Men's Basketball

Cougar Men's Basketball To Stress More Defense in '96-'97
	If there's anything that Southern Illinois 
University at Edwardsville men's basketball Coach Jack Margenthaler 
learned about the Great Lakes Valley Conference last season, it's that 
defense wins championships.
	The Cougars, 10-15 overall and 7-13 in the GLVC, was second in 
the conference in field goal percentage, but it was the opposite fate for 
defensive field goal percentage. Improving defense, without doubt, will 
be one Margenthaler's major goals for the 1996-97 season.
	"For this year's team to improve, it will need to become a better 
rebounding and defensive team," said Margenathler, who begins his fifth 
season at SIUE. "Games won in the GLVC are on the boards and at the 
defensive end of the floor.
	"And that's where this year's team needs to hang its hat."
	To achieve that goal, Margenthaler has 12 players on the roster 
to begin the season, including nine who have one or more seasons in a 
Cougar uniform.
	Perennial scorer Jason Holmes, a senior from New Castle, Ind., 
broke the all-time single-game scoring record in his first collegiate 
contest three years ago. Since then, Holmes has amassed 1,522 points for 
No. 2 on the all-time scoring list behind Keil Peebles (1,824 points).
	Margenthaler said he expects Holmes, a second team All-GLVC 
performer last season, to pick up his game as a senior to not only 
provide some scoring at the offensive end but also some aggressive 
backcourt help on defense.
	"If Jason remains healthy," notes Margenthaler, "his senior year 
should be his best."
	Margenthaler said he doesn't expect Holmes will have to carry as 
much of the offensive burden as he has in the past three season with 19.8 
points per game.
	At point guard, the Cougars return Shaun Smoot, a junior from 
Natchez, Miss. Smoot averaged nearly four assists a game last season and 
runs the fast break well. Margenthaler said he believes Smoot better 
understands his role and will be in even better control of his game.
	Junior Marlin Clark, of Davenport, Iowa, joins the backcourt who 
brings strong depth for the Cougars. "He can defend with the best and 
will play hard at both ends of the floor," said Margenthaler.
	Ronnie Henderson, a senior from Cairo, has become the most 
versatile player along with the tag of being the team's strongest. 
Henderson, listed at guard, has played several positions, including 
center last season.
	The Cougars also will look Chad Moss, a senior from Highland, to 
provide a backup at the two guard position. Moss saw just limited playing 
time last season, but Margenthaler expects Moss to see
more quality minutes this season.
	Margenthaler will call on two players who return after 
injury-plagued seasons. Chris Brefeld, a senior from New Baden, and John 
Pruett, a sophomore from Metropolis, were key members of the Cougars two 
seasons ago. Brefeld was injured just 10 seconds into the 1995-96 season. 
Pruett, who won the NCAA-II title for field goal percentage as a 
freshman, was seriously injured in an automobile accident. 	While the 
Cougars are not expecting Pruett to fully return to the form that earned 
his NCAA accolades, Margenthaler said his rehabilitation has been nothing 
less than remarkable.
	"Just having John back is an inspiration to the team," 
Margenthaler said.
	The Cougars also will turn to returners Tim Holloway, Nathan 
Kreke and Tim Thorsen to provide quality minutes at forward.
	Holloway, a junior from Mt. Vernon, is shooting as well as anyone 
on the team, according to Margenthaler. His career 7.5 points per game 
has been quiet. This may be Holloway's season to step it up.
	Kreke, a junior from Effingham, is noticeable stronger . Even at 
6-foot-7-inches, he will likely be defending players taller than him, so 
the extra size will come in handy with respect to rebounding and more 
aggressive defensive play.
	Thorsen, a sophomore from Schaumburg, did what every coach dreams 
Ñ he grew an inch and a half. Margenthaler said Thorsen was placed in a 
difficult position last season, playing many more minutes than the 
coaching staff wanted for his freshman season. Despite the change of 
plans, Thorsen has become better for the experience.
	Two newcomers Ñ 6-7 Travis Wallbaum and 6-7 Rusty Sarnes Ñ will 
be placed into difficult roles in their first season as a Cougars.
	Wallbaum, a freshman from Ashland, will share time at the center 
position. In his first season, Margenthaler looks for Wallbaum to use his 
great work ethic to his advantage on both offense and defense.
	Sarnes, a junior from Havana, transferred to SIUE from Lincoln 
Land College. Margenthaler figures the forward will lead the Cougars on 
the boards as well as add some scoring from both in the paint and around 
the perimeter.
	Margenthaler said opponents should not expect to see the same 
five starting every game. In fact, it may be more likely that a new mix 
each game will provide some question mark for non-conference as well as 
GLVC opponents.
	The Cougars are certainly not taking the GLVC for granted. The 
GLVC has provided two NCAA Division II national runners-up and a national 
champion in the past three seasons.
	"There can be no question who has the strongest Division II men's 
basketball conference in the country," said Margenthaler. "And I believe 
it's a conference just beginning to blossom."
-SIUE COUGARS-