If it were up to Matt Pilgrim, he'd be preparing to play his first season at the University of Kentucky. But apparently it's not up to Matt Pilgrim, which is why the 6-foot-8 power forward is now considering a transfer to the University of Memphis and hoping the NCAA will allow him to play somewhere immediately next season.
"It was out of my control," Pilgrim said.
Of all the people whose plans were affected by John Calipari's move to Kentucky, Pilgrim's story may be the most compelling.
After the 2007-08 season, Pilgrim transferred to Kentucky from Hampton University, where he averaged 11 points and 5.3 rebounds. He paid the NCAA penalty by sitting out last season and expected to be a big part of Kentucky's frontcourt under Billy Gillispie in 2009-10.
When Kentucky fired Gillispie and brought in Calipari, however, the fallout was massive. Calipari signed four new players and kept two recruits that had signed with Gillispie the previous fall, putting Kentucky four players over the 13-scholarship limit. Pilgrim said he was essentially told that his scholarship would not be renewed.
"He didn't give me a reason," Pilgrim said. "He said, (on) talent, I can play in the (NBA) if I wanted to, but it's how hard I was willing to work. I told him I was willing to work hard, but I guess it wasn't convincing enough."
Under normal circumstances, Pilgrim would have to sit out another transfer year and wouldn't be eligible until 2010-11. But because Pilgrim did not leave Kentucky of his own volition, he will appeal to the NCAA for immediate eligibility when he chooses a new school. If he wins that appeal, Pilgrim will be a junior in 2009-10.
"I hope they realize what happened," Pilgrim said. "I hope they realize my situation and how unique it is and make a right decision on my behalf."
According to a source close to the situation, Calipari and Josh Pastner are working together to bring Pilgrim to Memphis. Calipari, the source said, will support Pilgrim's case to the NCAA.
Though Pilgrim said he probably wouldn't make a commitment until he sits down with his family, he acknowledged the urgency of picking a new school so that he can start the appeal process. Pilgrim has also visited Oklahoma State.
His familiarity with Memphis assistant Glynn Cyprien, who was on Kentucky's staff last season, could give the Tigers an edge.
"Cyp was one of the guys who believed in me, and I really respect him for that," Pilgrim said. "We respect each other as men. That's where our relationship stands."
Pilgrim would undoubtedly give the Tigers' front line a physical presence if he can play next season.
As things currently stand, Memphis would enter the fall with just sophomore Angel Garcia and freshman Latavious Williams at the power forward position, and Williams is not a slam dunk to be cleared academically. Memphis missed out on combo forward Derrick Williams, who visited campus last week but committed to Arizona late Sunday night.
Pilgrim's addition would potentially allow Garcia and others to play more on the perimeter, where they might be more comfortable.
"The coaches seem like they really want it," Pilgrim said. "Everybody's hungry around here, and I'm hungry just as much as they are."
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Comments » 8
keepitreal4vols writes:
1st to say "who cares"
cjensen#613296 writes:
Geez, college basketball is just like professional sports now. When a new coach comes in, he brings in his players and 'releases' the old players that aren't 'his people'.
Glad they are sticking to that 'the kid is committed to the University', but the coach can leave at anytime for a John that is willing to pay a higher price for his services.
1stPoliceJustSayNoToPosting1st writes:
1st to say, "You're an idiot."
orangeluvr writes:
Irrelevant!
Ironcity writes:
Calipari has about as much class as a rock. Its one thing to tell a player he isn't in your plans. Its quite another to just say your gone. I know you did things the right way but I have to clear a spot for one of my one and done players. I do have a question,does Pilgrim count against UK when or if he does not graduate? That would be a good payback if UK ultimately looses a scholly or two because of all players he is bringing in that will never graduate.
ETNTigerFan writes:
Gotta feel for the kid if he can't get eligible next year. He sat out last year and would potentially have to sit out another. Hopefully the NCAA will rule in his (and E. Williams) favor.
shoalcreekvol writes:
Yep this kids needs to be granted his clearance to play. Will do him well anyway, since he won't have to spend his 10th college reunion facing the fact that the final four he watched from the bench is being "vacated" like every other Calipari accomplishment.
Snapshot writes:
1st to say YOU are an idiot! Who cares unless you are a Memphis sheep.
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