Top Prospect Barton Ruled Ineligible

Bad news for the Memphis signee. The Commercial Appeal has the details: “University of Memphis basketball players were informed before Wednesday night’s practice that freshman Will Barton may not be academically eligible this season. Barton, a 6-6 wing who was the star of the Tigers’ recruiting class, will appeal to the NCAA for his eligibility…If he is not cleared to play this season, it is unlikely he will ever see the court for Memphis. Barton would have opportunities to play in Europe or the NBA Developmental League next season before entering the NBA draft next June. Barton, a Baltimore native, changed high schools twice before landing at Brewster Academy last season. College athletes who attend multiple high schools are at high risk to have their academic transcripts red-flagged. The issue with Barton, however, is believed to be about whether he completed high school within the NCAA-mandated eight semesters, graduating from Lake Clifton High in Baltimore last August instead of June. Those two months could cost Barton his college eligibility.”

Barton and his family haven’t issued a comment yet. But he did tweet this:

Will Barton Tweet