NCAA Suspends Kansas Guard Naadir Tharpe


by Bill DiFilippo / @bflip33

Bill Self will be without his starting point guard…for one game.

Kansas guard Naadir Tharpe, a junior who averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 assists per game for the Jayhawks last season, won’t suit up for the Jayhawks when they kick off their season next Friday against Louisiana Monroe.

According to the NCAA, Tharpe played in an unsanctioned summer league game in Chicago, which is a violation of NCAA rules. While players are allowed to play in summer league games, the game must be played near their school or hometown. Tharpe is a native of Massachusetts.

From ESPN:

Kansas coach Bill Self said after a 97-57 exhibition victory over Pittsburg State on Tuesday night that the school self-reported the violation. Tharpe will be allowed to play in next week’s exhibition finale against Fort Hays State before serving his suspension.

Tharpe did play last night against Pittsburgh State, starting at point guard in the Jayhawks’ 40-point victory. Tharpe scored 7 points and dished out 9 assists in 23 minutes of play.