The following is a final portfolio for JRNL419- Sports Photojournalism. Thirteen photos comprise a semester-long story following the SIU Men's Basketball team and their rebuilding process between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Eight standalone photos are also included. All images were captured during the Fall 2023 semester.
The Southern Illinois University Mens' Basketball team scrimmages during practice at the Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois, on Oct. 26, 2023. The Salukis are currently working to rebuild after nearly half of their roster from the 2022-2023 season did not return. Among those who left were stars Marcus Domask and Lance Jones, who led the team in points per game by a wide margin last season and were widely beloved by Saluki fans.
Third-year Saluki Troy D'amico goes up for a dunk during a rebound drill. D'amico's teammates, including six newcomers, surround the basket and cheer him on during practice in Davies Gym, Nov. 27, 2023.
Scottie Ebube, returning Redshirt Sophomore, is lifted by his teammates after falling on the court during practice. All of the coaches, staff, and upperclassmen on the team emphasize how important it is to pick teammates up when they fall. A chorus of "Help him up!" can be heard around the arena each time a player lands on the floor.
Returning player and graduate student Xavier Johnson pushes through a set of weighted dips in the SIU weight room. Johnson is stepping into the vacancies left by Domask and Jones, and is currently leading the team in points this season, averaging over 23 points per game.
Graduate player Trent Brown looks to pass the ball during a practice scrimmage. 2023 marks Brown's fifth year with the Salukis. During his time at SIU he has become a trusted leader on the team, supporting his teammates and encouraging them to get better every day.
Head Coach Bryan Mullins is under pressure this season. The Mens' Basketball team has a strong reputation at SIU, as many staff and community members were around during the team's heyday in the 2000s. During this time they appeared in the NCAA tournament for five straight years from 2002-2007. With the team's reputation on the line, some relative success last season that fell short in the end, and the loss of many key players since then, Mullins has a lot to prove this season.
Sheridan Sharp, one of two freshmen on the team, boards the shuttle bus headed to Indiana State on Nov. 27, 2023. This game would be a tough loss for the Salukis with a final score of 48-77, their worst of the season so far and a knock to their morale.
From left, Jovan Stulic, Kennard Davis Jr., Sheridan Sharp, RJ McGee, and the rest of the team make a positive impact in Carbondale and bond off the court by participating in a community clean-up event organized by SIU on Sept. 13, 2023.
AJ Ferguson (left) and Trent Brown celebrate after a practice drill on Oct. 4, 2023. Teammates like Brown have helped Ferguson improve since last season and he now stands to play a bigger role on the court. After playing only 5 games in the 2023-2024 season, Ferguson has already tripled the total amount of points he earned during the 2022-2023 season.
Jovan Stulic, a Serbian native and transfer from University of Arkansas at Little Rock, works hard during a team lift. The Salukis pride themselves on their discipline in the weight room, and stay consistent throughout the season.
RJ McGee (23) and Trey Miller (34) wrap their arms around each other in a post-practice huddle on Sept. 6, 2023. At the end of every practice, the team comes together to form a circle that includes not only the players, but all coaches and staff.
Clarence Rupert of Southern Illinois and Jahsean Corbett of Chicago State jump for the tipoff to start a game in Carbondale, Illinois, Nov. 10, 2023.
Kennard "Moo" Davis Jr. laughs on the bench with teammates during a home game on Nov. 10, 2023. With an undefeated record at home of 4-0 and an overall record of 5-2, the Salukis are optimistic about the rest of the 2023-2024 season.
Jerome Daniels driving Dashing Durango (top), Harold Finn Jr. driving Dooleyville Lou (middle), and Cordarius Stewart driving Hope's Star (bottom) compete for the lead during Race Three of the DuQuoin State Fair Harness Races on August 29, 2023.
Jockey Jerome Daniels lights a cigarette after a race at the DuQuoin State Fair Harness Races on Aug. 29, 2023.
SIU Dawg Pound President Dylan Chambers cheers with fellow students after Saluki Football earns a first down versus the SEMO Redhawks in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Sept. 16, 2023.
SIU running backs Kayleb Wagner (25) and Jimmy Athens (32) talk in the locker room before their game in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Sept. 16, 2023.
Trent Brown of the SIU Mens' Basketball team sits for a portrait in front of his locker, Oct. 5, 2023 in Carbondale, Illinois.
Running back Justin Strong loses his helmet while being tackled during the SIU vs. SDSU game in Carbondale, Illinois, Oct. 21, 2023.
SIU Basketball freshman Sheridan Sharp preps for a set of weighted lunges in the SIU weight room on Nov. 30, 2023.
Devin Cowan (right) and teammate Dune Smith celebrate on the sidelines after Cowan's 61 yard fumble return during the SIU vs. Indiana State game on Nov. 18, 2023 in Carbondale, Illinois.
