What's Up In The Missouri Valley: What's Up In The Missouri Valley 11/10/2017

A game a day for the 2017-18 season: January--Hoopville

Jan. 17: Richmond at VCU. One of the fiercest-and best-city rivalries in the country of late. The Rams have gained an upper hand of late winning six straight meetings, including one in the Atlantic 10 tourney last year, but the contrast in schools and styles-plus three overtime games in their last seven meetings-continues to make this a classic. Honorable mention: Bradley at Illinois State in the I-74 rivalry

Men's Mid-Major Top 25--College Insider

record points previous
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16. Missouri State 0-0 217 - Missouri Valley
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OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Loyola Chicago 92, Lipscomb 91, Georgia Southern 89, Northern Iowa 82, Iona 71, Stephen F. Austin 69, Monmouth 71, UNCW 65, ETSU 51, Illinois State 49, New Mexico State 46, CSU Bakersfield 39, Morgan State 33, South Dakota 31, Valparaiso 31

The Morning Dish – Monday, November 6, 2017--Hoopville

Just four days remain until the college basketball season tips off, and while the anticipation is building, it almost feels a bit muted. You wonder if the FBI investigation is taking a toll on this, which would not be a plus for the game. The sport is already very challenged to grab fan attention for the first month of the season thanks to college football, so this is not what the sport needs.
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But we’ll hope the reality is better, and continue our look at some of the conferences this season.
The Missouri Valley Conference watched its signature program in recent years leave, but this isn’t the first time the conference has lost a successful member. What history shows us is that the conference will persist, as there is still good strength and there are programs capable of winning. Illinois State might have been at the top of that list before Deontae Hawkins graduated and transferred to Boston College. The Redbirds should still contend but return just one starter, so Missouri State, Northern Iowa and Loyola (Ill.) all look like stronger picks. Southern Illinois is your dark horse as perhaps the most experienced team in the conference, while Bradley isn’t being talked about as much but returns just about everyone from a significantly improved team.
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Tonight’s Menu

The exhibition slate is winding down as there are just four days to go to opening night. Among those hosting exhibitions are Wichita State, Horizon League favorite Oakland, Syracuse, Alabama and California.

A game a day for the 2017-18 season: December--Hoopville

Dec. 7: Iowa at Iowa State. A rivalry not as nationally prominent as some others, can attest from once living in the state for five years that it is as heated as any, and you can truly throw out the record books when these two play. Honorable mention: Texas-Arlington at Northern Iowa-on a light night with just 12 games, there’s two good ones in Iowa
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Dec. 11: Siena at Vermont. Slim pickings on this Monday night when many schools partake in final exams, so we go with these former ECAC North Atlantic (a.k.a. America East now) foes. Honorable mention: Drake at Minnesota…yes, it’s a quiet night
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Dec. 14: Valparaiso at Northwestern. Very little to recommend this night, but the Crusaders at least get a shot at a Big Ten team. Funny how these conferences are glad to schedule a team like Valpo once a star like Alec Peters has used up his eligibility. Honorable mention: Santa Clara at USC
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Dec. 31: Missouri State at Valparaiso. The Missouri Valley favorite Bears are one of the first teams to take a new conference trip to Valpo. Don’t be surprised if the Crusaders pull off the win here, too, and in general surprise in the MVC more than expected. Honorable mention: Mount St. Mary’s at LIU

Ranking this college basketball season's strongest leagues from 1 to 12--The Dagger

11. MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE
Pick to win the league title: Missouri State
Projected NCAA tournament teams: 1 (Missouri State)
Three players to watch: Alize Scott, F, Missouri State; Bennett Koch, F, Northern Iowa; Donte Ingram, G/F, Loyola
Coach under the most pressure: Barry Hinson, Southern Illinois
Outlook: Creighton left for the Big East four years ago. Wichita State bolted for the American Athletic Conference this past spring. With its two former flagship programs now playing elsewhere, the Missouri Valley Conference appears in jeopardy of becoming a perennial one-bid league. Missouri State could be the class of the league this season, but the Bears didn’t assemble a strong enough non-league schedule to give themselves realistic hope of an at-large NCAA tournament bid. Northern Iowa and Illinois State are the league’s strongest remaining brands, but the Panthers have some holes in their backcourt and the Redbirds were decimated by offseason transfers. Wichita State kept the Valley nationally relevant the past five years by producing a Final Four, an undefeated regular season and 10 NCAA tournament victories. An heir apparent may someday emerge, but for now the Shockers appear irreplaceable.

