Creighton has the largest number of all-session tickets sold for Arch Madness that starts on Thursday. While many fans including those without tickets are making the trek down to St. Louis, there are others that will be paying attention to the excitement of the Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball tournament by watching the games in the comfort of their own home or at their favorite sports bar.
With games on television all the time these days, it is sometimes hard to find the right set of announcers to keep fans engaged not only in the game, but stories around the teams, how they got there and what the outlook is. Sometimes, those commentators have to do a lot of research, while others are somewhat unprepared. The great thing about tournament time is that the best of the best are the ones doing those games and that is true with the MVC Tournament.
One of those television guys is Mark Adams. Adams has a lot of passion for leagues like the MVC and knows his stuff when it comes to college hoops. Just check out this listing:
Mark’s MVC Coaches Awards:
- Hardest Halftime Interview: Marty Simmons, Evansville or Greg McDermott, Creighton (too tall, can’t reach ‘em)
- Easiest Halftime Interview: Geno Ford, Bradley (shorter than me)
- Funniest Coach: Geno Ford, Bradley (runaway choice)
- Best Tennis Player: Tim Jankovich, Illinois State
- Most Likely Coach to Get a T: Gregg Marshall, Wichita State (love his intensity!!!)
- Most likely to hang out with me: Greg Lansing, Indiana State (we like similar beverages)
- Most Laid Back on Game Day: Tie, Greg McDermott or Ben Jacobson (two peas in a pod)
- Most Afraid that I Jinx His Team: Mark Phelps, Drake (paranoid whenever he sees me)
- Best Arena: Missouri State
- Best City: Omaha, nod to Springfield
- Best Fans (total support): Creighton
- Best Fans (rabid atmosphere): Wichita State
He definitely knows the MVC. Adams will be doing the color analysis of many of the Arch Madness games this weekend. He took some time out of his busy schedule to give us some insight on the games in St. Louis and teams in the MVC. Here is his look at the MVC Tournament.
White & Blue Review: You are very well versed in the schools and conferences that do not make up the “Power 6” conferences like the Missouri Valley Conference. What makes those conferences so exciting for you?
Mark Adams: I told my bosses at ESPN that I have no interest in being another Vitale, Fraschilla, Raftery, Bilas, or Dykes. My passion is the mid-majors! I coached for 17 years and a large majority of that time I coached either at the small college level or the mid-major level of D-I basketball. I believe I can make a difference for these conferences and I believe I can better tell the stories of these coaches and players because I lived it. My ego doesn’t need the power 6. I love what I do and I hope the fans appreciate my focused work.
WBR: With the MVC in general, what has been the major thing that has transformed it from a one-bid conference over the past four seasons into one that this year will have two teams solidly into the NCAA Tournament and possibly three teams if Wichita State or Creighton do not win Arch Madness?
MA: It’s not that long ago that The Valley was hauling in multiple bids. Now, The Valley is back with Wichita State and Creighton and possibly one more depending on the outcome of Arch Madness. I’m really happy for the conference and the fans. The difference is that these teams have continued to recruit well and develop talent. What really helped was the great non-conference performance of The Valley as a whole. The top 4 RPI teams at that time from the MVC in non-conference play were 9-2 versus the power 6 and 11-14 overall vs power 6 opponents. The top 4 MVC teams were 3-1 vs the MWC. Creighton was the only team in the country to go 3-0 vs the Big Ten. Wichita State has been great on the road at 10-2 on the season. Bottom line is that the MVC scheduled well and won.
WBR: With the Pac-12 being down this season, how well do you think the teams in the MVC would matchup with the teams in the Pac-12 if there was a challenge series this season?
MA: No contest. The Valley is better hands down on neutral sites! I hate to say it because I coached in the PAC-10 at Washington State but the truth is non-negotiable with me.
WBR: Focusing on Arch Madness this week, outside of Creighton and Wichita State, which team is poised for a run to surprise people and capture the MVC automatic bid?
