The Valparaiso University men's basketball team is projected to finish fourth in the Mid-Continent Conference this season in a preseason poll of the league's coaches, sports information directors, and selected media members.

The Crusaders tallied 156 points in the polling, but did not receive a first-place vote. Oral Roberts is the preseason conference favorite with 19 first-place votes and 260 points. IUPUI and UMKC were chosen second and third, respectively, with two first-place votes apiece. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team in the polling.

Head coach Homer Drew looks to lead the 2006-07 Crusader squad back to the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in 12 seasons. The exhibition season kicks off at 7:35 p.m. on Saturday, November 4th at the ARC with a game against Indiana Wesleyan, while the regular season commences November 11th at 7:05 p.m. as Valpo hosts Calumet. Every game of the 2006-07 campaign can be heard live on the Valpo Sports Radio Network and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.

2006-07 Mid-Con Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
Team - Points
1. Oral Roberts (19) - 260
2. IUPUI - (2) 230
3. UMKC (2) - 200
4. Valparaiso - 156
5. Oakland - 135
6. Western Illinois - 108
7. Southern Utah - 81
8. Centenary - 42
(First place votes in parentheses)