May 15, 2009

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State University basketball coach Dickey Nutt has announced that 6-7 power forward Eric McCrary from Mineral Area College has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Southeast.

McCrary, who played high school basketball at Belleville East, was an all-conference selection at Mineral Area after averaging seven points, five rebounds and two assists per game. He had 45 3-point field goals.

"Eric is a big, strong player who will be a key piece of the puzzle as we put together next year's team," said Nutt. "He is a hard worker who absolutely wants to be the best student-athlete he can be. Eric is a coaches son who can shoot the three and bang inside. We are proud to have him."

Playing for his father, Doug McCrary, at Belleville East, he averaged 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists in leading the Lancers to a record of 21-9 his senior season. He was named All-Southwestern Conference, Belleville News Democrat All-Area and was honorable mention all-state. Following high school he played one season at Southwestern Illinois CC before transferring to Mineral Area.

"I am looking forward to playing for Coach Nutt at Southeast," McCrary said. "Playing Division I basketball has been a goal and dream of mine for many years. I look forward to helping turn the program around at Southeast."

Former Missouri player Corey Tate coached McCrary at Mineral Area and feels he will fit in at Southeast. "Eric is a tough, hard nosed kid who was the heart and soul of our team at Mineral Area. He will do whatever it takes to win. He is a hard worker that gives everything he has. I think Southeast will be a great fit for Eric. I understand Coach Nutt and understand the type of players he is interested in because he recruited me when I was a player."

McCrary is the sixth player to sign with the Redhawks. Earlier signees include 6-2 Sam Pearson of Moberly Area CC; Leon Powell, 6-7, of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa; 5-11 Anthony Allison of Missouri State-West Plains Community College; 6-5 LaQuentin Miles of Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Ark., and 6-2 Marland Smith of Hall High School in Little Rock. Nutt's son, Lucas, a 5-11 guard who averaged 17.7 points and six assists per game for Jonesboro (Ark.) High School last season, has also committed to enroll at Southeast and walk on to the basketball team.