I realize we are now smack in the middle of rivalry week, but there is some potentially large basketball news that demands attention.
Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports is reporting that Xavier transfer Dezmine Wells could announce his next destination as early as this week, and that the schools he is considering are Louisville, Memphis and Texas.
U of L has two major connections with Wells. First, assistant coach Kareem Richardson was an assistant at Xavier while Wells was being recruited and when he ultimately signed with the Musketeers. Second, assistant coach Kevin Keatts coached Wells in high school.
Wells was expelled from Xavier back on Aug. 21 after allegations of sexual assault were brought against him. However, it was announced today that after reviewing all the evidence, the Hamilton County prosecutor had elected not to charge Wells with anything.
Here's where things get really interesting.
With it looking more and more like he was wrongfully expelled from Xavier, the schools pursuing Wells are reportedly very confident that he could be granted a waiver from the NCAA that would allow him to play this season.
A member of the 2012 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team, Wells averaged 9.8 points 4.9 rebounds per game during his freshman season at Xavier. The 6-foot-5 guard/small forward would have been the Musketeers' leading returning scorer and the likely focal point of Chris Mack's offense.
While Wells wouldn't help Louisville in terms of its lack of outside shooters, his thick frame and elite athleticism make him about as difficult a guy to keep out of the lane as there is in college basketball. Basically, I'm saying that he would be a contributor if added to this team.
As for where Wells' scholarship would come from in this scenario, I do not have an answer for you.