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.

Was it a failure?

The roar of the crowd is now a distant echo. The custodial staff has slicked up the Arena and only the hum of the exit signs drifts over the hardwood.

Meanwhile, national TV crews have long since flown to distant sites. In Southern Illinois hoops fans have turned to watching high school baseball or piloting bass boats around chilly lakes. Most fans, however, are back knocking out a 9 to 5 job, or hitting the books. Yes, here the season is over, but a question lingers.....

Was it a failure?

No, the 2008 Salukis 18-15 season was not a failure. In fact, it should not even be mentioned in the same sentence with the word. This year's Dawgs made us proud.

Certainly, we hoped for more. A berth in the NCAA and another sweet 16. Perhaps a conference title and three wins at ScottTrade.

The Salukis have accomplished so much in recent seasons as to create an unquenchable thirst for more distinctions among their legions of fans.

This time banners with colors other than maroon and white flew in victory.

Western Kentucky, Illinois State, and Drake and many more earned their success this season. That the Dawgs were fairly beaten down 15 times, by various opponents is the gift our foes have given us.

Defeat engenders the grim resolve to shoot another half hour after practice....to lift one more set in the steamy weight room, or to run more sprints when you think you're too tired.

This year's Salukis certainly lacked in certain ways, but their effort was never in doubt. Surely, they were discouraged at times, but they drew themselves up and ripped Oklahoma State when some teams would have given a half-hearted effort. They went down battling at Arizona State with two of their best men sidelined by injury. From seniors on down, they learned, and college is about learning.

Sometimes you learn you don't always win.

But these Salukis are winners. Coach Lowrey is a winner and a fine man, at that. He's also an exceptionally good teacher. With talented recruits on the way SIU's basketball future is bright.

Salukis fall in NIT second round

Losing Bryan Mullins was a difficult blow but an additional injury to Tony Boyle left the Salukis short handed on the road, a combination that was too much to overcome.

Give Arizona St credit, they have a really solid club that probably should have made the NCAA Tournament. Southern might not of been able to beat them on their home court even at full strength.

The Salukis finish the season with 18 wins, which isn't too bad for a "down year". They didn't have much depth at guard this year, and it showed. Next year Chris Lowery should have plenty of options to choose from returning a solid group of players in addition to adding some key recruits for 08-09.