(St. Louis, MO) – An emotional and appreciative Barry Hinson was named Missouri Valley Coach of the Year at the Valley’s annual, pre-tournament banquet. The Southern Illinois head coach engineered one of the greatest basketball turn arounds in this year’s college season.
The Salukis (22-9) have won ten more games than last season and despite being picked to finish tenth in the Valley’s pre-season poll, finished fourth with a league mark of 11-9.
Hinson was particularly appreciative of the award, because he once worked for legendary head coach Henry Iba who was the first Valley coach of the year recipient. In his own folksy way Hinson thanked and mocked many of those who gave him a standing ovation during the moving announcement by broadcaster Mitch Holthus.
Hinson who formerly coached at Missouri State, spoke glowingly of the Missouri Valley Conference, stating that the whole time he was an assistant at Kansas, he longed to be back ‘home.’ He is the owner of the fourth most wins in Valley coaching history with 231. Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall, who finished second in the balloting is fifth with 227.
Hinson’s Salukis play Northern Iowa (19-12) on Friday afternoon.
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
