News
Breaking: Salukis Add Dynamic Guard Isaiah Stafford to Backcourt Reload
Sources tell The UnderDawg that Isaiah Stafford, the explosive former Valparaiso and John A. Logan College guard, is expected to sign with the Salukis.
Joe Szynkowski
2005 SIU journalism grad. Saluki season-ticket holder. Covered sports for The Southern. Founder and owner of The UpWrite Group - a strategic communications firm HQd in Marion, Illinois.
News
Breaking: 6'11" SLU Transfer Max Pikaar to join Salukis
Sources: Salukis Land Major Frontcourt Boost with Dutch Big Man Max Pikaar
Feature
Staying Home: Caden Hawkins Commits to SIU Hoops and Continues a Family Legacy
Caden Hawkins grew up with a basketball in his hands. Now he's following in the footsteps of his dad, Shane, and taking the court as a Saluki.
Feature
Never Out: Matt Schark’s Relentless Road Back to Powering the Saluki Lineup
Matt Schark doesn’t come out of games. Not when his shoulder slips out of place on a swing. Not when he’s up 10 in the fifth. Not when he’s told to sit. This is the story of a quiet leader, a bruising bat, and the kind of athlete every coach wants and every team needs.
Analysis
Patience Is a Strategy — And Nagy Is Playing the Long Game
The fans who blame the portal or NIL for mid-major struggles are missing the bigger picture. Adaptation wins. The best organizations — on the court or in the boardroom — don’t panic when the market changes. They evolve. That’s exactly what’s happening in Carbondale.
Valley Views (April 10, 2025): Nagy & McCollum Earn Awards, Esports Heating Up, B-I-N-G-O
Finding solid MVC coverage isn’t always easy with legacy news shifting gears. That’s why we’re here at The UnderDawg—to curate the best and most relevant news so you can spend less time searching and more time doing what you love: Cheering on the Salukis.
Analysis
40, 10, and Climbing: Nick Hill’s Biggest Wins in Maroon
Nick Hill just turned 40. He’s entering his 10th season as head coach of the Salukis. And with the annual Spring Game set for Saturday, April 19 at 11 a.m., excitement around Southern Illinois Football is already in full swing.
News
UnderDawg Bites: A Quick Recap of Recent Content
Been too busy burning your brackets to read the latest from The UnderDawg? We’ve got you. Catch up on our latest pieces.
News
Valley Views (March 27, 2025): Fans Get Spicy Over McCollum-DeVries Drama, SIU Golfer in the Spotlight, MVC's Smartest Swimmers Earn Recognition
Finding solid MVC coverage isn’t always easy with legacy news shifting gears. That’s why we’re here at The UnderDawg—to curate the best and most relevant news so you can spend less time searching and more time doing what you love: Cheering on the Salukis.
Opinion
Portal Updates + Rumors: What’s Next for Saluki Basketball?
Portal drama aside, the Salukis have their eyes set on Valley contention. We have a solid road map to get there.
News
Happy March Madness, Dawgs!
We've got a fun roundup for you to check out today as you pretend to work. Enjoy!
Feature
Richard “Itchy” Jones: Celebrating The Man Who Built SIU Baseball into a Powerhouse
Richard "Itchy" Jones' death marks the end of an era for SIU baseball. But for those who played for him, coached with him, or simply had the privilege of knowing him, his lessons will endure far beyond the field.