Oct. 27, 2008

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Even with the loss of three starters, including its top two scorers last year, Southern Illinois was picked to finish second in the preseason Missouri Valley Conference poll, the league announced Tuesday at its annual basketball media day.

The Salukis have eight newcomers on the roster, but one player who is back is senior guard Bryan Mullins. Mullins, who was named to the preseason all-conference team, should become the school's all-time leader in both assists and steals this year.

Creighton, which returns a veteran backcourt and solid depth from last year's fourth-place finisher, was picked to win the league title.

The Bluejays were tabbed by 36 of 39 voters to win the league's men's basketball crown. The poll is conducted by league coaches, media, and sports information directors. Creighton earned 386 out of a possible 390 points.

Seven of 10 players who averaged double-figure minutes last year are back for Creighton, including three-year starter Josh Dotzler at point guard the league's Freshman and Newcomer of the Year P'Allen Stinnett.

2008-09 MVC Preseason All-Conference Team
Jonathan Cox, Drake, F, 6-8, 220, Sr., Barrington (Ill.) High
Osiris Eldridge, Illinois State, G, 6-3, 190, Jr., Chicago (Ill.) Phillips Academy
Bryan Mullins, Southern Illinois, G, 6-1, 185, Sr., Downers Grove (Ill.) High
P'Allen Stinnett, Creighton, G, 6-3, 180, So., Las Vegas (Nev.) Brewster Academy [N.H.]
Josh Young, Drake, G, 6-1, 170, Jr., Lawton (Okla.) Lawton Christian High
Honorable Mention: Shy Ely, Evansville; Jason Holsinger; Andrew Warren, Bradley; Theron Wilson, Bradley
Preseason Player of the Year -- Osiris Eldridge, Illinois State

MVC Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Creighton (36)...............................................386
2. Southern Illinois (2).......................................322
3. Illinois State (1).............................................309
4. Drake............................................................274
5. Bradley.........................................................219
6. UNI...............................................................186
7. Indiana State................................................137
8. Evansville.....................................................122
9. Wichita State................................................105
10. Missouri State.................................................85