Indiana State and SIU 1 and 2 in 07-08

[FearDaTrees]

I know that it seems a little early considering the season isnt even over, but as I watch the snow out my window pile up to around 6 inches it made me start to daydream and think of what might be next year. I looked at each roster and examined the seniors and who will replace who. It was a very familiar pattern with most teams. Funk,Ahearn,Tatum,McKowen and even Will Franklin are all floor generals and they are all gone after this year. There were some big men as well that will be missing from rosters next year. Tolliver,Chaney and Grant Stout are just to that pop out in my head. Indiana State will be returning 4 out 5 starters from this year and Trent Wurtz will be easily replaced by Adam Arnold and the two recruits that they are getting from Iowa. Bradley is also returning 4 out 5 but will be missing Will Franklin. So here I go with my predictions for next year.

1) Indiana State
2) Southern Illinois
3) Bradley
4) Wichita State
5) Northern Iowa
6) Creighton
7) Missouri State
8) Drake
9) Evansville
10) Illinois State

Please let me know what you think because I was iffy on the teams from 4-7. Let me know some of the recruits that your team is getting and it may persuade me to editing some of them.

[barkeep1967]

crack is one hell of a drug isn't it. :lol:

[kyyle23]

I know that it seems a little early considering the season isnt even over, but as I watch the snow out my window pile up to around 6 inches it made me start to daydream and think of what might be next year. I looked at each roster and examined the seniors and who will replace who. It was a very familiar pattern with most teams. Funk,Ahearn,Tatum,McKowen and even Will Franklin are all floor generals and they are all gone after this year. There were some big men as well that will be missing from rosters next year. Tolliver,Chaney and Grant Stout are just to that pop out in my head. Indiana State will be returning 4 out 5 starters from this year and Trent Wurtz will be easily replaced by Adam Arnold and the two recruits that they are getting from Iowa. Bradley is also returning 4 out 5 but will be missing Will Franklin. So here I go with my predictions for next year.

1) Indiana State
2) Southern Illinois
3) Bradley
4) Wichita State
5) Northern Iowa
6) Creighton
7) Missouri State
8) Drake
9) Evansville
10) Illinois State

Please let me know what you think because I was iffy on the teams from 4-7. Let me know some of the recruits that your team is getting and it may persuade me to editing some of them.


I think you hit the nail on the head with your first sentence.

[Bigcityp]

I had that same Daydream last year. Evansville had all 5 starters back and look at us. The only thing about my daydream and the reality about this season was that Merfeld wasn't in my dream. He has been apart of this nightmare season!

[gopanthers!]

I really don't see Illinois State finishing last. They have a young team this year, but talented. I don't know where I'd put them yet for next year, but definitely not 10th.

[blueness]

7 or 8 new faces on the court next season for Creighton.

Young, but talented...not sure I could even predict if we were talking about this two weeks before next season starts...

[Coasterbill42]

7 or 8 new faces on the court next season for Creighton.

Young, but talented...not sure I could even predict if we were talking about this two weeks before next season starts...


MSU 7????:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[DawgieStyle]

oh come on guys, give the guy a break, id be thinking bout next season too if I were a tree's fan....:whistling:

[DUBulldog]

At this point, we can only begin to guess at the final rosters for next season. In the next few months, teams will sign new players. Players who were expected to return will announce that they're leaving.

When school starts, we'll hear about a few more new players who didn't sign a LOI during the signing period. We'll also find out that a few other players decided not to come back.

After school has been in session for a couple of weeks, we'll hear about a kid or two who got homesick and left the school.

After practice starts, there might be another few players who decide they don't want to work that hard.

And.....there's always the potential coaching changes that could greatly affect rosters for next season.

So, yeah, probably just a little early to be predicting. :original:

[FearDaTrees]

Denial................

[FearDaTrees]

:bears:

Why not MSU 7th.....They are losing there top 2 scorers

[DawgieStyle]

Denial................

what on gods green earth makes you think Inidana State could win the valley next year? is that the dominance they've shown over the last 10 years....:lol: or that NCAA trip they are going to get this year.....:lol: or that Royce Waltman will still be the coach next year......:lol: What exactly is going to change sooooooo much at Indiana State next year for them to even be in the discussion for winning the valley? There are several teams this year who are better than Indiana State already who as of right now will retain more, gain more and lose less than Indiana State, just how do you see them leap frogging any of those teams?

