Early 2009-10 Look at In-State Rivals

The Northern Iowa Panthers are back. They had a surprising NCAA Tournament run last season and could easily repeat that feat. Their only significant loss will be guard Travis Brown. That means the Panthers are the early favorites to top the Hawkeye state in 2009-10. Here’s how I rank the in-state foes going into next season.

1. Northern Iowa:

The Panthers return a wealth of experience from last season’s MVC championship team. That gives UNI a great chance to win a second straight conference title. Adam Koch and Jordan Eglseder provide a nice inside combination, but the Panthers also boast some terrific shooters in Johnny Moran and Ali Farokhmanesh. Kwadzo Ahelegbe does a solid job running the point. This team has an outside chance at being top 25-caliber.

Projected Lineup:
F Adam Koch: 6-8, Sr.
C Jordan Eglseder: 7-1, Sr.
G Johnny Moran: 6-1, So.
G Ali Farokhmanesh: 6-0, Sr.
G Kwadzo Ahelegbe: 6-2, Jr.
6th Man- Lucas O’Rear: 6-6, Jr.

Incoming Recruits: SG Matt Morrison (6-1, 2-star); PG Marc Sonnen (6-1, 3-star).
Key Losses: G Travis Brown.

2. Iowa State:

You have to hand it to Greg McDermott. He’s endured three very tough years at Iowa State and will most likely lose his best player, Craig Brackins, to the NBA draft. But he still managed to bring in three real nice recruits, headlined by Rivals top 100 player Chris Colvin, who may get a chance to start right away. Marquis Gilstrap could emerge as the ‘Clones best player though. If things come together, Iowa State could be much improved.

Projected Lineup:
F Jamie Vanderbeken: 6-11, Sr.
F Marquis Gilstrap: 6-6, Sr.
C Justin Hamilton: 6-11, So.
G Diante Garrett: 6-4, Jr.
G Chris Colvin: 6-3, Fr.
6th Man- Lucca Staiger: 6-5, Jr.

Incoming Recruits: SG Chris Colvin (6-3, 4-star); C LaRon Dendy (6-10, Juco); SF Marquis Gilstrap (6-6, 3-star Juco).
Key Losses: F Craig Brackins, G Sean Haluska, G Bryan Peterson, F Alex Thompson.

3. Drake:
Now we really get to see how good a coach Mark Phelps can be. He underachieved last season with a talented roster. Next season he’ll bring back super guard Josh Young and a pair of good backcourt mates in Craig Stanley and Josh Parker. Phelps brought in a bevy of big men to try to repair a frontcourt that loses Jonathan Cox and Brent Heemskerk. This program could be back to the doldrums.

Projected Lineup:
F Reece Uhlenhopp: 6-7, Fr.
F Bill Eaddy: 6-5, Sr.
F Adam Templeton: 6-5, Sr.
G Josh Young: 6-1, Sr.
G Craig Stanley: 5-11, Sr.
6th Man- Josh Parker 6-0, Jr.

Incoming Recruits: SF Aaron Hawley (6-7, --); SF Ben Simons (6-7, 3-star); SG David Smith (6-3, --); PF Reece Uhlenhopp (6-7, 2-star); PF Seth Van Deest (6-9, --).
Key Losses: G Jacob Baryenbruch, F Jonathan Cox, F Brent Heemskerk, G John Michael Hall, F Alex White.