The perennial contenders have reloaded and while the names may not be marquee right now, these newcomers should be ready to contribute right away.
Chris Cooks - Missouri State
Cooks is a 6'4", 210 lb. JUCO transfer that has the size/talent combination to create matchup problems as a 1,2, or 3 and he can really fill a stat sheet. As a sophomore last season, he averaged 14 ppg/7.5 reb/5 asts/3 stls for a team that finished 30-2.
P'Allen Stinnett - Creighton
As the Valley's only incoming 4-star recruit, word is probably already out on Stinnett. Explosive and a bit lanky, at 6'3" this guy's a definite talent. He's coming off of a year at prep school and should be ready to fill the power vacuum in Omaha.
Carlton Fay - Southern Illinois
Making a big jump from small school Illinois to the MVC, but it looks like he has the game to make it on the bigger stage. Capable of scoring inside and outside, at 6'8" Fay should be the exclamation point on the conference's most dangerous front court.
Ramon Clemente - Wichita State
Clemente is one of two players that first-year head coach Gregg Marshall says have already locked up a starting spot. Known for his play on both ends of the floor, this 6'6" JUCO transfer should be a double digit scorer in his first year.
Brandon Sampay - Illinois State
Another JUCO transfer, Sampay is 6'8" and draws attention on the blocks. Sampay will not amaze you, but he should get to double figures most nights and rip down some boards, too.
Worth a mention:
Carlton Reed - UNI - Former Iowa "Mr. Basketball" and transfer from Iowa that has broken his foot twice since August. Should be healthy in six weeks.
