Can the Valley stay at this level?

[SalukiSpike]

We've all heard that this was the year to do something because the mid-majors are up during the year that the BCS boys are down.

I am not so sure I agree with that, but thats not the point.

All things equal, can the valley schools sustain this high level of play over a lengthy period of time? Can we get schools into the Elite 8(and ultimately, the final four?) And can we start getting the big name recruits to give us a chance?

[Aargh]

I can count 6 schools next year who should be right about where the top 6 were this year. A couple of those could have top-25 years.

Gotta do 2 in a row before the Valley can do 5 in a row. 2 in a row looks like it's in place. That should make years 3 and 4 a "bit" easier to maintain.

I've got a lot of confidence in the Valley's ability to stay at or above their current level.

[shockerfan13]

I can count 6 schools next year who should be right about where the top 6 were this year. A couple of those could have top-25 years.

Gotta do 2 in a row before the Valley can do 5 in a row. 2 in a row looks like it's in place. That should make years 3 and 4 a "bit" easier to maintain.

I've got a lot of confidence in the Valley's ability to stay at or above their current level.


I agree.

[bcg]

The updating of facilities that are going on should help the league in the near future.

[Carrcar]

I can count 6 schools next year who should be right about where the top 6 were this year. A couple of those could have top-25 years.

Gotta do 2 in a row before the Valley can do 5 in a row. 2 in a row looks like it's in place. That should make years 3 and 4 a "bit" easier to maintain.

I've got a lot of confidence in the Valley's ability to stay at or above their current level.
80% of the league's starters will be back next year.

[BEARNUT]

Okay, I'll go out on a limb. And the top six are...

In order.

1. Chreighton
2. Missouri State
3. Bradley
4. Wichita State
5. SIU
6. UNI

I am not dissing anyone. These are just predictions open to discussion. Also, it looks like maybe the bottom tier of the valley this year could have much better seasons next year.:ermm:

[txsaluki05]

Okay, I'll go out on a limb. And the top six are...

In order.

1. Chreighton
2. Missouri State
3. Bradley
4. Wichita State
5. SIU
6. UNI

I am not dissing anyone. These are just predictions open to discussion. Also, it looks like maybe the bottom tier of the valley this year could have much better seasons next year.:ermm:

1. SIU
2. CU
3. WSU
4. BU
5. MSU
6. UNI

[bcrawf]

1. Bradley
2. WSU
3. CU
4. SIU
5. UNI
6. MSU

[XSaluki]

1. CU
2. WSU
3. SIU
4. Bradley
5. MSU
6. UNI

[BEARNUT]

Who does SIU have coming back at point guard to validate a #1? Also, how will Wichita St. score inside next year?:helpsmilie:

[SalukiSpike]

Bradley is supposedly recruiting a big man...pf I believe..., and SIU has a few good recruits too(I'll check out the rest of the teams later, so as of right now, I'll put:

T1. Bradley
T1. Creighton
T1. Missouri State
T1. Northern Iowa
T1. Southern Illinois
T1. Wichita State

and then the rest(altho Illinois State seems to have a good class coming in as well).

But all things considered, to start the next season, all among the top 6 is equal in my eyes. Winning on the road will seperate 1st place to 6th place.

All said, bring on the BCS.

Bryan Mullins(Dreamboat) is back as pg for the egyptian dawgs.

[CaliRdBrd]

Ya gotta keep in mind that since the NBA set the minimum age at nineteen, there will be an influx of extremely talented kids forced to go to high-major programs that in the past may have gone directly to the NBA (i.e. think Syracuse with Carmello).

This has a possible twofold effect:

1. It forces more quality kids in our direction due to lack of scholarships.

2. It increases the talent level at the high majors, further widening the gap we were beginning to close.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

[panther2317]

For those who have Missouri State 6th...are you serious? They get BETTER next season by adding Devon Mitchell and another Laurie into the fold.

I'd say:

1. MSU
2. WSU
3. BU
4. CU
5. SIU
6. UNI

[BEARNUT]

For those who have Missouri State 6th...are you serious? They get BETTER next season by adding Devon Mitchell and another Laurie into the fold.

