Winans gets rehab assist from track coach Haines

Southeast Missouri State University senior guard Derek Winans hopes to be in great shape when he eventually returns to the court -- thanks in large part to a workout program designed by Southeast track coach Joey Haines.

Winans, Southeast's leading scorer each of the past three years, still has not practiced because of a stress fracture in his leg, and he is assured of missing at least the first few games of the season. His streak of 84 consecutive starts will end Friday when Southeast begins play at Bradley.

But Winans, who is using crutches in order to avoid putting pressure on the injured leg, praised Haines for the workout program that he believes will have him in as close to game shape as possible when he finally gets back.

"I can feel how much it's helping my cardio conditioning," Winans said. "I'm worn out when I get done."

According to Southeast coach Gary Garner, Haines called him after hearing of Winans' injury. Haines deals with plenty of stress fractures in track and cross country and said he could help.

Winans said he has been training six days per week under the supervision of Haines, including two days in the Central pool and two days at the Southeast track weight facility.

"When I'm in the pool I do resistance-type exercises with a cable in the water. It's a really good workout," Winans said. "Then at the track facility, I do more resistance work. The other two days, I ride a stationary bike.

"Coach Haines said he deals with stress fractures almost every year, and this will help me stay in shape for when I come back. It's not totally like being in basketball shape, but it's a great workout, and I think it's going to be a really big benefit for me. I appreciate him helping me out."

Winans is scheduled to visit his doctor in St. Louis again on Nov. 29, and he's hopeful he can return to practice by Dec. 1. That's the day Southeast plays at Western Kentucky. He hasn't ruled out an appearance in the contest, although that would probably be pushing things a bit.

"I'd love to play against Western Kentucky, but if not then, hopefully the next game on Dec. 4 [at home against South Dakota State]," said Winans, who last year became the first basketball Academic All-American in Southeast history.

Garner, encouraged by Winans' workouts -- along with his work ethic and toughness -- believes it's only a matter of time before his star guard returns to action.

"I know a lot of people are wondering if Derek will be able to play again this year," Garner said. "Derek will be back, and sooner than people think."

Other injuries

Senior guard Mike Nelke (sprained wrist) and junior guard Ryan Belcher (sprained ankle) have returned to practice after missing Saturday's final exhibition game. Both should be able to play in Friday's opener.

But junior forward James White, who has been bothered by knee problems for much of preseason practice and also did not play Saturday, has been ruled out for Friday.

Southeast had only eight available players for Saturday's exhibition finale -- a loss to Division II Harding -- and has also used just eight players for quite a few practices, which Garner said has hindered the team's progress.

"This is the worst year I can remember as far as injuries," Garner said. "It's been really tough to practice, so we're not nearly as far along as we need to be. We just need to get healthy."

Guerrier earns a start

Southeast's main graduation loss from last season was center Brandon Griffin, the squad's leading rebounder who also averaged 12.3 points per game.

But Garner continues to be encouraged by the play of his two junior college transfers in the middle, particularly Ketshner Guerrier. In the two exhibition games, the 6-foot-7 Guerrier hit 15 of 17 shots from the field and scored 35 points.

"Ketshner can score around the basket, probably better than we thought he could," Garner said.

Garner also likes 6-8, 240-pound Waylon Francis, who is solid defensively and on the boards but not as good a scorer as Guerrier at this point. Guerrier is scheduled to start Friday, but he and Francis figure to share time at the post most of the season.

"We were really worried about replacing Brandon, but I think we'll be all right there," Garner said.

Recruit will wait

Eric Jones, a 6-foot-5 senior forward at Webster Groves High School in St. Louis, decided not to sign with Southeast during the weeklong early signing period that ended Wednesday.

Webster Groves coach Jay Blossom said Jones, who had verbally committed to Southeast several weeks ago, still will likely sign with Southeast when the spring signing period begins in April.

"I think he's firmly committed, but he just wants to see how things play out this year," Blossom said. "He really likes Southeast, and I would say it's still 95 percent that he'll sign."