SOUTHEAST HOOPS FACE PERSONNEL DECISIONS

Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball program has already signed five new players for next season.

Since there was only one senior on last season's roster, it is apparent that -- in order to free up some scholarships -- several players who are eligible to return next season won't be back.

Now, for the big question. Which players off the 1996-97 roster won't be in Southeast uniforms next season?

Rumors of some players possibly not having their scholarships renewed at the end of the school year have been flying, but right now nobody is talking.

Southeast officials are reportedly supposed to soon release the names of some players who will not return next season, but two who definitely won't be back are Allen Hatchett20and John Economos.

Hatchett, a sophomore guard who has started much of the past two seasons, is leaving of his own accord. Hatchett said that he requested and was given a release from his scholarship, leaving him free to contact any school he wishes.

A former all-stater at Sikeston High School, Hatchett was the Indians' third-leading scorer last season, averaging 10.2 points per game. He also led the squad in assists with 89.

Hatchett said that although he hasn't yet contacted any schools, he plans to continue playing Division I basketball, which would mean he would have to sit out one full season under NCAA transfer rules.

"But I look at that in a positive way, to gain experience," said Hatchett of having to sit out an entire season after he transfers. "I plan to start looking into some schools real soon."

Hatchett said that among the schools he might be interested in playing for is Southern Illinois, although he has not yet gotten in touch with the Saluki coaching staff.

Of his reason for leaving the Southeast program, Hatchett said simply that, "I just felt like I needed a change."

Economos, also a sophomore guard who averaged just 0.9 points per game while playing sparingly last season, said he has decided not to return, although his plans right now are not certain. But Economos said he definitely wants to continue his college basketball career and will likely transfer to a school close to his home town of Chicago.