Recruits plan to make a splash

SIU men's basketball three signees having successful senior campaigns

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Kent Williams ... gone. Jermaine Dearman ... gone. David Carney ... gone.

With the departure of the SIU men's basketball team dynamic duo of Williams and Dearman, the trio of Jamal Tatum, Randal Falker and Jamaal Foster will be counted on to contribute in 2003-2004.

The three recruits who signed in November are all having senior seasons that suggest an impact from all three should be expected.

Tatum figures to provide the biggest boost to next season's squad. The 5-foot-11 playmaker is averaging 19.4 points per game on 49.3 percent shooting for the 18-4 Helias High School in Jefferson City, Mo. He is also connecting on 38 percent of his shots from behind the three-point line.

"Jamal is the best player I've coached," said Helias head coach Jerry Buescher, who has coached 16 all-state athletes in his 35-year career. "He is super-quick, and he works on defense. He also anticipates the ball very well. He is one of those kids everyone wants on their team."

Tatum, who attended the SIU vs. Cal State-Northridge game and plans on attending the Mar. 1 showdown with Creighton, said he is anxious to don the maroon and white.

"I am really looking forward to it," Tatum said of his arrival at SIU. "I see they are doing good this year. I am ready to go there."

SIU head coach Bruce Weber said Tatum was very highly recruited and with Williams departing, he is counting on him to step in right away.

Tatum thinks one area he will have no problem aiding the Salukis is creating offense.

"I think I can come in and get people involved," Tatum said. "I can energize the team. I play with a ton of energy on the court."

Falker, a 6-foot-8 forward at Gateway Institute of Technology in St. Louis, has all the tools that would add the needed inside scoring after Dearman departs.

"Randal Falker is a very good rebounder," Weber said. "Last night against [perennial Missouri powerhouse] Chaminade, he had 20 points and 18 rebounds. He is a rebounding fool. He just has a knack."

Leading the 14-3 Jaguars, Falker has dominated in almost every possible way this season. He is averaging 18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and an astounding 4.1 blocks.

The only player in the class that figures to be a project is Foster of Columbia Hickman in Columbia, Mo. Foster, who is tallying 11 points and 11 boards, along with 3 blocks per game, needs to add some much-needed weight before he can help the Salukis.

"The main thing right now is getting stronger. Before I come and play I need to put on 10 pounds," the 6-9 forward Foster said. "They don't have a lot people there that are going to be returning. I am looking to come and play a little but not big minutes. I hope to contribute in some way next year."

Hickman head coach Jim Sutherland said once Foster adds the weight, his potential is unlimited. Right now, Foster is an adept ball-handler for someone his size and also has a soft touch.

"I think we can step in do a lot as young players," Tatum said. "It is going to be difficult to adjust, but it is nothing we can't overcome."

Reporter Zack Creglow can be reached at zcreglow@dailyegyptian.com