College Career
Bradley was heavily recruited by many colleges from across the country, but ultimately chose to play at Brigham Young University. During his freshman season (1990–91), he started all 34 games for BYU, averaging 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. But his main contribution to the team was shot-blocking: he led the entire nation in total blocks (177) and average (5.2 per game) - setting an NCAA freshman record in both categories. In one game against Eastern Kentucky, Bradley blocked 14 shots, tying the NCAA single-game record set by Navy's David Robinson in 1986. In that same game, Bradley also established a new career high by scoring 29 points.
BYU received a bid to the NCAA Tournament that season, and Bradley continued his dominating defense. In a first round game against Virginia, he set a tournament single-game record with 10 blocked shots, leading the Cougars to a 61-48 victory. However, he struggled with foul trouble in the second round, and BYU lost to Arizona, 76-61.
Bradley collected several awards and honors for his outstanding freshman season. He was named the Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, in addition to All-WAC defensive team and newcomer team honors. He was also named Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press.
After the end of the season, he left school to serve as a missionary for the LDS Church. After finishing a two-year mission to Australia, he decided not to return to college basketball. Instead, he entered the 1993 NBA Draft.
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