LA Times on Jordan Hamilton

I never really knew the reason why he was in the situation he was in. 22 F's..Wow. It didnt really hit me till he said at the end that he finally feels like he can read an entire book.

Good luck, Jordan. Can't wait to see you next year.
 
Bob, how the heck is this young man going to make it academically at UT? Could this be a redux of JCovan Brown's situation? Reads as if the kid is a really good kid and obviously a great player, but what are we doing? First we get every one and done player we can get our mits on, and then we take kids who learn to read in HS? I support getting more student-athletes at Texas.
 
His mother asked the school repeatedly to test him for a learning disability when he was in junior high. Even though the school district was required to do it, they did not. Apparently California schools pass kids regularly to the next grade level when it would be in their best interest to be held back.
 
Bob, I apologize. I didn't intend to sound like I was blaming you for sponsoring this recruit or recruiting practice, or the like. I was just posting a rhetorical question. I addressed it to you only because you started the thread, and I generally look for you to make certain I pass muster. I've known you a long time, and respect your take Stiil, my take on the article was far different than that of the initial responder's. I find that stuff very alarming. I'd think this kid should go JUCO or the like. If a kid isn't academically qualified to play at his Calfornia HS, how can he possibly be ready for a school that only accepts the top 10% of it's own state's HS kids. I wonder, are we now just hiring basketball mercenaries? Well not "hiring" as we aren't paying, but you know what I mean. It is a charade of the student athlete concept I'd like to see Texas more adhere. I say leave this kid to the Kelvin Sampsons or John Caliparis of the world. That is my fullest take. So Bob, if I may ask,what do you think about this recruit?
 
Indy...I'm sure you read the article so what makes you think he is still struggling? He says since he started taking medication he has passed tests and gotten good grades in his classes. If he is telling the truth I dont see why he'd be any different then other student athlete.
 
He's not eligible to play right now because he's already played 4 years of high school ball and the California equivalent of UIL has denied his family's request for a 5th year of eligibility up to this point. It has nothing to do with his current academic standing.
 
Thanks for the clarifications folks. I obviously didn't read the article carefully enough and allowed my own feelings about academics folllowing the JCovan Brown disappointed to cloud my perception. Maybe I should use some of my own University of Texas education and read a little more slowly for content. Please strike all of my erroneous comments from the record and label me an idiot on this one. If the kid has cleared his academic hurdle, God bless him and welcome to the team. We sure as heck can use a talent like him! I
 
Indy, as far as I know he's not the first learning-disabled athlete at UT and he won't be the last.

If Texas hadn't signed him, I am pretty sure some other high D-I school would have taken him.
 
There are some misunderstandings on this thread based on that article.

First of all, Hamilton isn't really applying for a 5th year of athletic competition. He IS applying for a 5th year of eligibility. HOWEVER, because of his poor academics, his parents held him out of playing basketball as a 9th grader, and had him repeat the grade, so this would only be his 4th year to play basketball.

I'll also say that the Texas coaching staff should get some credit on this thread for encouraging the Hamilton family to get Jordan diagnosed and treated for learning disability.

In addition, UT's academic support system for basketball players --- in particular Randa Ryan --- is second to none. She has made a world of difference since taking over after PJ Tucker had his problems. She challenges kids in the right way, and she's absolutely on top of things regarding their academics. Coach Barnes emphasizes her input, so players know they're not going to play unless/until Dr. Ryan gives her say so.

Given that, I have no doubts Jordan Hamilton will be fine once he makes it to campus as long as he's willing to do his part.

The J'Covan Brown stuff has had less to do with J'Covan Brown himself (although he's not necessarily blameless, since it is his life) and more to do with the improper advice and attention given from the Texas staff and from the people closest to Brown.

Since this isn't a problem in any way with Hamilton, there won't be any kind of surprises regarding his academic standing. For example, Hamilton already has a qualifying test score, while it's still murky regarding Brown even at this late date. Tough to get a qualifying score when you're not even attempting the test.
 
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