I'd say:

1. MSU
2. WSU
3. BU
4. CU
5. SIU
6. UNI


You are certainly correct about MSU but I think Creighton will at least be in the top 2. I still don't see WSU replacing Miller for next year.:bears:

[outpost]

I'm a homer, so here goes.

1. Turgeon's guys
2. Altman's guys
3. Les's guys (only if POB returns)
4. Lowery's guys (only if Lowery returns :naughty: )
5. Barry's guys (only if Barry returns :naughty: )
6. [fill in new UNI coach]'s guys

[BEARNUT]

Okay, I'll go out on a limb. And the top six are...

In order.

1. Chreighton
2. Missouri State
3. Bradley
4. Wichita State
5. SIU
6. UNI

I am not dissing anyone. These are just predictions open to discussion. Also, it looks like maybe the bottom tier of the valley this year could have much better seasons next year.:ermm:

Creighton, Sorry - slip of the key board. Also, where is the big man at WSU next year!? Not that you need one to win.

[brokeback shocker]

The team that won the conf by two games this year, gets at leat to the sweet 16 and has four starters and the entire bench back plus great freshment and a great transfer will be picked to win it.

Sorry fellas.

[BEARNUT]

The team that won the conf by two games this year, gets at leat to the sweet 16 and has four starters and the entire bench back plus great freshment and a great transfer will be picked to win it.

Sorry fellas.


Sorry, I just didn't know all of that. I do think the bottom tier of the Valley will win more games, which might take away a great win/loss record for the 5th. and 6th. place teams, which in turn will be looked on as a bad thing by the tournament committee. Also, I reiterate that Creighton and MSU will be the top two teams next year. But anything can happen with injuries, coaching changes, etc... As for the original question of how the Valley will fare in the future? Well, I don't think they will ever be ranked below 8 again in the conference rankings. The new arena will definitely help MSU with recruiting and attendance which will help the conference as a whole.:bears: :valley:

[DoubleJayAlum]

Don't put the Jays so far down the list. We also have four starters returning, along with a guy by the name of Funk. Maybe you've heard of him....

In all seriousness, I feel we have two preseason all conference players in Funk & Tolliver. I see the order like this:

1. CU
2. BU (if POB is back)
3. SIU
4. WSU (although i'm somewhat biased because I never saw Miller do much against the Jays - if he's as valuable as WSU fans have siad this year, I'd move 'em down one spot)
5. MSU
6. NIU

[RoyalShock]

Why is everyone assuming all these prep phenoms will go to college? There's prep school and other pro/developmental leagues they can utilize.

Unless the NBA is requiring a year of college, we can't assume the talent will end up there.

[WSUfan]

WSU loses Cameron Ledford, Nick Rogers and Paul Miller. WSU gains Phillip Thomasson (Forward 6-7 225 Jr. (TR) Burlison, Texas), David King (C/F 6-10 243 Fr. Maize, Kan.), Chris Brown (Forward 6'8", 220 Fr.), J.T. Durley (F 6'7", 235, Pittsburg, Texas) and Arbry Butler (F 6'8" 200, Central (AR) HS). Hopefully Ryan Bradley (C/F 6-10 258) will be improved.

2006 Recruiting Class

Chris Brown - Signed - 6'8", 220, F, Searcy (AR) HS
14ppg and 9rpg as a junior

J.T. Durley - Signed - 6'7", 235, F, Pittsburg (TX) HS
16ppg and 10rpg as a junior

Arbry Butler - Signed - 6'8", 200, F, Central (AR) HS
12ppg and 9rpg as a junior

[BEARNUT]

WSU loses Cameron Ledford, Nick Rogers and Paul Miller. WSU gains Phillip Thomasson (Forward 6-7 225 Jr. (TR) Burlison, Texas), David King (C/F 6-10 243 Fr. Maize, Kan.), Chris Brown (Forward 6'8", 220 Fr.), J.T. Durley (F 6'7", 235, Pittsburg, Texas) and Arbry Butler (F 6'8" 200, Central (AR) HS). Hopefully Ryan Bradley (C/F 6-10 258) will be improved.

