Well, OSU is also a football powerhouse as is the team with the Golden Dome. Coincidence????
Based on a sample size of just one women's basketball player per school, you might have a point. But I think you should expand the search to get a truer picture:
- In late August and early September 2017, the Irish's initial request and appeal to have Football Safety Alohi Gilman become immediately eligible were denied. Here's an article from that time.
Navy transfer Alohi Gilman not eligible to play this season for Notre Dame
www.usatoday.com
Because of those denials, no one in the ND Athletic Department was particularly upbeat about the Shepard request, particularly when the NCAA kept asking for more detials from the school.
- On the other hand, QB Justin Fields was granted immedaite eligibilty when he transferred from Georgia to Ohio State. He's currently starting for the highly ranked Buckeyes.
The assumed Buckeye starting quarterback is eligible to play in the fall.
247sports.com
So, in the sport where both teams are football strongholds, there is a 50-50 recent record. So, if you do really believe there is a cross-fertilization between men's football and women's basketball, I'd look at the Buckeyes. The Irish are only at 50%!
BTW, Gilman -- while not a household name -- is a starter, captain and has a very strong chance of playing on Sundays next year, so he's an impact player, like Shepard.
www.landgrantholyland.com
