TERRE HAUTE — The first year a coach takes over a program is like a whole year’s worth of the first day of school.

The players have to feel out the coach. The coach has to feel out the players. Neither of them knows the other’s routine.

It doesn’t go away once the season starts because questions begin anew with each game? How are coach/players going to handle the first road game? The first conference game? The grind of losses and the euphoria of victories.

The awkwardness of unfamiliarity fades to a point as the season goes along, but it never goes away. Some players don’t buy into the new coach, sometimes the new coach wants new players.

That process is over for Indiana State’s men’s basketball team. And that alone is a relief for coach Kevin McKenna and the core of veteran players who return for the 2008-09 season knowing what to expect from McKenna and what is expected out of them.

“Last year all of us were looking at coach wondering what we needed to do.

“This year, we know what we need to do. We don’t have to stop practice to ask when and what we’re running. I can bend Carl’s ear and tell him where he needs to be or I can tell Josh what he’s supposed to be doing. It’s an extension for the coach to have us guys who can do that,” ISU center Jay Tunnell said.

McKenna admits that it has made a big difference in the approach to this season as opposed to last year.

“That’s definitely a bonus. The guys who are playing now, those guys kind of know what my expectations are for practice. They know the level of consistency, the level of intensity I’m looking for. They can share that with the other guys, and for the most part, the other guys are falling in,” McKenna said.

The dissipation of the newness factor comes not a moment too soon for ISU. Seven Sycamores are in the their first year in the program, three more were in the program last year, but didn’t play a game. This is a team that needs mentors, and though ISU doesn’t have many experienced players on the roster, Jay Tunnell and Harry Marshall are upperclassmen that at least know the drill, both from a run-of-the-mill experience standpoint and as far as what McKenna wants out of his players.

“[The feeling out process] slowed things down at the beginning of training camp too, we were still learning how everyone else plays,” said Marshall, who is ineligible until December, but who can practice with the team. “But we’re starting to click on all cylinders now. I think it’s helped, though, to be able to help them. We’re going to be falling back on these freshmen a lot in the first several games. It’s only going to help us in the long run if they’re ready to go.”

Who’s ready to go? ISU’s starting lineup in the two exhibition games consisted of point guard Rashad Reed — freshman Tyler Cutter in the first game — No. 2 guard Aaron Carter, freshman swingman Carl Richard, power forward Tunnell and center Isiah Martin.

Marshall figures to return at either the point or at the No. 2 spot when his eligibility is restored. Cutter will fight for time at the point guard spot, same for Jordan Printy — fresh off a redshirt season — at shooting guard. Josh Crawford will get plenty of minutes in the post, with a healthy Brant Leitnaker fighting for time as well. Walk-ons Keenan Barlow and Nick Donaldson — son of former Indianapolis Colts great Ray Donaldson — are also on board.

The aspect that ties most of the players together — and that defines the 2008-09 Sycamores — is the infusion of athleticism.

With athletes like Reed, Crawford, Richard, Cutter and Barlow (who redshirted as a walk-on last year) added to established athletes like Marshall, Martin and Carter, ISU has become far more athletic and quick than they’ve been in recent seasons. Don’t forget forward Dwayne Lathan, perhaps the most athletic of them all, who has an impact on practice but can’t play this year after transferring from Louisiana Tech.

“You can’t teach length and athleticism. It gives coach more options on what he can do. He can go big and long or he can go short with our guards. We can play more up-tempo and I think it suits his system more than last year,” Tunnell said.

The most immediate impact of ISU’s increased athleticism is going to be shot-blocking. Martin already gave ISU its best shot-blocking option since DeCarsta Webster was setting school records in the mid-1970s when he averaged 1.9 blocks last season. Added to the mix is Crawford, whose long, lean frame and quick first step is ideal for shot blocking. Koang Doluony, if he isn’t redshirted, also has shot-blocking potential, along with a few others like Richard.

After that obvious benefit, the immediate payoff of ISU’s athleticism gets more sketchy. Yes, ISU will have the chance to run with teams and even impose their will on some opponents physically. The trick is having the basketball savvy to go along with it.

“We are more athletic, but I’m not sure if we understand how to use that athleticism yet. I’m not sure we know to get up in somebody some more to take a pass away, or put more pressure on a guy, or be able to slide your feet and not let a guy blow by you to depend on that shot blocking help behind you,” McKenna said. “Transferring that athleticism into basketball soundness? I think we still have a ways to go in those areas.”

