The Southern Hoiho American import landed in Wellington at midnight on Tuesday, less than 24 hours before her new team’s opening game of the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa League.
The point guard raced down stairs the next morning, meeting her new team-mates over breakfast and a walk, and immediately knew she had made the right decision to sign with the team.
"I just had this really good feeling and good vibes coming from the team," Bradley said.
That energy transferred on to the court when the Hoiho had a dream start to the season, beating defending champions the Tokomanawa Queens 82-75.
"We were going into the game and I think everyone was super positive and was very excited.
"Then I think it translated into the game. We were all having a lot of fun together — it didn’t feel like we were too much in chaos.
"We kind of figured it out as we were going and I don’t even think it was the best we have, so I’m excited to even get some fine tuning in practices."
The 29-year-old made an impact in her first outing, grabbing 12 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, in a game where all five starters finished on double figure points.
Bradley, who grew up in Houston, joins the Hoiho with an extensive international background.
After playing for the University of Denver for four years, Bradley graduated in 2016 and decided to "wing it" and try playing overseas.
She ended up in Germany, which became her second home, playing for BC Marburg for three years and the Qool Sharks Wuerzburg for two years.
After that, she played for AB Contern in Luxembourg — Zoe Richards played for AB Contern last year after the Hoiho season — and then joined the Hobart Chargers in the Australian NBL 1.
After another quick stint in Germany, Bradley returned to Hobart for her second season, averaging 19.9 points and 5.6 assists, before linking up with the Hoiho.
Her background helped her develop from the "rookie" that first landed in Germany.
She is proud of the journey basketball has taken her on.
"I think I’m generally just proud of where I’ve got to and all these pathways it’s brought me to, and now playing in New Zealand," she said.
"Australia and New Zealand was kind of a little dream of mine.
"I didn’t even really know New Zealand had this league until last summer. I know that was kind of the first big thing.
"Then it kind of went on my bucket list and here we are."
She hoped to bring a calm presence to the court for the Hoiho, and a sense of togetherness, to help manage the game to stay on the right side of the scoreboard.
"I know I’m also here to score, and dish it out, and the typical basketball things.
"But off the court, I really enjoy spending time with the group and I feel like we already have a really amazing group together.
"We’ve already had fun with just our little bit of time together that I’ve been here."
She hoped that fun could continue when the Hoiho play their first home game of the season against Mainland Pouakai tomorrow.
"It’s always nice to have the home game, and hopefully bring some life to the fans and have them behind us, and carry that in to hopefully a win."
