Team Profiles

[BEARZ77]

Good stuff UNI and LOC posters; let's keep it rolling .

[Adunk33]

Illinois State Redbirds

Overview: Most MVC fans are in agreement that Loyola and Illinois State should be the No.1 and No.2 in the league. The Redbirds lost practically nothing from last season with the exception of one of the better on-ball defender in Madison Williams. Our "rim protector" never really panned out with 7 footer David N'diaye. Elijah Clarence also left the team to go pro. Thats an average of (all stats combines from last season) 12.3 points per game, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 2.9 assists. Keep in mind, that is between three players.

A lot of this will depend on the Milik Yarbrough situation that is working itself out. I had a knee jerk reaction to the situation previously and am trying to wait for all the facts to come out before passing further my "official" judgement. My guess is that Milik will not miss much more than the two exhibition games, and then not start against FGCU. But we will see what come out if this goes to trial. A lot of people from all fan bases love to focus in on headlines without getting all the facts. Its the media world we live in. No one can blame anyone for that. Anyway.....

The starters: Expect the Redbirds to be playing more small ball this year with three guards, a wing, and a post on the court at most times. Illinois State will have three or four guys on the court at each time who are capable of running the "point guard" role.
Keyshawn Evans (6'0, Sr) will be the primary ball handler, though many Redbird fans love to see him shoot the ball of the screen. His career has been riddled with injuries this far with some sort of "hurt" in each year from his knee to his shoulder. I expect him to take a step forward defensively to help fill the void left by Williams.
Zach Copeland (6'4, Jr)- Despite this being Copeland's first season able to play with the Redbirds, he did spend all of last season with the team. He was a JUCO transfer that was ineligible. He chose the Redbirds over Colorado and Nebraska. Coach Muller has been very high on his ability to score the ball as well as the kind of teammate he is. While both were only allowed to practice last season, he and Matt Chastain (transfer from Loyola) were named team captains.
William "Boogie" Tinsley (6'6, Sr) really started to settle in late last season. He began to get comfortable shooting the ball and committing to the defensive end at the ball which helped open up his offense. I have been critical in the past for being one dimensional offensively. He has very long arms and great length overall which would allow him to beat his defender off the dribble. If he can start driving to the basket and make defenders sag off, he'll have a lot more open 3's.
Milik Yarbrough (6'6 Sr) we all know what Milik is. His game this year will be a little different then last year due to his feedback from NBA teams. He has slimmed down some to become quicker and he may play more of a guard role this year, but can really play and guard 1-5. I expect Milik to shoot more 3's this year to enhance his potential draft stock as a 2 guard or undersized 3.
Phil Fayne (6'9,Sr) For me, Phil is what makes the team go, and he will have to do that this season too. He will be one of the only posts on the team and will be relied upon for an inside presence. His ability to do things outside of the stat sheet is what I like about the guy.

The bench is full of a lot of unproven pieces. I expect the most out of Josh Jefferson (6'2 Jr), Matt Chastain (6'6 So), Rey Idowu (6'10, 240lb, Fr), and Taylor Bruninga (6'8, So). Jefferson is supposed to be a guard who can score on all levels. Chastain, from LeRoy (about 30 min from Normal), was recruited hard by the Redbirds out of high school and will be a local favorite. Rey is the most college-ready bodied freshman Muller has ever had. He should be a force on the low block and has the ability to hit the 3 ball. Bruninga was forced into action early last season due to injuries. He showed his shooting ability but the got a concussion during the conference season and never really returned to what he was. He has spent time in a boot this offseason, which is likely a stress fracture precaution.

The rest: The remaining two players eligible this season are Matt Hein (6'3 Jr) and Issac Gassman (6'5 So). Hein drives ISU fans nuts, but he works hard. He is the guy who will throw the ball out of bounds, and then have a great hustle play on a lose ball. He kind of cancels himself out. Muller has said Hein and Williams were last season's two best defenders. Gassman can shoot the heck out of the ball but has been a defensive liability. Gassman and Chastain are both walk-ons.

