Saluki coach Barry Hinson celebrates with fans after SIU's 81-78 win against Illinois State on Jan. 12 at SIU Arena.
SIU men's basketball coach Barry Hinson was named the Missouri Valley Conference's Coach of the Year on Thursday.
Hinson edged out Wichita State's Gregg Marshall by three points in the voting. Hinson received 84 points to Marshall's 81. Evansville's Marty Simmons finished third with 48 points.
League coaches, media and sports information directors voted on the award.
This is Hinson's first time winning the award and he is first SIU coach to win since Chris Lowery in the 2006-07 season.