After a great deal of debate the Salukihoops staff has concluded that the final standings of the MVC will look a little something like this:
1. Southern Illinois
- Admittedly, we drink the kool-aid every day, but this is by far the best team in the conference heading into the season.
2. Bradley
- Ruffin can dish it and Crouch can shoot it. Together, they constitute one of the nation's most talented backcourts.
3. Missouri State
- Right on the heels of Bradley, the Bears have experience and this year... that's enough.
4. Illinois State
- The Redbirds have been mired in the second division of the Valley for years. They return five starters from a year ago and if we had the guts, we would put them 3rd on this list.
5. Wichita State
- An interesting incoming class brings the Shockers to the middle of the pack. Couisnard is talented, but the newcomers will make or break this squad.
6. UNI
- Twelve players on the Panthers with less than one full year of experience at the D-I level. If Coleman gets injured, the bottom could drop out.
7. Creighton
- Dane Watts will get his points, but this year's lineup doesn't have it on paper. Great coach. Great program. But this is a definite gap year.
8. Indiana State
- Four starters back. Lots of potential. They could finish much higher than this.
9. Drake
- Back to back winning seasons are a rarity in Des Moines. They'll need to develop some bigs to free up their outside shooters.
10. Evansville
- By throwing a full spectrum of defenses at the Salukis last year, from experimental to archaic, the Aces pulled off an upset and they can do it again, but they won't make a move up the ladder this year.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Torres Roundtree info
Torres Roundtree continues to gain notoriety as one of the top 200 players in the country.
Roundtree reopened his recruitment over the summer giving Saluki fans some reason for concern. Recently he recommitted to SIU, completing the best '08 recruiting class in the state, (Sorry Bruce) and with 3 players in the top 2oo, it's probably one of the best in the country. Roundtree talks about this and other topics in a recent interview with stlhoopsinsider.com. Below is an excerpt from the interview where he talks about is recruitment and his future at SIU.
Q: Was the short period where you reopened your recruitment a healthy decision for you? Is your verbal to Southern Illinois even stronger today?
A: The decison was healthy to me, but when I look back it was a bad decision. All and all, I'm a Saluki and I hope Saluki Nation is looking forward to having me.
Q: You have shown the ability to play the point guard position effectively. With your size and athleticism, you are also able to play on the wing just as well. What position do you expect to play in college?
A: I expect to be a combo guard, and probably do a lot of dirty work.
I'm sure Roundtree will be doing lots of dirty work (read: playing defense) and developing into an explosive offensive player in the college ranks. ...and yes, Torres, Saluki Nation is certainly looking forward to having you.
Roundtree reopened his recruitment over the summer giving Saluki fans some reason for concern. Recently he recommitted to SIU, completing the best '08 recruiting class in the state, (Sorry Bruce) and with 3 players in the top 2oo, it's probably one of the best in the country. Roundtree talks about this and other topics in a recent interview with stlhoopsinsider.com. Below is an excerpt from the interview where he talks about is recruitment and his future at SIU.
Q: Was the short period where you reopened your recruitment a healthy decision for you? Is your verbal to Southern Illinois even stronger today?
A: The decison was healthy to me, but when I look back it was a bad decision. All and all, I'm a Saluki and I hope Saluki Nation is looking forward to having me.
Q: You have shown the ability to play the point guard position effectively. With your size and athleticism, you are also able to play on the wing just as well. What position do you expect to play in college?
A: I expect to be a combo guard, and probably do a lot of dirty work.
I'm sure Roundtree will be doing lots of dirty work (read: playing defense) and developing into an explosive offensive player in the college ranks. ...and yes, Torres, Saluki Nation is certainly looking forward to having you.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Not Yet Familiar List 2007-08
The perennial contenders have reloaded and while the names may not be marquee right now, these newcomers should be ready to contribute right away.
