Smith promises quick pace, jr. college influence

Southeast Missouri State University making the NCAA Women's Final Four probably sounds like an impossible dream.

Not to B.J. Smith.

"Every 10 years, a team makes it that shouldn't be there," Smith said Monday. "If Southwest Missouri can make it to the final four, why can't we? There's no reason we can't be one of those teams that takes a piece of the pie."

Smith was the first of three finalists to interview for the Otahkians' head coaching position vacated by Ed Arnzen, who retired after 19 seasons. Missouri Western coach David Slifer will be on campus for interviews today, and Southeast assistant coach Alan Eads will interview Thursday. The public is invited to meet the candidates at 3 p.m. each day at the University Center.

Smith, the women's coach at undefeated Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College, spent most of the day on the Southeast campus meeting with school officials.

"I think this program has tremendous potential," Smith said. "I haven't seen the other facilities in the conference, but I can't imagine any better than here."

Smith, 37, is 95-6 in three seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. His team finished fourth in the nation in 2000 and is ranked No. 1 this year with a 32-0 record heading into the national junior-college tournament next week.

Smith said he could turn the Otahkians into an immediate power by bringing several of his top players to Cape Girardeau.

"I've got four kids I know would come and make an immediate impact," Smith said. "I've already talked to them and they will come here."

Southeast, which went 16-12 and finished fifth in the nine-team Ohio Valley Conference this year, has six available scholarships for next season.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M averages 103 points per game this season and Smith said the team not only fills up the school's gym but outdraws the men's squad.

"We play an up-tempo style," he said. "We press and run, play a lot of kids. We're fun to watch."

Asked why he is the best person for the job, Smith said, "I think I can bring immediate success and also have the ability to turn that into long-term success. Our players graduate and are great in the community. I think we can win here and do it the right way."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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