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

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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LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 19: Head coach Barry Hinson of the Southern Illinois Salukis reacts during a game against the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center on December 19, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 68-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

9) Southern Illinois Salukis

Southern Illinois had high expectations for the ’18-19 season, and although they finished tied for third in MVC play, they were plagued by inconsistency and finished 17-15 overall with a 10-8 mark in conference play.

Immediately following the conclusion of the season, embattled coach Barry Hinson announced his resignation. The Salukis made a very intriguing hire in Bryan Mullins, most recently an assistant with in-conference foe Loyola. Mullins, 32, is a very popular figure in Carbondale. He is a Saluki alum, Hall of Famer, and brings back fond memories from a playing career that included back to back NCAA Tournament appearance and a Sweet 16 in 2007.

Things will not be easy for Mullins from the start, as he looks to replace 6 seniors and has large holes to fill on his roster during the late signing period. It will start with senior guards Aaron Cook and Eric McGill, but the Salukis will need to add more depth and talent in the spring if they want to avoid the bottom of the pack in the MVC.