Michael Bradley Scores 1,000th Point for Lakers

By Megan McKay Staff writer

On Saturday Feb. 18 the Lakers got their 20th win on the season over Clarion.

The Lakers secured the win by a score of 62-55 but that was not the biggest accomplishment of the night. In his final bucket of the game guard Michael Bradley got his 1,000th point of his career. He recorded 8 points in the Lakers win against Clarion in addition to his impressive milestone.

Bradley is a senior from San Antonio, Texas. He has had a crucial impact since entering Mercyhurst his freshman year where he led the team in assists. Bradley has continued to excel as he has had a strong senior season with a high of 31 points against Clarion. He is not just a dominant force offensively but also posts strong defensive efforts each game. He consistently steals the ball and collects rebounds in crucial parts of the game.

Bradley thanked many of the people who have helped him get to where he is today in achieving the amazing feat. Without a strong work ethic Bradley would not have found the success he has. Bradley said,

Nba

By Bella Lee Staff writer

The end of the NBA season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to begin considering who will be joining the greats in the NBA Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class.

There are some big names that are on the list of nominees, and any one of them can be worthy of joining the 2023 class.

One of the major names that could join the Hall of Fame is superstar Dwyane Wade, who spent 16 years in the NBA, mainly with the Miami Heat. Over the course of his career, Wade won three NBA Championships, was a 13time NBA All-Star, and was an Olympic gold medalist for Team USA in 2008. Another massive name that could join the ranks is Dirk Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks. During his time in the NBA, Nowitzki led the Mavericks to 15 NBA playoffs, four division titles, two Finals appearances, and one championship. Additionally, Nowitzki ranks number six on the all-time scoring list, hitting 31,550 points.

Another international superstar that could join besides Nowitzki is Pau Gasol. A legend among Spain like Nowitzki is among Germany, Gasol was a six-time NBA All-Star, a four-time All-NBA Team selec-

“It’s something that I am very proud of. This accomplishment wouldn’t be possible without God, my parents, work ethic and I ultimately would not be able to get this without the amazing help of my teammates. Everyday stepping on the court they have the belief to put the ball in my hands and allow me to have the confidence I need to get the job done. I was able to accomplish this by everyday just working, improving my craft and ultimately staying consistent always finding ways to better myself.” Bradley attributes the strong season he has had thus far to the work the team has put in.

He described how the work he has put in is not for himself but for the team. Many players who reach these career setting point accomplishments are the most selfless and dedicated players on the team. As Lebron James said after reaching his historic milestone to become the NBA leading goal scorer, “I didn’t even try to do it.” Bradley described the Lakers focus this season, “We focus on what we can control a day at a time, and don’t let any factors change who we are. Basketball season is very long, so it is important to stay in the moment and to never let the past or future affect your present.” Bradley has become only the 16th Laker to enter the 1,000 point club and he got to do it on his senior night in front of his parents. He described the moment being an incredible feeling. He thanked his teammates saying, “I’ve had a lot of great players to look up to and learn from such as MiyKah McIntosh, and Steve Cannady so to be able to enter such an elite club is something to definitely be proud of.” The Lakers currently sit 21-4 and in their most recent win against Seton Hall. Bradley has not slowed down after leading the Lakers with 20 points during that game. The Lakers have secured a bye into the opening round of the PSAC tournament. As the team prepares for postseason play, Bradley shared the team’s mindset, “For the final stretch of the season I would say our team goals are to ultimately be as connected as possible when playoffs begin for us. We know the team that we have developed and the culture established so as long we continue to do whatever it takes to win then I see a very deep playoff run ahead.” tion, two NBA Championships, and the first non-American to win Rookie of the Year. Another nominee that is well-known is Tony Parker, who spent all but one year of his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs. Parker won four NBA Championships, six NBA All-Star Games, three All-NBA Second Teams, and one All-NBA Third Team.

The Lakers rounded out their final regular season game last Saturday against Gannon where they won 105-70.

Additionally, there are some legendary coaches that have a chance at making it to the Hall of Fame. One of the greatest includes Gregg Popovich, the president and head coach of the Spurs. Popovich had 22 consecutive winning seasons with the Spurs, the most in NBA history, is one of only five NBA coaches to win five NBA Championships and was the head coach of Team USA in the 2020 Summer Olympics, leading them to a gold medal. Additionally, coaching legends nominated include Purdue men’s basketball all-time wins leader Gene Keady; Marian Washington, who amassed 560 wins in 31 years coaching the University of Kansas women’s team; Gary Blair, who led Texas A&M to the women’s championship in 2011; Gene Bess, who won 1,300 games and two national championships with Three Rivers Community College; and David Hixon, who won 826 games in 42 years at Amherst College.

Finally, there are a selection of WNBA names being nominated, including Becky Hammon, a sixtime All-Star in her WNBA career and Jennifer Azzi, a collegiate national champion at Stanford, an Olympic gold medalist for USA Basketball in 1996 and a five-year WNBA veteran.

The official NBA Hall of Fame 2023 class will be announced on April 1, the date of the March Madness Final Four.

In order to be eligible for the Hall of Fame, nominees must earn at least 18 votes from a voting committee of 24. We can’t wait to see who makes it!