Predictions?

[BUSongwriter]

Hey BU fans, the season opener is only a few days away! We've made it through the long off-season, and it's time to get excited -- and I think we have reason to this year!

If this has been done on another thread already, point me to it. But let's put down our predictions for 1) where BU will finish in the MVC and 2) how many total wins we will have this season, including post-season tournaments (I hope, I hope).

The winner will receive the respect of everyone on this board.

Here's mine:

MVC finish: 3rd

Total wins: 22

Who's got next?

Go BU!

[wily coyote]

Hey BU fans, the season opener is only a few days away! We've made it through the long off-season, and it's time to get excited -- and I think we have reason to this year!

If this has been done on another thread already, point me to it. But let's put down our predictions for 1) where BU will finish in the MVC and 2) how many total wins we will have this season, including post-season tournaments (I hope, I hope).

The winner will receive the respect of everyone on this board.

Here's mine:

MVC finish: 3rd

Total wins: 22

Who's got next?

Go BU!

I hope you are correct but I'm going with MVC 5th and Total wins 17. JUst the way I see them again hope your right.

[Da Coach]

I think Bradley is a little better than every prediction I have seen so far, IMO. They finished tied for 6th place with Missouri State last year, but for some reason, most previews, projections, and polls have Bradley in 7th, 8th, or lower this year, despite the fact they return around 95% of their production (way more than any other team), while vaulting the team they were tied with, Missouri State, to the top spot.

I think Bradley will finish in the top 4.
Here are my picks, for what it's worth-
Missouri State
Illinois State
Bradley....\__Tied for 3rd
Valparaiso/
Loyola
UNI
SIU
Evansville
Indiana State
Drake

Record 20-12

[YATittle]

Predictions

I think BU will be improved this year and may win up to 19 games. The team should definitely avoid the Thursday play-in game that has been thvstatus quo for too long. But I think there are legitimate concerns with rebounding, consistency, and overall athleticism. I see a 5th or 6th place finish in the league. I also view the non-conference schedule as being weak.

[PurpleAceFan]

I think BU will be improved this year and may win up to 19 games. The team should definitely avoid the Thursday play-in game that has been thvstatus quo for too long. But I think there are legitimate concerns with rebounding, consistency, and overall athleticism. I see a 5th or 6th place finish in the league. I also view the non-conference schedule as being weak.

I think this is spot on. I don't have issues with the week non conference schedule as coach needs to teach these guys how to win, even against weak teams. Had some success towards end of year so hope that continues. Not sure this schedule gets then ready for valley, but we shall see.

[Dub]

I think 18 wins or more meets my expectation. Less than that and I will feel we somewhat underachieved. To me, the most important thing is that we are on a rather steep upward trajectory. Continue that and we will win a championship in the coming years. I am expecting 4th or better this year, but I will not be surprised if we are in the picture for top spot in either the reg season or tourney.

[pfcmsh]

Back To Respectability

Missouri State
Valpo
Bradley
Illinois State
UNI
SIU
Loyola
Indiana State
Evansville
Drake

[BUSongwriter]

8th? Really?

I received Tuesday's Bloomington Pantagraph in the mail today. Sportswriter Jim Benson gives his MVC predictions and picks Bradley eighth! Really? How can he be just a few miles down the road and be so clueless? Or is it biased?

I will keep page B6 of the Nov. 7 Pantagraph and if Bradley finishes 8th or worse, I will eat the page. And post doing so on YouTube.

I don't see where Mr. Benson's predictions were posted online so, for the record, here are his picks:

1. Northern Iowa
2. Missouri State
3. Illinois State
4. Loyola
5. Southern Illinois
6. Valparaiso
7. Indiana State
8. Bradley
9. Evansville
10. Drake

[Da Coach]

Benson actually posted his picks almost a month ago on his twitter page.
The MVC required all the beat writers and other people who vote for the official MVC Preseason poll to have their votes and picks in by mid-October.

Here is where we posted Benson's picks, and my reaction was the same as yours. That is as low as anyone picked Bradley.
Bradley finished tied for 6th last season, returned 94% of their production (way more than any other team), and nearly all the teams he picked above Bradley lost more than Bradley, including All-MVC players!
So, I couldn't see how anyone could pick Bradley to drop 2 spots, but everyone is entitled to their opinions.

https://www.bradleyfans.com/vb/showthread.php?p=825132972#post825132972

[MacabreMob]

1t) Bradley
1t) UNI
1t) Missouri St
4t) Valpo
4t) Loyola
6t) SIU
6t) ISU
8 ) Indy St
9) E'ville
10) Drake

3 teams tied for first at 12-6, next two tied for 4th at 11-7, next two tied at 9-9.

21 wins on season.

Bradley vs Loyola in MVC Tourney Championship.
-- CBS will talk about the history of the programs and NCAA Championship Appearances that both teams have made (Bradley twice, Loyola once and winning it).

[YATittle]

Predictions

I really believe that Illinois State represents one of the more intriguing teams in the Valley for the coming year and their season could be either disappointing for their fans or promisingbfor future years. The return from injury of 6'4" freshman point guard Elijah Clarance will allow Keyshawn Evans to return to his more natural SG position. Rim protector and shot blocker Dauda N'diaje will also return by the start of the Valley season while two key players, Tinsley and Yarbrough, will have competed and become acclimated during a tough non conference schedule and should be more than ready for Valley competition. The season could be a huge bust with a recurrence of injuries but I think the potential is there to compete for a top 3 finish in the conference as early as the coming season.