10 MVC Sleepers

[electricmayhem]

Here is an article on the players that might ascend to the next level this season:

http://www.examiner.com/x-7020-Bradley-Braves-Examiner~y2009m8d19-Missouri-Valley-sleepers-for-the-200910-season

Obviously, BU has quite a few, but after the Brazil trip, I'm most excited about TB. Like I said, I discounted him in my initial preview, and I'll be happy to be dead wrong.

[tornado]

I would be very surprised if Terry Johnson plays point guard for ISU.

[Da Coach]

Since there isn't much basketball to talk about for the next 2 months, I'll opine on your article-
I agree with most of the "sleepers", but as you say, Kenny Lawson was probably the best "5" man in the Valley last year, so there is no way he belongs on a list of sleepers. With Kenny Walker gone, Lawson will play 30+ minutes a game, and will probably be a preseason All-MVC. There are probably a couple other Creighton players I would put on the list instead of Lawson- such as Kaleb Korver, Casey Harriman, or one of their juco kids (Wayne Runnels or Darryl Ashford)

The other one I would differ on is Ryan Hare at SIU. I think he might actually see less playing time this year. With Tony Freeman likely to play 30+ minutes a game, and a couple of their new players who may also see time at the 2-guard.

[OrangeandBlack74]

I agree with most of the "sleepers", but as you say, Kenny Lawson was probably the best "5" man in the Valley last year, so there is no way he belongs on a list of sleepers. With Kenny Walker gone, Lawson will play 30+ minutes a game, and will probably be a preseason All-MVC. There are probably a couple other Creighton players I would put on the list instead of Lawson- such as Kaleb Korver, Casey Harriman, or one of their juco kids (Wayne Runnels or Darryl Ashford)

I agree DC...Lawson is anything but a sleeper. Chances are the real sleeper for Creighton is whoever will play behind Lawson at the 5 spot. They always seem to have someone who can provide quality playing time as a backup center.

[it's boogie time]

Is Terry Johnson the ISU recruit that got 3 assists total in his 2 games at State last year (I can't remember the team name, but they had the uniform violation)? I rarely watch hs bball, so I could have him mixed up with one of the other recruits.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Since there isn't much basketball to talk about for the next 2 months, I'll opine on your article-
I agree with most of the "sleepers", but as you say, Kenny Lawson was probably the best "5" man in the Valley last year, so there is no way he belongs on a list of sleepers. With Kenny Walker gone, Lawson will play 30+ minutes a game, and will probably be a preseason All-MVC. There are probably a couple other Creighton players I would put on the list instead of Lawson- such as Kaleb Korver, Casey Harriman, or one of their juco kids (Wayne Runnels or Darryl Ashford)

Couldn't agree more, Coach. I'd say the best candidate for sleeper for CU would be any of the following: Antoine Young, Josh Jones (redshirt frosh), Andrew Bock (frosh) along with JUCOs Runnels and Ashford that you named.

[CubbieBear]

I would be very surprised if Terry Johnson plays point guard for ISU.

You mean like EVER...or this year? With Phillips, Rubin, Osiris, and someone else I forgot...I agree that he may not get much time next year, and could even redshirt...but I've seen him play, and unfortunately he will be a good one in the Valley IMO

[PTownHawkeye]

You mean like EVER...or this year? With Phillips, Rubin, Osiris, and someone else I forgot...I agree that he may not get much time next year, and could even redshirt...but I've seen him play, and unfortunately he will be a good one in the Valley IMO

I have no doubt that he's a good player, but I think what Boogie Time was trying to say is that Johnson seems to be more of a '2' than a PG due to the shoot-first mentality many of us witnessed at the IHSA tourney back in March. It is hard to imagine him playing PG for ISU because he is seemingly listed as a PG only because he is 6'0.

If can learn to defer to King O and Phillips and become a good post-entry passer, he could develop into a PG over time.

[CubbieBear]

I see...when I saw him in AAU ball...he was playing point and dishing (and penetrating and dunking) and didn't shoot much from outside (he had plenty of shooters on his team)...but maybe he will become a 2 guard at ISU??

[jasonpeoria911]

I think by mid season, people will be singing either a Prosser or Milos sleeper tune. It's a reach but I think one of them will step up big time.

Jason

[electricmayhem]

I think by mid season, people will be singing either a Prosser or Milos sleeper tune. It's a reach but I think one of them will step up big time.

Jason

I think people expect JP to come in and contribute right away, so the MK sleeper song could be a little louder.

ISU has some bigger guards, so it's hard to see Johnson playing anything other than the point, at least this year. ESPN had him ranked as the #28 PG in the country.

[tornado]

I think if you have TJ running the point, you might as well sit the other four guys down and rest them.

[Nacho]

I think if you have TJ running the point, you might as well sit the other four guys down and rest them.

Have you ever seen him play in AAU ball?