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Southern Illinois Edwardsville Basketball: 2021-22 Cougars season preview

By Harry Schroeder

MURRAY, KY - FEBRUARY 09: Shaq Buchanan #11 and Darnell Cowart #32 of the Murray State Racers defend against Tyresse Williford #5 of the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars in the first half of the game at CFSB Center on February 9, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. Murray State won 86-55. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MURRAY, KY - FEBRUARY 09: Shaq Buchanan #11 and Darnell Cowart #32 of the Murray State Racers defend against Tyresse Williford #5 of the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars in the first half of the game at CFSB Center on February 9, 2019 in Murray, Kentucky. Murray State won 86-55. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Shaun Doss (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Shaun Doss (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Young but some true experience

Shamar Wright – Forward

One of two Wright twins, Shamar has played more and produced more often than brother Lamar. Each Wright is 6’7 and they were the subject of an ESPN E60 program ‘A Murder in Memphis’ about the murder of their father, former NBA player Lorenzen Wright.

This red-shirt sophomore has made 44 starts and accumulated 425 career points and 226 rebounds. Last season he averaged nine points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He is athletic and has a good feel for the game. While alternating between guard, forward, and center last year he should settle in at a forward position this season.

Ray’Sean Taylor – Guard

Taylor is the highest-ranked player to ever sign with SIUE. As an all-stater from nearby Collinsville High School, Taylor chose to stay close to home and play for the Cougars. His freshman season ended before it started because of a knee injury.

Now healthy, the 6’1 guard can score and distribute. He is used to big games and having the responsibility be in his hands. Taylor is Collinsville’s all-time leading scorer and averaged 23.6 points per game during his senior season. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch all-metro performer also grabbed 6.1 rebounds while handing out five assists per game.

Ray’Sean Taylor is a true difference-maker. OVC defenses will have to account for this seriously talented and athletic guard.

Lamar Wright – Center

Wright’s 50 blocked shots were the second most in last year’s OVC action (Morehead State’s Johni Broome collected 56). While Shamar can step outside a bit, Lamar is more given to post play. He averaged 6.5 points last season. At 6’7 he is on the short side in the post, but he is athletic and a leaper.

While he started 23 games last season, he played just 22 minutes per game for the 9-17 Cougars. Look for Lamar Wright to get more playing time and to see his rebounding total (3.4 per game) to grow. Lamar finished the season on a high note averaging almost 12 points and six rebounds during the season’s final three games.

Courtney Carter – Guard

Carter started 26 games last season. The 6’1 guard struggled from deep but averaged 7.1 points per game and almost four rebounds and assists per contest. As a former Division II National Player of the Year, Carter is used to a lead role.

He and fellow junior Carlos Curtis (8.0 ppg) will both benefit from having a true deep threat at the other guard position in Taylor.

Shaun Doss Junior – Wing

Doss is a proven Division I scorer. He averaged 15.9 points last season at Arkansas Pine-Bluff and led the Lions in scoring and rebounding (6.5 per game). He was fifth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in scoring and sixth in rebounding while landing on the SWAC all-conference team.

The 6’4 Doss is a grad-transfer who accumulated over 800 points during his two seasons in Pine-Bluff. Doss scored 27 points against Marquette, 16 versus Wisconsin, and 15 facing Iowa State. He tallied 23 against Saint Louis and 25 facing national champion Baylor. The Arkansas native had his best games against the stiffest competition!