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Drew Stevens
Daily Egyptian
Drew Stevens of the Daily Egyptian spoke with men's basketball head coach Chris Lowery about this past season, the tournament and the future.
Daily Egyptian: What do you think of the Valley's performance in the post-season play?
Chris Lowery: We have to be happy because we got five post-season berths. I know we won a game, Wichita won two and SMS won one, so I think we had a good showing and that we were very deserving of all the things we got in the postseason.
DE: Did you watch the Wichita State/Vanderbilt game? What a way to lose, huh? CL: I watched it. I don't think we would have lost it the same way, but in the heat of the moment, you never know what will happen. I know that [Mike Turgeon] told those guys not to let the kid catch it who made nine threes, so that's probably why they all ran to him.
DE: What are your feelings on the pod system after basically playing a road game against Oklahoma State in the second round?
CL: It's not fair, but you have to take what you can get in the NCAA Tournament. It was crazy. There were times when [Oklahoma State] couldn't hear on our end during timeouts, it was so loud.
DE: How would the game have been different had it been played in St. Louis?
CL: If it had been anywhere else neutral where they wouldn't have had the majority of the tickets ... that second half, the crowd really got into it, and like coach Sutton said, fans play a big part in runs in how they get loud and get the kids motivated.
DE: What do you think these next few months are going to be like for Darren Brooks?
CL: I hope they're busy for him where he's getting an opportunity to try out for a lot of teams. I think he'll have that opportunity. I'm hoping that he can get with somebody who can promote him and really give him a chance to be seen because he's already going to the Portsmouth Invitational.
DE: What do you think his chances are in the draft?
CL: In the second round, I think he's got a chance. You gotta see who else comes out. If a lot of underclassmen don't come out, then that really helps him.
DE: Do you think any of the other three seniors have a chance of playing professionally?
CL: Stetson will have a chance to play overseas, if he wants to. LaMar will. It just depends on what they want to do after they're done.
DE: Are you going to be in Chicago for Illinois/Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
CL: No, I'm not. I'm actually going to stay with my family. I haven't been at home very much, so I'm going to make sure I stay here.
DE: How soon will the returning players get back to work?
CL: They already went back to work. All of them have already been lifting, so I didn't have to tell them to do anything. That's a good thing.
DE: It's early, but is there anyone you expect to have a breakout year next season?
CL: I just expect Tony and [Jamaal Tatum] to be the leaders next year. I expect them to be our leaders. That's what they're supposed to do.
DE: How did you think the young guys played in the tournament?
CL: I think they played well. I think Matt and Randal are going to be good players for us. I think they showed that.
DE: Is there any truth to the rumor that other schools have contacted you?
CL: No. I haven't been contacted.
DE: So we know you're a Saluki for at least one more year?
CL: Yeah, it would seem to be that way.
The Daily Egyptian, the student-run newspaper of SIUC, is committed to being a trusted source of information, commentary and public discourse while helping readers understand the issues affecting their lives.
The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester. The Pulse, Carbondale Entertainment Guide, is published once a week on Thursday.Last update: Thursday, March 24, 2005 at 7:07:25 PM
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