Wichita Beat Writer Posts his Picks

[Bluejay09Bear06]

I recall when LU made the move to the MVC and I hopped over here. Not a single person was on board with the move.

I've always been on board with Loyola. But Rambler fans need to patient with skeptical Valley fans that wanted a splashier, but less sustainable add (such as Belmont or Oral Roberts). Loyola has literally no recent basketball success to bring to the table. I have confidence that you all have a high enough ceiling to quiet the skeptics. It just might take a little bit of time.

[agrinut]

Does Loyola have a bear writer?

No I believe only Missouri State does

Touché what about a beat writer?

[ahunte1]

They aren't beat writers, but Toni Gianetti from the Sun Times covers most games. Fred Mitchell from the Tribune, and Scott Powers from ESPN Chicago also cover games, but I think Powers may be doing more pro stuff now so there could be a new person at ESPN.com.

EDIT: Simple answer is, no, not really. There are college writers at the papers and at ESPN who cover games.

[mvcfan]

There are a few who may think that Baker will come back to the pack. Watch the opposite happen. He very well could be the best, most versatile shooting guard in the league and may even be the MVC POY this year.

[jwa123]

I was in the Loyola area and briefly on campus this past weekend. What a great location and most likely the most picturesque campus in the Valley. I was neutral on Loyola but after seeing their physical plant and neighborhood I am more positive. While they may not have a beat writer, if they make noise in our league they will get media attention in Chi-town which will be good for all of us.

Welcome aboard!!!

[JayPak]

Before you point out that he's in the Big East now, you should know that he still has an official vote for the MVC preseason team and POY rankings, so I consider his opinion relevant.

Is that just a respect for him as a professional thing or will he be losing that soon?

It wouldn't make much sense to give the Loyola beat writer a vote this year.

Don't know for sure, but it would be logical to have Pivovar vote preseason and someone who covers Loyola vote postseason.

Realignment will be tough on Piv, as he will no longer see his Valley reporter friends like Lyndal Scranton and Dave Reynolds. Valley media seems to be a small, tight group. Piv, who is a budget motel/drive-to-the-game kind of guy, also will have to travel long distances to higher-priced cities.

[rlh04d]

I recall when LU made the move to the MVC and I hopped over here. Not a single person was on board with the move.

I've always been on board with Loyola. But Rambler fans need to patient with skeptical Valley fans that wanted a splashier, but less sustainable add (such as Belmont or Oral Roberts). Loyola has literally no recent basketball success to bring to the table. I have confidence that you all have a high enough ceiling to quiet the skeptics. It just might take a little bit of time.

If Loyola can start making steady progress, they'll win over Valley fans quickly.

But considering the last addition to the Valley was Evansville ...

[Khan4Cats]

I recall when LU made the move to the MVC and I hopped over here. Not a single person was on board with the move.

I've always been on board with Loyola. But Rambler fans need to patient with skeptical Valley fans that wanted a splashier, but less sustainable add (such as Belmont or Oral Roberts). Loyola has literally no recent basketball success to bring to the table. I have confidence that you all have a high enough ceiling to quiet the skeptics. It just might take a little bit of time.

If Loyola can start making steady progress, they'll win over Valley fans quickly.

But considering the last addition to the Valley was Evansville ...

Yes, since the last addition was Evansville and they didn't have a losing record in conference play in their first 7 seasons in the conference, though with only 1 NCAA appearance and they have only last years' 10-8 record above .500 since. Every school has its ups and downs. Evansville had a big down where its leadership was even questioning being Division 1. That has been answered and they have been ticking upward. Will it continue post Colt? I don't know, but Marty seems to be building some pieces. This year will either show further progress or regression, but nobody knows. I know I like their returning players of Sawvell, Wing, Balentine and Mockevicius (1 jr and 3 sophs)