Chris Cooks - Missouri State
Cooks is a 6'4", 210 lb. JUCO transfer that has the size/talent combination to create matchup problems as a 1,2, or 3 and he can really fill a stat sheet. As a sophomore last season, he averaged 14 ppg/7.5 reb/5 asts/3 stls for a team that finished 30-2.
P'Allen Stinnett - Creighton
As the Valley's only incoming 4-star recruit, word is probably already out on Stinnett. Explosive and a bit lanky, at 6'3" this guy's a definite talent. He's coming off of a year at prep school and should be ready to fill the power vacuum in Omaha.
Carlton Fay - Southern Illinois
Making a big jump from small school Illinois to the MVC, but it looks like he has the game to make it on the bigger stage. Capable of scoring inside and outside, at 6'8" Fay should be the exclamation point on the conference's most dangerous front court.
Ramon Clemente - Wichita State
Clemente is one of two players that first-year head coach Gregg Marshall says have already locked up a starting spot. Known for his play on both ends of the floor, this 6'6" JUCO transfer should be a double digit scorer in his first year.
Brandon Sampay - Illinois State
Another JUCO transfer, Sampay is 6'8" and draws attention on the blocks. Sampay will not amaze you, but he should get to double figures most nights and rip down some boards, too.
Worth a mention:
Carlton Reed - UNI - Former Iowa "Mr. Basketball" and transfer from Iowa that has broken his foot twice since August. Should be healthy in six weeks.
Chris Cooks - Missouri State
Cooks is a 6'4", 210 lb. JUCO transfer that has the size/talent combination to create matchup problems as a 1,2, or 3 and he can really fill a stat sheet. As a sophomore last season, he averaged 14 ppg/7.5 reb/5 asts/3 stls for a team that finished 30-2.
P'Allen Stinnett - Creighton
As the Valley's only incoming 4-star recruit, word is probably already out on Stinnett. Explosive and a bit lanky, at 6'3" this guy's a definite talent. He's coming off of a year at prep school and should be ready to fill the power vacuum in Omaha.
Carlton Fay - Southern Illinois
Making a big jump from small school Illinois to the MVC, but it looks like he has the game to make it on the bigger stage. Capable of scoring inside and outside, at 6'8" Fay should be the exclamation point on the conference's most dangerous front court.
Ramon Clemente - Wichita State
Clemente is one of two players that first-year head coach Gregg Marshall says have already locked up a starting spot. Known for his play on both ends of the floor, this 6'6" JUCO transfer should be a double digit scorer in his first year.
Brandon Sampay - Illinois State
Another JUCO transfer, Sampay is 6'8" and draws attention on the blocks. Sampay will not amaze you, but he should get to double figures most nights and rip down some boards, too.
Worth a mention:
Carlton Reed - UNI - Former Iowa "Mr. Basketball" and transfer from Iowa that has broken his foot twice since August. Should be healthy in six weeks.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
News and Notes
Jamaal Tatum was released by the Atlanta Hawks. Tatum has not been completely healthy this Fall and that hurt his chance to make the team. It looks like he'll have to prove himself in the D-League before getting a crack at the NBA.
In other news Randal Falker was named as a candidate for the John Wooden award. The current list of candidates consists of the top 50 players in the Nation and Falker is the lone candidate from the MVC.
The news about Falker being a top 50 player in the country makes me wonder about how much weight should be put into top 150 lists for recruits and player rankings. It's fun to see guys like Anthony Booker and Kevin Dillard on the list of top players headed to SIU, but for every Booker there is a guy like Falker who many of the so called "major" programs passed on and later became a top 50 player in the nation. Falker was never touted as a "four star" recruit but when it's all said and done he will have had a much better career than many of the players that were ranked ahead of him coming out of high school.
Also, give credit to Bruce Weber, Matt Painter, and Chris Lowery for being able to spot talent that others did not see.
In other news Randal Falker was named as a candidate for the John Wooden award. The current list of candidates consists of the top 50 players in the Nation and Falker is the lone candidate from the MVC.
