New coach strikes chord with players

The first impressions of their new coach were positive for Southeast Missouri State basketball players.

After listing to what Dickey Nutt had to say during Thursday's introductory news conference at the Show Me Center, several Redhawks gave their approval.

"He sounds like a pretty good motivator," junior forward Israel Kirk said. "I'm encouraged."

Kirk said Nutt comes highly recommended from one of his former players at Arkansas State, standout guard Dereke Tipler, a New Madrid County Central High School product.

"I know Dereke Tipler and he speaks highly of coach Nutt," Kirk said.

Sophomore forward Jajuan Maxwell seconded Kirk's opinion of Nutt.

"My first impressions are really good," Maxwell said. "I like his approach, his vision."

Asked about the enthusiasm Nutt displayed while addressing the large gathering that included boosters, administrators, media and other Southeast coaches, Maxwell said: "That's always good."

Maxwell said he and his teammates were happy to finally know who their coach is for next season.

"It's been a long process," he said.

Junior guard Jimmy Drew, who missed this entire season with a foot injury, also gave his seal of approval.

"I think we're all excited," Drew said. "I met him when he was at Arkansas State and one of his assistants recruited me. I think most people know the name.

"We were wondering like everybody else [who the new coach would be]. It's a relief."

After a disastrous 3-27 season that included a winless Ohio Valley Conference record, the firing of previous coach Scott Edgar and only seven available scholarship players for much of the campaign, Drew said the Redhawks are ready to start forging ahead.

"Try to put the past behind us, move forward," he said.

Nutt was scheduled to meet with his new players later Thursday after finishing several media interviews.

In the meantime, the Redhawks were content.

"I think he'll be a good coach," Kirk said.