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Sidney can not travel with team until cleared |
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Tuesday, 24 November 2009 |
By MATTHEW STEVENS
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Mississippi State men’s basketball head coach Rick Stansbury stressed his concerns with having to leave freshman forward Renardo Sidney in Starkville when the team travels to the South Padre Invitational in Texas this week.
“It is a challenge, he’s separated from the team, he’ll be totally separated now ,” Stansbury said. “As tough as it is on him, give the kid some credit I think the kid has handled better than most people would handle it at this point.”
Due to Sidney not yet being cleared by the NCAA and therefore not eligible to play, he along with freshman center John Riek are unable to travel with the team.
The NCAA officially changed the amateur status of Mississippi State freshman forward Renardo Sidney to ‘under review’ on Nov. 19.
Sidney’s attorney Don Jackson shortly after after the NCAA’s update, Jackson called the change ‘insignificant’ while he has received ‘no firm timetable’ for a decision by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
“It is my belief, given the history of this case, that there will be further efforts to prolong a certification decision,” Jackson said.
While Stansbury knows when he’ll be getting the services of Riek back in the lineup (Dec. 16 vs. Wright State), he responded to Sidney’s potential impact if he’s ever allowed on the floor. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound forward’s stamina is what the Bulldogs head coach said is the major hurdle for the McDonald’s All-American.
“His conditioning won’t let him play a whole lot, his skills will let him play,” Stansbury said. “His skills will let him play immediately. What takes away from you though is your conditioning. That will be his challenge early. One thing that will not be a challenge for him that he can do from day one is you can throw him the ball in the post and he can go score.”
Augustus’ return adds to the depth and style of play
Junior forward Kodi Augustus’ return from his two-game suspension means not only added depth to the Bulldogs roster but more likely a return to the up-and-down style of play that Humphrey Coliseum fans have expected.
“Kodi coming back is going to really add to the depth of the team because we were struggling,” junior guard Phil Turner said. “With the guys that were playing last week, we knew we didn’t have that many people.”
Turner, who took Augustus’ place in the starting lineup the last two games and averaged 9.5 points per game said the lack of depth without the suspended forward meant a less agressiveness on both sides of the floor.
“I think so, I don’t think we were doing it on purpose but in the back of our mind were going ‘well, I know I don’t have a sub and I think I need to pace and be smart about some of the things,” Turner said.
Stansbury said a decision on whether Augustus or Turner will be in the starting lineup for the Bulldogs game tonight against Texas-Pan American will be a game-time decision.
“Once (Kodi) served his punishment and did what he’s supposed to do, I have no problem with him being right where he was at,” Stansbury said.
Bulldogs facing final tuneup before South Padre Invite
Stansbury quickly introduced tonight’s game at Humphrey Coliseum against Texas-Pan American as one of the final non-conference games the Bulldogs will be highly favored in.
“We’re better than Texas-Pan American. That’s the way that game is,” Stansbury said. “After that, there’s no more of these.”
Texas-Pan American (0-4) has a first-year head coach in Ryan Marks and is operating under self-sanctions for NCAA violations, which could involve tougher penalties from the Indianapolis office.
The Broncs lost Sunday to Missouri 100-44.
“We needed a flawless effort from our guys and for Mizzou to have an off day just to stay close, obviously neither of those things occurred,” Marks said. “We will keep working hard and undoubtedly will perform better on Tuesday at Mississippi State.”
In Marks’ exhibition debut with the Broncs, UTPA lost to Division II St. Edward’s.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 November 2009 )
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