(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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