Summer Workouts Set the Stage for a Promising Season
On July 29, 2026, the SIUE men's basketball program opened its doors to the public at the First Community Arena in Edwardsville, Illinois, inviting local fans and media to witness a rare summer session.
Coach Brian Barone used the occasion to highlight the team's emerging identity, emphasizing a fast‑paced approach, disciplined organization, and a family‑like atmosphere that he hopes will carry over into the fall.
The workout featured a series of drills that blended ball‑handling with shooting, while a three‑minute scoring challenge saw the Cougars net 102 points through a flurry of three‑pointers and put‑backs, underscoring the squad's offensive ambition.
Roster Changes and Past Success
Barone noted the group's receptiveness to new concepts and stressed the importance of building habits during the off‑season, a period he views as critical for laying the groundwork for competition.
The Cougars return seven veterans from last season's 19‑13 record, including standouts Darion Baker, Tyler King and Jordan Pickett, while welcoming a wave of newcomers such as David Wilson, Gianni Cobb, Kain McCaskill, Gestin Liberis, Brennan Miller, Jacob Martin and Jayden Riley.
Last year the team made its first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance, finished 12‑8 in the Ohio Valley Conference, ranked sixth offensively and second defensively in the league, and secured non‑conference matchups against Missouri, Indiana State and Duke before the season tips off in November.