East Tennessee State guard Bo Hodges announced on Wednesday he’s headed for Butler University to continue his basketball career, where he will look the lift the Bulldogs back to the top of the Big East and into the NCAA Tournament. Since the Brad Stevens glory days, Butler has made it to the Sweet 16 just once, and they didn’t make the 2019 tournament for the first time, breaking a four-year streak. Hodges won’t be eligible immediately, but the 6’5 guard will be ready to play in 2021 for his final year of eligibility. He was an all-conference guard in the Southern Conference, averaging 12.7 points and 5.8 rebounds. He led the Buccaneers to a 30-4 record and conference tournament title, although he was denied a chance to shine in March Madness due to coronavirus. Head Coach LaVall Jordan lauded Hodges’ versatility, particularly on offense, and he has a valuable asset for the future.
Arizona State punter Michael Turk regains NCAA Eligibility
In a very rare occurrence, the NCAA granted Arizona State punter Michael Turk his final two years of eligibility after the all-Pac 12 talent went undrafted and unsigned in the NFL Draft process. Turk has been an exceptional punter for the Sun Devils, leading the Pac-12 by averaging 46 yards per punt. In one game against Kent State, he set a record by averaging 63 yards on five punts, an NCAA record for a punter with a minimum of five attempts. Turk made headlines when he banged out an astounding 25 repetitions on the bench press at the NFL Combine, but he struggled in the punting drills. The pandemic denied him the chance at additional chances to impress scouts, which Turk used as his main argument in his appeal. In a slightly surprising move, the NCAA granted his appeal, although Turk will likely have to compete with Florida State graduate transfer Logan Tyler, the ACC leader in yards per punt (43.2).
OTHER HEADLINES
– Oklahoma State freshman football players told not to come to campus after players test positive for COVID-19
– Legendary Pitt and Tennessee football coach Johnny Majors passes away at age 85
– Missouri football players march in protests, register to vote
– Gonzaga basketball coach Mark Few announces he will not have any team activities on Election Day, to encourage his players to vote
– Louisville athletes back on campus after quarantine
Turk Eligibility
College Kids Talking College Sports 