Eddie Ekiyor commits to X

[THRILLHOUSE]

6'9" PF from Canada - http://247sports.com/Bolt/Xavier-scores-another-big-man-40042062

[casualfan]

6'9" PF from Canada - http://247sports.com/Bolt/Xavier-scores-another-big-man-40042062

Here's the thread i started on the recruiting board with some info on him. I don't know how to merge it into this thread.

http://www.xavierhoops.com/showthread.php?30193-Eddie-Ekiyor-Commit&p=514748#post514748

[THRILLHOUSE]

Jeff Borzello ‏@jeffborzello 2m2 minutes ago
Four-star center Eddie Ekiyor has committed to Xavier.

Will enroll at the school in December, per sources.

Athletic, motor, finishes.

[nuts4xu]

This is another great recruiting job for Mack and his staff. To beat out Florida and add him to the class with Goodin and Tyrique Jones shows we can recruit and land top ranked players. This should be the last member of what is a top 25 ranked recruiting class for the Muskies.

I also like the fact he will enroll at Xavier for the second semester this year, which will help him get acclimated to college life and our campus.

Welcome to Xavier Eddie!

[casualfan]

FWIW Snow seems to think we are done unless a high level athletic wing becomes available.

[Murph85]

Mack keeps on impressing. This guy catapulted X to the highest ranked recruiting class in the BE.

ESPN says that “Ekiyor is an athletic four-man with a good motor. He’s a very good finisher who gets off his feet quickly, can play above the rim in traffic, and converts at a high rate inside the paint. He rim runs effectively in transition, has the mobility to hedge ball-screens well defensively, and is also a high volume rebounder. He generally plays within himself on the offensive end and has a good understanding of the game at a young age.” They currently have him ranked as the 16th best power forward in the country and they list him as a four star player.

Scout says that “At 6-foot-9, Ekiyor has a big, strong frame that allows him to play physical inside. He’s a competitor, too, who gets after it on both ends. He flashed some tools and ability on the offensive end and also showed himself as a good area rebounder. I think he will emerge nationally and as a clear high major post prospect.” Scout has him ranked 78th nationally in the class of 2016.

Rivals says that Ekiyor is a “high shouldered and long armed four man who plays with a great motor and relishes competition. He explodes quickly for dunks, runs the floor and likes to play physically. A dirty work guy, he makes the most of his offensive touches and always plays solid defense.” Rivals has Ekiyor ranked as the 88th player nationally in the class of 2016.

[PM Thor]

I love that he is enrolling early. He gets a jump on his classes, allows him to acclimate to the program, get into the weight room and run with the current players, all of it. Wait, he won't be allowed to practice with the team will he?

[ammtd34]

I love that he is enrolling early. He gets a jump on his classes, allows him to acclimate to the program, get into the weight room and run with the current players, all of it. Wait, he won't be allowed to practice with the team will he?

I think he will.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I love that he is enrolling early. He gets a jump on his classes, allows him to acclimate to the program, get into the weight room and run with the current players, all of it. Wait, he won't be allowed to practice with the team will he?

That is an interesting question. Will he be on scholarship right away? I think they have an open one. I wouldnt see why he couldnt practice with the team if he is enrolled in school. Heck I dont see why he couldnt play. I know he wouldnt because obviously he wouldnt be up to speed and would waste a year of eligibility, but I would think he could.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Should be able to practice. Technically class of 2015 now and is going to redshirt this (half) season.

http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/10/07/xavier-commit-to-enroll-early-redshirt/

[Chalmers0]

That is an interesting question. Will he be on scholarship right away? I think they have an open one. I wouldnt see why he couldnt practice with the team if he is enrolled in school. Heck I dont see why he couldnt play. I know he wouldnt because obviously he wouldnt be up to speed and would waste a year of eligibility, but I would think he could.

Assuming all of his academics are in order and he gets through the clearinghouse he would be eligible to be on scholarship and play starting in December. It's more of a staff/personal decision to redshirt and take the extra time to develop given the depth we have down low this year.

[GIMMFD]

Assuming all of his academics are in order and he gets through the clearinghouse he would be eligible to be on scholarship and play starting in December. It's more of a staff/personal decision to redshirt and take the extra time to develop given the depth we have down low this year.

