BASKETBALL: Salukis on close watch under Lowery this season
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Surprise!
That's one way for a cynical writer to report on SIU being placed ninth in pre-season voting of Missouri Valley Conference's 2012 final basketball standings.
The 40 people submitting votes were coaches, media members and sports information directors from the 10 schools in the league and a large majority of that group are fairly knowledgeable about the subject.
There was no surprise involved . . . not after those doing the voting took into consideration that the Salukis, who have finished eighth and ninth in the league the last two seasons, have only two starters returning from last year and two others who averaged 17 minutes per game. Still some would consider that to be a blessing.
All efforts at being "wise" aside, SIU's basketball program is in trouble. It's as simple as that.
Three seasons ago, the Salukis finished 13-18 (8-10 in the MVC) and finished fifth. The following year they were 15-15 (6-12) and ninth. Last season they were 13-19 (5-13) and eighth. And, we haven't heard anyone, other than head coach Chris Lowery, offer any optimism about the upcoming season.
We sincerely hope he's in position to yell from the rooftops "I told you so" next March.
Of course, it could happen, but . . . .
Surely the world, as well as every reader of this column, realize my strong feelings for the Salukis. After spending 35 of the most enjoyable years of my long life as an athletics staff member and 35 others as a fan, SIU sports is a major part of my life. That doesn't mean that I am ridiculously in favor of all that transpires in Lingle Hall and its adjoining complex.
Three losing seasons in a row, however, with a fourth a strong possibility, all but forces even the most loyal SIU fans to be concerned. One of my concerns is the fact that a strong majority of SIU's players are from outside the midwest where basketball has long been recognized as the sport's hub for years. This year's roster has players from Virginia, New York, Arizona, Missouri, Ohio and Georgia. Two are from Illinois, one from Indiana.
If Harry Whitt, a 6-11 freshman from Tucson, winds up being a super Saluki, all power to him and to SIU's coaching staff for recruiting him. However, if he slips through SIU's swinging door like so many others have, we're going to ask, "Why?".
Anyone wanting to argue could quickly put me down by pointing out the many standout players, like Walt Frazier, Mike Glenn, the Abrams brothers, so many others, who have left homes in Georgia to play at SIU. Their points are endless and solid.
So, before I lose my seat in SIU's press box, perhaps it's time to congratulate football coach Dale Lennon on the Salukis' strong showing last week at Northern Iowa and wish them the best of luck this week when they're challenged again in Saluki Stadium by Illinois State's Redbirds with a record-setting quarterback from Marion.
It's still not too late for SIU to salvage a decent season's record and spot in final conference standings. Possible playoff bids went by the wayside a couple of weeks ago, but with Illinois State, South Dakota State, Eastern Illinois and Indiana State still on the schedule, a winning season is possible.
It'll be another busy weekend at SIU . . . football at 2:30 Saturday afternoon in the stadium and the first exhibition basketball game Sunday afternoon in the Arena.