Around the Valley News

[SteinPizza]

This is also related to the arguments as to why the MVC should not start adding MVFC football schools like the xDSUs. If you want to weaken your basketball brand, you add some Dakota schools just because they’re close and play football. Even though SDSU and NDSU have had a couple of good teams in recent years, they’re not in same league as potential adds like Belmont, Murray St, etc. Football should never be a consideration for any future MVC expansion.

[GonzoCat]

Mid major now refers to all the conferences outside of the power 6, which must never be allowed more than one team in the ncaa tourney no matter how good the conference is. The ncaa tourney is a huge money source for the power 6, who already have all the money in the world from tv contracts and make all the rules with respect to college athletics.

And yes I know the MVC got two teams in this last year and other conferences have had more than 1. It's a general rule, not an absolute one. If a mid major team goes nearly undefeated and is in the top 20 by the rankings which heavily favor the P6, they can make the tourney, but they will always be "on the bubble".

[sivert]

I think the term combines "mid" level funding, recruiting, facilities, etc. with "major" competition. So every year, you have P6 (high) level schools, mid level schools (maybe RPI 60-120 or so), and low schools (RPI over 180 every year).
And some of those "mid" schools some years when they compete head to head with the high level schools. And schools that get consistency with being competitive a the high level, but are mid on funding, etc. get called "MidMajors."

So I don't think it's totally by conference. Pretty much the whole MVC has had very competitive seasons in the last 10 or so years, so they could all be called "MidMajor." But then I think there's conferences where only the top half of the conference would be MidMajor.

[CyCarp]

Krutwig has confirmed he will be going pro and not returning to Loyola next year.

[UNIChippewa]

Krutwig has confirmed he will be going pro and not returning to Loyola next year.

Best of luck to him. Seems like a real character (in a good way) and was fun to watch, as long as his good games didn't come at our expense.

[DownGoesKansas]

Assuming most other seniors are back, Loyola will still be really really good. (And that Valentine doesnt suck)

[sivert]

Krutwig has confirmed he will be going pro and not returning to Loyola next year.

So what do you think his NBA prospects are? He is a obviously a great passer and crafty scorer.

[CyCarp]

So what do you think his NBA prospects are? He is a obviously a great passer and crafty scorer.

I don't watch a lot of NBA, but I don't think he'll make it there. He was a Valley great, but I don't think he has the size/athleticism to be successful in the NBA. Especially when he really doesn't have much of an outside shot, that we've seen at least. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get looks, but I just can't see him lasting.

[06panther10]

So what do you think his NBA prospects are? He is a obviously a great passer and crafty scorer.

Next to none. Cant shoot at all, and is not big or athletic enough inside to compensate for that.

He’ll make plenty of $ overseas though.

[SteinPizza]

Assuming most other seniors are back, Loyola will still be really really good. (And that Valentine doesnt suck)

Williamson also has a good shot to make nice $ overseas next year. Highly doubt he comes back.

[CyCarp]

All seniors other than Krut back for Loyola...

Sources: Loyola Chicago's Lucas Williamson, Tate Hall, Aher Uguak, and Keith Clemons will ALL return next season and use their additional year of eligibility. Significant MVC news.

[DownGoesKansas]

All seniors other than Krut back for Loyola...

Sources: Loyola Chicago's Lucas Williamson, Tate Hall, Aher Uguak, and Keith Clemons will ALL return next season and use their additional year of eligibility. Significant MVC news.

Valley is stacked. Loyola added some transfers too I think.

MSU should be good and also should be picked 4th

[MNpanthers]

Will be interesting to watch Loyola's offense without Krut-ches. I'm certain his passing talent elevated everyone's game.

We know they'll be a problem on defense with the return of Williamson.

[CyCarp]

UNI, Loyola, Drake and Missouri St MUST schedule a strong non conference. A big non conference can really set up for a big season in the Valley. All 4 teams should be pretty darn good. After that, it might be a hot mess, but the top of the conference might be the best we've seen since Creighton was in the league.

[BCPanther]

SIU will be solid as well.

This could literally be a 4 bid league if the top 4 schedule well and WIN games.