Report Raises Questions About Men’s Basketball Program

Posted Nov 19, 2009 by Scott Carter

Updated Nov 19, 2009 at 01:42 PM

The USF men’s basketball team will try and start the season 3-0 for the first time in three years tonight at the Charleston (S.C.) Classic against Davidson. However, Coach Stan Heath’s program is under scrutiny for alleged off-the-court issues following a report by AOL sports website FanHouse.com.

USF administrators are reviewing the report this afternoon. The report alleges the men’s basketball program committed several NCAA violations.

“When we’re ready to comment, we will,” USF sports information director Chris Freet told TBO.com earlier today.

The report, posted on FanHouse.com, says most of the violations involve video and conditioning assistant Terrelle Woody, who was hired in August 2008 to guarantee the signing of Maryland transfer Gus Gilchrist.

The story alleges that Woody improperly drove Gilchrist on personal trips and illegally coached and worked out USF players.
In the report, Coach Stan Health denied the allegations or said he had no knowledge of them.

The story cites former USF assistant coach and players, unnamed sources and eyewitness accounts by a “reporter.” It was written by Brett McMurphy, a former USF beat writer for The Tampa Tribune.
According to the report, Woody drove Gilchrist home to Maryland and Orlando Magic basketball games. He also witnessed “open gyms” involving USF players.

The story also says three USF players were suspects in the robbery of two former players and that Heath did not report the crime to authorities to protect the current players.

Heath is 23-41 and in his third season at USF. The Bulls opened the season with a victory at SMU on Friday and then won their home opener at the Sun Dome on Monday, knocking off Virginia 66-49.

How concerned are you that these violations could have a negative longterm impact on the USF basketball program? Let us know what you think.