PRO-AM Start Date moved back one week (to June 29) ...

[DT_PITT]

... please spread the word that the start of the Pro-Am event in Montour has been moved back one week to June 29.

This move was made to better accommodate the summer school start dates for several of the teams.

Also, the Pittsburgh Basketball Club website is currently down so you won't find any information there. However, the rosters are almost complete and will be available very soon.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

... please spread the word that the start of the Pro-Am event in Montour has been moved back one week to June 29.

This move was made to better accommodate the summer school start dates for several of the teams.

Also, the Pittsburgh Basketball Club website is currently down so you won't find any information there. However, the rosters are almost complete and will be available very soon.

Which teams are participating this year? And do you know which of the Pitt newcomers will be there?

I always find it strange that Cal U and IUP players never participate. Both are very strong D2 programs which would be a lot of D1 teams. They would strengthen the league.

 

[DT_PITT]

Which teams are participating this year? And do you know which of the Pitt newcomers will be there?

I always find it strange that Cal U and IUP players never participate. Both are very strong D2 programs which would be a lot of D1 teams. They would strengthen the league.

Pitt, Duquesne, Robert Morris and Youngstown State. Wilson and Nix are on the rosters for sure. Smith is on the roster and may play later in the event. Maia will not play -- he's playing this summer in Brazil I believe. I don't know yet about Odada.

Otherwise, as we know, Cam Johnson, Josh Newkirk and James Robinson will not play.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I wish the WVU kids would play, it would give a little more balance to the competition.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Pitt, Duquesne, Robert Morris and Youngstown State. Wilson and Nix are on the rosters for sure. Smith is on the roster and may play later in the event. Maia will not play -- he's playing this summer in Brazil I believe. I don't know yet about Odada.

Otherwise, as we know, Cam Johnson, Josh Newkirk and James Robinson will not play.

Is Wilson currently enrolled in a summer class? If so that puts an end to any eligibility concerns. I thought they (freshmen anyways) had to be enrolled in a summer class to be eligible to play in the pro-am, but don't know for sure.

Wilson is gonna have a significant opportunity on his hands with Newkirk being laid up following a really disappointing sophomore season. So, for him playing in the pro-am is important as a matter of getting to know his new teammates and start getting up to speed. They say he is more of a combo guard so we will have to see how he looks at PG assuming he plays there.

This will also be an important opportunity for Nix... for similar reasons. Should be interesting to see him in action by those attending. Maybe he won't be getting double teamed every time he touches the ball like in the videos posted.

 

[DT_PITT]

Is Wilson currently enrolled in a summer class? If so that puts an end to any eligibility concerns. I thought they (freshmen anyways) had to be enrolled in a summer class to be eligible to play in the pro-am, but don't know for sure.

Wilson is gonna have a significant opportunity on his hands with Newkirk being laid up following a really disappointing sophomore season. So, for him playing in the pro-am is important as a matter of getting to know his new teammates and start getting up to speed. They say he is more of a combo guard so we will have to see how he looks at PG assuming he plays there.

This will also be an important opportunity for Nix... for similar reasons. Should be interesting to see him in action by those attending. Maybe he won't be getting double teamed every time he touches the ball like in the videos posted.

They do not need to be enrolled in summer classes.

 

[ameoba defense]

Which teams are participating this year? And do you know which of the Pitt newcomers will be there?

I always find it strange that Cal U and IUP players never participate. Both are very strong D2 programs which would be a lot of D1 teams. They would strengthen the league.

I seem to remember that only D1 players can play.

 

[DT_PITT]

I seem to remember that only D1 players can play.

That's not the case. For example, Mike Lecak played in the event when he was still playing at Wheeling Jesuit.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

They do not need to be enrolled in summer classes.

While you know I don't like to disagree with you (hahahahaha), I am pretty sure that is wrong. A returning player doesn't have to be enrolled in summer classes to play, but I believe that the rule is that incoming freshmen (and at least juco transfers, if not all transfers, as well) have to be actually taking classes, not just enrolled to take them in the fall, to be eligible to play. I am pretty sure it used to say that on the PBC web site, back when it actually worked.

In fact I suspect that one of the reasons that June 29 is a better start date for several teams is that Youngstown State starts their second summer session on June 29. The first started on May 18, too early for most high school grads to get into. Robert Morris is in a similar situation, as their second summer session also starts on June 29.

For the record, Pitt's second summer session starts June 22. Duquesne has all sorts of things going on in the summer, but June 22 appears to be a big start date for them as well.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Far out Joe... on this one your take and mine seem to be the same.

I think freshmen have to be ENROLLED (in summer classes)... because otherwise they are still HS students and HS students are not allowed to play (no?).

Probably the same for JUCOs.

Not sure about transfers though. I seem to recollect some thing about the schools having to be within a certain distance, as specified by the NCAA, so they might need to enroll also before playing at Montour, but my memory on that is kind of hazy.

