Bradtke's immediate focus on winning with Rollers

It might have been quite the dramatic NBL season he was part of at the Brisbane Bullets, but what it did was reignite Jensen Bradtke's basketball drive and he's translating that into helping the Gold Coast Rollers chase NBL1 North glory.

Bradtke was at a crossroads on his basketball journey after the 2024/25 season with the University of Montana Grizzlies where he had decided to attend having redshirted the previous season having committed to Saint Mary's.

Things at Montana didn’t quite go how he hoped and Bradtke wasn’t sure if basketball was the career path he wanted to pursue despite the natural talents he possesses, and the family history he has with his dad Mark an all-time Australian and NBL great.

However, Bradtke's basketball passion sky rocketed once more when he came back home to the Gold Coast and was part of a Rollers team that finished top at the end of the regular season in the NBL1 North.

His dad was also coaching the Gold Coast women's team and then Bradtke received his first NBL opportunity at the Bullets where he was a development player and hit the court in 13 games throughout NBL26.

While it was quite the eventful season to say the least with the Bullets, being in a professional environment only showed to Bradtke that it is what he wants to make a career out of as he now refocuses in the immediate future on helping Gold Coast make up for last year's finals exit.

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Cconsidering the Bullets underwent a coaching change, used seven different imports and 19 players overall, and lost their last 13 games, and it was a disastrous season in NBL26 on so many fronts.

It was certainly a learning experience for that to be Bradtke's first chance inside an NBL environment as a player, but what it did do was show him what it takes to play at the level and how much he wants it.

"That’s one way to put it (chaotic season), the amount of stuff the team had to endure would be more than most people would have to go through in multiple seasons," Bradtke said.

"I just took the year as a big stepping stone for my career and try and learn as much as possible and showing up for myself and the team every day during the chaos."

Growth in game since returning home

Firstly on coming home to play with Gold Coast last NBL1 North season, then having a whole first season in the NBL with the Bullets, and now being back with the Rollers, and Bradtke's feels the growth in his game over the past 12 months has been enormous.

Both with his skills and his physical development, he learned plenty from everyone at the Bullets including ultimate professionals like Mitch Norton and Tyrell Harrison.

"Definitely, I've fallen in love with game all over again and the work it takes to get to that next level and take what I've learnt from Norto, Tyrell and those guys that have been around the league for a while now," Bradtke said.

"I’ve been in the gym working on my body and my game 24/7 and i feel like I've improved in so many areas."

Desire to win with the Rollers

Last year was a standout season for both Bradtke and the Rollers until they bumped into the eventual champion Southern Districts Spartans in the semi finals.

After finishing in top spot by the end of the regular season it was a tough exit to take, but now for Bradtke and his returning teammates along with coach Anthony Petrie, they are on a mission to make up for it in 2026 and it's started well so far with five consecutive wins.

"It’s been good to be back with all the guys again, the culture peach has created there and with everyone buying in on it, makes it so enjoyable to push and embrace each other and get some wins," Bradtke said.

"We weren’t happy with how the season ended for us last year, so everyone has that chip on their shoulder this year to learn from the mistakes and hopefully go all the way this year."

NBL, MVP bound teammates

It has been another strong start to the NBL1 North season too both for the team and some of Bradtke's teammates on an individual front.

Preston Le Gassick is putting up another 23.3 points and 7.3 assists a game having earned an NBL opportunity at the New Zealand Breakers where he'll now be under the guidance of Canadian coaching great Gordon Herbert.

Then there's another teammate, James Whitt, who might well be leading the MVP race for the conference right now with his 25.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists a game.

"I'm stoked for him (Le Gassick), I've known of him for a little while now but actually getting to know him, be mates with him and learn about his journey, I'm so happy for him to start his pro career in NZ," Bradtke said.

"Jimmy has my vote at the moment, he’s been playing unreal and has fit into our team and has bought into everything we are about.

"It’s been fun watching him pick apart defences and shoot heavily contested middy’s but it’s just as fun off court having him be a Roller."

What the future looks like

It's no surprise that a player like Bradtke who now has NBL experience, is still only 21 years of age and stands 6'10 who can shoot, pass, rebound and handle the ball is in some significant demand.

He's not quite sure where his immediate lies beyond this NBL1 North season, but it's a big decision with him about to turn 22 and wanting to build on the chances he did get at the Bullets in NBL26.

"I’m open to anything and everything at the moment," Bradtke said.

"I've got a few options on the table so I'm just waiting to see what might come and what has already and weighing all of the pro’s and con’s of each and what’s best for my future and longevity in the league."

What all-time great dad is up to

As for his dad, Mark might not be continuing on as coach of the Gold Coast women's team in 2026 with another all-time great, New Zealand Tall Blacks legend Pero Cameron, now in the role, but he hasn’t gone far.

Mark continues to work in a player development role at the Rollers and is passing on his expertise to as many local kids as possible too.

"He’s enjoying his time on the Goldy, going for a bunch of surfs and embracing the Gold Coast lifestyle," Bradtke said.

"He's still heavily involved with the Rollers and player development but also doing a bunch of personal coaching for kids that want help from one of the best to play in the NBL."