Well that's probably the best decision, unless he was able to make a significant immediate impact, there's no reason to waste a year of eligibility on half a season. He gets in the classroom, gets to practice, and will be ready to go for next season.

[casualfan]

Talked to a buddy of mine who has seen him and really likes his game.

Said he's curious to see how Mack uses him because he views this guy and Jones as being very similar.

He told me he was all set to enroll for 2015 at whichever school he ended up picking, but he got into some trouble and has some legal issues to take care of as a result of it.

He didn't have any specifics, but said the timing of the legal trouble caused him to push back when he will enroll and that because he missed the first semester and will likely have to miss some time to get it handled the redshirt was a given.

Has anyone else heard anything about this? I'm not on scout so i apologize if this has been discussed over there.

[XU3232]

Talked to a buddy of mine who has seen him and really likes his game.

Said he's curious to see how Mack uses him because he views this guy and Jones as being very similar.

He told me he was all set to enroll for 2015 at whichever school he ended up picking, but he got into some trouble and has some legal issues to take care of as a result of it.

He didn't have any specifics, but said the timing of the legal trouble caused him to push back when he will enroll and that because he missed the first semester and will likely have to miss some time to get it handled the redshirt was a given.

Has anyone else heard anything about this? I'm not on scout so i apologize if this has been discussed over there.

He was involved with a hit and run awhile back.. he hit an off duty police officer while she was riding her bike and fled the scene. The police officer is recovering fine from what I have read.

[casualfan]

He was involved with a hit and run awhile back.. he hit an off duty police officer while she was riding her bike and fled the scene. The police officer is recovering fine from what I have read.

Thanks. Do you know how long ago ahwile back is? I was led to believe it happened within the last few months, sometime not long before the start of classes this year.

[XU3232]

Thanks. Do you know how long ago ahwile back is? I was led to believe it happened within the last few months, sometime not long before the start of classes this year.

Yeah it was early August when it happened...

[casualfan]

Yeah it was early August when it happened...

Ok, that lines up with what i was told. Thanks.

I'm sure it's not a big deal.

[XU3232]

Ok, that lines up with what i was told. Thanks.

I'm sure it's not a big deal.

No problem.. Yea I have a feeling Mack is confident that everything is going to work out.

Sounds like the kid just panicked and made a bad mistake.

[XUFan09]

Hit and runs are (to me) an odd combination of a horrific offense and an easily recognizable shortcoming of human nature in a panicked state. It's a strange paradox of "That's awful, but I understand."

[XUFan09]

Casualfan, I agree with your source that it's a curious situation as to how Ekiyor and Jones will fit together. I guess the staff figures they also have two stretch-4s/combo forwards in the class above, so between those four they have nice complementing pieces.

The defense of Ekiyor and Jones together though should be great. Very mobile and athletic.

[GoMuskies]

Hit and run on a cop, eh? Not ideal.

[LA Muskie]

That is an interesting question. Will he be on scholarship right away? I think they have an open one. I wouldnt see why he couldnt practice with the team if he is enrolled in school. Heck I dont see why he couldnt play. I know he wouldnt because obviously he wouldnt be up to speed and would waste a year of eligibility, but I would think he could.
He will be enrolled and on scholarship. He can practice. He is essentially using a redshirt year (although for him it will be a redshirt 1/2 year).

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hit and run on a cop, eh? Not ideal.

Yeah, agreed. Hitting a pedestrian walking or on a bike, etc can happen pretty easily a number of ways. Driving off after doing so shows pretty horrible judgement. Obviously I know nothing of the situation and I am sure Xavier did its homework and is completely comfortable, so I'll go with that, but at its face driving off after hitting someone is definitely not, not a big deal.

[casualfan]

Yeah, agreed. Hitting a pedestrian walking or on a bike, etc can happen pretty easily a number of ways. Driving off after doing so shows pretty horrible judgement. Obviously I know nothing of the situation and I am sure Xavier did its homework and is completely comfortable, so I'll go with that, but at its face driving off after hitting someone is definitely not, not a big deal.

I tend to agree with everything in your post.

If X is comfortable I will roll with that, but I was also told the incident had an effect on his recruitment.

EDIT: Here (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/eddie-ekiyor-ottawa-basketball-star-charged-in-hit-and-run-1.3185787) is an article on the subject I was just sent.

