Southern Illinois coach Bryan Mullins has been at the helm of his alma mater for 16 months.
Within a couple of months on the job, Mullins landed Marcus Domask out of Wisconsin, who went on to become the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year this past season.
Now Mullins has a commitment from arguably the hottest mid-major prospect in Illinois in the Class of 2021.
Notre Dame’s Troy D’Amico, the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s No. 6 ranked player in the Class of 2021, committed to the Salukis Sunday.
“It’s something I just felt in my gut and something I’ve been leaning towards for awhile,” D’Amico said. “So why wait to decide? I thought it was time to pull the trigger.”
Southern Illinois is getting the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s highest ranked player since Sun-Times Player of the Year Kevin Dillard of Homewood-Flossmoor signed with the Salukis in 2008.
The talented and versatile 6-7 forward said the odd recruiting process, due to the coronavirus, was more “difficult” than “frustrating.” But he was able to get on the Southern Illinois campus as a sophomore and again this past season for a game.
“Not being able to get on the campuses and see the coaches up close and personal did make it more difficult,” D’Amico said. “But I’ve had such a great feeling about Southern Illinois. The coaching staff, from day one, made me feel welcome and comfortable. The campus is nice, the facilities are good and everyone is invested in building that program.”
The many conversations, zooms and those initial trips to Carbondale stood out with D’Amico. There was an obvious comfort level with the staff throughout the process.
“They [coaches] did a great job of explaining how they saw the future, both for the program and for myself,” D’Amico said.
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D’Amico, a Sun-Times all-area performer and all-stater as a junior, led the Dons to a 29-5 record while averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and three assists a game. D’Amico and Notre Dame were the favorites in Class 3A and set to play for a sectional championship before the Covid-19 shutdown in March.
D’Amico’s game took a big step forward this past season, particularly with his ability and comfort level in putting the ball on the floor. He became more creative and effective as an ultra-skilled 4-man. Whether it be handling the ball, a reliable jumper from the three-point line or an improvement in scoring around the basket, D’Amico evolved into a prized mid-major target and recruit.
The intangibles also stand out. D’Amico has a competitiveness and toughness that resonates when watching him play at the highest level in high school.
“Troy took a huge jump during the season,” Notre Dame coach Kevin Clancy said. “He’s such a complete player, capable of doing so many things to help a team win. Southern Illinois is getting a great kid and player.”
