Marshall, Minn.: Southwest Minnesota State University mens basketball head coach Greg Stemen announced today that senior guard LaRon Dawn has been declared academically eligible for the 2005 spring semester. The announcement means the 6-foot point guard will be in uniform for SMSUs game this Sunday night against Washburn University (Kan.) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dawn, a native of Kansas City, Mo., missed the teams first ten games this season due to eligibility issues. Last year he started 15 of 27 games and led the team in assists with 102. He averaged 7.5 points per game and shot 46.2 percent (80 of 173) from the field.

We welcome LaRon back and we look forward to having him help us continue to improve this season, Stemen said. LaRon demonstrated a true commitment to this program to regain his eligibility and he understands hell have to work his way back into the rotation. His addition improves our depth at all spots and were excited to have him return to the line-up.

SMSU is 4-6 overall on the season and resumes action this Sunday, December 19, at the Hoop-n-Surf Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii. SMSU will battle 7th-ranked Washburn University (Kan.) on Sunday night at 10 p.m. CST, before facing Mars Hill College (N.C.) on Monday, December 20 at 10 p.m. CST.