[SC in DC]

Doesn't make him a bad kid--he panicked, and made a really bad decision because of it.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Didn't hear the name of this kid mentioned here before, but I am so glad to see Mack finally landed a recruit from Canada, esp. after what happened to big Sim B. Hope it all goes well. Go Xavier!

[Xavier]

I don't mind it. But I know 10-15 years ago if UC brought in a recruit like this X fans would have a field day over it.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I don't mind it. But I know 10-15 years ago if UC brought in a recruit like this X fans would have a field day over it.

10-15 years ago? I'd say they'd do that now.

I dont think it makes him a bad person, I would just be scared by someone with such poor judgement. Hopefully it was a fluke decision that was out of character and the bad judgement wont be a problem down the line. Like I said if our coaching staff feels good about everything that is good with me.

[muskienick]

10-15 years ago? I'd say they'd do that now.

I dont think it makes him a bad person, I would just be scared by someone with such poor judgement. Hopefully it was a fluke decision that was out of character and the bad judgement wont be a problem down the line. Like I said if our coaching staff feels good about everything that is good with me.

I'd agree with you D&P if we were talking about a 35-55 year old person leaving the scene having "such poor judgment". But here's a new H.S. grad (probably 18 years old and driving his dad's car at the time). I may have soiled my pants and skedaddled away also, especially if the individual was as relatively unhurt as the stories seem to indicate.

[Emp]

Holy shit! If some one you or I knew or loved was injured in any way by a hit and run driver, there would be hell to pay.

Leaving the scene of even a potential injury is inexcusable. It's not just "running from trouble," which in itself is a bad idea: it's wrong on many levels, legal, ethical and moral. After the fact discovery that the victim wasn't injured seriously is not even remotely relevant and does not reduce the crime.

Our duty to help someone we have injured is not excusable or reduced because of age.

I'm not condemning Mack for recruiting this student, and not condemning the recruit. But soft spinning the seriousness of abandoning the scene because the guy can ball alarms me.

[GoMuskies]

if the individual was as relatively unhurt as the stories seem to indicate.

I read the article above to say that the victim was in serious condition at the hospital. The injuries were non-life threatening, but I don't think she was "relatively unhurt".

To be clear, she was in the hospital in serious condition when the article was published. I'm sure she's out of the hospital now.

[IM4X]

Is it at all possible that he was not paying attention (or was drunk) and did not even realize that he hit the person?

Or was it reported that he admitted to knowing what he did?

[bleedXblue]

Kid made bad mistake and is now paying for it. Lets not sugar coat this. You don't run over someone and not know it. Come on. The only thing I will give him is second chance. He deserves that as most kids/young adults do.

[IM4X]

Kid made bad mistake and is now paying for it. Lets not sugar coat this. You don't run over someone and not know it. Come on. The only thing I will give him is second chance. He deserves that as most kids/young adults do.

Yeah, I guess it would be quite hard not to know you hit someone. It's certainly not a good situation no matter how you look at it.

After getting to know the kid, Mack must have come away feeling the kid recognized it was a horrible thing he did and that he was truly remorseful.

[paulxu]

How does this work with his school?
Was at a prep school in New Hampshire last year for junior or senior year.
Scheduled to return there but didn't go back because of pending accident resolution?
Now will enroll in X for second semester. When did he/does he graduate from high school?

[muskienick]

Holy shit! If some one you or I knew or loved was injured in any way by a hit and run driver, there would be hell to pay.

Leaving the scene of even a potential injury is inexcusable. It's not just "running from trouble," which in itself is a bad idea: it's wrong on many levels, legal, ethical and moral. After the fact discovery that the victim wasn't injured seriously is not even remotely relevant and does not reduce the crime.

Our duty to help someone we have injured is not excusable or reduced because of age.

I'm not condemning Mack for recruiting this student, and not condemning the recruit. But soft spinning the seriousness of abandoning the scene because the guy can ball alarms me.

I don't condone what the kid did. I said we should cut him some slack and let him prove himself to the Xavier Nation. He's young and immature just like the rest of us were at his age. I can't imagine that anybody out there can look back to our teen years and not feel some guilt about at least one idiotic choice made or action taken that would be embarrassing to relate to others even now.

[xu82]

Like with everything else, I'm going to trust Mack and his staff until they show me that I shouldn't. I'm sure they looked into this and gave it serious consideration, then decided to move forward. They know far more about this situation and this young man than we do. I can only hope I would never have made that mistake, but if I did I would hope and pray for a second chance. If he's a chronic knucklehead, he won't last.

