Panther Basketball Players dominate MVC Preseason Watchlists
Table of Contents
- 1. Panther Basketball Players dominate MVC Preseason Watchlists
- 2. Men’s basketball Standouts
- 3. Player Spotlights – Men’s Team
- 4. Women’s Basketball Rising Stars
- 5. Player Spotlights – Women’s Team
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions
- 7. What statistical categories are crucial for evaluating player performance in the MVC, as mentioned in the text?
- 8. MVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Stars Spotlighted on Preseason Watchlists
- 9. Men’s Basketball: Key Players to Watch
- 10. Women’s Basketball: rising stars and established Leaders
- 11. Analyzing Watchlist Selections: What Does it Mean?
- 12. The Role of Transfers in the MVC
St. Louis, MO – October 15, 2025 – The missouri Valley Conference (MVC) unveiled its 2025-26 preseason basketball watchlists today, spotlighting eight standout student-athletes from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Four Panthers from the men’s team and four from the women’s team were recognized as key players to watch in the upcoming season.
Men’s basketball Standouts
Representing the UNI men’s basketball programme are Leon Bond III, Trey Campbell, Ben Schwieger, and RJ Taylor. These athletes are expected to be pivotal forces for the Panthers as they pursue a conference championship.
Player Spotlights – Men’s Team
- Leon Bond III (Guard/Forward): Bond, a redshirt junior from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, is coming off a strong season where he averaged 9.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He demonstrated his scoring prowess with a career-high 37 points against Montana, earning him MVC Player of the Week honors.
- Trey Campbell (guard): Campbell,a senior from Cedar Falls,Iowa,earned Third Team All-MVC honors last season. He led the team in three-pointers made with 72, shooting at 42.9% from beyond the arc while maintaining a starting streak of 63 consecutive games.
- Ben Schwieger (Guard/Forward): Schwieger, a redshirt junior transfer from Loyola-Chicago and hailing from Aurora, Illinois, immediately made an impact, starting all 33 games last season. He averaged 9.9 points and 5.2 rebounds and displayed versatility on both ends of the court.
- RJ Taylor (Guard): Taylor, a redshirt sophomore from Grand Blanc, Michigan, is poised for a rebound season after a previous injury limited his playtime. He showcased potential with 7.5 points per game in the eight games he played before being sidelined.
Women’s Basketball Rising Stars
The UNI women’s basketball team will be led into the 2025-26 season by Ryley Goebel, Elise Jaeger, Bri Robinson, and Taryn Wharton, who all earned spots on the MVC preseason watchlist.
Player Spotlights – Women’s Team
- Ryley Goebel (Forward): Goebel, a senior from Urbana, Iowa, is a defensive force, becoming the first player in UNI and MVC history to record over 70 blocks and 70 steals in a single season. Her all-around game includes 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
- elise Jaeger (Forward): Jaeger, a sophomore from west Des Moines, Iowa, is building on a successful freshman year. She earned MVC All-Freshman Team recognition, averaging 5.7 points and 5.5 rebounds, and recording multiple double-figure performances.
- Bri Robinson (Guard): Robinson, a junior guard from Lincoln, Nebraska, contributed consistently last season, showcasing her skills in multiple areas, including scoring, rebounding, and assists.
- Taryn Wharton (guard): Wharton, a senior from Bellevue, Nebraska, is a seasoned player who provided valuable minutes off the bench last season. She averaged 7.2 points and 2.4 rebounds, with a career-high 18 points against Illinois State.
The UNI women’s team will kick off their season with a preseason exhibition against Truman State on October 29th, followed by their regular season opener against North dakota State on November 3rd. The Panther men will host Upper Iowa in an exhibition game on November 1st, and begin their regular season against Cal State northridge on November 6th.
| Team | Exhibition Game | Season Opener |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Basketball | Truman State (Oct. 29) | North Dakota State (Nov. 3) |
| Men’s Basketball | Upper Iowa (Nov. 1) | Cal State Northridge (Nov. 6) |
tickets for both the men’s and women’s basketball seasons are available through the UNI Ticket Office, by phone at 319-273-4849, via email at [email protected], or online at UNI Ticket Office.
Did You No? The MVC has a rich history of sending players to the NBA. Notable alumni include Drake’s Josh Lloyd and Illinois State’s Doug Collins, highlighting the conference’s ability to develop professional basketball talent.
