Todd Hefferman covers SIU for the Southern Illinoisan. He wins the brevity award for responses. Probably bad questions.
Q: SIU held a team under 70 points for the first time in five games on Wednesday. Good defense or bad offense by Drake?
A: A little of both. SIU plays physical defense, and the refs let them play, and Drake, honestly, just wasn’t up to the task. The Bulldogs got a little pushed around, and looked a little out of sync. Josh Young didn’t shoot well, and other than Jonathan Cox, who was magnificent Wednesday night, Drake didn’t have much.
Q: Are Saluki fans showing patience during this difficult season?
A: No. Some have called to fire SIU coach Chris Lowery, which is a little strong, but people are unhappy. I do think they understand there have been some injuries, and that it’s tough to beat juniors and seniors with freshmen and sophomores, no matter how good they are.
Q: SIU seems set in the backcourt for years. Has Anthony Booker shown enough to make people think he can be a starter next season?
A: Book has really come in the last month. He’s become a weapon at both ends of the floor, as he’s a jackrabbit of a rebounder, is strong with the ball, and can score at the other end with his jump shot, hook and post moves. He’s also a fairly good ball-handler for his size, and is showing a sense of urgency here at the end of the season.
Q: Who is viewed as Kevin Dillard’s competition for MVC Freshman of the Year?
A: I was just thinking about that last night; Toure’ Murry comes to mind as one of the favorites for the award. I think Johnny Moran from UNI and Antoine Young from Creighton will also get some votes.