Northern Iowa preseason storyline:
The Panthers return virtually everyone from last season. Gone is starting forward Chip Rank, but 6th man Nate Buss surpassed him in every way last season, and with 3 inches of extra height, the Panthers starting line-up should be as good as ever. In addition to starters Wes Washpun, Matt Bohannon, and Jeremy Morgan, the backcourt returns Deon Mitchell and adds high profile transfer Paul Jesperson and freshman Wyatt Lohaus. If not for the thin depth in the front court, Ben Jacobson's team would be a sure pick for an at large. Keeping Tuttle and Buss healthy will be the key to the season and whether or not they can compete with the Shockers for an MVC title.