Drake is very much a work in progress. It is second season under coach Ray Giacoletti, who brought in eight newcomers after finishing 15-16 last winter. They should get better as the season progresses, but this is a great time to play them.

A pair of Drake seniors will begin their final seasons on the bench.
Bulldogs Gary Ricks Jr. and Karl Madison will be suspended for the first three games of the season after receiving improper benefits not in compliance with NCAA bylaws, the school announced Friday.

Ricks missed all but eight games in the 2013-14 season after suffering a broken foot. The guard averaged 12.3 points per game in limited action. Madison averaged 16 minutes and 2.2 points per game as a bench player.