The rest of the rest: The Redbirds added two transfers from San Jose State in Jacyee Hillsman (6'6 Sr) and Keith Fisher (6'8 So). I see a lot of Phil Fayne in Fisher. Also sitting out this year will be Western Kentucky transfer Dedric Boyd (6'4 So), he is expected to play PG, and U of Illinois- Springfield walk-on LIJAH DONNELLY (6'2 Jr.). The Redbirds will have some really competitive practices with two-three likely starters for the 19-20 team going after it.

Prediction: If the MY situation works itself out and the team stays healthy (two very difficult notions), then the Redbirds should finish in the top two and strongly contend with Loyola for the top spot. If the MY situation ends in dismissal, ILST will finish 5th-ish. With the tough non-con schedule and Muller teams being notorious for slow starts, the Redbirds will likely not be in consideration for an At-Large bid, once again leaving them to play in the elusive Sunday afternoon game at Arch Madness.

This is probably more than anyone wanted, but there it is.

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

Illinois State Redbirds

Overview: Most MVC fans are in agreement that Loyola and Illinois State should be the No.1 and No.2 in the league. The Redbirds lost practically nothing from last season with the exception of one of the better on-ball defender in Madison Williams. Our "rim protector" never really panned out with 7 footer David N'diaye. Elijah Clarence also left the team to go pro. Thats an average of (all stats combines from last season) 12.3 points per game, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 2.9 assists. Keep in mind, that is between three players.

A lot of this will depend on the Milik Yarbrough situation that is working itself out. I had a knee jerk reaction to the situation previously and am trying to wait for all the facts to come out before passing further my "official" judgement. My guess is that Milik will not miss much more than the two exhibition games, and then not start against FGCU. But we will see what come out if this goes to trial. A lot of people from all fan bases love to focus in on headlines without getting all the facts. Its the media world we live in. No one can blame anyone for that. Anyway.....

The starters: Expect the Redbirds to be playing more small ball this year with three guards, a wing, and a post on the court at most times. Illinois State will have three or four guys on the court at each time who are capable of running the "point guard" role.
Keyshawn Evans (6'0, Sr) will be the primary ball handler, though many Redbird fans love to see him shoot the ball of the screen. His career has been riddled with injuries this far with some sort of "hurt" in each year from his knee to his shoulder. I expect him to take a step forward defensively to help fill the void left by Williams.
Zach Copeland (6'4, Jr)- Despite this being Copeland's first season able to play with the Redbirds, he did spend all of last season with the team. He was a JUCO transfer that was ineligible. He chose the Redbirds over Colorado and Nebraska. Coach Muller has been very high on his ability to score the ball as well as the kind of teammate he is. While both were only allowed to practice last season, he and Matt Chastain (transfer from Loyola) were named team captains.
William "Boogie" Tinsley (6'6, Sr) really started to settle in late last season. He began to get comfortable shooting the ball and committing to the defensive end at the ball which helped open up his offense. I have been critical in the past for being one dimensional offensively. He has very long arms and great length overall which would allow him to beat his defender off the dribble. If he can start driving to the basket and make defenders sag off, he'll have a lot more open 3's.
Milik Yarbrough (6'6 Sr) we all know what Milik is. His game this year will be a little different then last year due to his feedback from NBA teams. He has slimmed down some to become quicker and he may play more of a guard role this year, but can really play and guard 1-5. I expect Milik to shoot more 3's this year to enhance his potential draft stock as a 2 guard or undersized 3.
Phil Fayne (6'9,Sr) For me, Phil is what makes the team go, and he will have to do that this season too. He will be one of the only posts on the team and will be relied upon for an inside presence. His ability to do things outside of the stat sheet is what I like about the guy.

The bench is full of a lot of unproven pieces. I expect the most out of Josh Jefferson (6'2 Jr), Matt Chastain (6'6 So), Rey Idowu (6'10, 240lb, Fr), and Taylor Bruninga (6'8, So). Jefferson is supposed to be a guard who can score on all levels. Chastain, from LeRoy (about 30 min from Normal), was recruited hard by the Redbirds out of high school and will be a local favorite. Rey is the most college-ready bodied freshman Muller has ever had. He should be a force on the low block and has the ability to hit the 3 ball. Bruninga was forced into action early last season due to injuries. He showed his shooting ability but the got a concussion during the conference season and never really returned to what he was. He has spent time in a boot this offseason, which is likely a stress fracture precaution.

