What Did We Learn?

(St. Louis, MO) – As the conference games begin this week for college basketball teams around the nation, what have we learned about the Missouri Valley Conference?

We have learned there are three distinct segments of the league with very different aspirations. At the top of the league you find Wichita State and Northern Iowa, both with legitimate NCAA tournament hopes. Just behind them Evansville and Illinois State are almost certainly post-season tournament teams.

In the middle and less defined, there are three teams with great star power and peripheral post season desires, but are truly measuring themselves by the conference season. Loyola had a great non-conference record (10-2) and feature Milton Doyle, arguably the best player in the MVC. In that POY conversation are SIU’s Anthony Beane and Missouri State’s Marcus Marshall. Those two and their respective teams are, along with the Ramblers very difficult to guage. One or more of those teams could emerge as a true threat to that top four group.

At the bottom of the league and playing for survival are three teams that have struggled mightily. Drake (3-9) hit bottom one year later than we thought they would. Bradley’s (5-8) injury problems have ruined their season and Indiana State (4-8) has not fared well in the ‘post Jake Odum era’. These three teams are playing for pride and for future seasons.

What about those top four teams? MVC banner carrying Wichita State has been good, but not great. They clearly miss Cleanthony Early and are still looking for consistent front court play. But their young post players are improving and Darius Carter seems to be growing into his role. Honestly my concerns are with ‘the big three’.

Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker and Tekele Cotton have not dominated games the way many believe they should. The Shockers are 10-2 and ranked in the top 20, but many Valley watchers worried. Perhaps the Gregg Marshall’s teams have spoiled us. We expect more from the playing angry Shockers. There was a day when a one point win over Alabama would be celebrated, now we question WSU’s make up. It’s a good problem to have.

Northern Iowa is 11-1 with their only loss coming in double overtime at Virginia Commonwealth. If one of those star players we’ve mentioned doesn’t win the Larry Bird Trophy this year, maybe it should go to the Panther bench. Ben Jacobson’s back ups average over 30 points per game! The Panthers own victories over two Big 10 teams and one each from the ACC and A-10. Their resume is sturdy.

Evansville is 10-2 with its only two losses coming to Green Bay and Murray State (favorites to win their respective conferences) by a total of four points. D.J. Balentine is lighting up the nets and fifth in the national scoring race (22.5 ppg), but the balance they’re getting from center Egidijus Mockevicius (14 points and 10 rebounds) is allowing the Purple Aces to be more than a one man show.

The dark horse of the Valley is Illinois State. Dan Muller’s team is deep, athletic and dangerous. With victories over DePaul, UAB and narrow losses to VCU and Seton Hall, the Redbirds have proven they can hang with strong programs. Health will be the issue.

As we reported back in October, Muller believes his team can contend for the Valley title. Their 7-4 record reflects the need to get healthier. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell was leading them in scoring until a broken hand put him on the shelf. Highly touted Deontae Hawkins was just growing into his role when stress fracture symptoms have put him in sick bay. Both are expected to return, but how soon and how effective will they be?

I don’t believe the Redbirds will be ready for the Shockers on January 4th, but maybe,  just maybe that Valentine’s Day game in Normal could be an epic battle.

The conference season begins … NOW! Enjoy the race to Arch Madness!

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