The Avery Johnson era is getting off to a rough start in Tuscaloosa. On Wednesday, Johnson and his staff found out they will now be without the services of four-star recruit Kobie Eubanks.
According to Matt Norlander of CBSSports.com, Eubanks did not get the go-ahead from the NCAA after it reviewed his transcripts from Delray Beach, Fla.’s Elev8 Sports Institute and his previous marks at prior stops in high school.
The NCAA is reportedly still poring over and deliberating his case, as it is with a lot of student-athletes, and time ran out.
“We are disappointed for Kobie and his family,” Johnson said in a written statement. “Unfortunately, Kobie wasn’t cleared by the NCAA and we couldn’t get him admitted to the University of Alabama. He has a bright future and we wish him well.”
Eubanks took to Twitter to explain his side of the story.
The Story is out I will not be Attending the Univ Alabama due to not be cleared by NCAA in time for the Start of School at Alabama.
— kobie eubanks (@kobeeubanks) August 20, 2015
I was not accepted to school and was not able to enroll. I want to thank coach Avery Johnson and Staff and Roll Tide Family for everything!
— kobie eubanks (@kobeeubanks) August 20, 2015
Now just to be clear I was not ruled ineligible or as non qualifier by the NCAA My status is pending and have not been cleared as yet.
— kobie eubanks (@kobeeubanks) August 20, 2015
Unfortunately this isn’t the first time that Eubanks has run into this problem. He was originally a part of Baylor’s 2014 recruiting class, but because of transcript issues he reclassified and became a 2015 prospect.
With fall classes already starting at most colleges, it will be difficult for Eubanks to join another team and be a late addition to its roster. Lets hope the NCAA does the right thing for once, and makes decision so this kid can figure out where he is going to play basketball.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to BamaHammer
