MVC Glue Guys

[Adunk33]

I started this thread on the ILST board and figured I would share here too for some interesting conversation:

Matt Chastain has been the energy for this team.(Sorry, Loyola fans). Since he got healthy, and put in the starting the defense has played a lot better and the energy has increased as well. Chastain is always making the hustle plays and his demeanor rarely changes. He takes a lot of charges (real ones, not the ones like Baker took), he chases down 50/50 balls, and just does everything well, though the stat sheet might not say it. I saw this tweet the other day and was curious who you thought fit the description throughout your years following The Valley.

https://twitter.com/hoops_mvc/status/10 ... 1586699264

"Matt Chastain is your favorite player if you're a Redbird fan and an annoying pest if you're an opposing fan. He plays so hard and makes the right plays. He's the definition of a glue guy."

Who else in the MVC has had this reputation in the past? I'm trying to think of those guys who seemed to be the the league forever but weren't necessarily "scorers."

Early suggestions: Lucas O'Rear (UNI), Mike Vandegarde (ILST), Mark Golden (INST), and Tekele Cotton (WSU).

Who else do you think?

[Redhawk]

Grant Gibbs - Creighton
Everyone hated him but he did all the little things that helped Creighton
win close games and took opponents out of their games!

[MSUDuo]

For the Bears I think it is clearly Webster but Dixon and Krek have also played parts in leading the new charge.

[BigMacAttack]

I was quite impressed by Chastain's defense in the first game and his offense in the second game against UE.

[Blers]

Fun thread idea! Chastains a stud, if he can stay healthy he's gonna be so fun to watch.

For Loyola's time in the valley it has to be Ben Richardson. He was an outstanding defender all 4 seasons at LU, and did all the little things that help you win. He had more cuts and bruises per game than anyone i've ever seen but I'm not sure his play was recognized league wide until his senior year.

Two others that come to mind are:
-Tony Wills from ISU
-Wyatt Lohaus from UNI
-Sean O'Brien from SIU, I realize it's probably a stretch on the definition of "glue guy" but I always hated our team going against him, his game wasn't always pretty but he worked real hard.

[Bradleyfan1]

I’m going back to JJ Tuai. The 2005 sweet 16 run doesn’t happen without him , maybe 12 points the entire run. Wide open 3s from defense sagging off to help. Great defense,rebounding,screening ,passes. The definition of a glue guy.

Our fresh Henry seems to be that type. He needs more mins.

[Go4Valley]

Chastain for Ill St
Williamson for Loyola
Dixon/Webster are a virtual tie for MSU
Evelyn for Valpo
Lloyd for SIU

[jackwagon]

Chastain for Ill St
Williamson for Loyola
Dixon/Webster are a virtual tie for MSU
Evelyn for Valpo
Lloyd for SIU

Good list other than Evelyn for Valpo doesn't strike me as a glue guy. I have been disappointed in his play this year.

[scotte101]

I’m going back to JJ Tuai. The 2005 sweet 16 run doesn’t happen without him , maybe 12 points the entire run. Wide open 3s from defense sagging off to help. Great defense,rebounding,screening ,passes. The definition of a glue guy.

Our fresh Henry seems to be that type. He needs more mins.

Played against him in high school. He was dang good.

[Majik45]

DLO was Bradley's glue guy last year, that made all the hustle plays. Unfortunately he has regressed a lot this year which is why Bradley is where they are at this point.