Busting Brackets
Fansided

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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EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 17: Tevonn Walker
EUGENE, OR – NOVEMBER 17: Tevonn Walker /

6. Valparaiso Crusaders

2017-18 season: 15-17 (6-12)

Can Valpo get a raincheck on its Missouri Valley debut? A last-place finish surely couldn’t have been what coach Matt Lottich had in mind after winning a share of the Horizon League in 2016-17. Although losing the programs all-time leading scorer Alec Peters will certainly have its ramifications. The good news is the Crusaders played a lot of games close last season and might and should improve in its 2nd year in the MVC.

Bakari Evelyn, a former Nebraska Cornhusker, will look to build on his 12.6 ppg in his first season at Valpo. The junior guard should team up in the backcourt with Markus Golder and Micah Bradford to help soften the blow of losing Tevonn Walker.

These three should have some room to work on the perimeter as this team will have 7′ 2″ Derek Smits taking up the paint. Transfer Ryan Fazekas will be eligible this year after sitting out the past season. The 6′ 8″ Fazekas contributed solid minutes for Providence and should immediately contribute this season.

Incoming freshman Javon Freeman-Liberty is ranked as one of the top high school players in the state of Illinois and is a really nice pick up for Lottich.

Coach Lottich has enough talent to move up from the bottom of the Valley this season.