Preston Laird recently recieved a scholarship from the University of Memphis for one year. This might be explained by the wonderful shooting he displayed last season (he did hit every three pointer he took). But then again, it's not as impressive to have a good three point shooting percentage when all of your minutes come in the final two minutes of a blow out game.
I really can't say I understand this move. Laird is willing to play on the team for free, and we should be willing to let him. If any walk-on deserves a scholarship it is Drew Barham. He understands the game better and is a more consistent shooter in difficult game situations. Now we have two players on scholarship who will likely not see many minutes, the other being D.J. Stephens.
I trust the judgement of Pastner and the rest of the coaching staff, but I can't say I follow their logic.
In any case, congratulations Preston. You are a true tiger, and I have no desire to take away from your accomplishments
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He earned it. Schollys are for one year. Why not relieve the financial burden from his folks for one year if you are not doing anything with it anyway. He understands it is a one year commitment, and will probably not have it next year.
ReplyDeleteJeff
above comment is correct. As for Barham, Wolken mentioned that SIU would not have released him if UM offered him a scholly. Doubt they could do anything if Pastner offered him one now, but it would probably look really bad in basketball circles.
ReplyDeleteif barham got a scholarship then he would have to sit the yr out because he had signed with SIU
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