The news about Falker being a top 50 player in the country makes me wonder about how much weight should be put into top 150 lists for recruits and player rankings. It's fun to see guys like Anthony Booker and Kevin Dillard on the list of top players headed to SIU, but for every Booker there is a guy like Falker who many of the so called "major" programs passed on and later became a top 50 player in the nation. Falker was never touted as a "four star" recruit but when it's all said and done he will have had a much better career than many of the players that were ranked ahead of him coming out of high school.
Also, give credit to Bruce Weber, Matt Painter, and Chris Lowery for being able to spot talent that others did not see.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Notes from Tuesday's Practice
Tuesday's practice was open to the media and I was able to ask Chris Lowery and Carlton Fay a few questions and take some notes on the Saluki scrimmage.I asked Lowery if this non-conference schedule was the most difficult that he has ever had as a coach or a player, he said "Definitely, a lot of the teams we're playing have a chance to win their conference." Lowery explained that the tough schedule isn't just about the RPI but it also shows that the team isn't scheduling "gimme games" just to get a win.
Last year, in the early going, opponents had success playing zone defense against the Salukis. When I asked Lowery about prepping for the zone, he responded "The thing we had to figure out last year was how to get Randal the ball and get the other big men in foul trouble. That's something that we really executed well the last few months and it allowed us to get JT and Tony wide open shots from the perimeter."
Carlton Fay described the first week of practice as "very physical and tough" he mentioned "closeouts and moving my feet" as areas that needed improvement. Once shoot around started, Randal Falker pestered Fay as he took his shots but Fay was able to hit time after time from long range. During the practice, Fay was hounded by Lowery to move faster up and down the floor. When the scrimmage began Fay appeared to injure himself on defense. He was able to walk off the floor just fine, but did not immediately return. Below is video of the play when the injury appeared to have happened.
Nick Evans came into the scrimmage (sporting a black eye) after Fay left but did not look ready to compete against the other players. Based on what I saw from him I expect to see him redshirt this season.
Brandon Wood participated in full contact scrimmage today. He previously sat out the Maroon Madness scrimmage while recovering from a shoulder injury.
Tony Boyle (hand) did some layup drills using his left hand and even dunked the ball with his left hand at one point. He was held out of scrimmage but if he can develop his left hand and keep his conditioning he shouldn't really be too far behind once he returns.
Christian Cornelius (knee) participated in the conditioning portion of practice but was held out of scrimmage.
Jordan Armstrong is featured in the first clip below scoring on an assist from Matt Shaw. Armstrong could get a shot this year but it's worth mentioning that he finished last during opening wind sprints. The second clip is the one with Fay (red jersey) limping at the end of the play. It doesn't appear to be too serious.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Looking for a Valley Preview?
There are 13 days remaining until the Salukis take the floor against King in the home opener, which is just enough time to fully digest all of the available preseason coverage. I've been to plenty of sites and bought most of the major magazines, but the Valley preview from USA Today is guaranteed to be on my desk for the next two weeks and beyond. The only thing missing is a full roster with height/weight and I recommend it as a jumping off point.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Anaheim Classic (early) Preview
Turkey and College Basketball are two of my favorite things and I can't think of a better way to combine the two than watching the Salukis play in the Anaheim Classic on Thanksgiving Day.
The only disadvantage to a Thanksgiving Day game is having to make arrangements to actually see the game. What if you're at a family member's house for the big meal and they don't have ESPNU? What time is the game? When are the second and third round games going to be played? Who will the Salukis be matched up against? At Salukihoops we're here to help answer those questions (but you're going to have to deal with your in-laws on your own).
According to this press release ESPNU will be televising SIU vs Tennessee-Chattanooga at 3pm Central on Thanksgiving Day. This is an excellent time slot for most Saluki fans. You can enjoy a hearty feast around noon, take a Tryptophan induced nap and still have plenty of time to get yourself in front of a television for the big game.
