Let him go

In the wake of USC releasing Seantrel Henderson from his national letter of intent, there's a similiar story brewing in Chicago. The University of DePaul won't grant a release to Walter Pitchford from his letter of  intent. Pitchford was recruited by coach Jerry Wainwright and committed to Depaul. Problem is, during last season Wainwright was given the ax. Pitchford a 6-10 center decided he wanted out and try his luck elsewhere. No problem right? Wrong. Depaul has behaved like the bully on the block and won't release him. This is ridiculous. I'm not trying to bash the young man, but he was a two star recruit from the info I read on Rivals.com. But he was good enough to be recruited by several Division I schools. So why are the Blue Demons intent on keeping the young man? The athletic director (Jean Lenti Ponsetto) said they wanted to find a player to replace him at the same time. This is the biggest bunch of bull I've heard. Let the young man go. He clearly doesn't want to be there. Why keep him? Maybe he didn't connect with the current coach Oliver Purnell. Maybe he was made promises by the former regime that won't be kept under the current one. You always hear that you choose the school, not the coach. The main reason a player chooses a school is because of the coach. Once the coach leaves or gets fired, the player really has no interest in staying with the program.

You see that USC released Henderson, a mega recruit, so he could head to Miami. That was in the wake of USC going on probation. They could've easily told him no. Recently Kansas State granted Dominique Sutton a transfer to a school closer to home and his two children. Sutton was a key player in K-State's run to the Elite Eight. So there should be no reason DePaul wouldn't grant Pitchford a release. If they don't release him, it could hurt with other recruits, as Purnell tries to turn this once proud program around. DePaul needs to think twice about holding this young man hostage in a place he doesn't want to be.

The Hot Seat

The college basketball season has started anew and there are fresh faces in new places,on the court and most importantly the sidelines.This will be one of many posts about coaches on the hot seat.

Ernie Kent,Oregon-It's true Kent has led the Ducks to two Elite Eight appearances during his time in Eugene.It hasn't been enough to satisfy the masses.They have enjoyed success,and I'm not trying to bash the guy,but what has he done in between the deep tournament runs.Not a whole lot.This is a critical year for him after an 8 win campaign last season.Right now they're at 3-2 with losses to Portland and Montana.Keep piling on those type of losses won't help his cause.

Jerry Wainwright,DePaul-I for one would like to see DePaul basketball back on the map.I just think Wainwright isn't the on to get it done.He was hired to tap into the talent rich Chicago area and he hasn't been pulling in the top players in the city.Last season's winless Big East record was brutal.With this being a "down" year for the conference the Blue Demons will have to show marked improvement.They've been repectable so far with a victory over Northern Iowa and a close loss to Tennessee.Let's see if they can keep their early momentum going.I personally think this would be a good landing spot for Pete Gillen.