Lots of new faces, roles highlight balanced SEMO MBB W

The unveiling of the 2023-24 Southeast Missouri State men’s basketball squad took place on Monday at the Show Me Center, as the Redhawks took care of NCAA Division II program Henderson State 76-61 in an exhibition game.

The contest was intriguing to watch, not because an exhibition game carried anything of significance, but because none of those in attendance knew exactly what they would witness.

“At the beginning of the year,” fourth-year Redhawk coach Brad Korn said, “I want guys to figure out how to play.”

What Korn meant was for his players to learn how to handle various situations throughout the game, be it a tight game, handling a run by the opposition, being able to get the ball moving, etc. All of those situations will be necessary to execute beginning next month when SEMO opens its regular season on Nov. 6 at Grand Canyon.

“As a group,” Korn continued, “when we develop into our roles, we can’t play to the score. We think we’re up nine, so we’re good, we’re never good (enough).

“I saw a little bit of that today.”

Of the 13 players who saw action, only four had played significant roles a year ago. So, Monday’s action was interesting to see which of the new players could be productive, as well as which of the returning players would elevate their game in a newer role.

The Redhawks placed five players in double figures, and nine players in double-digit minutes, including freshman guard BJ Ward.

The Chaminade College Prep graduate scored 10 points in 17 minutes of play in his first college game.

“I got on BJ in the second half,” Korn said. “He can play the point and he can steady the ship when it is disorganized. He can also be awesome off the ball and can make shots.”

Ward had a couple of late 3-point shots when Henderson State was making a late run.

“BJ is a very smart player,” Korn said. “He’s got a lot in the tank.”

Junior guard Aquan Smart led SEMO with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists but also had four turnovers.

Smart sank all eight of his free throw attempts.

Senior center Josh Earley had 12 points, while newcomer TJ Biel had 10 points and four rebounds.

Murray State transfer Braxton Stacker had 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds to go with three assists.

“Braxton and (SEMO junior forward Kobe Clark) are very similar in the way they can guard the ball in being as big as they are,” Korn said.

The Redhawks had 19 assists against 18 turnovers and impressively sank 17 of 21 free throws.

SEMO has five players returning (Branson, Smart, Larson, Earley, and Clark) who are returning after seeing significant action a year ago. Korn also has centers David Idada and Mason Hanback, as well as guards Evan Eursher and Gavyn Elkamil, returning after being part of the program for a year, either in limited roles or as a redshirt player.

Korn added six newcomers to this year’s squad, including guards Rob Martin, Ward, Stacker, Asa Barnes, Marqueas Bell, and Biel.

“It’s a ‘working’ team,” Korn said. “They just come to work every day.”

The Redhawks open their regular season on Nov. 6 at Grand Canyon at 9 p.m. (CT).

SEMO’s regular-season home opener will be on Nov. 15 against Evansville (6:30 p.m.) at the Show Me Center.