Kanter's Turkish Club Speaks Out
One of the top recruits in the country and a top prospect in the 2011 NBA Draft, Enes Kanter has been having his amateur status examined by the NCAA- that's not breaking news. However, this morning, Kanter's general manager at Fenerbahce Ulker spoke out against the former player, saying that he received more than $100,000 in cash and benefits while playing in Turkey. These monies included housing for three-plus year, food, and more than $6,500 a month in salary in his final year with the team.
This salary would be a huge compliance issue with the NCAA as any signed agreement between Kanter and an adviser or agent would relinquish his amateur status in his brief Kentucky career; he will likely be ruled ineligible if these statements hold up and spend the next year in Europe. Even though he did not sign a contract with the Turkish club, Kanter was held out during Kentucky's preseason trip to Canada last month since the NCAA was still investigating his eligibility at the time.
The NCAA has ruled out several Turkish players in the past few years; West Virginia's Deniz Kilicli sat out 20 games for an amateur offense similar to Kanter's, however, Kilicli's suspension was upheld for a previous rule that is no long applicable.
NBA-Draft.com has Kanter ranked as the top center prospect in the 2011 NBA Draft. He will remain one of the top prospects on our Big Board for this year's draft no matter if he plays at Kentucky or in Europe in the 2010-11 season.
By President Corey Ruff - 9-8-10
