2025 Commit Kai Yu

[Tommy]

I hope Rugaard gets a scholarship. I like the way he plays

Agree on both. He definitely showed some game in his extremely limited minutes, and I always root for our walk-ons to get scholarships. They're like family to us!

[PhiAlphaBoy]

Dave Eminian article about Kai Yu - https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/...l/83317392007/

One interesting tidbit from the article, and Dave doesn't comment on where this info came from
The Braves will weigh whether to seek one or two more young players to develop and give scholarships to, or perhaps give one to Rugaard, or even leave three in hand. But for now, Bradley is believed to be finished searching in the transfer portal for players for the 2025-26 season.

This makes me think we've maxed out our NIL budget. Otherwise, it's foolish NOT to add the "best player available" or a high school player for at least one of your remaining scholarships.

[Da Coach]

I tend to agree. There are still thousands of kids in the transfer portals and many of them could help next year's team. The 2025-26 team is still not deep in experienced talent, especially with inside players.
There are only 4 returning players for '25-'26 with any significant D1 playing experience- Demarion Burch, Jaquan Johnson, Corey Thomas, and Ahmet Jonovic. And incoming portal guys, A.J. Smith and Alex Huibregtse will add some needed skills and experience.
The 3 incoming freshmen, along with Timoty van der Knaap and Kai Yu appear have talent and potentially could contribute. But to compete for the top of the MVC and have a chance to win the tournament, you can't rely too much on freshmen and inexperienced players. IMO, the team could use a couple more experienced players, especially on the wings and inside.

[Heemeskerk]

Welcome to Hilltop big fella! :-)

Based on youtube Kai moves well for size along with some athleticism. Weakness / softness could be a factor for lack of production. I am sure with the right attitude our coaching staff can help him grow into his full capabilities and he might become a strong contributer! Meta can toughen him up in practice.

[LittleBrave]

If nothing else, his length in practices will help our shooters develop
No more having to get Jimmie Foster or BW out there holding a broomstick

This is what I was thinking. Now with 15 schollies, not every signing is going to end up being a guy who plays much, but he certainly should help in practice at very least. I like that he's only a soph, so hopefully he can develop!

[LittleBrave]

But to compete for the top of the MVC and have a chance to win the tournament, you can't rely too much on freshmen and inexperienced players. IMO, the team could use a couple more experienced players, especially on the wings and inside.

Good point DC. I think we're pretty much set on guards and wings, and I'd like to have the freshmen guards get ample playing time, but there are bound to be struggles and learning. Really need an impact big like Hannah - athletic and who can score from 10 feet and closer...and hit the occasional 17 foot jump shot.
To get a guy like Mast may be hard, but I'm hoping for someone like him.

[LittleBrave]

Certainly more potential than this (Kai-Yu)! (if anyone has younger kids)

[daveineureka]

Well there went my opinion as needing another point guard with experience to help out our freshman guards get used to playing against Div one talent. Will give staff the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they will sign one yet. Also one more big would be nice who can contribute immediately. After next year Meta and Thomas graduate, so need transfers or decent high school players to develop. Just my two cents.

[Latif]

Here are some highlights from his limited minutes from last season at Liberty: https://x.com/LatifNBA/status/1916865955000447201

[bradleyfan124]

Here are some highlights from his limited minutes from last season at Liberty: https://x.com/LatifNBA/status/1916865955000447201

I think he has a big upside

[Tommy]

Put him in a BU uniform and those highlights are just 3 over the backs and 3 charges!

[yoda]

I tend to agree. There are still thousands of kids in the transfer portals and many of them could help next year's team. The 2025-26 team is still not deep in experienced talent, especially with inside players.
There are only 4 returning players for '25-'26 with any significant D1 playing experience- Demarion Burch, Jaquan Johnson, Corey Thomas, and Ahmet Jonovic. And incoming portal guys, A.J. Smith and Alex Huibregtse will add some needed skills and experience.
The 3 incoming freshmen, along with Timoty van der Knaap and Kai Yu appear have talent and potentially could contribute. But to compete for the top of the MVC and have a chance to win the tournament, you can't rely too much on freshmen and inexperienced players. IMO, the team could use a couple more experienced players, especially on the wings and inside.

do you think Coach will hold one or two scholarship JUST IN CASE either or both of Duke Deen & Christian Davis get their extra year?

[Da Coach]

I don't think those cases have much chance of succeeding, and even if they did, a decision by the NCAA is likely months away. And, there is no guarantee either will return to Bradley. There would probably be teams with bigger NIL accounts willing to offer 14th or 15th scholarships to guys like Duke and CD.

[Da Coach]

It's hard to make a lot of these longer highlight videos - https://x.com/ThePortalReport/status...60159927763073
and... https://x.com/LatifNBA/status/1916865955000447201

All of those games were blowouts, and the level competition was not great. But Kai Yu does show a degree of aggressiveness that we only started to see this season (his 3rd season at Bradley) with Meta. And as Tommy said, probably some of those moves would be called fouls in closer games, especially in the MVC. But I like the skills he shows and that nature to go after the ball aggressively and get it to the basket or dunk it. I wish there were more videos, but we'll have to wait.

[Big Mike]

Maybe I am reading into Eminians article but I took it as...no-more-portal players and still maybe more high school players....less $$$$$?