MVC preseason media day /polls

by **BEARZ77** » September 18th, 2019, 8:08 am

MVC media day should be coming up; was on 9/18 last year. Should be interesting to see the predictions and insights. Think we started our's here about 10/7 or so. Official practice starts in about 12 days I think. Never too early to start getting excited and debating the season.

**Sponsor**

by **VUGrad1314** » September 18th, 2019, 8:22 am

We will (rightly) be projected as a Play in team probably around 8th maybe 7th but we could be 9th or 10th easily as well. but there's a chance we could overachieve on that. Yes we had a tumultuous offseason but we had a very strong showing in Canada, have impact transfers and solid recruits coming in ready to play, and our roster is (finally) constructed almost entirely if not fully by now with players who were recruited to play in the MVC not in the Horizon. With our influx of international talent this year we might also be uniquely well positioned to handle the rule change to the international 3 point line as well. I have no problem with being under the radar this year and having low preseason projections just don't be surprised if we do in fact outperform them. I'm not saying we're going to contend for the title or even that we definitely won't be a play in team but we certainly could do better than what the prognosticators predict.

by **goramblers2011** » September 18th, 2019, 8:54 am

VUGrad1314 wrote:We will (rightly) be projected as a Play in team probably around 8th maybe 7th but we could be 9th or 10th easily as well. but there's a chance we could overachieve on that. Yes we had a tumultuous offseason but we had a very strong showing in Canada, have impact transfers and solid recruits coming in ready to play, and our roster is (finally) constructed almost entirely if not fully by now with players who were recruited to play in the MVC not in the Horizon. With our influx of international talent this year we might also be uniquely well positioned to handle the rule change to the international 3 point line as well. I have no problem with being under the radar this year and having low preseason projections just don't be surprised if we do in fact outperform them. I'm not saying we're going to contend for the title or even that we definitely won't be a play in team but we certainly could do better than what the prognosticators predict.

Agreed. I think all of the projected PIG teams have valid arguments why they may be better than those projections. I believe the potential PIG teams to be: SIU, ISUb, Valpo, Evansville with ISUr also in the mix. Each of those squads has reasons for excitement and hope to avoid Thursday, whether it be new coaching, talented players who had to redshirt or the development of younger talented players who come back with a year of experience under their belts.

Should be fun!

by **BCPanther** » September 18th, 2019, 9:05 am

Not my predictions but I think the media will go this way--

1-Missouri State
2-Bradley
3-Loyola
4-UNI
5-Drake
6-Illinois State
7-Evansville
8-Indiana State
9-Valparaiso
10-Southern Illinois

by **BEARZ77** » September 18th, 2019, 9:10 am

There's always surprises both ways [ Drake/Illinois State last year] so I'm sure we'll see some again this year. Speaking of those two, I think both are being undervalued and could see both ahead of some of the supposed top 4 if things break right for them. Drake was so well coached last year, and Illinois State has some talent in their transfers and young returnees and alot less distractions. I know many Evansville fans see their team as a contender for thee upper half, and Indiana State has enough backcourt firepower if a couple of their young frontline players can make an impact. Always fun this time of year as hope and optimism usually are high in every program. I think the Valley is much improved, but I'm fearful of a really compacted race again, which means teams have to do better in the noncon to escape the perception of mediocrity we had last year.

I'm not sure on my predicted order yet, but I won't be picking us to win . Gotta see some real progress in more than just the roster to have the confidence we can win it. There's a number of solid coaches with enough talent that have proven they can win to think we'll just leap frog them all. But still talent and depth are nice places to start.

by **ACECARD** » September 18th, 2019, 10:35 am

BCPanther wrote:Not my predictions but I think the media will go this way--

1-Missouri State
2-Bradley
3-Loyola
4-UNI
5-Drake
6-Illinois State
7-Evansville
8-Indiana State
9-Valparaiso
10-Southern Illinois

Pretty close to the way I would pick them, except I would flip the Aces and Red Birds, basically because I believe the Aces are not going to be a Thursday team this year. After so many disappointing years lately, I really hope the Aces are better than a Thursday team. They have the talent to be, but if we have any significant injuries, then it will be another difficult year.

I think any of the top three teams could win it. All are talented with excellent coaching. No doubt it's going to be a dog fight to the end, and it's going to be difficult for one team to dominate. Will be interesting to see how other people feel about it.

by **hot nuts** » September 18th, 2019, 12:25 pm

BEARZ77 wrote:There's always surprises both ways [ Drake/Illinois State last year] so I'm sure we'll see some again this year. Speaking of those two, I think both are being undervalued and could see both ahead of some of the supposed top 4 if things break right for them. Drake was so well coached last year, and Illinois State has some talent in their transfers and young returnees and alot less distractions.

I'd have to seriously consider Drake at the top this season. Seemed no adverse situation slowed them down...just tough tough tough.

by **Blers** » September 18th, 2019, 1:14 pm

I agree that Drake has really been slept on. I'm curious how they're adjust without McGlynn this year, plus i think Brady Ellingson was so freaking steady for them. But I really like Wilkins and Thomas as a back court. I'm curious how they play with higher expectations.

I think this year will be another slugfest, but with better play across the board.

by **BuBrave2006** » September 18th, 2019, 1:47 pm

I'm in the vast minority, but I would be shocked if Drake didn't play on Thursday. They lose 2 all conference players (3 if you count Norton), plus who knows what will happen with Murphy. I do love Wilkins but I think Thomas is "okay" and I have no faith in Liam Robbins unless he takes a big step from last year. I've go them playing on thursday with Valpo, Illinois State and Southern.

by **siudawgs** » September 18th, 2019, 2:24 pm

BuBrave2006 wrote:I'm in the vast minority, but I would be shocked if Drake didn't play on Thursday. They lose 2 all conference players (3 if you count Norton), plus who knows what will happen with Murphy. I do love Wilkins but I think Thomas is "okay" and I have no faith in Liam Robbins unless he takes a big step from last year. I've go them playing on thursday with Valpo, Illinois State and Southern.

I thought Robbins acquitted himself pretty well for a young big guy. He needs to take a step but I think he will.

Murphy's status obviously looms large, but if he's back for the conference season, I'd assume Drake will compete for an upper-half finish. De Vries is one of the top coaches in the league until proven otherwise, and they should have enough talent/depth for him to work with.

I think Indiana State, Valpo and SIU are pretty obvious Thursday picks, and I go back and forth on Evansville and Illinois State for the other bottom-four squad. Wondering if the defections on UE's coaching staff might make the difference there.