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SIU women's basketball gears up

Dana Eikenberg knows depth will be a major issue for Saluki women's basketball in the fast-approaching season, and said as much at the SIU Arena during Monday's media day for both the men's and women's basketball programs.

The former Missouri-Kansas City head coach will have her entire coaching staff coming along to help in the revitalization of the lagging Saluki basketball program, along with five loyal Kangaroo transfers.

With Eikenberg bringing essentially an entirely new team to SIU, it can be confusing as to why only nine players will play, and why depth is such a thorn in the side of women's basketball.

Due to NCAA regulations, the transfers, with the exception of freshman guard Rachel Boldt, will sit out the 2004-05 seasons.

Boldt won an appeal to the National Letter of Intent Board, allowing her to compete in the upcoming season. The decision could be a shot in the arm for Saluki basketball.

"It's unbelievable," Boldt said of winning the appeal. "I really didn't expect to play this year."

Boldt thought her troubled knees are what pushed the appeal through. Two reconstructive knee surgeries led to Boldt playing in only 11 games throughout her final two years of high school competition. Boldt believed the board basically decided she needed to play.

She will join senior Danette Jones at the guard position, and Eikenberg said she is looking forward to utilizing both players.

Jones, one of two returning Saluki starters, averaged 9.1 points per game last season and, according to Eikenberg, has been integral to building a sense of teamwork among the transfers and the entire team.

Jones said the returning Salukis and the newcomers have been melding well throughout the preseason.

"The level they play at and their work ethic has brought the team to a new level," Jones said. "Even though they won't all be eligible, they'll definitely make our team better."

Although Eikenberg mentioned a concern with depth in all areas, the frontcourt is particularly inexperienced, but also talented.

Senior Wendy Goodman, sophomore Bernettra Grayer and true freshman India Bruster will play under the basket. Goodman is the most experienced of the three, averaging four points per game through last season in 18.1 minutes per game.

Bruster, standing at an impressive 6-4, is the tallest Saluki on the roster. Her height will likely give SIU an advantage in the paint.

"We're going to throw her into the fire right away," Eikenberg said. "She's been very willing to listen and work hard."

Eikenberg will stress those fundamentals, along with realistic goals for the upcoming season, to all of her Salukis.

Eikenberg said challenging for a Missouri Valley Conference title is probably not a realistic goal coming into this season, but said SIU making an appearance in March's conference tournament isn't impossible - as long as conditioning and mental focus stay consistent.

"We've identified those as things we have to be better at," Eikenberg said. "We're going to try to compete for 40 minutes each time."