Improving Christian Davis hopes to be difference maker for Bradley

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Christian Davis says college basketball was eye-opening when he first came to Bradley about two years ago.

“The skill level, the athletes. That was the biggest thing,” said Davis. “I had to put on 23 pounds to be able to compete on defense.”

Now Davis is one of those guys bigger, faster, stronger guys on the floor in the Missouri Valley Conference. He’s averaging 27 minutes a game, that’s fourth on the team, while chipping in 7.5 points and 4.6 rebounds a night.

He says he knows his role on the Braves.

“Knock down open shots,” said Davis. “More than that, my job is to play defense, to rebound. Both of those I take pride in. those are winning things. I’ve gotten good at my job. Make an impact.”

Davis can be an X factor as Bradley heads to the Valley Tournament this week. When all eyes are on BU players like Duke Deen, Malevy Leons and Connor Hickman, Davis can shine in the background.

“He’s a huge key to our team. When he shoots the ball well, we are a different offensive team,” said Bradley coach Brian Wardle. “He’s versatile, I can play him at different spots. He’s gotten way better than a year ago.”

The 6-7 junior wingman came to Bradley in 2022 from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. He was pressed into action early last season when the Braves were hit with injuries.

But he feels like he’s been able to grow into his role this year.

“I play a lot of minutes and appreciate the opportunity. Coach trusts me to put me on the floor in those (big) moments, Davis said. “If I’m playing well, it helps us win.”

Bradley opens play in the MVC Tournament in the quarterfinals on Friday night at 8:35 p.m. The Braves will play the winner of Thursday’s game between Southern Illinois and UIC.

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