Basketball fans may have wondered if Brea Beal, the former South Carolina Gamecocks guard, and Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns star, are related. After all, they share the same last name and both play the same position. However, the truth is that Brea and Bradley are not related by blood or marriage. They are just two talented basketball players who happen to have a common surname.
Brea Beal’s Background and Career
Brea Beal was born on November 8, 2000, in Rock Island, Illinois. She is the daughter of Kevin Beal and Nicole Adamson. Her father played college basketball for UTEP and coached her in her early years. She also has a younger brother named Kannon
Brea Beal started playing basketball in eighth grade and joined the Midwest Elite Amateur Athletic Union program. She attended Rock Island High School, where she became one of the best players in the state and the nation. She won the Illinois Miss Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year awards three times each, joining Candace Parker as the only players to do so. She also earned All-American honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and played in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic
Brea Beal was a five-star recruit and the number 10 player in the 2019 class by ESPN. She chose to play college basketball for South Carolina Gamecocks of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where she was coached by Dawn Staley. She played four seasons for the Gamecocks from 2019 to 2023 and was part of the team that won the 2022 national championship. She was also named to the AP Honorable Mention All-American and SEC All-Defensive Team in 2023
Brea Beal entered the 2023 WNBA Draft and was selected by the Minnesota Lynx with the 24th overall pick in the second round. However, she was waived by the Lynx before the start of the season due to roster limitations. She is currently looking for another opportunity to play in the WNBA or overseas
Bradley Beal’s Background and Career
Bradley Beal was born on June 28, 1993, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the son of Bobby and Besta Beal. He has four brothers: Brandon, Bruce, Byron, and Bryon. His mother played college basketball for Kentucky State University and his father played college football for Kentucky State University and Northern Illinois University. His older brother Brandon played college basketball for Northern Illinois University and Bellarmine University
Bradley Beal attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, where he was a standout player. He won the FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP award in 2010 while playing for Team USA. He also won the Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Show-Me Basketball, Parade All-American, and McDonald’s All-American awards in 2011. He finished his high school career as the all-time leading scorer in Chaminade history with 2,634 points
Bradley Beal was a five-star recruit and the number five player in the 2011 class by ESPN. He decided to play college basketball for Florida Gators of the SEC, where he was coached by Billy Donovan. He played one season for the Gators in 2011-12 and averaged 14.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He was named to the First-team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman Team. He also helped Florida reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Louisville Cardinals
Bradley Beal declared for the 2012 NBA Draft after his freshman season and was selected by the Washington Wizards with the third overall pick. He played nine seasons for the Wizards from 2012 to 2021 and became one of the best shooting guards in the league. He averaged 22.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game for his career with Washington. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2013, NBA All-Star Team three times (2018, 2019, 2021), and NBA All-NBA Third Team once (2020). He also led the NBA in scoring with 30.5 points per game in 2020-21 season. He is second on the Wizards’ all-time leading scorer list behind Elvin Hayes with 12,909 points.
Bradley Beal was traded to Phoenix Suns in June 2021 along with Ish Smith and a future second-round pick in exchange for Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, and a future first-round pick. He joined forces with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to form one of the most potent scoring trios in the NBA. He is expected to help the Suns contend for the NBA championship in the 2021-22 season
Conclusion
Brea Beal and Bradley Beal are not related, but they are both accomplished basketball players who have made their mark in the sport. They have different backgrounds, careers, and teams, but they share a passion for the game and a common last name. They are both examples of hard work, dedication, and excellence in basketball.
