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Bradley Braves basketball star guard says goodbye, enters portal: 'Incredibly grateful'
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- Bradley Braves basketball star guard says goodbye, enters portal: 'Incredibly grateful'
PEORIA — The Bradley Braves lost their "Bully" on Friday in a decision they have been braced for since the 2025-26 season ended.
Star point guard Jaquan Johnson, nicknamed "Bully" for his football-like physique and aggressive playing style, announced he will enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on April 7.
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"I want to say I am incredibly grateful for the coaching staff who gave me the opportunity to put on a Bradley uniform and represent this great university," Johnson said on social media. "Thank you to my teammates for battling with me every day. BU fans, thank you for supporting me these past two years and always making me feel at home.
"After careful consideration, I am announcing my intentions to enter the transfer portal. Although I am excited for the next chapter in my journey, I am proud to have been part of the Braves family."
The Bradley bench reacts to a three-pointer against Drake in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley head coach Brian Wardle, facing, high-fives Demarion Burch as the Braves battle Drake in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
A pair of fans in the crowd cheer on Bradley's Dietrich Richardson as he puts up a three-point attempt over Drake in the second half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse (3) gets of a shot over Drake’s Andrew Aila in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Timoty van der Knapp celebrates a score and a foul against Northern Iowa in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson reacts to score against Northern Iowa in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse, right, tangles with Northern Iowa’s Max Weisbrod in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson (22) grabs a loose ball from the Northern Iowa defense in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley mascot Kaboom! chats with a very young fan on the sidelines as the Braves battle Northern Iowa in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Demarion Burch (0) puts up an off-balance shot against Northern Iowa’s Ben Schwieger in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson (22) reacts to a foul against Northern Iowa late in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's AJ Smith celebrates as time runs expires on the Braves last-minute rally to defeat Indiana State 75-68 on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse, right, knocks the ball away from Indiana State’s Xavier Hall, middle, to teammate Jaquon Johnson in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves mounted a last-minute rally to defeat the Sycamores 75-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Timoty van der Knaap (10) goes to the basket against Indiana State in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves mounted a last-minute rally to defeat the Sycamores 75-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Demarion Burch, left, makes a move to the basket against Indiana State’s Sivert Waerstad Nordheim in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves mounted a last-minute rally to defeat the Sycamores 75-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Montana Wheeler (7), sporting a bloody lip, tries to rally his teammates in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
UIC's Elijah Crawford, left, and Mekhi Lowery, right, try to steal the ball from Bradley's Jaquan Johnson in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley legends Marcellus Sommerville, left, and Hersey Hawkins share a moment after being honored as part of an anniversary celebration for 1985-86, 1995-96, and 2005-06 men's basketball teams during halftime of the Braves' college basketball game against UIC on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Bradley Bravettes swing their hair during a break in the action between the Braves and UIC in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson, left, flies to the basket past Valparaiso’s Carter Hopoi in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s AJ Smith, left, and Valparaiso’s JT Pettigrew battle for a rebound in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Ahmet Jonovic takes a quick swing on the rim after dunking on Valparaiso in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley head coach Brian Wardles urges his players to stay aggressive in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson celebrates as overtime expires in the Braves' 95-84 win over Belmont on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson celebrates a Belmont turnover late in the overtime period of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's AJ Smith (21) dunks over the Belmont defense and teammate Timoty van der Knaap (10) in the second half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Young fans reach for Bradley's Jaquan Johnson during player introductions before the start of a college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Belmont Bruins 95-84 in overtime.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley Braves head coach Brian Wardle argues a call with an official in the first half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Belmont Bruins 95-84 in overtime.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley senior AJ Smith celebrates the Braves' 87-78 victory over Murray State in the final game of the regular season Sunday, March, 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Murray State's Mathis Courbon, top, jumps on Bradley's Jaquan Johnson for a loose ball in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Racers 87-78.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s AJ Smith dunks on Murray State in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Racers 87-78.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Murray State’s Javon Jackson (22) collides with Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Racers 87-78.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Corey Thomas dances to the hype video before player introductions at the Braves prepare to face St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s AJ Smith (21) encourages teammate Demarion Burch as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse, bottom, and St. Louis’ Jax Kerr tangle on the court as they chase a loose ball during their exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
