I don't disagree with much of your post... however... SIU tried to slow the game down vs. ISU twice last year- and were unsuccessful- losing both games.
Unfortunately they were able to dictate their game against us last year. I believe this year they will be susceptible to small ball and a bit of pressure. I may be wrong but I do not see them as one of the top 3 teams in the Valley this year. This will be a very interesting season this year.
I do hope that your team does well because the sweetest team to beat for me is a good ISU team no matter what our record is. I also am convinced that JL is recruiting players that are just as athletic, that can run the floor, shoot the ball as we have had, but bigger. There will be consistant seperation in the MVC from the top teams to the bottom 1/2 and I believe we are on our way at being one of the top dogs. I'm not so sure about your team yet but the foundation is being built.