SE SIGNS 7-FOOT-2 GREEK

Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball program went a long way to land its first recruit of the spring signing period.

But based on his size alone, it was probably worth the trip.

Indians' head coach Gary Garner announced Thursday that 7-foot-2 Kostas Avgerinos of Athens, Greece, has signed a letter of intent to attend Southeast in the fall.

Avgerinos, who still has to meet NCAA entrance requirements, averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocked shots per game for the Panathinaikos Basketball Club that competes in the European Junior League.

If Avgerinos meets the NCAA eligibility standards, he will become the tallest basketball player in Southeast history.

"We're really excited about the signing," said Garner. "We feel he has a chance to be an outstanding player."

Garner said he has only seen Avgerinos on tape but assistant coach Tom Schuberth spent a few days in Greece recruiting Avgerinos.

"He looks good on tape and Tom thinks he can be a special player," Garner said. "He runs good, he catches good and he's got a nice shot. He is very coordinated for his size. As young as he is (18), he's a pretty complete basketball player."

Garner said the Indians were made aware of Avgerinos through assistant coach Anthony Beane, who played a year of professional basketball in Greece.

"Anthony got a call about him and that got it going," said Garner. "We were sent a tape and we really liked what we saw."

Avgerinos was also reportedly being recruited by the likes of Southern California, Syracuse and Miami of Florida so he apparently does have some big-time potential, although at only 210 pounds he will certainly have to gain weight and strength.

As for meeting NCAA eligibility requirements, Garner said Avgerinos' biggest drawback is the fact his English is not yet very good, so his SAT score in that department is low. But Garner is hopeful that Avgerinos will be able to improve his score and become eligible.

"It's not like he's a dummy. He's really a bright kid," Garner said. "If he was an American and over here all the time, and his English score was where it is, I wouldn't have much hope for him making it. But him not speaking very good english right now, if he studies it, his score could go up in a hurry.

"He seems to really be excited about coming to the United States and I think he's going to work hard to try and make that test score."

Although Garner can't comment until it becomes official, the Indians are expected to sign Tim Scheer today. The 6-6 Scheer earned Class 1A all-state honors at New Haven High School.

Southeast, which has four scholarships remaining, landed two players last November during the early signing period.