Well, it appears that's that.
"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.