Here is an article by the beat writer for Wichta State about the lack of quality big men in the MVC this season--
http://www.kansas.com/250/story/317677.html
In 2006, Valley big men included an NBA lottery pick (Bradley's Patrick O'Bryant) and borderline NBA types (Wichita State's Paul Miller, Creighton's Anthony Tolliver). Northern Iowa's Grant Stout led the conference in rebounds and Southern Illinois' Randal Falker dominated the conference tournament.
This season, Valley big men seem to be most useful setting screens so the guards can do their thing.
Falker remains a force..... Northern Iowa's Eric Coleman is equally talented...
Just to note that the best "big men" in the MVC, Falker and Coleman, are having poor seasons.. I think calling them "a force" is a bit of a stretch--
Last night, Randall Falker had just 6 points, and 6 rebounds, and 3 turnovers, despite the fact that the opponent's centers-- Eric Coleman sat out a lot with foul problems, and Jordan Eglseder missed the game with an injury.
Falker, the MVC Preseason Player of the Year, is averaging just 12.4 ppg, his shooting percentage is down from 60% to 54.5%, he's rebounding less and he's fouling much more than the last 2 seasons. This season, IMO, he has been only the 3rd best player on his own team.
Eric Coleman is having perhaps his worst year of his career. Last night he scored only 2 points and had 3 rebounds. His scoring average of 11.0 ppg is the lowest since his freshman season when he averaged 10.7 ppg, and his rebounding is off from last year, too.