An Open Letter To: Saluki Basketball

One of my favorite segments on the blog has been the “An Open Letter To…” series which began on June 4, 2007 when I wrote a letter to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo after he broke up with Carrie Underwood. I would later go on to write “open letters” to St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa and Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

Today’s open letter goes to a group near to my heart, the Southern Illinois Salukis men’s basketball team.

Dear Salukis,

I see that conference play is underway and that we currently sit at 1-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play and 6-8 overall and that is quite disappointing, and that is why I am writing this letter.

6-8 is unacceptable for a program that was preseason top 25. 1-2 in MVC play is unacceptable for the six-time defending MVC champions. And to be honest, I’m not sure where you have gone wrong.

You guys have Chris Lowery, the two-time MVC coach of the year leading the way. You have two seniors in the front court that should be leading the team in Matt Shaw and Randal Falker (who was the pre-season pick to win the MVC player of the year).

You have one of the most unselfish point guards in the country, Bryan Mullins who also is a lock down defender. You have Joshua Bone, a jump shot specialist who can light up the scoreboard in the blink of an eye.

And yet, we find ourselves here at 6-8 looking up at the MVC. But you know what guys, all is not lost. There are plenty of games to play.

If you can go 8-0 at home and 5-2 on the road in your remaining games, you can finish with 19 wins and would likely be crowned with another MVC regular season title. At this point, I’d just like to see some more points scored and for you guys to get on a bit of a hot street before Arch Madness in St. Louis.

In closing, this can be turned around. This is SIU…this is Floor Burn U. We don’t do NIT! We find ways to make the NCAA tournament. Remember two years ago when you guys won the MVC tourney with your backs against the wall and no one outside of Carbondale, Ill. had you guys in the tourney?

I do. I believed it could happen then, and I believe it can happen again.

Sincerely,

Luis C. Medina

(Speaking on behalf of Saluki Nation)