Senior forward Ricky Price was ruled academically ineligible for competition Wednesday by the University, leaving the men's basketball team without a key member of its senior corps for the first two months of the 1997-98 season.
Under the penalty, Price loses his student status for the summer and fall semesters; he will be eligible to apply for readmission to the University and rejoin the team at the conclusion of the fall semester, December 21, 1997.
"He won't be in school-that's basically what this [penalty] is saying," Sports Information Director Mike Cragg said. "We use the term 'ineligible' because he is not playing and you need to be in school to play. From what I understand, he'll be getting a job here in Durham and living in Durham. He will reapply for admission-just as any student would."
Gerald Wilson, senior associate dean for Trinity College, said the University uses the term "suspension" anytime a student is involuntarily withdrawn from school. The most common form of suspension, he explained, is the one Price received: two semesters, with the summer counting as one.
Price, a 6-foot-5 native of Carson, Ca., would not discuss his current situation and instead chose to look ahead to his potential return.
"I just look to come back on December 21," he said. "I'm sure we'll definitely have a good team, with the guys coming back and the freshmen coming in."
But the bright outlook for next year's team will be tempered by the loss of Price, an athletic swingman who has demonstrated streaks of brilliance during his three-year career.
"We will certainly miss Ricky," head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "However, we look forward to his return in the future and a rededication to his academic and athletic pursuits.... These things happen to students-and he's one. We're fully committed to him."
The Blue Devils lose only three seniors from their 24-9 squad a year ago and welcome four heralded incoming freshmen-Will Avery, Shane Battier, Elton Brand and Chris Burgess-who comprise what many experts consider the best recruiting class in history.
Price played in all 33 games last season, starting 11, and averaged 9.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. He ranks among Duke's all-time top-10 in both three pointers made and attempted.
Price's teammates said they will have to adapt to the loss of one their emotional leaders, but they support him and anticipate his return in time.
"Obviously, Ricky's loss is going to hurt our team because we depend on his leadership, but with the incoming freshmen and returning players, we're going to try to fill that void," junior center Taymon Domzalski said. "We lose a lot of energy-he is one of the more energetic guys on the team.... At the same time, I think it's the best thing for Rick. This is something he needs to take care of because it's important to his future."
Price, meanwhile, continues to keep an eye toward December, when he will be eligible to suit up and take the Cameron floor once again.
"Duke will play winning basketball regardless if I play or not," he said. "When I come back in December, I just hope to be able to contribute."
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