As reported by Bob Baptist of the Columbus Dispatch just after 12 Noon EDT, 7-foot center Greg Oden has withdrawn from spring quarter classes at Ohio State.

Of course, why would anyone stick around to go to class when you are expected to be the No. 1 pick in next month’s NBA Draft.

But with Oden’s departure from the Columbus campus, it could directly impact the men’s basketball program next year.

Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook are still taking their spring quarter classes, even though they have also entered the draft.

It’s assumed that both Conley and Cook will be eligible for the 2007-08 season if they unexpectedly return for their sophomore campaigns.

According to Baptist’s article, Ohio State’s APR score for 2006-07 was 902, which is a tad short of the 925 needed before a program loses any scholarships. But Ohio State did not face any penalties for this past season due to the fact of the low number of scholarship players on the roster, which meant an adjusted total.

One question, when did Oden withdrawal from his spring quarter classes at OSU?

According to the University Registrar’s Office, he had until May 11 to withdrawal from his coursework without petitioning.

From May 12-June 1, he would have to petition his college office. If the petition is approved, a “W” will be entered on Oden’s permanent record. If the petition is not approved, Oden continues to be enrolled in the course(s), and a final mark must be submitted by the instructor, which would likely be a failing grade.

Or does this only apply to “regular” students?

Regardless, this rule by the NCAA is not fair to programs who recruit such blue-chip recruits like Oden, Conley, and Cook. Before the NBA set an age requirement, Oden would of played this past season in the Association, not at Ohio State, so why should Coach Matta be penalized for bringing him aboard?

You can only supervise what the players do when they are on campus, and when they decide to leave early for millions of dollars, that’s beyond a anyone’s control.

Tags: Buckeye Basketball //