Center gives verbal commitment to Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Dickey Nutt

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball program received its first verbal commitment for the 2012-13 season.

And it's a big one -- as in 6-foot-10, 250-pound Colin Ferguson, a raw but promising senior center at De Soto (Mo.) High School. He plans to make it official with the Redhawks during the NCAA's early signing period, which begins Nov. 9.

"I really like it there," Ferguson said. "I liked the campus, and the coaches are awesome."

Ferguson averaged 10.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game as a junior last season. He shot 52 percent from the field.

Ferguson's stock went up after a solid summer on the AAU circuit. He said Murray State and Southern Illinois-Carbondale were among other schools recruiting him.

De Soto coach Allen Davis said Ferguson has plenty of work to do to be ready for college basketball, but the potential is there.

"I think it's a great move for him and great for SEMO," Davis said. "I think the sky's the limit for him. It takes time for a bigger kid to develop. He's developed into quite a player for us the past couple of years."

Davis said Ferguson has "really good footwork. And he's a very good passer."

One of Ferguson's teammates at De Soto High School also might end up at Southeast.

Jared White, a 6-2, 200-pound senior combo guard, reportedly is leaning toward the Redhawks and could make a verbal commitment by the end of the week.

"I think he wants to come," Ferguson said.

White, also a Division I football prospect, is being recruited for basketball by various Missouri Valley Conference programs in addition to Southeast.

White averaged 19.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.9 steals last year. He shot 49 percent from the field, including nearly 35 percent from 3-point range.

Southeast coach Dickey Nutt is prohibited by NCAA regulations from commenting on recruits until they sign.