Age often brings wisdom, but Bradley men’s basketball’s sophomore guard Connor Hickman is showing the old adage that age is just a number.
“He’s very mature for his age; he acts like an adult,” graduate forward Ja’Shon Henry said. “Credit to him that he’s been able to show that at such a young age, that’s only going to help elevate his career.”
The graduate’s support of his teammate is evident among the rest of the group. Hickman often led huddles and was a particularly vocal leader on the court during his first year. That kind of leadership isn’t typically seen this early on, but it gave a good impression of the type of player the young guard was going to be.
“Everyone can lead in different ways but Hickman has kind of taken that alpha role,” head coach Brian Wardle said. “His work ethic is number one. He’s a smart player and he knows how to play now after having a big freshman year for us.”
That big freshman year included the guard starting 23 of 31 games, while also becoming the first freshman to start the season opener at Bradley since 2016.
Being named to the All-MVC Freshman Team after averaging just under seven points per game, Hickman provided a crucial piece for the Braves during their 17-14 campaign. His season highs (both 15-point performances on the road at Drake and Missouri State) were a bright spot when the team needed him.
The award at the end of the year was acknowledged, but the sophomore has his eyes set on more this season.
“Making the freshman team last year was very big, [but] I’m trying to get on that first or second team,” Hickman said.
To do that, Hickman will have to shine not only amongst the rest of the Valley, but also the rest of the team. Henry, junior forward Rienk Mast and senior forward Malevy Leons will all play a pivotal role for Wardle’s squad. Guard transfers Duke Deen and James ‘Pop’ Weathers will also be important to the team’s success down the stretch.
The mixed bag of talent that the Braves possess has helped them earn recognition. Early last month, Bradley was picked to finish second in the 12-team MVC. If the group is to finish there, Hickman may be a big reason as to why.
“This year I’ve definitely stepped up my leadership and as far as I think, I’ve definitely been consistent every day,” Hickman said. “Having that consistent October hopefully leads into the season where I have consistent games.”
An increase in his leadership role will be necessary on a team that includes four transfers and, at least for the first four to eight weeks, a group that will be missing Mast due to an MCL sprain. With the recent injury, Hickman knows what’ll need to happen for the team to survive the first part of the season.
“Without [Mast], everyone has to step their game up,” Hickman said. “You don’t have to be 100 percent better. You don’t have to double what you’re doing. Everyone just has to be a little bit better.”
To find out where Hickman gets his maturity and toughness from, you’d have to go back to his high school days. Playing for Bloomington South in Indiana, the guard had time to learn as he was sidelined with an injury in his senior season that required surgery. It allowed the Bradley commit to develop as a teammate and get a head start on his collegiate career.
Now, with his second season on the doorstep, the compilation of the lessons learned and experiences felt have combined to form what fans see on the court. It’s too early to tell whether Hickman has taken the next step in his development as a player, but if the comments from his teammates mean anything, then Braves’ fans should be anticipating an impactful year from the sophomore.
“You feel he’s a physical presence,” Henry said. “He’s fast, he’s quick, he can shoot, he can really help us. He’s really just good luck.”
When the season tips off on Monday, Hickman will begin his second season on the Hilltop. If it’s anything like his first, the Braves will be in good shape.
