Keith Clanton: Kentucky, Florida State Options if UCF Forward Decides to Transfer?
Last week, the NCAA handed down its punishment against Central Florida, banning the school’s football and men’s basketball programs from the postseason for the upcoming year.
The penalty will not affect the school’s inaugural season in the Big East Conference when they make the switch in 2013. Yet, it did prompt this YouTube clip from alleged runner Ken Caldwell, a recall of the very situation that ultimately led to the NCAA’s investigation and decision.
With the punishment in place, the rumors have begun swirling involving Central Florida’s top two returning scorers. Marcus Jordan, the son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, is already being labeled as “unlikely to return,” although nothing formal or official has been made.
As for Keith Clanton, well a pair of schools may already be expressing interest.
Clanton, who led the team in averaging 14.5 points per game last season, has the option to transfer and be eligible immediately, if so. The 6-foot-9 forward also averaged 8.1 rebounds in 2011-12.
On Tuesday, Greg Auman on the Tampa Bay Times tweeted that Clanton had not yet decided on whether or not he would pursue a transfer, but if he did, Kentucky and Florida State could be viable options.
UK head coach John Calipari has already landed Wright State transfer Julius Mays this off-season, and Clanton would certainly give an added boost of talent and experience to the Wildcats’ front court.
As for Florida State, Okaro White returns down low, as does 7-footer Kiel Turpin, but there isn’t much doubt that Clanton would be an instant impact for the Seminoles.
At the moment, the two interested squads remain rumored, as Clanton has yet to make a formal decision, but with interest already mounting and no postseason option for the forward if he decides to stay, the inevitable might already be taking its initial step.
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