[Xavier]

Ok but you don't see a difference between "young and immature"/idiotic choices everyone makes and fleeing the scene after hitting someone causing that person to be injured? Come on.

[casualfan]

I don't condone what the kid did. I said we should cut him some slack and let him prove himself to the Xavier Nation. He's young and immature just like the rest of us were at his age. I can't imagine that anybody out there can look back to our teen years and not feel some guilt about at least one idiotic choice made or action taken that would be embarrassing to relate to others even now.

I'm sorry. I don't know what you were upto as a teen, but I was doing young and immature stuff like drinking, dipping, being an asshole to my parents, etc.

None of that is even remotely close to hitting someone with a car hard enough to put them in serious condition, leaving the scene, and then continuing to not tell anyone about it.

I did some immature stuff as a teen. None of it ever put anyone's life in jeopardy.

That's a serious offense and is NOT typical of immature teen behavior. Anyone who thinks it is is kidding themselves.

[deepX]

How does this work with his school?
Was at a prep school in New Hampshire last year for junior or senior year.
Scheduled to return there but didn't go back because of pending accident resolution?
Now will enroll in X for second semester. When did he/does he graduate from high school?


Maybe this (high school completion) is something that Coach Mack and the entire XU athletic department don't know is a requirement. I suggest you contact them directly ASAP and let them know or get a full explanation on how this is even possible. :hypnotized:

Or maybe we should just assume that they know what they are doing and just concentrate on more important issues. (Is he a one-foot or two-foot jumper!)

[LA Muskie]

I don't think it's very typical for an 18 yr old to be in that position in the first place, so I'm not sure any of us really knows how any (much less most) of them would handle it.

It's certainly not a good thing in the least. It's absolutely reproachable. He will have to suffer the legal consequences of his actions -- which won't (or shouldn't) be light. But if everything else about his character checks out, and our staff and school have faith in him as an individual, I don't think it necessarily needs to be a lifetime indictment.

And I would hold that opinion whether he could ball or not.

[NY44]

It's certainly not a good thing in the least. It's absolutely reproachable. He will have to suffer the legal consequences of his actions -- which won't (or shouldn't) be light.

Anyone have any knowledge on the legal side of it? Could the punishment be enough to hold him back from regular player duties/activities?

[GoMuskies]

Are you asking if we have any Canadian lawyers on this site?

[X-Fan]

Are you asking if we have any Canadian lawyers on this site?

Hit and Run, Eh?

I blame the Metric System.

[MADXSTER]

Hit and Run, Eh?

I blame the Metric System.

I blame common core

[muskiefan82]

I think most of us, I won't say all, have done something in the past that could have gotten us in serious trouble if we had been caught, but for whatever reason we got away with it. Hopefully, we learned a lesson and never did it again and no one was injured or killed due to our recklessness or bad judgment. People, especially young adults/kids, often panic when faced with something that they don't know how to process and make what appear to be heinous and reprehensible decisions like leaving the scene after hitting someone with a car. It's awful. It's wrong. It is horrible. It is also something that kids do when they panic. While upsetting, that part I can explain away. What I don't know is how long after the accident happened that it took for the police to find him. If it was an hour, then I think he is still in "I don't know what to do" mode, but if it had been several hours, then panic is over and now we have a decision to not face up to what happened and THAT represents a potential issue to me. I do; however, defer to the wisdom of the people who recruited Mr. Ekiyor and if they think he is a good kid who made an error, who will be held accountable for that error, and still warrants a scholarship, then that is the way it is.

[XU 87]

Are you asking if we have any Canadian lawyers on this site?

I have sued several companies located in Canada. Does that count?

[Cheesehead]

I have sued several companies located in Canada. Does that count?

I believe this does count.

Please refer to XU87 for all Canadian legal matters from this point forward, ok ya hosers.

I trust Mack and staff & thoroughly investigated said legal matter and wouldn't offer scholly to a kid who wouldn't be available to play here. I hope it was a one time blunder on his part and I hope for full recovery for the cop he hit. It is a serious sitaution but I am not ready to condemn him for this really poor deccision (and it was a horrible decison!).