Chris Lowery and Co. will be able to scout two opponents at once when SIU's first round foe, Tennessee-Chattanooga, plays at Indiana on November 12th. Chattanooga is a team that is willing to play "one and dones" vs major conference opponents. Last season they lost on the road to Kentucky and suffered a 49 point beat down at the hands of the Florida Gators. Chattanooga is returning only two starters from a 15-18 team last season so this is a favorable match up for the Salukis.
If the Salukis are able to win their first round game they will play on Saturday Nov. 23rd at 2pm Central. Their second round opponent will be either Mississippi State or U.C.-Irvine.
Mississippi State is led by 6-8 senior Charles Rhodes. Rhodes has been all-SEC two straight years and contemplated leaving early for the NBA this summer but eventually withdrew from draft consideration. 6-3 Soph. Ben Hansbrough shot 41% from downtown as a freshman, averaging 7 points and 3 assists. Mississippi St is a talented team but the Salukis definitely have the personnel to match up against them just fine.
UC-Irvine, like Tennessee-Chattanooga, is coming off of a sub .500 season and both teams will be underdogs in the first round. However, this IS college basketball and anything is possible so stay tuned.
On the other side of the bracket, teams from USC, San Diego, Miami (Ohio), and South Alabama will square off. Regardless of how the first two games play out the Salukis will play one of those opponents on Sunday. The match up most Saluki fans would like to see would be the Dawgs vs. Tim Floyd, O.J. Mayo, and the USC Trojans in the Championship game. ESPN2 will televise the 3rd place game at 8pm on Sunday night and the Championship game will follow at 10pm Central.
So get your stuffing ready, and then reserve your spot on the couch for Saluki basketball this Thanksgiving... oh yeah, one other thing... make sure you wake up from that nap in time for tip off.
The only disadvantage to a Thanksgiving Day game is having to make arrangements to actually see the game. What if you're at a family member's house for the big meal and they don't have ESPNU? What time is the game? When are the second and third round games going to be played? Who will the Salukis be matched up against? At Salukihoops we're here to help answer those questions (but you're going to have to deal with your in-laws on your own).According to this press release ESPNU will be televising SIU vs Tennessee-Chattanooga at 3pm Central on Thanksgiving Day. This is an excellent time slot for most Saluki fans. You can enjoy a hearty feast around noon, take a Tryptophan induced nap and still have plenty of time to get yourself in front of a television for the big game.
Chris Lowery and Co. will be able to scout two opponents at once when SIU's first round foe, Tennessee-Chattanooga, plays at Indiana on November 12th. Chattanooga is a team that is willing to play "one and dones" vs major conference opponents. Last season they lost on the road to Kentucky and suffered a 49 point beat down at the hands of the Florida Gators. Chattanooga is returning only two starters from a 15-18 team last season so this is a favorable match up for the Salukis.
If the Salukis are able to win their first round game they will play on Saturday Nov. 23rd at 2pm Central. Their second round opponent will be either Mississippi State or U.C.-Irvine.
Mississippi State is led by 6-8 senior Charles Rhodes. Rhodes has been all-SEC two straight years and contemplated leaving early for the NBA this summer but eventually withdrew from draft consideration. 6-3 Soph. Ben Hansbrough shot 41% from downtown as a freshman, averaging 7 points and 3 assists. Mississippi St is a talented team but the Salukis definitely have the personnel to match up against them just fine.
UC-Irvine, like Tennessee-Chattanooga, is coming off of a sub .500 season and both teams will be underdogs in the first round. However, this IS college basketball and anything is possible so stay tuned.
On the other side of the bracket, teams from USC, San Diego, Miami (Ohio), and South Alabama will square off. Regardless of how the first two games play out the Salukis will play one of those opponents on Sunday. The match up most Saluki fans would like to see would be the Dawgs vs. Tim Floyd, O.J. Mayo, and the USC Trojans in the Championship game. ESPN2 will televise the 3rd place game at 8pm on Sunday night and the Championship game will follow at 10pm Central.
