Packed weekend in college hoops

This weekend had something for every sports fan: baseball clinchers, Ryder Cup, WNBA playoffs, plenty of football, and of course, plenty of shots of Taylor Swift in the stands. If you left the couch at all, I’m impressed.

There was loads of college hoops news as well, so let’s get to it.

1. UConn’s not taking any chances with Clingan

When news emerged about a significant SWAC injury a few days ago, it mattered to Jackson State and rest of the SWAC, but it didn’t resonate with most of the college hoops world.

However, a Donovan Clingan injury? That might have serious ramifications.

From UConn on Friday:

The defending champions shouldn’t even need Clingan for their Nov. 6 opener against Northern Arizona, or their next two games against Stonehill (Nov. 11) and Miss Valley State (Nov. 14). But if he’s ready, he’ll certainly play so he’s prepared for Indiana on Nov. 19. The Hoosiers are one of the few teams who have plenty of size to throw at the 7-2 sophomore center.

Then again, UConn could slow play this thing into 2024.

Here’s the thing: It’s being called a foot strain. But foot injuries in big men — especially teenagers — are no joke. Even a nagging foot injury can derail a big man’s season, let alone if it turns into something more significant, which is what Dan Hurley and his staff are certainly guarding against. Because if it does turn into a lasting or bigger injury, it’ll affect UConn’s season.

The Almanac tabbed Clingan as a second-team All-American and a Top 5 player in the sport. He’s the backbone of the Huskies’ elite frontcourt, and the primary reason why they’re viewed as a Top 10 team and national title contender.

The last thing UConn wants is to win games in November that hamper their ability to win in March.

2. Kansas dismisses Arterio Morris

Arterio Morris’ time at Kansas ended before it even began.

The sophomore guard was suspended from the team two weeks ago when news emerged that he was the subject of a rape allegation. He was arrested Friday morning and officially charged with rape, per the Douglas County Sherrif’s Office booking recap report.

That was enough for Kansas.

“When we learned of allegations regarding Arterio Morris, he was suspended from the Kansas men’s basketball program,” coach Bill Self said, via an issued statement. “We are now aware he has been arrested and charged, and he was dismissed from the program. As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further at this time.”

Morris allegedly committed the rape in August of 2023. He now faces the potential of jail time and a fine. He was released on a $75,000 surety bond. And this is barely two weeks after Morris settled a Class C misdemeanor assault charge from 2022.

Expect Self’s program to face some scrutiny as well. Was it wise to bring in someone with Morris’ past history?

From a basketball perspective, Morris was expected to be a significant contributor for the Jayhawks. The former 5-star prospect had impressive moments last season at Texas, and also played well during the Jayhawks’ summer overseas trip.

KU’s now down to 10 scholarship players for 2023-24, counting forward Zach Clemence, who had been planning to redshirt this season.

3. No way, Jose

Kansas wasn’t the only Big 12 program to announce a major player dismissal the last few days.

Jose Perez transferred to West Virginia from Manhattan last season. The NCAA denied him a waiver, but he was expected to be a starter for interim head coach Josh Eilert.

That’s no longer the case, as Perez is no longer with the team due to academic reasons. Eilert issued a short statement: “We wish Jose the best in his future endeavors.”

Perez also had a statement. It was a tad more heated.

That effectively ends Perez’s NCAA eligibility, as he needed to play this season.

Perez wasn’t going to be West Virginia’s best player, but he was a likely starter and was essential to their wing depth. Given the Mountaineers are still waiting on a waiver for guard RaeQuan Battle, it raises even more questions about their potential this season. Transfers Jesse Edwards and Kerr Kriisa will be the focal points, while transfers Quinn Slazinski, Akok Akok and Noah Farrakhan also will play key roles.

Beyond that, Morgantown might be in some trouble.

4. Bryant coach on leave for ‘personal matter’

Jared Grasso’s seen as one of the game’s rising mid-major coaches, elevating Bryant to Northeast Conference champion, then America East contender that finished 17-13 last season, its first in the league.

The Almanac tabbed the Bulldogs as a top 3 America East team this season. But it’s unknown if Grasso will be around to lead the way.

Per multiple outlets, Grasso, 43, is on a leave of absence from the program for a “personal matter.” However, a member of Bryant’s administration told the Providence Journal that it wasn’t a personal matter, or a family medical issue.

For those wanting to really dive into the mystery, there’s this tweet. But it’s unclear why he’s deleting a cryptic tweet.

Associate head coach Phil Martelli Jr. will serve as the acting head coach. (Coincidently, his dad, Phil, is currently the acting head coach at Michigan.)

Bryant opens the season on Nov. 6 against Dartmouth.

5. More Mizzou magic on recruiting trail

Dennis Gates is having a helluva offseason.

The addition of 2024 wing Annor Boateng last week propelled Missouri to the No. 1 overall recruiting class, per the 247 Sports composite.

That ranking solidified a little more on Sunday.

By adding 4-star center Trent Burns — a 7-3 center out of Houston who chose Mizzou over Xavier, Rice and Tulsa — the Tigers not only added their fifth Top 100 player in the class of 2024, but their second 7-footer. If the 2022-23 Tigers lacked for bigs, future versions certainly will not.

Not that Burns is a stereotypical big, either.

He’s fluid and is a natural rim protector, but also will knock down perimeter shots. He proudly notes that Missouri coach Dennis Gates calls him a 7-foot sniper. I’m already thinking about frequently Jim Root and Ky McKeon will discuss Missouri’s lineup options.

Also in 2024 recruiting news:

• Villanova added wing Matthew Hodge.

• Combo guard CJ Cox will attend Purdue.

• South Carolina picked up wing Trent Noah.

• Guard Trap Johnson is headed to Montana State.

• Boston U grabbed guard Azmar Abdullah.

• Arkansas-Pine Bluff added guard Caleb Jones.

• Guard Erik Taylor will attend Sam Houston State.

• Florida Gulf Coast picked up guard Jackson Washington.

Somewhere in middle America

Creighton’s potential as a national title contender centers on their … center. Ryan Kalkbrenner is not only the nation’s top defensive player, but he’s also an underrated offensive player who’s worked on his perimeter shooting. He spoke with Jeff Goodman about why he returned to the Bluejays for another season, his goals for this season and much more.

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Links as you wonder if you’ll ever see the US win the Ryder Cup on European soil ever again.

• Did Graham Ike not practice last week with Gonzaga?

• The NCAA may vote to shorten transfer windows this week.

• The Infractions Appeals Committee vacated some of the penalties against Cal State Northridge.

• The Friar Family Collective will distribute $1 million to Providence men’s players this season.

• BC showed off its new Hoag Basketball Pavilion last week.

Thanks for reading The Field of 68 Daily! If you have a news tip or feedback, email us at [email protected].

tCling Kob