Blackledge Ineligible

[spiral97]

from Rosiak's blog (must read site)
http://www.jsonline.com/blog/?id=308

Blackledge ineligible

Coach Tom Crean said following MU's 80-67 victory over Villanova on Monday night that junior forward Lawrence Blackledge has been ruled ineligible for the remainder of the season.

The 6-foot-8 Blackledge, a junior-college transfer, was not on the bench for either the Louisville or Villanova games, the second time that's happened this season.

"The bottom line is tremendous disappointment in him academically," said Crean. "We'll bring him back on the team (Tuesday) but he's not eligible the rest of the season, which is a disappointment because he just didn't take care of business.

"We like him and we want him to be successful but he's got to make a lot of progress over the next couple of months."

Blackledge had played in 19 games, and averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds.

Crean and his coaching staff became interested in Blackledge while recruiting Lance Stemler, a three-point specialist who ultimately signed with Indiana, at Southwestern Illinois College.

He came to MU as a major project, weighing around 160 pounds, but one with tremendous athletic ability. He received the bulk of his playing time early in the season but eventually fell completely out of the rotation.

"It's a tremendous disappointment with somebody that's capable," said Crean. "I've never been more disappointed in somebody's lack of work academically, and that's too bad. I know there's been a disappointment in not playing as much, but we've been worrying and dealing with too many eligibility issues versus just getting better."

Blackledge took summer courses in order to become eligible to play the first semester but even then, Crean said there were concerns.

"I like him as a young man," he said. "We'd have never signed him if we didn't think he had talent. But right now it's about getting back into the good graces of his teammates and coming out and trying to help us be better, and taking care of his academics.

"There's never going to be a double standard for academics; you're either taking care of it or you're not. We don't sign players to have them remain eligible. We sign them to graduate. I would say if he's with us next year we're looking at a redshirt because he needs to be in a position to graduate from here."

If Blackledge weren't to return, it would solve the scholarship shortfall MU is facing with its 2007-'08 recruiting class. The Golden Eagles have gotten commitments from four players but have only three available scholarships.

[ChicosBailBonds]

FYI

It is my understanding that he is eligible per NCAA rules but not Marquette's rules.

At least that is the scuttlebutt.

[Marquette84]

If it were NCAA rules, he would have been ineligible from the first game after the start of the 2nd semester.

[ozmetal71]

I think the solution has emerged for our lack of an extra scholarship for next year.

[NYWarrior]

TC has got to be joking about possibly redshirting Blackledge.....that's insane.  you dont sign JUCOs so u can redshirt them -- u get them for immediate production.  With Hazel, Saunders and Mbakwe coming in - - - Blackledge is marginalized regardless of which year he plays.

Kinsella, Lott, Blackledge and MJax -- outside of one season of MJax, the JUCO route has not been kind to MU (to be kind)

[77fan88warrior]

He might be waving a carrot in front of his nose.

[AlumKCof93]

Kinsella was a JUCO?  Are you sure?

[NYWarrior]

community college, actually.........Minneapolis Tech CC via Rice

[Henry Sugar]

TC has got to be joking about possibly redshirting Blackledge.....that's insane.  you dont sign JUCOs so u can redshirt them -- u get them for immediate production.  With Hazel, Saunders and Mbakwe coming in - - - Blackledge is marginalized regardless of which year he plays.

TC was talking about redshirting Blackledge even before the academic eligibility issues popped up.  Basically saying that he has the raw ability, but needs to work on his skills and the frame.  A redshirt might be a nice possibility for someone like Blackledge allowing him to have a significant single-season impact.  I also remember someone (either the JUCO coach or Crean) saying that Blackledge had some League potential.

If Crean wants to redshirt the guy and have him play in 08-09, I personally have no problem with it.  Furthermore, I honestly believe Crean has no intentions to run him off.  Let's hope he gets his academics in order and, if redshirted, uses the year to add some weight and work on his skills.

[spiral97]

I really think that blackledge could be a salvageable investment if he were redshirted for a year.. might not be a starter (then again, who knows - could blossom into a truly awesome player) but could contribute solid minutes as a sixth man.  on the other hand, redshirting doesn't solve the scholarship issue...

[mviale]

Crean is giving him an opportunity, but it is time for Mr Blackledge to see that opportunity.  Odds are that the classes are much tougher than his HS or CC experience and he may be overwhelmed.  Education is often wasted on the youth.

[Avenue Commons]

"I would say if he's with us next year we're looking at a redshirt because he needs to be in a position to graduate from here."

If Blackledge weren't to return, it would solve the scholarship shortfall MU is facing with its 2007-'08 recruiting class. The Golden Eagles have gotten commitments from four players but have only three available scholarships.

Looks like Blackledge is on his way out the door. I hope that isn't the case, but it doesn't sound like TC or his teammates are behind him.