by DoubleJayAlum » August 6th, 2010, 11:37 am
I think this is the hardest year to predict in a long, long time. Outside of picking WSU first, I really believe things are completely up in the air. That being said, here is what I would guess, along with a few comments:
1. WSU- return a lot of talent. Loss of PG will probably have a greater impact than many imagine.
2. MSU - ended the season well and returns good talent. A lot of positive momentum.
3. CU - cancers excised; best front court; guard play a concern though. Uncertainty of offensive style by new coach a major concern. Defense was abysmal last year.
4. BU - good guards, but no rebounding and no inside presence. Can they handle the bigs of WSU, SIU, CU, ISU, etc.? If the shooters aren't hot, BU could really struggle.
----- break -----after this its gets really hard to slot teams -----------
5. Illinois St - ranked this high solely because of Carmichael. ISU loses both the best offensive player and best defensive player/rebounder in the conference, plus their PG. Those are devastating losses and ISU could easily end up much lower. (The real question is how they didn't end up higher last year).
6. UNI - good coaching, but also loses a ton of talent/leadership in Faroukmanesh, Egleseder, and Koch. If O'Rear doesn't come back, they are dangerously close to the precipice. Younger Koch must excel early and Ahlegbe must be a more consistent scorer for success.
7. Indy St - some young talent; uncertainty with coaching change.
8. Drake- the good: recruiting and young talent. the bad: no evidence that the coach knows how to utilize it.
9. SIU - may end up higher, but with all the losses and unknown JUCO recruits, I honestly just don't know what to expect. Teague is a beast though.
10. UE - Some bad MOJO going on in Evansville. More and more player defections not a good sign. I thought Marty would be the guy to turn it around there, but I'm now questioning that position.