2006 Recruiting Class

Chris Brown - Signed - 6'8", 220, F, Searcy (AR) HS
14ppg and 9rpg as a junior

J.T. Durley - Signed - 6'7", 235, F, Pittsburg (TX) HS
16ppg and 10rpg as a junior

Arbry Butler - Signed - 6'8", 200, F, Central (AR) HS
12ppg and 9rpg as a junior

Thank's for the info. Good grief, It sounds like WSU just recruited a great defensive line in football.:fear:

[getreal4]

Going to be hard for us bottom teams to win many games against the Big 6 Valley teams. :banghead: But we'll still try to do our part by winning our OOC games! Bottom 4 teams improving is a huge help for the big 6 to get postseason bids. :valley:

[outpost]

We also have a shooting guard from Arizona on the way (help me out Shocker fans - Graham ?). I think he's at least 6'3" - taller than a lot of our true guards have been recently.

Graham has another year of a 2-year mormon mission left, and should join us for the 2007-08 season.

[BEARNUT]

Going to be hard for us bottom teams to win many games against the Big 6 Valley teams. :banghead: But we'll still try to do our part by winning our OOC games! Bottom 4 teams improving is a huge help for the big 6 to get postseason bids. :valley:

It's no cakewalk for the "Big 6" against the bottom 4 teams by any stretch of the imagination. I would say that most of the games were very competitive...just look at Indiana St. and Drake. The real key is lets get selfish next year and run the board against non-con's.:bash:

[BEARNUT]

We also have a shooting guard from Arizona on the way (help me out Shocker fans - Graham ?). I think he's at least 6'3" - taller than a lot of our true guards have been recently.

Graham has another year of a 2-year mormon mission left, and should join us for the 2007-08 season.

Quarterback for the O-line.

[SalukiSpike]

SIU returns all 5 starters and is appearantly in the market for a true big man.

[BEARNUT]

SIU returns all 5 starters and is appearantly in the market for a true big man.

Thank's for setting me straight on the point guard question.:bears:

[SalukiSpike]

How could you forget Mullins? He is the definition of "man sexy"
(I am not completey serious, he's just my new fav Saluki)

[1972Shocker]

Personally, I hope WSU is picked 5th in the preseason next year. Why change what worked so well this year.

By all accounts Phil Thomasson, our 6'7", 225 lb. Junior transfer from Colorado State is a solid player. Is reported to be a much better athlete than Paul Miller although not your traditional style post player. Not sure if he is capable of stepping out and hitting the 3-ball like Kyle Wilson can, but is reportedly a pretty skilled basketball player.

I don't really expect significant contributions next year from our two 6'10" freshman projects, but you never know. Young men can really development from one year to the next.

Of our three freshman recruits I expect the 6'8" Chris Brown and the 6'7" J.T. Durley to be solid contributors next year. My guess is 6'8" or 6'9", I guess he is still growing into his big feet, Arbry Butler at only 200 lb. will red shirt next year to put on some weight and finish growing (he has two 7' uncles). Arbry could eventually be the next Patrick O'Bryant.

I look for a solid senior season from Kyle Wilson and based on their play in the NCAA, I think P.J. Couisnard and Sean Ogirri are ready to step into the limelight as two of the premier players in the MVC.

We have two solid bench players, Ryan Martin and Karon Bradley who are both capable of winning MVC 6th man of the year awards.

Plug in Matt Braeuer, the little engine that could, to jump start the train and the Shocks will be very solid again next year.

Our offensive approach and look will probably change some next year. We will not be quite so post oriented with the graduation of Paul Miller. Defensively, we will be more athletic than last year and, whose knows, we might even press a little more. Assuming the incoming freshman contribute as hoped for we should be a deeper team next year.

However, all that said I would be perfectly content with being picked to finish 5th again.

The league will be every bit as tough next year as it was this year, if not more so.

:shockers: :valley:


P.S. I believe we have one additional scholarship available. Looking for either a top notch point guard are very athletic wing I believe. Perhaps they will save this for next year although I don't think that is the plan.

[salukisportsfreak75]

Wow, I am all of the sudden really excited about next year with all of this talk. Now that I think about it, the Valley will be just as good. I had expected SIU to be preseason #1 with all 5 starters back from the 2nd place finish. But now that I think about it, those other 5 will be right up there as well. Here's my predictions....

