Gaige Prim. Lucas Williamson. ShanQuan Hemphill. Trae Berhow.
Run it back, baby.
The Missouri Valley Conference already looked loaded after Missouri State, Drake and Northern Iowa said they’re expecting some key seniors to return for the “free” COVID-19 year next year.
But Friday morning, Loyola Chicago announced Williamson, Aher Uguak, Keith Clemons and Tate Hall are returning.
Commence the “Two-Bid Valley” talk once again. Or “Three-Bid Valley.” Whatever floats your boat.
Who Should Be the (Way Too) Early Favorite?
Is it too early to think about who could win The Valley? Yes.
Will that stop us from thinking about it? No.
It’s hard to bet against Loyola Chicago, even without Cameron Krutwig, who declared for the NBA Draft and won’t return for the “free year.”
The Ramblers still need another big man besides Jacob Hutson, but getting Chris Knight from Dartmouth is huge for their small-ball offense. Drew Valentine could have two strong units, including some bench players who could start on other MVC teams, and the deepest team in the league.
Consensus Top 4?
Just because Loyola Chicago has a lot going for it doesn’t mean the Ramblers should be the runaway favorites, though.
Drake is shaping out to be a force once again with Hemphill, Noah Thomas and Roman Penn back in the fold. Although reigning MVC Sixth Man of the Year Joe Yesufu transferred to Kansas, Darian DeVries found a solid replacement in Omaha transfer Ayo Akinwole.
Northern Iowa gets Berhow, former MVC Player of the Year AJ Green, Austin Phyfe and Noah Carter all back. Last year’s preseason favorites, the Panthers weren’t the same after Green’s season-ending hip injury, but getting him and Antwan Kimmons back in the rotation will be huge for Ben Jacobson.
Missouri State not only has the one-two punch of Prim and Isiaih Mosley again, but Valparaiso transfer Donovan Clay will be in the mix. Dana Ford’s team finished third in the league last year and was looked at as a possible league champion before Loyola Chicago’s announcement. Still, that’s a high-powered offense.
These teams — Loyola, Drake, Northern Iowa and Missouri State — seem like they should be the top four teams this coming season. But don’t be surprised if another team — Valpo? — makes a run at one of these top four spots.
Remember, anything can happen in this league. After all… It’s The Valley.