Joebook's 2006-07 Missouri Valley Preview
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by user Joebook
I’ve seen several other conferences previewed on this site, and being a Bradley University alum and self-proclaimed Missouri Valley expert, I decided I’d offer this piece on the MVC.
Last season, when the Missouri Valley Conference reached unprecedented heights in the conference ratings of the RPI and sent six teams to post-season play, many of the national basketball pundits claimed The Valley had massaged the RPI formula in a way that erroneously portrayed the strength of our teams.
Seven post-season wins and two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances later, those same basketball pundits have likely backed off last year’s assessment, but the world will be watching.
In 2005-06, the Missouri Valley Conference earned a No. 6 rating in the RPI -- its highest ever. That translated into four NCAA Tournament teams and two NIT teams, while Bradley University and Wichita State University each posted two wins in the NCAA Tournament to reach the Sweet 16. It marked the first time in league history that two MVC teams reached the Sweet 16 the same year.
The 2006-07 season will offer some change, but should still provide quality basketball and great results.
For the first time in four years, Creighton University has been chosen as the Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball pre-season favorite, as announced by the conference office. Creighton received 386 total points and 29 first-place tallies in the poll, conducted by league coaches, media, and sports information directors.
The most impressive fact is that The Valley has enjoyed a national resurgence with a solid mix of young players and veterans. Notably, nearly 80 percent of the starters are back from last year, including all five from defending MVC Tournament champ Southern Illinois University.
Here's a quick overview of the Missouri Valley teams:
Southern Illinois Salukis
Coach Chris Lowery begins his third season with a chance to have a special team. The defending Missouri Valley champs return all five starters, including all-MVC selection Tony Young and MVC Freshman of the Year Bryan Mullins. Together with MVC Tournament Most Outstanding Player Randal Falker, Honorable Mention all-MVC guard Jamaal Tatum and rebound specialist Matt Shaw, the Salukis are in great shape for a run deep into the NCAA tournament.
Joebook's prediction: 1st in MVC, 2 wins in NCAA tournament
Creighton Blue Jays
Coach Dana Altman was among the most demanded in the country after leading the Blue Jays to their eighth consecutive season of 20 or more wins. Altman decided to stay at Creighton, and he'll be rewarded. MVC Preseason Player of the Year Nate Funk headlines an outstanding lineup, which includes Anthony Tolliver, a second-team all-MVC selection, Nick Porter, the league’s Newcomer of the Year, Josh Dotzler, a 2006 all-freshman team selection, and Dane Watts, a 2005 all-freshman team pick. Creighton will be primed to get back to the NCAA tournament, and earn another 20 win season.
Joebook's Prediction: 2nd in MVC, 1 win in NCAA tournament
Missouri State Bears
Seven of last year’s top nine players return for coach Barry Hinson, including all-MVC first-team guard Blake Ahearn, Nathan Bilyeu and all-purpose guard Tyler Chaney. Those three team captains are joined by the center tandem of Sky Frazier and Drew Richards, along with Dale Lamberth and Shane Laurie. After being snubbed from the NCAA tournament last year with a 21 RPI, the Bears will have something to prove.
Joebook's Prediction: 3rd in MVC, NCAA appearance
Wichita State Shockers
In addition to winning their first MVC title since the 1982-83 season, WSU advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. While they won't enjoy the same success this season, they will stay very competitive. Point guard Matt Braeuer runs the show with a cast that includes three returning double digit scorers; Sean Ogirri, PJ Cousinard and Kyle Wilson. With George Mason, LSU and Syracuse on their non-conference schedule, the Shockers should be in the NCAA tournament again with a good MVC season.
Joebook's Prediction: 4th in MVC, NCAA appearance
Northern Iowa Panthers
Long the doormat of the Valley, the Panthers have made three consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament. They'll fall short this year, but not by much. Northern Iowa returns all-MVC forward Grant Stout, who led the Valley in rebounding last year. They also feature all-MVC Honorable Mention forward Eric Coleman, who shot almost 58% from the floor. Keep an eye on 7-1 freshman center Jordan Eglseder, who could disrupt many shots in the middle.
Joebook's Prediction: 5th in MVC, NIT semifinals
Bradley Braves
2005-06 saw the Braves reappear on the national radar, upsetting Kansas and Pittsburgh to reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. The Braves watched center Patrick O'Bryant depart to the NBA draft and forward Marcellus Sommerville to the European pro leagues, and lost their four top scorers. Point guard Daniel Ruffin led the MVC in assists last season and will be called upon to score more. Forward Zach Andrews tries to fill a huge hole in the middle, and transfer Matt Salley will add some much needed size.
Joebook's Prediction: 6th in MVC, 1 win in NIT
Evansville Aces
Evansville struggled to a 10-19 record last season, but return all five starters and two members of the league's all-Freshman Team. The trio of Matt Webster, Brad Strickland and Kyle Anslinger will attempt to bring a winning campaign back to Evansville, and along with Shy Ely and Jason Holsinger, they should be able to accomplish their goal.
Joebook's Prediction: 7th in MVC, no postseason
Drake Bulldogs
Drake is counting on four returning starters to carry them toward the top of the Valley. The Bulldogs are led by Ajay Calvin and Klayton Korver, the younger brother of Philadelphia 76ers star Kyle Korver. Klayton missed the entire 2005-06 season with a knee injury, and is expected to make an immediate impact. Drake doesn't have enough firepower to contend with the upper-tier teams, but they will make noise in spurts throughout the season.
Joebook's Prediction: 8th in MVC, no postseason
Indiana State Sycamores
The Sycs lost star forward David Moss, but return three starters from a team that had a successful second half of 2005-06. Jay Tunnell was an all-Freshman Team selection, and Gabriel Moore ranked in the top-8 in steals, assists and free-throw percentage. If Eric Gray stays healthy, the Sycamores could have another successful run.
Joebook's Prediction: 9th in MVC, no postseason
Illinois State Redbirds
The Redbirds finished the 2005-06 season 9-19, and have built a good young nucleus of players, including junior college All-Americans Boo Richardson and Dom Johnson. Senior Greg Dilligard also returns, and led last year's squad with 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Illinois State is a year or two away from contending in the Valley. Joebook's Prediction: 10th in MVC, no postseason
sources:
www.mvc.org
espn.com
www.bradleybraves.com
