Connor Hickman enters portal

[Afreck2430]

This is just a prediction but I think he will end up at Indiana

[Dub]

This stuff makes me question how much I want to even be involved anymore.

[PattonMD]

This stuff makes me question how much I want to even be involved anymore.

Yeah, I agree. It's so disheartening. I honestly think we are witnessing the beginning of the end of college basketball. There is such a growing disconnect between the game and the educational part of the school. I'd bet that the number of basketball and football players actually graduating is dropping and will continue to drop to the point that the game and books will essentially be decoupled. I'm thinking we'll eventually move to the European model with club and semipro only. No schools or any sort of academic requirements. I'm not so sure I'll still want to follow, at least not in the same way.

[BUBraves2006]

This stuff makes me question how much I want to even be involved anymore.

I have had these thoughts at times as well, but I'll offer a little advice on what I've done. The reality is that nobody can force you to be a fan of any team, regardless of your background with them. If it feels too painful, sure, move on some.

But, there is always the chance that we might get some amazing new players that you could have never have anticipated. Not every guy can go play for a big school and there are LOTS of good basketball players out there. What if we signed someone from junior college that is even 80% of the player Malevy was? It won't hurt so much then. While he had a lot of accolades coming out of JC, did you expect he would become a Bradley legend, multiple DPOY award winner? Unlikely.

My attitude is whoever wants to be here is who I can throw all my support to going forward. I personally have difficulty rooting for anyone who leaves unless they got their BU degree, but that's just me. But, I don't put too much stock in it because I'm focused, kind of like what Coach Wardle said after Cincy, on the people who actually want to be here.

[Peoria_bradley_fan]

Are we sure he wasn't nudged into the portal? I liked him and wish he were to stay, however there were a handful of very costly mistakes made by Hickman at inopportune times during the season. Late turnovers and an inability to finish at the rim, and a constant inability to hit the "big shot". I believe this staff will be able to replace him. Hopefully we do keep Hannah, as if he keeps improving at the rate he has been, next year could be a spectacle watching him and Duke. So long as we don't have a total fallout, I think the Braves will be picked 1st next year in the Valley.

[Da Coach]

This is just a prediction but I think he will end up at Indiana

I'd guess it will be a different Big Ten school.

Are we sure he wasn't nudged into the portal?

And this is absolutely not the case.

[PattonMD]

The problem with is that I've always enjoyed watching the player develop and improve over the four years. I guess I like the gradual changeover of the roster and the relative stability. Your right that it can be exciting learning about new players and the off season is no longer dead time, but I certainly won't become attached to any players anymore because they can an almost for sure will leave early. I really thought Conner was going to stay. He seemed like a hard-nosed, loyalty, Wardle guy. Guess I was wrong.

[tomahawk chop]

I have had these thoughts at times as well, but I'll offer a little advice on what I've done. The reality is that nobody can force you to be a fan of any team, regardless of your background with them. If it feels too painful, sure, move on some.

But, there is always the chance that we might get some amazing new players that you could have never have anticipated. Not every guy can go play for a big school and there are LOTS of good basketball players out there. What if we signed someone from junior college that is even 80% of the player Malevy was? It won't hurt so much then. While he had a lot of accolades coming out of JC, did you expect he would become a Bradley legend, multiple DPOY award winner? Unlikely.

My attitude is whoever wants to be here is who I can throw all my support to going forward. I personally have difficulty rooting for anyone who leaves unless they got their BU degree, but that's just me. But, I don't put too much stock in it because I'm focused, kind of like what Coach Wardle said after Cincy, on the people who actually want to be here.

Well said because I will still support the team and all the new players and old ones that are here trying to win championships. I have to give a lot of credit to Malevy for staying and finishing out his college career at BU. I will definitely always place him higher on all time BU favorites ahead of the ones that decided to leave for other schools.

[BRADLEY FAN 49]

This is a hard one to take I have a feeling Hannah may leave also.
I hope I'm wrong but you really can't blame the players.
The N.C.A.A. has ruined college sports.
Shame on them.

[Da Coach]

This is a hard one to take I have a feeling Hannah may leave also.
I hope I'm wrong but you really can't blame the players.
The N.C.A.A. has ruined college sports.
Shame on them.

Yep. Consider that to most of these kids, basketball is the biggest thing in their lives. Now they only have 4 years to play at the D1 level, and the NCAA makes it easy to get paid, and transfer every year and be eligible immediately. It hurts them to lose all the friends, fans, and relationships they've developed, but the desire to play at the highest level, and the NIL money is hard to turn down when they are looking at one final year.

[Big Mike]

Wow....good thing I'm not a gambling man....Hickman is the one I thought would stay ....
My take is your "always a Brave" as long as you finish out @ Bradley.....you leave for another school I'm done with you....period!

[egib52]

I'd guess it will be a different Big Ten school.



And this is absolutely not the case.

Depends who is being referred to as the nudger.

[BU1982]

Will Connor be able to transfer 3 years worth of Bradley credits to a new school, and graduate from his new school on time, one year from now?

[egib52]

This is just a prediction but I think he will end up at Indiana

That may be Hick's dream school, but I doubt it as well because that coach's job is on thin ice. I'd guess one west of us.

[Tommy]

We are relegated to rooting for a uniform and the days of watching a player grow and succeed over 4 years is gone. I will get over the Hickman thing, but it's only been two years of this nonsense and it's already wearing on me. If Hannah ends up leaving, my desire and motivation to continue to be a season ticket holder will certainly be diminished.