Daily Egyptian F02
Basketball and football teams working together
Jack PiattDaily Egyptian
The sweet sensation still lingers from last season's trip to the Big Dance, and the Salukis are ready to get footloose one more time.
Last season's success was in part due to how hard the team worked in the off-season. This season is no exception, and the SIU men's basketball team is working out with the football team for the second straight summer.
SIU football assistant coach Eric Klein is once again taking charge of the Saluki basketball team and getting them ready for their regular training in the fall.
Klein was happy to oblige SIU basketball head coach Bruce Weber when he was approached about training the basketball team last summer.
The basketball team works out twice a week with the football squad in the morning doing the same workout. The team also works out with Klein two days a week, focusing more on basketball training. They lift weights in the morning at 6:15 a.m. and run in the afternoons at 3:30 p.m.
"Klein has great ideas that are new and keep you interested in the workout," said star guard Kent Williams.
The basketball program is very thankful for the help of Klein, who is also busy taking care of his football squad.
"Coach Klein is a great motivator," said basketball assistant coach Rodney Watson. "We are fortunate to have him on the staff at SIU."
Klein enjoys working with the Saluki basketball squad.
"They all have a good attitude," Klein said. "They had to adjust to the workout and learn how I was, and I had to learn how they were. They had to change."
The dedication being displayed by the players paints a good picture of how hungry they are to add to the success they experienced last season.
"These guys could be doing a thousand different things during the summer," Watson said. "They are up at 6:15 a.m. lifting weights and running in the afternoon in 100 degree weather. They are really committed and doing a great job."
Klein said the team is better off for starting training early.
"This will give them the competitive edge they need," Klein said. "Being good last year is not enough to make them good this year. I expect them to work hard, and I have turned up the intensity."
Williams said he is in better shape than he has ever been during the summer.
"The whole team will be in better shape this season," Williams said.
Saluki forward Sylvester Willis said the training is similar to last season's workout, but this summer they are focusing more on their explosiveness and quickness.
"This training is good for the team's chemistry," Willis said. "I see a definite change in the team with coach Klein around."
The Salukis are keeping the ball rolling and moving toward their goal for another appearance in the coveted NCAA Tournament.
Watson said that Weber has always preached to the team about off-season dedication.
"He is always telling the team, if you want to be special, you have to do something special," Watson said.
Reporter Jack Piatt can be reached at jpiatt@dailyegyptian.com
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