ISU still faces many questions, not the least of which is shaking off the losing that has defined the program since 2001. The most obvious question for those on the outside looking in is how ISU replaces the production of departed guard Marico Stinson, who left the team in early October. Stinson would have been the leading returning scorer at 12 points. Marshall’s enforced absence for most of the nonconference schedule is also a major hole to fill.

“It’s definitely hard not to play, but the role I have to play is to be supportive of my teammates. The coaches want me to be a leader on and off the floor and I can help with that. For example, [against St. Joseph’s on Friday], I was able to point some things out I saw out on the floor they couldn’t,” Marshall said.

McKenna has other concerns beyond the obvious, but much of it goes back to getting the Sycamores to hone their fundamentals.

“We try to work on fundamentals, ball-handling, shooting and footwork drills all the time. Our guys might think they’re remedial, but I remember watching the [Chicago] Bulls when they were really good and they did more fundamental footwork drills than any team I’ve seen,” McKenna said. “When you’re a good athlete, when you refine your athleticism with basketball skills, it’s amazing what you can do on the court. That’s the work in progress we have with these guys. We need to turn athletes into basketball players.”

An obvious question is how the young and new players assimilate themselves into the rigors of the conference. Very few Missouri Valley Conference teams win right out of the box with a roster comprised of newbies.

Not that some of the new Sycamores are fazed by the prospect of improving ISU’s win total.

“It’s coming together. We just want to play hard and win 20 games this year, I think that’s realistic, but as long as we’re moving up that’s what we need to do,” said Reed, who has averaged 13.5 points in two exhibition ga,es despite admitting he’s just 75 percent health-wise after a hip flexor and leg injury suffered before practice started.

Another question is what ISU’s defensive personality is going to be. McKenna isn’t entirely sure himself just yet.

“We might do a lot of different things. Whether we’ll press more, it’s something we’re considering, but it’s going to be a case of what we see as we go along. We’ll see what we’re good at,” McKenna said.

ISU was picked seventh in the preseason MVC media and coaches poll, but most observers believe that once you get past conference favorite Creighton, parity in the league means all bets are off as far as whether ISU could go up or down in the standings.

“The fun part is winning, that will be the determining factor as to whether our guys feel good about what we’re doing or not. As long as our guys kept battling and doing things, we’ll win our share, but there’s no guarantees. We just have to keep plugging away to get things done,” McKenna said.

ISU Men's schedule

Nov. 18 at Northern Illinois 8 p.m.

Nov. 23 North Texas 2 p.m.

Nov. 26 Murray State 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 at DePaul 2 p.m.

Dec. 1 Arkansas State 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Louisville+ 2 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs. Lamar at Louisville+ 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs. Ohio at Louisville+ 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Purdue 2 p.m.

Dec. 20 DePauw 2 p.m.

Dec. 23 at IUPUI= 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Northern Iowa* 2:05 p.m.

Dec. 31 Creighton* 2 p.m.

Jan. 4 Evansville* 1:35 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Drake* 8:05 p.m.

Jan. 10 Illinois State* 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 Bradley* 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Evansville* 8:05 p.m.

Jan. 21 Southern Illinois* 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Bradley* 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Creighton* 8:05 p.m.

Jan. 31 Northern Iowa* 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 4 Wichita State* 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Illinois State* 7:05 p.m.

Feb. 11 Drake* 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 at Missouri State* 8:05 p.m.

Feb. 18 at Southern Illinois* 8:05 p.m.

Feb. 21 ESPN Bracketbusters TBA

Feb. 24 at Wichita State* 8:05 p.m.

Feb. 28 Missouri State* 2 p.m.

March 5-8 MVC tourney, St. Louis TBA

* Missouri Valley Conference game

+ Marques Maybin Classic at Louisville

= at Conseco Fieldhouse





Bradley Braves

Last year’s record — 21-17, 9-9 MVC

Note — Bradley began its regular season Friday. The Braves beat Illinois-Chicago 67-61.

Coach (career record, record at school) — Jim Les (106-90, 7th season at Bradley)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Sam Maniscalco (So., 9.4 ppg, 3.9 apg); G Andrew Warren (Jr., 14.1 ppg, injured); F Theron Wilson (Sr., 12.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg); C David Collins (Sr., 0.4 ppg); C Sam Singh (Sr., 3.1 ppg); G Brian Lavin (Sr.); F Will Egolf (So.); G Dodie Dunson (Jr., transfer); G Chris Roberts (Jr., transfer); F John Wilkins (Fr., not eligible until December); G James Robertson (Fr.); G Eddren McCain (Fr.); G Darian Norris (Fr.); F Taylor Brown (Fr.); C Anthony Thompson (Fr.).

