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Missouri Valley Basketball: Biggest “glue guy” players of 2021-22 season

By Harry Schroeder

Mar 6, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Drake Bulldogs guard Joseph Yesufu (1) celebrates with guard D.J. Wilkins (0) and guard Garrett Sturtz (3) and teammates after scoring the game winning points during the second half against the Missouri State Bears in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Drake Bulldogs guard Joseph Yesufu (1) celebrates with guard D.J. Wilkins (0) and guard Garrett Sturtz (3) and teammates after scoring the game winning points during the second half against the Missouri State Bears in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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ISU’s Liam McChesney (13) dishes off to teammate Abdou Ndiaye (4) around Bradley’s Mikey Howell (5) and Connor Hickman
ISU’s Liam McChesney (13) dishes off to teammate Abdou Ndiaye (4) around Bradley’s Mikey Howell (5) and Connor Hickman /

Bradley’s Brian Wardle says he recruits ‘glue guys’.

"“I recruit a team and not talent,” said Wardle. “You do recruit some guys that can complement your top two or three players. We have to keep being stars in our roles and do it to the best of our ability every possession.”"

When talking to Valley coaches about this topic, the word ‘sacrifice’ came up often. Glue guys are players that sacrifice for the team and put the team’s needs above their own desires for stardom.

Northern Iowa is fighting for the regular-season title and head coach Ben Jacobson has won over 300 games and has captured four ‘Coach of the Year’ awards. His team’s high school resumes might be the best in the league, but a ‘glue guy’s’ contributions are priceless.

"“A lot of times the glue guy is giving something up that gets written about in the papers and talked about in the podcasts,” said Jacobson. “Nate Heise puts a lot of effort into rebounding and defending. Tywhon Pickford is playing his tail off. He knows guys are not going to guard him, what he is doing for us offensively for us in moving the basketball and sacrificing some of his offense to go set a screen for our better shooters, what he’s doing right now in terms of sacrificing, when you say ‘glue guy’ I think Tywhon is doing a big-time job for us.”"

Evansville’s Todd Lickliter says ‘glue guys’ actually are talented players that are also selfless and sets the example and tone.