Stumbled upon some Blue Ribbon season preview info via UNI's athletic's website:
BLUE RIBBON MVC FORECAST
- UNI
- Drake
- Bradley
- Belmont
- Missouri State
- Indiana State
- Murray State
- Illinois State
- Southern Illinois
- UIC
- Evansville
- Valparaiso
ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
- F - Malevy Leons, SR, Bradley
- F - Donovan Clay, SR, Missouri State
- G - Tucker DeVries, JR, Drake
- G - Bowen Born, JR, UNI
- G - Rob Perry, SR, Murray State
PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tucker DeVries, JR, Drake
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Isaiah Swope, JR, Indiana State
Maybe I've had a bit too much maroon kool aid, but 9th seems a bit low to me.
Maybe I've had a bit too much maroon kool aid, but 9th seems a bit low to me.
That’s where teams with very little proven scoring get picked. Not to say they can’t exceed expectations, but it’s hard to argue they should be picked better preseason.
I wouldn't pick us very high but would not pick the Redturds above us. Also question Leons and Clay as first teamers and Belmont being 3rd. I expect Evansville to win the race to the bottom.
I agree UNI and Drake will fight it out for 1st.
Yeah, not buying this "blue ribbon" review as pertains to SIU. Although hearing all these reports about boots on players is a tad worrisome.
March on triumphantly!
Boots could be just precautionary and better now than in season and could be light maintenance like bone spurs yes hurts a little for pre season conditioning but fall season and regular season is what counts
Hopefully this is way off with all the returning players siu has.
Honestly I expected more from Mullins & Co. going into year 4. I hope this staff and roster exceed the heck out of expectations.
Honestly I expected more from Mullins & Co. going into year 4. I hope this staff and roster exceed the heck out of expectations.
I couldn't agree more. During the first season, or two, "we" were told that it takes up to 4 years to build a new coaches program and, unless we exceed expectations (which I personally think WE WILL), this could be the team that finishes lowest in the standings of all Mullins teams. Again though, I am hopeful that they do indeed exceed expectations, especially with the improved versatility of the team.
@invisiblesaluki i agree. I think SIU is fighting for a 4 spot come arch madness time.
This is Bryan’s 5th year should we expect more ? We haven’t tasted a hint of a postseason yet. I do hope we are better than what we will be predicted to be and I do believe we will be but will it be good enough for Bryan to get an extension? After this season our new AD is going to have a big decision as far as the future of SIU basketball.
This is Bryan’s 5th year should we expect more ? We haven’t tasted a hint of a postseason yet. I do hope we are better than what we will be predicted to be and I do believe we will be but will it be good enough for Bryan to get an extension? After this season our new AD is going to have a big decision as far as the future of SIU basketball.
I don't know what is on the AD/administration's mind, but these are the things that I would be watching closely this season:
- SIU will be picked bottom-half in the Valley. Can they exceed that and surprise people?
- Are there signs of improvement offensively? Scoring enough points has been THE main drawback throughout Mullins' time, and this year could be especially challenging without much proven firepower.
- Does the arrow seem pointed up with the young players: guys like Ebube, Ferguson, Miller, Davis, Hornecker, Sharp? Basically, are there building blocks in place for postseason contention in the near future (and in this era, the caveat is do they stay out of the portal after the year)?
- Similar to the above, how is recruiting looking? With Jerrance Howard now onboard for a while, it would be really nice to see a couple strong fall signees in November. If that doesn't happen, it's concerning.
I don't think postseason can be reasonably expected with this roster, but the non-conference schedule is strong enough that the potential is there if they can dramatically outperform expectations. The intangibles are all in Mullins' favor (well-liked, great academics, has recruited high-character kids, etc.), so if it's a borderline call after the year, my preference would be to give him a modest extension.
Good post 👍 I firmly believe that a large majority of SIU fans wants Bryan to be highly successful. I personally want nothing more he is a class act and represents SIU in a first class manner. However the program has to be successful and win at a high level for the Athletic department to thrive. Make no mistake this is a critical year for Bryan and SIU basketball.
Both of the previous two posts make very valid points as do other posts in this thread. Basketball revenue is very important to the athletic department. Winning improves that revenue. I enjoyed Bryan Mullins the player and hope he has the same type of success as the leader of the basketball program. He is a class act and very loyal to the school. As always, looking forward to cheering on the Dawgs this season.
I hope this team exceeds expectations and I really want Bryan to be successful. I believe the only way that happens is if Ebube and Hornecker are on the floor a lot more and are the bigs we hope they can be.
