SIU’s Bryan Mullins – Creating Culture

‘SIU Best Place in the Valley’

(St. Louis, MO) – Bryan Mullins is coming home and wants to work at creating culture. During his introductory press conference the first-time head coach expressed his gratitude to many people that had influenced his life and career. Mullins made it clear he believes Southern Illinois is the best place to be in the Missouri Valley Conference.

The former Egyptian Dawg guard believes SIU has the right kind of people, tradition and future to build an upper level MVC program. He sited former SIU players and coaches and accomplishments as reasons why he believes Carbondale can be a hot-bed of collegiate basketball.

Mullins was a great college basketball player. He set the SIU record for steals and assists and was the floor general for three SIU postseason teams, including the 2007 Sweet Sixteen Saluki squad. The 32-year-old Mullins was a two-time MVC ‘Defensive Player of the Year’.

After working with Porter Moser at Loyola, Mullins believes he’s building on a solid Saluki foundation.

 

 

Mullins believes the passionate fan base, the outstanding facilities and the rich tradition in Carbondale make this the perfect time to be involved in Saluki hoops. He’s looking forward to coaching his first game.

 

 

Creating Culture

Mullins’ father (Mike) and brother (Brendan) are both coaches. It is in his blood. He calls himself a ‘relationship coach’ and wants to get to know the current players and recruits at a personal level. He plans on spending quality and quantity time with the players. Mullins spoke with returning seniors Eric McGill and Aaron Cook and is hopeful that they continue to play at SIU.

 

 

Leaving Loyola was hard, but exciting. He was coaching in the NIT while considering the move to Carbondale. Mullins admits there is work to do, particularly on the recruiting trail.

Some of his Loyola lessons will help Mullins at SIU. Quick ball movement and stingy defense will be what Mullins is striving to build. He speaks of creating culture that fosters selfless teammates and all five players playing ‘team defense’.

 

 

Mullins is putting his emphasis on hard work and developing relationships. He differentiates between the ‘end goals’ and creating culture. Mullins believes culture comes first and results follow. He plans on hiring ‘great people who care about the guys’.

Since this press conference he has hired his brother Brendan. The elder Mullins has been working for Dan Muller at Illinois State.

 

 

Director of Athletics Jerry Kill describe Mullins as having ‘checked all the boxes’ they were looking to fill. He believes Mullins will produce a ‘tough team’ and one committed to academics and athletics. Mullins was a two-time ‘academic all-American’ and was the 2009 MVC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

The Mullins brothers have both been known for their hard work and their ability to recruit. Creating culture with those ingredients are a good beginning.

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