In-State Redemption Early Season Outlook/Reviews

In-State Redemption Early Season Outlook/Reviews

Last season a dark cloud loomed over our state division one programs, not one program received an NCAA invite now we are entering a new era and no one remembers last year. These should be exciting times in our state for these programs. Our crystal ball prognosis three programs making the tournament this year. “Yes!”

1. Illinois State 22-10 last season – Missouri Valley – This could be the year the Red-Birds test Wichita State who they defeated during the conference tournament semi-finals. Junior postman Reggie Lynch transferred back home to Minnesota, contrary to what many believe, his presence will be missed, but the return of DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell (12-8) as well as ace defender Paris Lee a junior point-guard will provide steady play in the back-court while 6-5 sophomore Dontae Hawkins is expected to contribute on the back-line. Elvin Harvey 6-8 freshman from South-Bay, FL and West Aurora grad Roland Griffin a 6-7 newcomer also should see significant playing time early. Prediction: 4th-6th slot in Missouri Valley – will likely need to win the conference tournament or finish 2nd to receive an NCAA bid.
   
2. DePaul 12-20 last season – Big East – The return of Dave Leitao has sparked some much needed excitement, surrounding the Blue Demons fan base, but now Leitao & his troops will have to earn the respect of conference foes & other media outlets who have them earmarked for the 9th place slot in the big East. The Chicago area quintet of Billy Garrett Jr. (12.3), Thomas Hamilton (10.0), Myke Henry (12.1), Rashaun Stimage, and Aaron Simpson will be expected to step-up their play, consistency should be their primary focus. Junior guard Darrick Wood just might be the glue if he can stay healthy, 6-3 freshman guard Erten Gazi from Turkey has been a surprise, he just may see the floor early on. Stimage has missed significant amount of floor time in practice due to injury but he can be that intangible piece they need just by playing hard, rebounding and clogging up the middle nightly, the Demons need him to stay healthy. Prediction: 4th-6th in league – strong play late in the season could carry them over to conference tournament play which could spell NCAA invite.
   
3. Loyola-Chicago 24-13 last season – Missouri Valley – The Ramblers are eyeing a tournament berth this year for the first time in years after winning the College-Basketball Invitation Crown last season, but they will still need to scrap n claw their way through Wichita State, Evansville, Indiana State, Northern Iowa while Illinois State presents a threat to them to achieve lofty tournament status. The Ramblers will have Montel James a 6-7, 220 forward up-front and returning junior Milton Doyle (11.4) will add experience and scoring to a line-up that struggled some offensively last season particularly during conference play, senior guard Earl Peterson should provide leadership and stability, versatile wing Devon Turk, sophomore swingman Donte Ingram, and Ben Richardson will add defense & scoring to their line-up. The key for his team will be the point-guard play spearheading the group will be senior Jeff White a Peoria native. Prediction: 4th or 5th in conference – NCAA tournament could be within reach. Need to finish strong and play tough defense in conference tournament play.
   
4. Northern Illinois 14-16 last season – Mid-American – The Huskies just may be the surprise squad of the MAC. Mark Montgomery entering his fifth year at NIU finally has enough weapons in fold to make a legitimate run against the likes of conference nemesis Akron, Kent State, & Central Michigan. The Huskies have seven returning players – starting with senior guard Travon Baker while forward Darrell Bowie continues to progress from a shoulder injury that has hampered is play early in practice, when healthy he’s expected to contribute nightly, guard Dontel Highsmith (10.5) 2013-14 season was out last season with his second ACL tear returns to the line-up with high expectations; junior guard Aaric Armstead will provide leadership and steady play, newcomer 7 footer Andrew Zellis a sophomore from nearby Wheaton will be a big-body presence in the paint, he likely could add 8 points & 8 caroons nightly. Lightening quick freshman guard and Rockford native Laytwan Porter will push for double digit minutes teaming with athletic guard Marshawn Wilson – who is projected to be freshman of the year in the conference. 6-8 freshman Jaylon Key should be an impact player but it might take him to mid-point to learn the college game. “These are exciting times in Dekalb.” Prediction: 2nd place in West Conference – Cinderella team during conference tourney play – NCAA probable.
   
5. Eastern Illinois 18-15 last season – Ohio Valley – This program quietly go about their business in a competitive Ohio Valley Conference that produces NBA draft picks, this might be the year Jay Spoonhour’s youthful squad can push past perennial favorite Murray State’s who’s had a strong-hold on the league’s crown for years. Things with the Panther’s start & finish with talented sophomore guard Cornell Johnston, the St. Louis native has sparkled with his energizing play. Big things will be anticipated from versatile senior Trae Anderson (13.2), while newcomer A.J. Riley a six foot four junior from Johnnie Logan Junior College & Peoria native will occupy a wing spot with his slashing abilities, while freshman Patrick Muldoon a 6-7 baseliner from the Kansas area will likely crack the line-up playing a pivotal role in the post early on. Senior guard and Freeport native Luke Norman will provide stability and leadership for this overlooked cast. The student body in Charleston should enjoy the excitement that awaits with these Panthers. Prediction: 2nd in the conference – an upset of Murray State in conference tournament. NCAA invite.
   
