NCAA Ruling On Wright Possible By Friday
By Sonja Sykes
Bonus points for you if you noticed that Chauntise Wright was in street clothes during the University of Louisville women’s basketball team’s win over Providence Sunday. The reason, though, is not injury or discipline related. The NCAA is deciding whether Tise has used up her college eligibility.
Chauntise Wright
Wright came to Louisville in the fall semester of 2005 but wasn’t eligible to play until the second semester, seeing action in 16 games as a backup center. Still playing backup center in the 2006-07 season, Tise played in all 33 games, leading the team in field goal percentage while averaging about seven points a game.
Then Jeff Walz came to Louisville, inserting her into the starting lineup. She responded with 11.4 points a game and led the Big East in field goal percentage. It looked she was headed toward a banner senior year. But fate stepped in. She was hit by a car crossing Floyd Street in the summer of 2008. Although she recovered in time for fall practice, she blew out her knee in preseason practice. Out for the year, missing the 2008-09 season.
She returned this season but the NCAA made it clear that, in their eyes, she had only one semester of eligibility. The Cards petitioned for the entire year and submitted almost 200 pages of documentation and precedents, seeking one more semester for Wright.
Regardless of what happens, Tise will get her degree and will have some great memories. One would hope the NCAA gives her the chance to end her career on the court and not on the bench.
About the Author: Sonja Sykes is an avid fan of University of Louisville athletics, especially the women's basketball team.
Great update Sonja.
I wish the best for her.
I never majored in math but I count only six semesters of playing time. Eight would be the max by my calculations.
That is the major point of contention that the UofL argument is with the NCAA. She’s been on the court for six semesters. She has actually been a student for nine semesters. The NCAA has issues with her coming in as a partial qualifier during her first sememster here and who knows what else…after all, it is the NCAA.
We hope they find the Cardinal arguments convincing and put her back on the court.