THE EINSTEIN OF THE INDIANS: CRISP HAS DAZZLING ACADEMIC RESUME

Southeast Missouri State University basketball coach Ron Shumate beams with pride when speaking about the only senior on this season's team.

And it's not because Reggie Crisp is tearing up the court; he's averaging only 3.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

But as far as Shumate is concerned, Crisp -- who sizzles in the classroom if not on the hardwood -- basically defines everything that college athletics should ideally be about.

"He's the type of kid every father would be extremely proud of," said Shumate. "He exemplifies the role of the perfect student-athlete. He's academic minded, he plays hard athletically, he fulfills all his responsibilities. He represents the university to the highest degree."

Crisp is carrying a 3.9 grade-point average for his three semesters at Southeast -- including a perfect 4.0 GPA last semester.

And we're not talking about any kind of a breeze-through major. Crisp is studying pre-engineering and he plans to attend graduate school -- perhaps at Missouri-Rolla -- next year.

"I call him coach because he's smarter than any of us," said Shumate with a laugh. "Carrying almost a 4.0 in engineering, that's something.

"Reggie knows the things before I say it. He knows what's going on. He's a dream to coach because you only have to tell him something one time and he knows it."

Crisp, a native of Boliver, Tenn., is soft-spoken yet always quick with a smile or a laugh. He appreciates Shumate's comments and takes special pride in his perfect GPA last semester.

After getting a 3.8 in his first two semesters at Southeast after transferring from Jackson State Community College in Tennessee, Crisp had his sights squarely set on a 4.0.

"I got one B each of my first two semesters and I really wanted to get a 4.0," said Crisp prior to Southeast's Wednesday afternoon practice.

Asked if another 4.0 is in the works for this semester, Crisp said with a laugh, "I'd like to, but it's going to be tough."

Academics have always been a priority, said Crisp, although he has really stepped up his grades since coming to Southeast.

"My parents always emphasized it, but I got real serious once I came here," he said.

The 6-foot-5 Crisp earned all-state honors his senior season at Boliver Central High, the same school that produced former Southeast standout Devon Lake.

At Jackson State CC, under the coaching of former Southeast player and assistant Alan Barnett, Crisp earned all-conference and all-region honors.

Crisp said he chose Southeast for a variety of reasons.

"Devon Lake, being from my high school, told me about it," he said. "Everybody seemed real nice, the facilities are good and it's close to home (about a two-hour drive). I wanted to play Division I."

Crisp, an explosive leaper at a rail-thin 180 pounds, started 20 of 27 games last season as a junior. He averaged seven points and three rebounds per contest and thrilled fans at the Show Me Center with several high-flying dunks.

Playing time was much harder for Crisp to come by early this season, but he's recently settled in and has started the last six games, shifting between off guard and small forward.

"Reggie has stepped up and played some good basketball the last few weeks," Shumate said. "He's given us some good leadership."

Crisp, despite being the squad's lone senior, doesn't look at himself as a primary leader on the team.

"I try, but I'm not really much of a vocal leader," he said. "But I try to lead by example, by working hard."

Crisp laughed when he was told that he seems to be able to handle Shumate's constructive criticism as well as any player.

"Coach is just doing his job," said a grinning Crisp. "He's just trying to help make us better. You just take what he tells you and try to learn from it."

More often than not, Crisp can be seen with a grin on the court. That's not a coincidence.

"You've got to have fun out there," he said. "That's the main thing."

All in all, Crisp has enjoyed his time at Southeast and he said he'll miss it when he's done.

"I'm glad I came here," he said. "Everything has gone pretty well."

In the meantime, with just four games left in the regular season, Crisp said the Indians -- despite a three-game losing streak -- have their sights set on a strong finish and perhaps even an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship.

"Even though it's been rough lately, I still think we're coming together," he said. "We can finish strong and I think we can win the (OVC) tournament. It would be nice to have a chance in the NCAA (tournament)."

That would be a fitting end to the college career of Southeast's lone senior.

But even if it doesn't happen, Shumate has no doubt about what's in store for the rest of Crisp's life.

"He's going to be a big success in his chosen field, no question about that," said the coach.