Throw all the criticism you want towards the Missouri Valley Conference and the strongly developing notion that many NCAAB betting pundits (me included) are high on them this year, but that won’t change that the MVC has become one of the most dangerous mid-major conferences in the NCAAB lines over the past four years.
Outside the fact that I’m leaning on Baker because his name reminds me of one of my favorite places (a bakery), there’s really not much separating him from Van Vleet. These two players are just as talented as committed to being the best, so rather than choose between them, I’ll let you decide on whom to support. Like I said, I am leaning on Baker, but that’s simply ‘coz I am a big fan of pastries, so…!
No. 7 @GoShockers preview: VanVleet & Baker back for one more title chance, by @lukewinn https://t.co/8Ebh0p4dgw pic.twitter.com/G5Zk83BIDs
— SI College Hoops (@si_ncaabb) November 12, 2015
Led by the constantly improving Wichita State Wheat Shockers, who are currently ranked 10th in the nation, this conference is proving to be a force to reckon with—something we believe will continue to manifest in the course of this season. Bearing that in mind, here is our brief MVC preview, including free online betting NCAAB picks for some key honors in the conference.
MVC Champion 2015-16: Wichita State Wheat Shockers
The Shockers are oceans apart from the rest of the MVC teams, and the fact that they have a strong freshman group is only going to make them a more formidable unit this year.MVC Runner-up 2015-16: Illinois State Redbirds
Despite suffering some costly losses through graduation and transfers, the Redbirds showed a lot of grit down the line last season, which could easily continue at the start of this year. Plus, with DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell in the fold, things won’t be going that bad for this inexperienced but hard-working and talent-laden team.MVC Dark Horse 2015-16: Evansville Aces
The Aces are masters of scoring, but their defense has been wanting, so inasmuch as I’d want to hope that they’ll improve this season and even go as high as second-place in the MVC, I’m exercising cautious optimism by rationally placing them as a sleeper team to watch this season.MVC Coach of the Year 2015-16: Gregg Marshall (Wichita State)
If Marshall doesn’t win this award this season, remind me to quit my job because, from where I am seated, I see no else better than him to claim this honor, which makes me 99% sure that this COY award will be his to lose.MVC Player of the Year 2015-16: Ron Baker/ Fred Van Vleet (Wichita State)
Outside the fact that I’m leaning on Baker because his name reminds me of one of my favorite places (a bakery), there’s really not much separating him from Van Vleet. These two players are just as talented as committed to being the best, so rather than choose between them, I’ll let you decide on whom to support. Like I said, I am leaning on Baker, but that’s simply ‘coz I am a big fan of pastries, so…!
