Tuesday afternoon, Coach Calipari mentioned the fact that UK would receive word on Enes Kanter’s eligibility within the next 10-14 days. Then later that night, all hell broke loose. Anything that could’ve possibly happened to alter the decision on his eligibility did, or at least an attempt was made by none other that New York Times’ own Pete Thamel. On more than one occasion, Thamel has come out with reports that are fit enough to make a script for a soapopera. After making alleged claims about Eric Bledsoe’s eligiblity last season, he now writes that while Kanter played in Turkey he received an estimated $100,000 and $150,000 over the amount of time he was there.
Thamel spoke with Nedim Karakas, who is the GM of Fenerbahce, Kanter’s former team. Karakas said that Kanter was given more than money just for room and board, particularly because he was a special player. He states that, “For Enes, he was a different guy from all the players because if you have a good player and he’s coming with his family we are renting them a house and giving him pocket money.” One important thing to remember is that Karakas never showed any financial documents or proof to Thamel. Also, Thamel’s source on the story, Duquesne Assistant Coach Rodney Crawford, claims he was misquoted and that his quotes were misunderstood. This is just the basis of this story. There are a few things that will transpire that can either help, hurt, or in no way affect Kanter’s case.
For one, this situation concerns Kanter only; there was no wrongdoing on UK or Calipari’s part. The worse thing that can possibly happen between the next few weeks is that Kanter is found to be ineligible and UK is left undermaned for the rest of the season. Enes Kanter could also end up like one of his Turkish counterparts, Deniz Kilicli, who played for West Virginia last season but sat out the first half of the season because he was in a similar situation. The last thing that could happen, is simply nothing. But I highly doubt that, because for sometime now Kanter’s eligibility has been in the hands of the NCAA, and this now only adds fuel to the fire.
UK has been working diligently with the NCAA on this, and Sandy Bell spoke with ESPN’s Andy Katz and said she may have to go with the NCAA to meet with Karakas for Kanter to gain eligibility. Bell would essentially have to “bail” Kanter out in order to play, no pun intended on the rallying cry of “Free Enes”, a phrase that has been spread around the internet by Demarcus Cousins among UK fans. This situation can be resolved in two weeks, like it should be, as promised by the NCAA. Or, it can be dragged out weeks, maybe months at a time. We might have a decision sooner or later, or not one at all.
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