Please for the last time people, stop drinking and posting.

PS returning 4 out of 5 starters isn't necessarily a good thing....

[LincolnJay]

No doubt, Creighton will finish 10th.

[DawgieStyle]

No doubt, Creighton will finish 10th.

on your controller, where's the button for dominating Creighton?

[txsaluki05]

on your controller, where's the button for dominating Creighton?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[creightonfever]

Wow..

I cant see ISU being first in anything for a few decades.. too many other good teams in the valley. Yeah teams are losing absolute studs, but we have good coaches and even more talent coming in. Kind of DUMB post.

[DoubleJayAlum]

on your controller, where's the button for dominating Creighton?

I believe its right next to the DUI button...:naughty:

[DawgieStyle]

I believe its right next to the DUI button...:naughty:

God I'm gonna love it Saturday....PS, games sold out.

[XSaluki]

http://thebluejaycafe.com/img/saluki.GIF

You are a whiner, but a damn creative and funny whiner at that. Nicely done.:lol::lol::lol:

[go bluejayss]

the controller explains everything.....

[DawgieStyle]

the controller explains everything.....

except why you can't beat SIU

[go bluejayss]

:fear:

[doinit salukistyle]

:cry:

there, fixed it

[hardwood89]

Creighton at 6th? We may be losing a few studs in Funk, Tolliver and Porter but that is nothing new. We have lost some huge players in the past and Dana keeps us atop the Valley standings. We have other great players and have some serious talent coming in. CU will not slide that far, in fact I would bet they will be contending for top spot again. I could see your point if we had Jim Les as a coach, but we have Dana freaking Altman!

:jays:

[ISUBob]

what on gods green earth makes you think Inidana State could win the valley next year? is that the dominance they've shown over the last 10 years....:lol: or that NCAA trip they are going to get this year.....:lol: or that Royce Waltman will still be the coach next year......:lol: What exactly is going to change sooooooo much at Indiana State next year for them to even be in the discussion for winning the valley? There are several teams this year who are better than Indiana State already who as of right now will retain more, gain more and lose less than Indiana State, just how do you see them leap frogging any of those teams?

Please for the last time people, stop drinking and posting.

PS returning 4 out of 5 starters isn't necessarily a good thing....

Ya, I kinda agree with you. Royce just does not know how to put it together for a whole season. We either win then lose then win, or the other way around. Sycamores at best (with Royce) will be mid pack.:doh:

[tennis08tarheels]

The Valley title next year should come down to the incoming freshmen classes, along with a couple of other factors (coaching, etc.)

[BradleyBrave]

BU should be the MVC favorite next year, and should win their first MVC crown in over 10 years. Jeremy Fears will be an all-conference caliber guard replacing Will Franklin, DeAaron Williams is one the best JUCO players in America, and we return Ruffin, Crouch, Warren, and Salley. We're also adding one of the best guards in the state of Illinois in Sam Maniscalco, and the 3rd best player in Wisconsin in Dwight Buycks. We should get contributions from 2 of the 3 bigs we're bringing in (6'9" Will Egolf, 6'10" Anthony Thompson, and a JUCO big to be announced once a player leaves the program after the season as expected). BU will be deep, BU will be experienced, and BU will be well-coached. Barring injury, bet on our 3rd straight 20 win season, our 3rd straight postseason, and hopefully a Valley title.

[barkeep1967]

We're also adding one of the best guards in the state of Illinois in Sam Maniscalco

He is good but one of the top guards in the state is more than a little stretch.


DeAaron Williams is one the best JUCO players in America,

Really ? Have you seen him ? Once again he is decent but one of the beat is even more of a stretch here.


and a JUCO big to be announced once a player leaves the program after the season as expected)

I love rumours.

[Lakeview Brave]

He is good but one of the top guards in the state is more than a little stretch.


,

Really ? Have you seen him ? Once again he is decent but one of the beat is even more of a stretch here.




I love rumours.

