Meeks CAN return to UK
Meeks CAN return to UKWKYT Blog Listing
Meeks CAN return to UK
Topic Author: Steve Moss
Posted: 3:26 PM Jun 17, 2009
Replies Posted: 12 comments
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There has been discussion on various chat sites and message boards about whether Jodie Meeks can return to UK, should he go undrafted June 25.  Wildcat fans will recall big man Randolph Morris entered the NBA Draft, but returned after not hearing his name called on draft night.

Of course, Morris had to sit out 14 games for his flirtation with the NBA.  The question remains: can Meeks return to play for John Calipari if he's not drafted?

The answer is yes.  DeWayne Peevy, UK's Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations, says the NCAA allows players to return to school, as long as that player doesn't do anything to jeopardize his/her amateur status.

In the NCAA Manual, you'll find the answer in Rule 12.2.4.2.1, which is the exception rule for basketball players who enter a pro draft.

"An enrolled student-athlete in basketball may enter a professional league's draft one time during his or her collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport, provided the student-athlete is not drafted by an team in that league and the student-athlete declares his or her intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 30 days after the draft.  The student-athlete's declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution's director of athletics."

So, in a nutshell, Meeks CAN return to play for the Wildcats, provided he isn't drafted, doesn't sign any contracts, whether with an agent or for any endorsements, for which he will be paid, and writes Mitch Barnhart a letter asking for reinstatement to UK.  All of this must happen within a 30-day time frame.

Of course, Morris had to sit because he had assistance from an outside source when he was entering the draft.  Meeks wouldn't have to sit any games if he were to return to UK.

The guess here is Meeks will hear his name called late in the draft.  But for now, I'm sure it's fun for Cat fans to speculate and wonder what might happen if Meeks was the starting shooting guard in next year's lineup.

Those are the highlights... Stay tuned.

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Posted by: jordan Location: kentucky
i hope jodie stays with kentucky

Posted by: Marine_UK_Fan Location: Maryland
For those saying that if he goes undrafted, he'll be in the first round next year, that's not how it works. If he's undrafted, he'll be a free agent who cannot re-enter the draft next year. He will be, however, able to sign a free agent contract this year or next or any other year after the draft is over.

Posted by: Jim Location: Ashland
The worst thing with Jodie's departure is the fact that he won't be standing at center court getting the proper farewell from our fans.

Posted by: D.Crum Meeks won't be back. I think he's afraid he'll be even lower in next year draft. He has confidence in his ability ? I don't think so. I wish him the best and hope things work out. Even if its in Europe.

Posted by: terry Thats good to here, but then the sports radio guys here in the state are wrong then. i've heard several of them answere a caller who was asking if jody could come back like morris did,all of them said that the loop hole had been closed by the ncaa.But any how i would find it hard to beleive that jody doesn't get drafted, Go cats!

Posted by: jim Location: owensboro
The rule has been changed but does not go into effect until next year so Meeks can return. He won't though. He'll be in the NBA.

Posted by: Christopher Kaufman Location: Louisville
We need to wish him well and move on. He is not coming back.

Posted by: Jerry Bodner I hope Jody goes undrafted and decides to come back to his senior season. I know this sounds selfish of me, but think about it. If Meeks comes back he will no doubt improve his stock to probable top 15. This would mean big bucks with a much more lucrative 2nd contrasct. Either way I will be happy for Jody, I would like him to come back and be part of something special. If you think just because Jody averaged 24 points last season, that he can't improve his draft position. He could average 16-18 ppg and be much more impressive on a Final Four team.

Posted by: Steve Location: s
Terry, I specifically called UK because of you. That loophole is NOT closed. That passage was read to me straight out of the NCAA manual.

Posted by: shawn Location: salyersville
No that loophole has NOT been closed. It's still in effect. But there is NO chance Jodie goes undrafted.

Posted by: Bob Location: Paintsville, Ky
it doesn't really matter because Jodie will be drafted

Posted by: terry Location: ky
I beleive that loop hole has been closed by the NCAA