SE BASKETBALL SIGNS NEW JERSEY PREP STAR

Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball program has wrapped up its recruiting for next season by landing a New Jersey prep standout.

Fred Abraham on Wednesday signed a national letter of intent with Southeast.

Abraham, a 6-foot, 175-pound point guard, averaged 16 points and eight assists per game for Catholic High School in Paterson, N.J. He was nominated for the McDonald's All-America team and was a second-team all-state selection.

A three-year starter at Catholic High School, Abraham as a sophomore played with current Philadelphia 76er Tim Thomas.

"Abraham is a true point guard who can also score," said Southeast coach Gary Garner. "We feel fortunate to sign a freshman with his credentials. I think he can develop into an outstanding point guard."

Abraham becomes the fourth and final member of Garner's first recruiting class as Southeast's coach.

Previously signing with the Indians were a pair of junior-college standouts, 6-6 forward Mike Branson out of Meramec CC and 6-8 center Brian Bunche out of West Plains JC, and prep star Drew DeMond, a 6-7 forward from Rockton, Ill.