09-19-2002, 03:25 AM
Arizona freshman Rodgers eligible to play
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The NCAA ruled Monday that freshman Chris Rodgers, regarded as one of the nation's top point guards when he signed with Arizona last fall, is eligible to play for the Wildcats this season.
The 6-foot-3 recruit had the grades at Portland (Ore.) Woodrow Wilson High School to qualify, but fell short on his SAT test after bouts with what his prep counselors called "test anxiety.''
The university asked the NCAA to make Rodgers a partial qualifier because of a learning disability, and the organization agreed.
"With Chris' initial eligibility approved, we can now move forward with preparations for the upcoming season,'' said coach Lute Olson, whose team begins play Nov. 23 against Western Kentucky.
Rogers averaged 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals last season and was selected the Portland Interscholastic League's player of the year.
Arizona returns all five starters and 10 lettermen from last season's team that went 24-10 and won the Pac-10 tournament before advancing to the third round of the NCAA tournament.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associated Press
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The NCAA ruled Monday that freshman Chris Rodgers, regarded as one of the nation's top point guards when he signed with Arizona last fall, is eligible to play for the Wildcats this season.
The 6-foot-3 recruit had the grades at Portland (Ore.) Woodrow Wilson High School to qualify, but fell short on his SAT test after bouts with what his prep counselors called "test anxiety.''
The university asked the NCAA to make Rodgers a partial qualifier because of a learning disability, and the organization agreed.
"With Chris' initial eligibility approved, we can now move forward with preparations for the upcoming season,'' said coach Lute Olson, whose team begins play Nov. 23 against Western Kentucky.
Rogers averaged 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals last season and was selected the Portland Interscholastic League's player of the year.
Arizona returns all five starters and 10 lettermen from last season's team that went 24-10 and won the Pac-10 tournament before advancing to the third round of the NCAA tournament.