Missouri Valley Basketball: Predicting stars for each team in 2017-18

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 5: Members of the Wichita State Shockers celebrate after winning the Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Tournament Championship against the Illinois State Redbirds at the Scottrade Center on March 5, 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 4: Stradnieks /

Southern Illinois Salukis – Thik Bol

There were clearly two groups last season: Wichita State and Illinois State, then the rest. The best of the rest was Southern Illinois, who finished third. Another balanced team, the Salukis had four players who averaged between 9-13 ppg.

Problem is that the top two leading scorers, Mike Rodriguez and Sean O’Brien, both graduated. Junior Armon Fletcher is the only double-digit returner with 11 points and five rebounds per game. He may be the best offensive player, but the best overall player will be Thik Bok, the Sudanese defensive stud.

Another player coming from the junior college route, Bol’s impact was more on the defensive end, claiming All-Defensive Team honors. No game showed this more than his career high and school-record seven blocks at home against Loyola Chicago.

At 6’8″ and 200 pounds, Bol does have an offensive game as well. With his role increasing next year, Southern Illinois could have a breakout player on their hands. With former fellow big O’Brien gone, the paint will be all his.

And while this may not obtain to Thik in particular, the team might want to do something about finishing last in both shooting threes and giving them up.