Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Jamaal Tatum to stay in Carbondale this summer
05/03/2006 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
May 3, 2006
By Derek Robertson
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois junior guard Jamaal Tatum had a tough decision to make this off-season.
On one hand, he had the opportunity to do an internship with the Boston Celtics -- one of the most storied teams in the National Basketball Association. On the other hand, he knew his teammates would be working out back in Carbondale, preparing for what everyone hopes will be another NCAA Tournament run in 2007.
After talking it over with his family, Tatum decided now wasn't the right time to work with the NBA franchise.
"I've thought about it a lot," explained Tatum. "It's a great opportunity for after college basketball."
Tatum emphasized the word "after."
The Jefferson City, Mo. native and leading scorer from last year said he felt a responsibility to his teammates.
"It comes back to me being here, being a leader, and pushing other people," said Tatum.
He also admits there's room for improvement in his game.
"My jumper might not have been consistent last year, but my work ethic is consistent," Tatum said. "I always work the hardest, and I take pride in working hard."
Tatum said the job with the Celtics would have been in the public relations department and been a 40-hour-a-week position. It would be more difficult to carve out time in his schedule to work-out.
Redshirts making progress
The color red is usually associated with stop signs and something coming to an end, but for Saluki Basketball the color red has been the first step on the road to success.
The redshirt process for the men's basketball team has done wonders in helping players improve and get ready to play college basketball.
Redshirts Jordan Armstrong and Christian Cornelius are anxious to get back on the court after sitting out for a year.
"It was a lot of fun this season," said Armstrong. "Even though we didn't get to play, it was still fun."
While the rest of the team was preparing for opponents during the season, Armstrong and Cornelius were going through "beat-down" workouts to strengthen themselves for 2007.
"It was a blessing to have someone else to do it with you," said Cornelius.
Being a part of the system for a year, both Cornelius and Armstrong have made positive strides as college basketball players, and the coaching staff likes what it sees.
"The biggest thing for both of them is that they feel that they can compete now," Saluki head coach Chris Lowery said. "Freshmen are a little bit wary about whether they can help the team. After redshirting, these guys are ready to contribute."
Cornelius underwent a transition during the season from forward to guard.
"We needed a bigger guard and wanted a conventional small forward, and he was the best candidate to make the move," said Lowery. "He's actually been very good, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can do."
As for Armstrong the coaches are impressed with how quickly he has learned the Saluki system.
"Jordan is very smart and understands what we are trying to do," said Lowery. "That will help him get on the court."
The success of former redshirts like Darren Brooks, a two time Missouri Valley Conference offensive and defensive player of the year, and current Salukis Tony Young and Randal Falker, have set the bar pretty high for the new redshirts.
Soon, it will be time to see what Armstrong and Cornelius can do.
