Back to Southampton Eric Bradley
Strikers

Sport: Men's Basketball
Birthdate: November 24, 1980
Major: Communications
Position: Center
Year: Sophomore
Height: 6'9"
Hometown/High School: Middletown, NY/Middletown
Athletic Highlight: Being named MVP at Middletown High School and All Tournament at Spring Valley Tournament


Sophomore Eric Bradley proved his mettle against one of the region's toughest teams last year: St. Rose and their All-American 7-foot center Damon Reed. Before 300 wildly cheering home fans, Bradley kept Reed in check while the Colonials worked their perimeter game en route to a 90-80 victory.
It was a pivotal win, because earlier in the year St. Rose had beaten Southampton in Albany 97-76 and the Colonials were in disarray, losing their playoff stride. The St. Rose win proved to the coaches that Bradley was back from a serious injury the previous season. After playing in just a few games as a freshman in 1998-99, Bradley had suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that forced him to be red-shirted. The highly recruited 6-9 center from Middletown, NY, underwent reconstructive surgery on his left shoulder and worked hard to be ready for the 1999-2000 campaign.
After Coach Peck was hired in 1997, he recruited Bradley to address a team weakness known as a "donut" offense -- that is, nothing happening in the middle. Not since 7-foot-2 John Burke patrolled the paint in 1995-96 have the Runnin' Colonials possessed a true pivot with such potential.
"We hope for Eric to have several double-doubles this season," Peck said, referring to rebounds and points.
At Middletown High School, guided by head coach Jim Distefano, Bradley was named MVP and won the Sportsmanship Award. An intimidating defensive player, Bradley's best qualities are his passing, unselfishness, a baby hook shot, and ability to see the floor. He also brings a positive attitude to the gym.
"Eric is a character player with a legitimate post-up game," said Peck. "He has three years of eligibility left, so he is someone we can build around. Last year against St. Rose he proved that he could match up well against some of our region's best talent."


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