The Morning Dish – Thursday, August 14th
Mizzou Issues: The ex-girlfriend of former Missouri guard Ricky Clemons has stated that tutors at Missouri did a fair portion of Clemons’ schoolwork. Jessica Bunge, who was interviewed by the NCAA regarding allegations against the Missouri program, told the Kansas City Star that not only did Clemons receive academic help from Missouri tutors, he also received cash and clothing from the coaching staff. Head coach Quin Snyder admitted to providing Clemons with two pairs of shoes and a pair of sweats, but Bunge claims it took Clemons three trips from Synder’s house to fill up her SUV with a complete wardrobe – from boxers to dress coats and suits.
Losing Bears: The Baylor basketball program has lost Patrick Dennehy and Carlton Dotson, along with head coach Dave Bliss and two assistants. Now more players are jumping ship. Junior forward Lawrence Roberts – a preseason Wooden All-American, junior point guard John Lucas III, junior guard Kenny Tayor, and incoming freshman Tyrone Nelson have all requested their release from their scholarships. The players might not have to sit out a year, as they would under normal transfer guidelines. If a school’s suspension is equal or longer than the player’s remaining eligibility, the sitting-out period could be waived. Baylor has placed itself on two-years’ probation, but it hasn’t been approved yet by the NCAA. The Big 12 also has a rule forcing a player to sit out a year if they transfer to another Big 12 school, but again that could be waived. Roberts has indicated that he would transfer only if he can play right away, as he is considered a potential NBA draftee. Roberts plans to take recruiting visits to Arizona, Indiana, and Mississippi State, all of which have a scholarship available. Lucas III has indicated that he’s been contacted by Georgetown and Arkansas.
Baylor Search: The search for a new head coach at Baylor has started, and Dr. Pepper has something to say about it. Jim Turner, the president and CEO of Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up in Dallas, will be chair of the six member search committee, which also includes Baylor Law School associate dean Leah Jackson, Waco banker David Lacy, and three regents. Turner also served on the search committees for football coaches in 1998 and 2002 and the committee that brought in Dave Bliss in 1999. The coach that was on everyone’s short list is former Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Lucas, whose son, John Lucas III, was Baylor’s starting point guard the past two seasons. However, Baylor officials stated that Lucas isn’t a serious candidate, as he hasn’t coached collegiately, and is unfamiliar with NCAA rules and regulations – a sticky point of late.
Lucas’ name was dropped after his son requested his release. Other folks on the short list are Chattanooga coach Jeff Lebo – a finalist to replace Larry Eustachy at Iowa State, Samford’s Jimmy Tillette, and Sam Houston State’s Bob Marlin. Oklahoma State senior associate athletic director Dave Marlin, whose son is on the Baylor football team, is the leading candidate for the Baylor AD position. Meanwhile, another staffer has left the program, as assistant AD Scott Stricklin has taken a similar position at Kentucky.
Another Eagle Out: Boston College senior guard Ryan Sidney has left the team due to personal reasons. Sidney, a two-year starter, averaged 12 points and 6.5 boards per contest, and passed 1,000 career points late last season. Sidney was the roommate of Andrew Bryant, who was dismissed from the team due to academic reasons. News out of Boston however states that Sidney had been asked to leave the team due to rules violations. Also, Minnesota recruit Dan Coleman decided to leave Boston to be closer to home as a Gopher. However, all is not lost, as the Eagles landed recruit Jared Dudley, a San Diego forward.
Tiger Disciplined: It was revealed yesterday that Louisiana State senior forward Jaime Lloreda broke teammate Paul Wolfert’s jaw in two places on July 16 during an unsupervised conditioning workout at LSU, and has sinced been disciplined by head coach John Brady. Lloreda, who averaged over 12 points and 9 boards per game last season, will remain on the team, and the punishment has not been disclosed. Lloreda was suspended for one game February 1st for elbowing Florida guard Brett Nelson in the back of the head during an SEC contest. Wolfert, a sophomore reserve, averaged less than a point in two minutes per game last season.
New Face: UCLA is considering a $40 million renovation of the 38-year-old Pauley Pavilion would add 2,000 seats and improve locker rooms and fan amenities. Though it’s still in the feasability-study phase, the project could be completed in 18-months from the start date. The concourse, which has only 3 concession stands and tiny restrooms, would be expanded in the plan, while the locker room facilities would be upgraded with training rooms, exercise rooms and lounges – which it doesn’t have currently – something noticed by recruits.
On Tour: Several teams are touring Europe and Australia this month, and when we get some results in we’ll pass them along. For example, Southern Illinois downed the Swedish National team 84-67 the other night. Ice cold from 3-point land (going 0-for-12) in the first half, the Salukis were up 33-29 at the break. A late surge and some well-time treys helped out as SIU took over late, leaving the Salukis with a 5-1 record on their tour of Scandanavia. Darren Brooks led the Salukis with 28 points, and Josh Warren had a 16/14 double-double.
Meanwhile, Illinois played the Sodertajle Kings, downing them 95-85 in a close matchup. Sodertajle, one of the top teams in Swedish basketball leagues, played well in the first quarter, matching up with the Illini 30-28 af the first break, with Illinois’ main contribution coming from Dee Brown’ 17 points. Leading by nine at the half, Illinois kept Sodertajle at bay the remainder of the game. Illini’s Jack Ingram had 19 points and 12 boards, mostly in the second half. Illinois next travels to Finland on their European tour.
