By MVC correspondent Brian Doolittle
Basketball is serious business in the Missouri Valley Conference, and Southern Illinois men’s basketball head coach Barry Hinson is certainly passionate when discussing his program.
So, it may be a surprise to some when Hinson cited a very specific event as, without question, the most relevant in the Salukis’ recent offseason: salsa dancing lessons.
Hinson, known for his entertaining sense of humor, was by no means being flippant as he discussed the relevance of Southern Illinois’ early August team trip to Cuba.
“We had a great experience in Cuba, and got far away from basketball. We wanted to get better, bond as a basketball family, and be the greatest ambassador that we could be for not only our country, but our state, community and our university,” said Hinson.
Though it was a basketball-centered event, the cultural exchange turned into a life-changing experience for Hinson, and his players.
“I could not be more proud of what these guys did. We took tours and saw lots of history. We saw a church that was built in the 1600s,” Hinson said. “We interacted with some of the most gracious people that I’ve ever been around.”
When asked what was the most important thing his team did in Cuba, Hinson had an immediate reply.
“No question, the salsa dancing lessons. I’m serious. No one really wanted to get out there at first, then two-and-a-half hours later it was like we were all family. One of the greatest experiences of my life.”
The Salukis played three games against the Cuban national team. SIU won one of those games, becoming the first NCAA men's team to defeat Cuba - and they lost another game by a single point.
That theme of dancing is quite symbolic, as Hinson has SIU on the cusp of being an NCAA Tournament team. The Salukis have not been part of the Big Dance since 2007, when they made it to the Sweet Sixteen and narrowly lost to Kansas, 61-58. That season marked the program’s seventh consecutive trip to the NCAA tourney.
The Salukis are already guaranteed to get a taste of an elite college basketball atmosphere. SIU will begin their season on Nov. 9 at top-ranked Kentucky in front of 23,000+ fans in Lexington. This is part of SIU’s very tough non-conference schedule.
“It took me three months to figure out if I wanted to do it. But I didn’t tell anyone. It was the best-kept secret we’ve ever done,” Hinson said. “You ask for permission to play Kentucky, and thanks to Coach Calipari. It was the only team we approached to play.”
Senior guard Sean Lloyd, Jr. had a quick reply regarding this showdown: “I expect to go in there and win. Let’s go.”
Hinson returns six seniors from last season’s 20-13 team (11-7 MVC). The Salukis are the only team in the MVC to return five starters. After finishing behind only Loyola last season the goal of a Valley crown is obvious.
“It was our best finish in 11 years, and we had only six players. We couldn’t play 5-on-5 for six weeks last season,” said Hinson.
Senior guard Armon Fletcher averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Lloyd Jr. averaged 12.1 points and 4.9 rebounds and led the team in minutes played.
“I’ve watched these guys (Lloyd and Fletcher) grow in all aspects, but as human beings they’ve both matured in ways that I can’t even begin to tell you,” Hinson said.
Senior center Kavion Pippen averaged 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, adding 45 blocks. He’s the nephew of ex-NBA player Scottie Pippen.
“With this much experience, we don't have to look up to to other guys for leadership. We can just look to each other,” said Fletcher.
Also returning is junior guard Aaron Cook (9.8 ppg) and senior guard Marcus Bartley (6.7 ppg).
“We need to defend for 40 minutes. Then everything else will fall into place,” said Lloyd Jr.
While those players add stability, there is a clear wild card who could tilt things in the Salukis’ favor. Senior Thik Bol (6-8) missed last season because of a serious, possibly chronic, knee injury. The previous season he averaged 9.1 points and 6.8 and had 76 blocks.
“Every interview I do, I get asked about Thik. That tells you how valuable he is to our team. Thik will never be healthy this season, I’ll tell you that right now,” said Hinson.
“We’ll probably practice him once a week, but he’ll play in games. At 50 percent, he does things that the other guys can’t do at 100 percent. We just have to be patient.”
One newcomer to watch is 6-8 freshman forward Sekou Dembele. He is from Mali and came to the U.S. to play at Park Central Christian in Birmingham, Alabama, last season. He averaged 13.8 points and 8.6 rebounds last season.
In the MVC preseason poll, Loyola was picked to win the league over Illinois State. Southern Illinois received four first-place votes and was picked third.
“Seeing what Loyola did last year gives up confidence. We’ve had battles with them, and we know how close we were to them,” said Fletcher.
SIU's home opener is November 12 vs. Buffalo.
“You’re getting ready to witness an unbelievable Missouri Valley Conference race. I think without question we’ll have multiple teams playing postseason,” said Hinson.