Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball Celebrates Season At Annual Banquet
04/12/2005 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
April 12, 2005
By Scott Mees
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The annual Saluki Men's Basketball Banquet took place Tuesday evening on the floor of SIU Arena. The event included an awards presentation as well as a video tribute to the 2004-2005 team. Mike Reis, the voice of the Salukis, was the master of ceremonies for the banquet.
SIU head coach Chris Lowery introduced the four seniors who each spoke about their time at the university. Darren Brooks was named MVP, Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Outstanding Rebounder for the season.
"It's been a great five years for me," Brooks said. "It couldn't have been any better."
Brooks thanked his family, who were in attendance, and gave the audience words of encouragement about the future of Saluki basketball.
"I'll miss these guys, but we have some great young players, and I look forward to watching them," Brooks said.
Coach Lowery added, "Darren is very humble and doesn't like to talk about what he does, but that's what tonight is about. He's one of the greatest players in MVC history."
Senior Stetson Hairston mentioned that he and Brooks were hoping to win championships together ever since they were freshmen. Coach Lowery noted that Hairston simply does not care about personal statistics and just wants to win games. The Salukis voted Hairston as the recipient of the Hustle award.
"We were very fortunate to have Stetson here," Lowery said. "He was the first guy to play defense 94 feet. Full-court pressure defense is our trademark."
Coach Lowery added some good-natured ribbing about senior center Josh Warren.
"He's probably lost and gained more weight than any human being I've ever met," Lowery said. "Throughout the year, he's caught a lot of flack about what he didn't do, but what he did do was lead us to 27 wins."
Sophomore guard Jamaal Tatum picked up the Most Improved award due to the fact that he doubled his field goals this past season from a year before. Lowery had a meeting with Tatum before the season and basically asked the guard to improve virtually every facet of his game.
Tony Young was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year for his tenacious defense and intimidating attitude on the basketball court.
The crowd erupted in laughter as senior LaMar Owen offered an anecdote indicating that he may not have been as hurt as he made it look when he hit his head on the floor in an NCAA Tournament game in Oklahoma City, Okla. Owen said the CBS television cameras played a part in his dramatic facial expression. Owen's teammates voted for him to receive the Courage award.
Owen expressed how much he enjoyed his time compiling an outstanding team record during his two years with the Salukis.
"This was a dream come true," Owen said.
Many people at the banquet asked for autographs from the Saluki players after the ceremony ended.
