What are the best- and worst-case scenarios for Evansville basketball in 2024-25 season?

EVANSVILLE — If there was a theme for the Evansville men’s basketball program this season, it’s continued positive momentum.

The Aces are less than two weeks from the start of the 2024-25 season and Year 3 under David Ragland. Last year was a needed sign of growth with a 17-18 record, the program’s most wins since 2018, and a victory in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. It was arguably the program’s best campaign in almost a decade.

Momentum can also be fickle in college basketball. Almost half the roster is brand new, and reinforcements are required after losing the entire starting lineup to graduation or transfer. This creates an interesting nexus point for the program.

More: 5 burning questions about Evansville men’s basketball entering 2024-25 season

“This program has evolved in a short time that we’ve been here,” Ragland told The Field of 68 during Missouri Valley Basketball Media Day. “The number of wins that we had when we took over the program…there’s not a ton of people lined up to be a part of that program. You get (players) who get you and believe in you. You build on that.”

Let’s examine what the season could look like, a few players who could break through and the games to watch.

Best case: Compete for the MVC championship

This should be the goal for every Valley program. For the Aces, it may be what your definition is for contending.

During the MVC basketball media day, Ragland said this roster could have three All-Valley-type players. Should such lofty projections come true – possible names would be a mix of Tayshawn Comer, Tanner Cuff, Joshua Hughes and Connor Turnbull – the Aces’ ceiling rises well above their 9th place spot in the preseason MVC poll.

Let’s say the six newcomers make an immediate impact and returners such as Cuff and/or Hughes have a breakthrough. UE would then potentially emerge as a top-five team in the MVC which fits the definition as competing for the title. Bradley appears to be the early favorite, but nothing is set in…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/best-worst-case-scenarios-evansville-081017729.html

Author : The Courier & Press

Publish date : 2024-10-25 08:10:00

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