Two former Purdue prospects now seem to be back on the market thanks to..well, money. When Rick Pitino left Kentucky for money, control, and ownership with the Boston Celtics, Jamaal Magloire was the most vocal. Originally, Magloire complained that he had chosen Pitino, not the University of Kentucky. Now, after the release of his high school coach Simeon Mars from his administrative assistant position by Tubby Smith, Magloire is now worried about playing time. Magloire has been quoted as saying he has "several options." No word on whether Purdue wishes to be involved with the Magloire recruitment again, and all school are forbidden from talking about a transfer with Magloire until he has been released by Kentucky.
Money, in the form of a $30,000 payment to the parents of a recruit, has Francisco Elson looking for a new school. Elson signed with California this spring, but is now looking to get out of his committment due to severe NCAA penalties handed down by the NCAA as a result of the payments made by coach Todd Bozeman. Elson was considering Michigan State and Purdue when he signed with Cal. Another former Purdue prospect and Cal signee Sean Lampley may also choose to jump from the sinking Cal ship. All three prospects have the size to help Purdue out in the post, although Lampley is more of a wing player. There is no official word yet on the status of either Cal player.
Other Big Ten schools have had some recent recruiting activity. The University of Wisconsin just received a verbal from Waukesha South rising junior star Julian Swartz. The 6'6 Swartz is projected to be a big guard in Bennett's system. Swartz averaged 24 points and 9 rebounds as a sophomore, and has scored over 1,000 points in just his first two years of high school. And, yes, he can play defense.
Good and bad news recently for former Keady assistant Clem Haskins. One day after finding out the Gophers would have a replacement for Eric Harris in the 98-99 season, word from the Star Tribune had redshirt freshman center Kevin Loge wanting out. Loge was quoted as saying "I want to go someplace where it is not quite as intense." His parents may make the final decision. On the up side is the transfer of 6'3 guard Terrance Simmons from LSU to the Gophers. Simmons can play either guard position, but must improve on his just better that 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. After sitting out the 97-98 season due to NCAA Division I transfer rules, Simmons will have three years of eligibility remaining.
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