Busting Brackets
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Missouri Valley Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

By TJ Miller

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Loyola Ramblers fans cheer before the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal against the Michigan Wolverines at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 4: Milik Yarbrough
ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 4: Milik Yarbrough /

1. Illinois St. Redbirds

2017-18 seasons: 18-15 (10-8)

Say it with me Redbirds fans: “This is the year.” Dan Muller certainly thought 2017 was the year until he watched his 27-6 (17-1) team snubbed by the NCAA tourney committee. And even last season’s team had a shot at an automatic bid until Loyola-crushed those hopes in the Arch Madness Championship game.

Despite recent disappointments, Coach Muller will have all the pieces this season to end the 20 + year NCAA tournament drought for Illinois State.

The return of Milik Yarbrough, Phil Fayne, and Keyshawn Evans form a formidable big three. The 6’6 Yarbrough had ridiculous numbers last year as a Junior (16.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.8 apg) ranking 4th in the league in points, 1st in assists, and 5th in rebounding. He’s a legit frontrunner for MVC player of the year. Fayne (15.6 ppg) and Evans (15.2 ppg) are equally capable of going off in any given game. Evans shot 41.9% shooting from deep and Fayne made his living inside the paint tallying 9 double-doubles on the season.

Muller has even more to work with explosive athletes William Tinsley and top-100 JUCO transfer Josh Jefferson. Highly regarded guard Zach Copeland should also be eligible now to give the Redbirds yet another very talented player. This team will be FUN to watch.

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Illinois St. does need to improve its outside shooting from this past season where they shot just 34.1% (8th in MVC). But make no mistake, the expectations for this squad are sky-high and rightfully so. Muller knows there are no guarantees. This team can perform well all season long, but it must show up in St. Louis determined to punch its long-awaited ticket to the Big Dance.