(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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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