[ArizonaXUGrad]

One of my best friend's step son hit two cyclists last Saturday from behind (was not a hit and run) at dawn just a few days ago. Sun was in his eyes he said. As his dad's friend, I sincerely hope he gets over it and is able to continue his life. As a cyclist, drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and be held accountable when they aren't. We have the three foot law here and I believe he wasn't cited for it.

I hope Ekiyor and my friend's step-son learn from their mistakes and change accordingly. I am a 20 year mountain and road cyclist and each time I hear about a car on biker accident I absolutely cringe. I, myself, was hit by a car and he fled the scene but I wasn't hurt save for a big strawberry on my hip/ass and some dings on my then crappy road bike. I have also had a few extremely close calls were it not for some exception bike handling I would have ended up in serious trouble. I have been lucky and made my own luck, but some aren't so lucky. People need to be more aware.

[D-West & PO-Z]

One of my best friend's step son hit two cyclists last Saturday from behind (was not a hit and run) at dawn just a few days ago. Sun was in his eyes he said. As his dad's friend, I sincerely hope he gets over it and is able to continue his life. As a cyclist, drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and be held accountable when they aren't. We have the three foot law here and I believe he wasn't cited for it.

I hope Ekiyor and my friend's step-son learn from their mistakes and change accordingly. I am a 20 year mountain and road cyclist and each time I hear about a car on biker accident I absolutely cringe. I, myself, was hit by a car and he fled the scene but I wasn't hurt save for a big strawberry on my hip/ass and some dings on my then crappy road bike. I have also had a few extremely close calls were it not for some exception bike handling I would have ended up in serious trouble. I have been lucky and made my own luck, but some aren't so lucky. People need to be more aware.

Yeah as I said previously accidents do happen and for various reasons, not saying it is ok to hit someone with your car but it can happen numerous ways. I dont compare what you buddies kid did and what the recruit did at all. Fleeing a scene in which you cause someone injury is pretty bad and I think just shows really poor judgement and selfishness. Again not saying the kid is a terrible person we should not have recruited him or that I dont trust Mack and co. but its obviously a big red flag and I am sure they looked into it thoroughly and that they feel comfortable after speaking to the kid and his family and coaches etc. Lets hope it all works out for the best. The kid definitely deserves a chance and it shouldnt be an indictment on the rest of his life.

[birdman71]

I have sued several companies located in Canada. Does that count?

And you have millions in offshore Grand Cayman accounts.

[xukeith]

Since we X fans have new standards compared to the 1990's, should we apologize to UC's Burton, Flint, Wingfield and Long regarding stupid college and high school decisions as we accept it with much success?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Are you asking if we have any Canadian lawyers on this site?

I live in Canada and know a few lawyers here, is that close enough? BTW, I blame the whole thing on the invention of automobile.

[MADXSTER]

Since we X fans have new standards compared to the 1990's, should we apologize to UC's Burton, Flint, Wingfield and Long regarding stupid college and high school decisions as we accept it with much success?

Naaaaaaaaaa

[XU 87]

And you have millions in offshore Grand Cayman accounts.

I thought that was privileged information when you set up those accounts for me.

[JTG]

One of my best friend's step son hit two cyclists last Saturday from behind (was not a hit and run) at dawn just a few days ago. Sun was in his eyes he said. As his dad's friend, I sincerely hope he gets over it and is able to continue his life. As a cyclist, drivers need to be more aware of their surroundings and be held accountable when they aren't. We have the three foot law here and I believe he wasn't cited for it.

I hope Ekiyor and my friend's step-son learn from their mistakes and change accordingly. I am a 20 year mountain and road cyclist and each time I hear about a car on biker accident I absolutely cringe. I, myself, was hit by a car and he fled the scene but I wasn't hurt save for a big strawberry on my hip/ass and some dings on my then crappy road bike. I have also had a few extremely close calls were it not for some exception bike handling I would have ended up in serious trouble. I have been lucky and made my own luck, but some aren't so lucky. People need to be more aware.

Cyclists need to be more aware also, and not pick busy roads in rush hour to ride wearing black, in the early morning, like the dope I almost hit this week.

[GIMMFD]

I thought that was privileged information when you set up those accounts for me.

Wanna open some up in Antigua? I'll watch over it while I'm here for the next year and a half...

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Cyclists are people also and make mistakes. I never worse colors that blended in, and really that is why a lot of our gear is bright. I was also the loner in group rides that actually stopped for red lights and stop signs. However, the rate at which cars/cyclists break traffic laws is another argument.

