I was unaware that this is still the case, but apparently Jodie Meeks could hypothetically return to Kentucky if he were to somehow end up undrafted. Here is an excerpt from an article by Steve Moss at WKYT.com explaining the situation in detail:

 

DeWayne Peevy, UK's Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations, says the NCAA allows players to return to school, as long as that player doesn't do anything to jeopardize his/her amateur status.

 

In the NCAA Manual, you'll find the answer in Rule 12.2.4.2.1, which is the exception rule for basketball players who enter a pro draft.

 

"An enrolled student-athlete in basketball may enter a professional league's draft one time during his or her collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport, provided the student-athlete is not drafted by an team in that league and the student-athlete declares his or her intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 30 days after the draft. The student-athlete's declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution's director of athletics."

 

So, in a nutshell, Meeks CAN return to play for the Wildcats, provided he isn't drafted, doesn't sign any contracts, whether with an agent or for any endorsements, for which he will be paid, and writes Mitch Barnhart a letter asking for reinstatement to UK. All of this must happen within a 30-day time frame.

You think that's the reason he hasn't signed an agent yet?

You think that's the reason he hasn't signed an agent yet?

 

That's probable. There's no way he's going to make it through the entire draft undrafted, though (unless he is injured or something).

That's probable. There's no way he's going to make it through the entire draft undrafted, though (unless he is injured or something).

 

Stranger things have happened...

:deadhorse:

Not going to happen guys, come on.

Do we even need him?

Do we even need him?

 

WOW...:idunno:

Do we even need him?

 

Seriously?

 

I don't care how high flying these guys are, you need someone like Jodie Meeks. I am not even going to speak on his shooting talent. For senior leadership alone, this team would definitely benefit from having Meeks.

:deadhorse:

 

Not going to happen guys, come on.

 

I don't understand why you think this couldn't happen. I'd say the chances are about 10%, but there's a chance. The economy right now is terrible so not many teams are going to give 2nd round guaranteed contracts. There are rumors going around that teams late in the 1st round are thinking of taking foreign players that won't come over here for a few years b/c they don't have to pay them. Meeks has said he would go to Europe before he would go to the D-league. He very well may go undrafted.

Seriously?

 

I don't care how high flying these guys are, you need someone like Jodie Meeks. I am not even going to speak on his shooting talent. For senior leadership alone, this team would definitely benefit from having Meeks.

 

Agreed. Leadership, shooting, foul shooter to ice games. And that's just the beginning. He was one of the 10 best college players in the country last year.

Meeks is GONE! IF he went undrafted he will be headed to Europe. He is gone, gone, gone! He will never suit up to play college ball again.

I don't understand why you think this couldn't happen. I'd say the chances are about 10%, but there's a chance. The economy right now is terrible so not many teams are going to give 2nd round guaranteed contracts. There are rumors going around that teams late in the 1st round are thinking of taking foreign players that won't come over here for a few years b/c they don't have to pay them. Meeks has said he would go to Europe before he would go to the D-league. He very well may go undrafted.

 

For one, teams aren't not going to draft someone in the 2nd round because they can't pay him. Just like with Joe Crawford you can cut them....Problem solved.

 

And as for the "rumors" about taking foreign players because they won't come over, ha....that is ridiculous and quite funny..:lol:

For one, teams aren't not going to draft someone in the 2nd round because they can't pay him. Just like with Joe Crawford you can cut them....Problem solved.

 

And as for the "rumors" about taking foreign players because they won't come over, ha....that is ridiculous and quite funny..:lol:

 

Ok here we go. You missed my point about the second rounders. If more people who would be drafted in the 1st round aren't b/c they are drafting guys that won't come over for a few years players will fall to the 2nd that would have been picked earlier. I don't think he has a 2nd round guarantee from anyone.

 

If you don't think the economy has huge potential to change the way the NBA is run I don't know what to tell you. I'm not making this stuff up. I read an article somewhere that teams late in the draft are thinking of taking guys that will not sign here for a few years. It's a rather simple concept. Portland and Denver may not do it, but owners are struggling big time right now.

Do we even need him?

Well that depends on your definition of need. Will UK be good without him? With the talent they have coming in, on paper, the answer would be yes, they'll still be good. Would UK have been better with him? The answer is unquestionably and emphatically YES.