M*A*S*H Units of the MVC

(St. Louis, MO) – Every college basketball team goes through their share of difficulties, but the Bradley Braves and Illinois State Redbirds have certainly had more than their fair share.

Both teams in the I-74 Rivalry have had to re-make their line-ups more than once.

Illinois State may be the Missouri Valley Conference team that best matches up with league favorite Wichita State. They are as big, if not bigger that the Shockers in the front court and they have some legitimate skill and athleticism in the back court.

But, oh those injuries. Sophomore center Reggie Lynch has played through a bad back for much of the season, and is still leading the league in blocked shots, but due to injuries, the Redbirds are getting no production from two other highly touted players.

Junior College transfer DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell jumped right into the starting lineup and was leading the Redbirds with a 16.2 ppg scoring average, while grabbing six rebounds until breaking his hand after six games. The 6’5” junior gave Head Coach Dan Muller scoring, size and rebounding his team had lacked.

Deontae “Teddy” Hawkins came to ISU with great expectations and talent. The 6’8” red shirt freshman sat out last season and was just rounding into form when stress fracture symptons in his leg pulled him from the Redbird rotation. He was averaging eight points and 5.5 rebounds during his six games.

Those two players are sorely missed. With them in the lineup and Lynch completely healed, ISU is a top contender in the Valley. Without them, they are in the middle of the pack.

Muller told me he doesn’t really know when any of the trio will be truly healthy. He’s trying to protect his players from long term problems.

 

Down the road Bradley it is getting better, but they have had their own parade to the trainer’s room. Head Coach Geno Ford and many in the media believed this would be a turn around year for the Braves.

With highly touted freshman Josh Cunningham and transfers Mike Shaw (Illinois), Tramique Sutherland (JC) and Warren Jones (JC) joining a talented nucleus of players, it seemed like a season of hope on the Hilltop.

Cunningham was hurt most of the summer slowing his integration. Just before the season began Sutherland went down and has been back in the lineup in the last six games.

After eight games, Jones was leading Bradley in scoring (14.6) and in three-point baskets. He left the team with a concussion, and is yet to return. He and Sutherland (13.0) are the top two scorers but have still not played in the same game.

Ford says Sutherland has made a big difference since his return to active duty.

 

These two M*A*S*H* units renew their “War on 74” on January 17^th.

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