Missouri Valley —Predicted Order of Finish

1. Northern Iowa

2. Creighton

3. Southern Illinois

4. Illinois State

5. Wichita State

6. Indiana State

7. Bradley

8. Drake

9. Missouri State

10. Evansville

IN

1. Northern Iowa Panthers—With everyone back from last year’s NCAA team, you have to figure that the Panthers are strong favourites to repeat in the Valley. Seven-footer Jordan Eglseder and forward Adam Koch man the strong frontline while sophomore Johnny Moran looks to build off of a solid rookie season. They will be the team to beat and quite possibly an eight or nine seed come March.

MAYBE

2. Creighton—Almost like a “gimme” pick that the Blue Jays will contend. Coach Dana Altman has a talented cast of guards in Cavel Witter, Kaleb Korver and P’Allen Stinnett, a candidate for Valley player of the year. The frontcourt is anchored by Kenny Lawson Jr., a 6'9" junior who shoots a high percentage from the field. Depth is always key for the Jays and this will get tested right off the hop with a tilt at Dayton to open the season.

3. Southern Illinois Salukis—Time for Chris Lowery to earn his money, or so critics seem to think. The Salukis have had two very bad years in a row and the Carbondale faithful won’t tolerate another. There is hope for this year, however. Kevin Dillard emerged as a fine shooter and playmaker as a freshman, despite having to play way too many minutes. Anthony Booker will hopefully get to show why he was one the highest recruits ever to land in the Valley, after a lost freshman season. Gene Teague is an intriguing player as well. At 6'9", 290lbs., he could be the low block player SI needs. He redshirted last year at South Florida (Big East) before landing in Carbondale. Also, much needed experience for the backcourt arrives in Tony Freeman, Iowa’s leading scorer two years ago before transferring. They need to start fast and hope to gain momentum and confidence or it could be another long season.