A very young Bradley fan gets a selfie as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley head coach Brian Wardle contemplates the action as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Ahmet Jonovic celebrates his rare three-pointer against UT-Martin in the second half of their non-conference basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. Braves fell to the Skyhawks 78-67.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse dishes to a teammate as the Braves battle UT-Martin in the second half Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's AJ Smith reacts to scoring and drawing a foul on a move to the basket against UMass Lowell in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's mascot Kaboom! rides atop a mattress and some Bradley softball players as they participate in a mattress race at halftime of a college basketball game between the Braves and UMass Lowell on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied to defeat the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Alex Huibregtse, right, and UMass Lowell's Shawn Simmons II battle for the ball in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied to defeat the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Corey Thomas, right, tries to take a rebound from UMass Lowell's JJ Massaquoi in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied to defeat the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson, foreground and Alex Huibregtse celebrate the Braves' 64-60 comeback win over Washington State on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Demarion Burch celebrates as time runs out on the Braves' 64-60 comeback win over Washington State on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Corey Thomas, facing, hugs teammate Ahmet Jonovic as time runs out on the Braves' 64-60 comeback win over Washington State on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. Jonovic sunk a game-winning dunk in the final seconds of the game.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Montana Wheller gets past Washington State’s Ace Glass for a shot in the second half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Corey Thomas, right, and AJ Smith, left, tangle with Washington State’s Eemeli Yalaho (2) and Tómas Thrastarson for a rebound in the second half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Demarion Burch, right, tangles with Washington State’s Jerone Morton in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley mascot Kaboom! high-fives fans as he rides a tricycle during a break in the action in the first half of a college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory over Washington State.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Bradley Braves bench erupts after freshman Dietrich Richardson dunks on Northern Illinois late in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves routed the Huskies 84-55.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley head coach Brian Wardle agues a call with an official in the first half of a college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 between the Braves and Northern Illinois at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves routed the Huskies 84-55.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The Bradley Braves battle the North Central College Cougars in a college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 86-53.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Montana Wheeler, left, goes to the basket against North Central College's Justin Sveiteris in the second half of their college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 14 2205 at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 86-53.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Dietrich Richardson, left, attempts to dunk over North Central College's Seth Cheney in the second half of their college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 86-53.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Ahmet Jonovic celebrates as time winds down on the Braves 73-69 victory over Southern Illinois in their Missouri Valley Conference college basketball home opener Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Timoty van der Knapp gets a little hang time after dunking on Southern Illinois in the first half of their Missouri Valley Conference college basketball home opener Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 73-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's Corey Thomas, right, and AJ Smith, left, stop Evansville's James Dyson-Merwe in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 76-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley's AJ Smith puts up a shot over Evansville's Leif Moeller in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 76-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
Bradley’s Montana Wheeler, top, defends against Evansville’s Bryce Quinet in the second half of their MVC college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 76-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
The Bradley bench reacts to a three-pointer against Drake in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
The Bradley bench reacts to a three-pointer against Drake in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley head coach Brian Wardle, facing, high-fives Demarion Burch as the Braves battle Drake in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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A pair of fans in the crowd cheer on Bradley's Dietrich Richardson as he puts up a three-point attempt over Drake in the second half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse (3) gets of a shot over Drake’s Andrew Aila in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bulldogs 93-66.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's Timoty van der Knapp celebrates a score and a foul against Northern Iowa in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson reacts to score against Northern Iowa in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse, right, tangles with Northern Iowa’s Max Weisbrod in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson (22) grabs a loose ball from the Northern Iowa defense in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley mascot Kaboom! chats with a very young fan on the sidelines as the Braves battle Northern Iowa in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Demarion Burch (0) puts up an off-balance shot against Northern Iowa’s Ben Schwieger in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson (22) reacts to a foul against Northern Iowa late in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Panthers 75-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's AJ Smith celebrates as time runs expires on the Braves last-minute rally to defeat Indiana State 75-68 on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse, right, knocks the ball away from Indiana State’s Xavier Hall, middle, to teammate Jaquon Johnson in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves mounted a last-minute rally to defeat the Sycamores 75-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Timoty van der Knaap (10) goes to the basket against Indiana State in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves mounted a last-minute rally to defeat the Sycamores 75-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Demarion Burch, left, makes a move to the basket against Indiana State’s Sivert Waerstad Nordheim in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves mounted a last-minute rally to defeat the Sycamores 75-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's Montana Wheeler (7), sporting a bloody lip, tries to rally his teammates in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