EDIT: Possibly the correct term is REGISTERED not ENROLLED. Possible that classes must have started.

 

[DT_PITT]

While you know I don't like to disagree with you (hahahahaha), I am pretty sure that is wrong. A returning player doesn't have to be enrolled in summer classes to play, but I believe that the rule is that incoming freshmen (and at least juco transfers, if not all transfers, as well) have to be actually taking classes, not just enrolled to take them in the fall, to be eligible to play. I am pretty sure it used to say that on the PBC web site, back when it actually worked.

In fact I suspect that one of the reasons that June 29 is a better start date for several teams is that Youngstown State starts their second summer session on June 29. The first started on May 18, too early for most high school grads to get into. Robert Morris is in a similar situation, as their second summer session also starts on June 29.

For the record, Pitt's second summer session starts June 22. Duquesne has all sorts of things going on in the summer, but June 22 appears to be a big start date for them as well.

Obviously, I'm far from certain that I'm correct. However, I heard something today that made me think this was the case. But perhaps I misheard or misunderstood. Obviously, this something we can clear up for certain at some point.

 

[DT_PITT]

Far out Joe... on this one your take and mine seem to be the same.

I think freshmen have to be ENROLLED (in summer classes)... because otherwise they are still HS students and HS students are not allowed to play (no?).

Probably the same for JUCOs.

Not sure about transfers though. I seem to recollect some thing about the schools having to be within a certain distance, as specified by the NCAA, so they might need to enroll also before playing at Montour, but my memory on that is kind of hazy.

EDIT: Possibly the correct term is REGISTERED not ENROLLED. Possible that classes must have started.

One thing I do know for sure is that a "recruitable athlete" is not eligible to play. That would apply to a high school player, or a JUCO graduate who has not somehow officially committed to a school. It would also apply to a player who has been released from a scholarship. However, a player who has signed a LOI is not a recruitable athlete.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

While you know I don't like to disagree with you (hahahahaha), I am pretty sure that is wrong. A returning player doesn't have to be enrolled in summer classes to play, but I believe that the rule is that incoming freshmen (and at least juco transfers, if not all transfers, as well) have to be actually taking classes, not just enrolled to take them in the fall, to be eligible to play. I am pretty sure it used to say that on the PBC web site, back when it actually worked.

In fact I suspect that one of the reasons that June 29 is a better start date for several teams is that Youngstown State starts their second summer session on June 29. The first started on May 18, too early for most high school grads to get into. Robert Morris is in a similar situation, as their second summer session also starts on June 29.

For the record, Pitt's second summer session starts June 22. Duquesne has all sorts of things going on in the summer, but June 22 appears to be a big start date for them as well.

The 2 basic rules of eligibility for college players is:

1. Be a student of a university within 90 miles or whatever the distance is
2. Or have a permanent residence within that vicinity.

Since Wilson is not from the area, I believe he has to be a student at Pitt, not just "planning" on going to school there.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Hmmmm... 'must be a student' and IMO that means more than just being enrolled. Given the schools pushing the pro-am start date back... that probably means the player (if a freshman or Juco, and maybe a transfer) has to be registered for classes and classes must have started. Yeah, they probably don't go so far that they check and make sure the player is actually sitting in the classroom.

The transfers probably need the same to satisfy the 90 mile (or whatever it is) requirement.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Oh yeah, the OTHER thing... Dixon being able to spend the one hour a week (or whatever it is) with the player, and this is probably more significant than being able to play in the pro-am... and similar requirements probably apply. Freshman are now much more ready to play come the fall and Dixon is RSing less and IMO that is because of the one hour a week (or whatever it is) that he now gets to spend with them. Luther, for one, would probably not have been able to contribute at all last year and would have been RSed if not for this.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Hmmmm... 'must be a student' and IMO that means more than just being enrolled. Given the schools pushing the pro-am start date back... that probably means the player (if a freshman or Juco, and maybe a transfer) has to be registered for classes and classes must have started. Yeah, they probably don't go so far that they check and make sure the player is actually sitting in the classroom.

The transfers probably need the same to satisfy the 90 mile (or whatever it is) requirement.

I could be wrong, but I'm fairly positive that freshmen have to be taking classes. Go to the Pitt website and do a search for these players and see what comes up. My web browser never lets me get past the "enter numbers seen in this picture" security phase though.

As far as Wilson goes, if he walks into Montour High, it would seem pretty evident that he'll be eligible. The staff is not going to make the same mistake with him as they did with Dodson. His ineligibility was probably nothing more than an internet rumor.

 

[Zaratoughda]

I could be wrong, but I'm fairly positive that freshmen have to be taking classes. Go to the Pitt website and do a search for these players and see what comes up. My web browser never lets me get past the "enter numbers seen in this picture" security phase though.

