For the rest of our Preseason Coverage, CLICK HERE.
SUMMIT LEAGUE
North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Over the past four seasons, these two teams have become the dominant players in the Summit League, capturing the last four automatic bids and matching up head-to-head in two of the last three conference tournament championship games. Last season, it was the Bison pulling out a thrilling 57-56 win in the championship game to advance to the NCAA Tournament, where they earned a 15 seed and lost to Gonzaga in the Round of 64. South Dakota State played in the NIT, while Oral Roberts was in the CBI and Fort Wayne earned an invite to the CIT.
This season, it is fair to expect more of the same as the Bison and Jackrabbits again appear to be among the best teams in the conference. South Dakota State is the pick to repeat their regular season championship. However, two other teams may factor into the league race as Fort Wayne should remain competitive and IUPUI is a dark horse pick to finish near the top of the league standings. One team that is not being picked to finish near the top is Denver, as Joe Scott’s Pioneers have been one of the most under-achieving mid-majors over the last few seasons, and may find themselves battling this season just to qualify for the conference tournament. Only the top 8 teams will play in the league championship event as Omaha has completed its transition to the Division I level and is eligible for the conference tournament and postseason play.
Predicted Order of Finish
1. South Dakota State – The Jackrabbits have one of the best mid-major backcourts in the country with Deondre Parks, George Marshall and Jake Bittle. If they can get production from the frontcourt, including from top recruit Adam Dykman, the rest of the league better watch out.
2. IUPUI – Four starters return for the Mastodons, but even more important are a trio of transfers from Loyola-Chicago (Nick Osborne, Matt O’Leary and Jordan Pickett), Eastern Michigan transfer Darell Combs and top recruit Evan Hall. Once all these newcomers begin to gel with the returning players, IUPUI will be very dangerous.
3. North Dakota State – The Bison have depth and experience but need to find a way to make up for the loss of conference Player of the Year Lawrence Alexander. If they can, there is no reason why they will not be right near the top of the standings again.
4. Fort Wayne – Despite losing three starters, Mo Evans and Max Landis are solid in the backcourt while forward Joe Reed should get better and better. JC transfer DeAngelo Stewart has a chance to be a major contributor as well.
5. Oral Roberts – Obi Emegano should shine for the Golden Eagles, but the team has too many question marks down low to be a serious contender.
6. Omaha – The Mavs have the depth and experience to be seriously competitive in their first postseason-eligible year. They will be led by Marcus Tyus and Devin Patterson in the backcourt and Tre’Shawn Thurman and Jake White down low.
7. Western Illinois – The Leathernecks should be improved with Garret Covington and J.C. Fuller leading the way plus a deep bench. However, they will need to find some inside scoring if they want to move up significantly in the league standings.
8. South Dakota – Only two starters return, but solid recruiting and a handful of top transfers that are sitting out this season have the Coyotes seriously eyeing next season.
9. Denver – Three starters are gone from a team that seems to disappoint every year. Head coach Joe Scott will be in rebuild mode, though he may need to show some serious progress to remain in his job.