The rest: The remaining two players eligible this season are Matt Hein (6'3 Jr) and Issac Gassman (6'5 So). Hein drives ISU fans nuts, but he works hard. He is the guy who will throw the ball out of bounds, and then have a great hustle play on a lose ball. He kind of cancels himself out. Muller has said Hein and Williams were last season's two best defenders. Gassman can shoot the heck out of the ball but has been a defensive liability. Gassman and Chastain are both walk-ons.

The rest of the rest: The Redbirds added two transfers from San Jose State in Jacyee Hillsman (6'6 Sr) and Keith Fisher (6'8 So). I see a lot of Phil Fayne in Fisher. Also sitting out this year will be Western Kentucky transfer Dedric Boyd (6'4 So), he is expected to play PG, and U of Illinois- Springfield walk-on LIJAH DONNELLY (6'2 Jr.). The Redbirds will have some really competitive practices with two-three likely starters for the 19-20 team going after it.

Prediction: If the MY situation works itself out and the team stays healthy (two very difficult notions), then the Redbirds should finish in the top two and strongly contend with Loyola for the top spot. If the MY situation ends in dismissal, ILST will finish 5th-ish. With the tough non-con schedule and Muller teams being notorious for slow starts, the Redbirds will likely not be in consideration for an At-Large bid, once again leaving them to play in the elusive Sunday afternoon game at Arch Madness.

This is probably more than anyone wanted, but there it is.

Spot on

[DUBulldog]

Drake:

Starters lost:

CJ Rivers
Ore Arogundade
Reed Timmer---Drake's all-time leading scorer
De'Tae McMurray

Starters Returning:

Nick McGlynn--- led MVC in blocked shots (conference play)

Others lost:

Graham Woodward----graduated
Casey Schlatter----transferred to Grandview (NAIA)
Kory Kuenstling----transferred to Grandview
Jalen Gibbs-----transferred to Mt. St. Mary's

Other returnees:

Noah Thomas
Antonio Pilopivic (did not score a point last season)
Samm Jones (walk-on)
Connor Gholson (walk-on who redshirted last season)

Newcomers:

Nick Norton (PG)---grad transfer---3 year starter for UAB, had a 3:1 assist:turnover ratio---picked Drake over Ohio State, Purdue among others
Brady Ellinston (wing)---grad transfer from Iowa
Liam Robbins (C) ---- 7-footer from Davenport, IA----spent last season at Sunrise Christian in Wichita. Lost 60 pounds in last year
Matt Gray----6'8" from Australia....only commitment from previous coaching staff who stuck around
Tremell Murphy 6'6" juco----first team All-American. Picked Drake over from Oregon, Rutgers, etc
Anthony Murphy 6'5" juco----identical twin of Tremell
DJ Wilkins 6'2" guard----same juco as the Murphy twins...redshirted as a juco freshman last season...will have 4 years remaining
Roman Penn---PG transfer from Siena....starter as a freshman, averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds.....Drake trying to get him eligible this season
Garrett Sturtz---6'4" walk-on.....averaged 34 ppg in high school last season
Luke Vaske----6'0" walk-on

Likely starting line-up

McGlynn
Murphy
Murphy
Penn
Norton

If Penn not eligible this season, replace Penn with Wilkins

[BEARZ77]

Illinois State Redbirds

Overview: Most MVC fans are in agreement that Loyola and Illinois State should be the No.1 and No.2 in the league.

Can't speak for "most", but you can't rule out SIU and I'd probably look at SIU slightly ahead of ISU heading into the season. They have as much returning firepower/experience, better team chemistry, and finished ahead of ISU last year. Right now Muller gets the nod over Hinson, so that could be the difference as the season developes.

[usmcsaluki]

MISSOURI STATE BEARS

Overview: With a new HC [Dana Ford] and staff, 7 players who didn't see the floor for the Bears last year, and a very limited active roster [ 11 players including a walkon] because of 3 transfers sitting out a rs year, the Bears margin for success is thin. There is however, enough talent to be competitive and with a few breaks make a run at a top half Valley finish. We have 3 solid veterans [ Dixon/Church/Kreklow], 3 top level jucos[ Mohammed #31, Cook #76, and Webster, top juco pg in 2017 per 247 sports] 3- 6'10 plus freshman, and a potential star/ all -league type guy[Ridder] to build around. No doubt we get considerably stronger next year with a year under Ford, the additions of the transfer/rs and a talented 2019 recruiting class so far, but this year could prove very interesting if we stay healthy.