1.SIU 13-5
CU 13-5
WSU 13-5
4.MSU 12-6
BU 12-6
6.UNI 10-8

Also....who exactly are the starters that are leaving? I've heard we are returning like 40 out of 50. These are the ones I know...

WSU- Miller
Bradley- Sommerville, Bennett
UNI- Jacobsen, Crawford, Little
MSU-Thompson
In St- Moss

Those are the only ones I know. Who are the players I am missing?

[RoyalShock]

I think Lawrence Wright of BU is also a senior.

Webster of UE?

Is that correct?

[Little Eddie]

I think the Valley is gonna be a force for quite some time...even if there's a coaching change or two (more than 2 then not sure.) The recruiting is getting better I think...the exposure by the national media will make all teams from the Valley more appetizing to a boarderline high to mid major player looking for exposure or to be the big fish in a littler pond.

As for order of finish next year...my guess is this but I think it will be much like this year...very close and beating up on each other. Would it surprise me if the entire list is reversed? Not at all...

1) SIU (return the entire squad and add Bone)
2) Creighton (return quite a lot along w/ Funk)
3) Wichita St
4) MSU
5) UNI
6) Bradley (assuming POB gets greedy)

[1972Shocker]

In addition to his fine basketball skills the major thing that WSU will be losing with the graduation of Paul Miller is team leadership. Not only was Paul a quiet Senior leader for this team, but our other two seniors former-walkon Nick Rogers and walk-on Cameron Ledford (Doctor Ledford in the not too distant future) were tremendous clubhouse leaders with both their work ethic and example both on and off the court. It is not totally accidental that we have had the success we have had this year. Upperclass leadership and team chemistry is essential, especially the way we play team basketball in the MVC. Replacing the intangibles these three Seniors brought to the Shockers may be much more challenging than replacing the basketball skills.

:shockers: :valley:

[1972Shocker]

I think Lawrence Wright of BU is also a senior.

Webster of UE?

Is that correct?

Royal, Matt Webster is a Junior this year. Evansville's only Senior was Eric Ottens who was injured much of his Senior year and, as I'm sure you know, was the young man killed in the unfortunate car accident last Friday.
His funeral services are tomorrow. May God Rest His Soul!

[MetDrakeFan]

I thought and was hoping that Drake could crack the top half of an EXTREMELY tough Valley last year but it was not meant to be. After a promising start, we nose dived straight through 10 feet of concrete. Ya ya ya...we had lots of close games with lots of tough teams...we lost at the buzzer, etc etc. I thought we could have won some of those.

That said, Drake will be feisty next year, and they will have a balanced scoring attack. Hopefully we get someone as an inside presence.

We return Korver from injury, and he is supposed to be our best player according to the good Dr. He should be able to provide a consistent scoring threat, as well as another 3 threat other than Chris Bryant. (I feel sorry for the guy since he was the only one on the team asked to carry the shooting load - other teams prolly just hounded him and then suffocated the Drake interior) My point is, with Korver added, that will be another three point shooting threat, and it will take a load off Bryant, who is still young and not quite as strong/tough as he needs to be for the Valley defense. If teams need to focus on someone else too, he will do much better.

All newcomer Al Stewart should improve a lot. AJ Calvin showed early promise. Heemskirk became much more solid, and our walk-on Bucky Cox did surprisingly well.

Drake will be well-balanced, well-coached. Will that be enough to sustain an entire season of tough Valley level ball? If the answer is yes, they certainly could make a top half finish in a Valley that will be even tougher than this year.

[1972Shocker]

Also....who exactly are the starters that are leaving? I've heard we are returning like 40 out of 50. These are the ones I know...

WSU- Miller
Bradley- Sommerville, Bennett
UNI- Jacobsen, Crawford, Little
MSU-Thompson
In St- Moss

Those are the only ones I know. Who are the players I am missing?

I'm not sure that you want to limit your list to starters because there are some good bench players and part-time starters that also play significant roles for their teams.

As Royal mentioned Lawrence Wright of Bradley is also a Senior starter.

MSU - Also losing Kellen Easley a very fine player who generally does not start.