Drivers linger in blind spots, drive small cars, grey or black vehicles, and without lights on all the time. In Az, location of bike lanes was the main driver of where I rode and not whether the road was busy or not. I actually always felt safer on a main road than in a subdivision. Most drivers are more attentive on major roads versus in neighborhoods.


Cyclists need to be more aware also, and not pick busy roads in rush hour to ride wearing black, in the early morning, like the dope I almost hit this week.

[XUFan09]

Also, the busy roads are more convenient for cyclist for the same reasons they are more convenient for drivers. They are faster and they involve less winding back and forth in back streets.

[Xu Red Dogg]

I was told today that he left the scene of the accident and drove directly to the police station. He was extremely upset and told the police what happened and where the woman was.

Clearly this was not an ideal response but it is far from plowing over a woman and rolling home to watch Netflix.

I was told that this is the reason he hasn't been hit with major charges and it will be why he will ultimately be free and clear.

I can't imagine schools like Xavier and Vanderbilt would be among this young man's final choices if they were not aware of ALL information. This tidbit adds a little clarity to the narrative.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

If true, this sounds much better.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I was told today that he left the scene of the accident and drove directly to the police station. He was extremely upset and told the police what happened and where the woman was.

Clearly this was not an ideal response but it is far from plowing over a woman and rolling home to watch Netflix.

I was told that this is the reason he hasn't been hit with major charges and it will be why he will ultimately be free and clear.

I can't imagine schools like Xavier and Vanderbilt would be among this young man's final choices if they were not aware of ALL information. This tidbit adds a little clarity to the narrative.

To be honest that confuses me more. I bet it is somewhere in the middle of driving home to watch Netflix and driving right to the police station. My guess is he drove off freaking out, realized he made a big mistake driving off and went to the police. It would make no sense to drive away from an injured person you hit to go right to the police station.

Either way I agree that XU and Vandy had to have done their homework and I am ok with it. Hopefully the woman he hit has recovered completely.

[LA Muskie]

To be honest that confuses me more. I bet it is somewhere in the middle of driving home to watch Netflix and driving right to the police station. My guess is he drove off freaking out, realized he made a big mistake driving off and went to the police. It would make no sense to drive away from an injured person you hit to go right to the police station.

Either way I agree that XU and Vandy had to have done their homework and I am ok with it. Hopefully the woman he hit has recovered completely.
I won't pretend to know what happened either. But I agree the story sounds a bit suspect. And regardless, if/when he came to his senses I wish he had immediately called 911 and rushed back to the scene to make sure the victim was OK.

[casualfan]

I was told today that he left the scene of the accident and drove directly to the police station. He was extremely upset and told the police what happened and where the woman was.

Clearly this was not an ideal response but it is far from plowing over a woman and rolling home to watch Netflix.

I was told that this is the reason he hasn't been hit with major charges and it will be why he will ultimately be free and clear.

I can't imagine schools like Xavier and Vanderbilt would be among this young man's final choices if they were not aware of ALL information. This tidbit adds a little clarity to the narrative.

Hmm. That's a little different than the story this provides http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/eddie-ekiyor-ottawa-basketball-star-charged-in-hit-and-run-1.3185787

An Ottawa high school basketball star considered a top prospect by U.S. colleges has been charged with failing to remain at the scene and criminal negligence causing bodily harm after an off-duty police officer was hit while cycling in Barrhaven Saturday morning.

Eddie Ekiyor, 18, was arrested at his home on Saturday after another off-duty police officer saw the suspect vehicle, CBC News has learned.

[bleedXblue]

In typical XH fashion we've speculated the hell out of this. He made a very bad mistake...a serious error in judgment. Let it go at that. I feel 100% certain that Mack and staff believe that this is a really good kid who learned a very valuable lesson.

[nuts4xu]

So this hoser is from Canada?

That isn't even a real country...

http://blog.tastebuds.fm/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/wj9Eqnxmgj40q0jzN5feCKeZo1_500.jpeg

[muskiefan82]

Hit and run on a cop, eh? Not ideal.

I recognize the bad taste of this, but "Take off, eh" is what Canadians say, you know.

[muskienick]

I'm sorry. I don't know what you were upto as a teen, but I was doing young and immature stuff like drinking, dipping, being an asshole to my parents, etc.

