New USC basketball coach gets his first big commitment

New USC basketball Coach Kevin O'Neill deserves to get a high-five from his assistants because Corona Centennial junior point guard Gelaun Wheelwright announced Wednesday he has committed to the Trojans.

Wheelwright is the first new recruit since O'Neill was hired to replaced Tim Floyd. He averaged 18.5 points last season as a 6-foot sophomore. And Wheelwright is apparently not afraid of potential NCAA sanctions against the Trojans if violations are found involving former Trojans guard O.J. Mayo.

"It came down to they really wanted him," Centennial Coach Josh Giles said. "Whatever issues USC might have Gelaun feels will be done by the time he's there."

-- Eric Sondheimer 

 

Photo: Corona Centennial's Gelaun Wheelwright. Photo credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Danny]

This NCAA investigation is a joke....I mean, how long has it been going on? We all know:
1) That USC is guilty of breaking the NCAA rules, both in football and in basketball (sorry USC fans, but even you know its true)
2) That the NCAA is going to give USC a slap on the wrist (Sorry UCLA fans, but you also know this is true. Do you REALLY think the NCAA is going to kill their cash cow?)

I predict a a heavy bias towards penalizing their flash in the pan basketball program, and little if any penalties on the money making football program.

[Tomas]

To USC basketball Coach Kevin O'Neill

Do you need an assistant Coach to teach TRUST?
If so I'm your man

Tomas Reyes

[JJ]

Danny, I'm sure the NCAA would love to see the evidence that makes you so sure USC broke the rules. (Not an agent, not a USC player's parent, but USC itself, including coaches and boosters.) So, whatcha got?

[Danny]

Hello JJ,

The NCAA rules state that it is the University's responsibility to ensure student athletes and their families do not receive any extra benefit from agents or their representatives. If there is a violation the University is held responsible.

So arguing that the violation was only from the parents doesn't hold up.

Its widely acknowledged that the Bush family moved into a sports agent's $5K/month rental house and lived rent free for over a year.

In the middle of the investigation, a document magically appears saying that the Bush family would repay the rent some time in the future. Of course, it is a trival matter to write up an agreement sign and post date it after they get caught.

I own some rental properties. I can tell you that I would never sign a tenant to these terms. I think it is highly implausible that anyone would.

You are right, though, the NCAA needs to **prove** this, which is my point. We all **know** that Reggie broke the rules, but the slimy lawyer types will make proving it difficult.

Add to this the fact that the NCAA really doesn't want to find out. USC is the premiere football program on the west coast. Does the NCAA really want to kill their biggest west coast revenue generator, especially during a recession?

I say no.

I say they will give USC football a stern finger wagging. USC basketball will get hammered harder, even though the football violation is more egrigious.

I hate this...I think it wrong....but I think this is whats going to happen

[Jim]

Danny, you must not be a landlord in San Diego because you would know the home they lived in would not get $2,500 per month in rent, let alone $5K. The crazy amount of rent allegedly due the accusers is one of many questionable issues surrounding this case.

[Danny]

JJ,

You're correct, I don't know which house they lived in. However, there are several properties in SD area that rent for $5K and even more. Go to realtor.com and you'll see a bunch.

You, however, are missing the bigger point...regardless of the amount, no one I know would rent a house and not have them pay the following year.

Of course, the slimy lawyer-types are going to say that an agreement like this, although uncommon, is not illegal, and does not necessarily point to an NCAA violation.

Which goes back to my comment:
"...the NCAA needs to **prove** this, which is my point. We all **know** that Reggie broke the rules, but the slimy lawyer types will make proving it difficult. "

Danny