Why Mark Davis had the “Biggest Influence” on Mark Bradtke’s Career

Image via Botinagy.com

Three-time NBL champion Mark Bradtke has revealed why former teammate Mark Davis had the “biggest influence” on his career.

Bradtke is considered one of Australia’s greatest ever players as he won the NBL MVP in 2002, made the All-NBL First Team 10 times and was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

He started his career with the Adelaide 36ers from 1988-1992, where he was mentored by Davis, who won the league MVP in 1987 and was known as the 'Chairman of the Boards' due to his incredible rebounding ability.

Bradtke has explained to NBL Rewind how Davis’ tough and physical style in practice helped mould him into the player he eventually became. 

“The best thing for me was Mark Davis, who never called one foul,” Bradtke said.

“For my first four years in Adelaide he never called a foul at training and he used to beat the crap out of me, and it was the best thing that could have happened.

“I had to fight for everything, and he would dominate the rebounds, he would bash into you and all these sorts of things.

“He was awesome in that way and by far and away the biggest influence for my career.”

On November 21, 2003, the student surpassed the master, as Bradtke broke Davis’ record to become the NBL’s all-time leading rebounder.

The game took place in Adelaide and Davis presented Bradtke the game ball after the match, a moment he will forever cherish.

“Massive fan of his forever and to beat his record was awesome. You got to beat it so why not beat the best? Then he presented me the game ball. It was huge,” Bradtke said.

Listen to the NBL Rewind podcast every Thursday night from 6:30pm AEST. Each week, Cam Luke and Liam Santamaria are joined by a special guest to relive some of the greatest moments in NBL history. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.   

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