Who will be the preseason favorite in 2011-12?

[ihsi]

I see ISU blue winning the valley...I like CU i just dont trust their defense...Offensively they are much better than the trees but I dont see us finishing 3rd again.

FWIW. Indiana State got a lucky tip in at the buzzer to beat CU in Terre Haute and the Jays shredded the Trees in Omaha a couple of weeks ago with a final score not indicative of the thumping. I like Indiana State and think they will do well, but I believe CU will have a much better team next year.

[MSUBear42]

1) CU- If they play to their ability
2) Missouri State-As long as we get a JuCo post, we will be golden. We lose Mallett but we gain Pickens, who was a starter and Scheer will step in well for Leonard.
3) Indiana State- Odum will be POY before he's gone
4) WSU
5) UNI
6) UE
7) SIU
8) Illinois State
9) Drake
10) Bradley

Wow

Where do you disagree?

[shockem]

"Thats interesting, because IMO depth was one of the most important components to UNI's success in the last couple seasons.

Depth is only a problem when either, 1) Your coach doesn't know how to manage it, or 2) the players don't buy into their roles."

The difference was that UNI had a first 5 and second 5 on their depth chart. WSU had 10 guys who never knew from week to week if they would start or not play at all. JT was the only regular starter and Gabe Blair the only reliable backup all year. Other than that, they all played with short leashes and never settled into a rhythm.

As for next year, I like In St and CU at 1&2. The next grouping could be WSU, MSU, E'Ville & UNI. Bottom feeders will be BU, Il St, SIU, Drake

[UNIFanSince1983]

I am sorry but MSU is losing Mallett, Leonard, Ricks and Creekmore. They will be in a world of hurt next year. Scheer is not Leonard, and Mallett was the most underrated player in the Valley. He did so much for them.

CU and Indiana State should be the top two. Beyond that it is a crapshoot. I do think UNI will be better than people are predicting. We have a good class coming in and if we can find a guy or possibly two that can bring some of what Kwadzo did we will be in good shape. I think having James, Koch, Moran, and Sonnen is a key. I am not saying we will win it, but I don't think we are going to fall quite as far as some are predicting.

I think Wichita losing Blair, Durley, Ellis and Hatch is going to hurt them. Although who knows if having less players rotating in and out could help them. Although when the less is players like Hatch, Blair, and Durley that is never a good thing.

Should be another exciting year in the Valley next year though!

[MSUDuo]

1) CU- If they play to their ability
2) Missouri State-As long as we get a JuCo post, we will be golden. We lose Mallett but we gain Pickens, who was a starter and Scheer will step in well for Leonard.
3) Indiana State- Odum will be POY before he's gone
4) WSU
5) UNI
6) UE
7) SIU
8) Illinois State
9) Drake
10) Bradley

Wow

Where do you disagree?

We are more away than just finging a JUCO PG to replace Ricks. Scheer has a LONG way to go to replace Leonard. Pickens may or may not come back at the level he was before the injury and even if he does, he won't replace Mallet. Weems is back. And we still have to find someone to replace to Creekmore. Kirk and Wilson aren't going to get it done, nor is Patterson and Rhine.

Plus we still need to find a bench! Our freshmen need to take one giant leap forward this summer

[Da_Wu_Master]

Beware Valley, this man is coming to get ya next year

[ihsi]

Beware Valley, this man is coming to get ya next year

Um, okay. When is Orupke coming? I've been waiting for a long time.

[BirdmanBB]

So E-ville was the better of an (increased) number of weaker teams in the valley. Traditionally when the valley is stronger a team that is constructed like that of the current E-ville squad does not fare as well. I like Colt Ryan too, but I also remember how things were with Shy Ely (another great Eville player). Its all going to depend on the pieces that Marty surrounds him with.

[Da_Wu_Master]

Beware Valley, this man is coming to get ya next year

Um, okay. When is Orupke coming? I've been waiting for a long time.

orupke was never the 4th best Juco prospect in the nation

[Jet915]

I remember I was so pumped up when CU signed the top juco in the nation a few years ago, Ty Morrison. He ended up having a medical condition that affected his play but he was a bust unfortunately.