Whats the lowdown on Southern Illinois, Butler, Winthrop and VCU, last years NCAA darlings?
The quick word: Southern Illinois — good again. Butler — ditto. Winthrop — down but not out, and breaking in a new coach. VCU — lost some players, but Eric Maynor is back, as is almost-Florida coach Anthony Grant. Need more details? Southern Illinois made some noise by giving coach Chris Lowery a reported seven-year, $5.25 million deal after last year, showing that not all mid-majors need to lose their young, successful coaches. Lowery will try to give Southern Illinois its seventh straight tournament bid with the help of MVC Preseason Player of the Year Randal Falker. Butler did lose its coach — Todd Lickliter — to Iowa after a Sweet 16 run, but the Bulldogs still return A.J. Graves and two other starters from a team that beat Notre Dame, Indiana, Purdue, Gonzaga, Tennessee and Maryland at various points last season. Gregg Marshall left Winthrop for Wichita State after earning seven NCAA bids in nine seasons. Also gone from the Eagles are Craig Bradshaw, Torrell Martin and Phill
