Top 144 - Evansville at #117

[rlh04d]

Evansville gets their own thread, but not:

Indiana State at #63: http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/7300
UNI at #79: http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/7216

I'm assuming only WSU will be left on that list.

I know we will be considered a one bid league, but UNI seems too low here. Indiana St too.

Guess we'll find out

[2livewu]

Count me in the group that thinks the Aces are going to continue to improve. Especially in a league largely devoid of quality big men, the Aces will cause problems and I really like Ballentine and Wing amongst others.

Indiana State has the potential to improve, the question is will they? They certainly underperformed at the end of last season. There is plenty of talent there.

I continue to be perplexed as to what so many see in UNI. They return a very good point guard, and an above average skilled but slightly undersized post in Tuttle. Other than that, what do they have? A few role players that contributed little last season to a mediocre team? A transfer that couldn't cut it at Tennessee? I'm not saying they're going to be terrible, but I think some are putting too much stock in their coach overcoming obvious holes in their lineup.

[2livewu]

Evansville gets their own thread, but not:

Indiana State at #63: http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/7300
UNI at #79: http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/7216

I'm assuming only WSU will be left on that list.

Depending on the site, ISUb finished around 73 last season. A 10 point jump seems reasonable although I'll concede they could go higher.

UNI finished in the low 80s. I will await an argument on how they'll be stronger this season after losing 5th year seniors Koch, James and Sonnen who played about half their minutes, scored half their points and had almost all of their heart.

[Wufan]

Count me in the group that thinks the Aces are going to continue to improve. Especially in a league largely devoid of quality big men, the Aces will cause problems and I really like Ballentine and Wing amongst others.

Indiana State has the potential to improve, the question is will they? They certainly underperformed at the end of last season. There is plenty of talent there.

I continue to be perplexed as to what so many see in UNI. They return a very good point guard, and an above average skilled but slightly undersized post in Tuttle. Other than that, what do they have? A few role players that contributed little last season to a mediocre team? A transfer that couldn't cut it at Tennessee? I'm not saying they're going to be terrible, but I think some are putting too much stock in their coach overcoming obvious holes in their lineup.

I like what you say about the Aces, but don't UNI as being much different than Evansville. Both have proven underclassmen from last year. Both have good coaching. Both have good recruits. I see both teams as being traditionally mid-level MVC teams. This years lack of depth at the top makes a high level finish possible for several teams.

[rlh04d]

I like what you say about the Aces, but don't UNI as being much different than Evansville. Both have proven underclassmen from last year. Both have good coaching. Both have good recruits. I see both teams as being traditionally mid-level MVC teams. This years lack of depth at the top makes a high level finish possible for several teams.

Yeah. I think predictions re: UNI are heavily based on how wide open the Valley is after Indiana State. They're going to have problems, but they had good younger players and have the second best coach in the conference.

I think their national ranking on that site is probably a bit high, but they'll still be a good team. And should still be solidly in 3rd in the Valley.

The only part of these rankings that surprises me is how far Evansville is ahead of teams like MoSt and Bradley.

[Wufan]

The only part of these rankings that surprises me is how far Evansville is ahead of teams like MoSt and Bradley.

I think that shows just how BAD MSU and BU were last year. MSU was SOOO bad in the non-con that their 7 wins in the MVC devastated the national reputation of the MVC as a deep conference. A big key for this season is, again, a strong non-con showing from everyone. Separation by the top 2, 3, or 4 teams (whoever they are) from the bottom will lead to multiple bids.