CU - Graduates Johnny Matthies, Jimmy Motz and Jeffrey Day.

Drake - Graduates Chaun Brooks and Sean Tracy

Illinois State - Dana Ford, Neil Plank and Nedu Onyeuku

SIU - Austin Brooks is the only player with any significant playing time and he may have been a walk-on although not a bad reserve. Definitely not a key member.

Next year looks pretty solid. The real challenge for the MVC to keep it going maybe the 2007-2008 season. Let's see how our recruiting pans out over the next couple of years.

:valley:

[skinny_uncle]

Next year looks better than this one for most of the Valley. The large numbers of returning players along with redshirts being added and players (Funk, Korver) returning from injury will make for a highly competitive league. It's time to get on the Valley bandwagon because this ride has just begun.

[XSaluki]

At least this year there aren't as many 'homer' predictions. Oh wait, my bad.

[dogdays]

Love my Dogs but no way they are favored next year....not enoug h size or shooting at this point to merit that...

1. CU everybody back that they need plus the mvp(Funk)...
2. WSU reload time plus major veterrans return as well....tourney experience will be huge
3. MSU...ready for their run after being spurned
4. BU,UNI,SIU.....SIU has everyone back but it wont be enough with out more size and perimeter scoring....BU loses Somerville, Wright and Bennett...If POB goes pro then all bets are off regarding BU...UNI coaching transition makes it iffy for them as well...Crawford, Jacobsen and Little being gone wont help...
7-10 Tossup

[ShockerEngr]

Why is everyone assuming all these prep phenoms will go to college? There's prep school and other pro/developmental leagues they can utilize.

Unless the NBA is requiring a year of college, we can't assume the talent will end up there.


I'm not sure if forcing these kids to sit out a year and possibly go to college will help or hurt the teams that sign them....
Their focus may not be on the team, and instead on looking good for the NBA, and high turnover makes it hard to get an experienced team.

[Mikovio]

As Royal mentioned Lawrence Wright of Bradley is also a Senior starter.
Lawrence Wright is no longer a starter for BU, although he is a key reserve. JJ Tauai took over his spot midseason.

[Bradleyfan]

Okay, I'll go out on a limb. And the top six are...

In order.

1. Chreighton
2. Missouri State
3. Bradley
4. Wichita State
5. SIU
6. UNI

I am not dissing anyone. These are just predictions open to discussion. Also, it looks like maybe the bottom tier of the valley this year could have much better seasons next year.:ermm:

1. Wichita St
2. Bradley
3. Creighton
4. SIU
5. MSU
6. IL St

Obviously, Bradley's finish is dependent on POB's return. Secondly, the top 4 could finish tied, or within a game of each other, that's how close this should be! Third, the only reason Creighton does not finish first is that WSU and BU will be riding the momentum of this year's post season run. Yeah, Bradley loses some key players, but they have plenty of great reserves that will easily step into starting roles, though again, it's all dependent on POB coming back.

Finally, UNI falls out of the top 6 only because someone from the play-in group is due to make a bit of a move. Note though that whomever comes out of that group only makes it up to 6th, while UNI only falls to 7th.

[Bradleyfan]

Next year looks better than this one for most of the Valley. The large numbers of returning players along with redshirts being added and players (Funk, Korver) returning from injury will make for a highly competitive league. It's time to get on the Valley bandwagon because this ride has just begun.

Isn't that amazing? To think an already scary good season could be even scarier good next year! :valley:

[NayshunSycamore]

Next year looks like another subpar season for the Sycamores unless someone can step up and fill David Moss' shoes. I believe we should plug guard Eric Gray into the starting lineup to take Moss' place. Gray is the best shooter on INSU's squad, but his defense is not as good as Moss' was. That would give us a smaller lineup, but I think using Gray as a starter in a 3-guard, 2-forward set with Schnitker, Moore, Wurtz (if he stays out of foul trouble, he fouled out of quite a few games this season) and Jay Tunnell would be the best idea for next season's starting five.
The only way we're going to get back to our winning ways from 2000-01 is if we finally have everyone healthy. There was Moss' hamstring injury this season, Jeremiah Wise went down with knee tendinitis, Logan Whitman redshirted with a back injury, Jay Tunnell played on one knee, and Adam Arnold had a broken foot earlier in the season. If we can stay healthy this year...even without Moss...I believe we can compete pretty well. I'm already looking forward to next season. :sycamores: :sycamores: :sycamores: :valley:

[BEARNUT]

Okay, I'll go out on a limb. And the top six are...

