BIG MAN ON CAMPUS: SE'S 7-FOOT-2 RECRUIT GETS 1ST LOOK AT SCHOOL

Kostas Avgerinos towered over the wide-eyed youngsters who gave him an enthusiastic, rousing welcome Tuesday during the Southeast Missouri State University boys basketball camp at the Student Recreation Center.

The 7-foot-2 Avgerinos is the tallest recruit in the history of Southeast basketball. The native of Athens, Greece, who signed with Southeast in the spring, is visiting the campus -- and the United States -- for the first time.

"I flew in to St. Louis (Monday night)," said the engaging Avgerinos, who added with a laugh, "I saw the Arch. It's nice, but too big."

Southeast head coach Gary Garner got his first look at Avgerinos when he arrived at the Show Me Center late Tuesday morning.

While naturally impressed with Avgerinos' height, Garner also came away impressed with how well Avgerinos speaks English.

"He speaks really well, better than I thought he would," Garner said.

Avgerinos' problem with the English portion of the SAT is what has prevented him from passing the test in the past and might prevent him from reaching NCAA minimum eligibility requirements for next season.

It is still not certain whether Avgerinos will be eligible to play for the Indians next season. He is still awaiting the score of his most recent SAT.

"My English is pretty good, that's why I was surprised I didn't get the score," he said.

Said Garner, "He's really a bright kid. You can tell that by talking to him. And he speaks (English) well. But it must be difficult to try and read the test in a foreign language. Think how hard it would be for somebody from America to try and take the test (in a foreign language)."

If Avgerinos is not eligible for next season, he has several options, including still attending Southeast as a freshman (he would have to pay his own way) but sitting out his initial year of basketball. He could also attend a junior college or prep school, but Avgerinos said he would like to begin his Southeast education as soon as possible.

"I would like to come over here even if I can't play (next season)," he said.

Avgerinos averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocked shots per game last season for the Panathinaikos Basketball Club that competes in the European Junior League.

Only 18 years old, Avgerinos needs to add weight -- he goes about 220 pounds, which isn't much for his 7-2 frame -- but he appears to have the basketball skills necessary to compete at a high level.

"He runs good, he catches good and he's got a nice shot," said Garner, who has only seen Avgerinos play on tape. "He is very coordinated for his size. As young as he is, he's a pretty complete basketball player."

Avgerinos laughed when he was asked if he would try to put on weight in the future.

"I need to, but I eat too much and I can't gain weight," he said with a grin. "I eat six meals a day."

The Indians were originally made aware of Avgerinos through assistant coach Anthony Beane, who played a year of professional basketball in Greece. That set the wheels in motion and Avgerinos ultimately signed with Southeast despite being courted by the likes of Southern California, Syracuse and Miami of Florida.

"(Assistant) coach (Tom) Schuberth came to Greece and he told me about everything over here," Avgerinos said. "(Southeast) seems like a great school and it has a great team. I want to work hard and improve my basketball and I think this will be a good place."

Avgerinos, who has been playing basketball since he was 9, said he's as intent on getting a good education as he is on improving his basketball skills.

"One of my main priorities is to get a good education," he said. "My family wants me to get an education over here."