MA: Evansville has lost a ton of close games and still earned the #3 seed. With Denver Holmes giving the Aces a second option above and beyond Colt Ryan I have an eye on Marty’s team. Missouri State has Kyle Weems who clearly remembers what it was like to win the regular season last season and then lose at Arch Madness. He will be on a mission and he can carry the Bears and this is a team willing to guard people. Those two teams jump out at me immediately. I also feel like Illinois State has a chance with Jackie Carmichael inside and Nic Moore at the point. The Redbirds are dangerous as well.
WBR: What do you like about Doug McDermott’s play this season and what does his future look like at Creighton?
MA: I love this guy! He understands the angles of basketball as well as any player I’ve seen in a long time. He understands the triangles of the game and constantly works those triangles to get early position in the post. Then, he rolls out and bangs three’s as well as anyone in the country either off the break or in a half court set. Doug is smarter than his opponents on the court!
Here’s a few stats for your readers: (I developed these for the broadcasts, you guys get a first look)
Doug McDermott PLAYER OF YEAR Numbers:
- Only player in the country to average +20PPG, +60%FG, +80%FT, +8 Rebs/gm
- 23.1PPG, 60.7%FG, 80.1%FT, 8.1PPG, and 47.9% 3pt
- #3 Scorer 23.1PPG
- Since 2004-05, two college sophomores standing 6-7 or taller have averaged 22.0 points/game in a season. OU’s Blake Griffin (22.7 ppg in ’08-09) & Creighton’s Doug McDermott (23.1) this year).
- Blake Griffin had 90 dunks as a sophomore. Doug McDermott has one.
PLAYER of the YEAR Resume Comparisons:
- Doug McDermott, Creighton: 23.1PPG, 60.7%FG, 80.1%FT, 8.1PPG, and 47.9% 3pt
- Anthony Davis, Kentucky: 14.3PPG, 65.8%FG, 71.7%FT, 9.8RPG, 4.8BPG, (0% 3pt% 0-8)
- Thomas Robinson, Kansas: 17.8PPG, 53.1%FG, 69.5%FT, 11.8RPG and 36.4% 3pt
- Draymond Green, Michigan State: 15.6PPG, 44.9%FG, 71.3%FT, 11.3RPG, and 40.3% 3pt
WBR: Wichita State has thrived on the team concept this season, but who individually is the one that will put the Shockers over the top in the postseason?
MA: Here is another list I put together for Arch Madness and I think it will answer your question: (See bottom of this list for Best WINNER)
Mark’s MVC’s Best:
- Best Option w/Game on the Line: Kyle Weems, Missouri State, (nod to McDermott)
- Best Distributor: Michael Bizoukas, Missouri State (nod to Antoine Young, Grant Gibbs and Joe Ragland)
- Best Screen Reader: Colt Ryan, Evansville (nod to Ben Simons)
- Best Pick Pocket: Rayvonte Rice, Drake (nod to Jake Odum)
- Best Big: Garrett Stutz, Wichita State (nod to Greg Echenique and Jackie Carmichael)
- Best Rebounder: Jackie Carmichael, Illinois State
- Best Shot Blocker: Greg Echenique, Creighton (nod to Dantiel Daniels, SIU and Kraidon Woods, Drake)
- Best Scorer: Doug McDermott, Creighton (not even close)
- Best Open Court Vision: Jake Odum, Indiana State
- Best WINNER: Joe Ragland, Wichita State
WBR: What kind of environment do you expect to see at the Scottrade Center this weekend for the MVC Tournament?
MA: My eyes and ears are wide open. I’ve heard a lot about Arch Madness but this is my first time. I know I’m going to have a blast with all The Valley fans. If any of you see me don’t be shy and please feel free to come up and say hello.
WBR: Ultimately, who do you think will win Arch Madness this weekend? Do you expect to see Creighton vs. Wichita State in the finals?
MA: I don’t predict as I see my role as a teacher/coach on the air. I’m there to watch one team earn the crown just like you. I just want to see great games and help the MVC fans and the nation better understand what great coaches, players and fans there are in The Valley!!!
You can get more on Mark Adams through his website or follow him on Twitter.