SOUTHEAST BASKETBALL SIGNS JUCO FORWARD

Southeast Missouri State's men's basketball team made its first roster addition since the close of a highly successful season that included its NCAA Tournament debut, signing 6-foot-5 forward Monte Gordon of Kankakee (Ill.) Community College to a letter of intent.

Gordon averaged 16.5 points and 7.4 rebound per game in helping Kankakee to a 31-7 record and fourth place in the National Junior College Athletic Association's national tournament. Gordon ranks 13th on the school's career scoring list.

Gordon, who shot 60 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range, was named to the NJCAA all-region team and to the Region 4 all-tournament team.

Southeast, the OVC regular season co-champions and OVC tournament champions, were in the market for a couple of forwards after the graduation of leading scorer Roderick Johnson and Mike Branson.

"We're very excited to sign Monte Gordon," said Southeast coach Gary Garner. "He is a forward who is a proven scorer and rebounder. He is a complete player who is also an outstanding student with a 3.5 grade point average."

Kankakee coach David Holstein believes Gordon will make his presence felt at Southeast.

"Gordon helped us win 56 games in two years," said Holstein. "I feel like Southeast Missouri is a good fit for Gordon. He is a great kid off an on the court and is an outstanding student. On the court he is a warrior who will do anything it takes to win. He certainly made a major impact in our program."

Southeast, which had its best season ever at the Division I level this past year with a 24-7 record, still has two scholarships available.

The Indians are reportedly still pursuing Trinity Valley (Texas) Community College forward Jason Wilson and Vashon High School guard Joel Shelton.

Several other players are scheduled to visit the Southeast campus this weekend, including 6-6 sophomore forward Jamel Gooding of Southeastern (Iowa) Community College, which won this year's national junior college championship.