Golson's goals - Healthy year, plenty of wins

Reggie Golson rarely can be seen without a smile on his face under any circumstances.

But the prospect of finally having an injury-free season for Southeast Missouri State University's basketball team -- knock on wood -- seems to have given Golson an even bigger perpetual grin.

"I can't hardly wipe the smile off my face," Golson said. "I'm healthy and it feels real good."

Golson, Southeast's outgoing 6-foot-7 senior forward, has seemingly run into nothing but bad luck ever since he transferred from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College before the 2002-2003 season.

Knee surgery prior to the start of that campaign wasn't expected to sideline Golson all that long, but the knee never fully responded and he wound up as a medical redshirt after playing in just one game.

Then last year, Golson was bothered by an assortment of injuries, which hindered his progress for much of the season.

But after eventually getting over his various ailments, Golson was finally able to show Southeast fans some of his explosive talents. Over the final five games last season, he averaged 17 points, including a 25-point outburst during an upset win over Morehead State.

"It was real frustrating, wanting to be out there playing, but always being hurt," Golson said. "I always knew I would get a chance to show what I can do and it felt good when I finally got healthy."

Golson, who finished last season with overall averages of 7.1 points and 3.9 rebounds -- he hit 52.4 percent of his field-goal attempts and led Southeast with 15 blocked shots -- plans to pick up this year right where he left off in 2003-04.

If Southeast's exhibition trip to Canada over the Labor Day weekend is any indication, Golson might do just that. Although the competition wasn't particularly stiff, Golson sparkled in the three games by averaging 23.7 points and 7.7 rebounds.

"It was nice. It showed I still have something," Golson said. "Hopefully I can keep it up during the season. I feel confident I can."

So does Southeast coach Gary Garner, who plans to use Golson at the 4 position (power forward) despite his slender frame that only carries about 200 pounds. Golson is most effective operating in the paint, utilizing his exceptional quickness and leaping ability to get high-percentage shots close to the basket.

"Reggie is a very talented player," said Garner, whose squad is in its second week of practice in preparation for the Nov. 6 exhibition opener against Harris-Stowe at the Show Me Center. "He can score a lot of different ways. He's very crafty around the basket. He's just one of those kids who knows how to put the ball in the basket.

"This is the first time Reggie has been healthy in his whole career here. If he can stay healthy, I think he's going to have a very good season for us."

That's what Golson is counting on, although he doesn't want to jinx himself by looking too far ahead. For now, he'll settle for remaining healthy.

"I'm trying to take it in stride," he said, again flashing his trademark grin. "I'm crossing my fingers every day. Everything is 100 percent right now and I hope it stays that way."

Golson, who originally came to Southeast as a small forward before showing Garner how well he could maneuver around the basket, likes the idea of matching up against players who might be stronger than him but probably aren't as athletic.

"A lot of guys are slower so I can use my quickness," said Golson, who also believes his jump shot will become more of a weapon this year after extensive offseason work in that area. "My jumper is where it needs to be. My range is getting extended. I worked on that a lot."

Golson has also worked hard to gain weight since arriving at Southeast -- even if he still doesn't have the frame to show for it.

"I actually put on about 30 pounds since I've been here," he said. "I was real light."

Golson, a native of Kansas City, Kan., who is majoring in elementary education and would perhaps like to coach some day, hopes Southeast isn't light in the win column this year.

With plenty of experience returning, Golson said he's counting on substantial improvement after last season's disappointing 11-16 record that featured a 4-12 Ohio Valley Conference mark and a tie for last place among 11 teams.

"We're going to surprise a lot of people," he said. "A lot of people have counted us out, but we lost so many close games last year and we've got five seniors. We're coming for it now."