Nine of the 10 players from last season's all-league teams have graduated. The Valley didn't lose typical four-year players, either, but guys like Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker and D.J. Balentine, who will be going into the league's Hall of Fame someday.
With that star power gone, most prognosticators expect the Valley to turn into a one-bid NCAA Tournament league this season. Everything will be on the line during Arch Madness come March in St. Louis.
"It still runs through Wichita State and even Northern Iowa with the success they've had," said Missouri State coach Paul Lusk. "They've earned it.