A capsule look at the Missouri Valley Conference in predicted order of finish by Pantagraph sportswriter Jim Benson:

1. Creighton

Coach: Dana Altman (15th season, 282-152 record)

Marquee nonconference game: At Saint Joseph's, Dec. 6

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2007

Outlook: An explosive backcourt, led by sophomore P'Allen Stinnett and super sub Booker Woodfox, has the Bluejays favored for their first regular-season title since 2002.

FYI: The Bluejays are looking to extend their league record of 20 or more victories to 11 straight seasons.

2. Southern Illinois

Coach: Chris Lowery (5th season, 96-41 record)

Marquee nonconference game: Duke at New York, Nov. 20

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2007

Outlook: An athletic and talented group of freshmen, led by guard Kevin Dillard and forward Anthony Booker, should perk up the sometimes lethargic Salukis' offensive attack.

FYI: Senior guard Bryan Mullins could become SIU's career leader in steals and assists.

3. Illinois State

Coach: Tim Jankovich (2nd season, 25-10 record)

Marquee nonconference game: At Wright State, Saturday

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 1998

Outlook: The Redbirds won't be at full strength until late December, at the earliest, because of surgeries to forwards Bobby Hill (knee) and Brandon Sampay (hip) and guard Alex Rubin (foot).

FYI: Osiris Eldridge is trying to become ISU's first Valley Player of the Year since Tarise Bryson in 2001.

4. Drake

Coach: Mark Phelps (1st season)

Marquee nonconference game: Vanderbilt at Cancun, Nov. 29

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2008

Outlook: No pressure on Phelps, right? The former Arizona State assistant coach replaces Keno Davis after the Bulldogs became the first team in 10 years to sweep Valley regular-season and tournament titles.

FYI: Drake scored 38 percent of its points last season from 3-point range.

5. Bradley

Coach: Jim Les (7th season, 105-90 record)

Marquee nonconference game: At Michigan State, Dec. 7

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2006

Outlook: The Braves will stick with their guard-oriented attack, despite the graduation of Daniel Ruffin and Jeremy Crouch, and fire up plenty of 3-pointers even with the line extended out a foot.

FYI: Bloomington High School graduate Dodie Dunson, a transfer from Vincennes (Ind.), has been named a co-captain with sophomore Sam Maniscalco.

6. Evansville

Coach: Marty Simmons (2nd season, 9-21 record)

Marquee nonconference game: At North Carolina, Dec. 18

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 1999

Outlook: Things should get better for Simmons in his second year as the Purple Aces are the only Valley team to return all five starters. Eight of Evansville's losses last season were by eight points or less.

FYI: Senior guard Jason Holsinger leads active Valley players in scoring (1,055 points), assists (399), 3-point baskets (220) and free throw percentage (.854).

7. Northern Iowa

Coach: Ben Jacobson (3rd season, 36-27 record)

Marquee nonconference game: Marquette at Hoffman Estates, Nov. 28

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2006

Outlook: The Eric Coleman Era is officially over as the Panthers would like to play more up-tempo. UNI needs 7-1 Jordan Eglseder to remain healthy along with solid point guard play from several newcomers.

FYI: Guard Carlton Reed is out for the season after tearing up his knee in practice.

8. Wichita State

Coach: Gregg Marshall (2nd season, 11-20 record)

Marquee nonconference game: Georgetown at Orlando, Fla., Nov. 22

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2006

Outlook: Even with only three players who have played a full Division I season, the Shockers should be much improved after injuries wrecked them a year ago.

FYI: Swingman A.J. Hawkins averaged 12.2 points two years ago at St. Bonaventure before transferring.

9. Indiana State

Coach: Kevin McKenna (2nd season, 15-16 record)

Marquee nonconference game: At Louisville, Dec. 6

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 2001

Outlook: The Sycamores could be hard pressed to duplicate last season after returning leading scorer Marico Stinson (12.0 ppg) decided to transfer and guard Harry Marshall is academically ineligible for the first semester.

FYI: Freshman guard Carl Richard led Oak Lawn Richards to the Class 4A state title last March.

10. Missouri State

Coach: Cuonzo Martin (1st season)

Marquee nonconference game: Arkansas, Nov. 22

Last NCAA Tournament appearance: 1999

Outlook: Martin, a Purdue assistant for eight years, takes over for Barry Hinson and promises a physical, defensive-minded style of play. Will Creekmore, a 6-9 transfer from Boston University, becomes eligible in late December.

FYI: The first Valley game in the $70 million JQH Arena will be Dec. 28 against Illinois State.