Carol Ducharme: "Still A Process" Fine intrerview. Great questions.

[Bigboote]

I'm not sure that that's correct. Once you are a recruited athlete you are counted in the total scholarship count. You are correct that if you never were on the team then any age you get is not counted.

In any event, if Caroline is unable to participate due to injury, I find it extraordinarily unlikely that Geno would "kick her off the team." Instead, I think he would continue her scholarship through graduation. I suspect most on the board would be in favor of that position.

You may take some solace in learning that women's basketball is about to get two additional scholarships. Since we often don't use our full scholarship allotment, there certainly seems that keeping Caroline on the team will not impose any hardship.

Absolutely. If Caroline doesn’t play a single minute the next year or two, she’ll still bring something to the team.

 

[Inthepaint]

I’m not getting my hopes up.
If Caroline, at some point, is able to make it happen, I’ll be thrilled.
She deserves a chance to fulfill her Husky Dream.

 

[stamfordhusky]

I was under the impression that Geno only has 15 athletic scholarships to offer. Yes, UConn could offer a merit scholarship, unrelated to the athletic scholarship she currently has. I think Geno would still use one of his 15 for CD, so she could still be on the team, get medical attention, and even travel with them.

I tried to research how Keirsten Walter's scholarship was handled when she gave up her final year of eligibility. My memory could be wrong, but I thought Geno kept her on a basketball scholarship & encouraged her to stay around the team and also participate in senior night activities. It was just very difficult for Keirsten.

Your impression is incorrect. When a player on an athletic scholarship is no longer able to play due to a medical condition that is likely to be permanent, then she can continue to receive a scholarship without counting against the teams 15 scholarship limit. That has been a NCAA rule for many decades.

 

[Amston Joe]

That's great. Glad to hear it. Also know that Geno & staff would insure compliance while treating her as family. They run a class program.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I’m not getting my hopes up.
If Caroline, at some point, is able to make it happen, I’ll be thrilled.
She deserves a chance to fulfill her Husky Dream.

I think she can get back to where she led the team after Paige went down, but does she want to risk it. It’s hilarious that she’s in the foreground making Diara sitting way in back look like Muggsy Bogues. Lol

 

[The deacon]

I think she can get back to where she led the team after Paige went down, but does she want to risk it. It’s hilarious that she’s in the foreground making Diara sitting way in back look like Muggsy Bogues. Lol

As a fellow Deac, I kinda like and admire Muggsy, who was an outstanding college player and a very good NBA player, but your point is spot on, CONN78SEJ!

 

[CL82]

Your impression is incorrect. When a player on an athletic scholarship is no longer able to play due to a medical condition that is likely to be permanent, then she can continue to receive a scholarship without counting against the teams 15 scholarship limit. That has been a NCAA rule for many decades.

This is correct. If the student athlete accepts the scholarship under these terms, then they no longer are allowed to compete at any NCAA program.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

As a fellow Deac, I kinda like and admire Muggsy, who was an outstanding college player and a very good NBA player, but your point is spot on, CONN78SEJ!

I only mentioned him to honor him. I think Diara wouldn’t mind at all being mentioned in the same sentence as the great Tyrone Muggsy Bogues.

 

[stamfordhusky]

This is correct. If the student athlete accepts the scholarship under these terms, then they no longer are allowed to compete at any NCAA program.

That is mostly true, but not 100% true. The condition is that a medical doctor believes the athlete can no longer play, and the athlete accepts that diagnosis. But if it turns out there is a miraculous recovery or if the original diagnosis was wrong, the athlete may petition the NCAA to have eligibility restored.

For example, a few years ago, an American University forward had his career “ended” by a serious heart condition. He continued with the team as a volunteer assistant coach for a couple of years, but then it was discovered that he actually had a rare but treatable condition - not the heart ailment they thought he had. Once he was on the right medication, there was no risk to his heart, and he was able to return to the court. Even though American had reused his scholarship, he was once again allowed to play.

 

[CL82]

But if it turns out there is a miraculous recovery or if the original diagnosis was wrong, the athlete may petition the NCAA to have eligibility restored.

Interesting. I did not know that.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Interesting. I did not know that.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/697611/2018/12/07/why-american-universitys-yilret-yiljep-couldnt-play-basketball-for-four-years-and-why-hes-back-now/

 

[maple]

I would be saddened but not surprised if Caroline does not play this year. I would really love to see her return to the court, but not at the expense of her long term health.

Just a shame.