Kendrick Nunn dismissed from program
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Josh Whitman as AD is a winner. This is a bad situation and he has handled it perfectly. Not something you want to happen, but you want an AD who can handle it.
Just out of curiosity, where are you seeing outrage about the dismissal?
Nunn was the big recruit of the Groce period. He kept Nunn on board and Nunn flashed great talent. It's the right move and hopefully parents see that there is zero tolerance and aren't afraid to send their kids. Hard move but the right move.
More like "hopefully this gives parents of the women who date basketball players confidence that their children are with an upstanding individual" or "hopefully fans can find pride in a program of upstanding young men representing a public ivy"
If parents are afraid to send their kid to Illinois because of a zero tolerance policy, they can go play for Steve Alford.
Seriously. This only helps with parents, particularly with our biggest recruit if prior rumors are to be believed (don't know that they should be).
I'm not sure I want to speculate, but there's really no reason to worry about doing the right thing, especially in Illinois' situation. Dismissing Kendrick Nunn was the safest option. While JW probably had some wiggle room for keeping Nunn, doing the opposite says a lot more.
I think people need to curtail their exaggerations. We've had multiple incidents the last few years of disciplinary actions, suspensions, dismissals, off court incidents, arrests, etc., so it is hard to present ourselves as an example of "zero tolerance policy" or pride ourselves as a "public ivy."
Hopefully, this action signifies the beginning of a change of culture within the program.
Retro62
- North Bethesda, Maryland
I agree with those who see this as a positive for the program, especially in the way JW worded the decision. I also think this is ultimately a positive for Kendrick. Had he been allowed to stay, the appearance might be that he had not really learned his lesson, even if he said the right things. It could be construed as lip service just to play. This way, if he shows he can learn from this, even without the promise of playing time, his future actions may seem more sincere. I sincerely hope the best for Kendrick, but I wholeheartedly support the decision.
Anyone have a clue or an educated guess as to what Kendrick Nunn will do next?
Does he transfer to another high D1 program? Does he finish at a lower level so he can finish this season? Does he even keep playing ball?
I'd love to see him move on to another good program where he can get that 2nd chance and hopefully thrives in it.
Does he transfer to another high D1 program? Does he finish at a lower level so he can finish this season? Does he even keep playing ball?
I'd love to see him move on to another good program where he can get that 2nd chance and hopefully thrives in it.
Deleted member 380722
D
Guest
Can he stay in school, finish his degree, and then transfer wherever he wants for a fifth year if the school offers the classes he wants?
This is correct. My argument was just a contrast to the idea that "parents will be afraid of a zero tolerance policy". I would prefer that Illinois have a strict zero tolerance policy based on arrest. In my world, Leron is gone. He plead guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault.
I hold my alma mater in higher regards than most do, but to me, my pride is based on the school itself, the relationships I made there (most of which didn't involve athletics), and the reputation of the institution. Sports are a far second in that regard, but they're great entertainment and good publicity for the school is good publicity for the school.
By finishing at a lower level, did you mean D2 or D3? I'll be shocked if he doesn't keep playing at a high major level.There will be plenty of teams that will be willing to give him a second chance. Watch Baylor take Nunn..
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
If he was just leaving the program, I would agree with this. But between having a kid/needing to provide for said kid, and the charges/plea deal he brings with him, he might just want to get college ball done with and start making some money playing ball. He clearly wont play D3. Im guessing there is a long list of extremely talented guys to finish on the D2 level because of issues outside of basketball.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
Why play any more college ball at all? It doesn't seem likely that with a sit-out year and then another year as a 5th year Grad Transfer that he would suddenly be on the NBA's radar, is it? Maybe it is, but I'd be surprised.
I suspect he may just find an agent and start lining up conversations or tryouts with Euro teams.
PaytonHighstep
- Downers Grove, IL
This is my thought as well. What would be the motivation to stay in college another year or 2 (if he transferred to a d1 school)? He's been here for 3 years, some of these guys have earned their bachelors degree within 3 years, so he's probably close to getting that done already. I would think Europe would offer a pretty good opportunity to make money and support his young family.
dsboyce
- Golden, IL
Just check out some of the comments here.
http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2016/5/24/11762736/illinois-made-the-right-decision-on-kendrick-nunn
Whatever he does, I hope he gets his stuff together first. I wish the kid the best but could care less about if he ever plays b-ball again if he doesn't make the necessary positive changes in his life first.
Oh god.. another comment about how a dismissal for hitting a woman is the pc thing to do. I only saw two comments that were that ridiculous though which isn't too bad considering how many nutjobs there are.
sacraig
- The desert
College ball provides a scholarship that may make it possible to finish a degree he otherwise couldn't afford.
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