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Salukis reconstructed as a true team

After last season's 12-21 season and five player, two assistant coach exodus, Hinson had to fill six roster spots with four months until fall practices began. The team is 9-2 this season, and with a week until conference season starts it appears Hinson accomplished that mission.

"We're 9-2 and we were picked ninth in the [Missouri] Valley," Hinson said. "Right now, we're on top of the Valley."

The five players who left after last season averaged 29 points and 13.5 rebounds per game combined. This year's additions are averaging 21.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Hinson said he was honest with recruits' families about how hard he was going to work them, and what their role would be.