Sam is rated as the 10th best recruit in the class of 07 so that puts him as one of the best. Regardless he will back up the best returning point guard in the Valley, who combined with Crouch will be the best or certainly one of the best returning back courts in the Valley. Jeremy Fears is a stud, this is a fact, he will start and have an immediate impact, (and yes I have seen him play) Add the return of Ray Brown and addtion of Deron Willimas and Bradley IMO has the best new comers in the Valley next year. The JUCO big is a fact only a rumor to the uninformed. I said before I think Bradley will win the Valley next year and go back to the dance.

:braves: :valley:

[barkeep1967]

I never said anything about Fears I don't know anything about him.

My Quote was towards Williams who you are vastly over rating.



So you know of a player that is leaving huh ? I might be uninformed but if a coach starts running off players and it becomes a problem. Ask Evansville fans.

[Lakeview Brave]

I never said anything about Fears I don't know anything about him.

My Quote was towards Williams who you are vastly over rating.



So you know of a player that is leaving huh ? I might be uninformed but if a coach starts running off players and it becomes a problem. Ask Evansville fans.


Williams has a bit of an attitude and is not great in the class room but he has alot of talent and is a great pure athlete. There is a reason he made all state and went to Wisconsin. Im not saying he is going to dominate but he will be a factor, there are not many better athletes in the Valley. He might not even start but he will contribute.

As for Fears here is some reading http://www.chicagohoops.com/articles1/jeremyfearsfeb.html

And as for a player leaving the team there was an article to that affect in the Peoria Journal star so its no secret. If a player is leaving then a JUCO big will be his replacement. FYI- Players dont always leave because the have been "run off" ask Kyle Wilson.

[Aceman96]

3 bigs, huh? Is Les gonna go back to a 3 guard offense then?

Just kiddin. I really like Bradley's chances to win it next year. My pick would be BU 1, UNI 2.

I just don't think the Saluki guards are going to be able to defend and handle the ball the way they will need to.

That said, there is potential... Josh Bone, Chris Cornelieus, etc.

[dogdays]

Im not sure agree that SIU s guards wont be able to guard next year. Mullins is the best on the ball defender in the league and Green has shown signs that he can will guard as well. Clemmons can guard, the question will be Bone.Now, they may not be able to score , but guarding and handling wont be a problem No one in the league will have a better front court next year than SIU. Falker, Shaw, Fay...BU may be better, but I think CU and UNI and SIU will still be leading the pack. WSU may well return to the top as well.

[BradleyBrave]

He is good but one of the top guards in the state is more than a little stretch.


,

Really ? Have you seen him ? Once again he is decent but one of the beat is even more of a stretch here.




I love rumours.

Have you seen Maniscalco play? Have you seen him dominating this year? Did you see him beat Illinois-bound Demetri McCamey and Ohio St-bound Evan Turner's team singlehandedly this year? Have you seen where DeAaron Williams is ranked as far as JUCO players this year? Obviously the answers to those questions are 'no'.

Rumors? They aren't rumors. If you knew anything about the BU program at all you'd know what player I was talking about and why he was leaving. Oh well.

[-Z-]

... and BU will be well-coached.

What!?!?:shock: Jim Les won't be back as Bradley's coach?!?!

[BradleyBrave]

What!?!?:shock: Jim Les won't be back as Bradley's coach?!?!

That's funny coming from a Syc fan. Real funny actually.

[MSNSaluki]

SIU's gonna be in real trouble next year.
If we're not the preseason pick for 10th it'll be a real upset.:lol:

[douglasdmb]

:bears:

Why not MSU 7th.....They are losing there top 2 scorers

So is virtually every other key team in the conference.

[Karma]

on your controller, where's the button for dominating Creighton?

:ranting:

[DawgieStyle]

Sam is rated as the 10th best recruit in the class of 07 so that puts him as one of the best. Regardless he will back up the best returning point guard in the Valley, who combined with Crouch will be the best or certainly one of the best returning back courts in the Valley. Jeremy Fears is a stud, this is a fact, he will start and have an immediate impact, (and yes I have seen him play) Add the return of Ray Brown and addtion of Deron Willimas and Bradley IMO has the best new comers in the Valley next year. The JUCO big is a fact only a rumor to the uninformed. I said before I think Bradley will win the Valley next year and go back to the dance.

