Pearl has a segment on a radio show here in Nashville and he believed that Stokes was always going to UT. Take for what its worth.

I don't get an insider going on the radio and making hurtful statements re: the program ... makes no sense. As far as Stokes goes, whatever. He's talented and I would enjoyed having him, but it didn't work out. I honestly think he would've come to Memphis if the circumstances hadn't been so restrictive and screwed-up.

I'm curious... we've all heard of "one-and-done", but is there such a thing as "half-and-done?"

(02-01-2012 11:49 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  I'm curious... we've all heard of "one-and-done", but is there such a thing as "half-and-done?"

No. One must be a full year removed from HS. Stokes can't enter next years NBA draft.

(02-01-2012 11:50 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  

(02-01-2012 11:49 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  I'm curious... we've all heard of "one-and-done", but is there such a thing as "half-and-done?"

No. One must be a full year removed from HS. Stokes can't enter next years NBA draft.

When did he actually finish high school? I mean, he didn't have to go this semester obviously. Did he graduate in December? Or did he have enough credits before the school year started back in August?

(02-01-2012 11:24 AM)tnzazz Wrote:  Pearl has a segment on a radio show here in Nashville and he believed that Stokes was always going to UT. Take for what its worth.

His brother was in Knoxville and Jarnell apparently wanted to follow him up there. So be it. This entire melodrama (Memphis didn't have a scholly) was likely his way of making a very difficult decision a little easier.

(02-01-2012 10:51 AM)macgar32 Wrote:  

(02-01-2012 10:07 AM)GTigers Wrote:  An ESPN announcer I'm friends with said that Stokes told him that he wanted to go to Memphis, but that they didn't have an scholarships. This was just pre-game chit-chat.

Not sure what reasons Stokes would have to lie to this guy. The announcer is not a Memphis or UT fan nor probably knew who he was before reading up on Tennessee to cover the game.

Players may have said stuff one way or the other, but that may not have been a factor in Stokes' decision.

Dykes actually said something similar to this on the air...

That he was a Memphis kid, but Memphis did not have a scholarship and UT did.

Interesting. My friend isn't Dykes, and wasn't the same game were my buddy talked to Stokes. So Stokes is either spreading a fake story to multiple announcers or it's true and the scholarship situation was the big factor (which wouldn't surprise anyone but also, doesn't mean players weren't telling him not to come though).

(02-01-2012 11:59 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  

(02-01-2012 11:50 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  

(02-01-2012 11:49 AM)umbluegray Wrote:  I'm curious... we've all heard of "one-and-done", but is there such a thing as "half-and-done?"

No. One must be a full year removed from HS. Stokes can't enter next years NBA draft.

When did he actually finish high school? I mean, he didn't have to go this semester obviously. Did he graduate in December? Or did he have enough credits before the school year started back in August?

I think he had the qualifying score so he just took the GED test. I could be way off though.

He took an online course(s) to finish his requirements. He graduated in December.

Stokes would be at Memphis if we had a scholarship for him. He must not have very much respect for whatever player supposedly told him to "stay away".

Stokes can declare for the draft in 2013.

Some of the agendas and sour grapes in this thread are pathetic.

I would love to have added Stokes to this team, this year. Could you imagine a starting frontcourt of Black and Stokes? If the chemistry even halfway worked out, he probably would've been good for at least one more tourney win.

When Will Barton turns pro after this season, will it be because Joe Jackson told him to?

It's really sad how quickly people turn against our local basketball expert.

He's done nothing more than give you behind the scenes info, bits of recruiting knowledge, his opinion when asked, and general info you would not find anywhere else.

One has to wonder what's behind the current E-wood bashing.

(02-01-2012 02:26 PM)BandwagonJumper Wrote:  It's really sad how quickly people turn against our local basketball expert.

He's done nothing more than give you behind the scenes info, bits of recruiting knowledge, his opinion when asked, and general info you would not find anywhere else.

One has to wonder what's behind the current E-wood bashing.

Certainly don't personally mean to be bashing ... I am still looking for a logical explanation of how someone that seemingly has good enough relationships with our staff to get inside information, and purports to be a Tiger supporter, would go on the radio and say such damaging things ? I wouldn't ... even if they were true.

(02-01-2012 02:26 PM)BandwagonJumper Wrote:  It's really sad how quickly people turn against our local basketball expert.

He's done nothing more than give you behind the scenes info, bits of recruiting knowledge, his opinion when asked, and general info you would not find anywhere else.

One has to wonder what's behind the current E-wood bashing.

Probably his being wrong. A lot.

Easterwood knows more about local hs basketball than anyone here. He seems to answers questions honestly and I would rather have an honest answer. He has good insight into HS basketball & recruiting from first hand knowledge. He gives opinions on recruiting - so what if things change.

Stokes got into a spot where he wanted to start school a semester early. Memphis had no scholarship and he wasn't allowed to play here in '11-'12 because of his official visit.

I don't get the hate on Stokes, he is just what our team needs. Pure sour grapes around here.

If I was the coach and learned one of our players threw the program under the bus in recruiting, I would dismiss that player immediately with bad intentions.

Knowing about basketball and knowing about what's going on internally with MEMPHIS basketball are two different things. I do not want anyone telling the truth on a radio broadcast if it's damaging to the progam. At best, that's the job of a professional journalist. If there's a bona fide issue, why not try to address it internaly if one's so well connected ? Why air the dirty laundry on the radio and risk hurting recruiting. Makes no sense unless there's another agenda.

(02-01-2012 02:26 PM)BandwagonJumper Wrote:  It's really sad how quickly people turn against our local basketball expert.

He's done nothing more than give you behind the scenes info, bits of recruiting knowledge, his opinion when asked, and general info you would not find anywhere else.

One has to wonder what's behind the current E-wood bashing.

I don't see much "bashing" in this thread

It's just a fact to say that KE has been wrong or given bad info repeatedly in recent years.

80's and I have asked a relatively simple question...

Why would a Tiger fan go on the GP show and perpetuate that extremely negative rumor when he had no idea if it were true?

Please answer how that makes sense BandwagonJumper, and then we can go from there

I was asked a question and gave an answer, sugar coated it actually.

Glad you chimed in E. I'm tired of carrying your sorry a$$.