Mid Major Madness Twitter Mailbag: The season is upon us--Mid-Major Madness

With Wichita State gone, is the MVC still going to be able to be a potential multiple bid league?
— Big Shot Ron (@bigshotron) November 6, 2017

This year, probably not. Now, can the Missouri Valley become a multi-bid league again? Absolutely. It’s going to require a couple of programs to build sustained success, but it doesn’t have to necessarily be to the level of Wichita State (although that would help). If programs like Northern Iowa or Valparaiso are able to win at the level that they’ve shown they’re capable of at various points in recent years, the Valley could find itself in a situation where multiple bids could be possible in certain years.

Niko Medved welcomes five signees to Drake men’s basketball program--Des Moines Register
Men’s Basketball Signs Five To For 2018-19--godrakebulldogs.com

Women’s Basketball Signs Two High School Standouts for 2018-19--godrakebulldogs.com
Women’s Basketball Opens 2017-18 Season Friday At Home--godrakebulldogs.com

UE basketball lands first 2018 commitment from 6-9 Aleks Novakovich--Evansville Courier & Press
Arad McCutchan, Marcus Wilson among eight to have jersey retired for Evansville basketball--Evansville Courier & Press
Six key pieces for Evansville basketball this season--Evansville Courier & Press
What Evansville basketball can be this season — good and bad--Evansville Courier & Press
Huddle: How will the UE and USI men's basketball teams fare this year?--Evansville Courier & Press
UE expecting press in opener against Arkansas State, coached by former Louisville assistant--Evansville Courier & Press
Eight to be honored with jersey retirements--gopurpleaces.com
Men’s basketball opens season on Friday--gopurpleaces.com

Mid-Major Stock Watch: Preseason edition--Mid-Major Madness

Sell

Illinois State: Unfortunately for Dan Muller, last season might have been his best shot at getting into the NCAA Tournament. A roster that won 28 games last year and a share of the Missouri Valley loses over half of its scoring production, including its top three scorers.

Yarbrough, Tinsley lead way in ISU exhibition rout--The Pantagraph
MVC doing its best to avoid being one-bid NCAA league--The Pantagraph
ISU game-by-game schedule 2017-18--The Pantagraph
ISU Depth Chart 2017-18--The Pantagraph
Trying to duplicate defensive success could hold key to ISU season--The Pantagraph
Redbird hoops fly past Lewis in exhibition victory--Vidette Online
Getting to know Elijah Clarance--Vidette Online
Men's basketball ready to defend MVC regular season crown--Vidette Online
Illinois State Men’s Basketball Signs Two for 2018-19--goredbirds.com

ISU women's basketball signs five recruits--The Pantagraph
ISU women's basketball turning new page for 2017-18 season--The Pantagraph
Women’s Basketball Adds Five on National Signing Day--The Pantagraph

Miller: Sycamores are 'not coming in afraid of us'--Terre Haute Tribune Star
ISU MBB SEASON PREVIEW: Seniors hope they can fuel program turnaround--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Sycamores, Hoosiers will begin to unravel their mysteries tonight--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Blake Brinkmeyer Signs With Sycamore Basketball--gosycamores.com
Sycamore Basketball Opens Season Friday Night At Indiana--gosycamores.com
De'Avion Washington Signs NLI With Sycamore Basketball--gosycamores.com

Valley athletes sign to continue athletic careers--Terre Haute Tribune Star

Men’s basketball

De’Avion Washington is the Vigo County athlete who will perform closest to home as he will sign today at Terre Haute South to play at ISU for coach Greg Lansing, who also welcomes 6-foot-9 forward Blake Brinkmeyer from West Des Moines, Iowa.