UIC's Elijah Crawford, left, and Mekhi Lowery, right, try to steal the ball from Bradley's Jaquan Johnson in the first half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley legends Marcellus Sommerville, left, and Hersey Hawkins share a moment after being honored as part of an anniversary celebration for 1985-86, 1995-96, and 2005-06 men's basketball teams during halftime of the Braves' college basketball game against UIC on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
The Bradley Bravettes swing their hair during a break in the action between the Braves and UIC in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at Carver Arena. The Braves fell to the Flames 85-70.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson, left, flies to the basket past Valparaiso’s Carter Hopoi in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s AJ Smith, left, and Valparaiso’s JT Pettigrew battle for a rebound in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Ahmet Jonovic takes a quick swing on the rim after dunking on Valparaiso in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley head coach Brian Wardles urges his players to stay aggressive in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Braves defeated the Beacons 72-65.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson celebrates as overtime expires in the Braves' 95-84 win over Belmont on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena.
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson celebrates a Belmont turnover late in the overtime period of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley's AJ Smith (21) dunks over the Belmont defense and teammate Timoty van der Knaap (10) in the second half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Young fans reach for Bradley's Jaquan Johnson during player introductions before the start of a college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Belmont Bruins 95-84 in overtime.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley Braves head coach Brian Wardle argues a call with an official in the first half of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Belmont Bruins 95-84 in overtime.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley senior AJ Smith celebrates the Braves' 87-78 victory over Murray State in the final game of the regular season Sunday, March, 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Murray State's Mathis Courbon, top, jumps on Bradley's Jaquan Johnson for a loose ball in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Racers 87-78.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s AJ Smith dunks on Murray State in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Racers 87-78.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Murray State’s Javon Jackson (22) collides with Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Racers 87-78.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Our best photos from the 2025-26 Bradley men's basketball season
Bradley’s Corey Thomas dances to the hype video before player introductions at the Braves prepare to face St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s AJ Smith (21) encourages teammate Demarion Burch as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse, bottom, and St. Louis’ Jax Kerr tangle on the court as they chase a loose ball during their exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
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A very young Bradley fan gets a selfie as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley head coach Brian Wardle contemplates the action as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
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Bradley's Ahmet Jonovic celebrates his rare three-pointer against UT-Martin in the second half of their non-conference basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. Braves fell to the Skyhawks 78-67.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse dishes to a teammate as the Braves battle UT-Martin in the second half Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
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Bradley's AJ Smith reacts to scoring and drawing a foul on a move to the basket against UMass Lowell in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's mascot Kaboom! rides atop a mattress and some Bradley softball players as they participate in a mattress race at halftime of a college basketball game between the Braves and UMass Lowell on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied to defeat the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Alex Huibregtse, right, and UMass Lowell's Shawn Simmons II battle for the ball in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied to defeat the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Corey Thomas, right, tries to take a rebound from UMass Lowell's JJ Massaquoi in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied to defeat the River Hawks 87-77.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Jaquan Johnson, foreground and Alex Huibregtse celebrate the Braves' 64-60 comeback win over Washington State on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Demarion Burch celebrates as time runs out on the Braves' 64-60 comeback win over Washington State on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Corey Thomas, facing, hugs teammate Ahmet Jonovic as time runs out on the Braves' 64-60 comeback win over Washington State on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. Jonovic sunk a game-winning dunk in the final seconds of the game.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Montana Wheller gets past Washington State’s Ace Glass for a shot in the second half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory.
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Bradley’s Corey Thomas, right, and AJ Smith, left, tangle with Washington State’s Eemeli Yalaho (2) and Tómas Thrastarson for a rebound in the second half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory.
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Bradley’s Demarion Burch, right, tangles with Washington State’s Jerone Morton in the first half of their college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory.
