The Braves trio includes redshirt sophomore forward Xander Alarie, junior wing Timoty van der Knaap and redshirt senior guard Trevon Payton.
Illinois State, Murray State, UIC and Valparaiso — all among the top contenders in the MVC preseason poll — each have four. Former Peoria Notre Dame High School star Eoin Dillon is one of two players listed for Belmont.
Why Trevon Payton?
He is a 6-foot-6, 215-pound guard who comes in from Arkansas-Pine Bluff as one of Bradley's 10 newcomers to the roster this season.
In 2025-26, he shot 51.9% from the field and 47.1% from 3-point range as one of the best shooters in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
He appeared in all 32 games and led his team in 3-point shooting.
Why Xander Alarie?
He's a 6-foot-8, 235-pounder who was a redshirt freshman last season at Northeastern.
Originally on the University of Miami roster, Alarie transferred to Northeastern and was averaging 10.3 points per game and shooting 42% from the field before suffering a season-ending injury.
Why Timoty van der Knaap?
The Italy product has gotten bigger and stronger during the offseason, and began emerging in a larger role last season.
The 6-foot-8, 215-pound wing can handle shifts at guard and forward and made 33 starts last season. Now a junior, he projects to be a key player for Bradley and could be among the top wings in the conference.
He is currently recovering from a foot injury.
Here's a look at the rest of the MVC player watch list:
Belmont: Jack Smiley, Eoin Dillon.
Bradley: Timoty van der Knaap, Xander Alarie, Trevon Payton.
Drake: Owen Larson, Jon Carroll, Eli Shetlar.
Evansville: AJ Casey, Bryce Quinet.
UIC: Ahmad Henderson II, Andy Johnson, Mekhi Lowery, Rashund Washington Jr.
Illinois State: Johnny Kinziger, Chase Walker, Malik Messina-Moore, Noah Cleveland.
Indiana State: Jackson Cooper, Karmani Gregory.
Northern Iowa: Greyson Uelman, Tate McCubbin, Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, Ian Smikle.
Murray State: Roman Doman, Brigham Rogers, Mark Padjen, Mathis Courbon.
Southern Illinois: Jalen Haynes, Donovan Hill.
Valparaiso: JT Pettigrew, Rakim Chaney, Justus McNair, Carter Hopoi.
Dave Eminian is the Journal Star sports editor. Reach him via email at deminian@pjstar.com and follow him on X @icetimecleve.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Bradley Braves men's basketball lands 3 players on MVC watch list for 2026-27