Brian Barone Joins the Podcast
(St. Louis, MO) – Southern Illinois Edwardsville’s historic 2022-23 season has created a hunger to see what are SIUE’s next steps. Picked to finish second in the recent Ohio Valley Conference poll, the Cougars return four starters and intriguing newcomers.
Returning starters Ray’Sean Taylor, Damarco Minor, Shamar and Lamar Wright make the Cougars the most experienced OVC team. Taylor was an all OVC first-teamer last season and Minor landed on the ‘all-newcomer’ team. The Wright twins are beginning their fifth (covid) full-time season in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Taylor is recovering from a knee injury, but Barone believes he’s healthy enough to take on his customary lead role.
Incoming guards Jordan Pickettt and Brian Taylor II (Ray’Sean’s cousin) are highly regarded players from the nearby region.
During our conversation with coach Barone he talks about his relationships with veterans and his excitement about the newcomers. He’s genuinely excited about the status of the program, but knows it needs to grow and improve.
The Cougars open Monday night at Dayton and their home opener is Thursday against North Park. To listen to our conversation and learn about SIUE’s next steps head to Valley Hoops Insider Podcast.
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I commented on @TVBOren's post about @CarsonSchwieger's signing with @ValpoBasketball, but this is a significant signing for @RogerPowellJr. The Schwieger's will complement each other well and with the other guys they have, this Beacons team will be players in the @ValleyHoops
It is @SaintLouisMBB for @Robbie_Avila30! Huge for the Billikens and first year coach @JoshSchertzSLU! Breaking from the @TheFieldOf68 guys on YouTube.
My sources confirm his hiring. Huge get for @CoachGraves10
