SIU Losing Much More Then Just Games

What has happened to the Southern Illinois basketball program?  That's the question that is being asked across many mid major campuses.  

The Salukis who missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in six years last year continue to take steps backwards this season.  Southern Illinois 5-8 (0-2) has struggled both on and off the court. 

Coming into this season the Salukis had just six home losses in seven years. They have already dropped two game at the SIU arena this year. The latest loss was an embarrassing 59-51 home loss to Northern Iowa.  SIU scored just four points in the final seven-minutes of the game. 

One of the best home teams in college basketball has turned into just another ordinary mid major team.

While the losses continue to pile up for the Salukis, what's more alarming is the amount of players that have left the program the past few years.  The latest two players to leave are junior Christian Cornelius, and freshman high recruit Torres Roundree.

Head basketball coach Chris Lowery commented on Rountree leaving saying, "It's unfortunate we lost a player as talented as Roundtree. He's a kid we definitely wanted to see blossom.  Unfortunately, we didn't have enough playing time for everyone on the team.  That's part of life.  Sometimes you have to work for things.  Things are not going to be handed to you." 

SIU who was picked to finish second in the Misssouri Valley is off to their worst start in 10-years.  The Salukis had a very difficult non conference schedule playing teams like Duke, UCLA, and St Mary. 

Lowery has said the difficult non conference schedule will pay of once conference play started.  That has not been the case as SIU has lost to Bradley and Northern Iowa to start conference play.  

If you follow Southern Illinois basketball, you knew that there was going to be a lot of ups and downs this season. Senior Bryan Mullins is the only returning starter. 

While this is one of the youngest SIU teams, it's also arguably their best recruiting class.  Mr. basketball of Illinois Kevin Dillard is developing nicely but top recruit power forward Anthony Booker has struggled.  Booker was Roundtree's high school teamate and is a top 50 nation recruit, but he has been not existent averaging just 2.5 points a game.

SIU certainly has the talent to compete in the Missouri Valley, but lets just hope Lowery and his players gets on the same page.  Losing is part of rebuilding, but Lowery can not afford to lose anymore players. 

Lowery who is an amazing 101-49 in 4+ years, with three tournament wins, and an NIT win can not afford to loose anymore players.  Enough is enough already. Top recruits leaving this program in unacceptable, and it needs to stop.  There are plenty of coaches that would love to have some of this talent. 

SIU will host 2008 Missouri Valley winner Drake tonight.  This is a must win for the Salukis.