(St. Louis, MO) – There are some foregone conclusions as we head to media day for the Missouri Valley Conference. Wichita State is a beast. D.J. Balentine will score. Northern Iowa will execute and the whole league will be better. But what do we need to know about the Valley as the season is about to start?
Is anyone good enough to challenge the Shockers? Wichita State is vulnerable in the front court. They will be athletic and physical, but are they talented? If they lack skill up front can any Valley team make them pay?
How Quickly will all those new and talented players blend in at Bradley and Illinois State? Both programs have added some significant talent, size and athleticism. Will it work and does that make them ‘dark horses’ in the MVC race?
DJ Balentine – gopurpleaces.com
Which player will ascend as the Valley’s ‘Player of the Year’? Balentine is the league’s returning scorer. Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet are elite type players and Anthony Beane Junior had a spectacular finish. There are several other players in the running.
Did the MVC teams schedule well enough to make any national waves? Some of the schedules are admirable and exciting and some, well, not so much.
Early season injuries have brought shadows to the programs at Loyola and Bradley. Their health and recovery are huge stories in the early going.
We’ll look for answers for you today.
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I commented on @TVBOren's post about @CarsonSchwieger's signing with @ValpoBasketball, but this is a significant signing for @RogerPowellJr. The Schwieger's will complement each other well and with the other guys they have, this Beacons team will be players in the @ValleyHoops
It is @SaintLouisMBB for @Robbie_Avila30! Huge for the Billikens and first year coach @JoshSchertzSLU! Breaking from the @TheFieldOf68 guys on YouTube.
My sources confirm his hiring. Huge get for @CoachGraves10
