Should the Valley stay at 11 members or look to return to 12?

[yoda]

Good column by Dave Eminian with several interviews of coaches & Dr. Reynolds- https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/...i/74883827007/

Personally, despite the comments, I'd have to think most coaches would like to see Missouri State replaced by a top-100 team.
The MVC should make a huge push to lure someone that's a top midmajor such as Saint Louis, GCU, COC, Oakland, or even St. Thomas.

[Stryker]

I concur, try everything you can to add another high quality program. However, I would say, don't add a Valpo or comparable just to get to 12. I'd rather stay at 11 in that situation.

[Tommy]

I concur, try everything you can to add another high quality program. However, I would say, don't add a Valpo or comparable just to get to 12. I'd rather stay at 11 in that situation.

Their 3 seasons in the Horizon conference prior to joining the MVC they had 24, 30, and 28 wins respectively. They also made the NCAA tournament in 2013 and 2015, so when Valpo was welcomed into the MVC, they weren't the Valpo that we've gotten recently.

[BUfan17]

I concur, try everything you can to add another high quality program. However, I would say, don't add a Valpo or comparable just to get to 12. I'd rather stay at 11 in that situation.

I agree, but Valpo did look solid at the time from 2011-2016.

[tomahawk chop]

I would look to add because Ill.St. could be the next one to leave possibly to the Mac because of D-1 football. There are plenty of schools out there in the region that would be nice fits for the Valley. I do not think SLU wants to leave the A-10.

[Da Coach]

I agree, but Valpo did look solid at the time from 2011-2016.

Those were the Bryce Drew-coached teams that dominated the Horizon League during that span. Those teams featured outstanding players and future pros like Alec Peters, Shane Hammink, LaVonte Dority, and Ryan Broekhoff. Since Drew left to take the Vanderbilt job in 2016, it's all been downhill. They averaged 24½ wins per season their last 7 seasons in the Horizon League, and just 13 wins per season in their 7 seasons in the MVC. Have to hope Roger Powell can turn things around, but it will take time.

[bradleyfan124]

Good column by Dave Eminian with several interviews of coaches & Dr. Reynolds- https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/...i/74883827007/

Personally, despite the comments, I'd have to think most coaches would like to see Missouri State replaced by a top-100 team.
The MVC should make a huge push to lure someone that's a top midmajor such as Saint Louis, GCU, COC, Oakland, or even St. Thomas.

I always thought St.Louis would be perfect to come back to the Valley. Cut their travel expenses tremendously but I was told they dont want to come back

[yoda]

I agree, but Valpo did look solid at the time from 2011-2016.

Alec Peters effect, and that could have been Bradley except for ….

and things have changed a bit at SLU…
maybe a few years at the bottom of an east coast conference, where your nearest conference-mates are 600 & 800 mile trips & everyone else is a 2000 mile round trip, could change some minds

[Stryker]

Those were the Bryce Drew-coached teams that dominated the Horizon League during that span. Those teams featured outstanding players and future pros like Alec Peters, Shane Hammink, LaVonte Dority, and Ryan Broekhoff. Since Drew left to take the Vanderbilt job in 2016, it's all been downhill. They averaged 24½ wins per season their last 7 seasons in the Horizon League, and just 13 wins per season in their 7 seasons in the MVC. Have to hope Roger Powell can turn things around, but it will take time.

Drew years were the exception. Valpo plays in a near high school level gym etc, and historically they are not a good program. A team should never be added based on a 5-7 year run that was due to a personality etc.

[64NIT]

The Valley shouldn't add a 12th team just for the sake of getting back to 12 teams. The league needs a team that would add something positive and make the league stronger. If there's no such team, stay at 11.

[bradleyfan124]

The Valley shouldn't add a 12th team just for the sake of getting back to 12 teams. The league needs a team that would add something positive and make the league stronger. If there's no such team, stay at 11.

I agree..Also what with teams going to football conferences sooner or later I think the non-football schools will start to form basketball conferences. With colleges struggling with expenses they may want to cut travel expenses and join a Conference more local to them. Just some thoughts. This scenario is still evolving

[Bradley3342]

The Valley shouldn't add a 12th team just for the sake of getting back to 12 teams. The league needs a team that would add something positive and make the league stronger. If there's no such team, stay at 11.

Ditto! 64NIT