Pro Tip: Following UNI basketball games live on social media allows fans to stay updated on scores, highlights, and team news in real-time.Be sure to check the official team pages on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the importance of being named to the MVC preseason watchlist? Being named to the watchlist signifies that the conference anticipates a player will have a notable impact on their team’s performance during the upcoming season.
- Where can I find the full UNI basketball schedule? The complete schedule is available on the official UNI Panthers website at UNIpanthers.com.
- How can I purchase tickets for UNI basketball games? Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the UNI Ticket Office.
- Who are the key returning players for the UNI men’s basketball team? Leon Bond III and Trey Campbell are considered key returning players for the men’s team.
- Who is expected to lead the UNI women’s basketball team this season? Ryley Goebel and Elise Jaeger are anticipated to be leading players for the women’s team.
What are your predictions for the UNI Panthers this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What statistical categories are crucial for evaluating player performance in the MVC, as mentioned in the text?
MVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Stars Spotlighted on Preseason Watchlists
The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling basketball season. Preseason watchlists are out, highlighting the players expected to make a critically important impact in both men’s and women’s basketball. this article dives deep into the key athletes to watch, analyzing their strengths and potential contributions to their respective teams. We’ll cover prominent names,key statistics,and what makes them standouts in the MVC. Expect insights into potential MVC Player of the Year candidates and rising stars.
Men’s Basketball: Key Players to Watch
The MVC men’s basketball landscape is competitive, with several players poised for breakout seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
* Trey Hutcheson (Drake): A returning All-MVC selection, hutcheson is expected to lead the Bulldogs’ offense. His scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a primary threat. Watch for his three-point shooting percentage to be a key indicator of Drake’s success.
* Ja’Shon Henry (Illinois State): Henry’s versatility is a major asset for the Redbirds. He excels in rebounding and defense, while also contributing offensively. He’s a strong candidate for MVC Defensive Player of the Year.
* Isaac Jack (Indiana State): Jack’s size and strength make him a dominant force in the paint.He’s a reliable scorer and rebounder, and his presence will be crucial for the Sycamores.
* DeAndre Smith (Missouri State): Smith is a dynamic guard known for his quickness and scoring prowess. He’s a key player in Missouri State’s fast-paced offense.
* Xavier Rhodes (UNI): Rhodes brings experience and leadership to the Panthers. His all-around game and defensive intensity make him a valuable asset.
Key Stats to Monitor: Points per game (PPG), Rebounds per game (RPG), Assists per game (APG), Steals per game (SPG), and Field Goal Percentage (FG%). Thes stats will be crucial in evaluating player performance throughout the season. MVC basketball rankings will heavily rely on these individual contributions.
Women’s Basketball: rising stars and established Leaders
The MVC women’s basketball scene is equally exciting, with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
* Maya Chandler (Bellevue): Chandler is a dominant post player with a knack for scoring and rebounding. She’s a key component of Bellevue’s offensive strategy.
* Addison Hill (Drake): Hill’s shooting accuracy and court vision make her a threat from anywhere on the floor.She’s expected to be a leading scorer for the bulldogs.
* Sarah Sheward (Illinois State): Sheward is a versatile guard who excels in both scoring and playmaking. Her leadership and experience will be vital for the Redbirds.
* Lynda Foster (Indiana State): Foster is a dynamic forward known for her athleticism and scoring ability. She’s a key player in Indiana State’s transition offense.
* Emma Ronsiek (Missouri State): Ronsiek is a consistent scorer and rebounder who provides a steady presence for the Lady Bears.
Impactful Performances: Keep an eye on players who consistently achieve double-doubles (double-digit points and rebounds) and those who demonstrate remarkable three-point shooting range. MVC women’s basketball scores will frequently enough reflect the impact of these key players.
Analyzing Watchlist Selections: What Does it Mean?
Being named to a preseason watchlist isn’t just an honor; it signifies expectations. Coaches and analysts believe these players have the potential to significantly impact their teams’ success. It also puts a spotlight on them, potentially increasing their visibility for post-season awards like All-MVC teams and NCAA tournament consideration.
The Role of Transfers in the MVC
The MVC has seen a significant influx of transfers in recent years. These newcomers bring fresh perspectives and talent to the conference. Several transfers are expected to make an immediate impact:
