There has been lots of talk about the 2008 Saluki recruiting class recently so let's take a look at what Chris Lowery has lined up for '08.
Justin Bocot- Bocot is an elite scorer who averaged 20 points a game his senior year in Bloomington. He had some difficulties in the classroom but was able to achieve an acceptable score on his ACT and is enrolled at SIU this year. Bocot has not been granted eligibility to play for the Salukis in 2007 but as long as everything goes well in the classroom he will step right into the guard rotation in 2008.
Anthony Booker- Booker has been tearing it up this summer and was recently named the #29 recruit in the Nation by scout.com. He is probably the highest ranked recruit in SIU history. Even with his recent accomplishments Booker has firmly stated he is not interested in going anywhere but SIU. I was able to watch Booker at SIU Arena this summer and he looks very polished. He has good footwork, a strong defensive presence, and a nice looking jump shot. Booker will be a superstar in the Valley.
Kevin Dillard- Also a top 150 recruit, Dillard is a true Point Guard who will get a chance to play one season with Brian Mullins before he takes the leading role as a sophomore in '09. Not only does Dillard have great handle, he can also stroke the three ball, making him a big time weapon for the Salukis.
Those three players alone would make a stellar recruiting class for any Valley team. Landing at least two top 150 recuits is nice for SIU especally considering the Illini have landed exactly zero players off that list... but the Salukis are not done yet. Chris Lowery is looking to bring in at least one and probably two more recruits for 2008. Lets take a look at some of these potential Salukis.
Torres Roundtree- Saluki fans- welcome to the world of big time recruiting. Torres Roundtree had originally given a verbal commitment to Chris Lowery and has now pulled back from that commitment. Dave Telep of scout.com estimates that 15 to 20 percent of the top 300 '08 recruits have "decommited" (Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News notes that this is not a real word).
My opinion on Roundtree is well documented on this site. He is going to be an outstanding college player and could have easily been on the top 150 list. When it's all said and done Roundtree could be considered as a four star recruit. He is currently making his rounds at USC and Missouri but I think there is a good chance that he will still end up at SIU. Saluki fans should not lose any sleep over his decision because of the great class that is already lined up for '08 combined with the fact that Lowery is in contact with the other talented recruits listed below.
Kyle Kuric- A 6-5 shooting guard who can get his shot off over anybody, Kuric shot 48% from the arc last year. Lowery has an offer on the table but Kuric could be waiting to see if he will receive an offer from Indiana, Duke, or Louisville who have all shown interest. Kuric would be a great get for the Salukis. Update:Kuric has an offer from Michigan as well.
Scott Suggs- A 6-6 four star guard, plays AAU ball for the St. Louis Eagles. Suggs is getting looks from Illinois and Missouri as well. Update: Suggs has given a verbal to Lorenzo Romar and will join Carbondale native Justin Dentmon at Washington.
Josh Crittle- A 6-8 center from Chicago, Crittle has a long list of schools looking at him so SIU can't be considered a favorite for his services at this point. However, the big man does play AAU ball with Kevin Dillard so there might be a connection there for Chris Lowery.
This is the time of year when its great to know that your program has a guy like Lowery out there working to land the best available talent. Lowery is a master on the recruiting trail and the future is bright for Saluki hoops. If Lowery can get any two of these recruits to team with Dillard, Bocot, Booker this is the class that could lead SIU to the final four.
If you've heard any new recruiting info feel free to email me- salukihoops @ gmail.com or head over to Salukitalk to interact with other Saluki fans on the net.
