Post by vabigpoppa on Oct 13, 2009 18:02:34 GMT -5
www.qctimes.com/sports/college/junior-college/article_30873bb8-b843-11de-bfdb-001cc4c03286.html
North grad McFarlin gets OK to play at Black Hawk
Steve Batterson | Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:50 pm | No Comments Posted
Every game now is an opportunity for Nick McFarlin.
The NCAA has granted the former Davenport North basketball standout a hardship waiver, making the 6-foot-7 forward eligible to compete during the upcoming season as a sophomore at Black Hawk College.
"It's hard to put into words how I feel. I've waited so long for the decision, and although I tried to remain optimistic, I didn't know how it would all play out," McFarlin said. "Now, I can finally move forward."
McFarlin sought the waiver after enrolling at the Moline junior college last winter, shortly after he returned to the Quad-Cities from NCAA Division I Radford University to be closer to an ailing grandparent.
He played in five early-season games at the Big South Conference school a year ago, averaging 2.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 9.6 minutes a game before returning to the Quad-Cities.
Dr. Robbie Davis, assistant athletic director for compliance at Radford, said McFarlin's family assisted in compiling information that originally was submitted to the Big South Conference office.
"The conference forwarded the information on to the NCAA in late August and the NCAA did a pretty decent job of reviewing it and reaching a decision in a timely manner," Davis said. "They do a thorough job and when a situation warrants, they grant waivers as they did in this instance."
McFarlin said he appreciates the work of the Radford staff on his behalf, and welcomes the opportunity to return to the court.
Without the waiver, McFarlin would have continued to attend Black Hawk, and would have continued to train in hopes of returning to a four-year program one year from now.
With the waiver, McFarlin will play for the Braves and have an opportunity to be seen by potential recruiters during games and at postseason showcase events designed for junior-college athletes.
"This should make the recruiting process a lot easier," McFarlin said. "My opportunities to get looked at would have been limited if I didn't get to play. This helps a great deal. It's a burden that has been lifted. I'm very thankful for the opportunity."
Black Hawk coach Darren Bizarri calls McFarlin a welcome addition to his program and said he appreciates that the NCAA reached its decision in a timely manner.
"Mostly, I'm happy for Nick. He works hard at his game," Bizarri said. "He had legitimate personal reasons for returning home, and the NCAA saw that and granted him the waiver. It's good that the system can work that way."
North grad McFarlin gets OK to play at Black Hawk
Steve Batterson | Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:50 pm | No Comments Posted
Every game now is an opportunity for Nick McFarlin.
The NCAA has granted the former Davenport North basketball standout a hardship waiver, making the 6-foot-7 forward eligible to compete during the upcoming season as a sophomore at Black Hawk College.
"It's hard to put into words how I feel. I've waited so long for the decision, and although I tried to remain optimistic, I didn't know how it would all play out," McFarlin said. "Now, I can finally move forward."
McFarlin sought the waiver after enrolling at the Moline junior college last winter, shortly after he returned to the Quad-Cities from NCAA Division I Radford University to be closer to an ailing grandparent.
He played in five early-season games at the Big South Conference school a year ago, averaging 2.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 9.6 minutes a game before returning to the Quad-Cities.
Dr. Robbie Davis, assistant athletic director for compliance at Radford, said McFarlin's family assisted in compiling information that originally was submitted to the Big South Conference office.
"The conference forwarded the information on to the NCAA in late August and the NCAA did a pretty decent job of reviewing it and reaching a decision in a timely manner," Davis said. "They do a thorough job and when a situation warrants, they grant waivers as they did in this instance."
McFarlin said he appreciates the work of the Radford staff on his behalf, and welcomes the opportunity to return to the court.
Without the waiver, McFarlin would have continued to attend Black Hawk, and would have continued to train in hopes of returning to a four-year program one year from now.
With the waiver, McFarlin will play for the Braves and have an opportunity to be seen by potential recruiters during games and at postseason showcase events designed for junior-college athletes.
"This should make the recruiting process a lot easier," McFarlin said. "My opportunities to get looked at would have been limited if I didn't get to play. This helps a great deal. It's a burden that has been lifted. I'm very thankful for the opportunity."
Black Hawk coach Darren Bizarri calls McFarlin a welcome addition to his program and said he appreciates that the NCAA reached its decision in a timely manner.
"Mostly, I'm happy for Nick. He works hard at his game," Bizarri said. "He had legitimate personal reasons for returning home, and the NCAA saw that and granted him the waiver. It's good that the system can work that way."