MVC’s Most Dangerous Man

Bradley’s Malevy Leons

(St. Louis, MO) – Bradley’s Malevy Leons is the MVC’s most dangerous man. No Missouri Valley Conference player can inflict damage in so many ways as the league’s reigning ‘Defensive Player of the Year’.

The 6’9 forward can score (11.1 ppg), rebound (6.0) and dish (1.3 apg). What sets him apart is his unmatched defensive abilities. During last year’s historic season, Leons became the Valley’s first player to record at least 50 blocks and 50 steals in the same season. He was college basketball’s only player to accomplish that feat and to grab at least 200 rebounds.

Though playing different positions, Leons’ accomplishments remind this writer of the defensive prowess of former Valley players Tekele Cotton (Wichita State), Bryan Mullins (Southern Illinois) and Lucas Williamson (Loyola).

Leons played a bit in the shadow of fellow Netherlands native Rienk Mast last season, but he is now the Braves’ frontcourt leader. The defending regular season champions hang their collective hat on defense and Leons is the MVC’s best defender.

Head coach Brian Wardle continues to excel at finding quality players from other countries. There are two other international players on this year’s roster. Leons’ journey from the Netherlands to Peoria wasn’t drawn in a straight line, but he had always been impressed Wardle and the Bradley program. He says Wardle does more than just teach basketball.

Confidence is high in Peoria and the MVC’s most dangerous man is working on improving his game. Despite being an interior player, Leons buried 45 three-pointers last season at a 35% rate of accuracy. Opposing teams struggle to contain this outstanding athlete, but he’s just as dangerous from the free throw line (78%).

His game is as flashy as his major in Apparel and Merchandising sounds, but he says he is working on being more consistent.

Leons recorded 19 double-digit scoring performances, but 16 in single digits. Four of those lower scoring occasions came during the team’s final six games.

The Bradley Roster

While Mast transferred to Nebraska, this team looks ready to contend. Beyond the MVC’s most dangerous man, there is talent and experience everywhere. Bradley’s starting backcourt of Connor Hickman and Duke Deen is among the Valley’s very best. Darius Hannah is like a mirror image of Leons in size and abilities and a host of newcomers will fill in other spots.

This could be an explosive season for Hickman and Hannah. Both seem poised for the proverbial breakout year. Hannah’s numbers are eerily similar to Leons’, jut reduced by the minutes he played behind Mast. Hickman has become a team leader and is a work out warrior.

Deen (9.6 ppg) was a part of the Valley’s all ‘Newcomer Team’ and led the Braves in assists. His burst on the offensive end is unique. Leons tells us the 5’8 Deen is a great leader and can find the open man. He also thinks highly of his new teammates Trey Pettigrew, Emarion Ellis, Almar Atlason, Kyle Thomas and DeMarion Burch.

New Goals

Leons and the Braves believe last year was a step in the right direction, but wasn’t good enough. Losing in the Arch Madness final and then again to Wisconsin in the National Invitation Tournament didn’t feel successful.

Leons and the Braves were riding a twelve-game winning streak when they lost the tournament final to Drake. They are yearning to sweep the Valley championships in 2024.

Our entire conversation with the MVC’s most dangerous man can be seen on YouTube or heard at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.

Even for a Dutchman the ‘War on 74’ is special.

Brian Wardle normally has his Braves playing their best basketball in late February and in March. We believe Bradley is one of five or six Valley teams that have the ingredients to take the MVC regular season title.

Do Good

 

Editor: Cover photo courtesy of bradleybraves.com.