Cheick Diallo case draws sharp NCAA criticism from Kansas
Cheick Diallo of the All-American Boys East Team attempts a free throw against the All-American Boys West Team during the 2015 Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 17, 2015. Credit: Mike Stobe
Kansas officials have sharply criticized the NCAA over its handling of five-star prospect Cheick Diallo, who remains ineligible to participate in games for the Jayhawks after several months of investigations.
In a letter from Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger to NCAA vice president Oliver Luck, the school contends that it has found "serious and legitimate misrepresentations attributed to NCAA process, unfounded verbal statements and inadequate professional standards."
The NCAA has been investigating Diallo's classwork from Our Savior New American in Centereach, along with the forward's relationship with his guardian, Tidiane Drame.
The six-page letter, first obtained by the Lawrence Journal-World, outlines 19 concerns with the NCAA's investigation and describes in detail steps made by the school to provide the NCAA with the necessary paperwork to grant Diallo's eligibility.
"Our institutional investment is approaching six figures on all levels," Zenger wrote in the letter dated Nov. 10, adding that he "wholeheartedly supports such exorbitant expenditures" because of the numerous problems school officials have uncovered in the NCAA's handling of the case.
Although he has played organized basketball for only about five years, the 6-9 Diallo is considered a likely NBA lottery pick.
Though he is raw on offense, his energy and ability to attack the glass could be the missing piece for Kansas to make a Final Four run.
Diallo has been cleared to practice with the Jayhawks, and this past weekend the NCAA granted a waiver so he could travel with the team to the Maui Invitational in Hawaii. Kansas (1-1) opened against Chaminade last night.
There still has been no movement in Diallo's eligibility to play in games, prompting coach Bill Self -- on more than one occasion -- to call the process "immensely frustrating." -- AP
