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Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 05-06-2020, 01:23 PM:
 
Wake Forest star center Olivier Sarr is officially a Kentucky Wildcat.
This afternoon, the 7-foot center native of France announced his commitment to Kentucky, opting to transfer to UK over a return to Wake Forest, among interest from more than a dozen high-profile schools such as Duke, Baylor, Florida State, and Gonzaga.
“First of all, I want to thank everyone at Wake Forest – everyone from the fans, to my teammates, to all the coaches, the staff, the administration, my teachers, our academic support team, the RAs, managers and so many others – for all they’ve done for me the last three years.
All of you worked with me to make me a better person, a better basketball player, and a better man. I am indebted to all of you for the experience I’ve had the last three seasons. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To all the fans at Wake Forest, thank you for adopting me and making me one of your own. I’ll never forget my time in Winston-Salem and the memories our team made playing for you. Once a Demon Deacon, always a Demon Deacon.
With everything that has happened in the last 2-3 weeks, I’ve had a lot to think about and consider. If I’m being honest, it’s been an emotional struggle for me. Coach Manniing and the staff were family. After thinking deeply about it, talking with my support system, and weighing my future, I just didn’t feel like I could be at my best by returning to Wake Forest. With that said, I have decided to finish my career at the University of Kentucky and take the challenge. I want to thank everyone for their kindness and respect in coming to this decision. I will always be a fan of Wake Forest.
“BBN, I can’t wait to get started.”
 

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Posted by clydeh (Member # 7) on 05-06-2020, 02:27 PM:
 
That is a very nice parting statement from Sarr.
 

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Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 05-06-2020, 07:27 PM:
 
I see no way the NCAA can stop him from being eligible this season since his coach was fired. You think the prognosticators will start moving us up in the 20-21 rankings? Wait till Cal adds another big man. Did we ever have any doubt we would be a contender for the final four again.
 

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Posted by MEL (Member # 141) on 05-06-2020, 07:34 PM:
 
BC … I read somewhere today that players from a school that got rid of their coach (I believe it was unlv but not positive) didn't get the waiver (I think one went to Texas Tech and not sure where the other one or two went) and had to sit out a year. If that is correct then he might or might not be eligible. I can't find where I read the article or I would link it. I am guessing he will be eligible but you never know with the ncaa. I wish they would make a rule and put it in black and white stating that kids could move without having to get a waiver or sit out if their coach left or was fired. That would get rid of the arbitrary waivers !!!

MEL

[ 05-06-2020, 07:35 PM: Message edited by: MEL ]
 

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Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 05-06-2020, 08:21 PM:
 
I think if he wanted to play bad enough he could get a lawyer to represent him.
 

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Posted by MEL (Member # 141) on 05-06-2020, 08:45 PM:
 
I didn't say he couldn't play … just said he doesn't get a waiver automatically.

MEL
 

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Posted by PaulCat (Member # 513) on 05-07-2020, 08:51 AM:
 
It is awfully rare that a transfer gets a waiver. In my opinion, a head coaching change should NOT be grounds for a waiver. The school should come first - sports should be secondary. And I know i'm probably waaaaay in the minority here.
 

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Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 05-07-2020, 08:53 AM:
 
Here's what could happen if he doesn't get a waiver.

"Sarr told ESPN he has too many credits remaining to become a grad transfer and that if his waiver isn’t accepted, he will pursue professional options instead of sitting out. "
 

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Posted by MEL (Member # 141) on 05-07-2020, 10:59 AM:
 
ukc … sounds like his Wake Forest education taught him something.

MEL
 

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Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 05-07-2020, 01:50 PM:
 
I think odds are small that he ever plays at Kentucky.
 

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Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 05-07-2020, 01:51 PM:
 

quote:

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Originally posted by PaulCat:
It is awfully rare that a transfer gets a waiver. In my opinion, a head coaching change should NOT be grounds for a waiver. The school should come first - sports should be secondary. And I know i'm probably waaaaay in the minority here.

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quote:

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I think odds are small that he ever plays at Kentucky

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quote:

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Originally posted by GA Cat:

quote:

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Originally posted by PaulCat:
It is awfully rare that a transfer gets a waiver. In my opinion, a head coaching change should NOT be grounds for a waiver. The school should come first - sports should be secondary. And I know i'm probably waaaaay in the minority here.

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Actually, I see your point, but also disagree. I think if coaches are allowed to move and scholarships are not guaranteed beyond one year, the student athlete should be just as mobile.

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I think I would be okay with transferring after the semester is over as long as scholarships are one-year deals. However, if a student leaves in the middle of the year (ala Kahlil Whitney), he should have to sit out that long the following year.
 

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Posted by MEL (Member # 141) on 05-07-2020, 05:12 PM:
 
hc … you are hilarious but truthful

MEL
 

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