McGlown on his way out

Little-used point guard David McGlown decides to leave Salukis, opening up another scholarship

David McGlown was recruited to be a factor at SIU’s point guard position, but instead, found himself a scholarship player playing walk-on minutes.

Now, McGlown’s walking off.

McGlown, a junior guard on the SIU men’s basketball team, announced Wednesday that he is transferring to another program after just one season with the Salukis.

It was great being part of a winning team, but I love playing basketball, McGlown said. I was getting frustrated sometimes with not playing, but I’m not one to cause any type of friction.

McGlown transferred to SIU from Schoolcraft College in Michigan for this season, and was supposed to share the point guard position with Marcus Belcher. But the transition to Division I basketball wasn’t kind to the friendly 5-foot-9-inch guard, and he was never able to play his way into SIU’s main rotation.

It just never seemed to work, SIU head coach Bruce Weber said. I think he started to do better toward the end, but it took him a while, and some other guys passed him up.

McGlown wound up playing in just 12 games, averaging just 1.4 points a contest, and even walk-on Jason Ward moved ahead of McGlown in the rotation. Mostly, though, McGlown’s bid for playing time was derailed by how competently freshmen Darren Brooks and Stetson Hairston handled the basketball to complement Belcher.

After the season, Weber told McGlown he was unlikely to play much as a senior, but was welcome back because of the upbeat attitude he had brought to the squad during the season.

I told him I don’t see right now you making that step, and if you truly want to play, you might want to look around for another place, Weber said.

McGlown said he plans to transfer to a Division II school someplace in Michigan, and is excited about the chance to play close to his friends and family.

McGlown’s departure opens up another scholarship for SIU in time for the spring signing period, which begins on Monday. The Salukis’ top choice is to ink a skillful frontcourt player to help compensate for the loss of Rolan Roberts.

SIU is also wooing high school point guards, with Schaumburg High School’s Tony Young reportedly interested in the Salukis.

We have some kids that we have lined up the next couple weekends for visits, Weber said. We were hoping to get one guy in the mix now we’ll see if we can get two guys.

The spring signing period extends to May 15.

Jay Schwab can be reached at [email protected]