After a great deal of debate the Salukihoops staff has concluded that the final standings of the MVC will look a little something like this:
1. Southern Illinois
- Admittedly, we drink the kool-aid every day, but this is by far the best team in the conference heading into the season.
2. Bradley
- Ruffin can dish it and Crouch can shoot it. Together, they constitute one of the nation's most talented backcourts.
3. Missouri State
- Right on the heels of Bradley, the Bears have experience and this year... that's enough.
4. Illinois State
- The Redbirds have been mired in the second division of the Valley for years. They return five starters from a year ago and if we had the guts, we would put them 3rd on this list.
5. Wichita State
- An interesting incoming class brings the Shockers to the middle of the pack. Couisnard is talented, but the newcomers will make or break this squad.
6. UNI
- Twelve players on the Panthers with less than one full year of experience at the D-I level. If Coleman gets injured, the bottom could drop out.
7. Creighton
- Dane Watts will get his points, but this year's lineup doesn't have it on paper. Great coach. Great program. But this is a definite gap year.
8. Indiana State
- Four starters back. Lots of potential. They could finish much higher than this.
9. Drake
- Back to back winning seasons are a rarity in Des Moines. They'll need to develop some bigs to free up their outside shooters.
10. Evansville
- By throwing a full spectrum of defenses at the Salukis last year, from experimental to archaic, the Aces pulled off an upset and they can do it again, but they won't make a move up the ladder this year.
