2021-22 outlook for Southeast Missouri basketball
While Korn is building a program, not just a one-year team, the Redhawks will be competitive in the transitioning Ohio Valley Conference. His team has just two seniors and six freshmen. He is building for the long haul.
Two of the league’s better teams (Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State) have left the league and three teams have brand new coaching staffs. After the favorites of Belmont, Morehead State, and Murray State, gauging the rest of the league is like blindfolded dart-throwing.
The Redhawks play hard and are willing defenders and they were nearly a .500 conference team (9-11) last year and nearly everyone is returning. Preseason polls ranked them fourth. That is a reasonable spot.
If Korn’s four-guard offense is run efficiently, this team can play to that rating. Their best players are on the perimeter. Harris, Reed, Akenten, and Nicholas are the heart and soul of this team. If Harris and Nicholas can improve their three-point percentage this could be a dangerous offensive team.
Taylor’s health is a significant issue. If he isn’t 100% then Patterson or some of those freshmen have to carry the load in a league that features some outstanding post play in Belmont’s Nick Muszynski and Morehead State’s Johni Broome.
How SEMO’s freshmen acclimate to Division 1 basketball is significant to watch. With some increased depth the Redhawks are a team that should be a top four or five team in this year’s Ohio Valley Conference.