If it all goes right — Bradley sees no dropoff at the point guard spot after 4-year starter Daniel Ruffin exhausted his eligibility … The Braves continue to get mileage out of its guard-heavy offense, notably from Warren, their leading returning scorer in conference games a year ago. … Collins develops into a much-needed inside force and rebounding source. … Wilkins, a one-time Indiana recruit, develops into a force.

If it all goes wrong — In two preseason games, including a loss to Wisconsin-Platteville, the Braves have been vulnerable defensively and at the line. If this doesn’t sort itself out, it will be a long season. … If Collins, Singh, Egolf and Thompson cannot make defenses honest by giving Bradley a decent inside game, opposing defenses will feast on Bradley guards. … By most accounts, Bradley will be more athletic than ever, but if all the Braves bring to the table is raw athleticism, the Braves will be more style than substance.

One more thing you should know — Les is now the second-longest tenured coach in the conference.

Preseason Valley projection — 5th.

ISU plays Bradley — Jan. 13 at Hulman Center; Jan. 24 at Carver Arena.



Creighton Bluejays

Last year’s record — 22-11, 10-8 MVC.

Coach — Dana Altman (282-152, 15th season at Creighton, 365-219 overall)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G P’Allen Stinnett (So., 13.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg); G Josh Dotzler (Sr., 3.2 ppg, 3.4 apg); G Booker Woodfox (Sr., 10.9 ppg); G Cavel Witter (Jr., 9.5 ppg); C Kenny Lawson (So., 5.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg); F Chad Millard (Jr., 3 ppg); G Casey Harriman (So., 3.5 ppg); G Kaleb Korver (So., 1.2 ppg); G Dustin Sitzmann (Sr.); G Justin Carter (Jr., transfer); G Josh Jones (Fr.); G Antoine Young (Fr.); F-C Kenton Walker (Fr.).

If it all goes right — The Bluejays had enviable depth last season and they build on that depth to become the conference force they are almost unanimously believed to be this season. … Carter, a JUCO transfer from Maryland by way of California, becomes a go-to swingman. … Witter and Woodfox, sometimes overlooked in lieu of Stinnett, continue to keep defenses honest to free up Stinnett and Carter. … The weight of expectation does not overwhelm what is still a relatively young team.

If it all goes wrong — Lawson, Millard and Walker aren’t consistent scoring threats inside, taking a dimension away from the Bluejays’ offense. … Carter struggles in his transition to MVC play, putting more pressure on the experienced guards. … The Bluejays have six expected contributors (Stinnett, Lawson, Millard, Woodfox, Korver, Carter) who are in just their second go-around in the conference. Creighton could still conceivably suffer from experience-related growing pains.

One more thing you should know — Creighton’s bench outscored its starters last year 1,218-1,142.

Preseason Valley projection — 1st.

ISU plays Creighton — Dec. 31 at Hulman Center; Jan. 27 at Qwest Center.



Drake Bulldogs

Last year’s record — 28-5, 15-3 MVC (champions)

Coach (career record, record at school) — Mark Phelps (1st season)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Josh Young (Jr., 15.1 ppg); G Josh Parker (So., 1.9 ppg); F Jonathan Cox (Sr., 11.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg); G John Michael Hall (Jr., 3.6 ppg); F Brent Heemskerk (Sr., 3.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg); G Jacob Baryenbruch (Sr., 2.3 ppg); F Bill Eaddy (Jr., 1.2 ppg); F Alex White (Sr.); G Kit Avery (So.); G Tyson Dirks (So.); F Adam Templeton (Jr., transfer)., G Ryan Wedel (Jr., transfer); G Craig Stanley (Jr., transfer); C Sean Jones (Fr.).

If it all goes right — Stanley (a JUCO transfer) and Templeton (a transfer from UC-Irvine) gel quickly to make Drake’s starting five the same force it was last year. … Players like Stanley, Hall, Parker and Baryenbruch fill the big shoes left by Leonard Houston and Adam Emmenecker, both of whom exhausted their eligibility. … Phelps doesn’t upset the apple cart to try and change what made Drake great last season.

