With Davonte Gardner choosing Marquette over the Bulls, and Dominique Jones playing games with our hearts, we've wondered what Coach Heath would do with his last scholarship. Most kids this late in the recruiting process aren't capable of playing in the Big East, and just sitting on the scholarship for next year wastes a roster spot. Someone that would help out in both matters is Ole Miss Guard Eniel Polynice.
The 6'5" guard from Sarasota is graduating this summer from Oxford, and is looking for a place to play his Senior year after having a falling out with coach Andy Kennedy. Eniel averaged 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and a team high 3.9 assists for the Rebels last year. He was suspended indefinitely late in the season for conduct detrimental to the team, and after being reinstated days later, was limited to spot duty for the Rebels' NIT run. After the season Polynice declared himself for the NBA Draft, but withdrew his name from consideration after finding out he would most likely not be selected this year.
Polynice spoke with Greg Auman yesterday, citing that being close to home would be a big reason for coming to Tampa, saying,
"It's close to home, and there's a good chance of me going there. I could come in and compete for playing time and just help them out."
I think it would be a win-win situation for both USF and Polynice if he came to Fowler Ave. USF is in desperate need of experience in the backcourt, with Anthony Crater as the only returning guard with any significant experience, and Eniel would bring 3 years playing in the SEC here with him. Also, he doesn't bind up a scholarship for the 2011 season which is always nice.
For Polynice, it's an opportunity to play in the best conference in America while still being only an hour away from home. Your family can make the quick drive up 75 to see you play your senior season. You get a new opportunity to showcase your skills, and after the season, you're off to start your professional career wherever that may be.
Let's hope both sides agree on this.