With half the Valley teams playing sub-.500 both in the MVC and overall, and most of them as well as most of the upper league teams losing so many seniors, I think Bradley fans can expect us to move up to the middle of the MVC.
I am not sure I see any of teams among the 5 with winning records being significantly better next year, and some will take a step back.
Much is dependent on what will happen in the next few weeks with recruiting classes being completed, and the possibility that other players might leave unexpectedly for Bradley and for the other 9 teams.
Here are the 2015-16 final standings and overall records. Which teams do anyone else here think will improve and move up next year, and which might take a step back?
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas.../_/id/18/year/2016/missouri-valley-conference
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My way-too-early ranking (based solely on returnees):
1. Illinois State (return no depth/bench, but a ton of starting production is back)
2. Wichita State (they've earned the benefit of the doubt)
3. Missouri State (if Ruder is back, and Kendrix/Church take a step forward...dangerous)
4. Northern Iowa (if what Carlson showed in STL is for real, they can be good again)
5. Southern Illinois (no Beane, but a lot of perimeter experience coming back)
6. Evansville (Jaylon Brown will have to have a special senior season to avoid the bottom)
7. Indiana State (they barely avoided Thursday WITH Smith and Brown this year)
8. Bradley (nothing between 4th and 10th would shock me)
9. Drake (hard to believe that roster could turn in another 2-16 year)
10. Loyola (losing their heart and soul in James. Doyle has regressed)
My way-too-early ranking (based solely on returnees):
1. Illinois State (return no depth/bench, but a ton of starting production is back)