In order.

1. Chreighton
2. Missouri State
3. Bradley
4. Wichita State
5. SIU
6. UNI

I am not dissing anyone. These are just predictions open to discussion. Also, it looks like maybe the bottom tier of the valley this year could have much better seasons next year.:ermm:

Ok people, thanks for setting me straight on incoming recruits/returning players. Here is my updated list of the top six.

1. Creighton
2. Wichita St.
3. Mo St.
4. Bradley (POB returns)
5. SIU
T6. Il.St., UNI

[getreal4]

Drake's chances for next year are good if:

Stewart learns to go to his left and to take better care of the ball.
Josh Young is FOY.
Nick Grant has a breakout year.
Korver is healthy for the entire season.
someone steps up to be a decent Valley center.

Would be nice to get another recruit or two... :grin:

[kabullseye]

Okay, I'll go out on a limb. And the top six are...

In order.

1. Chreighton
2. Missouri State
3. Bradley
4. Wichita State
5. SIU
6. UNI

I am not dissing anyone. These are just predictions open to discussion. Also, it looks like maybe the bottom tier of the valley this year could have much better seasons next year.:ermm:

Go out on a limb and get spellcheck first.:bash:

Only one "h" in Creighton.

:panthers: Win the Valley next year by 3 games!

[kabullseye]

Who does SIU have coming back at point guard to validate a #1? Also, how will Wichita St. score inside next year?:helpsmilie:

They didn't score inside this year. Not against some teams anyway.:panthers: :panthers: :panthers: :panthers:

[kabullseye]

The team that won the conf by two games this year, gets at leat to the sweet 16 and has four starters and the entire bench back plus great freshment and a great transfer will be picked to win it.

Sorry fellas.

Come on Mountain. Ain't happening. Handling sucess will be difficult for y'all.:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[BEARNUT]

Go out on a limb and get spellcheck first.:bash:

Only one "h" in Creighton.

:panthers: Win the Valley next year by 3 games!

Read the thread. Already said sorry about that one.

[jsaluki]

We've all heard that this was the year to do something because the mid-majors are up during the year that the BCS boys are down.

I am not so sure I agree with that, but thats not the point.

All things equal, can the valley schools sustain this high level of play over a lengthy period of time? Can we get schools into the Elite 8(and ultimately, the final four?) And can we start getting the big name recruits to give us a chance?

To answer the original question, the fact that Valley fans are now discussing the Valley's "Big Six" teams is a testimony to where this league has and is going. Last year or the year before there wasn't talk of six dominating Valley teams. Talk in recent years has been only about CU, SIU, and sometimes UNI and WSU helping the Valley cause in the national spotlight. Now teams like MSU and Bradley are in the mix (and rightfully so), making this a major conference in my mind. Questions of Elite Eight status can only be answered in time, but if the league continues to improve on the successes of this season, I don't see why Elite Eights and Final Fours are out of the question. There's a good chance this year that one or two Valley teams will make the Elite Eight, and neither team is SIU or Creighton (reference to their exposure for the league over the past 5-6 seasons). It's certainly a great time to be a Valley fan!

[BEARNUT]

To answer the original question, the fact that Valley fans are now discussing the Valley's "Big Six" teams is a testimony to where this league has and is going. Last year or the year before there wasn't talk of six dominating Valley teams. Talk in recent years has been only about CU, SIU, and sometimes UNI and WSU helping the Valley cause in the national spotlight. Now teams like MSU and Bradley are in the mix (and rightfully so), making this a major conference in my mind. Questions of Elite Eight status can only be answered in time, but if the league continues to improve on the successes of this season, I don't see why Elite Eights and Final Fours are out of the question. There's a good chance this year that one or two Valley teams will make the Elite Eight, and neither team is SIU or Creighton (reference to their exposure for the league over the past 5-6 seasons). It's certainly a great time to be a Valley fan!

