Kelly still an '09 option for Salukis

Update- 9-1-2008, Kelly is heading to Miami, OH. This is a good pull for the RedHawks. Speaking of Miami, OH they may make sense as a future opponent for the Salukis. Last season the RedHawks finished with an RPI of 73, the Salukis finished with an RPI of 62.

How important is coaching continuity to recruiting? 6-7 forward Drew Kelly was on his way to Western Kentucky before their coach, Darrin Horn, departed for South Carolina. "I would have gone there for sure" said Kelly. As of right now Kelly doesn't have an offer from the new WKU staff and Horn doesn't have a scholarship open for him and South Carolina.

What does that mean for the Salukis? With Tony Boyle scheduled to graduate after this season, the Dawgs have a strong need for a big man to compliment Booker, Fay, and Evans. Unfortunately the '09 class for big men is not particularly deep. While it appears that Mike Broghammer is heading elsewhere Kelly could fill a need the Salukis while giving himself a good opportunity to play right away on a winning team.

A two sport athlete from Franklin, Tennessee; Kelly also has football offers from Louisville, Vanderbilt, and Memphis but says he would prefer to play on the hardwood at the college level.

Kelly has said he likes SIU, but Miami of Ohio, Notre Dame and Iowa are also in pursuit. It's too early to tell if he'll choose Southern Illinois, but when you combine Kelly's strength in defense and rebounding with the Floorburn U style of play there's no doubt he'd look good in the Maroon and White.

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.