None of that is even remotely close to hitting someone with a car hard enough to put them in serious condition, leaving the scene, and then continuing to not tell anyone about it.

I did some immature stuff as a teen. None of it ever put anyone's life in jeopardy.

That's a serious offense and is NOT typical of immature teen behavior. Anyone who thinks it is is kidding themselves.

So when you were "...drinking, dipping, being an asshole to my parents, etc.", you were also always careful never to drive at those times? Had you done so, you would have put yourself and anyone else with you or on the road at that time in serious danger. Assuming you did not, you were probably more angelic than some of the rest of us! To that, I say "Congratulations"!

[xufan2434]

He had his first court date on August 25th. Since everyone is already jumping to conclusions on this one, I guess I will too. If they are reporting he is set to enroll at X in December, and has already had at least 1 court date, then I'm going to guess the ruling will be in his favor. I don't think Mack would offer a spot to this young man if it wasn't looking like this incident was going to be put in the past. So before everyone gets on their high horse, might want to wait until all the information comes out. There's a reason they have court cases and that initial reports aren't always telling the story for what it is. Not saying condoning anything or saying what did or didn't happen but come on now. Have some faith in this staff that at least earned that in the last 6 years

[LA Muskie]

He hit someone with a car, then drove off. He caused someone serious physical harm, then did the exact opposite of trying to help her. As far as I'm concerned that's one of the most despicable things one can do.

As I said before, he's a kid, kids make really bad mistakes of judgment, and it shouldn't ruin the rest of his life. But let's not sugarcoat things. It's bad. Really, really bad.

Doesn't make him a bad kid. And doesn't mean we shouldn't be the ones to give him a second chance. But it certainly does mean that we can't exactly stand on our high horse when other programs afford other kids their second chances.

[casualfan]

So when you were "...drinking, dipping, being an asshole to my parents, etc.", you were also always careful never to drive at those times? Had you done so, you would have put yourself and anyone else with you or on the road at that time in serious danger. Assuming you did not, you were probably more angelic than some of the rest of us! To that, I say "Congratulations"!

Yes. Just because you might have made decisions that put other people's lives in danger doesn't mean the rest of us did too.

And as for not drinking and driving being "angelic" that's an absurd characterization.

[Cheesehead]

"Doesn't make him a bad kid. And doesn't mean we shouldn't be the ones to give him a second chance. But it certainly does mean that we can't exactly stand on our high horse when other programs afford other kids their second chances. "

I will stand on my high horse!

Actually, you do make a great point, If this was a UC or UD recruit, this board would be going crazy. Hell, I might be one of them. We are all trusting Mack & Co. on this one. Let's hope it all works out. I want X to do things the right way AND win.

[D-West & PO-Z]

He hit someone with a car, then drove off. He caused someone serious physical harm, then did the exact opposite of trying to help her. As far as I'm concerned that's one of the most despicable things one can do.

As I said before, he's a kid, kids make really bad mistakes of judgment, and it shouldn't ruin the rest of his life. But let's not sugarcoat things. It's bad. Really, really bad.

Doesn't make him a bad kid. And doesn't mean we shouldn't be the ones to give him a second chance. But it certainly does mean that we can't exactly stand on our high horse when other programs afford other kids their second chances.

Yes, this 100%.

[Xville]

Honestly, I wish we weren't the ones giving him a second chance. Not saying he is a bad kid, and I was no angel that is for sure....i got away with a lot of stupid crap in my teens and my early twenties. However, this is pretty damn bad, and there are other kids we could have probably gotten.

[bobbiemcgee]

Guess you'll have to trust Mack & Co on this one. The Canadian Court system will let us know soon enough.

[ammtd34]

I wouldn't be going crazy if this was a Dayton or UC recruit, just like no one on the board is going crazy about Dyshawn Pierre's character.

Maybe I'm alone in this, but not all broken laws are equal to me. First, we don't know that hitting the cyclist was indeed his fault, but lets even assume that it was (if that has been established, I apologize. I haven't seen it.). What we're concerned with is how he reacted to a situation. I can't say how I'd react if I hit a cyclist because I've never hit one. To me, he didn't set out to do something that he knew would be wrong. I think that's different than punching a horse or sexually assaulting a girl.

[X-man]

I wouldn't be going crazy if this was a Dayton or UC recruit, just like no one on the board is going crazy about Dyshawn Pierre's character.

