April 16, 2002

2002-03 Indian Basketball Roster

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. Southeast Missouri State University basketball coach Gary Garner has announced that three members of this year's basketball team have decided to leave the Southeast program. Seniors to be Drew DeMond, Daniel Weaver and Kenny Johnson will not attend Southeast next season.

"It is not unusual for college players to move around," Garner said. "Players all over the country are transferring or seeking other options. After a losing year, I really thought we would lose some players."

Southeast was 6-22 last season and finished in eighth place in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Weaver, who averaged 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while playing in 26 games last season, will graduate in May and has decided not to use his final year of eligibility. "Daniel is graduating, getting married in June and plans to enter the business world this summer," Garner said.

Johnson, who averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 assists per game while playing 19 games during the second semester, plans to transfer to an undetermined school closer to his home in Kansas City. "Kenny told me he wanted to be closer to home so he could spend more time with his two-year old son," Garner said.

DeMond was the Indians leading rebounder last season with 5.4 boards per game and also led the team in blocks with 38. He was the third leading scorer with 10.2 points per game. "Drew indicated to me that he is leaving for personal reasons and plans to transfer to a Florida Division II school," Garner said.

The loss of the three players leaves Southeast with seven returning players, three new players signed for next season and one scholarship remaining.

Returning players include four starters, Derek Winans, Tim Scheer, Brett Hale and Damarcus Hence along with Demetrius King, Kevin Roberts and Adam Crader. The signees include junior college transfers Dainmon Gonner and Brandon Griffin and freshman Cole Grapperhaus.

"We wish the departing players good luck," Garner said. "It is difficult because under the new NCAA rules we aren't able to replace the players who are leaving. We do feel good about the players who are returning and the recruits we have signed. We expect to sign one more player and we will probably add a couple of walk-ons."

"I feel good about where we are. We will definitely be an improved basketball team."