30 In 30: Ohio Valley

Once a reserve at St. John's, Ty Edmondson now leads Austin Peay to upper echelon of Ohio Valley Conference. (Photo courtesy of Evansville Courier & Press)

Another day, another low-major to preview and learn more about. This time, it's the Ohio Valley. A league that gave us arguably the best player no one had ever heard of (more on him later) and one of (if not the) best games in the NCAA Tournament, the OVC returns with a different look for 2011-12. Last year's elite might be taking a step back, and a familiar name in the New York area will be one of the first names in postseason award conversation. So here it is without any further ado. One quick disclaimer, though: Since they are ineligible to compete in OVC games due to still reclassifying from Division II, (this was the conference's decision) SIU-Edwardsville will not be previewed here. Hopefully I didn't offend anyone with this omission.

1) Tennessee State - The Tigers had four players average more than ten points per game last season, and that's the good news. No bad news here, just even better news: All four are back this season. Kenny Moore and Robert Covington could average a double-double a night on the TSU frontline while Wil Peters and Patrick Miller anchor the backcourt. The return of center Michael Green as well gives the Tigers the distinction of bringing back all five starters, a true rarity in college basketball. For that, they deserve the top spot.

2) Austin Peay - The Governors are the team that has the aforementioned New York connection in senior guard TyShwan Edmondson. Remember him when he was a freshman at St. John's back in 2008? If you don't, it won't be held against you. Anyway, Edmondson transferred out of Queens and Norm Roberts' program after that rookie campaign; (or lack thereof) and after a year in junior college, is entering his second season with Austin Peay. A senior in terms of eligibility, Edmondson's 17.1 points per game last season make him the conference's top returning scorer, as he was second behind Kenneth Faried a year ago. Even more impressive is his 37 percent clip from three-point range and 75 percent rate at the free throw line, stats that will leave Red Storm fans scratching their heads in disbelief. Three other starters return for the Governors, who also get swingman Anthony Campbell back after he was limited to just ten games last year.

3) Tennessee Tech - The Golden Eagles return each of their three top scorers from a season ago, including forwards Kevin Murphy and Jud Dillard. After only starting half the season, senior guard Zach Bailey is poised to have a breakout season off the ball, where his productivity should increase just by playing alongside point guard Zac Swansey, who averaged over six assists per game last season.

4) Morehead State - Last year's NCAA Tournament darling loses the heart and soul of their program in Kenneth Faried after the Newark native and arguably second-greatest Morehead State student-athlete of all time (behind former Giants quarterback and current CBS color commentator Phil Simms) was drafted by the Denver Nuggets this past June. On top of that, Demonte Harper, whose three-pointer from the top of the key was the shot that lifted the Eagles over Rick Pitino and Louisville in the round of 64, has taken his talents to the professional level as well, signing overseas. Harper's productivity in the backcourt will be replaced by the duo of Terrance Hill and Ty Proffitt, but the loss of Faried without a qualified replacement at the moment may be too much for the Eagles to overcome.

5) Murray State - The 2010 OVC champion Racers are on yet another new coach after Billy Kennedy left for Texas A&M, and just five years removed from Mick Cronin moving to Cincinnati. Steve Prohm is the new head man, and will be heavily reliant upon the combination of junior guard Isaiah Canaan and senior forward Ivan Aska to get him through his maiden voyage at the helm of the Racers.

6) Eastern Kentucky - Sharpshooting guard Joshua Jones returns to the Colonels for his senior season; and gets some help from Willie Cruz, who moves into the everyday lineup this season. Jeff Johnson could be the key for Eastern Kentucky if he can increase his offensive potential.

7) Tennessee-Martin - Terence Smith returns as the Skyhawks' primary option after a season in which he was UTM's assist leader last year while also averaging 11.3 points per game. Swingmen Mike Liabo and Troy King lead Smith's supporting cast.

8) Eastern Illinois - The Panthers get the player that epitomized the concept of a warrior back this season in senior guard Jeremy Granger. The leader in scoring, assists, free throw percentage (90 percent) and minutes played, (over 35) Granger will be a one-man show in the backcourt. Swingman James Hollowell will likely be the Panthers' top rebounder for a second consecutive season.

9) Southeast Missouri State - The Redhawks are still a young team for all intents and purposes despite having five seniors on their roster. Junior guard Nick Niemczyk is back for a full season after only playing in five games a year ago, and sophomore point guard Lucas Nutt should be the catalyst in the backcourt. If seven-footer Zach House can improve his scoring, Southeast will be closer to the top half of the standings.

10) Jacksonville State - Senior forward Stephen Hall is the top returning scorer, and will attempt to be more of a force on the glass for the Gamecocks this season. Guard B.J. Miller moves into the starting lineup on a full-time basis this year, and will be the primary backcourt option for a team with nowhere to go but up after finishing 5-25 last season.