Andrew Logue is chronicling Drake’s dream season on his first year on the beat for the Des Moines Register.
Q: When you start to believe that Drake was for real?
A: I think the first indications came in the opening weekend when Drake lost a close game at nationally ranked Saint Mary’s. A couple weeks later, the Bulldogs blew past Iowa State 79-44. The win at Wichita State was huge, because it got the ‘Dogs off to a good start in the Valley.
Q: Are recent losses a sign the Bulldogs will be vulnerable in St. Louis?
A: Everyone is vulnerable in St. Louis. There is no Valley team that is head and shoulders above the rest. I think the recent losses are more a statement of how deep and competitive the Valley is.
Q: MVC Player of the Year will be a tough choice for most voters - who is your choice?
A: Ok, I cover Drake so this won’t be much of a stunner: Adam Emmenecker. Drake had a lot of the parts, but it was Emmenecker who put it all together on the floor.
Q: Which title means more to Drake fans - state champs or Valley champs?
A: Drake fans waited 37 years for a Valley title. They were state champs last season. When the Bulldogs clinched Valley at Northern Iowa, I saw tears in people’s eyes.