It's the battle of the Valleys and our newest mid-major conference up for discussion this week on "Anything But Mid," hosted this week by Ian Sacks and Frank DeBari.
Mid-Major Madness writer and fellow podcaster Isaac Bourne provides his full look at the Ohio Valley.
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MMM's Jonathan Lidskin joins the show to preview the Missouri Valley.
The Pac-12 is back and is now a mid-majory, in our books and, most importantly, our hearts.
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Ohio Valley
Tennessee State won the championship last season and has several impressive players on the roster. The Tigers' portal class is highlighted by Arterio Morris comes in from Bethune-Cookman, Aaron Bradshaw from Memphis, Presley Patterson from Rice and Ty-Laur Johnson from San Diego among others.
SEMO has the potential to be a contender with Marqueas Bell back. UT Martin hit the international talent pool hard once again. SIUE looks to get back to the mountain top once again with head coach Brian Barone and Tyler King, who averaged 10 points a game.
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Missouri Valley
There's a new format for Arch Madness this season that favors the teams who fared the best in the regular season. Belmont won the conference regular-season championship last year with a 16-4 mark but was knocked out by Drake in the quarterfinals. The Bruins return six players from last year, highlighted Bez Jenkins, Jack Smiley, Eion Dillon and Isaiah West.
Murray State should be an interesting watch in Ryan Miller's second season at the helm. Roman Domon will be a go-to player for the Racers.
UIC has continued to improve over the last few seasons and has the chance to contend this season. The Flames bring back a slew of talent. Ahmad Henderson II (12 ppg), Andy Johnson (11 ppg) Rashun Washington Jr. (8.7 ppg, 5 rpg), Mekhi Lowery (8.1, 5.8 rpg) and Jayce Nathaniel (6.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg) all return for Rob Ehsan.
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Pac-12
The Pac-12 has a brand new look as five teams joined from the Mountain West: Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State. Oregon State and Washington State are back for basketball and bring Gonzaga from the WCC. Texas State comes in from the Sun Belt.
Gonzaga aims to continue its incredible run with the likes of Davis Fogle, Javon Bennett, Xavian Lee, Chauncey Wiggins and Massamba Diop. Utah State shapes up to be great again too as Mason Falslev and Karson Templin return to Logan. San Diego State can be a contender too and is highlighted by several portal additions.