So get your stuffing ready, and then reserve your spot on the couch for Saluki basketball this Thanksgiving... oh yeah, one other thing... make sure you wake up from that nap in time for tip off.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Maroon Madness Coverage
Enjoy the video highlights from Maroon Madness! We'll be back later with more coverage and don't miss the Saluki Hoops preview show on 91.1 FM WDBX Sunday at 10am.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Women's Hoops
This season the introduction for the SIU Women's basketball team has a nice ring to it- "Defending Valley Champs". Not that Dana Eikenberg would dwell on that for even a second. When asked about coming back from the MVC title run she said "We know that the mark is on our back, but my intensity and hunger to make the program the best in the Valley on a consistent basis hasn't changed and I don't expect our players (intensity) to change either"
Coming off of a 21 win season with three returning starters Coach Eikenberg has lined up a non-conference schedule that she describes as "suicide" in November. The Saluki Women will play 4 NCAA Tournament teams and the NAIA National Champions from last season. Included in that stretch is a match up in Champaign against the University of Illinois.
This team has 6 incoming freshmen and Eikenberg sees at least 4 of them contributing right away. Such a large class will be a major part of the future of the program and Eikenberg has posed the question for the newcomers-"Do you want to be the most successful class in the history of the program?" Starting with Harris-Stowe on Nov. 1st they will get a chance to answer that question on the court.
Senior Guard/Forward Jayme Sweere will play a huge role on the team this season. Jayme is the leading returning scorer and coming off of an MVC All-Second team selection in 2007. When asked about her role with the freshman she said "after four years with Dana I have a pretty good feel of her expectations, and I feel like I can give the freshmen good insight into what (Eikenberg) expects from them and what they are capable of."
Expect a deeper rotation this season allowing for increased defensive intensity, which could allow the team to push the ball more in transition. For a team that had problems scoring at times last year, more fastbreak points could make the difference in a few games this year. Basketball fans can count on another exciting season from the Women's team this year as they look for back to back conference titles and an NCAA Tournament bid.
Coming off of a 21 win season with three returning starters Coach Eikenberg has lined up a non-conference schedule that she describes as "suicide" in November. The Saluki Women will play 4 NCAA Tournament teams and the NAIA National Champions from last season. Included in that stretch is a match up in Champaign against the University of Illinois.
This team has 6 incoming freshmen and Eikenberg sees at least 4 of them contributing right away. Such a large class will be a major part of the future of the program and Eikenberg has posed the question for the newcomers-"Do you want to be the most successful class in the history of the program?" Starting with Harris-Stowe on Nov. 1st they will get a chance to answer that question on the court.
Senior Guard/Forward Jayme Sweere will play a huge role on the team this season. Jayme is the leading returning scorer and coming off of an MVC All-Second team selection in 2007. When asked about her role with the freshman she said "after four years with Dana I have a pretty good feel of her expectations, and I feel like I can give the freshmen good insight into what (Eikenberg) expects from them and what they are capable of."
Expect a deeper rotation this season allowing for increased defensive intensity, which could allow the team to push the ball more in transition. For a team that had problems scoring at times last year, more fastbreak points could make the difference in a few games this year. Basketball fans can count on another exciting season from the Women's team this year as they look for back to back conference titles and an NCAA Tournament bid.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
SIU Media Day
As the weather slowly begins to fade from Summer to Fall here in Southern Illinois the 07-08 season has begun to draw near for Saluki basketball. Tuesday afternoon was SIU Media Day and players and coaches were available to answer questions for local media. Below are some quotes and a summary of the interviews.
Want to listen to all the interviews in their entirety? Tune in to the Saluki Hoops Season Preview Show on 91.1 WDBX on Sunday at 10am. We'll have a full preview of both the Men's and Women's basketball teams, interviews with Chris Lowery, Dana Eikenberg, Saluki players, and finally we'll go around the MVC with our preseason picks for the Valley.
Today on Saluki Hoops we'll recap the Men's interviews and later this week we'll check back in with Dana Eikenberg and the Women's team.
