When it comes to Micah Bradford, Matt Lottich’s belief hasn’t wavered.
Valparaiso’s coach consistently has praised the freshman guard’s work ethic and progress, maintaining he was close to a breakthrough.
Bradford might have hit that turning point Monday in the Crusaders’ rout of Green Bay as he scored 11 points. He shot 4-for-8, including 2-for-5 from 3-point range, reaching double figures for the first time since he posted 12 points against Coppin State in the third game.
Lottich sensed such production was imminent.
“Micah’s had great performances in practice and he’s had his moments in games, and that was his most complete game,” Lottich said. “He’s been putting in the work, so it’s not a surprise.
“We have high hopes for Micah. We recruited him to be a playmaker and make shots.”
The shots hadn’t been falling for Bradford, who’s shooting 26.7 percent (20-for-75), including 24.4 percent (10-for-41) on 3-pointers. But his confidence hasn’t dipped either, referencing conversations he’s had with assistant Jackie Manuel.
“Me and coach Man work on never thinking about the last shot — it’s always about the next shot,” Bradford said. “One shot doesn’t affect what’s going to happen next. I’m always thinking the next shot is going in.”
Still, Lottich inserted Bradford into the starting lineup three games ago in part to provide a mental boost for the freshman. Bradford has responded, particularly against the Phoenix. He has played a season-high 21 minutes in two of the last three games after logging a total of 17 scoreless minutes in the first three Horizon League games for the first-place Crusaders (15-4, 5-1).
Bradford will try to build against Illinois-Chicago (11-8, 4-2) at 2 p.m. Sunday, televised on American Sports Network (Comcast SportsNet Chicago).
“If there’s a guy on the team I want to perform well, it’s Micah because I see the work he’s putting in,” Lottich said. “I see how bad he wants it, I know how coachable he is.
“Like anyone, when you have to make that change from high school to college, there’s this big adjustment. It’s faster, it’s bigger, there’s more people watching you, you’re playing with better players. He’s still kind of in that mold.”
The dramatic differences, such as the pace and intensity, were hammered home when Bradford went home recently and attended a Bradley-Bourbonnais practice.
He continues to make strides defensively. And while he’s listed at a generous 150 pounds, he knows he has to continue to get bigger and stronger.
“I’m just making sure everything is positive,” Bradford said. “I’m trying to build my leadership for the coming years. I’m making sure everything is positive, upbeat, and just trying to bring a lot of energy to the game.”
Lottich noted even Alec Peters had to adapt as a freshman. Now the senior star needs just seven points to become Valparaiso’s career scoring leader, passing Bryce Drew (2,142). Peters set the Crusaders’ rebounding record against Green Bay.
Peters has noticed Bradford’s development.
“It really helps he’s able to see a guy like Lexus (Williams), a guy like Max (Joseph) in practice, go against them,” Peters said. “They guard him, and being able to see and learn that way, he’s such a talented player. Games like (Monday) is just a glimpse of what’s he’s able to bring to this team.
“He looked so comfortable out there handling that pressure, bringing the ball up the floor. That’s all you can ask of a freshman point guard, having composure to get the ball up the floor and get us into the offense. Every step, he’s getting more comfortable.”
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