USA TODAY Sports
Wichita State's men's basketball team has been the class of the Missouri Valley Conference over the last few years.
The Shockers won at least a share of the last four Valley regular season titles.
But Wichita State won't extend that streak next season, since it is leaving the Valley for the American Athletic Conference.
To replace the Shockers, the Valley has invited Valparaiso to join the league. And while the Crusaders have been a strong mid-major program, they are no Wichita state.
Pete Gillen, CBS Sports Network basketball analyst, told the News-Leader he expects Valparaiso to finish near the top of the standings, but the Valley race is "wide open" next season.