If it all goes wrong — The departure of the svengali-like Emmenecker completely changes the character of Drake’s offense. … Opposing defenses figure out a way to exploit the hole Drake had been leaving in the middle which allowed Cox to roam for shots. … Keno Davis took the magic with him to Providence and Drake returns to the also-ran status it had for a generation prior to last year’s dream season.

One more thing you should know — Drake was the first team to win both the MVC regular season title and tournament championship since 1998.

Preseason Valley projection — 4th.

ISU plays Drake — Jan. 7 at Knapp Center; Feb. 11 at Hulman Center.



Evansville Purple Aces

Last year’s record — 9-21, 3-15 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Marty Simmons (9-21, 2nd season at Evansville, 107-94 overall)

Expected contributors — G Jason Holsinger (Sr., 12.1 ppg); F Shy Ely (Sr., 15.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg); F Nate Garner (Sr., 4.9 ppg); C Pieter van Tongeren (So., 5 ppg, 2.9 rpg); G Darin Granger (Jr., 8.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg); G Kavon Lacey (So., 4.2 ppg); F Clint Hopf (So., 3 ppg); G Trevor Gregory (Jr., 1.7 ppg); G Kaylon Williams (Fr.); F James Haarsma (Fr.); G Denver Holmes (Fr.); C Zach House (Fr.); F C.J. Erickson (Fr.)

If it all goes right — Evansville is the only team in the conference that returns all five of its starters. If the Aces can ride that experience, they should be much-improved. … Someone emerges as a scoring threat to take pressure off of Ely and Holsinger. Garner or van Tongeren would be the most likely suspects. … Someone off of Evansville’s very green bench steps up and provides depth.

If it all goes wrong — If Evansville suffers any injury woes at all, it will be in serious trouble. Past the starting five, there is very little experience to fall back on, a recurrent issue for the Aces in recent years. … If van Tongeren doesn’t live up to the flashes of promise he showed during his freshman season, Evansville’s inside game will suffer. … Holsinger can run hot and cold. Evansville needs consistency from its best shooter.

One more thing you should know — Evansville plays 10 of its first 11 games in-state. The only exception is a Dec. 18 trip to North Carolina.

Preseason Valley projection — 8th.

ISU plays Evansville — Jan. 4 at Hulman Center; Jan. 17 at Roberts Stadium.



Illinois State Redbirds

Last year’s record — 25-10, 13-5 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Tim Jankovich (25-10, 2nd season at Illinois State, 128-81 overall)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — F Osiris Eldridge (Jr., 17.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg); G Emmanuel Holloway (Sr., 4.7 ppg); F Dinma Odiakosa (Jr., 6.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg); F Brandon Sampay (Sr., 4.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg); G Sead Odzic (Jr., 2.5 ppg); G Brandon Holtz (Sr., 1.5 ppg); G Alex Rubin (So., injured); G Champ Oguchi (Sr., transfer); F Bobby Hill (Jr., injured); G Lloyd Phillips (Jr., transfer); G Landon Shipley (Jr., transfer); F Blake Mishler (Jr.); G Kenyon Smith (Fr.); F Kellen Thornton (Fr.); F Jeremy Robinson (Fr.); F Ty Modupe (Fr.)

If it all goes right — Sampay, originally thought to be lost for the early part of the season due to a hip injury, played during the exhibition season. If he is healthy it gives the Redbirds an inside element to replace the production of departed workhorse Anthony Slack. … Illinois State develops just enough scoring from the likes of Holloway, Oguchi and their inside combo to keep defenses from keying in on all-everything Eldridge. … Odiakosa continues to improve to the point where he’s a steady double-double producer.

If it all goes wrong — The Redbirds’ injury woes (Rubin, Hill) make them vulnerable as far as depth. … Oguchi’s year off after his transfer from Oregon wanes his talents at one of the guard spots. … None of Illinois State’s freshmen big men step up to take pressure off of Odiakosa and Sampay.

One more thing you should know — The 25 wins Illinois State earned last season tied a school record. Illinois State last did it in 1987 and also won 25 in 1968.

Preseason Valley projection — 3rd.

ISU plays Illinois State — Jan. 10 at Hulman Center; Feb. 8 at Redbird Arena.



Indiana State Sycamores

Last year’s record — 15-16, 8-10 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Kevin McKenna (15-16, 2nd season at school, 104-49 overall)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — F-C Jay Tunnell (Sr., 7.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg); G Harry Marshall (Jr., 10.7 ppg, 2.4 apg, ineligible until December); F-G Aaron Carter (So., 3.9 ppg); C Isiah Martin (So., 5.4 ppg, 2 bpg); G Rashad Reed (Jr., transfer); C Josh Crawford (Jr., transfer); C Brant Leitnaker (So., injured in 2008); F Keenan Barlow (Fr.); G Jordan Printy (Fr.); F Koang Doluony (Fr.); G Tyler Cutter (Fr.); G Carl Richard (Fr.); G Nick Donaldson (Fr.).

