Josh Earley reflects on his SEMO career

Two seasons ago, Josh Earley made the decision to transfer to Southeast Missouri State.

With his time at SEMO coming to a close, Earley said he doesn’t regret his decision.

“Ten times out of 10, I would do it again,” Earley said.

Earley was honored alongside Dylan Branson and Aquan Smart prior to Saturday’s contest in which the Redhawks lost 82-72.

When leaving Tulsa, Earley was looking for a place that would best fit him.

“I didn’t really get a lot of playing time,” Earley said. “I just wanted to come to a new school where coaches put their trust in me and believed in me and my ability to play the game of basketball.”

In his first season, Earley’s role was as a bench player, but in 2023-24, he was inserted into the starting lineup.

“Sitting on the bench and watching Nate (Johnson) let me learn a little bit,” Earley said. “I think last year coming off the bench really slowed the game down for me.”

Perhaps the biggest benefit to coming off the bench last season has been his improvement offensively.

“I feel like I finish better around the rim,” Earley said. “Every day we’re doing bigs and guards and working on our touch around the rim.”

In Saturday’s loss, Earley posted 8 points and 10 rebounds while also being tasked with guarding UT Martin’s Issa Muhammad.

Earley and the Redhawks have two regular season games remaining, both of which will be on the road.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Earley said. “I feel like once we get to the end, it will, but right now I’m just trying to enjoy the rest of the season.”

Earley’s favorite memory? It didn’t take long for the senior forward to answer.

“Obviously my favorite is winning the OVC Tournament,” Earley said.

Not only did the Redhawks win the OVC Tournament a season ago, but they made a trip to March Madness in Dayton, Ohio, something every young basketball player dreams of.

Earley reflected on what will always stick with him when the ball is done bouncing and there are no more rebounds to grab.

“Just the community,” Earley said. “I’ve never been a part of a high school or college until I got here with a community that’s this together. I’m going to miss all the people of Cape Girardeau.”

Earley and the Redhawks (8-21, 3-13 OVC) hit the road at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, when they take on Morehead State.