Seton Hall announced that junior guard Keon Lawrence will be activated from suspension and will return to the basketball team Dec. 19 when the Pirates host Temple University.
I know I originally reported he would be back Nov. 28 against LIU and I was mistaken.
Lawrence was suspended indefinitely on Nov. 9 following his involvement in a car accident on the Garden State Parkway. He has completed the University’s disciplinary process. His activation comes with necessary conditions and sanctions that may not be disclosed by the University under student privacy laws.
“Mr. Lawrence is also subject to an external legal process, which will determine the outcome of the motor vehicle citations he received,” said Law School Dean Patrick E. Hobbs, who is overseeing the Department of Athletics this year. “Athletics Director Joe Quinlan and I have decided to allow Mr. Lawrence to return to the men’s basketball team. Upon the conclusion of the external legal process, the University will decide whether any additional sanction is required.”
Lawrence transferred to Seton Hall from the University of Missouri following the 2007-08 season and sat out last season due to NCAA transfer regulations.
“I want to be clear that I am disappointed by Keon’s terrible lack of judgment in this matter,” said head coach Bobby Gonzalez. “He has let a lot of people down, but it’s also important to note that he is filled with regret and remorse. He is still a part of our family and I hope in time we can all heal from this.”
Lawrence won’t be the only Pirate starting his season on Dec. 19. Junior Jeff Robinson, a transfer from the University of Memphis, will also see his first action in a Seton Hall uniform against Temple.
KILPATRICK TO REDSHIRT
Cincinnati freshman guard Sean Kilpatrick of White Plains, N.Y. will redshirt this season and have four years of eligibility left.
Kilpatrick is a shooting guard who would have backed up senior Deonta Vaughn this season and would have only seen limited action.
When Vaughn graduates, it will open up playing time for Kilpatrick beginning next season.
“Obviously, he wants to play but if Coach [Mick] Cronin is telling ‘SK’ that he wants him ready for next year because of seniors ahead of him then he has to do what his coach thinks is best for him,” said Tom Sampogna of Frenji Sports, an advisor to Kilpatrick. “We support Sean and the entire Cincy program completely.”
The 6-4, 215-pound Kilpatrick averaged 25.6 points as a senior at White PLains High. He spent last season at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass., where the team went 28-5.
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