Panthers Picked to finish 7th

[Kingsbury]

Loyola named preseason favorite in Horizon League men's basketball poll
With all five starters returning, Ramblers hope to secure first NCAA Tournament berth since 1985


Oct. 10, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS -- After posting its best record (19-11 overall) in more than 20 years last season, Loyola University Chicago enters the 2006-07 season as the favorite to win the Horizon League championship according to the results of the League's official preseason poll annonced Tuesday (Oct. 10).
The survey of League coaches, sports information directors and media members places the Ramblers atop the loop ladder, with 31 of 44 first-place votes. The Ramblers collected a total of 373 points, well ahead of second choice University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (eight first-place votes and 334 points). The University of Detroit Mercy was third with three top nods and 286 points.

The University of Illinois at Chicago (231 points) edged Wright State University (217) and 2005-06 League runner-up Butler University (201 points including the final first-place vote) for fourth place among prognosticators. Two-time defending League champion University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is seventh with 145 points, with Youngstown State University (116) and Cleveland State University (77) rounding out the poll.



horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/101006aaa.html

[BBFran]

Seventh, huh?

[Kroener3535]

It's my guess that alot of the coaches in the league think last year Rob inherited a program and had nothing to do with the success. I can say this we may not win the league but we are not going to be 7th either....somewhere in between is my guess...maybe 4th

also we were picked from 2nd to last by the coaches...talk about coaches thinking the year offers balanced league huh

[Pantherholic]

i'm really not surprised by this. i wish they released the voting records, that'd be fun to see.

[Kingsbury]

Bill Johnson was talking about it on the D-List and apparently 7 out of 41 voting individuals picked the Panthers to finish dead last. I don't know what's more shocking, Panthers picked to finish 9th by 7 people or 2 people picking Butler to finish first.

[Pantherholic]

kingsbury said:

Bill Johnson was talking about it on the D-List and apparently 7 out of 41 voting individuals picked the Panthers to finish dead last. I don't know what's more shocking, Panthers picked to finish 9th by 7 people or 2 people picking Butler to finish first.

Losing Polk, Horan and Sheets AND still finish first? definitely more shocking. i'm not saying Butler will be bad this year but i don't see them being first either.

[Kingsbury]

I actually had time to go through the PDF file and apparently 7 individuals didn't vote us last, 10 did .

[Pantherholic]

interesting how Butler had votes for every finish but 2nd and how Wright State ranges from 2nd-9th. WSU will definitely be one to watch this year.

[milwsport]

All I can say is that I like surprises and the more people who pick us to finish 7th or last, the more people are going to be surprised! ;D

[Deleted]

Coach Jeter can definetly use this for motivation towards the season.

[uwmpanther]

Not really a surprise. I think a 8-8 HL record for UWM would not be unrealistic this year. Last year, a 8-8 record in the HL would have placed you as low as 7th. (3rd to 7th place all had 8-8 records).

[ArtVandelay]

--Butler lost a lot, but they are also gaining a lot. Their recruiting class is possibly the best in the league, and not only adds youth but also experience in two D-I transfers who played solid minutes at their former schools. Just like people shouldn't overlook UWM, nobody (ourselves included) should overlook Butler.

Have no doubts about it Butler will contend for the league championship this season, and shows no drop-off in sight. Now excuse me while I punish myself.

*Burns hand on stove for complimenting Butler*

[pantherdon]

We may start off slow, but by the tournament we'll be be-bopping and scatting all over our Horizon League opponents.

[raar]

I agree, may be a slow start...but this team has talent. I think top 3 or 4 in conference and maybe a chance to win the HL tourney.

[uwmpanther]

pantherdon said:

We may start off slow, but by the tournament we'll be be-bopping and scatting all over our Horizon League opponents.

I am doubtful about that. This season will be a learning season, and I am sure the team will show a lot of improvement over the course of the season, but senior leadership is not that easily replaced.
Having said that, I also don't believe that Loyola (or GB) will be as dominant at tournament time as UWM was last year, so a surprise by a lower seeded team is more likely this year compared to last year.