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PEORIA — The Bradley Braves men’s basketball team landed three players among 34 listed in the 2026 Players to Watch for the Missouri Valley Conference.
The Braves trio includes redshirt sophomore forward Xander Alarie, junior wing Timoty van der Knaap and redshirt senior guard Trevon Payton.
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Illinois State, Murray State, UIC and Valparaiso — all among the top contenders in the MVC preseason poll — each have four. Former Peoria Notre Dame High School star Eoin Dillon is one of two players listed for Belmont.
The White Team’s Trevon Payton makes a move to the basket during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
Why Trevon Payton?
He is a 6-foot-6, 215-pound guard who comes in from Arkansas-Pine Bluff as one of Bradley’s 10 newcomers to the roster this season.
In 2025-26, he shot 51.9% from the field and 47.1% from 3-point range as one of the best shooters in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
He appeared in all 32 games and led his team in 3-point shooting.
Why Xander Alarie?
He’s a 6-foot-8, 235-pounder who was a redshirt freshman last season at Northeastern.
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Originally on the University of Miami roster, Alarie transferred to Northeastern and was averaging 10.3 points per game and shooting 42% from the field before suffering a season-ending injury.
Why Timoty van der Knaap?
The Italy product has gotten bigger and stronger during the offseason, and began emerging in a larger role last season.
The 6-foot-8, 215-pound wing can handle shifts at guard and forward and made 33 starts last season. Now a junior, he projects to be a key player for Bradley and could be among the top wings in the conference.
He is currently recovering from a foot injury.
More: The Bradley Braves men’s basketball team lands sixth in Valley preseason poll
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Here’s a look at the rest of the MVC player watch list:
Belmont: Jack Smiley, Eoin Dillon.
Bradley: Timoty van der Knaap, Xander Alarie, Trevon Payton.
Drake: Owen…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bradley-braves-mens-basketball-lands-200937600.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-21 20:09:00
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