Wesley Clemmons seems ready to make the transition from bench player to starter.
When asked about changes in his game for this year he said he "is ready to be more of a scoring threat". Over the offseason Wesley said he "worked on his pull-up jumper, creating space from his defender, taking the ball to the bucket, and finishing around the rim".
When asked about his busy off season Randal Falker described it as "fatiguing" but also believed that all his work over the summer has improved his game. Randal said he worked very hard on his shooting this summer, particularly his free throw shooting. He said his goal is to shoot 75% from the free throw line this season. Falker led the Salukis with 221 free throw attempts last season and made only 54%. If he can bump his percentage into the 70% range that could be a difference maker in close games against good teams this season.
Carlton Fay described the initial transition from single A high school basketball to playing against Shaw and Falker as "mind blowing". He also added that Shaw and Falker have helped him prepare for the season with advice on conditioning. When asked about what made him choose Southern he said wanted to "go somewhere he could win" and being comfortable with the coaching staff and players made it "a real easy choice".
Nick Evans said his goal is to improve in every aspect of the game and contribute in any way that he can. To prepare for the season he said he "basically lived with Coach Kline" working out on the football field every morning, lifting weights, and playing pickup ball.
Coach Lowery answered the obligatory Tatum and Young question by saying "We don't put pressure on people by saying, 'Hey you've got to be the next guy,' but guys know that there are four guards in the lineup with two open positions to start. That's competition enough to get guys to improve their games to be a starter, or to be a role player- whatever role you have to fill".
This year's team will have more size at the guard spot so I asked Coach Lowery about the team using that size to create more transition offense. Lowery said that this year they will be "bigger and more physical and that should mean that we can sneak more points in transition and become a better rebounding team".
Want to listen to all the interviews in their entirety? Tune in to the Saluki Hoops Season Preview Show on 91.1 WDBX on Sunday at 10am. We'll have a full preview of both the Men's and Women's basketball teams, interviews with Chris Lowery, Dana Eikenberg, Saluki players, and finally we'll go around the MVC with our preseason picks for the Valley.
Today on Saluki Hoops we'll recap the Men's interviews and later this week we'll check back in with Dana Eikenberg and the Women's team.
Wesley Clemmons seems ready to make the transition from bench player to starter.
When asked about changes in his game for this year he said he "is ready to be more of a scoring threat". Over the offseason Wesley said he "worked on his pull-up jumper, creating space from his defender, taking the ball to the bucket, and finishing around the rim".
When asked about his busy off season Randal Falker described it as "fatiguing" but also believed that all his work over the summer has improved his game. Randal said he worked very hard on his shooting this summer, particularly his free throw shooting. He said his goal is to shoot 75% from the free throw line this season. Falker led the Salukis with 221 free throw attempts last season and made only 54%. If he can bump his percentage into the 70% range that could be a difference maker in close games against good teams this season.
Carlton Fay described the initial transition from single A high school basketball to playing against Shaw and Falker as "mind blowing". He also added that Shaw and Falker have helped him prepare for the season with advice on conditioning. When asked about what made him choose Southern he said wanted to "go somewhere he could win" and being comfortable with the coaching staff and players made it "a real easy choice".
Nick Evans said his goal is to improve in every aspect of the game and contribute in any way that he can. To prepare for the season he said he "basically lived with Coach Kline" working out on the football field every morning, lifting weights, and playing pickup ball.
Coach Lowery answered the obligatory Tatum and Young question by saying "We don't put pressure on people by saying, 'Hey you've got to be the next guy,' but guys know that there are four guards in the lineup with two open positions to start. That's competition enough to get guys to improve their games to be a starter, or to be a role player- whatever role you have to fill".
This year's team will have more size at the guard spot so I asked Coach Lowery about the team using that size to create more transition offense. Lowery said that this year they will be "bigger and more physical and that should mean that we can sneak more points in transition and become a better rebounding team".
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