:braves: :valley:

ahhh, i love basing team predictions on the additon of freshmen and juco transfers that have never played at the D1 level before....there always such a lock to be good....not (haven't used that in 10 years).

Bradley is going to have a load of talent, yes, but it is going to be very very very young. No one in their right mind knows how these guys will react or adjust to big time college basketball. They could, and I stress could, gel, adapt and win the valley. BUT! they also could have a hard time adjusting and finish in the lower half of the league.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Freshmen and trasnfer players are unproven commodities. I will, and so will most, bank on known factors for predictions.

If that's the case. I only need to know one thing. Randal Falker is going to be a senior next year, enough said. SIU is the favorite to win the valley on that alone. Factor in that SIU will still return Matt Shaw and Bryan Mullins.

You will see a very different SIU team next year, but it will still have the same results, lots of wins.

Randal is improving every game still, you can see it, and he's only a junior, and still may win the MVC POY this year (i know funk could win it too), but you get my point.

I'm sure this will start attacks of God Falker God, or what ever, but as long as SIU has Randall Falker next year as a senior, the rest of the valley is in trouble.

[Lakeview Brave]

ahhh, i love basing team predictions on the additon of freshmen and juco transfers that have never played at the D1 level before....there always such a lock to be good....not (haven't used that in 10 years).

Bradley is going to have a load of talent, yes, but it is going to be very very very young. No one in their right mind knows how these guys will react or adjust to big time college basketball. They could, and I stress could, gel, adapt and win the valley. BUT! they also could have a hard time adjusting and finish in the lower half of the league.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Freshmen and trasnfer players are unproven commodities. I will, and so will most, bank on known factors for predictions.

If that's the case. I only need to know one thing. Randal Falker is going to be a senior next year, enough said. SIU is the favorite to win the valley on that alone. Factor in that SIU will still return Matt Shaw and Bryan Mullins.

You will see a very different SIU team next year, but it will still have the same results, lots of wins.

Randal is improving every game still, you can see it, and he's only a junior, and still may win the MVC POY this year (i know funk could win it too), but you get my point.

I'm sure this will start attacks of God Falker God, or what ever, but as long as SIU has Randall Falker next year as a senior, the rest of the valley is in trouble.

What is your definaition of very very very young? Ruffin senior starter is back. Crouch senior starter back. Salley senior starter is back. Fears is a transfer who has been practicing with the team all year and is a proven D1 player (see link above). Williams played a season at Wisconsin and even if he doesnt start he is not new to D1. Even if none of our other incoming players do anything at all, we still have Andrew Warren who at present is shooting 50% from 3. Les has done very well with JUCO players, including Tony Bennent, Lawrence Wright, Zach Andrews and Matt Salley so Ill take my chances with who ever he brings in.

[btisu22]

I know that it seems a little early considering the season isnt even over, but as I watch the snow out my window pile up to around 6 inches it made me start to daydream and think of what might be next year. I looked at each roster and examined the seniors and who will replace who. It was a very familiar pattern with most teams. Funk,Ahearn,Tatum,McKowen and even Will Franklin are all floor generals and they are all gone after this year. There were some big men as well that will be missing from rosters next year. Tolliver,Chaney and Grant Stout are just to that pop out in my head. Indiana State will be returning 4 out 5 starters from this year and Trent Wurtz will be easily replaced by Adam Arnold and the two recruits that they are getting from Iowa. Bradley is also returning 4 out 5 but will be missing Will Franklin. So here I go with my predictions for next year.

1) Indiana State
2) Southern Illinois
3) Bradley
4) Wichita State
5) Northern Iowa
6) Creighton
7) Missouri State
8) Drake
9) Evansville
10) Illinois State

Please let me know what you think because I was iffy on the teams from 4-7. Let me know some of the recruits that your team is getting and it may persuade me to editing some of them.
Wow! I like the enthusiasm, but are you sure that white stuff on your ground is snow? I think we will rise up, but not first. But I will be the first one in line to eat crow if we do!:grin:
:sycamores:

[btisu22]

That's funny coming from a Syc fan. Real funny actually.
Waltman will be gone next year.