Lansing cannot comment on Washington until he has signed, but shared what he likes about Brinkmeyer on Wednesday.

Brinkmeyer split time with a pair of seniors on his Valley High School team last season, helping them reach the Iowa Class 4A state finals. Brinkmeyer averaged a double-double during his AAU season.

“[Assistant coach] Marcus [Belcher] and I saw him and instantly loved how hard he played and his potential,” Lansing said. “He is athletic, really works hard and runs very well and his skills are good and will only get better. He plays with no fear and is a terrific fit for our program. Marcus worked very hard to get him and we feel very fortunate to get back into Iowa and get a very good player.”
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Women’s basketball

• Taylor Pepperworth will sign today to play her college basketball at Trevecca University, a Division II program.

Pepperworth averaged 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds as a junior and is off to a strong start to her senior year with 16 points in the Braves’ season-opening victory.

• Indiana State announced the signing of four recruits that will join the team for the 2018-19 season.

Breanna Boles of Lapel is a 6-3 forward who can shoot from the outside.

“Breanna is a stretch four that will bring many options to our motion offense,” ISU coach Joey Wells said. “She is a perfect pick-and-pop player with a high basketball IQ.”

Janara Flowers is a 5-9 guard from Southfield, Michigan, who will help Wells continue his strong defensive tradition.

“Janara is a quick and tenacious guard that can play on both ends of the floor,” Wells said. “She will bring her defensive knowledge to keep us in the top ranks on the defensive end.”

Daijah Smith of Lighthouse College Prep Academy in Gary is a 5-11 guard who has led Lighthouse to three sectional titles. Smith has already scored 1,400 points in her career.

“Daijah is a long and athletic athlete that can play multiple positions. She handles the ball well and has a nice stroke from behind the arc,” Wells said.

Michaela White of Indianapolis Pike is a 6-foot forward with a variety of skills.

“Michaela is a versatile and athletic player that makes her presence known in the paint. She looks to score with her back to the basket and knows how to rebound,” Wells said.

ISU women not satisfied with 72-46 win--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Pace, shooting, limiting mistakes are among keys for ISU turnaround--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Sycamore women start busy home slate against quality opponent--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Sycamore Women’s Basketball Signs Four During Early Signing Period--Terre Haute Tribune Star
Sycamore Women Open Regular Season at Home with Saint Louis--Terre Haute Tribune Star

NIT Bracketology: Preseason Edition--NYC Buckets

Projecting the NIT in the preseason is an absolute fools errand, but I’m going to do it anyways. I used a combination of Ken Pomeroy and Bart Torvik’s preseason projections to build my NCAA Tournament and NIT brackets.

(I used KenPom to determine conference champions, even though Bart Torvik’s rankings were more accurate last season. I am a creature of habit I guess.)

This season I am going to try a new setup for NIT bracketology. I will continue posting about interesting concerns from the NIT bracket from time to time, but I’ll be updating the bracket on our NIT Bracketology page. But since that’s a new policy, here is the first bracket of the season (composite ranking in parentheses):

Bubble teams (bottom 10 in bracket) in italics
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2. Indiana (65)
7. Loyola (IL) (93)

Loyola assistant Drew Valentine has a big supporter in his little brother — Bulls' Denzel Valentine--Chicago Tribune
High Expectations Surround Experienced Men’s Basketball Team--Loyola Phoenix
Moser To Be Guest On The Score (670 AM) Wednesday Night--loyolaphoenix.com
Loyola Men’s Basketball Adds Three In Early Signing Period--loyolaramblers.com
Loyola Set To Tip Off 2017-18 Season Versus Wright State Friday--loyolaramblers.com
Cast Your Vote For The Loyola Men’s Basketball All-Century Team--loyolaramblers.com

