Southern Illinois Salukis (13-19, 5-13)
Projected starting five:
Sr. F Mamadou Seck
Jr. G Kendal Brown-Surles
Sr. G Justin Bocot
So. G Diamond Taylor
So. F Davante Drinkard
Important departures:
Carlton Fay: 12.7 ppg, 4 rpg
Gene Teague: 8.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg
John Freeman: 5.6 ppg
Mykel Cleveland: 3.2 ppg
Percent returning:
Starts: 43.8 percent
Minutes: 45.2 percent
Scoring: 42.0 percent
Rebounding: 46.6 percent
Additions:
Along with several junior transfers, SIU will welcome a strong incoming freshman class. Forward Antonio Bryer and center Harry Whitt join the Salukis from Fishburne Military Academy. Bryer was averaging a double-double before going down with a season-ending injury last season. Treg Setty also comes after being named an all-state selection and to the Kentucky All-Star team as a senior at Mason County High School.
Toughest nonconference match ups:
Dec. 22 vs. Kansas State
Outlook:
Although the future looks bright for Southern Illinois, this season appears as it will be another struggle. The Salukis lost a lot of experience and depth from a squad that was already sitting near the MVC’s cellar in 2010-11. Only two seniors are on this year’s roster, including Mamadou Seck, a preseason All-MVC candidate.
