The wait for basketball season continues, so I figured I'd add a little more MVC content to help pass the time.
I've posted my 2026 MVC Preseason Power Rankings over at The Beacon Brief. Give it a read and let me know where you agree (or disagree) with the rankings. You'll also find plenty of other offseason MVC and Valpo basketball coverage.
Well, it's Friday, so I've come to share my latest offseason content.
Many of you already subscribe (it's free, with no paywall), and I truly appreciate the support. If you haven't subscribed yet, I'd be grateful if you'd consider it. If you're already a subscriber and enjoy the content, please hit the heart/like button on the article. Every bit of engagement helps expand the reach and introduces more Valpo and MVC fans to the page.
The offseason is finally winding down, and we're getting closer to real basketball. Hang in there, everyone. Tip-off season is almost here.
Thanks again for all the support, and I hope you enjoy the latest article!
Delayed response to power rankings. 1st thanks for sharing. 2nd no idea where it came from but Wikipedia has one, no source. It also has VU #4, probably about right but I am more optimistic/hoping for better. You have Bradley 8, Wiki 6. I think they are going to be a trainwreck, I maybe wrong but I believe they will struggle, and be bottom dwellers.
@mwsportsfan Thanks for the feedback. Bradley was probably the team I struggled with the most when putting these rankings together. In the end, I just couldn't move them any higher considering how much they lost. I certainly don't wish that situation on any program, given what we've experienced ourselves. That said, I think you're right that Bradley's floor is pretty low this year. There are also enough questions that they could easily outperform expectations as well. Bradley is more unknown this preseason then they have been in a long time.
Delayed response to power rankings. 1st thanks for sharing. 2nd no idea where it came from but Wikipedia has one, no source. It also has VU #4, probably about right but I am more optimistic/hoping for better. You have Bradley 8, Wiki 6. I think they are going to be a trainwreck, I maybe wrong but I believe they will struggle, and be bottom dwellers.
The preseason poll referenced on wiki is Blue Ribbon forecast. Its the only major poll with the teams in that order and UIC at the top
@mwsportsfan Thanks for the feedback. Bradley was probably the team I struggled with the most when putting these rankings together. In the end, I just couldn't move them any higher considering how much they lost. I certainly don't wish that situation on any program, given what we've experienced ourselves. That said, I think you're right that Bradley's floor is pretty low this year. There are also enough questions that they could easily outperform expectations as well. Bradley is more unknown this preseason then they have been in a long time.
Much to do fine folks on the Bradley forum's shagrin
As for UIC, they probably will not be the bottom feeders of days old, the only problem I see is with fan support. They still ranked among the bottom of the valley in overalls attendance despite their performance last season. If they do get the fan support, I don't think they will be long for the valley considering they are now backed by a Chicago tech mogul
For some reason the “season” has begun! Currently watching Duke destroy Belmont in an exhibition game from Cameron. Not a vacant seat to be found. Currently Duke by 31, seven minutes to go. Is reminiscent of our trip to Kentucky. Something to rapidly forget.
Final, Kentucky by 40. Classless three pointer with second to go.
@vu72 my thoughts exactly. Belmont will need better front court play if they want to contend in the Valley. Duke was suffocating, I couldn't help but be reminded of Kentucky last year.
@rezynezy I am curious how Andy Johnson’s broken foot impacts UICs ceiling. I don’t know the seriousness of it but one would think it’s a setback for them.
@vu72 my thoughts exactly. Belmont will need better front court play if they want to contend in the Valley. Duke was suffocating, I couldn't help but be reminded of Kentucky last year.
@rezynezy I am curious how Andy Johnson’s broken foot impacts UICs ceiling. I don’t know the seriousness of it but one would think it’s a setback for them.
When did Johnson break his foot and did they say how long he is out for? Maybe we catch a break here (no pun intended) as we play at UIC to open the conference season. That game is the early one on december 2nd and then there is a conference schedule pause before league play kicks in a few weeks later. So we could be the only conference team in theory to get them without Johnson and it is at their gym.
@backagain2024 Take a listen to this interview with Ehsan: Field of 68 MVC Basketball Media Day (UIC)
If you start around the 6-minute mark, they get into the injury discussion shortly after. According to Ehsan, the injury is expected to delay his start to the season. The expectation is that he'll miss the first couple of games but should be back before Valley play begins.
That said, if he's sidelined until the start of the season, it's fair to wonder whether he'll be completely back to 100% by the time Valpo visits on December 2. Of course, that's just speculation on my part. He could be fully healthy and playing at a high level by then but as of last week he was in a boot. It'll be something worth monitoring as the season gets underway.