VILLANOVA GUARD PLANS TO JOIN TRIBE

A point guard who started 17 games for Villanova as a sophomore last season is apparently planning to transfer to Southeast Missouri State University.

Bobby Smith, a Chicago native, said Thursday that he would be arriving in Cape Girardeau some time Sunday and plans to enroll at Southeast Monday. He would have to sit out the 2000-2001 season under NCAA transfer rules but would have two years of eligibility remaining.

"I'm excited about coming to SEMO," said Smith. "I went down there for a visit and really liked it. It's a great university, the program is really on the rise and I feel like I'll fit in good the following year."

Until Smith officially enrolls, he is still a recruitable athlete, so Southeast coach Gary Garner is prohibited under NCAA regulations from commenting on the possible transfer.

But there is no doubt the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Smith has the credentials to seriously bolster Southeast's point-guard situation, particularly after standout Michael Stokes completes his eligibility this coming season.

Smith, who played at national prep powerhouse Maine Central Institute, started 17 of Villanova's first 18 games last season, averaging 6.3 points, a team-high 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game while playing an average of 28.9 minutes.

But Smith left the Wildcats' squad during the second semester, apparently unhappy with his role in the offense.

"Villanova is a great university. Nothing against them," he said. "I felt a little uncomfortable with the offense and I just felt like it would be a better situation at another school."

Smith, a strong penetrator, is said to be a below-average outside shooter, which he readily admitted.

"I have to work on my jump shot. It's improved the last two years and I think it's going to keep improving," he said.

Although Smith acknowledged that it would be a bit tough to have to sit out an entire season, he said he would use the practice time to improve.

"It'll be hard to watch the team play while I'm not playing. I'm a competitor. I love to win," he said. "But I think it will help me get stronger and work on my weaknesses. I'm looking at is as a positive."