Anderson departs SEMO, declaring for NBA draft

Posted Monday, March 7, 2016, at 9:34 AM

The Southeast Missouri State athletics department announced Monday morning that forward Tony Anderson will depart Southeast to declare for the NBA Draft.

Anderson, who just wrapped up his freshman season as a Redhawk under first-year coach Rick Ray, has withdrawn from classes and plans to hire an agent, according to the press release.

"I want to thank Southeast Missouri State University for a great college experience these past several months," Anderson said in the release. "I also want to thank Coach Ray and the basketball program for a great freshman season. God has a plan for my life and through faith I'm dedicated to fulfill his purpose for my life."

The 6-foot-9 Anderson made three starts and played in 29 games as a true freshman, averaging 14.7 minutes.

He averaged 5.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He scored in double figures five times, including a career-high 17 against Jacksonville State on Jan. 13.

According to the press release, Anderson met with Ray and Southeast administrators to discuss the decision, including that "hiring an agent revokes his amateur status forever."

"Tony was an exemplary student-athlete," Ray said in the release. "He did a tremendous job in the classroom and is a very responsible young man. Tony had the potential to become a really good player at Southeast and in the Ohio Valley Conference. My conversations with Tony and his support group were squarely focused on them understanding the implications of withdrawing from school and hiring an agent."

Anderson leaving the university will affect on Southeast's Academic Progress Rate.

"Obviously, I wanted Tony to be a part of our program, but that was secondary as we are truly concerned about his future even if it is not here at Southeast," added Ray. "We wish Tony the best and hope that this decision works out for him."

The Redhawks finished this season with a 5-24 record and went 2-14 in the OVC.

They concluded the season on an eight-game losing streak and failed to make the eight-team conference tournament for the first time since 2011.

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I didn't see that coming. I hope the young man knows what he is doing. The only thing I could think of in a reason why, is that he wants to make a living by playing overseas.

-- Posted by gregbrown80 on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 11:06 AM
HUH??? REALLY???

-- Posted by Haterade on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 11:07 AM
I averaged 14 points in Cape city league, I guess I should throw my name in the NBA draft. This is unheard of, if he couldn't get more time than that on a terrible team, how's he going to get time in the D-League. If he wants to go oversees, maybe he has the chance. Saying you averaged 5 points a game on a last place team, don't think that will help the resume.

-- Posted by Ain't No Gurly Man on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 11:46 AM
It's his life not yours! I'm sure he and his parents have more info into why than you're speculating. U averaging 14 in city league has zero to do with his life! In case you didn't know, it's not about stats, it's more about ability and potential and despite what I think Anderson can shoot the 3 at 6'8.

-- Posted by Defensive Ace on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 12:55 PM
Ace-it is his life. I agree. And I don't think it's right to bash. Maybe he's going overseas. I'm sure he could play at a lower level overseas and make some money. Maybe he believes he will develop more quickly over seas or somewhere else.

He can shoot the 3 at 6-8 but hes not real athletic and hes not real strong. Sounds like he's getting some bad advice from the outside looking in.

-- Posted by ozzyandharriet on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 1:01 PM
It said he's declaring for the NBA draft. Doesn't sound like he has plans to play overseas. Time will tell.

-- Posted by crackerjack on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 3:58 PM
cracker: He could simply being doing that to maybe get in draft camps and to give it a chance with the intentions of going overseas

-- Posted by arich35 on Mon, Mar 7, 2016, at 6:00 PM
He should get his education FIRST!! Basketball ain't gonna take you far young man. I have a buddy that plays professional in Bangkok and from what I hear they don't make nothing really. But it's his life and good luck down the road.

-- Posted by ThatGuy7173 on Thu, Mar 10, 2016, at 4:52 PM
You know what they say, "One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster."

-- Posted by Larry Doby on Tue, Mar 15, 2016, at 12:53 PM

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