May 17, 2004

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Waylon Francis, 6-foot, 8-inch, 240-pound center, has signed a national letter of intent to attend Southeast Missouri State University.

Francis, originally from Freeport in the Bahamas, played junior college basketball for SMS-West Plains where he averaged five points and four rebounds per game last season.

"Francis is big body who can rebound and score around the basket," said Southeast coach Gary Garner. "He is a Brian Bunche type player. Brian also came to us from SMS-West Plains and was a starter on our 2000 NCAA tournament team. Brian was a solid defensive player who didn't put up big stats, but made big contributions to a championship team. We hope Francis is the same type of player.

"Francis has all the qualities to be a good player in the OVC and he really compliments the players we have returning."

SMS-West Plains was 21-7 last season.

Francis is the fifth player to sign with Southeast. Guard Paul Paradoski from Vianney High School in St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois Community College forward/center James White, 6-7, signed during the early period and 6-2 point guard Ryan Belcher, Florissant Valley CC, and 6-8 forward Cody Lewis, Lake Land CC, have signed during the current signing period.