Athlon's preseason basketball issue

[chitownBUB]

Will be out this weekend

Here is how they see the Valley finishing:

1. Southern Illinois
2. Creighton
3. Wichita State
4. Missouri State
5. Northern Iowa
6. Evansville
7. Illinois State
8. Drake
9. Bradley
10. Indiana State
with 3 teams going to the NCAA - WSU, SIU, Creighton.

Here is how they see the 1st Team All Valley:
Blake Ahern
Randal Falker
Nate Funk (POY)
Grant Stout
Kyle Wilson

[MacabreMob]

Re: Athlon's preseason basketball issue

Will be out this weekend

Here is how they see the Valley finishing:

1. Southern Illinois
2. Creighton
3. Wichita State
4. Missouri State
5. Northern Iowa
6. Evansville
7. Illinois State
8. Drake
9. Bradley
10. Indiana State
with 3 teams going to the NCAA - WSU, SIU, Creighton.

Here is how they see the 1st Team All Valley:
Blake Ahern
Randal Falker
Nate Funk (POY)
Grant Stout
Kyle Wilson

Did they offer 'crack-pipes' for readers?

Evansville 6th?

But really.... IMO, drop EVille to 9th and I don't have a beef with this.

It isn't what I would say, but I object to Eville 6th.

[Dallas Brave]

Just think of the pre-season pub POB would be getting if he had stayed. I know it is un-American to give up the first-round signing bonus he got in the draft last year, but something in the back of my head says that 15 years from now he would have benefited by staying at BU at least one more year.

Oh well, its a moot point, but these "woulda, coulda, shoulda" moments come along only 2-3 times in each of our lifetimes.

[romar]

Just think of the pre-season pub POB would be getting if he had stayed. I know it is un-American to give up the first-round signing bonus he got in the draft last year, but something in the back of my head says that 15 years from now he would have benefited by staying at BU at least one more year.

Oh well, its a moot point, but these "woulda, coulda, shoulda" moments come along only 2-3 times in each of our lifetimes.

Funny DB - I've thought the same thing. In my point of view if POB would have come back to BU, it would have had to have been for a 2 year commitment. That is if he wanted to be a 1st round NBA prospect. This upcoming draft is full of solid prospects at the center position, where last years draft there were only 3-4 of which POB had the most potential. So it seems to me his best shot at the first round was last year followed by his senior year. As much as the BU nation loves POB now, imagine if he had stayed & played all four years.

[Big Mike]

Imagine how much PO'B would have destroyed the all-time BU blocks record?

[it's boogie time]

Drake won't be that low.

[squirrel]

Re: Athlon's preseason basketball issue

Will be out this weekend

Here is how they see the Valley finishing:

1. Southern Illinois
2. Creighton
3. Wichita State
4. Missouri State
5. Northern Iowa
6. Evansville
7. Illinois State
8. Drake
9. Bradley
10. Indiana State
with 3 teams going to the NCAA - WSU, SIU, Creighton.

Here is how they see the 1st Team All Valley:
Blake Ahern
Randal Falker
Nate Funk (POY)
Grant Stout
Kyle Wilson

Did they offer 'crack-pipes' for readers?

Evansville 6th?

But really.... IMO, drop EVille to 9th and I don't have a beef with this.

It isn't what I would say, but I object to Eville 6th.

Evansville returns all five starters. Has five seniors. Matt Webster is probably the most versatile player in the league. Anslinger one of the best shooters. Their point guard was a collegeinsider.com National All-Freshman, and Shy Ely will emerge as one of the best players in the league this year. Their backup point guard will be PJ Coussinard's younger brother.

I don't think Evansville can crack the league's elite, but this team will be very good and has essentially zero questions. This team should not fall below the 4-6 range.

[tornado]

I kind of agree, as they will be deep with experienced players.
This will be the year for Merfeld to show he can coach these kids.
Or is it too late to convince the UE fans.

[squirrel]

I kind of agree, as they will be deep with experienced players.
This will be the year for Merfeld to show he can coach these kids.
Or is it too late to convince the UE fans.

No question this is the year he has to win. He has also quietly recruited very well the last two seasons, which would be the only reason UE fans could be patient.

[MacabreMob]

Re: Athlon's preseason basketball issue

I don't think Evansville can crack the league's elite, but this team will be very good and has essentially zero questions. This team should not fall below the 4-6 range.

Well, I guess that settles it then. The MVC will have the Top 4 (Wich St, SIU, Creighton, and Mo St), then the next 2 are UNI and EVille to round out the top 6.

The bottom 4 will fight to get 5 wins each (like last year). The bottom-feeders, I guess, are Bradley, Indy St, ISU and Drake.

[Da Coach]

This just in---

The 2006-2007 men's basketball season has been cancelled in a cost saving measure. The MVC felt they could take this step since the order of finish has already been predetermined.
Please call your respective schools for refunds on season tickets.

[squirrel]

They play the games for a reason. I'm just pointing out that Evansville should be one of the better teams in the league this year.

I believe the depth in the Valley will be even greater this year. In fact, I think the Valley boasts the best corps in the nation for point guards. There isn't a bad one in the bunch. That was the thing that jumped out at me last year in St. Louis was how everyone was going to have the PG back.

[tornado]

I enjoy seeing the teams who aren't supposed to do well, surprise everyone. Someone steps up and does it every year.
As I have said before, along the lines of what squirrel is saying, BU has as good of returning guards as anyone, so I think we'll be in the hunt.

[Da Coach]

I was just trying to add a little humor Obviously very little.

I welcome anyone's projections. I actually think Evansville will be pretty good ( I said that in an earlier thread). It will be tough for Bradley to finish ahead of them.

[flipper]

wichita state, siu and bu should have the best backcourts.