[DawgieStyle]

What is your definaition of very very very young? Ruffin senior starter is back. Crouch senior starter back. Salley senior starter is back. Fears is a transfer who has been practicing with the team all year and is a proven D1 player (see link above). Williams played a season at Wisconsin and even if he doesnt start he is not new to D1. Even if none of our other incoming players do anything at all, we still have Andrew Warren who at present is shooting 50% from 3. Les has done very well with JUCO players, including Tony Bennent, Lawrence Wright, Zach Andrews and Matt Salley so Ill take my chances with who ever he brings in.

these are also the same starters that are going to have BU finish mid pack this season....no offense having all the majority of your starters returning isn't always a good thing, ask Evansville.

Despite these other players being juco or transfers, it still doesn't hide the fact they've never played a "real" game together yet. That's a big deal. I don't understand how people think teams like BU and Indiana State are going to leap frog teams like CU, WSU, and SIU who are already better and also are returning a lot of players and have good recruits coming in. That's the funniest part, Apperntly BU fans think the rest of the valleys incoming new players must absolutely suck. News flash, they don't.

[Lakeview Brave]

these are also the same starters that are going to have BU finish mid pack this season....no offense having all the majority of your starters returning isn't always a good thing, ask Evansville.

Despite these other players being juco or transfers, it still doesn't hide the fact they've never played a "real" game together yet. That's a big deal. I don't understand how people think teams like BU and Indiana State are going to leap frog teams like CU, WSU, and SIU who are already better and also are returning a lot of players and have good recruits coming in. That's the funniest part, Apperntly BU fans think the rest of the valleys incoming new players must absolutely suck. News flash, they don't.

First off BU is already leap froged WSU, check the standings. Second SIU and CU both lose there best players. Bradley returns 3 starters and adds 2 that are better then they have now. Its not like Bradley has never been on top of the Valley and SIU has always been the best. It wasnt that long ago that SIU sucked. I dont think the players other schools have coming stink, I just think the players Bradley has coming are better.

[DawgieStyle]

It wasnt that long ago that SIU sucked.


yah, the last 5 have been real good, and about 6 years ago SIU was just you know NIT bound, and then in the early and mid 1990's they only went to sevearl NCAA tourneys. YAh, they've really sucked.

5 years is an eternity in college basketball, I'd say the last 5 years have been pretty good for SIU, probably now that I look at it, the best in the valley.

[DawgieStyle]

Second SIU and CU both lose there best players.

Actually Randal Falker is SIU's best player, and I'm pretty sure he is coming back next year.

[blueness]

SIU and CU both lose there best players.

Pierce Hibma is our best player, and I believe he is returning for his senior season. He has indicated that he will not leave early for the draft even after his breakout performance against Drake...:lol:

[Brave2001]

Dawgie and LakeViewBrave...you both make decent points.

Bradley will undoubtedly (IMO) have the best talend on the floor in the valley next year (that's never been a probelm at BU...we've always had loads of talent...I can't really remember very many years where we didnt rate in the top half of the valley in talent).

This is what has myself and other Braves fans (like Lake) so excited. Add to that excitement, the return of Ruffin and Crouch as seniors. Add to that excitement of this years team extremely overachieving. And yeah things are looking pretty good for next year.

Dawgie's right about the chemistry and never playing together being a factor. It's a complete unkown. Just ask Kansas how well all that talent the last couple years got them past the first round. I don't think it will be a huge issue, but it's been known to happen before. There is valid reason for skepticism.

He's also right about SIU and CU who are already very good, adding even more talent. It's not like they are standing still. I believe CU is adding a 4 star recruit. I definitely don't see us leapfrogging them, but being even with them. It will be a battle royal with CU, SIU, and BU next year.

If Bradley gels and doesnt have chemistry issues or other issues from not playing together before...I fully expect for BU to compete for 1st in the valley next year...and the year after that for that matter.

So I'm completely stoked, but do understand that should be tempered with some reservations.

[Phantom]

We may very well see all 3 teams from Illinois in the top 5-6 next year.

Well, at least SIU and BU will be. As for us, graduation isnt hitting us as hard as some other teams, and we will have a lot of returning experience and talent, as well as what is shaping up to be another strong recruiting class. I think next season we might be able to compete in the top half.

