2009–10 Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball season
The 2009–10 Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball season marks the 101st season of Missouri Valley Conference basketball. Preseason. In the preseason, Northern Iowa was the conference favorite – returning all five starters and 9 of the top 10 players from their MVC championship team. UNI received all but one first-place vote in the preseason poll of MVC coaches, media, and sports information directors. Creighton received the other first place vote. The preseason player of the year was 2009 MVC conference tournament MVP Osiris Eldridge of Illinois State – who tested the NBA  Draft waters over the offseason. Also in the preseason, three MVC players were named to the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award preseason candidate list: Dodie Dunson of Bradley, Adam Koch of Northern Iowa and Josh Young of Drake. Preseason All-MVC Team. Preseason Player of the Year Regular season. Non-conference. Bradley was dealt a tough blow in their season opener as, for the fourth consecutive season, the Braves suffered an injury to a key player. Senior guard Dodie Dodson broke two bones in his forearm in Bradley's home opener against Idaho State. Bradley won the game, 74–69, but  likely lost Dodson for the season. In another memorable opening games, Creighton hung tough at number 21 Dayton, but ultimately lost down the stretch 70–60. The Bluejays led 46–41 at the half and were within 3 points with 2 minutes left to play. Jake Kelly also made his debut for Indiana State, scoring 16 in an 88–58 win over Nebraska-Kerney. Kelly transferred to Indiana State from Iowa to be closer to home after the death of his mother. Mountain West – Missouri Valley Challenge. The Missouri Valley Conference won the inaugural challenge with 6 wins to the Mountain West's  4 wins. 2009 marked the inaugural year of the Mountain West - Missouri Valley Challenge – matching teams from the MVC against teams from the Mountain West Conference in an effort to bolster strength of schedule for both leagues. Match-ups were set in January 2009 and were based on 2008–09 preseason projections. Conference awards & honors. Weekly awards. MVC Players of the Week Throughout the conference season, the MVC offices name a player and newcomer of the week.