coach Brian Wardle has decided to take a new approach to the NCAA transfer portal this offseason, citing issues the team has faced with larger point guards during the Arch Madness tournament. Wardle acknowledged that the team has been 'troubled' by these matchup problems in recent years and is looking to address them through strategic portal additions.

Why it matters

The transfer portal has become a crucial part of roster management in college basketball, allowing teams to quickly fill gaps and upgrade talent. Bradley's new strategy in this area could have a significant impact on their competitiveness in the Missouri Valley Conference and their chances of returning to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Wardle said the team has struggled against bigger point guards in the Arch Madness tournament, which is the Missouri Valley Conference postseason championship. He believes addressing this issue through the transfer portal will be a key focus this offseason as the Braves look to build a roster capable of making a deep tournament run.

  • The Arch Madness tournament takes place each March.
  • The NCAA transfer portal opens annually after the conclusion of the college basketball season.

The players

Brian Wardle

The head coach of the Bradley Braves men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In Arch Madness we've been beaten by some bigger point guards, it has troubled us”

— Brian Wardle, Head Coach, Bradley Braves

What’s next

Wardle and his staff will be actively scouring the NCAA transfer portal in the coming weeks and months, looking to add a talented point guard who can help the team overcome their recent struggles against larger opponents in the Arch Madness tournament.

The takeaway

Bradley's new strategic approach to the transfer portal signals their commitment to addressing a key weakness that has hindered their postseason success in recent years. By targeting a specific position and skill set, the Braves are positioning themselves to be more competitive in the Missouri Valley Conference and potentially make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament.