Blers wrote:1freddycat68 wrote:1. UNI. Green is the best player in the conference, and Jacobson has UNI back.
UNI is far and away the best team in the valley this season, but I don't think AJ Green is the best player in the valley by any stretch. He hit a big shot last night but his efficiency numbers (at times due to poor shot selection) and his 1.2 assist/turnover ratio are leave a lot of room for growth. He still reminds me of Milton Doyle, who had a ton of talent, but probably did too much on his own. I’d take Freeman over any day over Green at this point, especially with the value added on defense. Doesn’t mean he can’t catch up though, he’s definitely got the talent!
I think the real key to UNI is Berhow. Stop him and force Green to work on your own and you have a chance. His two worst games were West Virginia (loss) and UNCO (overtime win). Oh, and he’s currently shooting 55% from 3…70% (!!!!!) in his last 6 games.
1. UNI- As mentioned, so sound, lots of options, Brown is also an elite defender. They have everything a team could want.
2. MSU- They could easily fall, but I still think their talent level will keep them afloat, finally closing out a game (against an OK Murray State) could be a big boost for confidence. Tough schedule should help.
3. Valpo- I’m willing to say this is probably too high. But I honestly really like what this team has. Nice wins over Toledo and Central Michigan, played Cincy tight. The Fazekas injury was probably a blessing to build depth with Clay and Gordon. Only concern is post presence against some tough bigs in conference.
4. LU- I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am for next season. And this year would look a whole lot better with 1 extra second of good defense against Colorado State. They have led well into the second halves of every game this year (in the double digits against UCF and CSU) with the exception of Furman. The talents there, just need to learn how to close out games and come back. The Clemons addition could be big; was great at Ball State.
5. BU- They still kind of remind me of the LU from last year. I feel like they press a little too hard sometimes, and I’m not sold on their depth. Brown has been ROUGH shooting the ball (28% from the field). I do like their top 5 guys still though, and wouldn’t be shocked to see them carry the team much higher.
6. Drake- They’ve been playing okay, against okay teams (like mentioned, I don’t think Murray State is great this year). Still, I respect the pieces and the coach.
7. ISUB- If I was basing this on only this year I’d be way higher on them, really tough schedule, lots of options on offense, getting hot at the right time. I’m only hesitant because I feel like the last few years they’ve had great non-cons only to falter in conference play, but maybe this is the year!
8. UE- The Kentucky win was incredible, and they’re headed in the right direction, but close wins 3 of their last four wins were under 6 points against Morgan State (3OT), IUPUI, and Western Illinois. Williams is a monster, KJ Riley is great, Cunliffe is a weapon, just need a bit more depth IMO and they’re definitely on the right track.
9. ISUR- Just need time, I love how scrappy they are, team culture is better, just got to develop talent, I agree I’ve been kinda disappointed by Fisher…
10. SIU- Domask, Jones, great freshman adds, Benson adds something inside, with McGill and then Cook back in the lineup before too long, they’re going to steal some wins.
I'm not too high on Bradley or Loyola, but picking Valpo over those 2 is flirting with delirium.