[Divergence]

First off BU is already leap froged WSU, check the standings.

You must be KaBSullseye cousin.

You do realize there are 6 games left? And that WSU is only 1 game back?

But thanks for waking Mrs. Karma....

[pbutler]

Quite a lot of nice work put into that controller. That too more effort to cry and whine than I can imagine.

On my creighton/wsu controller I would put some buttons labeled "Cry to ref" and "allow wide open shot" and "pretty airball", because looking good is more important than winning.

Oh yeah and on the WSU controller I would put a make shot button but you could only press it 12 times in a game.

[cujayfan]

despite losing funk & tolliver, i'm optimistic about our new recruits. putting up 47 pts in a single game & averaging 25 pts per game is impressive anywhere.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Quite a lot of nice work put into that controller. That too more effort to cry and whine than I can imagine.

Please repost in English.

[DoubleJayAlum]

despite losing funk & tolliver, i'm optimistic about our new recruits. putting up 47 pts in a single game & averaging 25 pts per game is impressive anywhere.

We also lose Porter. Together those three guys probably make up about 60-70% of our offense this year.

I have no doubt we'll be down some next year; you can't lose two all- conference players and last year's newcomer of the year and not decline.

In '07 and for the next three years thereafter, we will have perhaps the most athletic teams we've ever seen in Jays gear. Once those guys learn to play together next fall, it will be an incredibly fun team to watch. :yes:

[TrueBlueJay]

despite losing funk & tolliver, i'm optimistic about our new recruits. putting up 47 pts in a single game & averaging 25 pts per game is impressive anywhere.

He is only a Junior.

[blueness]

For those trying to keep up (47pts in a game...25ppg)...they are talking about Antoine Young, the junior out of Bellevue (Neb.) West High School who is a 2008 commit to CU.

[redbird1982]

Are you related to the Sycamore poster who came up with this earlier this year? You both appear delusional.....

This team played Indiana State tough on the road. If you're too blind to see that no one can or will beat the Trees at home, you can call it a bad loss. That's the toughest road game the Shockers will play all year. :grin:

[RoyalShock]

Back to the original post in this thread, the only major error I see in his prediction is the Redbirds at 10. I'd put them in the 5-7 range.

And for the sake of this discussion, newcomers are not considered. Every one will have some and there is no way to predict whose will be better.

A few weeks ago I did this very thing and came to the conclusion that the Sycs would be one of the top 3 teams in the league next year, along with SIU and WSU (although with Thomasson's recent struggles, I don't know). But if they boot Waltman and create player defections, all bets are off.

Almost every team will lose proven talent without any obvious bench players to step in. I picked next year's top 3 based on a combination primarily of returning frontcourt players and secondarily, experienced guards. Indiana State is the only team that comes out on top based on that criteria. WSU has Thomasson returning and two redshirts (Durley, Butler), so there is concern there. SIU loses their scoring guards. UNI loses Stout and McKowen. Koch and Eglseder's ability to step in is still in question. CU's inside game is a total question mark. MSU, too, although to a lesser degree.

So to make a long post short, I don't think it's a stretch for Sycamore fans to be excited about next year's possibilities. But expect the conference to temporarily return to a 1 or 2 bid league, unless the incoming class makes a huge contribution.

[Bird]

Considering CU hasn't finished below 4th in the past 10 years, I would expect them to finish better than 6th. We will be young, but we should have 5 Rivals Top 150 players on the floor. I think that talent along with Dana, and we should remain in the top 4 of the Valley.

It may take a while to gel, but I could see a season similar to this one where we come together as a team in the conference season.

[bcrawf]

UNI does return Eric Coleman, who should be preseason player of the year...

[Divergence]

UNI does return Eric Coleman, who should be preseason player of the year...


Or first MVC player sent to the pen.

[barkeep1967]

UNI does return Eric Coleman, who should be preseason player of the year...


Nope

Randal Falker

[AceGargantua]

It's insulting that nobody thinks UE will be higher than ninth next year. Merfeld should be hitting his stride right about now and we're only losing three of our best four players next season. I see us being in the top eight easily, maybe even clawing out of the play-in game.

Then a Merfeld contract extension.