Albany Tech forward joins Southeast's program

As expected, the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball program has landed a 6-foot-9 power forward for next season.

Waylon Jones, a sophomore at Albany Tech Community College in Albany, Ga., signed a national letter of intent during the weeklong early signing period that began Wednesday.

"We are pleased to announce that Waylon has joined our program," Southeast coach Dickey Nutt said. "He is very athletic and we look for him to be a good defender, rebounder and shot-blocker."

The 195-pound Jones, a native of Rocky Mount, N.C., averaged eight points, 6.5 rebounds and two blocked shots per game in 15 starts as a freshman last season.

Jones is currently sidelined with a stress fracture that will keep him out of action until January.

"Waylon is an explosive guy with a long wingspan," Albany Tech coach Sylvester Patterson. "He can step out and hit the three and has a very high basketball IQ."

Nutt said signing Jones was a major priority as the Redhawks attempt to add size for next season. Two of their current primary inside players, Israel Kirk and LaMont Russell, are seniors.

"We have to get bigger as a team quickly," Nutt said. "We believe Waylon will fit in well with what we are trying to accomplish as a program."

Southeast has two scholarships remaining for next season.