As far as Wilson goes, if he walks into Montour High, it would seem pretty evident that he'll be eligible. The staff is not going to make the same mistake with him as they did with Dodson. His ineligibility was probably nothing more than an internet rumor.

I did the student search on the official site and they have a bio on Damon Wilson... not saying much except he is a lefthander and is 6'5" and 200 and that is pretty big for a guard. The date on the bio is Nov 14, 2014. I would imagine Dixon planned to use him as a SG or maybe a combo guard but with Newkirk flopping that may change.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I did the student search on the official site and they have a bio on Damon Wilson... not saying much except he is a lefthander and is 6'5" and 200 and that is pretty big for a guard. The date on the bio is Nov 14, 2014. I would imagine Dixon planned to use him as a SG or maybe a combo guard but with Newkirk flopping that may change.

I meant searching the pitt.edu site to see if he is a registered student.

 

[Zaratoughda]

I meant searching the pitt.edu site to see if he is a registered student.

OK, I tried the 'find people' and did a search on Wilson and he is not listed. At times they prompted me to enter the number from the security blip and I did that and... did not seem to make any difference... maybe that is broke or... never worked in the first place. It only gave me Wilsons down to H first letter in first name... but Damon would have been showing in that list and... it wasn't.

 

[goalieman]

OK, I tried the 'find people' and did a search on Wilson and he is not listed. At times they prompted me to enter the number from the security blip and I did that and... did not seem to make any difference... maybe that is broke or... never worked in the first place. It only gave me Wilsons down to H first letter in first name... but Damon would have been showing in that list and... it wasn't.

There is a "Damon P. Wilson" listed as a registered student on the Pitt website under "find people" now ..... try it again ..... is his middle initial "P" ?

 

[Zaratoughda]

Good one Goalieman... I went back and did a search on Wilson, P and got Damon P Wilson.... says he is a registered student but that is all. I did some google searches to see if that was his name but all I got was Damon Wilson, Jr. I did stumble onto his twitter list and he has contact with Rozzie Nix, Mike Young, Sheldon Jeter, and James Robinson. So, looks like he is ready to fit in. Yeah, now just needs to bring it on the court.

 

[King Of All Message Boards]

@MattSteinbrink: Sounds like Damon Wilson will be getting to Pitt this weekend, which is crucial. Going to be a huge piece instantly.

 

[DT_PITT]

Fi

I could be wrong, but I'm fairly positive that freshmen have to be taking classes. Go to the Pitt website and do a search for these players and see what comes up. My web browser never lets me get past the "enter numbers seen in this picture" security phase though.

As far as Wilson goes, if he walks into Montour High, it would seem pretty evident that he'll be eligible. The staff is not going to make the same mistake with him as they did with Dodson. His ineligibility was probably nothing more than an internet rumor.

Although it's looking positive for Wilson, I should tell you that it wasn't really an internet rumor, so to speak. The concern was that kids from Our Savior could have some eligibility issues. This was something I was told by someone connected to this kind of information. From what I understand, Diallo will still likely have issues.

But again, let's hope that Damon's appearance in the ProAm means that we can put any concerns to rest.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Fi


Although it's looking positive for Wilson, I should tell you that it wasn't really an internet rumor, so to speak. The concern was that kids from Our Savior could have some eligibility issues. This was something I was told by someone connected to this kind of information. From what I understand, Diallo will still likely have issues.

But again, let's hope that Damon's appearance in the ProAm means that we can put any concerns to rest.

Given the situation with Our Savior, and what happened with Dobson (I think that was the player that enrolled and then was ruled ineligible) I would not be surprised if Dixon or someone on his staff took a look at the courses that Wilson was taking and made sure he would be good. If Wilson is indeed eligible and Diallo is not... well, chalk up one for committing early (and to Pitt!) like Wilson did.

On another topic, in Wilson's tweets there was a retweet from Nix saying he was done with his finals and now it was time to move on to Oakland. Ya gotta love this young man's attitude. He could still stand to lose some more weight, I would think 285 should be the goal, but his big challenge now will be adapting to NCAA D1 basketball. Not standing around but setting screens and blocking out inside, etc, etc. If he keeps working at it like he has he should be good and maybe have a chance in the pros when the time comes.

I also checked James Robinson's tweets and he did not say anything about his injury and the operation.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Mystery solved:


High school graduates of the class of 2015 are classified per the NCAA as potential recruitable student athletes until they have enrolled for classes at their respective college. If you fall under these criteria, proof of summer class registration at your college of choice MUST be provided to the league to be eligible to participate. (Fall Class registration will not meet this criteria)


So any freshmen who play in the summer league must, by rule, already be registered for summer classes in college. Since Pitt's summer session starts Monday, if Wilson is playing he will be taking classes at Pitt.