The (again) always solid NBE Basketball Report spoke with Tony Woods' mentor/former AAU coach yesterday and revealed that the former Wake Forest center's transfer to Louisville is not a done deal. The conversation also produced some very interesting quotes.
Woods, a 6-foot-11 center originally from Rome (Ga.), visited Louisville this past weekend and will likely end up there to start the second semester. However, contrary to some reports, it is not a done deal yet.
"Tony would like to transfer toLouisville," said Norman Parker, Woods’ former AAU coach with the Georgia Stars. "Rick Pitino has called me numerous, numerous times about his character. I’ve coached Tony since he was 14; he lives 15-20 miles from me. I know him and his family well. Rick has been finding out more about him, talking to current and past coaches about his character.
"I know he’s called, he’s also talked to Tony’s girlfriend – they’re back dating and good. [Rick] has done a lot of work."
...
"He likes Louisville," he said. "I don’t think [he’s going to look at other schools]. "Obviously [he likes] coach Pitino and the great coaching staff. The Big East is intriguing, and he’s a big, physical player. He’s also got some family in the area."
...
"I’ve been around him," Parker said. "He passed everything at Wake, he’s an intelligent young man. I think he made a mistake, and he knows what he did wasn’t appropriate. He understands his punishment, he’s accepted it, and he will do everything that’s [asked of him].
"Things got blown out of proportion initially, and like I said, he and the girl are back together. He just made a mistake."
This is definitely some insightful stuff, but my position on Woods hasn't changed.
Also, how about Bozich this morning? Regardless of whether or not you agree with his stance, it's refreshing to see an undeniably bold and aggressive column.
I'm really interested to see how this all plays out.