Ernie Kent and the Washington State Cougars have one more open spot to fill after Garfield’s (Seattle) star guard Tremaine Isabell was granted his release from the letter of intent he signed at WSU. In a simple and classy tweet, Tremaine announced the news earlier today.
Specific reasons are unknown but there is speculation that this move came from the Cougs, not from Isabell, who was all set to join the team this coming Fall. Grades may have come into play here, because it seemed Kent and his staff had done plenty of background work and were satisfied before re-recruiting Isabell after the new staff was in place.
For the Cougs, it means they will need to get back on the recruiting trail quickly, though they may already be hopping. Ahmaad Rorie tripped to Pullman this past weekend and is saying he will be making a decision this coming weekend. He looks to have offers from Washington State, Washington and Wichita State.
Guard Brandon Chauca out of South Carolina has also picked up a WSU offer and is planning on taking an official to the Palouse this weekend. This could get interesting quickly but we know that Kent and Co. are doing the right thing for the program if they did indeed make the move due to academic or other unforeseen issues with Isabell.
High character and pointing the Cougs in the right direction as a program in the classroom is chief priority among all sports since Bill Moos took over. It’s a big part of the reason why he has hired the coaches he has hired and will continue to be such a priority, no matter how good the players they will surpass in the process may be.
Go Cougs!