6. Northern Iowa

Preseason poll: 6th

Blending of new and old seems to be theme for the Missouri Valley Conference this year. Northern Iowa certainly fits that mold.

The undersized conference star center Eric Coleman is gone. Long range gunners Adam Viet and Jared Josten graduated. Luckily for the Panthers, an impressive front court duo returns to Cedar Falls.

Forward Adam Koch (6'8" Jr.) scored nearly eight points and six rebounds per game last season. He also got to the line 153 times, knocking in 78 percent of his free throw attempts. Center Jordan Eglseder (7'1" Jr.) may be even more important to Northern Iowa's success. Unlike many seven-footers that have graced the Valley in the past, Eglseder has good offensive skills. If he can stay away from injuries, he will improve again this year.

Even with big time talent down low, questions abound concerning the back court. Kwadzo Ahelegbe (6'0" So.) had to sit out last season with an injury. Ali Farokhmanesh (6'0" Jr.) and John Moran (6'1" Fr.) are newcomers to the team. Kerwin Dunham (6'6" So.) and Travis Brown (6'3" Sr.) contributed last season but will be expected to turn a corner and step into more important roles.

If Koch and Eglseder can stay on the floor, the Panthers will be okay. This aspect is a necessity with very little depth behind them. Northern Iowa will have an up and down season, with likely more downs if their smaller lineups are unable to rebound.