DoubleJayAlum wrote:I think the MVC is on an upswing for one reason -- talent is getting better. There was much discussion and hand wringing over the last few years of one NCAA tourney birth. In all of that discussion though, very few made mention of the fact that the reason for the MVC's struggles was a lack of talent throughout. We just were not getting the same level of talent as we did in the previous decade.
I see a turnaround. McDermott, Odum and Rice are all top talents that, barring a Rice transfer, will be around for three more years. If Anthony James, Simms-Edwards and Jahenns Manigat can continue to develop the way they did over the season last year, we could really be on the verge of getting back to where we were as a conference.
Great post DJA.
I know its easy and popular and convenient to point the finger for lack of NCAA bids at the BCS schools, the "powers that be", the "big boys", etc. To me that is excuse making.
Why has the MVC league RPI dropped lately? Why has the MVC seen less and less teams in the NCAA's? Its simple. Not good enough basketball was being played. The talent was down. Get better players and better coaches, put a better product on the floor you will see a resurgence back to a higher status. Anyone who has watched the league closely over the last 20 years or so had to have noticed the players on the court (collectively) haven't been as good as years past.
I do agree things appear to be back on an upswing in that department. Let's hope.
