Crystal Bradford Biography: Las Vegas Aces Guard, CMU Legend & WNBA Journey

Crystal Bradford is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Recognized for her versatility, resilience, and record-setting college career, she is a determined competitor with a unique journey through professional basketball.

Crystal-Bradford
Crystal-Bradford

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Crystal Bradford

  • Date of Birth: November 1, 1993

  • Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

  • Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)

  • Weight: 170 lbs (77 kg)

  • Position: Guard/Forward

  • High School: Inkster High School (Inkster, Michigan)

College Career: Central Michigan (2011–2015)

  • Four-year standout for the Central Michigan Chippewas

  • Career Stats:

    • 2,006 points (all-time leading scorer at CMU)

    • 1,140 rebounds (all-time leader)

    • 805 made field goals (all-time leader)

    • 177 blocks (all-time leader)

  • Accolades:

    • First Central Michigan player ever drafted to the WNBA

    • MAC All-Freshman Team

    • MAC Honorable Mention

    • Multiple MAC West Player of the Week honors

    • MAC All-Tournament Team

    • Carrs-Safeway Great Alaska Shootout All-Tournament Team

  • Notable Performances:

    • Led team in scoring, rebounding, blocks, and steals as a freshman

    • 11 double-doubles as a freshman

    • Set tournament records for field goals made, attempted, and rebounds

    • Season highs: 27 points, 17 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 steals

Professional Career

  • Drafted: 1st round, 7th overall, 2015 WNBA Draft by Los Angeles Sparks

  • Teams:

    • Los Angeles Sparks (2015, 2023)

    • Atlanta Dream (2021)

    • Chicago Sky (2022)

    • Las Vegas Aces (2025–present)

  • WNBA Stats:

    • 39 games, 10 starts

    • 6.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals per game (career averages)

    • 2021 season (Atlanta): 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds per game

  • Other Professional Experience:

    • Played in Israel, Poland, Spain, and Turkey

    • 2020: Led Israeli league in scoring (22.3 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 3.7 apg with Maccabi Bnot Ashdod)

    • Global Women’s Basketball Association (GWBA) champion, Finals MVP (2017)

  • Injury and Resilience:

    • Overcame multiple injuries and setbacks

    • Returned to WNBA after five-year absence (2021 with Atlanta Dream)

    • Known for perseverance and strong work ethic

Achievements & Honors

  • Central Michigan all-time leader in points, rebounds, made field goals, and blocks

  • First CMU player drafted to the WNBA

  • MAC All-Freshman Team, All-Tournament Team

  • GWBA champion, Finals MVP

  • Led Israeli league in scoring (2020)

  • WNBA experience with multiple teams

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatile scorer and rebounder

    • Strong defender and playmaker

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Resilient and determined competitor

  • Style:

    • Athletic, multi-dimensional guard/forward who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, experience, and a relentless mentality

FAQs About Crystal Bradford

What position does Crystal Bradford play?
Guard/Forward

Which team does she play for?
Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)

How old is Crystal Bradford?
31 (born November 1, 1993)

What are her main achievements?
Central Michigan all-time leader in points, rebounds, made field goals, and blocks; first CMU player drafted to the WNBA; GWBA champion and Finals MVP; led Israeli league in scoring

What is her playing style?
Versatile, resilient guard/forward with strong scoring and rebounding

Conclusion

Crystal Bradford is a record-setting college player and resilient WNBA pro whose journey has been marked by perseverance, versatility, and determination. Her leadership and experience make her a valuable asset for the Las Vegas Aces and an inspiring figure in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)