Watford Alabama, Memphis, and LSU
My old Memphis basketball buddy, the knower of all things Tiger, told me an interesting story. He said the info flying around Memphis is that Watford was waiting on Precious to decide where he would attend. Was Watford told he had an offer only if the latest Memphis commitment went elsewhere? Princes Achiuwa picked Penny's number 1 recruiting class this season. I have no idea if this is true. But, it is interesting that it has gained traction with Tiger fans. By my count, Memphis has one spot left. I could be wrong.
I think LSU has him. If Watford picks LSU it will forever be tucked in the minds of basketball fans whether he has already turned pro. I'm not saying he has been paid, nor do I have any information to support that question. The LSU coach was caught on tape talking about making a big-time offer to an LSU player. Later, another LSU player is involved with some type of payment. LSU suspends Wade. Wade hires a lawyer who puts the stranglehold on LSU. Wade is reinstated with a couple of new provisions regarding LSU ability to fire him for "cause" if Wade is ever found in violation of level one and two offenses by the NCAA.
Perhaps Watford is waiting to see if Wade is found in violation. If he is a one and done player he would be long gone before the NCAA makes a ruling. Even an expedited hearing could be prolonged to allow Wade to have a fair hearing. I'd repeat what I've written before. I am not sure he is a one and done.
Here is the problem with all one and done players. They are already pros. None are amateurs in a strict sense. They have been wined and dined in AAU basketball. AAU basketball is a cesspool of wrongdoing. If the NCAA really wanted to clean up basketball they need to eliminate AAU involvement however possible. I don't think the elimination of AAU basketball is a constitution issue so to speak. The NCAA is a private club for members. Fortunately or unfortunately players fall into the same category as the schools. College basketball isn't about amateur sports. It is about money, ego, and selfishness far too often. Not everyone should be painted with a broad brush, and I'm sure a lot of players are involved in pursuing an education. But it is not just the money paid under the table to players. Greed is widespread.
The truth is that NCAA football and basketball have gotten out of hand. High School players should be allowed to go straight to the pros if they are able. I see no reason to have colleges and universities be a developmental league. We all want to see our favorite teams win. Is there a point where all involved should take a more honest and moderate approach to NCAA sports? If we want non-professional sports we can have them. If colleges are driven by wanting to make money they need to form some kind of minor league system with the professional teams. Today's system is ripe with corruption and the NCAA seems to be okay with the fact. So do college administrators. So do fans. We all have our fingers in the proverbial pie.
My old Memphis basketball buddy, the knower of all things Tiger, told me an interesting story. He said the info flying around Memphis is that Watford was waiting on Precious to decide where he would attend. Was Watford told he had an offer only if the latest Memphis commitment went elsewhere? Princes Achiuwa picked Penny's number 1 recruiting class this season. I have no idea if this is true. But, it is interesting that it has gained traction with Tiger fans. By my count, Memphis has one spot left. I could be wrong.
I think LSU has him. If Watford picks LSU it will forever be tucked in the minds of basketball fans whether he has already turned pro. I'm not saying he has been paid, nor do I have any information to support that question. The LSU coach was caught on tape talking about making a big-time offer to an LSU player. Later, another LSU player is involved with some type of payment. LSU suspends Wade. Wade hires a lawyer who puts the stranglehold on LSU. Wade is reinstated with a couple of new provisions regarding LSU ability to fire him for "cause" if Wade is ever found in violation of level one and two offenses by the NCAA.
Perhaps Watford is waiting to see if Wade is found in violation. If he is a one and done player he would be long gone before the NCAA makes a ruling. Even an expedited hearing could be prolonged to allow Wade to have a fair hearing. I'd repeat what I've written before. I am not sure he is a one and done.
Here is the problem with all one and done players. They are already pros. None are amateurs in a strict sense. They have been wined and dined in AAU basketball. AAU basketball is a cesspool of wrongdoing. If the NCAA really wanted to clean up basketball they need to eliminate AAU involvement however possible. I don't think the elimination of AAU basketball is a constitution issue so to speak. The NCAA is a private club for members. Fortunately or unfortunately players fall into the same category as the schools. College basketball isn't about amateur sports. It is about money, ego, and selfishness far too often. Not everyone should be painted with a broad brush, and I'm sure a lot of players are involved in pursuing an education. But it is not just the money paid under the table to players. Greed is widespread.
The truth is that NCAA football and basketball have gotten out of hand. High School players should be allowed to go straight to the pros if they are able. I see no reason to have colleges and universities be a developmental league. We all want to see our favorite teams win. Is there a point where all involved should take a more honest and moderate approach to NCAA sports? If we want non-professional sports we can have them. If colleges are driven by wanting to make money they need to form some kind of minor league system with the professional teams. Today's system is ripe with corruption and the NCAA seems to be okay with the fact. So do college administrators. So do fans. We all have our fingers in the proverbial pie.
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