Tweet
I have been to many games in Carbondale, and SIU has great fans. Their following has dwindled over the past few years, but the coaching change was a boost to their support, though it didn't help their attendance as much as I expected. They drew 4,596 per game this year, compared with 4,470 per game last year.
Their core fan base is very loyal and supportive, but they have a lot of fair-weather fans, too. And despite playing in an on-campus arena, not many students attend their games any more. But I think if Mullins can continue recruiting talent, those numbers will eventually rise. Tomorrow's game is important to their program to continue to rebuild, so no doubt they will be motivated and playing hard. They were one and done last year, losing a close game 61-58 to UNI in the Friday night quarterfinal round. They lead that game until A.J. Green won it with a shot with 12 seconds left in the game. That loss was followed immediately by Barry Hinson announcing his retirement as head coach.
Their core fan base is very loyal and supportive, but they have a lot of fair-weather fans, too. And despite playing in an on-campus arena, not many students attend their games any more. But I think if Mullins can continue recruiting talent, those numbers will eventually rise. Tomorrow's game is important to their program to continue to rebuild, so no doubt they will be motivated and playing hard. They were one and done last year, losing a close game 61-58 to UNI in the Friday night quarterfinal round. They lead that game until A.J. Green won it with a shot with 12 seconds left in the game. That loss was followed immediately by Barry Hinson announcing his retirement as head coach.
Comment