Bradley Braves men's basketball lands 3 players on MVC watch list for 2026-27
Story by
Bradley Braves men's basketball lands 3 players on MVC watch list for 2026-27
Dave Eminian, Peoria Journal Star·Journal Star
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
PEORIA — TheBradley Bravesmen's basketball team landed three players among 34 listed in the 2026 Players to Watch for the Missouri Valley Conference.
TheBravestrio includes redshirt sophomore forward Xander Alarie, junior wing Timoty van der Knaap and redshirt senior guard Trevon Payton.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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 ofBradley'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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.
Bradley men’s basketball head coach Brian Wardle coaches the Braves during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The White Team’s Dietrich Richardson moves the ball against the Red Team during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
New Bradley women’s head coach Chaia Meier addresses the crowd during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Mya Wardle (10) moves the ball against the Black Team’s Carlota Rey Martinez during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The White Team’s Josh Ibukunoluwa dunks on the Red Team during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Ellie McDermid (20) goes to the basket against the Black Team’s Ashlee Monaghan during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Inia Jones makes a move against the Black Team during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Clair McDougall (1) and Mya Wardle listen to player introductions during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Charia Smith, far right, introduces assistant coach Sydney Moss, second from right, with the Black Team’s Ashlee Monaghan (9) and Kali Fortson during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Noah Williams falls backwards after colliding with the White Team’s Josh Ibukunoluwa during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Bradley Braves cheerleaders entertain the crowd during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Ellie McDermid, left, steals a pass from the Black Team’s Ashlee Monaghan during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Red Team’s Xander Alarie (3) goes to the basket against the White Team’s Dietrich Richardson (1) and Josh Ibukunoluwa during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Timoty van der Knaap, left, chats with teammate Race Kowalczyk, with his foot in a boot due to an earlier injury during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Members of the Bradley Braves pep band perform during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley men’s basketball head coach Brian Wardle talks with the Red Team during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The White Team’s Ben Thornbrue (4) tries to get a shot past the Red Team’s Noah Williams during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley Braves mascot Kaboom! the Gargoyle teases some young fans during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Bradley Bravettes wave to the crowd after a performance during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
1/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
Bradley men’s basketball head coach Brian Wardle coaches the Braves during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
1/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
Bradley men’s basketball head coach Brian Wardle coaches the Braves during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
2/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The White Team’s Dietrich Richardson moves the ball against the Red Team during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
3/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
New Bradley women’s head coach Chaia Meier addresses the crowd during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
4/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Mya Wardle (10) moves the ball against the Black Team’s Carlota Rey Martinez during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
5/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The White Team’s Josh Ibukunoluwa dunks on the Red Team during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
6/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Ellie McDermid (20) goes to the basket against the Black Team’s Ashlee Monaghan during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
7/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Inia Jones makes a move against the Black Team during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
8/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Clair McDougall (1) and Mya Wardle listen to player introductions during the annual Bradley Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
9/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
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.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
10/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Charia Smith, far right, introduces assistant coach Sydney Moss, second from right, with the Black Team’s Ashlee Monaghan (9) and Kali Fortson during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
11/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Noah Williams falls backwards after colliding with the White Team’s Josh Ibukunoluwa during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
12/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Bradley Braves cheerleaders entertain the crowd during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
13/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Ellie McDermid, left, steals a pass from the Black Team’s Ashlee Monaghan during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
14/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Red Team’s Xander Alarie (3) goes to the basket against the White Team’s Dietrich Richardson (1) and Josh Ibukunoluwa during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
15/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
Bradley’s Timoty van der Knaap, left, chats with teammate Race Kowalczyk, with his foot in a boot due to an earlier injury during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
16/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
Members of the Bradley Braves pep band perform during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
17/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
Bradley men’s basketball head coach Brian Wardle talks with the Red Team during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
18/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The White Team’s Ben Thornbrue (4) tries to get a shot past the Red Team’s Noah Williams during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
19/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
Bradley Braves mascot Kaboom! the Gargoyle teases some young fans during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
20/20
Red-White Showcase offers a preview of new Bradley basketball teams
The Bradley Bravettes wave to the crowd after a performance during the annual Red-White Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Renaissance Coliseum.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Here's a look at the rest of the MVC player watch list:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Belmont:Jack Smiley, Eoin Dillon.
Bradley:Timoty van der Knaap, Xander Alarie, Trevon Payton.
Drake:Owen Larson, Jon Carroll, Eli Shetlar.
Evansville:AJ Casey, Bryce Quinet.
UIC:Ahmad Henderson II, Andy Johnson, Mekhi Lowery, Rashund Washington Jr.
Illinois State:Johnny Kinziger, Chase Walker, Malik Messina-Moore, Noah Cleveland.
Indiana State:Jackson Cooper, Karmani Gregory.
Northern Iowa:Greyson Uelman, Tate McCubbin, Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, Ian Smikle.
Murray State:Roman Doman, Brigham Rogers, Mark Padjen, Mathis Courbon.
Southern Illinois:Jalen Haynes, Donovan Hill.
Valparaiso:JT Pettigrew, Rakim Chaney, Justus McNair, Carter Hopoi.
