Indiana State Sycamores (20-14, 12-6)
Projected starting five:
Sr. G Dwayne Lathan
Sr. G/F Carl Richard
So. G Jake Odum
Sr. C Myles Walker
So. G Steve McWhorter
Important departures:
Jake Kelly: 8.8 ppg
Aaron Carter: 8.6 ppg
Percent returning:
Starts: 78.2 percent
Minutes: 77.3 percent
Scoring: 72.6 percent
Rebounding: 77.9 percent
Additions:
The Sycamores’ two top incoming freshmen include guard Brandon Burnett from Cinega High School, Ariz., and Justin Grant, a center from Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Ind. Burnett was a McDonald’s All-American nominee as a senior.
Toughest nonconference match ups:
Nov. 24 vs. Texas Tech
Dec. 3 at Boise State
Dec. 17 at No. 7 Vanderbilt
Outlook:
The Sycamores should be tabbed to win the MVC, as only one team in the league returns more points and rebounds per game this season (Drake). Out of all the teams that finished first through sixth last season, only Evansville comes close to returning as much experience as Indiana State. Dwayne Lathan, Carl Richard, Jake Odum and Myles Walker form a dangerous quartet that seems to be overlooked by many, something that could work in the Sycamores’ favor. The starting five, along with a deep bench, make Indiana State the conference favorite and a threat to capture a win or two in the NCAA Tournament.
