Friday, July 29, 2011

Timing of Duke scholarship offer questioned

Duke released a statement Friday after reports that basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski may have violated an NCAA recruiting rule by offering a scholarship to a recruit during a summer club tournament.

“In all rules matters brought to our attention, the Duke compliance department exercises due diligence in determining the relevant facts of a given situation,” Duke associate director of athletics for media relations and public affairs Jon Jackson said in the statement. “Proper adherence to NCAA bylaws has always been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of Duke Athletics.”

CBSSports.com reported that Krzyzewski offered a scholarship to Class of 2012 standout Alex Poythress, a 6-foot-7 forward from Clarksville, Tenn., on Tuesday. But the scholarship offer reportedly came before Poythress’ Georgia Stars team completed play in the Super Showcase tournament in Orlando, Fla.

NCAA Rule 13.1.6.2 prohibits coaches from contacting athletes until they are finished playing in a tournament.

Jackson declined further comment; NCAA rules that prevent staff members from talking about recruits that have not signed scholarship agreements.

Ken Tysiac