Southeast Missouri State University's 2002-2003 men's basketball recruiting class should be bolstered by a top high school player from Illinois.

Cole Grapperhaus, a 6-7 senior center at Mater Dei in Breese, Ill., gave Southeast a verbal commitment earlier this week and he plans to make it official during the early signing period in November. Verbal commitments are non-binding, meaning Grapperhaus can still sign with another program.

As a junior last season at Mater Dei, the 225-pound Grapperhaus averaged 15.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from the field. He has also been recruited by Wyoming, Drake and Central Florida.

Projected as a forward on the college level, Grapperhaus played for the high-profile St. Louis Eagles AAU team this summer.

"He's a real nice player and his work ethic is just fantastic," said Mater Dei coach Marvin Eversgerd. "He's very explosive off his feet and his shooting has improved.

"We need him more as an inside player, but I think they (Southeast) could use him in a couple of different spots and I think he'll really help them. I think he'll be a good player for them."

Southeast coach Gary Garner is prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on a prospective recruit until he officially signs a letter of intent.