BY MICHAEL PERRY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Xavier's depth at forward is dwindling.
Incoming recruit Aaron Turner, a 6-foot-7 power forward, will not be eligible to compete as a freshman.
Turner, who attended Maine Central Institute this past year, said Monday that he was one point shy of the necessary score in his last attempt at the ACT and he will not play for Xavier this season. "It's frustrating now, but it'll be even more frustrating come October," XU coach Skip Prosser said. "But those are the parameters and we'll live with them."
Turner said his grades are good enough that he will be classified as a "partial qualifier."
That means he can receive athletic financial aid from the school, attend preseason conditioning and practice with the team during his first year, said Ginger Fulton, XU's associate athletic director for administration and compliance. Further, if Turner completes the requirements for his undergraduate degree within four years, he can earn a fourth year of eligibility,
"That's good," Turner said. "It's definitely hard not playing . . . I can do it, though. People told me, "Don't worry about it, it's going to work out.' So that's all I'm doing."
Xavier officials do not comment on players' academic standing, but Fulton did say Monday that the school has not received Turner's final certification from the NCAA Clearinghouse and she could not confirm or deny that he will be a partial qualifier.
A "non-qualifier" can't practice, compete, receive athletic aid or regain a fourth year of eligibility.
With Darnell Williams' knee injury likely to keep the senior out all season, Xavier is down to three true forwards -- senior James Posey, freshman Kevin Frey and junior college transfer Desmond Walker. Posey will start at small forward, probably backed up by freshman swingman Lloyd Price. Frey and Walker will likely battle for the starting power forward spot.
Turner was expected to compete for a starting job and help immediately. He had a great season at MCI, leading the team in scoring (19.7 ppg) and rebounding (13.9).
Turner played at Mifflin High in Columbus and was Ohio's Division II Player of the Year in 1996-97. He signed a letter of intent to attend Xavier in May '97 but went to MCI to improve his academics.
Prosser said Turner is worth the wait.
"I love the kid," Prosser said. "He's very positive. He's excited to come to Xavier, and we're excited to have him.
"I think he's going to fit in great. He's a warrior. He's a great kid, and he really wants a Xavier education."
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