Teams

1953-54 Bradley University Men’s Team

Year Inducted: 2025

Category: Teams

Schools / Organizations: Bradley University

Head Coach: Forddy Anderson

Team Record: 19-13 (NCAA 2nd Place)

Biography: The 1953-54 Bradley Braves men’s basketball team, coached by Forddy Anderson, achieved a 19-13 record and were the national runners-up in the 1954 NCAA tournament, losing 92-76 to LaSalle University in the championship game.   Bob Carney (NBA player), Dick Estergard, and John Kent led the way, with the trio averaging a combined 43.7 ppg and 23.4 rpg.

It was the second time in five seasons that Bradley was the national runner-up, having also lost to CCNY in both the NCAA and NIT championships in 1949-50.