MIDNIGHT MADNESS TO DESCEND ON THE SHOW ME CENTER

A little Midnight Madness will help Southeast Missouri State University officially kick off the 1999-2000 basketball season Friday at the Show Me Center.

Practice for Division I teams across the country can't officially start until 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, but there will be plenty of activity leading up to the first practice session for Southeast's men and women.

The doors at the Show Me Center will open at 10:30 p.m., with free T-shirts going to the first 500 fans.

There will be 1998-99 video highlights of the Indians' and Otahkians' seasons; a Late Night With Southeast Basketball segment featuring Indians' coach Gary Garner and Otahkians' coach Ed Arnzen; a short legends game with former Indian and Otahkian players; and chances for fans to win $30,000 in cash and prizes.

During the time leading up to midnight, fans will have the opportunity to participate in games and get autographs from Indian and Otahkian players.

Beginning at midnight, the teams will be formally introduced and each squad will have a short scrimmage.

There will be a slam-dunk competition for the Indians and both teams will participate in a 3-point shooting contest.

"I believe it's going to be a huge success," said Garner of the Midnight Madness event. "We're looking forward to it. It's a great way for our fans to meet the teams."

Midnight Madness is sponsored by Bi-State Convenience Stores and the Zimmer Radio Group.

* The Sporting News College Basketball Issue ranks the Indians second in the Ohio Valley Conference and 87th nationally, ahead of several teams from some high-profile conferences, including the Big 12, Big East, Big 10 and Southeastern.

Other preseason publications rank the Indians from second to fifth in the OVC.

All of the publications list senior forward Roderick Johnson as a second-team all-OVC pick. The Sporting News ranks Johnson as the best shooter in the OVC.

* Two players signed by Southeast failed to meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

Freshman Mike Sutherland is attending Southeast but is not eligible to be a member of the team until next year, as long as he meets academic requirements.

Kostas Avgerinos, the 7-foot-2 Greek signee, is attending Southern Idaho Junior College.

* Memphis transfer Daniel Weaver, a 6-8 forward who saw limited playing time last season with the Tigers, has joined the Indians.

Weaver is not eligible this year because of NCAA transfer rules but will practice with the team.

* The Indians will have two exhibition games at the Show Me Center, beginning Nov. 6 against the Dreambuilders.

The regular season tips off Nov. 19 at home against Western Carolina.