OWEN TO TRANSFER OUT OF SE HOOP PROGRAM

Former Cape Girardeau Central High School standout Nathan Owen will no longer be a part of the Southeast Missouri State University basketball program.

The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard has requested and been granted an unconditional release so he can transfer to another college.

Owen, who is now free under NCAA rules to contact other schools, averaged 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds per game last season, when his playing time diminished greatly from his freshman campaign. As a freshman, Owen averaged 5.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. He started the last nine games that season, averaging 10.5 points as a starter.

"I really enjoyed having Nathan Owen as a valuable member of our basketball team the past two seasons," said Southeast coach Gary Garner. "Nathan was one of our hardest working and toughest players. He certainly played a role in the success we enjoyed the past two seasons.

"I certainly looked forward to Nathan returning next season, but he just felt he could get more playing time by transferring to another school. I certainly wish him all the success in the world and will help him any way possible."

A 1997 Central High graduate, Owen twice earned second-team Class 4A all-state honors for the Tigers and he averaged 20 points per game as a senior.

Owen will have two seasons of eligibility remaining wherever he transfers. If he plays for another Division I program, he will have to sit out a year under NCAA transfer rules. However, he would be eligible next season at any non-Division I program.

Meanwhile, on the Southeast recruiting front, the Indians are today expected to announce the signing of a highly-touted junior-college point guard from Texas. That player would bring the Indians' number of signees for next season to seven.