What's Up In The Missouri Valley: What's Up In The Missouri Valley 8/12/2019

Mid-major Mailbag: My All-Decade team, sizing up Buffalo, multiple-bid leagues and more--The Athletic

Who are the preseason favorites for POY in the Missouri Valley? — Ryan H.

Missouri State’s Tulio Da Silva is a good place to start. The Brazil native and South Florida transfer was the MVC Newcomer of the Year last season while averaging 14.3 ppg and 7.4 rebounds. This is a big year for the Bears and second-year coach Dana Ford, who also adds West Virginia transfer Lamont West and junior college transfer Gaige Prim for what could be the best frontcourt in the league.

Of course, to the victors go the spoils, and Loyola-Chicago has been the Valley’s big dog the past couple of years. So Ramblers center Cameron Krutwig has to be in the preseason conversation. Juco transfer Jalon Pipkins has been gaining some summer buzz as well for Porter Moser’s team.

Also look out for Indiana State’s Tyreke Key, who took a big step forward last season. He hit 44.3 percent of his 3s as a sophomore, and if he can get his attempts from beyond the arc up, Key could have a monster year.

I also have to mention Bradley’s Darrell Brown, if for no other reason than his profile picture reminds me of Chidi from “The Good Place.”