
Michael Bradley (185-PG-2000, college: NKU) is a 185cm point guard that was born in San Antonio, Texas and began his basketball career at Cornerstone Christian Academy and then played at Naval Academy Prep School. He then played at Mercyhurst University (NCAA2) from 2019-2023 playing a total of 101 games and improved his scoring average each season and in his last season averaged 14.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 86.3%. He added a season at Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) averaging 10.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketballl late last summer.
Thanks Michael for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?
Yes sir of course, Thank you for taking the time to reach out and interview me. At the moment I am still located at Northern Kentucky University training and preparing for my upcoming rookie year. Life is treating me very well, God has blessed me to be in this position and the support around me has been nothing short of amazing.
Congrats on signing with German pro A team EPG Guardians. How excited are you to be starting your pro career overseas?
I am very excited. I almost feel like very excited is an understatement. This is something you dream of all the time as a child and to see it come to life is a very surreal feeling.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends, ex opponents or teammates play in Germany?
In general I know that Germany is a beautiful country, and the fans care a lot about the basketball played there. I have had a few former trainer and teammate play in Germany’s ProA League. My trainer David Jones played for many years in Germany and had a very successful career, and my former teammate Melkisedek Moreaux played two years in the Pro A league and recently signed to the top league in Germany.
What were the main reasons for joining the EPG Guardians? What was the deciding reason that made you pick this organization?
The biggest reasons I decided to sign with EPG is the opportunity they gave me to fulfill a lifetime dream. They are very family oriented, and being a part of a club that is very close was important to me. Lastly is the amazing fan base, and the opportunity to have a very big 24-25 season.
How did the talks go with head coach Marco Van Den Berg? He likes your floor leader qualities and character. What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?
The talks with Coach Marco went great, he laid out his expectations and what he sees us being able to accomplish this year as a club and that is big things. During our conversation I appreciated his passion and knowledge of the game. He is an experienced Coach who puts a lot of trust in his players, and also can help me learn and develop to become an even better Point guard than what I came in as.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
The two players who have been very influential to my game over the years are Tony Parker and Chris Paul. Both of their games are a great balance of finding their teammates and getting them involved along with picking and choosing their spots when to score.
You’re a floor general that can score and find your teammates. What other strengths does your game have?
I would definitely say some other strengths in my game are both my shot making ability and my ability to make plays in the open court.
You also have good percentages from outside and the free throw line. How would you classify your three point shot development in the last years? What kind of a shooter do you still want to grow into to?
My three point shooting over the years has come from staying in the gym consistently. I would describe it best as I had to figure out what worked for myself along with never being satisfied continuing to find unorthodox ways to improve that part of my game. I still want to grow into a better two guard, despite being a point guard having the ability to play off ball is very key for me so I will continue to work on it.
You’re also a very ambitious defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
As a defender I would describe myself as intense. I enjoy getting after It on that side of the ball. Constantly looking for opportunities to make a play for my team. The kind of defender I want to become is one that can guard any position and ultimately making the opposing player take the toughest shot possible every possession.
On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?
The one major area I am working to improve is my finishing around the rim, at the next level I know that will be very important. Also continuing to become a better shooter off the dribble, making shots consistently at the highest level.
You played at Mercyhurst University averaging 14/4/3/1 in your last season. What memories do you have in this time? How instrumental was Gary Manchel in your development there?
It’s hard to single out only a few times during my years there, Mercyhurst brought me some of my closest friends on and off the court. I learned how to be a competitor there and also how to be a true team player as well. Coach Manchel was very key in all of that, he challenged me everyday on both sides of the ball and ultimately gave me a foundation on what it truly takes to win at a high level.
You then played one season at Northern Kentucky. You had many great games like scoring 26 points against Oakland. What was your fondest moment at Northern Kentucky?
I would say my favorite memory from this year was definitely beating Wright State in the conference tournament. This year alone has brought me so many memories, but it always feels good to walk into someone else’s arena and get a road win especially during the most important part of the year.
How did head coach Darrin Horn give you that added push and help you prepare for a professional career?
Coach Horn and staff gave me that added push by teaching me how to work like a professional. As simple as it sounds they reminded me everyday no matter what “put the work in and never cheat yourself”. Ever since then that is exactly what I have done, everyday I show up ready to work and get better.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Josh Dilling?
We haven’t got the chance to play against each other yet since this is his first year at Nku. However we were on the same team for an open gym we had, and he can shoot the ball with the best of them’. Nonetheless being the competitor I am, if we were to play of course I got to go with myself.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
Enrique Freeman by far, he is a big man that played for the Akron Zips this past year. All around great player but what separates him in my opinion is his motor.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
This is in no specific order at all but I would have to go with Stephen Cannady, Marques Warrick, Melkisedek Moreaux, Miykah McIntosh, & Sam Vinson.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?
Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Lebron James, & Chris Paul.
Who is your GOAT?
My goats are definitely my parents, without them I personally don’t know where’d I’d be in life without them. They kept me on the right track growing up and supported me working for this dream since day one.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
I have not seen the sequel, but I do feel that they should’ve left it alone. Especially with the sequel coming so many years later.
Thanks Michael for the chat.