Just to add to this, not that it needed edited, but I think the biggest reason for the climb are the penalties that the league added a couple of years back for schools that didn't meet higher scheduling requirements. Just a thought.

[jsaluki]

Good point and I agree with you.

[txsaluki05]

Just to add to this, not that it needed edited, but I think the biggest reason for the climb are the penalties that the league added a couple of years back for schools that didn't meet higher scheduling requirements. Just a thought.

I agree, that's probably the biggest factor.

[Aargh]

This is a bit surreal.

WSU is the defending Valley champ, makes a run to (at least) the Sweet 16, loses only one starter and one minor bench player and it would take a true "homer" WSU fan to pick WSU to repeat as MVC champs.

Most years that resume would be automatic for a pre-season #1 selection. Next year there are 5 teams that will challenge that resume. This is new territory for the Valley.

A few odds and ends from some posts in this thread:

J.T. Durley is being reported by Texas media as now being 6'8". Football references? Durley was the starting tight end on his HS football team.

Chris Brown and Arbry Butler are both being reported as 6'9" by Arkansas media. Future "bookends"?

Adam Hatch is the 6'5" SG who verballed to WSU for 2007 (before going on his 2-year Mormon mission).

Don't overlook Derek Brown. 6'5" walk-on from a small KS HS where he averaged 22 pts. and 6 assists while playing PG (yes, a 6'5" PG from a small HS). All-State in KS class 2A. Valley fans are aware that sometimes players from small schools can contribute.

WSU has one scholarship left. "High interest" is reported from scouting services for at least one scary-good guy who is still available.

[outpost]

Try again......

http://arizonapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=374591

[BUBraves55]

In my opinoin-the valley will remain at this level and possibly even better because w/ the Valley's performance overall this year there's gonna be some good recruits.

[Ace Happy]

I realize that no one, but us die hard Aces fans, thinks much of our team despite our victory over SIU, our taking BU to OT, and our close games against the Shockers. If the question is who can break into the top 6 in the Valley, then you MUST give the Aces some consideration.

With our inside game of Webster and Strickland and outside gunner Anslinger leading the way as seniors and the return of two all Valley freshman in Holsinger and Ely AND a desperate coach trying to save his job (don't you love run on sentences), the Aces must be considered worthy to break into this group. :clap: :banana:

Come on, give us some potential love!

:aces:

[barkeep1967]

Maybe I am missing something here.?

SIU finished 2nd this year and brings back their top 7 players.
Plus they have an actual shooter coming in.

How can anybody pick them 5th or 6th?

[Angrybluejaydan]

Improvement could be accomplised with higher seeds in the tornament. I would obviously like to see more teams get at large bids, but more single digit seeds and 3 or 4 teams in the big dance could be considered improvement as well for the MVC:valley: .

Plus, was the Big XII really "down" this year? It was the 5th highest conference in the RPI. They had teams seeded 2,4, 7 and 10. I guess the Big XII feels that a number one seed every year, along with 5 at large bids, is its birthright:ermm:

[UWMPantherholic]

i just want to say congrats to everyone for a great year and a job well done. you guys have become the role model for any and all mid-majors who wish to achieve greater respect and success. The Valley has been gaining much more popularity and respect w/in our fan base and many of us are excited for our games vs. No. Iowa and Missouri State this next season. I've heard rumors of a game against Evansville as well and I hope they're true. Let's keep up the good work in making Billy Packer look like a complete fool. Hope to see you guys in a few years.

[jsaluki]

i just want to say congrats to everyone for a great year and a job well done. you guys have become the role model for any and all mid-majors who wish to achieve greater respect and success. The Valley has been gaining much more popularity and respect w/in our fan base and many of us are excited for our games vs. No. Iowa and Missouri State this next season. I've heard rumors of a game against Evansville as well and I hope they're true. Let's keep up the good work in making Billy Packer look like a complete fool. Hope to see you guys in a few years.

I was pulling for you guys in the NCAA as I had your team in the Sweet Sixteen again (dang Florida). You have a quality program as well and appear to not have missed a step by switching coaches (see SIU in the last 4 seasons). I hope we can schedule your team again in the future because I loved the two games we played a few years ago.

