Redhawks' Caviness will be ineligible for upcoming season

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball program has taken another hit.

It was learned this week that Mark Caviness, arguably Southeast's co-top signee for the 2008-09 season, did not meet NCAA eligibility requirements and will not play for the Redhawks this year.

Caviness, a junior college transfer, has been attending classes at Southeast since school began in late August.

Caviness, a 6-foot-5 forward, was an all-conference performer at Indian River Community College in Florida.

Southeast coach Scott Edgar said Caviness will continue to attend Southeast, although he will have to pay his own way and will not be allowed to practice with the team.

As long as Caviness meets future NCAA eligibility requirements, he will still have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Caviness and Martino Brock were widely regarded as Southeast's top two signees for this season.

Brock, a 6-5 swingman who would have been a freshman, was never admitted to Southeast after failing to meet eligibility requirements.

Since last season ended, two of the Redhawks' key players transferred, starting point guard Roderick Pearson to Oral Roberts and 6-foot-10 center Will Bogan to Shawnee (Ill.) Community College.

In addition, point guard Hank Harris -- the probable starter following Pearson's departure -- suffered an achilles tendon injury during a pickup game and likely will miss the entire season.

Southeast is down to 11 scholarship players, including Harris.

Despite the loss of anticipated key personnel, Edgar said he feels good about this year's squad, which begins official practice Oct. 17.

"I like my roster. We have already developed great team chemistry," Edgar said. "Every year there is a surprise team in the conference. I believe we have a chance to be that team."

Southeast's roster issues are in addition to the program being under NCAA investigation.

Alleged NCAA rules violations are expected to be announced soon.