Kevin Dillard News

There would seem to be an inherent risk in bringing a transfer student into a basketball program knowing he can play for just one season.

It was a happy return to SIU for a familiar face. Former SIU assistant coach Rodney Watson, who has been with the Salukis for 21 years, returned to Carbondale on Saturday as head coach of NCAA Division II Southern Indiana.

Nick Evans tipped in an offensive rebound at the buzzer to lift Southern Illinois to a 71-69 exhibition win over Southern Indiana.

Freshman center Gene Teague jumps for the ball during a Oct. 31 exhibition game against Henderson State at SIU Arena.

Saluki men's basketball head coach Chris Lowery and women's basketball head coach Missy Tiber discussed the prospects for their teams during Media Day at Stadium Grille.

Justin Bocot scored 16 points, and Kevin Dillard added 15 points and six assists to lead Southern Illinois to an 82-55 exhibition win over Henderson State on Saturday.

It was but 31 months ago the Southern Illinois Salukis were flying high as one of the premier mid-major programs in the country and one of the winningest this decade in all of college basketball.

After a year in the weight room, the Salukis are looking for a strong start to the basketball season.

Returning all five starters and nine of 10 players, Northern Iowa is overwhelming choice to win the Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball title in 2009-10. The league announced the results of its coaches, media and sports information directors poll Tuesday.

SIU point guard Kevin Dillard attempts to block a layup by University of Massachussetts guard Chris Lowe during the Salukisa 80-73 home win Nov.

Maroon Madness marked the beginning of a new season for the SIU men and women's basketball teams.

One month after being arrested by Carbondale police and subsequently suspended from the Southern Illinois University men's basketball team, sophomore guard Ryan Hare has been dismissed from the squad for violating team rules and policies, coach Chris Lowery announced Sunday, according to the university's website.

The Southern Illinois men and women's basketball teams took the floor tonight for Maroon Madness.

Southern Illinois isn't used to coming out of nowhere in the Valley. The Salukis have been a conference heavyweight for most of the decade.

FINAL RECORD: 13-18, 7-11, tied for 5th in MVC. WHAT WENT RIGHT: SIU found some youngsters who can play.

THE GOOD NEWS: Dillard is a natural scorer who can expertly handle end-of-the-shot-clock situations.

THE GOOD NEWS: Dillard is a natural scorer who can expertly handle end-of-the-shot-clock situations.

THE GOOD NEWS: Dillard is a natural scorer who can expertly handle end-of-the-shot-clock situations.

Freshman guard Kevin Dillard catches his breath during a timeout in the Salukis' 74-67 loss to UIC Feb.