SIUE Make-Over Continues

(Edwardsville, IL) – Six wins and 22 losses is not a record any first year head coach enjoys. But Southern Illinois Edwardsville’s Jon Harris remains optimistic that his building program is right on schedule.

Harris’ experience as an assistant coach is helping him maintain the long view. As an assistant at Marquette, Missouri State, Tennessee and California, Harris watched as programs both rebuilt and maintained successful systems. Working for Tom Crean and Cuonzo Martin also helped Harris learn different approaches to a successful program.

Harris is upbeat and says that despite the difficult first season, he is grateful for the opportunity. So that our faithful readers can get to know Coach Harris, we also asked him to play a little ‘word association’ concerning California Head Coach Cuonzo Martin, Bradley’s Brian Wardle, the NBA’s Dwyane Wade and his high school basketball coach Mike Waldo.

 

 

SIUE has some key returning players, including their two leading scorers Burak Eslik and Carlos Anderson. Seven new players join the Cougar roster in 2016-17. Two transfers, Trey Harris and Glenn Pierre and five freshmen represent the hopes of SIUE fans.

Harris seems genuinely excited about his expanded talent pool. Trey Harris (K-State) and Pierre (College of Charleston) have Division 1 experience and have the skill set to compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.

 

 

Anderson, a sophomore from nearby Alton High and Jackson from Cardinal Ritter Prep (St. Louis) indicate Coach Harris’ ability to crack the talent rich St. Louis prep basketball community.

The haul of talent provides some needed experience, size and more perimeter scoring helping SIUE fans join Harris in some cautious optimism.

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