[Bump_Bailey]

Southern Illinois will most likely repeat as Valley champs and as best team in the state. With a decent chance of returning to the Sweet 16.
The strength of this years team should lie in the frontcourt with a pair of seniors; undersized center Randal Falker, and Matt Shaw who is an excellent outside shooter. It also features foul-a-minute Junior Tony Boyle, and very good incoming freshman Carlton Fay.
The Salukis also return starting point guard Bryan Mullins, who is an excellent defender and ball handler but will need to improve his outside shooting and carry more of the scoring load this year if the Salukis are to make a deep tourney run.
The question marks in this years team are who will replace outgoing seniors Jamal Tatum and Tony Young. It appears now that Sophomore Josh Bone will be asked to replace Tatum's scoring and Junior Wesley Clemson will replace Young as the defensive stopper.
Just like the last 7 years the Salukis will be one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Success of this years will likely hinge on if the Salukis are able to overcome the loss of MVC POY Jamal Tatum.