Gentile Gets $1.4 Million Update--Loyola Phoenix
Loyola Announces Enhancements To Gentile Arena--loyolaramblers.com

Loyola Women’s Basketball Looks to ‘Turn the Ship’ During Second Year of Rebuild--Loyola Phoenix
Ramblers Cruise Past Concordia (IL) In Exhibition Action, 91-56--loyolaramblers.com
Loyola Women’s Basketball Lands Trio In Early Signing Period--loyolaramblers.com

Mid-majors ready to crash the dance--College Basketball Talk

FIVE MORE NAMES TO KNOW
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5. Missouri State

College basketball preview: Five mid-major teams with Cinderella breakout ability--USA Today

Less than a week away from the start of the college basketball season, USA TODAY Sports examines some of the most intriguing story lines in its Starting Five series.

Today, five mid-major teams that could play Cinderella.

Missouri State

With Wichita State gone, the Missouri Valley’s hierarchy shifts to the cyclical format that’s typical of many mid-major conferences — where the teams with the most returning talent and veteran-laden rosters are the ones poised to win the league and make noise on the big stage in March. In the Valley this season, that team appears to be Missouri State, which has the best player in the league in Alize Johnson — who averaged a double-double with 14.8 points and 10.6 rebounds a game. He’s one of four starters back for a team that will have the talent to get back to its first NCAA tournament since 1999.

Sixty-eight predictions for the new college basketball season that are sure to come true (unless they don't)--The Dagger

College basketball season tips off Friday night with all but four Top 25 teams in action. To celebrate the end of the offseason, here are 68 fearless predictions for the new season.
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35. With Wichita State having left for the stronger American Athletic Conference this past offseason, the Valley appears unlikely to produce more than one NCAA tournament team this year. Missouri State could be the class of the league, but the Bears didn’t assemble a strong enough non-league schedule to give themselves hope of an at-large bid.

Mid-Major Madness Preseason Power Rankings: Saint Louis is our last team in--Mid-MajorMadness

This is November.

And because this is November, it’s time to get to know some of the best mid-major teams in the country. Over the course of this week, we will release our preseason power rankings, five teams at a time in order to provide for maximum analysis and suspense*.

*actually it’s because we just want to hear Cam Newton’s wonderful voice on our videos.
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21. Missouri State Bears

Last Year: 17-16 (7-11), no postseason
Key Returners: Alize Johnson (Sr., F), Ronnie Rousseau III (Sr., G), Jarred Dixon (Jr., G), Jarrid Rhodes (Sr., F), Obediah Church (Jr., F), Ryan Kreklow (Jr., G)
Key Losses: Dequon Miller, Chris Kendrix, Austin Ruder
Key Additions: Reggie Scurry (Jr., F), Darian Scott (Fr., C), Tanveer Bhullar (Sr., C), James Byrd (Jr., G), Mustafa Lawrence (Fr., G), Abdul Fofana (So. F)

Don’t be duped into thinking Missouri State will be the Alize Johnson Show and nothing else this year. Yeah, Johnson is going to put up some crazy numbers (if the 15-and-10 last year didn’t give that away), but look who he has around him. Rousseau, a double-digit scorer from last year, returns, along with Missouri State’s next four leading scorers after him. Then there’s incoming behemoth Bhullar, who at 7’2, can be a force inside. The JuCo Scurry should also make an instant impact as a three-star forward. The Missouri Valley is down this year, no question, and Wichita State’s departure has cleared the way for the Bears to dominate.

Introducing your 2017-18 Preseason All-Mid-Major Madness teams--Mid-Major Madness

Second Team All-Mid-Major Madness:

Chris Clemons, Campbell
Peyton Aldridge, Davidson
Chandler Hutchison, Boise State
Alize Johnson, Missouri State
Giddy Potts, Middle Tennessee
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Alize Johnson had a stellar junior campaign at Missouri State. The Bears big man shoots 40 percent from deep and Draft Express projects him as a mid-major player to watch out for at the next level.

