Charleston center signs with Moberly

CHARLESTON -- Moberly Community College signed another local basketball player on Thursday, landing Charleston all-state center Kewain Gant.

"He was at the top of our list," said Moberly head coach Pat Smith. "He came in and played last week against our players, and our people in Moberly are already calling him the next junior college Tim Duncan."

The Greyhounds are hoping Gant can follow in the footsteps of former Moberly players Mitch Richmond, Bernard Day and Qyntel Woods.

"We've had a lot of good players here at Moberly," said Smith. "I really think Kewain has a chance to come in as a freshman and start for us. If he does that, there's a good chance in one or two years you will be watching him play on TV."

Gant led Charleston to a 28-4 record and a third place finish in the state playoffs this season. The 6-foot-8 senior averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks per game for the Bluejays.

"I think he's a steal," said Charleston head coach Danny Farmer. "He's pretty much a finesse player. He's real skilled with nice post moves, he's a great rebounder and a great shot blocker. I'm very pleased he is getting the opportunity to play at the next level. He's going to keep getting better."

Other schools that made offers to Gant included Missouri-Rolla, Westminster, UT-Martin and Three Rivers, a rival of Moberly.

"Two years ago, we were 30-7, finished fifth in the country and beat Three Rivers three times," said Smith. "This past year, they paid us back. We're hoping by getting Kewain, we kind of swing the pendulum back in our favor."

Gant will be teaming up with Sikeston all-stater Lontas McClinton, who signed with Moberly last week.