Wings and Frontcourt
Daniel Abreu (11.9 ppg) and Isaiah Jackson (4.3 points and 5.0 rebounds) were a part of that Northwest Missouri ‘package deal'. Center Cam Manyawu (9.6 and 6.6) is a Wyoming transfer. All three of these players have made big contributions. While Drake’s front line is small, the Bulldogs lead the Valley in scoring defense (58.2 ppg) and rebounding margin (+7.57 per game). Their ‘pack-line’ defense has been effective and Drake’s discipline and attention to detail, makes up for what they lack in size and athleticism.
Tavion Banks is a 6’7 wing that is versatile and the number one player coming from McCollum’s bench. Nate Ferguson (6’8) provides some size and is a veteran presence.
Bradley is bigger, more athletic and once again, the Braves are deeper.
Christian Davis (10.1 and 4.6) is a 6’7 wing and perhaps Bradley’s best defender. Look for he or Montgomery to defend Stirtz. Davis is the shortest player in Bradley’s frontcourt.
6’9 Darius Hannah does a little of everything. He scores (12.6 ppg), rebounds (6.0), makes threes (.400 from deep), has recorded 22 steals and 15 blocks. He is the Valley’s best dunker.
6’8 Almar Atlason, 6’10 Corey Thomas and 7’1 Ahmet Jonovic each play double-digit minutes in the Bradley frontcourt. Atlason is more a stretch-4 and Thomas is an aggressive athletic rebounder.
This Missouri Valley 'heavy weight showdown' is a game you don't want to miss.