Randal Falker
The 6’7” 230-pound sophomore forward from Gateway Tech has been one of the key players at Southern Illinois, which is seeking a fifth consecutive Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championships.
After spending his first season in Carbondale as a key reserve, Falker is now the Salukis’ starting center on team that is 13-4 and currently in first place in the MVC. Falker’s blue-collar style of play has epitomized the Salukis’ toughman approach that has netted four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
Through 17 games, Falker leads the Salukis in rebounding (7.0), blocked shots (17) and field goal percentage (50 percent). He is also averaging seven points a game, which is fourth on the team.
Falker had his top scoring game of the season on Monday night when he had 13 points against Northern Iowa. He also had 11 points in SIU’s victory at Drake on Saturday.
A three-year starter at Gateway Tech, Falker was a member of the St. Louis American “Fab Five” All-Star Team in 2003.
