UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

[UNIPNTHR]

...that's a lot acronyms.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch?id=66&campaign=rss&source=NCBHeadlines

This article got me thinking about our RPI, and how we really don't have a shot at an at large-bid unless we would win out and go deep in the tourney.

I can understand maybe having a weaker schedule this year with a lot of young players. And trying to win games period, regardless of strength of schedule, particulary early in Jake's career.

But can we expect to see our SOS improve next year? Even the MVC as a whole, it seems (with some exceptions) our non-con SOS is plain not good.

Maybe my question should be simply, how much of the non-con schedule is set at this point? Anybody with insight as to where we could add some strength? And, as always, any other thoughts on this topic (as if solicitation is needed)?

[jman2004]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

I think it's getting harder and harder for us to schedule decent non-conference teams.

[DancerHall Cat]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

[QUOTE=UNIPNTHR;114455]...that's a lot acronyms.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bubblewatch?id=66&campaign=rss&source=NCBHeadlines

This article got me thinking about our RPI, and how we really don't have a shot at an at large-bid unless we would win out and go deep in the tourney.
QUOTE]

I was thinking about this aspect of your post this morning as well. In my opinion, even if we win out, and lose in the final of the MVC tourny we still come up a little short of the NCAA's.

I just don't see our RPI getting much better than the mid 50's but I am certainly not an RPI expert. On the other hand, we would probably have a few top 50 wins under this hypo (Drake, UMass, and possibly 2 against Illinois State). We would also be playing our best basketball of the year, which would theoretically be a boost to our resume.

[jegbomb52]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

It sucks because the trend the last two or three years has been that if you can pick up 10, d-I non-conference wins (regardless of who) and pull together a 12 win valley record you would get in. Now, with the Valley not getting as much respect that changes things. We now have to worry about who we schedule.

[jman2004]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

I think the Valley is respected just fine. That's part of the problem. No one wants to play us in non-conference. With our crappy non-conference schedule, I don't think we deserve an at large bid, just because of 10 wins. But that doesn't mean it's fair. I wish the NCAA could devise a way to get some of the upper class to play some of us lower class on a more regular basis, non-conference. Spread the wealth a little.

[UNIPNTHR]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

Assuming they continue to schedule us, we may get a small RPI boost in a couple years if UofI and ISU improve within their respective conferences.

[BCPanther]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

Most leagues wish that their top years were as good as our 'down' years...

Further, if this is in fact a 'down' year, the Valley should get 1000x the respect that we do...

[UNIPNTHR]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

Most leagues wish that their top years were as good as our 'down' years...

Further, if this is in fact a 'down' year, the Valley should get 1000x the respect that we do...

That's a dangerous self-image. One that I hope our new Athletic Director, our coaches, and players do not have.

[Matt Trump]

Re: UNI/MVC, RPI and SOS

Take care of Iowa and Nevada at home and its a different picture.