Winans deals with stress fracture in leg

The injury is not believed to be too serious for the Indians, who open practice on Saturday.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

As Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball team prepares to begin practice Saturday, the availability of standout senior guard Derek Winans is in question.

Winans, the Indians' leading scorer the past three seasons, has a small stress fracture on the inside of his leg. He is scheduled to have the leg examined again this week.

Southeast coach Gary Garner said he is not overly concerned about the long-range availability of Winans and is hopeful the product of Shawnee (Ill.) High School will be able to start practice Saturday on a limited basis.

"I don't think it will be a lingering thing, but you never know," Garner said.

Junior college transfer forward James White also might not be able to begin practice Saturday because of a knee injury, although Garner said that also does not appear to be serious.

In addition, Garner said senior forwards Dainmon Gonner (hamstring) and Reggie Golson (quad) -- two of last year's top players -- are nursing minor injuries but should be able to begin practice Saturday.

"The injury bug hit us early, but this is the time to have it," Garner said.

One player who will be able to practice beginning Saturday but might not be able to play in games this season is junior college transfer point guard Ryan "Fuzzy" Belcher, whose eligibility is still unresolved because of a lack of transferable hours toward his degree.

Southeast has filed a formal appeal with the NCAA and expects an answer within the next two weeks.

The Indians will practice twice both Saturday and Sunday.

"We're anxious to get started," Garner said. "We're excited, like every Division I basketball program in the country."