Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 5, 1992 TAG: 9202050017
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SCOTT BLANCHARD SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
TECH COACH NOT EXPECTING WHEELER BACK
It appears that suspended guard Rod Wheeler will not return to Virginia Tech's basketball team next year.Tech coach Bill Foster said it is not definite that Wheeler won't be back, but "the tendency is probably leaning in that direction based on past history."
Wheeler could not be reached for comment.
Last November, Wheeler was suspended for a year by the school for an unspecified violation of team policy, and now he is struggling with academics. Foster said Tuesday that Wheeler has a "gigantic hill to climb" to remain academically eligible.
In December, Foster said he would let Wheeler practice with the team during the second semester if the coach was happy with Wheeler's first-semester grades. Wheeler, a junior in eligibility, is not working out with the team.
Asked how Wheeler needed to perform in the classroom this spring and summer to remain eligible, Foster said: "Real well. Everything he's got to satisfy is not necessarily something for me, but something for the university.
"It doesn't look good. It may be too late."
Two other Hokies - Dirk Williams and J.J. Burton - are sitting out the year on academic drop. Foster said he has not guaranteed any of the three a scholarship for next year. The Hokies have committed 10 of the maximum 14 scholarships for 1992-93; Foster said it is probable they will have at least one grant open after the spring recruiting season.
Williams, a 1989-90 Metro Conference all-freshman selection, said recently he wants to attend summer school at Tech to improve his grades and regain his eligibility. Burton's mother said recently her son is sitting in on classes at Tech this semester - despite the fact he can't earn any credits while on academic drop - so he can be better prepared for summer school.