Tweet
Just so we can forget about tonight's game ... something to ponder...
Where do you rate the Valley teams now? I don't mean for NCAA bids or where they stand in the conference. Maybe this is who do you fear most on a nightly basis (maybe the team you don't want to play in say the 3-6 game in the Valley tourney)
1. Creighton - Simply a very well-rounded team that does everything well. Rebounds, shoots, and defends. They also have the player I'd rather have in the clutch than anyone else in the Valley - Funk, who is simply amazing at times (and could score 30 a game if it was asked of him). They also have the best coach in the league who game plans well and always seems to have an answer.
2. Southern Illinois - Yes, we all know the Salukis are about one thing - defense. They can't score but their defense is SO good you can never feel confident going up against them.
3. Wichita State - A very complete team. They have a roster loaded with great players and similarly to Bradley can have a number of guys who can light you up on a nightly basis. They are battle tested and have gone through the brutal part of their schedule. They will probably win 5 of their last 6 and get third in the Valley.
4. Missouri State - Maybe I'm thinking too highly of them with how well they play against Bradley, but for being undersized, they rebound extremely well. They're very hot and cold but they've shown they can beat absolutely anyone on a given night (including a GREAT wisconsin team).
5. Northern Iowa - Not deep but they seem to find a way to win. Stout and Coleman are the best big men duo in the league and that is enough to carry them some nights.
6. Bradley - We all know about our deficiencies (lack of depth, poor rebounding) and our great traits (great shooters, quick, great at forcing turnovers). We are certainly suffering the effects of losing so many good players and it may be wearing the guys down as the season has gone on. Still, I feel confident Bradley could also beat anyone in the Valley on a given night.
7. Evansville - I like the Aces and they definitely have a serviceable starting lineup (the 2 "ingers" as well as Webster and Strickland). They just don't have as much talent as some of the other Valley teams but they can certainly compete.
8. Illinois State - The Redbirds are young and look like it often. They aren't really well coached (you'd think they'd be a little better prepared than they were for the BU game). They still have Dilligard who can be a force and their young players might be good in a year (Eldridge already is).
9/10 Indiana State/Drake - I haven't been impressed with either team all year and they're both fading fast...
Anyone else have any thoughts?
Where do you rate the Valley teams now? I don't mean for NCAA bids or where they stand in the conference. Maybe this is who do you fear most on a nightly basis (maybe the team you don't want to play in say the 3-6 game in the Valley tourney)
1. Creighton - Simply a very well-rounded team that does everything well. Rebounds, shoots, and defends. They also have the player I'd rather have in the clutch than anyone else in the Valley - Funk, who is simply amazing at times (and could score 30 a game if it was asked of him). They also have the best coach in the league who game plans well and always seems to have an answer.
2. Southern Illinois - Yes, we all know the Salukis are about one thing - defense. They can't score but their defense is SO good you can never feel confident going up against them.
3. Wichita State - A very complete team. They have a roster loaded with great players and similarly to Bradley can have a number of guys who can light you up on a nightly basis. They are battle tested and have gone through the brutal part of their schedule. They will probably win 5 of their last 6 and get third in the Valley.
4. Missouri State - Maybe I'm thinking too highly of them with how well they play against Bradley, but for being undersized, they rebound extremely well. They're very hot and cold but they've shown they can beat absolutely anyone on a given night (including a GREAT wisconsin team).
5. Northern Iowa - Not deep but they seem to find a way to win. Stout and Coleman are the best big men duo in the league and that is enough to carry them some nights.
6. Bradley - We all know about our deficiencies (lack of depth, poor rebounding) and our great traits (great shooters, quick, great at forcing turnovers). We are certainly suffering the effects of losing so many good players and it may be wearing the guys down as the season has gone on. Still, I feel confident Bradley could also beat anyone in the Valley on a given night.
7. Evansville - I like the Aces and they definitely have a serviceable starting lineup (the 2 "ingers" as well as Webster and Strickland). They just don't have as much talent as some of the other Valley teams but they can certainly compete.
8. Illinois State - The Redbirds are young and look like it often. They aren't really well coached (you'd think they'd be a little better prepared than they were for the BU game). They still have Dilligard who can be a force and their young players might be good in a year (Eldridge already is).
9/10 Indiana State/Drake - I haven't been impressed with either team all year and they're both fading fast...
Anyone else have any thoughts?
Comment