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Bradley mascot Kaboom! high-fives fans as he rides a tricycle during a break in the action in the first half of a college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves rallied for a 64-60 victory over Washington State.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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The Bradley Braves bench erupts after freshman Dietrich Richardson dunks on Northern Illinois late in the second half of their college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves routed the Huskies 84-55.
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Bradley head coach Brian Wardle agues a call with an official in the first half of a college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 between the Braves and Northern Illinois at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves routed the Huskies 84-55.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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The Bradley Braves battle the North Central College Cougars in a college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 86-53.
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Bradley's Montana Wheeler, left, goes to the basket against North Central College's Justin Sveiteris in the second half of their college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 14 2205 at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 86-53.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Dietrich Richardson, left, attempts to dunk over North Central College's Seth Cheney in the second half of their college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at Renaissance Coliseum in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 86-53.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley’s Ahmet Jonovic celebrates as time winds down on the Braves 73-69 victory over Southern Illinois in their Missouri Valley Conference college basketball home opener Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
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Bradley's Timoty van der Knapp gets a little hang time after dunking on Southern Illinois in the first half of their Missouri Valley Conference college basketball home opener Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Salukis 73-69.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
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Bradley's Corey Thomas, right, and AJ Smith, left, stop Evansville's James Dyson-Merwe in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 76-68.
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Bradley's AJ Smith puts up a shot over Evansville's Leif Moeller in the first half of their MVC college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 76-68.
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Bradley’s Montana Wheeler, top, defends against Evansville’s Bryce Quinet in the second half of their MVC college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Aces 76-68.
(MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR)
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound sophomore was Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year in '25-26, and finished runner-up in voting for the conference Larry Bird Player of the Year honors.
It's projected he could command an NIL deal of $800,000 to $1 million from a Power 5 program.
He led the Valley with 85 steals, which was the third-highest total in the nation, and also delivered 16.9 points per game while starting all 34 outings.
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Johnson was a dynamic player who had 818 points in just 71 games over two seasons, while piling up 142 steals, 211 assists and averaging 3.1 rebounds.
He shot 43.3% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range.
Bradley's Jaquan Johnson celebrates a Belmont turnover late in the overtime period of their college basketball game Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the Bruins 95-84.
More: 'Elephant in the room': Bradley basketball coach talks about biggest roster needs
The Milwaukee native came within one steal of tying Bradley's all-time single-season record, and he tied the single-game record with nine against UT-Martin.
He became the first Bradley player since 1990-91 to put together at least three 30+ point games in a single season.
"He had a great two years here, improved tremendously from Year 1 to Year 2," Bradley head coach Brian Wardle said. "Quan worked hard. He is a tough, physical guard, really good."
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'They impacted winning'
Bradley’s Jaquan Johnson makes a move to the basket on UT-Martin’s Vladimir Khryapa in the second half of their non-conference basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria.
Johnson exits the Bradley stage as the latest among a long line of great guards brought in by Wardle during the coach's era atop the program, which has seen seven seasons of 20+ wins.
"It's hard to rank him," said Wardle, when asked to compare him to his other elite point guards at Bradley. "He's a different point guard than a Duke Deen, a Darrell Brown, Terry Roberts, but they've all impacted winning.
"But one thing they had in common was they were all unselfish guys, very devoted to their teammates and the program and winning games."
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The departure of Johnson makes five Braves players who are heading into the transfer portal.
The Braves have seen Johnson, guard Montana Wheeler, guard Demarion Burch, center Kai Yu and forward Handy Toussaint announce intentions to exit via the portal.
"I am proud of the way these men all represented Bradley," Wardle said. "They all have the winning habits and character to impact their next programs.
"Bradley fans, the next chapter is being written, our time is coming."
The Braves roster also has seen the departure of four seniors whose eligibility expired, including guard Alex Huibregtse, center Ahmet Jonovic, and forwards A.J. Smith and Corey Thomas.
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Those seniors, plus Johnson, represent the starting five from Bradley's NIT game against Dayton earlier this month.
Dave Eminian is the senior writer and Journal Star sports columnist, and covers Bradley men's basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sports column for pjstar.com. He can be reached at deminian@pjstar.com. Follow him on X.com @icetimecleve.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Jaquan Johnson enters NCAA transfer portal, leaves Bradley Braves basketball
