Derrick Caracter is academically ineligible

by Mike Rutherford on May 21, 2008 8:01 PM EDT in News

Well, it appears that's that.

U of L basketball coach Rick Pitino said this afternoon that Caracter has been declared academically ineligible, all but ending any possibility that the wayward 6-foot-9 center would be welcomed back for his junior year.

"He just has too many issues to overcome, academically and otherwise, to be a Louisville Cardinal," Pitino said in a telephone interview. "The best thing for him would be to go to a different place."

Despite announcing in March his intention to try professional basketball, Caracter apparently now wants to stay in college. Pitino said Caracter turned down an invitation to next week's prestigious NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando. Caracter's mom, Winnie Terry, said today that her son has been in Louisville working out since the season ended. He has not hired an agent, which would force him to forego his college eligibility.

"He loves Louisville," Terry said. "That's where he wants to be. He doesn't feel like he's ready (for the NBA). He definitely wants to return."

There is a chance that Caracter could take a year off, get his grades in order, and then return to the team for the 2009-2010 season, but that would certainly take far more self-discipline than he's exhibited to this point. The next few months are enormous for Derrick, and all we can do is hope that he does the best thing for himself, whatever that may be.

There's plenty more to talk about here, but unfortunately I've got to jet for the evening. So until tomorrow, talk amongst yourselves.

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I feel so sorry....

for Derrick and his Mom. Too bad it didn't work out for him at U of L. Mike, you are right that it doesn't seem likely that DC would exhibit the intense determination it would take for him to sit out a year; get in shape and return but wouldn't it be wonderful if that could happen. It's so sad to see what happens to some of these kids who are told from the time they can walk and dribble a bball that they are destined to be great and play in the NBA. DC always had the attitude that he was so wonderful, all he had to do was show up. I think he's learned a valuable life lesson with all that he's gone through. I hope it sticks with him and lights a fire in his belly - he could still do something great if he is willing to WORK his butt off but I just don't know if he has what it takes. I hope and pray he finds a good situation because I think he's basically a good kid.

Linda

by Linda on May 21, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

probably for the best

for the team, at least. No need to deal with those distractions, and have a bad influence on the incoming kids.

Hope it works out for the best for DC though. This might finally be the wake up call he needs. Apparently the first few million calls didn't suffice.

by cmb on May 21, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply actions

Sad Story

I saw how DC interacted with the fans at a cardinal caravan stop in Shelby County after his freshman year. He sure didnt look like a bad kid then. He was joking around with everyone. Played with my kids and certainly had zero signs of someone that would be a problem child.

Unfortunately, it doesnt translate to his real life. Maybe he is just so immature that he doesnt get it when it comes to how much he is giving up by not staying focused on the task at hand.

I hope he turns it around but I fear for him that its not going to happen. Regardless, this is the last we see of DC locally.

He Hate UK

by orlandocard on May 21, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions