Official MVCfans Prediction - 2012-13 Freshman of the Year

[2livewu]

Ron Baker.

I haven't ever heard this name before.

He was a 5 for 4 guy who paid his own way last season and redshirted. The coaches really seem to like his work ethic and skill set.

Kansas State wanted him to walk on without a promise of a future scholarship. Ron didn't play any AAU which kept him under the radar and, honestly, keeps any idea if he can "compete at this level" at nothing more than speculation. There are wildly divergent reports of his skill set. He's a D1 athlete and he can shoot it. Having been around the program for a year, I expect more from Baker than VanVleet this season, but more from VanVleet in the future. A solid bench player that doesn't cause a lot of problems and can hit the open jumper with some regularity is what I am hoping for but it is still hard to see a lot of minutes based on the depth and jucos, but that's just how I see it.

[Wufan]

Ron Baker.

I haven't ever heard this name before.

He was a 5 for 4 guy who paid his own way last season and redshirted. The coaches really seem to like his work ethic and skill set.

Kansas State wanted him to walk on without a promise of a future scholarship. Ron didn't play any AAU which kept him under the radar and, honestly, keeps any idea if he can "compete at this level" at nothing more than speculation. There are wildly divergent reports of his skill set. He's a D1 athlete and he can shoot it. Having been around the program for a year, I expect more from Baker than VanVleet this season, but more from VanVleet in the future. A solid bench player that doesn't cause a lot of problems and can hit the open jumper with some regularity is what I am hoping for but it is still hard to see a lot of minutes based on the depth and jucos, but that's just how I see it.

Some on here probably don't know the name "Ron Baker" but DJA surely does as he spends a considerable amount of time on Shockernet. He's baiting a bold prediction.

[Red]

Of the following, who might start: Balentine, Babineaux, Keane, Thurman, VanVleet? The guys in the race last year were starters so would help to know before I vote.

We all hope Keane will step right in away from Day 1 but it could take him a while to develop. If he catches on quickly and the team does well, I think he'll be a candidate.

[sixth ace]

Of the following, who might start: Balentine, Babineaux, Keane, Thurman, VanVleet? The guys in the race last year were starters so would help to know before I vote.

With three seniors in the backcourt for UE I would doubt that Ballentine would start for the Aces. I think he'll earn a significant amount of PT during the season tho.

[BUDude]

Of the following, who might start: Balentine, Babineaux, Keane, Thurman, VanVleet? The guys in the race last year were starters so would help to know before I vote.

We all hope Keane will step right in away from Day 1 but it could take him a while to develop. If he catches on quickly and the team does well, I think he'll be a candidate.

Illinois State fans had better hope Keane is a candidate or this season or who knows what happens to their NCAA hopes this year.

[havoc]

Why is the European post on this list? Do they think he will qualify?

http://www.courierpressblogs.com/sports/ue/?p=604

He qualifies, but still not sure if he will be a FOY or NOY candidate.

[havoc]

Why is the European post on this list? Do they think he will qualify?

http://www.courierpressblogs.com/sports/ue/?p=604

He qualifies, but still not sure if he will be a FOY or NOY candidate.

He could be if he earns the time.

I realize this. The point I was making is that it that the number of years of eligibility remaining is still in question. If the NCAA decides he only has 3 years of eligibility left, I don't believe he could be classified as a freshmen, thus he obviously would be not a FOY candidate.

[sixth ace]

Litner now reporting on twitter that he has 4 years. Makes him a freshman

[mecha_bulldog]

Of the following, who might start: Balentine, Babineaux, Keane, Thurman, VanVleet? The guys in the race last year were starters so would help to know before I vote.

Barring injury, I doubt Babineaux will start. He seems like a 2 or 3, and I expect Hines and Simons to be Drake's starters at those positions. Babineaux could easily play significant minutes as the first 2/3 off the bench, though.

[Wufan]

Keane makes sense to me (though I didn't vote for him) based on need and talent. He'll still need to beat out a decent senior PG to start.