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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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Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Opportunities for growth

Barone calls his schedule something of a ‘back to the future’ schedule. His team will visit places where he has a history, they will be re-playing some games that were supposed to be played last season and renewing old acquaintances.

SIUE’s schedule is both ambitious and inviting. The Cougars open at Marquette where Barone spent part of his collegiate playing career. The Golden Eagles were ranked 83 in last year’s KenPom rankings with wins over North Carolina, Wisconsin, Georgetown, Creighton and Xavier.

After a game at Chicago State (0-9 last season), the Cougars open their home schedule with a visit from Division III, Knox College before heading to Youngstown, Ohio for a three-day, multi-team event with Niagra, host Youngstown State (246) and St. Thomas. The Youngstown event was a ‘covid casualty’ of last season’s pandemic-affected season and being replayed this year.

A two-game Nebraska swing finds SIUE visiting Creighton where Barone’s father coached and a younger Brian Barone grew up. After the CU reunion, the Cougars play at Omaha. The 22-9 Bluejays were 22 in Kenpom and 27th in the N.E.T. After another reunion game at Bradley, the Cougars enjoy a three-game homestand against Purdue Fort Wayne, Kansas City and William Woods.

Barone’s first Division 1 coaching job was at Green Bay with current Bradley head coach Brian Wardle. This game was originally scheduled for last season and is the first of a home-and-home series between the two Illinois-based programs. Southern Illinois Edwardsville basketball will host the Braves next year.

SIUE finishes the non-conference schedule at 17-win South Alabama.