Turners Coach Expresses Disbelief

Larry Turner, a 6-10, 225-pound center/power forward from Bridgton Academy in Maine, was denied admission by the Georgia admissions office, according to several sources. "I'm shocked," head coach Whit Lesure said. "He did everything he had to do here. As far as potential to be a student on the college level, he has a bright future. That's the disappointing part that Georgia is missing out on a good kid."

Sources tell us that Turner is now looking into possibly appealing. But if the appeal process is not available or is denied, then Larry Turner will have many top programs going after him.

"I hope he looks into the other opportunities he will have," Lesure said. "Larry is a good kid and a hard worker. He will be very good student and college player."

Turner has already been given the green light by the NCAA clearinghouse. Sources tell us that the Georgia basketball program is puzzled by the decision.

Turner signed the letter of intent with Georgia last year. When Turner landed at Bridgton Academy in Maine, he was there to meet NCAA academic requirements. Head coach Whit Lesure did a tremendous job with Turner in polishing his game and helping Larry work hard in the classroom. "Number one the thing I said two weeks after I had him I wish I had him from September through May and not from January through May," Lesure said.

"In a half of year he developed nicely. But the Fall is as important to these guys as the regular season is. They are getting adjusted, getting conditioned, lifting weights. But he came in without the advantage of being here in the Fall. And he got so much better. He had to develop a quick relationship with me and me with him. I missed out having a stronger relationship I would have had if I had him earlier."

Sources tell us that Alabama and Connecticut will recruit him hard. It's likely many other schools will also try and get involved.