Williams returns to practice, but suspension will cover four games

Southeast Missouri State junior forward Calvin Williams returned to practice Friday, but will miss three more games.

Williams was suspended by the university from all basketball-related activities Oct. 25 following his arrest on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and driving without a license.

Cindy Gannon, Southeast's interim director of athletics, said in a release Friday that Williams was allowed to resume practicing, but will be suspended for tonight's exhibition game against MacMurray College and the first two regular-season games, Nov. 14 at New Mexico and Nov. 16 at Kansas State.

Williams appeared in court Thursday. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on probation.

"I think we have considered all issues and have been fair with our process and punishment," Gannon said in the release. "Calvin has been out of practice since Oct. 25 and will miss a total of four contests. The university considers the case closed and will have no further comment."

The 6-foot-9 Williams, Southeast's tallest player, started 26 of 31 games last season after transferring from the University of Colorado.

Williams averaged 6.9 points per game, was second on the team with 5.5 rebounds per contest and led the squad with 32 blocked shots. He ranked fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference in blocks.

The Redhawks will continue to be shorthanded when they close out their exhibition schedule with a 7:45 p.m. tipoff at the Show Me Center.

Williams also missed Saturday's exhibition opener against NAIA Missouri Baptist, won by the Redhawks 81-73 after they trailed by two points at halftime.

Southeast acting coach Zac Roman said he was pleased that the Redhawks played better in the second half against Missouri Baptist and he looks for continued improvement tonight.

"We just want to get better," Roman said. "Work on our offense and defense, keep playing hard."

Sophomore forward Jajuan Maxwell, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, had a double-double in the exhibition opener with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Senior guard Kenard Moore led the Redhawks with 23 points. He was Southeast's third-leading scorer with a 10.4 average last season.

Senior forward Jaycen Herring, Southeast's top scorer last year with a 13.1 average, added 12 points.

Junior guard Jimmy Drew, who missed the exhibition opener due to a foot injury, returned to practice this week and Roman is hopeful he'll be able to play tonight.

Division III MacMurray College, located in Jacksonville, Ill., went 3-22 last season. The Highlanders were 1-15 in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.