Crystal Bradford named 2013-14 Mid-American Conference women's basketball Player of the Year

Crystal Bradford has been called the best player in the Mid-American Conference all season, but now its official.

The junior guard was named MAC women's basketball Player of the Year, following arguably the best single-season performance ever orchestrated by a CMU basketball player. She is the first in program history to earn the honor.

Bradford averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and nearly five assists per game during the 2013-14 regular season. She led the conference in rebounds and steals this year.

Bradford was named the MAC Player of the Week a league single-season record eight times. She also holds the career record with 14.

Bradford led the Chippewas to a 16-2 conference mark and undefeated home record.

"I think Crystal's body of work really speaks for itself," said CMU head coach Sue Guevara. "She gets a lot of respect around the league and she gives it back. I'm very happy for her."

Last week, Bradford  was recognized by the MAC for her record-setting performance. The Detroit-native was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, on Monday.

The junior was one of only two Division I women's basketball players to lead her team in five statistical categories. In February, Bradford was named to the Dawn Staley Award Watch List, a designation handed down to the Top 16 players in the country.

She was also named first team All-MAC for the second consecutive season on Tuesday.

"(Bradford's) teammates keep her accountable," Guevara said. "When she needs a little kick in the butt, she has a couple of teammates that are very willing to do that. If you look at her numbers, I think it was hard-pressed for her not to be the MAC Player of the Year."

The Chippewas begin their quest to repeat as MAC Tournament Champions Friday at 2:30 p.m. when they play the winner of "Game 8," of the tournament.