Busting Brackets
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MVC Basketball: Way-too-early preseason power rankings for 2019-20

By Curtis Wilkerson

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Ja'Shon Henry #22 of the Bradley Braves runs on to the court with his teammates after beating the Northern Iowa Panthers during the final game of the MVC Basketball Tournament at the Enterprise Center on March 10, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bradley Braves beat the Northern Iowa Panthers 57-54 to win the MVC Championship. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Ja'Shon Henry #22 of the Bradley Braves runs on to the court with his teammates after beating the Northern Iowa Panthers during the final game of the MVC Basketball Tournament at the Enterprise Center on March 10, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bradley Braves beat the Northern Iowa Panthers 57-54 to win the MVC Championship. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Cameron Krutwig
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 22: Cameron Krutwig /

2) Loyola Ramblers

It is very rare that fans and media consider a 20-win campaign and regular season title a disappointment but that may very well be the case for Loyola’s 2018-19 campaign under head coach Porter Moser.

Following a storybook Final Four finish the previous year, the Ramblers returned a talented roster and high expectations for another Cinderella run.  Despite a strong regular season, those dreams were crushed in the MVC Tournament semi-finals at the hands of eventual champion Bradley.

Loyola did receive a bid to the NIT, but the consolation prize was short-lived.  They fell to Creighton in the opening round 61-70.

That loss ended the careers of the decorated back-court duo of Marques Townes and Clayton Custer.  While they will certainly be missed, their contributions have put the Ramblers on the map and they have a roster deep and talented enough to be right back at the top next season.

Junior center Cameron Krutwig will be the focal point for Loyola.  He was a 1st Team All-Conference performer last season, averaging 14.8 points and 72 rebounds per game.  He will be surrounded by experienced juniors in Lucas Williamson and Aher Uguak as well s All-Freshman guard Cooper Kaifes.

Loyola signed an impressive pair of local freshmen in Marquise Kennedy and Tom Welch and will get immediate help from junior college transfers Keith Clemons and Jalon Pipkins.  Do not be surprised to see Sister Jean and the Ramblers cutting down the nets in St. Louis in early March.