Returning nine players from last year’s 17-14 squad, head coach Brian Wardle brought in four transfers: guards Duke Deen and James ‘Pop’ Weathers alongside forwards Goanar Biliew and Christian Davis. As the season draws closer, the question remains: who will play the biggest role for the Braves?
Goanar Biliew Transfers His Impact
By Thatcher Zalewski
The Bradley men’s basketball team will welcome several new faces this season.
One in particular is Goanar Biliew, a 6-foot-8 forward who comes to Bradley after two impressive seasons at Des Moines Area CC. With the recent injury to big man Rienk Mast, the Braves will be looking for someone to step up, and that player can be Biliew.
Biliew will be looking to make a name for himself at Bradley in his first season with the Braves. Again, with the team looking for someone to step up, Biliew can be that guy due to his prior success leading Des Moines Area to a National Championship. With an overall JUCO record of 49-13, Biliew is a proven winner and will look to replicate that success at Bradley.
Last season, Biliew put up 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game for the Bears. Only an inch shorter than Mast, Biliew can fill in for him nicely while he recovers from injury. The forward and his long wingspan can be a defensive presence that the Braves use in close games to help seal the victory.
The impact Biliew can bring to the team will be unmatched since he is very efficient both offensively and defensively. Last year, Biliew ranked 18th nationally in field goal percentage, shooting 62.1%. Adding that to the defensive skill set he possesses will be a great addition to the Braves.
The Cajun Sensation
By Ethan Carbone
Duke Deen comes to Bradley from Troy University, which plays in the Sun Belt conference. In his lone year there, he accounted for nine points and more than three assists per game, which won him Sun Belt Freshman of the Year honors.
After a year in the Sun Belt, the 5-foot-8 guard now comes to Bradley bringing his offensive ability that allows him to light up opposing defenses. While a bit on the short side, his speed allows him to blow past defenders on his way to the rim. As well as his ability to push the ball, Deen can also be a major factor beyond the arc for the Braves – averaging nearly two threes per game with the Trojans.
Deen should be able to slot in right where the Braves need him at point guard after the loss of Terry Roberts and Mikey Howell last year. There, he’ll man one of the more valuable positions in college basketball.
With Bradley star big man Rienk Mast out for four to eight weeks, it’ll be up to the guards to get a lot of the scoring load done. A chunk of that will be done beyond the arc and should fall upon Deen’s shoulders.
Deen will have the most impact at Bradley. His ability to put the ball through the hoop and into his teammates’ hands will allow him to stuff the stat sheet. That kind of player is crucial in today’s game, and Deen will bring what’s necessary for success. With his work ethic and natural ability, Deen will be the most impactful new addition to the Braves.
