Southern Illinois tabs Barry Hinson to run hoops program

Mar 28, 2012 - 8:59 PM Carbondale, IL (Sports Network) - Southern Illinois University named Barry Hinson the new head coach of the men's basketball team on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old Hinson, who agreed to a five-year contract, succeeds Chris Lowery, who was fired earlier this month after a disappointing 8-23 campaign.

Hinson served the last four years on Bill Self's staff at the University of Kansas.

"Barry Hinson comes from a great tradition, has an excellent record of graduating his student-athletes, winning games and is currently on staff with the University of Kansas, which will be playing in the Final Four this weekend," said Southern Illinois athletic director Mario Moccia. "We are so pleased to welcome him as our new head coach."

Prior to joining the Jayhawks, Hinson was the bench boss at Missouri State for nine seasons and compiled a 169-117 record. The Bears posted three 20-win seasons under Hinson and reached the final of the MVC Tournament three times. His teams also made four NIT appearances.