Finalist - 2009 Coaches of the Year powered by Critical Reload

Dr. Ron Bradley concluded his sixth year as the associate head coach with the Tiger men’s basketball program in 2008-09. He also serves as the team’s recruiting coordinator. Prior to his hire at Clemson in the summer of 2003, he served as the associate head coach at James Madison University for one season.

Bradley has had a positive impact on Clemson defensively during his six years with the school. He is credited with helping implement Clemson’s patented pressure defense.

Bradley served as a head coach for 16 years, five at Eastern Nazarene (1976-81) and 11 at Radford (1991-2002). He compiled a 289-175 record at those institutions, a .623 winning percentage. During his 16 years as a head coach, Bradley’s teams posted winning records 15 times, and won 20 or more games six times. In 10 different seasons his teams won at least 18 games.

Prior to his season at James Madison, Bradley coached at Radford University in Virginia for 12 seasons, including 11 as the head coach. He succeeded Oliver Purnell as the Radford head coach in 1991-92. During his 11 years as head coach, Bradley compiled a 193-124 (.609) record. He won four conference titles, and led the Highlanders to their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1997-98. That season, Radford posted a 20-10 overall record, including a 10-2 mark in conference play, along with the Big South Conference Championship.
A native of Quincy, MA, Bradley played basketball at Eastern Nazarene under his father, Carroll. He was a three-time NAIA honorable mention All-America choice. He ranked sixth in the nation in scoring his sophomore year, and 15th as a junior.

Bradley was selected by the New York Nets in the American Basketball Association (ABA) draft in 1972 as a junior eligible. He played semi-professional basketball for three seasons before beginning his coaching career at Eastern Nazarene in 1976-77.