Salukis Could Contend

(St. Louis, MO) – Southern Illinois is flying under the radar, but don’t be fooled, SIU could be extremely good. With six returning seniors, two juniors and two high level post players, the Salukis could challenge for the Valley crown.

Loyola has garnered the national headlines and Illinois State has a star-studded line-up, but this is Barry Hinson’s best team since taking over in Carbondale.  The Egyptian Dawgs finished second to Loyola last season and bring virtually every player back from last year’s 20-win team.

SIU returns second team, all-conference wing Armon Fletcher, third-teamer Kavion Pippen and all-defensive team member Sean Lloyd. Fletcher (14.1 points per game) is the fifth highest returning Valley scorer. Lloyd’s 1.6 steals per game are the most by any returning player, and senior Marcus Bartley returns as the SIU’s point guard. His 3.6 assists  per game led the team.

Pippen (12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds) is a power forward that exploded on the Valley scene. He’ll be joined in the Saluki frontcourt by center Thik Bol. The 6’8 senior returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury. Bol averaged 9.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and over two blocks per game 2016-17. When healthy, Bol is a dominant defensive player.

Hinson says Bol’s knee won’t be healthy all season, but he will play and will make a difference.

 

 

Bartley & Depth

SIU’s second place finish was a testament to their team resolve. From missing Bol all season, Bartley at the beginning and Eric McGill most of the year (he played ten games), the Salukis played short-handed all season.

Bartley’s season started late due to a broken wrist. The Saint Louis U transfer is an outstanding shooter and distributor. He led the Billikens in three-point shooting during both of his seasons in the Atlantic-10.

Hinson says he is ready to see Bartley break out as one of the best shooters in the Valley and he’s looking forward to having some depth on this year’s Saluki team.

 

 

Advantage of Age

A pair of juniors will play significant roles on this senior laden team. St. Louisian Aaron Cook was named to last year’s ‘most improved team’ while leading the Salukis in three-point shooting and averaging 9.8 points per game.

Eric McGill played just ten games last season. Torn ligaments in his hand ended his season. Senior guard Sean Lloyd says McGill will be a major contributor to this year’s team. He averaged 5.0 points in his ten games.

The most important player could be Fletcher. If he can elevate his game to ‘player of the year’ status the Salukis could contend for a Valley title. Every recent MVC title winner has been led by an all league type of performer. The Edwardsville, Illinois native is 52 points shy of 1,000 for his SIU career and has a chance to be a marquis player.

Hinson says Fletcher has to add other things to his high-level scoring game. The coach and defensive specialist Lloyd say this veteran team will be well prepared for the season.

 

 

Most Valley watchers are pointing to Loyola and Illinois State as the MVC favorites, but despite the hype the Salukis could contend for their first title since 2007.

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