Maybe I'm alone in this, but not all broken laws are equal to me. First, we don't know that hitting the cyclist was indeed his fault, but lets even assume that it was (if that has been established, I apologize. I haven't seen it.). What we're concerned with is how he reacted to a situation. I can't say how I'd react if I hit a cyclist because I've never hit one. To me, he didn't set out to do something that he knew would be wrong. I think that's different than punching a horse or sexually assaulting a girl.

I haven't ever hit one either, but I know how I would react. I sure as hell wouldn't drive off.

[XUFan09]

Like I said before, hit-and-runs are a paradox. They are simultaneously awful, despicable, etc., but also a understandable reaction of human nature in a panicked state. The latter is especially true when we're talking about a teenager whose rational faculties (read: moral faculties included) of the brain are not fully developed yet. Their rational faculties aren't as effective as an adult's at governing irrational faculties. Some people are frankly approaching this from too rational of a perspective, as a person in a panicked state doesn't employ such methods. Certain instincts associated with fear and anxiety kick in, and they are very difficult to overcome if you don't have any mental preparation for the situation. If you've ever dealt with a high-anxiety person, you should know that the same is true. When particularly anxious, the only rational points that make it through are the ones that they already trained in themselves.

As an interesting note, the rate of future hit-and-run offenses is now probably lower for those who have read this thread than it would have been if this thread didn't exist. That's because as a group, people have now subconsciously or consciously reflected on how they would react in such a situation, cognitively priming them for the morally correct response in a panicked state. And that reflection isn't just academic, as it can be tied to something concrete (the incident with Ekiyor) and somewhat personal (as fans of the team/school to which he just committed).

So, there's your cognitive-behavioral psychology for the day. What should be noted is that it doesn't excuse the person from his actions; it just provides an important frame of reference for evaluating the situation. I cringed at people saying, "not a big deal." It IS a big deal. But, I understand. Also, as much as people like to think well of themselves, I'm willing to bet there is not an insignificant proportion of this board who could have done the same, particularly when a teenager. The numbers don't lie, unfortunately.

[waggy]

I'd backed over her and finished the job.

Child please.

[bleedXblue]

getting really deep in here......WOW

[D-West & PO-Z]

I wouldn't be going crazy if this was a Dayton or UC recruit, just like no one on the board is going crazy about Dyshawn Pierre's character.

Maybe I'm alone in this, but not all broken laws are equal to me. First, we don't know that hitting the cyclist was indeed his fault, but lets even assume that it was (if that has been established, I apologize. I haven't seen it.). What we're concerned with is how he reacted to a situation. I can't say how I'd react if I hit a cyclist because I've never hit one. To me, he didn't set out to do something that he knew would be wrong. I think that's different than punching a horse or sexually assaulting a girl.

Eh, he set out to drive off, which he knew was wrong.

[xukeith]

ESPN lists commitments for 2016 recruits and schools.
Here is early conference breakdown of Top 100 commitments per conference:

Big East : 7, Big 10: 14, SEC: 5, ACC: 14

[principal]

Eh, he set out to drive off, which he knew was wrong.

I think what he means is that hitting the cyclist was an accident, whereas punching a horse is not an accident nor is sexually assaulting someone. But of course the crime was not hitting the cyclist, the crime was driving off. Yet I still see a difference: presumably he didn't drive off out of anger or aggression, as with horse punching or sexual assault, but out of fear and/or panic. I'm not justifying the behavior, far from it, but it is different. It is foolish and it is criminal and if this kid is guilty and did not immediately turn himself in, then there should be consequences.

Also, we don't really know the circumstances and we don't know whether or not he is guilty. So rather than say "he did this or that" or that he didn't, we should wait for the legal process to play out. In the meantime the language should be "he allegedly did this or that" or "perhaps he fled out of panic". The same perspective should be granted to UC and UD athletes (and people in general) in similar situations.

Principal

[Roadlife]

Did anyone look up the site of the incident? 45.29193, -75.71049
Residential area and too dram many variables to make any early judgement.

[LA Muskie]

Did anyone look up the site of the incident? 45.29193, -75.71049
Residential area and too dram many variables to make any early judgement.

What variables? No one is blaming him for hitting her. We don't know the details of that. But there is no excuse for driving off. None. Period.