6. Illinois 19-14 last season – Big 10 – John Groce entering his 4th season will have to create some early season magic with so many injuries to his core guys in addition he will be faced with the challenge of blending in quite a few new faces to his roster. Overcoming the loss of junior guard Kendrick Nunn (11.1) one of the team’s top returning scorers will be out for 6-7 more weeks, he had surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb, 6-7 sophomore forward Leron Black expected to be a tower-on-the glass will be out for a short stretch with a torn meniscus in his right knee, he should be back in few more weeks. The Illini had already been dealing with a major blow when point-guard Tracy Abrams suffered a season ending torn Achilles over the summer. Remember Abrams was side-lined all last season with a torn ACL. Illini will rely early on junior standout Malcolm Hill (14.4) and graduate transfer Mike Thorne a 6-11 270 pounder coming in from University Charlotte will bring scoring & rebounding, highly touted freshman Jalen Coleman-Lands should see early duty at guard with his sweet shooting stroke, lofty expectations await for Simeon’s 6-7 frosh D.J. Williams, his wish may be granted with some early season opportunities for playing time. Prediction: 7th- 10th finish in league – will fight & claw during the Big 10 conference play, likely NIT invite.
   
7. Northwestern 15-17 last season – Big 10 – High hopes loom as the Wildcats approach the 2015-16 campaign, Chris Collins entering his third season have built a nice nucleus around senior Tre Demps (12.5) and Alex Olah (11.7) highly regarded sophomore guard Bryant McIntosh (11.4), while sophomore forward Vic Law will be expected to bolster the line-up with steady offensive play and a solid cover defensively. Add four-star forward Aaron Falzon to the mix and things could be awfully bright for the Wildcats this season. This kid brings a wealth of toughness and much needed offense & defensive rebounding. Junior outside shooter Nathan Taphorn adds depth to the rotation, he’s added some muscle to his slender frame, while good things seem in store for newcomers Jordan Ash from St. Joes who should receive significant playing time in the back-court, he could become their defensive ace. Dererk Pardon and Joey Van Zegeren will be expected to contribute, deepening a Wildcat bench that we haven’t seen in recent memory since the Rich Faulk days. Prediction: We envision a 7th-10th finish in league and a major run come conference tournament time.
   
8. Western Illinois 8-20 last season – Summit – Edwardsville native Garrett Covington (15.5) will lead the Leatherneck squad that finished at the bottom of the conference last season, but off-season additions have the fan base enthusiastic about the direction of the program. Billy Wright will patrol the sidelines in his second year in Macomb. J.C. Fuller a senior will present a formable duel with Covington where the pair could combine for thirty-five points nightly, Fuller also has the capabilities of being a tenacious defender. Junior point-guard Jabari Sandifer out of Neuqua Valley H.S. who lead the Summit conference in assists during league play, 6-8 Jalen Morgan from Pike H.S. in Indianapolis still not at 100% from ACL tear, but the red-shirt frosh continues to show signs of being ready to provide front-line help when the Leathernecks head to Madison for the opener versus the Badgers on November 13th. 6-9 bouncy freshman James Claar (Plainfield East) may be a player to watch. Prediction: 5th-8th finish in the conference. They will provide a fight during conference tournament.
   
9. Illinois-Chicago 10-24 last season – Horizon – Steve McClain will make his debut as the Flames new leader when they open the season at home against San Francisco November 13th. McClain brought in a seven-man class headlined by 6-7 freshman Dikembe Dixon who averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds as a senior in Kentucky last season, while the Flames return promising sophomore front-courter Tai Odiase, he was the one positives from a disappointing 2014-15 campaign. Odiase/Dixson tandem should be a nice building block for the Flames program for years to come. 6-8 senior Jake Wiegard will be expected to provide leadership along with senior guard Paris Burns as the Flames try and restore some respectability to this proud commuter school. Junior college transfer Najeal Young could be an early season contributor, St. Rita grad Dominique Young will return to the city after spending last season at Victory Prep in Florida, Matthews may have the opportunity to make an impact immediately in the rotation. 6-8 Bolingbrook grad Julian Torres has lost thirty-five pounds, he’s always been a skilled performer, now the freshman will be expected to add some quality depth to the front-court with scoring & rebounding. Anticipate the Flames playing a spoiler role this season. They likely may be one of the surprises of the Horizon League. Prediction: 6th-8th finish in a good run in the conference tournament.
   
