Missouri Valley Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season

By Tim Edmonds | Nov 15, 2020

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Members of the Bradley Braves celebrate after beating the Northern Iowa Panthers in the final game of 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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Missouri Valley Basketball Dan Muller (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

9. Illinois State Redbirds

After a ninth-place finish in 2019-20, the same can be expected by Dan Muller’s squad this year as they enter a lengthy rebuild.

With the future of their program firmly fixed in the backcourt with exciting sophomores D.J. Horne and Antonio Reeves, the Redbirds have reason for optimism and a return to contention in the MVC — just not this season.

Outside of the duo, Muller will struggle to cobble together anything close to a reliable rotation this year after major departures, especially following the graduation of their leading scorer in guard Zach Copeland last spring.

A few names to watch include a trio of JUCO transfers Muller added this offseason in Josiah Strong, Dusan Mahorcic, and Alex Kotov as well as junior guard Josiah Strong who could make his way into the starting lineup due to the inexperience plaguing the rest of the roster.

One thing is certain though, the Redbirds are in for a long wait before they’re back in contention in the MVC and competing in postseason tournaments once again.

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