I talked to coach Forrester for the first time since probably May yesterday and I had to ask him about Cornelius Chatt's current academic and athletic status. You may remember back when we heard the news rumored I was unable to get ahold of Forrester while Dr. Hewitt confirmed the news via email that Chatt was unable to play this year because of an "academic progress issue." It wasn't overall GPA keeping the team's leading scorer and Dwayne Wade to Mark Yelovich's LeBron James off the court, but his track of progress towards graduation. There is some rule stating after so many years you have to be so far ahead percentage-wise towards graduation and Chatt, a JUCO transfer just wasn't there.
There is good news though.
Chatt is still a student at SIUE. Hewitt confirmed this with me awhile back and Lennox said he is focusing solely on his school work this year. This program values academics and all that. So, theoretically, Forrester said Chatt can use a redshirt this year and be eligible to return next year and is welcome back next year...which just so happens to be the year SIUE is eligible for post-season play. How conveinent.
No APR penalties and a big bonus we didn't expect for a very important season.
I wouldn't pencil Chatt in as an automatic starter day one next year by any means and am not implying it is going to happen, after all Kris Davis has his No. 1 jersey number on lockdown for now. It is interesting to note Chatt is committed to SIUE even though he can't play. It really says a lot of him, as he could easily give up or transfer out again.
I wish Cornelius the best, and hope he gets back on the court in a Cougar uniform again in the future. How's that for a story on Selection Sunday 2013?
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3 comments:
If this is all true and I dont think we have a reason not to think it is then I commend young Mr Chatt for sticking it out maybe just maybe he can make up some of that progress this year....he has a lot riding on getting his degree as he has seen many around him crumble and this is his opportunity to make it happen for himself....and I wouldnt be surprised to see him back next year
If Chatt comes back next season, we will be amazing. I like what Forrester has done atm. We picked up 2 FRESHMAN walk-ons. Both walk-ons have ties to current players and seem to put up decent numbers. We look pretty good going ito this season and even better into the 2012-2013 season. Now looking way ahead, we might have some problems in the 2014-2015 season. We are currently riding on a lot of players that are Jr's and Seniors. It is pivotal that we have a good season here. If not we may slump. So far, the future looks bright and with Chatt it looks brighter.
Something interesting if anyone cares:
I took the heights of every active player last season and every active player (non redshirts) for the upcoming. The height average was very close. Last season we were a little taller than now, but it is obvious that we have a tighter grouping of heights. Even though we dont have any DOB or Nik, we inherited a lot of 6'4"-6'7" guys. I like that a lot. We will be a deep team this year!
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