Projected starters/rotation:
PG 6'4 Josh Webster, jr
SG 6'4 Jarred Dixon , sr
SF 6'5 Keandre Cook , jr
PF 6'7 Jared Ridder, fr[rs]
C 6'8 Obediah Church, sr

Bench: Ryan Kreklow 6'4 sr, Kabir Mohammed, 6'5 jr, S Wojcik, 6'10 fr, J. Wojcik, 6'10, fr, Darrian Scott 6'11 fr[rs], Ross Owens 6'4 jr[wo]

Bears can win if: they can stay healthy, Ridder emerges quickly as an impact scorer, and one of the freshman bigs [ most likely S. Wojcik] makes significant contributions especially offensively.

Player to watch: Jared Ridder . Missouri player of the year his senior year , the 6'7 Springfield native and Xavier transfer has an offensive game most similar to former MVC/Creighton star Doug McDermott. He combines a deadly outside stroke with surprising athleticism and a crafty skill set for being able to score around the basket and in the lane.

Projected finish: 5th place

Great summary! How many years of eligibility does Ridder have? I see you have down as a freshman; did he transfer before playing at Xavier? Sounds like a good get

[BEARZ77]

Ridder signed with Xavier, but never played there and transferred prior to the start of last season. He had to sit last year, because he was technically a transfer, but has a full 4 years. He was a consensus top 100-150 , but not an eye-popping athlete , although he is much more so than some give him credit for, but he is very skilled and his game has subtle nuances. But he's a freshman, so we'll have to see. S. Wojcik is very similar and 6'10, but doesn't have as much exposure here state wise to evaluate him with. His late father is the greatest player in Poland's history and his twin brother is a Bear also , perhaps not as skilled yet, but still 6'10 and very mobile . Besides Church, our frontline is all freshman , Ridder, 6'11 rs Darrian Scott and the Euro-twins.

[hot nuts]

This is probably more than anyone wanted, but there it is.

I can't get enough. Looking forward to the first exhibition!

[Mikovio]

Here's what I got for Bradley.

Departures:

Donte Thomas -- 2nd Team all MVC last year. The glue of last year's team, did everything well.
Ryan Stipanovich -- Was a freshman forward, scored 2.4 ppg.

Additions (all Freshmen):

Ari Boya -- 7'1 center from Miami via Cameroon who reclassified from 2019 (but is 19 y/o). 247 had him in their top 200 for the 2019 class but he fell out after reclassifying. Still the #59 center in 2018 class though. When the Braves played Amsterdam a few weeks back, Boya had 15 pts, 10 rebounds, making 7-of-9 shots from the field and added six blocks. Bradley was his only offer but he committed very early (start of junior year) due to a connection with one of our assistants and was getting interest from several SEC schools.
Armon Brummett -- 6'4 SG. Second team all state at nearby Decatur MacArthur. Freak athlete with a good shot. Very under the radar recruit. Didn't play AAU ball and was expected to play college football like his twin brother (now at NIU) but called a late audible. Bradley was his only offer.
Ja'shon Henry -- 6'6 SF from Canada. National Preparatory Association player of the year, averaged 29 ppg. Other offer was St. Bonaventure.

Projected Starters:

Darrell Brown Jr. (JR) -- 3rd Team all MVC last year. Leading returning scorer, runs the show.
Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye (SR) -- All Defensive team last year. Wasn't much of a scorer though until late last year. Improved his ability to create, dribble and drive and finish around the rim and scored in double digits a few times down the stretch.
Nate Kennell (JR) -- Arguably the best shooter on the team. Tough, not afraid to take a charge.
Elijah Childs (SO) -- All Freshman team last year. Good scorer, blocker/defender. Hoping he'll break out.
(Nov-Dec) Koch Bar (JR) -- No honors last year, was on all Freshman team two years ago. Not bad around the rim and a good FT shooter but plays a little soft. You could say he doesn't get enough blocks for someone his height. Also not always in the right position.
(Dec-) Ari Boya (FR) -- Described above. I expect he'll leapfrog Bar for the starting spot sooner rather than later.