If it all goes right — ISU’s much-improved athleticism makes the difference in games where the Sycamores had been exploited for lack of athleticism in past losses. … Reed, Crawford, Richard and Cutter develop into viable scoring threats to take pressure off of the veteran starters. … ISU’s young players are ahead of the learning curve as far as getting their defensive bearings. … ISU wins at least one of its nonconference road games to gain confidence.

If it all goes wrong — ISU’s athleticism doesn’t translate into basketball savvy and ISU struggles with fundamentals on both ends. … ISU’s young players bridle under the pressure of a tough nonconference schedule and enter conference play with self-doubt. … ISU doesn’t develop Martin into a more consistent scorer, or, Crawford struggles to get his bearings on both ends.

One more thing you should know — McKenna, who was on the 1982 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, is one of just two Division I head coaches to win a professional championship as a player. Boston College’s Al Skinner was on the 1976 ABA champion New York Nets.

Preseason Valley projection — 7th.



Missouri State Bears

Last year’s record — 17-16, 8-10 MVC

Note – Missouri State started its season Friday with a 75-60 loss at Auburn.

Coach (career record, record at school) — Cuonzo Martin (0-1, 1st season at Missouri State)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) —G Spencer Laurie (Sr., 9.9 ppg); G Justin Fuehrmeyer (Jr., 8.3 ppg, injured); G Shane Laurie (Sr., 4.5 ppg, injured); F Chris Cooks (Sr., 8.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg); F Wade Knapp (Sr., 1.9 ppg); F Ryan Jehle (So., 1.8 ppg); C Will Creekmore (So.); G Derron Hobbs (Fr.); G Cardell McFarland (Fr.); F John Hayward-Mayhew (Fr.); F Dominick Brumfield (Fr.); F Kyle Weems (Fr.); C Isaiah Rhine (Fr.).

If it all goes right — Missouri State responds to former Purdue star and assistant coach Martin and wipes away the negativity that surrounded the program in former head coach Barry Hinson’s final years. … Missouri State’s handful of experienced players are enough of a bulwark to get its larger crew of youngsters up to snuff. … The new JQH Arena provides a sense of excitement and becomes as hard a place to play as the Hammons Student Center was.

If it all goes wrong — The 28 points per game lost when Dale Lamberth and Deven Mitchell exhausted their eligibility becomes too much for Missouri State’s young team to make up. … Missouri State fails to develop a viable inside game. … Martin and his young team both go through big-time growing pains trying to learn what their new league is all about.

One more thing you should know — Indiana State never won a game in the old Hammons Student Center. ISU has not yet won in either of the Valley’s new venues opened in the 2000s – Creighton’s Qwest Center and Northern Iowa’s McLeod Center.

Preseason Valley projection — 10th.

ISU plays Missouri State — Feb. 14 at JQH Arena; Feb. 28 at Hulman Center.



Northern Iowa Panthers

Last year’s record — 18-14, 9-9 MVC

Coach — Ben Jacobson (36-27, 3rd season at UNI)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — F Adam Koch (Jr., 9.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg); C Jordan Eglseder (Jr., 8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, injured); G Travis Brown (Sr., 6.8 ppg); F Lucas O’Rear (So., 2.4 ppg); G Brian Haak (Jr., 1.8 ppg); G Kerwin Dunham (So., 3.8 ppg); G Jon Montgomery (So., 2.1 ppg); G Kwadzo Ahelegbe (So., injured in 2008); F Adam Rodenberg (Jr., transfer); G Ali Farokhmenesh (Jr., transfer); G Colten Kelly (Fr.); G Johnny Moran (Fr.); F Austin Pehl (Fr.); G Anthony James (Fr.).

If it all goes right — Koch continues the improvement he displayed during his sophomore season and becomes the go-to inside force to replace graduated standout Eric Coleman. … Ahelegbe, projected to be the starting point guard last season before he was lost for the season to injury, seamlessly moves back into the role to give UNI leadership at a position it never filled last season. … Farokhmenesh, a JUCO transfer, fulfills the promise he’s shown during the preseason.

