Pete Thamel of the New York Times has reported that the NCAA will investigate Nerlens Noel’s recruitment. [URL=”http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/sports/basketball/nerlens-noel-kentucky-recruit-attracts-ncaa-inquiry.html?_r=1&ref=sports”]Here[/URL] is what Thamel stated:
[QUOTE]EVERETT, Mass. — The [URL=”http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/national_collegiate_athletic_assn/index.html?inline=nyt-org”]N.C.A.A.[/URL] sent two members of its enforcement staff to Massachusetts this week to inquire about Nerlens Noel, who is the country’s top basketball recruit and has committed to play at Kentucky.
Cindi Merrill and Frank Smith, assistant directors of enforcement with the N.C.A.A., went to Everett High School on Tuesday to meet with school officials about the 6-foot-10 Noel, who spent his freshman and sophomore years there. Merrill and Smith specialize in basketball-related issues.
The [URL=”http://www.everett.k12.ma.us/_EHS/index.php”]Everett High School[/URL] principal, Louis Baldi, said the meeting lasted an hour and 15 minutes and centered on “concerns we had as adults” for Noel. He said the conversation was similar to one he had with a reporter in February about Noel’s background and the people surrounding him. [/QUOTE]
According to Thamel, the NCAA will be investigating Noel’s relationship with certain advisers and his unofficial visits to Kentucky and Louisville.
They are also expected to look at some possible academic problems, which is mainly revolved around his reclassification from a junior to a senior. The New York Times explains it in more detail:
[QUOTE] Clements said Noel was on track to graduate provided he completed the tasks required to reclassify — changing from a junior to a senior in academic standing.
He added that Tilton teachers had Noel’s “feet to the fire” as he had to make up work and class time missed so he could take college visits and attend all-star games. Clements said he expected Noel to finish his work and graduate at the end of next week.
Clements said he was unsure whether Noel would qualify academically for a scholarship. An athlete must reach a specified number on a scale that balances a standardized test score and a grade-point average. Noel is expected to take course work after graduation to help him qualify. [/QUOTE]
Do not get too worried, though, because it is way too early to know if anything will come from this.
Noel had some encouraging words after the news was reported. Shortly after the NYT’s story was posted, Noel told ESPN: “All I will say is that the negative things in that article just aren’t true.”
Nation of Blue will keep you updated on the situation.
