Mullins ready to lead Salukis to brighter days
A new era of Southern Illinois basketball is set to begin. Though there is a sense of rejuvenation, the Salukis are likely facing a rough journey this season.
It seemed that most SIU basketball fans all had a clear idea who would be the ideal replacement for Barry Hinson when he left last spring: Bryan Mullins.
Hinson left Carbondale after seven seasons, which did not include any NCAA Tournament appearances. Southern Illinois finished 17-15 last season, including 10-8 in the Valley. The Salukis lost in the State Farm MVC Tournament to UNI, 61-58.
Mullins, 32, seems destined to direct the Salukis program for a long time. He’s now the Valley’s youngest head coach. Missouri State’s Dana Ford, 35, had that honor last season.
“It’s new for everyone. Just being familiar with the (new) terminology and the language, even for our coaching staff … just getting everyone on the same page every single day is what we’re working on,” Mullins said.
SIU was selected last in the Missouri Valley Conference’s Preseason Poll. That came as little surprise for a team returning only two key players. Six seniors graduated, including SIU’s top three scorers.
Mullins is clearly thankful for senior guards Aaron Cook and Eric McGill. Each could have left Carbondale, but each has embraced Mullins and roles as veteran leaders for this young team in transition.
“I’m lucky to have these two seniors. They’re work ethic is some of the best I’ve been around,” said Mullins.
Cook started all 32 games last season, averaging 10.4 points and 3.7 assists. His 119 career steals is the most of any current MVC player.
“Everyone really seems to be buying in. I feel like when I speak, they’re listening, and just want to win,” Cook said.
McGill averaged 9.5 points and 5.7 rebounds last season, the most of any Valley guard. He had 48 steals.
“I’m just trying to gain chemistry with my team,” McGill said. “I really haven’t walked past the gym lately without seeing someone shooting, or getting some extra work in.
“As soon as the (MVC) tournament was over last year, AC and I accepted that (leadership) role. It was immediate for us,” said McGill.
Barret Benson, a 6-10 graduate transfer from Northwestern, should have a major role this season. Sekou Dembele, a 6-7 redshirt freshman from Bali, will also contribute in the frontcourt.
Benson played in 96 games at Northwestern. “Barrett will help us stretch the floor, being able to shoot 3s from the 5 spot. It’s hard to guard that, and he’ll be a help inside the paint,” Cook said.
Senior guard Ronnie Suggs played two seasons at Bradley, before transferring to Missouri for the past two years. Junior forward Brendan Gooch played in 16 games last season.
“Ronnie has great energy, and will be able to guard multiple positions,” said Mullins.
At the recent MVC Media Day in St. Louis, many superlatives were used by Valley coaches in describing Mullins. Those common themes included integrity, intellect, discipline and hard work. That’s not a bad combination.
SIU fans can expect a major emphasis on defense, which Mullins excelled at in his SIU playing days from 2006-09.
“Defensively, it’s about all five guys stopping the ball. Everyone being connected on a string and playing for each other,” said Mulllins.
The 6-2 guard set the school record for assists and steals, and was the point guard for two NCAA Tournament teams (2006, 2007). He was a two-time MVC Defensive Player of the Year.
“We’ve definitely heard about it, but we haven’t played against him yet,” McGill said with a laugh at Media Day.
Mulins is already a member of the Salukis Hall of Fame. He was the associate head coach at Loyola Chicago during their 2018 Final Four season under head coach Porter Moser.
His older brother, Brendan, is one of his assistants and has 12 years of coaching experience.
SIU begins its schedule at home on Nov. 5 against Illinois Wesleyan. The Salukis begin Valley play on Dec. 30 at Indiana State.
(St. Louis-based writer and MVC Contributor Brian Doolittle can be reached at briandoolittle1973@gmail.com)