HORIZON LEAGUE PREVIEW

OAKLAND Coach: Greg Kampe (583–424, 34th season).

Outlook: With Valparaiso having bolted for the Missouri Valley, the Golden Grizzlies become the Horizon League favorites. NORTHERN KENTUCKY

Coach: John Brannen (33-32, third season).

Outlook: Preseason player of the year Drew McDonald returns to lead last season’s Horizon League Tournament champion. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO Coach: Steve McClain (22-44, third season, 179-159, 12th season overall). Outlook: A fully healthy Dikembe Dixson is expected to spark a resurgence by the Flames. DETROIT MERCY

Coach: Bacari Alexander (8-23, second season). Outlook: There’s lots of physical talent on hand this year for Alexander, the former Michigan assistant. WRIGHT STATE Coach: Scott Nagy (20-12, second season; 430-252, 23rd season). Outlook: Considered a wild card this year, the Raiders are almost always competitive. GREEN BAY

Coach: Linc Darner (41-27, third season; 333-144, 16th season).

Outlook: Marquette transfer Sandy Cohen III becomes eligible in the second half for the rebuilding Phoenix. YOUNGSTOWN STATE

Coach: Jerrod Calhoun (first season; 124-38, sixth season). Outlook: Sophomore guard Cameron Morse’s scoring average of 23.2 was tops in Horizon League play in 2016‘17. UW-MILWAUKEE Coach: Pat Baldwin (first season).

Outlook: With the Panthers playing for their third coach in as many seasons, outside expectations have risen modestly. CLEVELAND STATE

Coach: Dennis Felton (first season; 184-145, 13th season).

Outlook: Felton’s experience will be needed as the Vikings won’t have much talent in the cupboard this season. IUPUI Coach: Jason Gardner (fifth season, 37-58). Outlook: The Jaguars’ first year in the Horizon League is likely to be a difficult one.