Vandals May Lose Basketball Recruits Academic, Personal Difficulties Put New Coach In A Tough Spot
Three of the four men’s basketball players who made early commitments to the University of Idaho may never become Vandals.
Two recruits, Dazmond Kinlow and Marcus Tyler, are in danger of not meeting academic requirements, new head coach Dave Farrar said.
Australian wing Wade Bennett hasn’t completed various paperwork required of foreign athletes, Farrar said.
The fourth recruit, North Idaho College’s Cameron Banks, intends to honor his commitment. He began hedging after former coach Kermit Davis left for Louisiana State early this month.
All four players signed when Davis was head coach.
“On the day I got the job, I was worried about recruiting and I still am,” Farrar said. “We’ve known for quite a while and we’re just trying to dig our way out of it.”
However, Farrar added that UI has a couple of commitments he plans to announce early next week, including some taller players who should help offset the potential losses from the early period.
Kinlow, a 6-foot-9 forward at Tacoma Community College, is struggling with academic demands and the needs of his wife and child.
“With his mindset, it’s slim and none that he’ll make it,” Tacoma coach Carl Howell said. “He’s a great kid, a very caring kid. He could be a very good Division I player… . He just doesn’t have a desire to do that right now.”
Kinlow averaged 17 points and 10.5 rebounds last season.
The 6-7 Tyler, who averaged 15 points and 7.6 rebounds, reportedly is also struggling academically. He said earlier this week he still plans to attend UI. When asked about his schoolwork, he said, “I’m doing OK.”
Farrar wasn’t as certain. “We’re not in (good) shape with three of the four,” he said.
Bennett is a 6-4 swingman who was playing pro ball in Australia. It isn’t known where he is academically, but Davis said in February that Bennett had yet to take and pass his ACT.
Idaho is hurt by having used all 12 of its allowed recruiting visits. Six were used before Farrar took over.
Spring kindness
Fans attending Idaho’s spring football game Friday night are encouraged to bring $1 or a can of food to donate to the Moscow Food Bank. Admission to the Silver-Gold game, which begins at 7 in the Kibbie Dome, is free of charge.
The 1987 Big Sky championship team will be honored. Among those expected to be on hand are former coaches Keith Gilbertson, Bill Diedrick and Dan Cozzetto, and explayers John Friesz and Steve Nolan.
, DataTimes