If it all goes wrong — Coleman was all-everything for the Panthers during his junior and senior seasons. If UNI doesn’t find a way to replace his scoring, rebounding, even his passing, it’s going to struggle mightily. … Injuries become too much to overcome. UNI has already lost Carlton Reed for the season and Eglseder, the projected starting center, is out indefinitely. … UNI’s guards are a minimal scoring threat in the conference, which is a partial by-product of Jacobson’s deliberate offense, but also, because of lack of experience. Brown is the only returning player who made more than 10 3-pointers in conference play last year.

One more thing you should know — UNI was 14th nationally in turnovers last year, averaging just 11.8 per game.

Preseason Valley projection — 6th.

ISU plays Northern Iowa — Dec. 28 at McLeod Center; Jan. 31 at Hulman Center.



Southern Illinois Salukis

Last year’s record — 18-15, 11-7 MVC (champions)

Note — SIU has already played two regular season games in the 2K Sports Classic. The Salukis defeated California (Pa.) 66-52 on Tuesday and Massachusetts 80-73 on Wednesday.

Coach (career record, record at school) — Chris Lowery (98-41, 5th season at SIU)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — G Bryan Mullins (Sr., 11.6 ppg, 4.9 apg); G Wesley Clemmons (Sr., 6.4 ppg); F Tony Boyle (Sr., 4.1 ppg); F Carlton Fay (So., 2.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg); G Christian Cornelius (Jr.); G Brandon Allen (Jr., transfer); G Justin Bocot (So.); G Kevin Dillard (Fr.); F Anthony Booker (Fr.); C Nick Evans (Fr.); G Ryan Hare (Fr.); G Torres Roundtree (Fr.)

If it all goes right — SIU’s uber-talented freshmen class, led by Illinois Mr. Basketball Dillard, is the cream that helps the Salukis rise back to the top. … Boyle and Fay replace the inside production of departed players Randal Falker and Matt Shaw. … Point guard Mullins, content to feed former teammates like Falker, Shaw, Tony Young and Jamaal Tatum and minimize his own scoring role, becomes one of the go-to options for the Saluki offense.

If it all goes wrong —SIU’s renowned defense shows signs of slippage without stalwarts like Falker and Shaw. … Boyle and Fay cannot approach the inside toughness that characterized SIU during Falker and Shaw’s careers. … SIU cannot consistently score from the perimeter, continuing problems the Salukis had in that regard last season.

One more thing you should know — SIU’s seven conference losses last season were the most it suffered since 2001.

Preseason Valley projection — 2nd.

ISU plays Southern Illinois — Jan. 21 at Hulman Center; Feb. 18 at SIU Arena.



Wichita State Shockers

Last year’s record — 11-20, 4-14 MVC

Coach (career record, record at school) — Gregg Marshall (11-20, 2nd season at Wichita State, 205-103 overall)

Expected contributors (all stats MVC only) — F Ramon Clemente (Sr., 6.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg); F Aaron Ellis (So., 2.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg); F J.T. Durley (So., 6.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg); F Mantas Griskenas (Sr., 6.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg); G Graham Hatch (So., 3.3 ppg); G Bret Michael (So.); G-F A.J. Hawkins (Jr., transfer); G Cleven Hannah (Jr., transfer); G Reggie Chamberlain (So., transfer); G Reggie Britton Jr. (Fr.); F Mason Felter (Fr.); G Toure Murry (Fr.); G David Kyles (Fr.); C Garrett Stutz (Fr.).

If it all goes right — A lot of teams are going to sleep on the Shockers this year. With depth in its frontcourt with the return of Griskenas from injury and the late-season form displayed by Ellis (often against ISU), the Shockers have depth to make a leap forward. … Hawkins, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, develops into an all-around threat. … Marshall whips his almost completely rebuilt backcourt into shape.

If it all goes wrong — Marshall’s shock treatment (eight new players) is way too much for Wichita State and the Shockers struggle with growing pains throughout the season. … Guards Hannah and Toury, starters in the Shockers’ exhibition win over Emporia State, don’t pan out over the long run. … The loss of P.J. Couisnard, a true all-everything type of player, is felt on both ends of the floor.

One more thing you should know — The returning Shockers combined to play just 66 conference games between them last season. By point of comparison, a healthy starting five accounts for 90 conference games alone.

Preseason Valley projection — 8th.

ISU plays Wichita State — Feb. 4 at Hulman Center, Feb. 24 at Koch Arena.

— By Todd Golden