Going Pro- Matt Shaw signs with Spanish league

Matt Shaw is headed to the Canary Islands to play professionally in the Spanish league. WSIL is reporting that it's a one year deal worth 40k.

Shaw's size combined with his ability to shoot the three is a big reason that he was given the opportunity to play at the next level. Once the Spanish league season starts I'll try post a few updates on how Shaw is doing. The next question is when will Randal Falker sign a pro deal?

Salukis get verbal from '09 PG Kendal Brown

Chris Lowery landed his first '09 verbal on Tuesday. Kendal Brown, a PG from Lowery's old stomping grounds, Harrison High School in Evansville, Indiana. Brown wasn't heavily recruited by major schools but that doesn't mean he can't have a big impact for the Salukis. Averaging 15 points and 5 assists as a junior, Brown has shown the quickness and athleticism necessary to succeed at the next level.

Looking ahead to the '09 class, Kevin Dillard will be a sophomore and Tony Freeman will begin play as a 5th year senior. Unless there is an injury to Dillard or Freeman it would probably make sense to redshirt Brown, but that decision is still a long way off. For now it's good to see the '09 class shaping up and with the point guard position squared away, Lowery can now focus on landing a big man for '09. Mike Broghammer and Drew Kelly are two likely targets.

Tony Freeman to SIU

Iowa's leading scorer and 3rd team All Big Ten guard Tony Freeman is heading to SIU. Freeman will have to sit out a season, but he will certainly help soften the blow of Bryan Mullins impending graduation after next year. Freeman will have one year of eligibility remaining for the Salukis. More to come...

Salukis add another guard for '08

A team that was lacking in guard depth last season shouldn't have any problems in that department next season. Adding to an already deep '08 class the Salukis have apparently received a verbal commitment from all-state guard Ryan Hare.

Hare originally committed to Oregon State, but now intends to sign with SIU once the spring signing period begins.

Reports on Hare indicate that he is a strong defender who attacks the basket and features a college ready frame. If he's as strong as advertised he shouldn't need a redshirt and could conceivably compete for minutes right away.

The Coaching Carousel

It's that time of the year again, when the final buzzer sounds and coaches from around the country put up "for sale" signs in their front yards and leave their respective jobs for greener pastures.

With the Salukis having so much success over the past few seasons it's only natural that Chris Lowery would be a target for other schools who are looking to pay top dollar for his services.

This year is no different- rumors have linked Lowery to Oklahoma State if the Cowboys can't land Bill Self. At this point it appears to be mostly speculation, but Saluki fans have been conditioned to major conference schools taking an interest in their head coach.

As long as the Salukis are successful there will always be a program on the prowl that can afford to offer more money to a head coach than SIU can afford to match. Such is life in Southern Illinois.

The Salukis have built a rock solid program despite falling victim to the coaching carousel, and have responded by signing Chris Lowery to a competitive long term contract. So should Saluki fans fret over rumors of Lowery's departure? A coaching change would certainly present a new set of challenges for the program, but life would go on.

Will Lowery actually leave? I doubt it, but no one really knows for sure. What I do know is that as long as SIU has a top 25 caliber team this conversation will be a yearly occurrence, and for Saluki fans thats a nice problem to have.