Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Men's Basketball adds JUCO All-American Jack Crowder
06/10/2009 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
June 10, 2009
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University officially added a JUCO All-American guard to its roster Wednesday, as head coach Chris Lowery confirmed that Jack Crowder has signed a financial aid agreement and will join the Salukis next season.
Crowder, a 6-foot-4 wing for nationally ranked Cowley College, led the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division in scoring with 21.0 points per game and also averaged 6.3 rebounds per game last season. He shot 59 percent from the field, including 35 percent from 3-point range. The Wichita, Kan. native scored more than 1,000 points in two seasons at Cowley and led his team to a 29-5 record last year.
"He's a proven scorer and is capable of getting tough baskets," said Lowery. "He's also a proven winner -- a junkyard dog who is tough and plays hard."
Crowder's best game of the season was a 43-point, nine-rebound performance in a 93-91overtime win against Coffeyville Community College. Crowder made seven 3-pointers in that game and was 14-of-15 from the free throw line.
The website JucoJunction.com rates Crowder as the No. 24-ranked junior college prospect in the country. Crowder said he is confident he can play either guard or forward at the Division I level.
"I played inside-out at Cowley, but I've been working a lot on shooting drills and will play in whatever role the coaches ask of me," Crowder said.
Lowery also announced the addition of two walk-on players -- 6-foot-5 forward Aaron Moise and 6-foot-1 guard Caleb Long. Moise played for Saluki assistant coach Lance Irvin's brother Nick at Morgan Park H.S., while Long played at Mt. Zion H.S.
