Drake coach Darian DeVries believes the Bulldogs are an NCAA Tournament team no matter what happens this week at the Missouri Valley Tournament in St. Louis.
Drake is 24-3 and the second seed after stumbling in its regular season finale at Bradley.
Drake’s nonconference schedule has been criticized but DeVries says it should be an advantage that they played an entire 27-game schedule even with a three week COVID pause.
DeVries does not feel losing all Valley point guard to a foot injury will hurt their at-large chances. Leading scorer Tank Hemphill could return this week after undergoing foot surgery.
Drake opens Friday against the winner of Thursday’s game between UNI and Illinois State.
