Rebounding was arguably Southeast Missouri State University's biggest weakness last season. The Indians were beaten on the boards by an average of almost six rebounds per game as they slumped to a 6-22 record.

But thanks in large part to the addition of two junior-college transfers, Southeast coach Gary Garner said he expects his team to improve considerably around the glass this season.

"Rebounding was our biggest weakness last year but I think we have really helped ourselves in that area," Garner said during media day Tuesday.

Brandon Griffin, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound center, averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds at Southwest Mississippi Community College last year.

Reggie Golson, an athletic 6-7, 195-pound forward, averaged 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, although he won't be able to begin practice until Nov. 8 as he recovers from minor knee surgery.

"Griffin could be a great rebounder and Golson is a very good offensive rebounder," Garner said.

Griffin is excited about lending a hand on the boards while also providing some offense.

"Rebounding is my biggest strength and I think I can really help in that area, but I'm a scorer too," he said.

Point guard committee

Although not a true point guard, sophomore Brett Hale was Southeast's primary player at that position toward the end of last season, with help from sophomore Kevin Roberts.

This year, Garner said sophomore Derek Winans -- last season's Ohio Valley Conference freshman of the year as he led the Indians in scoring with 14.9 points per game -- will also be added to the point guard mix.

"We'll kind of have point guard by committee," Garner said.

That figures to change next season as touted Valparaiso transfer Mike Nelke becomes eligible. Nelke will practice with the team this year but must sit out under NCAA transfer rules.

Preseason predictions

The official OVC preseason poll will be released Oct. 29 during the conference's media day in Nashville, Tenn.

But several national publications are already out. Street & Smith picks Southeast fifth in the nine-team league while Athlon has the Indians seventh.

Street & Smith picks Murray State first and Tennessee Tech second; Athlon has Tech first and Murray second. Both magazines have Morehead State third and Eastern Illinois fourth.

"Tennessee Tech and Murray State should be the top two teams in the OVC, but after that it could really be a scramble," Garner said. "We hope to be in the hunt for an upper-division finish and be in a position to make some noise at tournament time."

Recruiting news

The early signing period begins Nov. 13. While Garner is prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on specific recruits until they sign, he said he looks for a strong crop of newcomers to join a squad next year that has just two current seniors.

Dainmon Gonner, a touted 6-7, 230-pound forward from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College who signed with the Indians in the spring but failed to meet academic requirements, is expected to again sign with Southeast next month, then transfer in at the semester, practice with the team and have two seasons of eligibility remaining beginning next year.

Also reportedly leaning heavily toward the Indians is athletic 6-2 guard Norman Prather, a sophomore at Mineral Area Junior College in Park Hills, Mo. Prather is a former Caruthersville High School star.

Two walk-ons

The Indians will have two freshmen walk-ons to round out their 12-player roster: 6-4 John Boggio from Hazelwood Central High School in St. Louis and 6-3 Lance Sechrest from Park Hills Central High School.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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