Bradley men’s basketball adds a junior college point guard

PEORIA — The Bradley men’s basketball workforce obtained some pop in their lineup Tuesday night time as it filled the first of four open roster spots.

Stage guard James “Pop” Weathers III introduced on social media he has fully commited to Bradley.

The 6-foot, 185-pound Baton Rouge, La., native performed the last two seasons at State School of Florida, in which the junior university guard confronted former Braves point guard Terry Roberts and outscored him in a meeting match video game.

Weathers stated he selected Bradley just after obtaining near to a dozen features, which includes types from Illinois-Chicago and Indiana State. He chose Bradley following a check out to Peoria.

“I fell in love with it,” Weathers said. “The place, the coaches, the way the crew performs all felt like it was meant for me.”

Weathers attained first-crew all-Southern Convention honors and was ranked No. 62 on the JUCOrecruiting.com listing. He averaged 18.2 details and started all 30 video games for the 14-16 Manatees group in 2021-22.

Additional: ‘So much potential’: How Bradley basketball designs to make improvements to its roster for following season

Bradley is believed to have liked him for his ball command and his ability to do the job in the paint, draw fouls, and shoot a large amount of totally free throws. He shot 84% from the free toss line two seasons in the past, and in 2021-22 was 74.9% from the line. Weathers shot 44.5% from the discipline and 34.4% from 3. He averaged 6 rebounds and 4.9 helps for each game.

“One issue I have seen with the Missouri Valley Meeting is it helps make you improved as a player,” Weathers said. “It’s strong, challenging and at Bradley you are portion of a plan that helps make you far better.

“I’m enthusiastic to get there and get started enjoying.”

Weathers’ 64 steals rated 31st amid all JUCO gamers, and his 148 assists in 30 online games were 35th. He posted a 2.8 aid/turnover ratio, 31st-finest in JUCO.

What is actually following for Bradley?

Weathers presents Bradley a excellent participant who can play equally guard places.

The Braves have three places still left to fill, and they are predicted to hunt for a different position guard to swap Terry Roberts, who went into the transfer portal. The Braves also dropped wing Jayson Kent, who recently landed at Indiana Condition.

Story continues

BU will appear for a publish player to exchange graduated Ari Boya. And it can be achievable the Braves will search for a sniper-caliber shooter.

Extra: Bradley senior basketball star will return for a fifth period in Peoria

Bravely Talking

Previous Bradley place guard Terry Roberts, sitting down in the NCAA transfer portal, is said to have acquired some cursory desire from Duke and Texas. … Previous Bradley wing Jayson Kent landed at Indiana Condition. “We assume Jayson is a excellent in shape for what we want to do on each finishes of the flooring,” Indiana Point out head mentor Josh Schertz claimed. ” … an instinctive cutter and mover with out the ball on offensive stop … wonderful toes and size on the defensive close.”

Dave Eminian is the Journal Star athletics columnist, and covers Bradley men’s basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sporting activities column for pjstar.com. Arrive at him at 686-3206 or [email protected]. Comply with him on Twitter @icetimecleve.

This article initially appeared on Journal Star: NCAA: Bradley men’s basketball lands commitment from JUCO guard