You'd have to catch me off the record to answer that question. The implication was clear: Now that every school can pay players -- either through direct revenue share or name, image and likeness dollars -- Big Ten schools are no longer disadvantaged in recruiting by everything from booster bag men to shoe company AAU connections.
MVC play features the Bradley Braves (18-10, 11-6 MVC) at home against the Illinois State Redbirds (18-10, 10-7 MVC) on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET. Bradley lost its previous game to Valparaiso, 79-72, on Wednesday. Alex Huibregtse led the way with 22 points, plus two boards and one assist. In its previous game, Illinois State topped Murray State on Wednesday, 78-61. Its high scorer was Ty'Reek Coleman with 22 points.