June 1, 2006

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State University basketball coach Scott Edgar, who underwent successful hip replacement surgery on Wednesday at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, has announced that 6-2 guard Marcus Rhodes has signed a national letter of intent to attend Southeast.

Rhodes, who can play the point or two guard position, averaged 16 points per game last season at Cincinnati's Harmony Christian High School. He led Harmony Christian to a record of 31-4.

Recruited by Indiana, Nebraska and Wichita State, Rhodes chose Southeast and Edgar's up-tempo style.

"Marcus is a combo guard who will add depth to our back court," Edgar said. "He is a very good athlete who compliments our style of play. I like his versatility and the fact he is coming from a winning program.

"We are implementing a new style of play, and Marcus will battle for playing time along with everybody else. We have to expand our roster in order to be two deep at every position."

New Harmony coach Mark Metzka told Marty Mishow of the Southeast Missourian that Rhodes is a productive guy who just helps his team win in so many different ways. "I think he is a sleeper in this class of 2006, one of the best kept secrets. He is an impact player in the OVC, and I have tremendous respect for that conference. Marcus is a guy, because of his experience and his ability, who has a chance to come in and contribute right away."

Rhodes will replace Eric Jones on the Southeast roster. Jones, who played in 23 games as a freshman last season, has opted to transfer to a junior college for his sophomore season.

Edgar is expected to be released from the hospital as early as Saturday.