By Mark Schmetzer
Enquirer contributor

A familiar face was missing from the lineups for the Miami RedHawks' intrasquad scrimmage during their "Ringside with the RedHawks" at Millett Hall Friday night.

Senior guard Juby Johnson, last year's leading scorer and preaseason first-team All-MAC selection, missed the first week of practice with a groin strain he suffered on Oct. 18, coach Charlie Coles said.

"He might be out another two weeks," Coles said of Johnson, a second-team all-conference pick last season.

Johnson's injury leaves Miami with two of its three seniors on the sidelines. Gene Seals, the 6-6 sixth man, could miss the entire season with a knee injury.

Coles said Seals will be sidelined indefinitely. "It could be a month, it could be two months, it could be longer."

Despite the loss of experience, Coles was pleased with the progress displayed by the RedHawks in their first week of practice.

"We seem to be doing OK," he said. "The practices went real well. It's a chance for the other guys to show what they can do. Usually, when you take two seniors out, you lack some things, physically and mentally."

The three returning starters, juniors Chet Mason and Danny Horace, and sophomore Josh Hausfeld, have been working with a variety of combinations, as Coles determines who might be ready to make significant contributions.

"If you look at the veterans we've got, only Danny and Chet have a lot of experience," Coles said. "I've been very pleased with the new guys, but you never can tell what's going to happen once the season starts."

BULLSEYE: Coles said the RedHawks seemed to shoot the ball better in their Friday scrimmage - an indication of off-season work paying off.

Shooting was a problem for the RedHawks over the last two seasons. Two years ago, Miami shot .422 from the field - second-worst in the MAC. Last year, they also finished second to last in shooting with a .420 percentage. Miami has finished last in the MAC in scoring each of the last two seasons.

"We've got to shoot better," Coles said. "We talked about taking shots every day. I think it's a little better."

KNOCK ON WOOD: While Johnson and Seals are sidelined, sophomore center Nate VanderSluis has shown no signs of the foot problems that cost him the first 1 1/2 seasons of his Miami career.

VanderSluis was redshirted as a true freshman and didn't make his debut last season until the eighth game of the season. He played in 14 of the RedHawks' 28 games.

"Knock on wood, he's been healthy," Coles said. "We hope he doesn't have any problems. He's done a good job of preparing himself for the season. Hopefully, all of his hard work will pay off."