Drake’s season could largely come down to how quickly one of the Bulldogs’ key players recovers from an injury.
Conference Notes
Evansville Aces 2011-12 Preview
Evansville has a strong returning core that should propel the Aces north in the Missouri Valley standings, perhaps putting the team in contention for an NCAA Tournament bid.
Illinois State Redbirds 2011-12 Preview
A mix of returning talent and departed experience makes the Redbirds a difficult team to peg entering the 2011-12 season. That means Missouri Valley foes must proceed with caution against Illinois State.
Indiana State Sycamores 2011-12 Preview
Indiana State returns almost its entire roster from the 2010-11 team that earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament with an MVC title. Now the Sycamores will be the favorite, and they have the talent to back up the hype in 2011-12.
Missouri State Bears 2011-12 Preview
After working their way to a regular-season title in 2010-11, the Bears must overcome significant roster turmoil and the disappointment of bowing out of the MVC Tounament without a title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Northern Iowa Panthers 2011-12 Preview
Northern Iowa returns a solid nucleus of players. However, that doesn’t include Lucas O’Rear, one of the hardest-working players in college hoops — and grower of some of the most ferocious facial hair in the game.
Southern Illinois Salukis 2011-12 Preview
Southern Illinois already struggled to get out of the bottom of the Missouri Valley before losing more than 50 percent of the team’s scoring and rebounding. The 2011-12 season could be another struggle despite some optimism created by the infusion of some talented young players.
Wichita State Shockers 2011-12 Preview
Wichita State doesn’t have the pressure of being the Missouri Valley’s frontrunner in 2011-12, and the Shockers could be poised to exceed expectations.
Delaware Blue Hens 2011-12 Preview
Delaware has a defensive stalwart to slow down opponents. But can the Blue Hens muster a consistent offense to compete with the CAA’s top tier?
Drexel Dragons 2011-12 Preview
Drexel enters the season as the CAA’s favorite. How will the Dragons handle the rest of the conference chasing them in hot pursuit in 2011-12?
