Busting Brackets
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Ohio Valley Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2022-23 season

By Harry Schroeder

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Jake Wolfe #24 of the Morehead State Eagles the ball by Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers during a college basketball game at the Cintas Center on December 15, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Jake Wolfe #24 of the Morehead State Eagles the ball by Paul Scruggs #1 of the Xavier Musketeers during a college basketball game at the Cintas Center on December 15, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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SIU-Edwardsville head coach Brian Barone
SIU-Edwardsville head coach Brian Barone /

4. Southern Illinois Edwardsville Cougars – Head coach Brian Barone
 
2021-22 record: 11-21 overall, 5-13 in the OVC

During the ‘portal pandemic’ era, Southern Illinois Edwardsville’s roster has incredible stability. Seven returning players have made significant contributions to the Cougar program. Most importantly, Ray’Sean Taylor’s knee seems to be about ready for competition.

The 6’1 redshirt sophomore missed the team’s final eleven games with his second knee injury in three seasons, but still managed to lead the team in scoring (17.6) and connected 51 times from long distance. Taylor was named to the preseason all-league team along with fellow sophomore DeeJuan Pruitt.

The 6’8 Pruitt averaged 10.2 points and an OVC fourth-best 6.8 rebounds per game.

Joining the fray for a fourth season are the Wright brothers. Shamar (10.1 and 4.6) and Lamar (6.6 and 3.6) are both 6’7 forwards. Those two, like everyone else coached by Barone, improved every year. The Wrights, Desmond Polk, Pruitt, and freshman Braden Wood are all products of Link Year Prep.

Barone is excited about the addition of two high-level junior college players. Juco Player of the Year Damarco Minor and a top 40 Junior College player, Cobie Barnes join the Cougars this season. Minor averaged over 20 points last season and gives Barone some breathing room, in bringing Taylor along slowly.

Barnes formerly played at Indiana State and the 6’7 wing helped John A. Logan to the JUCO sweet sixteen. Taylor describes Barnes as a ‘beast that can do anything on the floor.’

Other newcomers include local product Jalen Hodge that previously spent time at James Madison and Terrance Thompson who played at Green Bay.

This is the deepest, most talented, and versatile team Barone has had. While SIUE has improved its win total every season under Barone, the growth has been too slow for the fourth-year coach. Some prognosticators have made the Cougars the OVC favorites.

If Taylor stays healthy the Cougars could contend for the top spot.