Friday, August 20, 1999
Huggins kicks Land off team
Effort - not grades - issue
BY MIKE DeCOURCY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Sophomore forward Eugene Land has been dismissed by the Cincinnati Bearcats squad for “conduct detrimental to the basketball program,” coach Bob Huggins announced Thursday.
Huggins' decision to discipline Land left the 1999-2000 Bearcats with just nine eligible players.
A source close to the program said Huggins became dismayed with Land's lax approach toward his responsibilities as a student-athlete, including offseason workouts and dedication toward his classwork.
Although he will be required to attend study hall, Land is eligible to compete by NCAA standards. “He's eligible and all that,” Huggins said.
Land, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward, is a product of Roger Bacon High and was considered a recruiting coup for the Bearcats when he signed as part of their 1997-98 class.
Although he will remain on scholarship, Land will not be permitted to participate in preseason workouts, conditioning drills or team practices that begin Oct.15. If he meets criteria established by Huggins for his return, he may rejoin the Bearcats when the winter quarter begins.
“He's going to be in study hall while we practice every day, and he's going to do the things he's supposed to do to represent us and fulfill his obligations,” Huggins said. “He's going to go to school and be a student.”
The Bearcats had hoped to enjoy one of their deepest teams this season, when they return five of their top seven scorers from a 27-6 team and are expected to be rated among the top five teams nationally. Without Land, they may need a walk-on to hold five-on-five practice drills.
Guard Alvin Mitchell left the program in July to return home to Nebraska and attend to personal matters. Center recruit B.J. Grove did not attain the minimum test score requirement to be eligible as a freshman, although he will try again in September and may gain eligibility for the start of practice.
Land's freshman season began with great promise but concluded as a disappointment. His final season totals: 3.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, .462 shooting. He frequently was chided by coaches as the season progressed for a lack of effort and attention to detail.
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 Huggins kicks Land off team
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