by Graham Couch | Kalamazoo Gazette analysis
Probable starters
For WMU: Junior David Kool (6-foot-3, 17.8 points per game) and senior Shawntes Gary (6-2, 11.5) at guard; junior Martelle McLemore (6-5, 5.0) and freshman Flenard Whitfield (6-7, 6.6) at forward; and junior Donald Lawson (6-9, 6.5) at center.
For SIU: Seniors Bryan Mullins (6-1, 9.9) and Wesley Clemmons (6-3, 5.5) and freshman Ryan Hare (6-4, 6.0) at guard; senior Tony Boyle (6-8, 8.6) and sophomore Carlton Fay (6-8, 12.8) at forward.
The matchup
In some ways, Southern Illinois isn't all that different than WMU this season. The Salukis are relying heavily on a touted group of freshmen -- more heralded than the Broncos' rookies -- for considerable minutes and receiving mixed results. Mullins still makes this team go, but there's more backcourt talent around him than a year ago, with Josh Bone's departure perhaps falling under the addition-by-subtraction category.
While still prone to stretches of awful offense, (including the propensity to fade in the second half) SIU's outside shooting is much improved. Fay, Mullins, freshman Kevin Dillard and even the once layup-challenged Clemmons are all shooting better than 35 percent from long range with 10 or more makes. Dillard, who visited WMU as a recruit before choosing the Salukis, has been the most impressive of the newcomers.
The 6-foot combo guard, known for his NBA-ready ball-handling and willingness to shoot, was named Illinois Mr. Basketball last season and is averaging 9.3 points. Hare and redshirt freshman big man Nick Evans are also becoming consistent contributors, though Anthony Booker -- the No. 29 recruit in the country -- hasn't been a factor.
For the first time this season, WMU put together back-to-back games with Division I-level intensity in a close loss at UNLV and Thursday's home win against Iona. Some of the credit should be given to the strides made by the Bronco freshmen, most notably Whitfield and Mikey Douglas.
Whitfield is quickly becoming WMU's best post option and most imposing big man. He demanded the ball on a couple of occasions against Iona and, when it finally came is way, finished with a strong post move and a bit of post-bucket emotion.
Douglas, who had fallen out of the rotation, kept the offense moving with four assists and one turnover in a few minutes at the point against the Gaels. WMU might have to rely on another freshman -- besides Whitfield, Douglas and Demetrius Ward -- tonight, as backup freshman center LaMarcus Lowe will miss at least one more game with a concussion. Expect fellow frosh Muhammed Conteh to fill a few of those minutes.
Prediction
Kool finally caught fire in the win over Iona, making his first four shots for a quick 11 points. A similar groove would be wise against a team famous for its floor-burn defense, especially at SIU Arena. It's as good a time as any to catch the Salukis in Carbondale: They haven't been home since before their Dec. 14 game at Nevada, playing two games since; their confidence is a bit rattled by a 4-6 start; and the "Dawg Pound," SIU's notorious student section, is on holiday break. Still, picking a 3-8 team to win at Southern Illinois is a bit ambitious.
Probable starters
For WMU: Junior David Kool (6-foot-3, 17.8 points per game) and senior Shawntes Gary (6-2, 11.5) at guard; junior Martelle McLemore (6-5, 5.0) and freshman Flenard Whitfield (6-7, 6.6) at forward; and junior Donald Lawson (6-9, 6.5) at center.
For SIU: Seniors Bryan Mullins (6-1, 9.9) and Wesley Clemmons (6-3, 5.5) and freshman Ryan Hare (6-4, 6.0) at guard; senior Tony Boyle (6-8, 8.6) and sophomore Carlton Fay (6-8, 12.8) at forward.
The matchup
In some ways, Southern Illinois isn't all that different than WMU this season. The Salukis are relying heavily on a touted group of freshmen -- more heralded than the Broncos' rookies -- for considerable minutes and receiving mixed results. Mullins still makes this team go, but there's more backcourt talent around him than a year ago, with Josh Bone's departure perhaps falling under the addition-by-subtraction category.
While still prone to stretches of awful offense, (including the propensity to fade in the second half) SIU's outside shooting is much improved. Fay, Mullins, freshman Kevin Dillard and even the once layup-challenged Clemmons are all shooting better than 35 percent from long range with 10 or more makes. Dillard, who visited WMU as a recruit before choosing the Salukis, has been the most impressive of the newcomers.
The 6-foot combo guard, known for his NBA-ready ball-handling and willingness to shoot, was named Illinois Mr. Basketball last season and is averaging 9.3 points. Hare and redshirt freshman big man Nick Evans are also becoming consistent contributors, though Anthony Booker -- the No. 29 recruit in the country -- hasn't been a factor.
For the first time this season, WMU put together back-to-back games with Division I-level intensity in a close loss at UNLV and Thursday's home win against Iona. Some of the credit should be given to the strides made by the Bronco freshmen, most notably Whitfield and Mikey Douglas.
Whitfield is quickly becoming WMU's best post option and most imposing big man. He demanded the ball on a couple of occasions against Iona and, when it finally came is way, finished with a strong post move and a bit of post-bucket emotion.
Douglas, who had fallen out of the rotation, kept the offense moving with four assists and one turnover in a few minutes at the point against the Gaels. WMU might have to rely on another freshman -- besides Whitfield, Douglas and Demetrius Ward -- tonight, as backup freshman center LaMarcus Lowe will miss at least one more game with a concussion. Expect fellow frosh Muhammed Conteh to fill a few of those minutes.
Prediction
Kool finally caught fire in the win over Iona, making his first four shots for a quick 11 points. A similar groove would be wise against a team famous for its floor-burn defense, especially at SIU Arena. It's as good a time as any to catch the Salukis in Carbondale: They haven't been home since before their Dec. 14 game at Nevada, playing two games since; their confidence is a bit rattled by a 4-6 start; and the "Dawg Pound," SIU's notorious student section, is on holiday break. Still, picking a 3-8 team to win at Southern Illinois is a bit ambitious.
