I'm mind-blown that Valpo continues to reload with such talented pieces. Now, if they'd just stop embarrassing themselves and the rest of the MVC with their "facilities" then maybe they could keep the talent intact long enough to make a run.
--Insert something witty here--
Grabbed a couple preseason preview magazines, Lindy's and Athlon, and the Salukis are picked 5th in both. That's actually some pretty decent respect based on how last year went. One of them had Drake winning the Valley and one of them had Loyola. Drake, Loyola, Missouri State and UNI will be picked 1-4 in some order by just about everyone.
In reading the previews, came away again thinking the depth in the league this year is really strong, provided teams stay healthy. There could very well be a pretty good team or two playing on Thursday in St. Louis.
Pretty much what our preview will be. Loyola is at best 3rd though. Losing Krut is gigantic and not being mentioned enough
I think Loyola's system as well as their culture (over used word in college hoops but appropriate here) will keep them near, if not at, the top of the Valley this year. I think the obvious 4 at the top will be the same across all publications, media, coaches, etc. The real wildcard is UNI as they can be the top team, but could drop to the middle of the pack as well. SIU should prove to be a team no one wants to play this year. I think they'll get multiple wins against the top teams in the Valley and make some noise, at minimum, in the Valley tourney. I am NOT predicting an NCAA or NIT appearance, but I honestly would not be shocked if they made either when it was all said and done.
I think Braden Norris and Jacob Hutson are gonna take a big jump this season for Loyola. Norris is a pesky player that's going to give teams fits, reminds me a lot of Mullins. Hutson is a big that can shoot from outside and started to figure things out at the end of last year. And then they have Princeton transfer Ryan Schwieger that should make an impact. That's on top of the guys that are returning (Lucas Williamson, Keith Clemons, Aher Uguak)
As long as Valentine isn't Chris Lowery, Loyola should keep reloading. They have Ty Johnson coming in from DePaul Prep this year and then in my opinion, they beat us for Jalen Quinn in the 2022 class.
Of course losing Krutwig is a big blow, but Loyola has an awful lot going for them: very experienced team, established winning culture, crazy depth and some dynamite individual defenders, with Williamson and Uguak both especially capable of clamping down on opponents' top scorers. I don't think a new coach is that much of a concern with such a veteran team, and especially one who has been on staff for several years. That said, I probably give Drake a slight nod as preseason favorite, but I'd put Loyola at #2 and could certainly see them winning it. Missouri State might have the best talent but I can't pick them ahead of Loyola or Drake until they show they can play consistent, winning basketball and beat good teams.
Missouri state is a very talented team. I just can’t trust Ford to actually coach. Prim is the best player in the conference though
This will be very interesting. Every Loyola possession for the past two or three years other than fast breaks ran through Krutwig. There will definitely be some growing pains in the early going for Loyola.
(Inflammatory political snark)
Our preview among some other stuff will be out next Monday. Our first really big article so I need to go slow.
@barkeep-1967 Personally I am looking forward to reading the preview. Wouldn't it be great to have a normal basketball season and I am on board already. Give me the scoop BK.
@barkeep-1967 Personally I am looking forward to reading the preview. Wouldn't it be great to have a normal basketball season and I am on board already. Give me the scoop BK.
I would not get too excited I am not a professional writer. No huge breakdowns. Just a fun opinion thing.
@barkeep-1967 Personally I am looking forward to reading the preview. Wouldn't it be great to have a normal basketball season and I am on board already. Give me the scoop BK.
I would not get too excited I am not a professional writer. No huge breakdowns. Just a fun opinion thing.
Don't sell yourself short @barkeep-1967, you're a tremendous slouch. : ) Obviously showing my age here.
(5) You're a Tremendous Slouch - YouTube
Three Man Weave released their 2021-22 MVC Preview. I think last year they did the best job:
https://www.three-man-weave.com/3mw/missouri-valley-2022-preview
Few mistakes with SIU including having Dembele return though
Three Man Weave released their 2021-22 MVC Preview. I think last year they did the best job:
https://www.three-man-weave.com/3mw/missouri-valley-2022-preview
Few mistakes with SIU including having Dembele return though
It’s pretty good. Ours is ready I just have to type it We disagree on a few things . I think they forgot who is coaching Evansville
