November 5, 2008

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University men's basketball head coach Mike Gillian has announced that senior forward Kirk Williams/White Plains, N.Y. (Woodlands) has been ruled academically ineligible for the fall semester.  A returning starter, he averaged a team-best 16.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while earning All-Independent 1st-Team honors last year.  Williams (6-6) is able to practice with the team and can become eligible after fall semester exams conclude December 12, if he meets NCAA academic requirements and fulfills team obligations.
   
“It is the responsibility of every member of the Longwood Basketball Program to adhere to a high standard,” said Gillian.  “There are three areas of responsibility that we constantly talk to the team about: academics, basketball, and social.  When the standard of responsibility is not met, there are unfortunate circumstances that will result.  In Kirk's situation, he has failed to meet these standards and subsequently has a significant amount of work to do in order to earn his way back onto the court and play again.”
  
Longwood will open the 2008-09 campaign on Friday, November 14, hosting Virginia-Wise in Willett Hall beginning at 7 p.m.; the first of three-straight home games in Farmville, followed by Norfolk State (Nov. 16, 7 p.m.) and Gardner-Webb (Nov. 18, 7 p.m.).