Other Contributors:

Antoine Pittman (JR) -- Took a voluntary redshirt last year to work on his game because he wasn't projected to get many minutes. A plus defender who scored 6 ppg his sophomore year. Could eat into Hodgson's minutes.
Luuk Van Bree (SR) -- Taller and just as good a shooter as Kennell, but plays Euro soft.
Jayden Hodgson (JR) -- Can play the point or 2 spot. Streaky scorer and seemed to stop taking shots altogether late last year in the midst of a cold spell. Confidence shaken?
Ja'shon Henry (FR) -- See above. Could see minutes on the wing due to his height and scoring punch.
Armon Brummett (FR) -- See above. We have a lot of guards ahead of him so I wouldn't expect a lot of minutes this year, but if matchups dictate we need athleticism he could see time.

Deep Bench:

Luqman Lundy (SR) -- JUCO recruit last year who plays sparingly to back up Brown at the point. Not much of a scorer, should only see about 5 mpg.
Peter Hanley (SR) -- Walk on forward granted a scholarship when JUCO recruit Chudier Bile left over the summer.

Outlook: This team finished 5th last year but was the only team to beat Loyola at full strength and nearly did it twice, taking them to the wire in STL. Losing Donte hurts but the addition of Boya, return of Pittman and a year of experience and development under Wardle should make this team better. Wardle has steadily improved every year and proven his ability to develop players -- DLO's development in particular is very impressive, as was Donte's -- so I'm optimistic. I think this team will be right there with ISU and SIU battling for 2-4.

[stl scooter]

University of Evansville

The Purple Aces replaced Marty Simmons with new Head Coach Walter McCarty (formerly an assistant with the Boston Celtics). Simmons was never able to rebuild after the Ballentine / Mockevicius era.

Key losses:
Ryan Taylor (grad transfer to Northwestern) 21.3ppg
Dru Smith (transfer to Missouri) 13.7 ppg, lead the team in assists and steals.
Blake Simmons (graduated) 10.4 ppg

Other losses:
Solomon Hainna (grad transfer to Texas RGV)
Dalen Traore (graduated)
Duane "Boo" Gibson (graduated)

Returners:
KJ Riley: 6-5 Junior PG, started 18 games, 6.8 ppg, 2nd on the team in assists and steals, led the team in free throws made and attempted. Productivity fell when other teams realized that he wouldn't shoot beyond 12 feet.
Dainius Chatkevicius: 6-9 Senior C, started 19 games, 4.8 ppg, led the team in blocks and rebounds.
Noah Frederking: 6-4 Soph SG, 5.4 ppg.
John Hall: 6-7 Soph PF, 2.8 ppg.
Evan Kulhman: 6-8 Soph PF, 2.4 ppg.
Marty Hill: 6-5 Senior WF, 4.1 ppg in 8 games due to injuries.

Newcomers:
Will Becker 6-9 Fr PF, Aurora, CO, 9.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 3.7 bpg.
Shea Feehan 6-0 Senior G, Grad transfer from D3 Eureka College, 30.6 ppg, 53.7 fg%, 44.2 3g%.
Shamar Givance 5-10 Fr PG, Toronto, Ontario, 17 ppg, 8 apg, 2.5 spg at First Love Christian Academy, PA
Jawaun Newton 6-3 Fr G, El Paso, TX, 28 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2 time El Paso player of the year.
DeAndre Williams 6-9 Fr WF, Houston, TX, 24 ppg, 11 rpg at Nation Wide Academy, OKC, Scout 3 stars.

Sitting:
Artur Labinowicz 6-4 Junior G, transfer from Coastal Carolina, 2017-18 10.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg.
Sam Cunliffe 6-6 Junior G, transfer from Kansas via Arizona State, only eligible for 2nd semester at KU, played in 15 games, top 50 recruit in 2016.

Outlook:
The McCarty game plan will be night vs. day compared to the Simmons era. There will probably be some growing pains this year, but Aces fans are excited about the future.

Prediction: PIG