Coaches Plan Seasons Around Unsettled Rosters
Men's basketball coaches are building practice plans around players whose eligibility remains unresolved as the season approaches.
By Haruka Ricci ·
College basketball coaches are preparing for a season that opens in days without knowing which of their players are eligible to take the court. Players from the high school class of 2022 have sued the NCAA over the "five-for-five" rule, arguing they were left out of the extra season.
Lawsuits filed in June remain unresolved as November approaches. The cases have proceeded through different states and courts on separate timelines, leaving players waiting for answers. International players have also been awaiting clearance, and Trey Kaufman-Renn is back for a sixth season on a temporary basis.
Shaheen Holloway, the Seton Hall coach, said two recruits he believed he had secured were not cleared at the last minute, forcing him to pivot. "I just want to know," he said. Rick Pitino of St. John's said he prepares as if all players will be eligible, adding that "adjust and adapt" are his two words for this environment. Shaka Smart of Marquette said coaches advised the NCAA against unveiling the "five for five" rule as they did. Bill Self of Kansas said he welcomes the uncertainty and coaches the same whether a player is available or not. Mike Boynton of Michigan said the current situation is "so unprecedented" and added, "Just make them all eligible."
Coaches have adjusted preseason practice around the uncertainty. Ed Cooley of Georgetown said he keeps two separate developmental practice plans, one with certain players and one without. Niko Medved of Minnesota said Cade Tyson is on the scout team because players in his position cannot participate in outside competition scrimmages while ineligible. Bryan Hodgson of Providence said he builds practices around groups of five players whose status he can confirm, then mixes in the rest.
Coaches also commented on the rule itself. Dan Hurley of UConn said it "tarnishes the sport" to have these matters play out in courtrooms near the schools involved. Tim Brosnan, the Big East commissioner, said uncertainty in a business context is "just not a good thing." Richard Pitino of Xavier said he understands the NCAA's position but does not know why it "dug in" on the eligibility question.
The lawsuits remain pending as the college season begins. Players whose cases are unresolved do not know when they will be cleared or whether they can play.
Pat Kelsey of Louisville said he is paying attention to what a stay, a TRO and an injunction mean, adding, "I never thought I'd know what any of that crap means, but I'm actually paying attention to it now a little bit."
Source: ESPN
