New Depth in the OVC

(Nashville, TN) – The Ohio Valley Conference isn’t just a two horse race anymore. Belmont and Murray State are the most recognizable teams in improving league, but there is depth in ‘the O’ like never before.

Those two powers were named as the favorites of their respective divisions today at the annual media day, and decisively so. However, there is a growing sense that other programs are on the rise. Solid coaching staffs, highly regarded transfers and recruits are beginning to turn heads.

Half of the OVC squads (six) played postseason basketball last March.

Dana Ford, the youngest head coach in Division 1 basketball captained a dramatic turn around at Tennessee State and earned the Coach of the Year award, and his 2016-17 team features two all-OVC players in Tahjere McCall and Wayne Martin. McCall was voted as the best OVC defender last season and Martin averaged nearly a double-double (11.1 ppg & 9.1 rpg).

The Tigers received six first place votes in the East Division poll, the most of any team not named Belmont or Murray State.

Ford is confident his team will continue its upward trajectory.

 

 

Make no mistake the Bruins and Racers are the cream of the OVC crop and are talented and well coached teams, but the rest of the league is improving.

Sean Woods is building a strong program at Morehead State and despite losing Corban Collins (transferred to Alabama) the Eagles have solid leadership with all-conference honoree Xavier Moon and veteran forward DeJuan Marrero. Woods’ teams have averaged nearly ten conference wins per season during his four year run.

Austin Peay’s run to a Music City Madness title highlighted the point that the gap is closing. Dave Loos, the dean of OVC coaches has won over 400 (409) games at Austin Peay and is closing in 500 (491) overall. The Governors rode emotion and the rebounding Chris Horton to the NCAA tournament, but this year the focus will be on preseason all-OVC guard Josh Robinson.

The St. Louis native averaged 16.9 points per game and has become a team leader in the early stages of his junior year. Robinson and sophomore guard Jared Savage are the only returning players, along with preseason Player of the Year Evan Bradds (Belmont) to be named to last year’s all-tournament team. After missing most of the season with injuries, Savage burst on to the scene during Music City Madness scoring over 20 points twice in that magical four game run.

Loos said his team got on a role last spring and the confidence they gained really helped, but now they have to move on to this season. Savage emerged when Loos moved Robinson, his leading scorer to point guard and inserting Savage to the shooting guard position.

Robinson is learning the point guard position this off season.

 

 

Murray State will be very good. All-OVC guard Bryce Jones and fellow senior Damarcus Croaker will lead a team that gets a huge shot in the arm from Tulane transfer Jonathan Stark. The junior was third in the American Athletic Conference in assists and averaged 10.6 points per game.

Belmont might be stronger than ever before. Bradds, fellow all league selection Taylor Barnette and point guard Austin Luke, represent an impressive ‘big three’ for legendary head coach Rick Byrd.

Six teams in post season last year, improved talent coming into the league this season. The OVC is in a good position to move up in the national consciousness, and OVC watchers can expect some stiff competition once the conference season arrives.

Do Good