[jsaluki]

I realize that no one, but us die hard Aces fans, thinks much of our team despite our victory over SIU, our taking BU to OT, and our close games against the Shockers. If the question is who can break into the top 6 in the Valley, then you MUST give the Aces some consideration.

With our inside game of Webster and Strickland and outside gunner Anslinger leading the way as seniors and the return of two all Valley freshman in Holsinger and Ely AND a desperate coach trying to save his job (don't you love run on sentences), the Aces must be considered worthy to break into this group. :clap: :banana:

Come on, give us some potential love!

:aces:

You make a good case and I believe the Aces will likely surprise a few teams this next year. For some reason SIU has a hard time shutting down Webster and Strickland, and bringing back the guys from this previous year will certainly be a plus. EU will likely be the InSt. of this past year (with David Moss).

[1972Shocker]

I think next year will be very similar to this year, except no one will pull away at the end to win by 2 games like WSU did this year.

I think 13-5 will prove to be a very good record that will be good enough for at least a share of first place. I suspect we will see multiple teams tied for various spots among the first six or so teams - similar to this past year.

Here are my pick based on what I know now:

1. Creighton - Best inside/outside combo in Funk & Tolliver. Best coach in Altman.

2. Wichita State - Paul Miller will be tough to replace. Solid core of experienced Juniors and Seniors to be returning.

3. Southern Illinois - Everyone returning. Can they find enough offense to get back to the top.

4. Missouri State - Lose solid players in Deke Thompson and Kellen Easley but return a deep and experienced team.

5. Bradley - Patrick O'Bryant is a force but can he carry the team himself. Marcellus Sommerville was very good down the stretch and Lawrence Wright and Tony Bennett were solid players that will need to be replaced.

6. Evansville - Pretty much everyone back from a team that played with a lot of heart this past year. Holsinger, Anslinger, Webster and Strickland give them a solid and experienced core.

7. Northern Iowa - The loss of Ben Jacobson, Eric Crawford and John Little is just too much to replace in one year. Coleman and Stout are very solid, but not sure they can easily repalce the three seniors. Loss of Coach McDermott may have some effect, but I think Coach Jacobson will do a good job.

T8. Drake - Always a pain in the neck to play. However, the rest of the Valley is catching on to Coach Tom's schemes. The return of Klayton Korver will help.

T8. Illinois State - Hear they have some nice recruits but they may need a year of seasoning before the Redbirds can move up.

10. Indiana State - David Moss is a big loss. 0-8 in the MVC without Moss last year. Tyson Schnitker transferring. Lameduck coaching situation.

What makes the MVC so tough is everyone plays with such great intensity. Any team is capable of winning on any given night, especially if you don't come to play.

:valley:

[SalukiSpike]

Don't ask why, but I see coach Lowery really getting after it and stealing a top rated C away from a BCS school, one that has been getting wooed by alot of schools but has not committed yet. A defensive minded big man IMO=1st place for the Dawgs. Not saying it wont happen, but it wouldn't suprise me.

[Dawgbit]

Who does SIU have coming back at point guard to validate a #1? Also, how will Wichita St. score inside next year?:helpsmilie:

re-SIU: FOY in the Valley. Where were you this year?

[1972Shocker]

Next Year (Bump!)

[outpost]

A defensive minded big man IMO=1st place for the Dawgs.

I thought Falker fit that role for SIU......:confused:

[SalukiSpike]

Falker fills that as best he can, but he is still undersized. That being said, Falker is an amazing player, along with Tatum the heart and soul of the team.

[Fraydog]

I thought Falker fit that role for SIU......:confused:

Falker is a better 4 spot player than he is a 5. If we could move him to that 4 spot he fills it much better than a 5 and becomes that much better of a player. :salukis:

[jsaluki]

Falker could fit the 4 spot role if he could figure out a 10-12 foot jump shot. Otherwise he'll always have his back to the basket on offense.

[txsaluki05]

It's gonna be between Creighton and SIU for next year's conference title, with WSU coming in 3rd. It should be interesting to see if Ogirri and Cousinard can step up and score consistently; if they can they'll be contenders again too.

[1972Shocker]

When Do We Start? Bump!