Sources indicate Southeast Missouri State men's basketball player departures not by choice

The departure of at least one Southeast Missouri State men's basketball player from the program was not by choice, according to the player's family.

Marcus Wallace, one of three sophomores whose exit from the program were announced late Friday night, was alerted in the days following Tuesday's 79-52 loss to Bowling Green that he would no longer be part of the team, according to his father, Marcus Wallace Sr., who said the departure was not due to any misconduct or violations.

"Basically the staff just felt that he wasn't a good fit for SEMO basketball's new system or style of play and wanted to go in a different direction," Marcus Wallace Sr. said.

"Obviously that's their right to do, but that's it. He's an honor student, no disciplinary issues on or off the court, represented the school and us very well. We just wanted it known that he didn't quit on his team, he didn't abandon them. It's just that they decided they wanted to go in a different direction."

The Southeast athletics department sent out a press release at 10:40 p.m. Friday announcing that Wallace, sophomore guard JT Jones and sophomore G/F Ladarius Coleman are no longer part of the program.

The school's announcement did not make it clear whether the departures were the decision of the players or the program -- which has started the season 0-8 in the first season under coach Rick Ray -- and the athletic department did not respond to requests from the Southeast Missourian for clarification.

"Our program was unfortunately not a good fit and I want these young men to have the best opportunity to be successful," Ray said in the press release. "I think Marcus, Ladarius and JT are all fine young men, and wish them the best."

Wallace had played in all eight games and started two, averaging 25.1 minutes per game. He was averaging 7.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

He scored a season-high 16 to lead the Redhawks in a loss at Memphis last Saturday. After that game he'd spoken excitedly about improvements his team had made and said, "Ready to win. That's what's up. Next game we got it."

Wallace's father indicated the guard had been settling in.

"He had his moments, as you would, but he's actually starting to do well," Wallace Sr. said.. "He's a student first in our minds, so he's going to finish the semester. He plans to finish the spring semester at SEMO while we look for the next opportunity for him."

Coleman averaged 6.8 points and 5.8 rebounds in six games. He was suspended the first two games of the season due to a violation of department policies during the 2014-15 school year.

Jones, a walk-on and Sikeston graduate, averaged 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds. He'd played in five games and started three.

Wallace Sr. said he could not speak on Jones' and Coleman's situations, though another source indicated the scenario was similar for Jones.

"The SEMO community has been nothing but awesome to Marcus, and that's appreciated," Wallace Sr. said.

Southeast's roster will be down to 10 players when it hosts Ole Miss at 2 p.m. today.

The Redhawks also lost a pair of junior college transfers shortly before the season began. It was announced on Oct. 21 that forwards Clyde Santee and Xavion Dillon were no longer part of the program.

Santee did not meet transfer qualifications and Dillon chose to move home for personal reasons.

The firing of assistant coach Jamie Rosser was announced on Nov. 4 for a "violation of policies and procedures."