Prep Schools and NCAA eligibility...

[FromdaBurgh]

Hey Zip Nation...I would love to hear your thoughts about this article I came across...Nation's top recruit still not cleared by NCAAThe nation's top-ranked high school player still isn't eligible to play college ball. Brandon Jennings, the 6-foot-1 point guard who recently moved to the top of Scout.com's Class of 2008 rankings, has achieved the necessary qualifying score on his standardized test to meet NCAA requirements, but has not been cleared to play. Jennings is committed to Arizona."He hasn't qualified yet," Jennings' Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith told FOXSports.com.According to sources close to the situation, Jennings originally took the standardized test back when he was at Compton Dominguez (Calif.) and scored poorly on it. Since his arrival at Oak Hill, there has been a dramatic jump in his test score.The NCAA is requiring Jennings to take the test again as a way to legitimize his score. It is unclear exactly how well Jennings will have to do on his retake to satisfy the NCAA. Sources maintain that Jennings will have two more opportunities to prove his score was legitimate. When reached by FOXSports.com, Arizona coach Lute Olson said he is unable to comment on academic issues related to recruits.Ironically, the last player who didn't qualify out of Oak Hill was Stephen Jackson, who signed with Arizona and wound up having to spend one year in the junior college ranks before going to the NBA.Seems to me as though they may be "implying" that this kid didn't take the SAT's "himself"...perhaps he had some assistance. Whatever comes of this...it certainly can turn ugly for Prep Schools across the country.

[ziptrumpet87]

That's a tough one. Since the NBA doesn't allow direct entry from HS anymore and there doesn't seem to be a good minor league system like baseball it seems the only good route is through the NCAA. I'm all for giving them a chance to go to school since they can't play ball forever, but then again some just aren't cut out for the academics. I guess that just goes back to making sure they learn what they are supposed to in HS (and before) so they at least have a chance at it.

[zippyrifle32]

on the one hand, i think it's sad that they are basically calling this kid a liar but on the other hand, in big name sports people will do whatever they can to get ahead. i guess if it wasn't for the extreme differences in his two scores than i would say the ncaa is wrong for asking him to retake it. however, if he scores good again than it really says something about the type of education he received, both pre and post prep school.

[Ryno aka Menace]

I know alot of people that sleep through the SAT or ACT the first time they take it and find out later how important it is a do better the second time around or maybe he contacted Sylvia learning center or just downloaded a copy of the test questions on the internet. Whatever the reason the truth will eventually see the light.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I think if any student...not just a star athlete...makes an improbable leap in standardized test scores, it stands a good chance of being flagged. When it is one of the top basketball recruits in the nation, it'll most certainly get flagged. I don't see it as calling anyone a liar. I think it is due diligence on the NCAA's part. If they don't look into things like this, cheating would run rampant.You don't get "lucky" on ACT's or SAT's. If he really has buckled down and improved his self, he'll do pretty good on the re-take too. Maybe not as good...but he should score within his most-recent "ball park." Likewise, if he somehow cheated, it will also show.It does put pressure on the kid (to score well again), but if he's the #1 national HS recruit, you'd figure he's ok handling pressure.