Up or Down in the Valley?

[LittleBrave]

Very early in the season, so it's a little hard to tell.
We can keep adding to this thread as the season progresses.

Do you think the league is stronger this year than last year?
How about compared to years since the 2006-'07 season?

My thoughts:
I see UNI, ISU-red, and CU having legit chances at the NCAA tournament. Last season, the majority of Valley fans/followers thought also that 3 teams had a legit chance. As Valley teams beat each other up, we'll likely see 2 from the Valley, like last season, but you never know.

The middle-pack teams may be a little tougher than last year's too (Wichita St. , Evansville, Drake), and all are NIT-caliber teams (not that we'll have 3 that make it).
Unsure of Missouri St. right now, but if the Bears grow up quickly, the league is that much stronger.

I feel the conf. RPI will be around 8, and a lot of that depends on how UNI fairs vs. their tough non-conf. opponents.

[Bravesfan]

Very early in the season, so it's a little hard to tell.
We can keep adding to this thread as the season progresses.

Do you think the league is stronger this year than last year?
How about compared to years since the 2006-'07 season?

My thoughts:
I see UNI, ISU-red, and CU having legit chances at the NCAA tournament. Last season, the majority of Valley fans/followers thought also that 3 teams had a legit chance. As Valley teams beat each other up, we'll likely see 2 from the Valley, like last season, but you never know.

The middle-pack teams may be a little tougher than last year's too (Wichita St. , Evansville, Drake), and all are NIT-caliber teams (not that we'll have 3 that make it).
Unsure of Missouri St. right now, but if the Bears grow up quickly, the league is that much stronger.

I feel the conf. RPI will be around 8, and a lot of that depends on how UNI fairs vs. their tough non-conf. opponents.

I agree, but don't count out Wichita St. for an NCAA tournament bid. That was a statement win over VCU at their place last night.

[LittleBrave]

I agree, but don't count out Wichita St. for an NCAA tournament bid. That was a statement win over VCU at their place last night.

Which is why I mentioned our middle-pack teams may be stronger, as the 4th best team (right now would fluctuate among UNI, ISU-red, WSU) will win a good share of games. I also think Drake could make some noise and make a bid to be the 5th best Valley team. I think they have some depth and are more physical than Drake teams of the past few years under Phelps.

[Buesch N Chips]

I expect us to be middle of the pack.

[LittleBrave]

I expect us to be middle of the pack.

That's a pretty bold prediction BNC! Like your optimism. When we say middle-pack, does that include 7th place, because I don't think that's out of reach.
I would be pleased with an 8th place finish, winning 6+ games.

Let's hope we play a lot better than in our last game when conference play starts.

[Buesch N Chips]

That's a pretty bold prediction BNC! Like your optimism. When we say middle-pack, does that include 7th place, because I don't think that's out of reach.
I would be pleased with an 8th place finish, winning 6+ games.

Let's hope we play a lot better than in our last game when conference play starts.

Sure. I'd say 5th - 7th.

[bu fan 9]

I say we will be 9th.

[SFP]

I expect us to be middle of the pack.

I hope you are right but I have to believe the Valley is stronger this year from top to bottom and wins on the road are going to be extremely rare. I believe we'll have a better idea on how this team performs after the next game. Playing on the road sometimes effect certain players and usually not in a good way. In HS we had this guy who played at an all world level at home and on the road we could not count on him. Its all about tuning out the distractions and focusing on what's in front of you.

[Buesch N Chips]

I hope you are right but I have to believe the Valley is stronger this year from top to bottom and wins on the road are going to be extremely rare. I believe we'll have a better idea on how this team performs after the next game. Playing on the road sometimes effect certain players and usually not in a good way. In HS we had this guy who played at an all world level at home and on the road we could not count on him. Its all about tuning out the distractions and focusing on what's in front of you.

Absolutely. I think Friday we find out if we have turned a corner or if we are the SOS.

[Da Coach]

Absolutely. I think Friday we find out if we have turned a corner or if we are the SOS.

Friday? What happens then? Our next game is Saturday?

[Buesch N Chips]

Friday? What happens then? Our next game is Saturday?

Yeah Saturday.