10. Southern Illinois 12-21 last season – Missouri Valley – My Salukis return leading scorer Anthony Beane (16.1), the 6-2 senior guard will lead the way for a cast of new comers, his challenge will be blending his offensive prowess into a team oriented system with so many new faces. Beane is posted on most media outlets all-conference 1st or 2nd team. The loss of freshman tandem Deon Lavender and Jordan Caroline still stings, but Barry Hinson entering his 4 year will face some challenges of incorporating 8 new faces to team with Beane while holdover forward Sean O’Brien will be expected to be more productive on both ends of the floor. The coaching staff can be found ecstatic over the arrival of guards Leo Vincent & Michael Rodriguez out of Marshalltown Community College, 6-6 lefty Jeremy Postell from New Mexico JC will add offense as well as versatility to the rotation. True freshman Sean Lloyd comes in from Philadelphia with a reputation as a scorer and he hasn’t disappointed during practices/workouts but he’s still learning the college game, Latvian 6-9 skilled forward Rudy Stradnieks hails from Lee Academy in Maine has been a pleasant surprise during practices and workouts. The masses are humming praises over his play, defense will likely be his short-coming but he should provide some instant offense. The Salukis should see significant improvement from last season’s debacle. Prediction: 6th-8th finish in conference play – they will need a spirited finish during the conference tourney in nearby St. Louis.
    
11. Chicago State 8-24 last season – WAC – Ended the 2015 season by posting a record low 12 points in the second half of its WAC tournament loss to Seattle, but the Cougars veer into the 2015-16 on a high note even with the loss of freshman forward Josh Meier. His loss leaves a void of double digit scoring & rebounding. The Cougar’s success will rely on strong & heady guard play with a combination of good team defense & rebounding which would compensate for their lack of depth in the front court. The new beginnings will start with new comer’s Jordan Andrews a 6-8 JR from Umpqua, Oregon junior college, Elliot Cole a high-scoring JC transfer, freshman Anthony Eaves a skilled PG from Louisville and promising North-Lawndale grad Fred Sims Jr. should see considerable minutes in a back-court that has plenty of depth. Kerian Woods who sat out last season will be expected to provide senior leadership and scoring while stabilizing the back-court, 6-6 Milwaukee native Trayvon Palmer is a returning junior that had averages of 7.7 scoring – 4.5 rebounds last season, he’s projected as a pre-season all conference player. The Cougars will have to wait to December for the services of 6-2 sophomore guard Clemmye Owens from the Toledo area, big things will be anticipated from this talented hoopster. Little used junior big man Quron Davis could clock some significant minutes by conference play. Prediction: 5th-7th finish in league play. Coach Tracy Dildy entering his 6th season with a refreshing out-look for his up-n-coming program which he has headed in the right direction.
    
12. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 12-16 last season – Ohio Valley – Edwardsville native Jon Harris will seek to change the culture for a program that had been in an obscure state for the last several seasons. Harris will debut as a first time head coach November 13th versus Arkansas State. Harris at helm will devise a plan for 6-4 junior college transfer Burak Eslik to orchestrate his offense for a young inexperienced group. Exciting lil playmaker sophomore C.J. Carr will have Cougar nation on the edge of their seats with his extraordinary ability to make shots and set the table for his mates while creating a sense of flair. Much will be expected from sophomore forward Jalen Henry a 6-8 Springfield native. The new comer to watch might be Alton native Carlos Anderson a bruising 6-5 freshman who’s capable of scoring but may need to mid-season point to flow in the college game setting. Prediction: 6th place finish in the west. Harris will need about 3 years to build the program to where he can endure some long-term success.
    
13. Bradley 9-24 last season – Missouri Valley – A 2014-15 campaign was filled with dosages of futility on & off the floor, if only March could have arrived any sooner. The Braves will have a new leader in former Wisconsin-Green-Bay Coach Brian Wardle taking over for Geno Ford, the Braves recorded only three conference wins last season, just a glimpse at the season’s roster Wardle will fill presents another challenging year to rebuild & restore respectability to a program that has a traditionally rich basketball history. The Braves will have a line-up of nine freshman and one sophomore, this inexperienced cast will be expected to compete and play hard at both ends nightly. Oak-Park native Ka’Darryl Bell should see significant floor time in the rotation, he will be the lone senior, 6-3-6 Dwayne Ogunleye-Lautier from London should provide scoring and floor leadership. Frosh G Ronnie Suggs a Missouri native could be a player to watch, along with 6-10 freshman center Davante Cooper. Thornwood grad Donte Thomas a hold-over from last year’s dismal group carts terrific athleticism, now the sophomore will be expected to provide consistent play nightly. The Brave’s brass is hoping Rockford Auburn hoopster Antione Pittman will have a quick learning curve allowing him to contribute key minutes by league play. Prediction: 8th-10th place finish in league play; we envision a 3 year rebuilding plan and if Bradley nation wil be patient, Wardle will bring back the glory days in Peoria.