Tough blow for the Kentucky Wildcats... Per this report on ESPN, Freshman big man Enes Kanter has been ruled out for this season due to illegal benefits he received while playing professionally in Turkey (no Iverson). Of course, Kentucky plans to appeal the NCAA's decision.
The 6'11 272 lb Kanter played three seasons professionally overseas and was expected to have a big impact on the Wildcats chances of replacing all of the talent that jumped to the NBA draft this summer. The report says Kanter was paid over $33k more than his expenses for the 2008-2009 season in Turkey.
The news is unfortunate for Kanter as he was playing professionally overseas to help prepare him to take his game to the states. The 18 year old forward/center is currently ranked #5 on ESPN's big board for the 2011 draft. If the ineligibly ruling sticks the best option for Kanter may be to just make the jump to the NBA, which he was probably going to do anyway.
Kentucky is currently ranked #11 in the nation. Still, it's hard for Kentucky to replace a 6-11 mobile big man in the middle. Best of luck to coach Calipari and the Wildcats this season.
-ALR
What is he doing on the court?
ReplyDelete