
SIUE Men’s Basketball Eyes Growth in Summer Open Practice
An open practice at First Community Arena gave fans a glimpse of the Cougars' evolving style, as returning stars and fresh talent battled in a high‑tempo drill.
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An open practice at First Community Arena gave fans a glimpse of the Cougars' evolving style, as returning stars and fresh talent battled in a high‑tempo drill.

The Cougars will open with two preseason contests, a seven‑game non‑conference run, eight home games and a championship showdown at Lindenwood.

Ryan Niedzwiedz, a junior first baseman from North Aurora, Illinois, was chosen 434th overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a three‑year career that reshaped SIUE baseball.

The Tigers will open the 2026‑27 campaign at home versus Cleveland State before traveling to St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City, facing a mix of historic programs and mid‑major teams throughout the non‑conference schedule.

Senior pitcher Tony Eberlin and utility hitter Hunter Baugh were named co-MVPs after leading the Tigers to a 9-0 record, a 1.72 ERA, a .429 batting average, and a regional title, earning All-State honors and showcasing leadership across both ends of the diamond.
Tom Minnick, a NJCAA Hall of Famer, will lead SWIC’s new football initiative, leveraging existing campus assets and a $1‑2 million startup budget.

Veronica Sheffey, a Woodinville native and former Texas Christian University star, has been appointed graduate assistant coach for the SIUE women's basketball program for the 2026‑27 season, bringing Elite Eight experience and Mountain West MVP pedigree to the Cougars.

Coach Brian Barone will open the doors of First Community Arena on July 29 for a public practice, featuring a final summer workout, a meet‑and‑greet and light concessions.

Veronica Sheffey, a former San Diego State standout, is set to join SIUE women's basketball as a graduate assistant coach for the 2026‑27 season, bringing NCAA Tournament experience and a family legacy of athletics.

Fans can watch the Cougars' last summer session at First Community Arena on July 29, with concessions and a meet‑and‑greet following the drill.

Ryan Niedzwiedz, a junior first baseman from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was selected in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies, capping a record‑setting collegiate season that saw him lead the Ohio Valley Conference in RBIs and become the program's all‑time home run leader.

Indiana State’s women’s basketball program announced its full non‑conference slate, highlighting a five‑home‑game schedule, a road‑heavy start and the return of key players.

Marquette announced the hiring of Jordan Grant, a coach with a championship pedigree, as associate head coach, raising expectations and questions ahead of the 2026 season opener.

Fans can attend an open practice on July 15 at First Community Arena, featuring a workout, meet‑and‑greet and light concessions, as the Cougars prepare for the 2026‑27 season.
The Kansas squad, bolstered by five Wichita‑area stars, secured the 2024 High School Baseball National Championship Series with a dominant performance at Omaha's Charles Schwab Field.

The 2026 NBA Summer League, running from early July to mid‑July, features a roster that includes OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah and Defensive Player of the Year Arnas Sakenis, among other recent conference standouts.

A calm demeanor and relentless effort have propelled Jacob Misiorowski from a torn meniscus at Crowder College to the Milwaukee Brewers rotation, where his talent and resilience are redefining his path.
Amari Barrett, a 6‑foot‑4 guard who helped Millwood win its 19th Oklahoma Class 3A championship, has pledged to Texas Tech, where he will be joined by two high‑school recruits and three transfer portal additions.

Texas Tech has secured the services of Amari Barrett, a 6‑foot‑4 guard whose high school achievements include back‑to‑back state championships and All‑State recognition.

Hunter Baugh, Isaac Wendler, Omar Avalos and Tony Eberlin were recognized on the Prep Baseball Report All-State teams, highlighting a season of record-breaking performances for their high schools.

Arnas Sakenis, the SIUE standout who capped his college career as the program’s all‑time blocked‑shot leader, has earned a spot on the Miami Heat’s NBA Summer League roster, marking the first-ever Cougars player to reach the league’s developmental circuit.

The OVC surged to a No. 10 RPI ranking in 2026, driven by six 30‑win teams, record performances from Little Rock and Southeast Missouri, and a historic tournament that saw SIUE capture its first regular‑season title.

Valparaiso University’s men’s basketball team welcomes Nick Sullivan as video coordinator, while Sean Taylor is promoted to assistant coach, Jacob Lindsey stays on as operations and creative media volunteer, and Joe Vick returns as graduate assistant. The new staff brings diverse experiences from Gonzaga, Whitworth and other institutions.

Triton College has appointed Rob Holloway, a former Trojans player and longtime assistant, as its new men's basketball head coach. With over 15 years of coaching experience and a proven track record, Holloway is poised to build on the program's tradition of success.