NIL FloorburnU collective launches at Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois has a strong history in men’s basketball with 15 trips to the NCAA Tournament and double-digit Missouri Valley Conference championships. The Salukis also have a strong tradition of playing a defensive brand of basketball that helped them develop the “Floorburn U” nickname.

Now that moniker is being applied to the world of name, image and likeness with the launch of NIL FloorburnU on Monday. NIL FloorburnU is a collective dedicated to supporting Southern Illinois student-athletes, and school leaders are throwing their full support behind the group’s efforts.

“Saluki basketball is a tradition-rich program with a diehard fan base,” SIU men’s basketball coach Bryan Mullins said in a news release. “The creation of NIL FloorburnU allows our student-athletes to enjoy that rich experience, while also maximizing their market potential.”

NIL FloorburnU began receiving funds last fall and it will initially support men’s basketball student-athletes. But leaders say the collective has goals to include additional programs in the future. The collective also publicized a website on Monday to generate funding.

NIL FloorburnU is perfect name for SIU collective

Mullins was the point guard on the 2007 team that trademarked “FloorburnU” with its gritty, blue-collar style that took college basketball by storm, advancing to the Sweet 16. Now in his fourth year as head coach, the Salukis are coming off a 23-win season – the most victories since 2007.

“When you come to SIU, you’ll receive a first-class education, the overwhelming support of a passionate fan base, and the resources to achieve your market value,” Mullins said. “NIL FloorburnU will be a difference-maker for our program and our student-athletes.”

The collective also got full support from SIU athletic director Tim Leonard.

“NIL FloorburnU will be a tremendous resource for our student-athletes and ensures we remain competitive within the changing landscape of college athletics,” Leonard said in the release.

NIL FloorburnU is led by Chris Schoemann. He’s been involved in college athletics for more than 30 years, including previous work with the NCAA and Minnesota’s athletic department. He is currently with FirstTeam Sports Consulting. Schoemann runs multiple other collectives nationwide, including SMU’s Boulevard Collective.

“At a time when a Division I athlete’s access to brand and marketing opportunities is more valuable than ever before, we are excited to leverage an integrated network of corporate, philanthropic and athletics leaders,” Schoemann said in the release.

“For a city and alumni base as relationship-oriented as Carbondale and SIU, it seems only fitting that the community has come together in this way. We could not be more excited to be working with the institution, Tim Leonard and his coaches.”

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