2012-13 MVC predictions

[1972Shocker]

I think picking WSU 4th is perfectly reasonable based on the production, experience and leadership we have to replace from last year's MVC Champion and based on what CU, ILS and UNI return.

OTOH, we were pretty much in the same postion last year when we had to replace Durley, Blair, Hatch and Ellis who were very key cogs in the Shocks run to the NIT Championship.

There is no reason to think we won't have pretty solid senior leadership this year between Armstead, Hall and Williams.

Also, as with last year we also have a lot of new pieces, many of whom have not been tested at the D-1 level, but who by all accounts are very good althetes and basketball players. It is difficult to predict how all these new pieces will fit and develop as a team. At this point, however, we do appear to have good depth, good size and good athletes.

Yes, the Shocks could easily finish 4th this year and that is probably where they should be picked preseason. There is no doubt CU, ILS and UNI will be solid. However, it would not surprise me at all if the Shocks finish as high as 2nd. I would be a little surprised if they could overcome Creighton in 2012-13 although even that is not out of the realm if they come together quickly and the newcomers adapt to D-1 ball quickly.

[TNMSUFAN]

I really appreciate the confidence of the Shocker fans...the Bears return 2 double digit scorers and 4 players who started games last year from a team that tied for 3rd and if you listen to some of our fans you would think we are going to have our worst team in 25 years. Right or wrong at least the Shocker fans are confident.

[1972Shocker]

I really appreciate the confidence of the Shocker fans...the Bears return 2 double digit scorers and 4 players who started games last year from a team that tied for 3rd and if you listen to some of our fans you would think we are going to have our worst team in 25 years. Right or wrong at least the Shocker fans are confident.

I have to believe that the confidence of Bears fans had to be shaken by they way the Bears struggled down the stretch last year.

[TNMSUFAN]

I have to believe that the confidence of Bears fans had to be shaken by they way the Bears struggled down the stretch last year.

Losing 6 in a row hurt that is for sure along with 4 OT games and 7 games by 5 pts or less. We just wore down at the end of the year...both physically and mentally. Losing Dorrian Williams and Drew Wilson to injury just killed us as the season went on...both would have helped last year. Concerning this year Downing, Gulley and Pickens are a good start and I really like what I have seen from the new guys so far. I imagine we will be a mid pack team but we have a chance to surprise some people if a few of the young guys step up.

[NeutralObserver]

Definitely room at the top (right behind Creighton) for several teams. Too much love shown for Northern Iowa though; don't think they are even in the next three let alone runnerup spot. Also think Evansville finishing 5th is a push? My two cents for what its worth.

[uniftw]

Definitely room at the top (right behind Creighton) for several teams. Too much love shown for Northern Iowa though; don't think they are even in the next three let alone runnerup spot. Also think Evansville finishing 5th is a push? My two cents for what its worth.

UNI not finishing top half after losing only one player?????

[PantherSigEp]

Definitely room at the top (right behind Creighton) for several teams. Too much love shown for Northern Iowa though; don't think they are even in the next three let alone runnerup spot. Also think Evansville finishing 5th is a push? My two cents for what its worth.

UNI not finishing top half after losing only one player?????

To be fair he said UNI probably would not be top 3. E'ville was the one he said would likely be in the bottom half. I would like to hear the reasoning behind either opinions though, not that I disagree, just interested

[NeutralObserver]

Definitely room at the top (right behind Creighton) for several teams. Too much love shown for Northern Iowa though; don't think they are even in the next three let alone runnerup spot. Also think Evansville finishing 5th is a push? My two cents for what its worth.

UNI not finishing top half after losing only one player?????

UNI finished tied for 3rd or tied for 7th depending on how you want to look at it. Half of the Valley (five teams) finished 9-9. The one player UNI loses was an important one. Optimism among fans is normal at this time of the year (all teams plan to finish in first........well maybe not SIU) but I have to ask what will make UNI be better than the other four teams they tied with at 9-9 in the conference?

[uniftw]

Definitely room at the top (right behind Creighton) for several teams. Too much love shown for Northern Iowa though; don't think they are even in the next three let alone runnerup spot. Also think Evansville finishing 5th is a push? My two cents for what its worth.

UNI not finishing top half after losing only one player?????

UNI finished tied for 3rd or tied for 7th depending on how you want to look at it. Half of the Valley (five teams) finished 9-9. The one player UNI loses was an important one. Optimism among fans is normal at this time of the year (all teams plan to finish in first........well maybe not SIU) but I have to ask what will make UNI be better than the other four teams they tied with at 9-9 in the conference?

The fact that UNI returns 4 starters and EVERYONE off the bench, plus a couple real good kids that red shirted last year. Johnny average 7.5 points per game, 3 rebounds per game, 1 assist, and 1 turnover. He shot just 38% past year (35% from 3). He was, no doubt, a leader and hustle man.....and will be missed. However, his stat production is easily replaced.

Who else returns over 90% of EVERYTHING off of last years stats? Not only that, UNI started 2 true freshman last year...those two freshman will be better. The depth in the front court will be improved with Olivier being ready to go this year.

I'm not going to say we are going to beat Creighton out for the title, but I wouldn't be shocked if we are right there with them.

[beatingrillz]

UNI is consitant the difference in thier teams 1 year to the next is minimal. They will never be more or less than what we have watched the last 5-6 years. It is up to the rest of the league to run away from them. Sure they are heady hardnosed players, the lack skill and athleticism eventually the league will outgrow thier style.