Official 2016-17 MVCfans.com Prediction - 6th Place

[SubGod22]

I agree that MSU, ISU and SIU could all go here. So the deciding factor for me was coaching and I went with the weak link even though they might actually have the most talent of the three.

I'm assuming you went with MSU. Based on past experiences I would agree with you. But I'm bullish on our returning and incoming talent. And as someone who watched every MSU game last year it does seem to me that Lusk was possibly growing into the HC role last year despite our record not being that good.

I think it's possible we really compete towards the top of the conference this year. But maybe I'm in fantasy land........

I think you have the talent to be in a battle for 3rd/4th. I like the roster for the most part but I still have little faith in Lusk at this point. I obviously haven't watched MSU as closely as you though so maybe you're right and he's growing as a coach. If he is, and continues, I expect MSU to have a solid year. Your young talent is a nice base to build off of and I hope more talent follows.

[Blers]

I had SIU at 7 so I have to pick them here at 6. I have a hard time believing 4-8 isn't gonna be a close race though. I think MSU has some pieces too good to ignore and have them finishing 4th. Though I really don't know much about Lusk.

[glm38]

Here's an article on the Bear's incoming and returning talent.

http://www.midmajormadness.com/2016/9/2 ... is-kendrix

[statefan01]

Here's another write up from today:

http://www.valleyhoopsinsider.com/how-h ... ars-climb/

[bleach]

I too am VERY bullish on our talent buthat would indicate Lusk has "grown" as a coach. I do believe the talent is as good as anyone in the league has but wouldn't be surprised at all if we finished 6th and Lusk got an extension because of improvement. We should be better than the last couple years just on talent alone and the schedule is weak enough we could win 20 games and greatly underachieve. Gotta give Lusk props as a recruiter but he must become a smarter coach.

[All-MVC Fan]

After last year, I'm done giving Lansing the benefit of the doubt on coaching. What a s***-show. Turns out, Odum was just really smart.

Lansing isn't a good judge of talent, and he's too stubborn to change his "system" to fit the pieces he has. It's a fairly common problem in low-mid major coaches. He had a good player who made him look smarter than he is. The list of MVC coaches who have had this problem over the last 30 years could go on and on...