Such is the case of Oakland University (Mich.) basketball player Isaiah Brock. You’d think that somewhere in that big, stupid rulebook, the NCAA would’ve outlined a specific set of guidelines for athletes who were non-qualifiers before spending four years in the Army. And before passing college courses. And before a qualifying ACT score.
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There doesn’t seem to be. And so, Brock’s freshman season is in trouble because his grades back in 2012 weren’t great. A decent amount has happened since, and the Detroit Free Press has it detailed well.
Quick rundown: After graduating from Forest Park High School in Baltimore, Brock joined the Army, where he was certified as a mortuary specialist, meaning he recovered and prepped the bodies of dead soldiers. He spent time in Kuwait and Afghanistan.
While he was there, he grew from 6 feet to 6'8 and caught the attention of college programs. After he came home, he took the ACT and got Bs in two summer courses at Oakland. Still — nope. Academically ineligible, as of last week, courtesy of those high school grades.
Again: This is the sort of stuff the NCAA should plan for. If you’re going to have rules for everything, have rules for everything.
