Next Year in the Valley

[Panthercrazy22]

Re: Next Year in the Valley

Who all agrees if Kerwin and Jordans play steps up that we will be there when the season is over next year

[CR Panther]

Re: Next Year in the Valley

Yes, no doubt having them step up another level would be great. However, after watching all home games and almost all games at the tournament, it is obvious to me we lack the athletic 2 or 3 who is aggressive to the rim and can turn the corner quickly. To me, I want to see this role played by Reed and Montgomery. Imagine the heart of Montgomery shown on the floor in a high-minute role throughout the year. It would be contagious...and would create a leader for the next 2-3 years.

[SteinPizza]

Re: Next Year in the Valley

Just off the top of my head, I could see the writers doing the following:

Creighton
Ill St
Drake
Bradley
SIU
Wichita St.
Ind St.
UNI
Mo St
Evansville

I'm trying to recall who has key players returning next year, coupled with their success this year. I may be off on seniors leaving, but just off the cuff...

I'd think that looks about right, in terms of where the press/SIDs will place us preseason. Keep in mind the press will probably overreact to the loss of Coleman, who's our one "name" player and has been around forever in there eyes. That said, we have potential to pull off a big surprise next year.

[PantherHawk]

Re: Next Year in the Valley

Preseason rank in the Valley:

UNI 6 or 7th

Final Rankings after next year: 2nd or 3rd

[Khan4Cats]

Re: Next Year in the Valley

I would guess this order:

Creighton: Large depth of talent returning, lose Watts, Bahe and Hibma. Altman with an experienced crew, yikes.
Illinois State: Plenty of talent around O. Have to make up for losses of Slack, Boo and Dom Johnson and Dyer off the bench.
Drake: Return Young and Cox, will have to replace Emmenecker, Korver and Houston (and that's no small feat).
Bradley: Lose Ruffin, Crouch, and Salley. Crouch stepped up when Ruffin went out, they have to replace both next year. Lot of experience and Maniscalco will be a tough one for three more years.
SIU: Losing Falker and Shaw in the post will leave a gap that doesn't look ready to be filled from their current roster and lose defensive hound Green. Will still have the Arena as an imposing venue to play in.
Indiana State: Lot of talent coming back, lose Gabe Moore and Todd McCoy.
UNI: We'll be picked to play on Thursday again, we won't.
Wichita State: lose Couisnard, Thomassen and Braeuer, may see more shake-up even (like Mekel going pro in Israel). Still another year with Marshall rebuilding around his preferred players.
Evansville: Only lose one senior in Gomez, but the talent level was not particularly high this year. Experience will help, talent is still being recruited.
Missouri State: Because they deserve a tenth place finish. They also lose Mitchell, Lamberth, Richards, Manswell and one of the Laurie boys. Bringing a new coach into the Valley that is either A) not familiar with the league B) not inheriting a surplus of talent (Jank at ISU) C) not coming directly from within the program to maintain continuity (Jake last year, Keno this, Lowery before both) will lead to: see where Indiana State, Evansville and Wichita ended this year.