Why all the preseason hype?

[Stryker]

For ISUred? I'm just confused here, yes they had a 25 win year last year, but it was against some pretty weak competition in the non-conference season. Then they did play well in the MVC, and made it to the finals in the tournament, but were really showed up by drake, a team they lost to 3 times that year. People talk about how important the guard play is for Bradley, but the same thing was what made ISU good last year, with boo and king 0, am I correct?

Now this year they may have the same type of season having an incredibly weak non-conference line-up with Wright State being their marquee game! If they lose any of these games they basically screw their chances at any post-season success. I just don't see this team being the force so many people outside of here are predicting. They lost a lot of good players last year(most valley teams did) but the guys they have coming in are almost all transfers or players with very little experience.

I have to say I predict ISU @ maybe 4-5th in the valley this year.

[real fan]

I agree that with the loss of Sampay they will probably finish 4th or 5th .

[dogsrus]

I haven't seen any "hype" for anyone other then CU.....ISU has arguably the best player in the MVC returning along with some decent holdovers. 3-6 is where I see em and I think its where most have had them with an occasional 2 tossed in.

When judging teams for NEXT year I think one can only look at whats coming back as we NEVER know what newbies will bring.

[Scouter]

A) Osiris Eldridge and
B) it's a hangover effect from what they did last year.

[scout4126]

If ISU was fully healthy, I'd say they were the second best team in the MVC as far as balance and talent but they are not and the fact that they will be inexperienced from the getgo will be a big downer.

[Stryker]

I just think that ISU has the same problems we had last year, injuries(although earlier) and lots of newcomers and players with little experience. I just don't see them being as good as last year. King O can be game planned for.

[Scouter]

I just think that ISU has the same problems we had last year, injuries(although earlier) and lots of newcomers and players with little experience. I just don't see them being as good as last year. King O can be game planned for.

Keep in mind that Bradley was picked second in the Valley, despite all those newcomers. So I don't think a fourth- or fifth-place finish is really hyping ISU.

[MacabreMob]

Even if he boosts his scoring by 4-5 ppg over last year (and I really can't even recall the last time a Valley player averaged over 20 ppg -- Even Kyle Korver averaged 17.8 ppg as a senior)...

Last time was 2001 -- Tarise Bryson, Illinois State 22.8/all games and 23.2/MVC games only

btw, I don't think Kyle Korver led the MVC in scoring his Sr year, did he?

[Garland 22]

Last time was 2001 -- Tarise Bryson, Illinois State 22.8/all games and 23.2/MVC games only

btw, I don't think Kyle Korver led the MVC in scoring his Sr year, did he?

I guess I like their line-up.

1. They have the best player in the conference.
2. They have probalby one of the best big men in Odiakosa
3. JUCOs are always better in their second year, and I belive Emmanuel Holloway will be a lot better.
4. Sead Odzic will also be a very good Valley performer.
5. They have some really good Valley style players coming in, and a couple will produce right away.

To be honest no Valley team is really proven. A ton of new faces, but ISU-Red has some real positives going for them, and they have a good X and O guy in Jankovich.

They lost a lot but so did everybody else. If you look at it objectively and I know most can't they and Creighton really have to be the Preseason favorites.

[MacabreMob]

I guess I like their line-up.

1. They have the best player in the conference.
2. They have probalby one of the best big men in Odiakosa
3. JUCOs are always better in their second year, and I belive Emmanuel Holloway will be a lot better.
4. Sead Odzic will also be a very good Valley performer.
5. They have some really good Valley style players coming in, and a couple will produce right away.

To be honest no Valley team is really proven. A ton of new faces, but ISU-Red has some real positives going for them, and they have a good X and O guy in Jankovich.

They lost a lot but so did everybody else. If you look at it objectively and I know most can't they and Creighton really have to be the Preseason favorites.

I don't have a problem with your assessment Garland. Just wondering why you are quoting my comments.

[RedbirdFan21]

For ISUred? I'm just confused here, yes they had a 25 win year last year, but it was against some pretty weak competition in the non-conference season. Then they did play well in the MVC, and made it to the finals in the tournament, but were really showed up by drake, a team they lost to 3 times that year. People talk about how important the guard play is for Bradley, but the same thing was what made ISU good last year, with boo and king 0, am I correct?

Now this year they may have the same type of season having an incredibly weak non-conference line-up with Wright State being their marquee game! If they lose any of these games they basically screw their chances at any post-season success. I just don't see this team being the force so many people outside of here are predicting. They lost a lot of good players last year(most valley teams did) but the guys they have coming in are almost all transfers or players with very little experience.

I have to say I predict ISU @ maybe 4-5th in the valley this year.

Where are you seeing all this "hype"? Just curious because I dont think I have seen anyone saying they will finish higher then 4-6? Maybe one or two places... but its not like every publication is calling for a top 3 finish.

Thanks

[Stryker]

I haven't really heard a ton, but I've heard some people saying they are going to be good etc, and really wanted to know what posters here thought about it.

[Braves4Life]

I'd expect ISU to finish 3rd or 4th..... Right behind CU and BU (toss up for #1)

[Out of Bounce]

I'd expect ISU to finish 3rd or 4th..... Right behind CU and BU (toss up for #1)

Now your talking B4L, but throw the toss up thing out and put BU #1 and CU #2, maybe. I say maybe because someone else maybe #2 and CU maybe down the line more than most think. I'll hole off on committing myself anymore right now!

[DoubleJayAlum]

People talk about how important the guard play is for Bradley, but the same thing was what made ISU good last year, with boo and king 0, am I correct?

I think Slack is their biggest loss and will be toughest to replace.