Early Valley Predictions

[DUBulldog]

Way too early to predict....a lot of teams still don't have their roster set for next season yet.

[siufan4life]

It is very rare that Freshman and Sophmores led teams win or compete well in the Valley. This is why SIU has been so bad over the years not because of the lack talent but for the lack of veterans guiding the younger players.

[saluki762]

It is very rare that Freshman and Sophmores led teams win or compete well in the Valley. This is why SIU has been so bad over the years not because of the lack talent but for the lack of veterans guiding the younger players.

and SIU has no veterans next year. The Saluki's are a lock for 10th, won't win as many next year as we did this year.

[TNMSUFAN]

1. Wichita St
2. Indiana St
3. N. Iowa
4. Missouri St
5. Bradley
6. Illinois St
7. Loyola
8. Evansville
9. Drake
10. S. Illinois

[Ali]

I think WSU loses too much to win the league outright. I know they lost a lot this past year too so save your breath. When the Shox are good, they are very good. They are also the same team that lost to SIU and was swept by a middling Aces team.

I'll predict Indiana St, UNI, and WSU each with a 13-5 record.

[Dean Wormer]

If I have two correct at this point, I will consider this prophetic!

1. Wichita State
2. Indiana State
3. UNI
4. Evansville
5. illinois State
6. Bradley
7. Loyola
8. Missouri State
9. SIU
10. Drake

I feel pretty confident about 1 and 2. Indiana State SHOULD contend with the lineup they have returning. 3-8 could mix up however you like. I gave UNI and UE high points strictly on coaching. UE showed that they had a few younger guys (Ballentine, Wing, etc) that should contribute heavily. I gave ILS the #5 based on returning talent, but still question the coaching ability of Mueller. Loyola, I have no freaking idea. SIU has coaching, but a pretty bare cupboard. If you let Barry coach in Normal next year, the Redbirds might challenge for the title. Drake is back to rebuild mode once again.

[Kip Dynamite]

1. UNI
2. Wichita State
3. Missouri State
4. Indiana State
5. Bradley
6. Illinois State
7. SIU
8. Evansville
9. Drake
10. Loyola

[moshock]

I think WSU loses too much to win the league outright. I know they lost a lot this past year too so save your breath. When the Shox are good, they are very good. They are also the same team that lost to SIU and was swept by a middling Aces team.

I'll predict Indiana St, UNI, and WSU each with a 13-5 record.

I think most of the teams in the MVC will be rebuilding this season. It may be viewed as a down year for the MVC. If some of the Juco's pan out - it could also be interesting.

Here are my predictions:

#1 WSU: None of the three WSU losses you mentioned were with Baker & Wessel. Those guys are difference makers. They will be ranked top 20 and go up from there. They will also get everyone's best shot and will still win the league

#2 ISUb: ISUb will be a very good team. They were a little hard to figure out last season. If they find consistentcy - they could make the dance.

# 3 - 5 in no particular order:

UNI: HCBJ & Tuttle are the only reason I have them picked here.

MSU: I've lived in Springfield long enough now that I've drank a little of MSU's koolaid and the Bears are growing on me. Seriously, I like M Marshall, Thurman, and Gulley. If they get a good post player they could be a load

Bradley: Just a hunch. I like Geno and think he will turn the Braves around sooner rather than later.

The rest:

ISUr
SIU
Evansville
Drake























Loyola - yes there is that much difference IMO

[2livewu]

I think WSU loses too much to win the league outright. I know they lost a lot this past year too so save your breath. When the Shox are good, they are very good. They are also the same team that lost to SIU and was swept by a middling Aces team.

I'll predict Indiana St, UNI, and WSU each with a 13-5 record.

WSU loses Hall and Armstead, the 2 leaders of the team.

They lose defensive stalwarts Orupke and Williams, and deep bench role player White.

UNI loses 3 year starters in Koch, Sonnen and James and little used center Austin Pehl.

Did WSU really lose more than UNI? Maybe you believe your replacements are better than WSU's. Just curious that's all.

I will be stunned if 3 teams are 13-5. There's just too much parity in this league, even more so with Creighton gone.

[kcmsaluki12]

1. WSU
2. Indiana St
3. MSU
4. UNI
5. Evansville
6. Bradley
7. Loyola
8. Illinois St.
9. SIU
10. Drake

I'm expecting a big down year for the MVC, likely a one bid year.