Powell looking forward to returning to floor for Redhawks

It's doubtful any Southeast Missouri State basketball player is looking forward to the new season more than Leon Powell.

Powell can't contain his excitement about being back on the basketball court as he prepares for his delayed rookie campaign with the Redhawks.

"It's been too long, way too long," said a smiling Powell, who along with the rest of the Redhawks participated in Southeast's first official practice Friday. "I'm excited to be out here."

Powell was considered the gem of second-year Southeast coach Dickey Nutt's first recruiting class last year. But he never got to play for the Redhawks after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during a pickup game in St. Louis less than two months after signing his letter of intent in April.

"Knock on wood, I haven't had too many injuries in my basketball career," said Powell, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound junior forward. "After I heard it pop, I knew it was something. But a torn ACL is not something I expected.

"It was depressing, knowing you can't play, you can't help the team out."

As depressing as Powell's injury was, he didn't let it beat him down mentally. Following surgery he underwent extensive rehabilitation and often could be seen working out on the sidelines while his teammates practiced last year.

"Two times a day," Powell said of his rehab. "You can make it as tough as you want. I worked hard."

Hard enough that Powell said the knee feels fine and, while maybe not quite 100 percent, he's not far off and he expects to be there soon.

"It feels good. I have my days, but nothing serious," said Powell, who received a medical redshirt and still has two years of eligibility remaining. "I'm not restricted at all. I've got most of my explosiveness back. It's coming. I get better every day."

Powell, a St. Louis native who helped lead Vashon High School to national prominence during his time there, was a two-time all-region pick at perennial national junior college power Indian Hills in Iowa.

Powell averaged 11.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore for a 30-3 Indian Hills team that was ranked second nationally. He shot 61.8 percent from the field.

"It was huge for us to land a player of Leon's stature," Nutt said. "We feel so fortunate to have Leon in our program. I really believe he's going to be a great player for us."

Nutt's enthusiasm for Powell never diminished after the injury. If anything, it grew.

"We've been so impressed with Leon. Having to sit out is not an easy thing to do, but he's really worked hard to get back," Nutt said. "He's really improved. He's not 100 percent, but he's getting there. I give our trainer, Amanda Martin, a lot of credit for helping Leon get back."

Nutt considers what happened to Powell a blessing in disguise because he was able to improve physically while not losing a year of eligibility. And now Nutt has added more talent to go with Powell.

"Today we're so thankful he did sit out," Nutt said. "He got a chance to be bigger and stronger. He's 22 pounds heavier."

Nutt said he wouldn't be surprised if Powell becomes one of the Ohio Valley Conference's premier players. That's how high the coach's expectations are for his star recruit from last year.

"He's very athletic. He's an explosive player on offense and defense. He comes from outstanding high school and junior college programs. He's had great success everywhere he's played," Nutt said. "He gives us a lot of smarts offensively and defensively. He can really score. Look for Leon to be a big part of our team."

Powell, who turned down scholarship offers from several higher-profile programs to sign with Southeast, was asked to describe his game.

"I can score in various ways, outside, inside. I feel like I'm a very good defensive player. I'm a good rebounder," Powell said.

Powell agreed with Nutt that, as frustrating as the injury was, sitting out last year was a blessing.

"It was. I've got two more years left," Powell said. "We should be real good the next two years. It depends on how hard we want to work."

Powell said he will continue to work hard in anticipation of his first game in about 18 months.

Southeast opens its two-game exhibition schedule Nov. 6 against Ouachita Baptist and begins the regular season Nov. 13 at Alabama-Birmingham.

"That's going to be a very happy moment," Powell said.