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SIU men land recruit from Mineral Area College

By Todd Hefferman, The Southern

Saturday, September 13, 2008 9:27 AM CDT

Jeremy Felton is a 6-foot-7 forward. He's a rebounder and a guy who played in 28 of Mineral Area College's 31 games last season. Next year, he'll be a Saluki.

Felton verbally committed to the Southern Illinois University men's basketball team Friday, according to Mineral Area College coach Corey Tate. Felton averaged 8.6 points and 8.4 rebounds last year for the 19-12 Cardinals, and has big upside, according to his current coach.

"More than anything, he just has a lot of God-given ability," Tate said. "Once he sharpens up his skills. ... He's doing a lot of things just off raw talent. Once he sharpens his skills up, he could be a pretty good player."

Felton did not immediately return a message Friday night. The sophomore at Mineral Area became the third commitment for the 2009-10 season, joining 6-8 forward Jordan Myers and 5-8 guard Kendal Brown. His verbal commitment is non-binding. Felton could officially become a member of the Salukis during the early signing period in November, which runs from Nov. 8-15.

Tate, a former player at Missouri, said the 225-pound forward/center could give SIU coach Chris Lowery a lot of options. Lowery could return four posts next season in forwards Carlton Fay, Anthony Booker and Christian Cornelius, as well as 6-11 center Nick Evans. Lowery and his staff can't comment on recruits until they sign their national letters of intent.

"He should play three or four positions, but it's up to coach Lowery," Tate said. "He really cares about the game, and he has a great understanding of the game. I always tell him he has something special to offer to the basketball world."

Felton played at three high schools in the Belleville area before going to Mineral Area last year. He finished at Belleville West, where he led the Southwestern Conference in scoring (19.4 points per game) and rebounding (13.1 per game). He was second in blocks per game, swatting an average of 2.8 shots, and was an honorable mention all-state selection.

Felton will not be the first Mineral Area standout to come to Carbondale if he follows through. Former guard Bryan Turner also came from the college in Park Hills, Mo.

todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com / 351-5087