ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, July 29, 1996 TAG: 9607290094
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL player Craig McAndrew is expected to get clearance from the NCAA to join the Cavaliers.
Coach Jeff Jones said this week he is optimistic 6-foot-9, 240-pound Craig McAndrew will be eligible to play basketball this season for Virginia.
UVa sent its report to the NCAA this week and expects to hear in two to three weeks whether McAndrew has three or four years of eligibility and if he can play immediately.
``In preparing the case, one of the things [UVa compliance official] Lyn Mitchell had at her disposal was previous case studies, a couple of which were identical to this one,'' Jones said.
At issue with McAndrew is time he spent with the Perth Wildcats, a semipro team in his native Australia. McAndrew, 19, said he played in three games for a total of 15 minutes.
``You would not believe the detail with which [McAndrew's playing time] is documented,'' Jones said. ``Clearly, none of the people advising him wanted to do anything to jeopardize his eligibility.
``It [playing in the United States] is something Craig has been thinking about for a long time. If they thought it was anything that would hamper his eligibility, he would not have done it.''
Jones noted Doron Sheffer, a senior this past season at Connecticut, played on a semipro team for two years in Israel with former Cavalier Andrew Kennedy. Sheffer had instant eligibility at UConn, but was allowed to play only three years.
``Given what I know about the specifics of the previous cases, I would have to believe that Craig would be viewed in a favorable light,'' Jones said. ``I'm encouraged that he will play this year, and maybe not as encouraged that he will get four years.''
McAndrew's availability for this season becomes more critical if 7-4 Chase Metheney transfers, as is becoming increasingly likely.
The Cavaliers' staff has had problems getting in touch with Metheney, who has been given a release from his scholarship, although that would not preclude him from returning to UVa.
It isn't entirely clear why Metheney would want to leave Virginia, particularly since he already has used a redshirt year. If he transfers, he would have to sit out another season and would lose a year of eligibility.
Metheney reportedly has taken trips to Iowa and South Carolina, with Iowa the apparent front-runner. Metheney went on a European tour this summer with a team of underclassmen coached by Hawkeyes assistant Gary Close.
That connection has raised some eyebrows in the UVa basketball office, which is preparing for its own European tour starting Aug.14. Practice for the trip begins Thursday.
``Obviously, it would be necessary for [Metheney] to be at the practices,'' Jones said. ``Right now, we're in limbo. The thing is, he would be given every opportunity to start.''
Metheney, if he transfers, would be the third player to leave UVa since the spring. The first two, Scott Johnson and Darryl Presley, faced possible honor-committee prosecution following their arrest for shoplifting.
Metheney might have been unhappy with his playing time, although his propensity for fouling kept him on the bench in many games. In his absence, McAndrew and 6-10 freshman Kris Hunter would be the leading candidates to start at center.
None of the UVa newcomers will be allowed to make the trip to Europe. The Cavaliers will have eight players, including three walk-ons and center Chris Alexander, who completed his eligibility this past season.
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Jones, Metheney.by CNB