OK, we’re finally to the last issue that’s on mind surrounding Kentucky Basketball as we enter June (here are Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3).  Without further ado:

The roster situation – We did get some news on the roster front this week, as it was officially announced that Jared Carter, Donald Williams, and AJ Stewart would not return. Even so, the departure of those three leaves 15 players who could still be on scholarship next season. The following issues need to play out before the roster can be finalized:

-Jodie Meeks’ decision to stay or go
-Incoming freshman need to become eligible
-Final cuts to be made, if necessary

Here are the guys that appear to be in the clear for next season:

1. Patrick Patterson, Jr.
2. Darius Miller, So.
3. Ramon Harris, Sr.
4. Perry Stevenson, Sr.
5. Daniel Orton, Fr.
6. Jon Hood, Fr.
7. Darnell Dodson, So.

Here’s the one question mark who has a decision to make:

8. Jodie Meeks, Sr.

Here are the guys who still may have issues getting qualified:

9. John Wall, Fr.
10. DeMarcus Cousins, Fr.
11. Eric Bledsoe, Fr.

Of this group, we really know the least about John Wall in terms of qualification. DeMarcus Cousins appears to be alright, given that he had a high GPA in high school (3.4 or thereabouts) so would not need to do much on the entrance exams to in the clear. Just after Eric Bledsoe committed to UK, his coach said he had achieved the necessary grades and scores to become eligible, but it would still be in the hands of the NCAA Clearinghouse to give him the final OK.

Here are the guys who might not entirely be in control of their destinies:

12. Josh Harrellson, Jr.
13. Kevin Galloway, Sr.
14. DeAndre Liggins, So.
15. Matt Pilgrim, Jr.

Depending on how things play out with Jodie Meeks and the unqualified guys, there could be room for as many as all four of this group or as few as just two. Academic questions surround some of these guys as well, but really we know so little that it’s not even worth it to speculate based on rumors.

As I’ve always said, this situation will play out in its own time frame. I think we can rest assured that everyone in this group knows where they stand, even if they only know they are in limbo. It sucks for guys who were on scholarship last year to have to sweat it out like this, but unfortunately its the nature of the beast when big time programs change coaches.

Ultimately, I think that Jodie will return and that all three unqualified freshman will make it through the Clearinghouse, leaving only two spots for that final group. Liggins appears to be the least likely to nab one of those spots, but I really wouldn’t be surprised for any of those guys to not be on the roster next year.