8. Drake Bulldogs
2021-22 record: 25-11 (13-5 in Missouri Valley)
Loyola-Chicago isn’t around anymore in the MVC, allowing the other programs to battle for the No. 1 spot. The preseason favorite is Drake, who had six players that averaged at least 9.0 ppg last season and brought back all of the guards. The top four scorers have returned, led by Tucker DeVries, son of head coach Darian DeVries. He averaged 13.9 ppg and shot 34% from deep on over six attempts a game as a freshman.
He’s surrounded by a trio of 5th-year senior guards in Roman Penn, DJ Wilkins, and Garrett Sturtz. All of them were respective double-digit contributors and Wilkins specialty is shooting after going for 39% from deep on five attempts. And adding to the shooting depth is Sardaar Calhoun, who previously played at both Florida State and Texas Tech.
The frontcourt took a hit with both Tremell Murphy and ShanQuan Hemphill gone but Drake has another super-senior in Darnell Brodie, who started 15 games and will see his minutes likely nearly double as the top frontcourt option. One of the lone newcomers to the team is 6’10 transfer forward Eric Northweather, who comes from Truman State at the D-II level. He’s a big body and capable defender at the five-spot and should help the Bulldogs’ frontcourt depth.
With so much experience and capable/proven scorers, Drake should be the clear favorite once league play arrives. But can they remain an at-large contender as well?