Saw this article about the Grad transfer rule the other day and thought it was interesting. Had some comments from Senderoff about Jimmy Hall being "recruited" this off season. Got me thinking if Jaaron could be in the same "recruiting" situation next year...

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/17...

I hadn't even thought about Jaaron but now I'm scared to death. He seems like he's a Saul guy and I will remain positive but man, I wouldn't blame the kid if he gets his degree from OU and has a year left and Duke comes calling. I think the kid could play major Division I ball and not only play but excel.

I've posted on Jaaron's situation several times. It's the elephant in the room that no one wants to acknowledge. I believe there's a chance--maybe less than 50-50--that he will get his degree and leave for a Power 5 team that he believes has an opportunity to go deep in the tourney. A lot will depend on how he views our team's talents, personality and potential. I know there's chatter on some of the Buckeye fan boards about how well Jaaron could fit in at TOSU.

If I were Arkley, the first questions I'd ask to Jaaron when practice begins are A) do you expect to get your degree by the close of this academic year? and if he answers yes, then B) will you then investigate using the graduate transfer rule to move to a Power 5 or other program with an eye toward a deep tourney run? Jaaron's a smart kid, so he probably won't wanna answer, but you gotta ask if you're a reporter.

I am certain Saul is very aware of the situation and is doing everything he can in a positive manner to convince Jaaron to finish his career in Athens...

Finn, keep in mind that often a coaching decision has nothing to do with it. More and more, it's a kid who had transferred into your program from another school, as is the case with Jaaron. He had to sit out a year as a transfer, per NCAA rules, but still made a year's worth of progress toward a degree. So athletically he's a redshirt junior, but academically he's a senior.

Hopefully we have such a fine season this year with great talent coming back despite Tony moving on that he won't feel the need to bother transferring anywhere. I think we'll be fine and Jaaron stays, but just in case if anyone can steer Jaaron to less credit hours and something else that would preclude him from finishing up his degree next Spring, that would be great.

Khari Harley ain't goin nowhere (lack of grammar intentional). He can't even find time on our roster so there's no way he goes to anywhere for grad school. He is fortunate to have a scholly from us.

Maybe he goes somewhere else for school itself? I know we think of many of these guys as leaving for basketball reasons, but maybe he leaves to get his masters degree? There are kids who do it.

While I agree with what you say I wouldn't rule out him leaving for basketball reasons either. In fact, I would think he'd have a higher % of leaving than Jaaron for basketball reasons. He's already sat out one year, was recruited by a different coach and isn't getting much playing time. Why wouldn't he look at another opportunity? He might be looked at as a nice addition to a smaller program.