I'm curious after at least 1 game now from every team, if anyone thinks differently about where the teams will end up......have your views changed?
For me and what I have seen (or read etc) here's what I think, in pretty much order:
Missouri State - Seems to be the one team that has taken their talent and experience and really built upon it. Expect them to beat Tennessee tonight and advance even further. My pick for the league at this point.
Creighton - Big Mac and Little Mac are going to be the talk of the town, especially when the other Greg laces them up for real. With KLJ the 2 will be almost unstoppable in the league. MSU's great guard play I think will overcome the BlueJay advantage inside, but they are going to be wars!
WSU - Chemistry is a big concern. There is probably enough size and experience to carry the day more often than not, but I just don't see a big year right now. Disappointing as this was to be the big year, and the next couple of years (at least) are going to be down.
UNI - Post play is going to be a concern and they need some experience, but man do they play hard. Still think a top finish is going to be tough, but watch out for the next couple of years. The Final Four beckons for this team, at least once with the talent they have now in addition to the talent coming in!
DU - The talent is not to be dismissed, and Drake will be more consistent than last year. This is my biggest mover (up at least) so far. I expect big things from the Bulldogs this year.....maybe not quite Adam Emmemmecker big, but who knows?!!
Illinois State - Jank has more talent than many think, and Jackie is a MONSTER but a lack of experience will keep them down, just a shade. A real battle between 3-4-5-6 here. Any order would not shock (no pun intended)!
Bradley - As much as it hurts, I have to drop the Braves to here. The Brown thing is so tragic...I hope the kid will be ok. It will be hard to overcome that loss of huge talent over 30 games. Some great pieces here, but there may be some tough days ahead with the Braves shorthanded.
Indiana State - Wow, I didn't see that coming. I expected the Sycamores to roll through the non conference. I hope the slow start doesn't keep the kids down, or worse, hurt the draft position of either Kelly or Lathan. Certainly ISU will win their fair share of games but maybe they are still a year away...or maybe not???!!!! Tough call for the Trees right now!
SIU - Poor kids just can't get out of their own way sometimes. Might be a long year for SIU but they still have a lot of heart and could surprise!
Evansville - Impressive win against OC overshadows earlier frustrations, even though some others will dismiss that game. Make no mistake Oakland City is a formidable program. Someone has to finish last though, but the Aces will still be tough. Probably won't be a lot of separation between 2-10.