Confidence: A whole new Jarrid Rhodes--The Standard
Alize Johnson: Hardest worker and best player--The Standard
Jarred Dixon can do it all for the Bears--The Standard
Around the Valley--The Standard
A look back at 2016-17--The Standard
Bears add three to bolster the 2018 recruiting class--The Standard
Preview: Missouri State hits the road to take on Western Kentucky--The Standard
Basketball Bears Ink Three in Early Signing Period--missouristatebears.com
Bears Kick Off 2017-18 Campaign at WKU--missouristatebears.com

Around the Valley--The Standard
Liza Fruendt: Sixth man to superstar--The Standard
Year five of Kellie Harper--The Standard
Fruendt, senior class ready to lead Lady Bears one last time--The Standard
Lady Bears Add Four in Early Signing Period--missouristatebears.com
Fruendt Placed on Cheryl Miller Award Watch List--missouristatebears.com

North Carolina vs. Northern Iowa: College basketball game preview, TV schedule--Busting Brackets
UNI relishes difficult men's basketball schedule--The Gazette
UNI basketball: Young Panthers prepping for eye-opening opener--Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
UNI basketball: Koch hopes to put strong cap on family legacy--Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
UNI signings: Cedar Falls High stocks Panther rosters--Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
UNI basketball: Lohaus out for season opener--Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
Men’s team splits exhibition games at 1-1--The Northern Iowan
UNI Opens Season at No. 9 North Carolina--unipanthers.com
UNI Signs Top-100 Recruit A.J. Green--unipanthers.com
Panther Patio Available to Fans 21 and Older--unipanthers.com

Panthers defeat Sioux Falls after 80-53 final--The Northern Iowan
UNI Opens 2017-18 Season at Home Against IUPUI--unipanthers.com
Warren Lands Cedar Falls Trio for 2018-19--unipanthers.com

On rocky ground? Well, Valparaiso basketball is still Valparaiso basketball--The Indy Star
Starters Joe Burton and Jaume Sorolla to miss Valparaiso's first two games--Post-Tribune
NWIU NOTES: Crimson Wave off to best start in school history--NWI Times

Freeman-Liberty to Valpo: Highly-touted Whitney Young product Javon Freeman-Liberty officially signed his national letter of intent with the Valparaiso men’s basketball team on Tuesday afternoon and will join the Crusaders for the 2018-19 season.

Freeman-Liberty averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the defending Illinois Class 4A state champions last season and he chose Valparaiso from more than a dozen offers.

“It was love at first sight,” Freeman-Liberty said of his first time on Valparaiso’s campus.

Freeman-Liberty is the nephew of former NBA player and Illinois star Marcus Liberty. The pair interact often on Twitter, with Liberty sending daily motivational messages.

“He just keeps telling me what I should be thinking and what I should be doing to get ready,” Freeman-Liberty said.

Following the upcoming graduations of Max Joseph and Tevonn Walker, along with the addition of Freeman-Liberty, the Crusaders have one remaining scholarship for the 2018-19 season. With much of the roster in place, the Valparaiso coaching staff has some flexibility for the final spot.

“I’ve told our guys that it’s either going to be a home run or we’re going to wait for a transfer,” Valparaiso coach Matt Lottich said.

Parker Hazen: The next Alec Peters?--Inside VU Sports
Valpo Men's Basketball Season Preview--valpoathletics.com
Javon Freeman-Liberty Signs With Valpo Basketball--valpoathletics.com
Valpo Men's Basketball Ready for Season Opener--valpoathletics.com
Valpo Basketball Weekly--valpoathletics.com

Morrison making her own name at Valparaiso--NWI Times
Women’s Basketball Announces Season Ticket Special--valpoathletics.com
Women’s Basketball Prevails in Exhibition Action--valpoathletics.com

Loyola Achieves Top GSR Mark In NCAA Division I For Second Year In A Row--The Missouri Valket

What's Up In The Missouri Valley

Friday, November 10, 2017

What's Up In The Missouri Valley 11/10/2017

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