The key to this season is Benson staying healthy and out of foul trouble.
Given the scarce size on the roster, his durability will definitely be a key.
In the bigger picture, Southern’s ceiling this year goes back to its ability to score. You’d think a Mullins-led team with some athleticism should be able to defend, but there just isn’t much proven scoring punch on the roster.
Has anybody heard if Karrington Davis is eligible and on pace to be healthy enough to start the season?
The key to this season is Benson staying healthy and out of foul trouble.
Given the scarce size on the roster, his durability will definitely be a key.
In the bigger picture, Southern’s ceiling this year goes back to its ability to score. You’d think a Mullins-led team with some athleticism should be able to defend, but there just isn’t much proven scoring punch on the roster.
Due to the previous regime's ineptitude in running an offense I think we should be able to score just as many points per game with much better defense and effort. I just feel like Benson could be a 15 ppg + & 8-10 Reb player in the Valley. Cook & McGill you be good for 10+ a game. Just need a couple more guys like Davis, Suggs, Domask or Francois to step up and score some points. I think we can stay out of Thursday games if this happens.
To be honest, I'm not terribly optimistic about this year, I'm guessing were playing on Thursday.
But long-term things are looking good.
Although unproven, I think there's some guys on this roster that can score. SIU has all the makings of a team capable of surprising if they gel. I just wish we had one more reliable big body available for depth. The departure of William still stings. If he'd been granted a waiver, that would've changed the outlook considerably.
Also, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of SIU adding a mid-season transfer big.
--Insert something witty here--
Although unproven, I think there's some guys on this roster that can score. SIU has all the makings of a team capable of surprising if they gel. I just wish we had one more reliable big body available for depth. The departure of William still stings. If he'd been granted a waiver, that would've changed the outlook considerably.
Also, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of SIU adding a mid-season transfer big.
Totally agree BFM and hope you are a prophet!
March on triumphantly!
Athlon and Lindy's both have SIU in the #9 slot in their CBB preview mags; as at least I expected, we had zero players listed in their 1st and 2nd All-MVC team predictions.
Missouri State I believe was picked first in both, with Tulio as POY in one and Krutwig POY in the other.
Been reading up on MVC teams as practice gets underway. If teams stay relatively healthy, should be a really fun year around the league. However, it looks like a really tall order for Southern to avoid Thursday this year. We’ll see what some of the newcomers bring to the table and what kind of defensive identity Mullins can create, but there really don’t appear to be any lousy rosters around the league this year. Success will have to be earned, which is how it should be.
I am writing a preview slowly but surely and 9th is about right but 5th is probably the ceiling
Valley preview from a small CBB site called the Three Man Weave - SIU is picked in the #10 slot:
https://www.three-man-weave.com/3mw/mis ... 20-preview
Pretty well written though - this goes into way more detail than any other conference previews that I've seen.
Good article. Guy has done his homework. My picks:
1. 3 way tie: Bradley, Loyola, Mo. State
4. UNI, Drake
6. The SIU, Redturds
8. Evansville
9. Ind. St.
10. Valpo
Liked his comment about our best recruit, 1st team All-Stater Lance Jones: "Jones is a super shifty, athletic, and strong guard who can shoot from deep. I love his game and think he can be a very good player in the MVC in the near future."
One of the sports gambling sites I read have the Salukis at a surprising 7th noting the following:
"Bryan Mullins enters year one as a first time head coach in Carbondale, Illinois. Mullins played for SIU from 05-09 so they welcome one of their own back to town. I know it’s year one but there is plenty of room for optimism with the Salukis this year.
The team appears to be a bit undersized but Mullins wasted no time in bringing in some grad transfers in guard Ronnie Suggs from Missouri as well as Barrett Benson from Northwestern. Mix that in with veteran point guard Aaron Cook returning and maybe the Salukis can surprise some in the MVC this year."
