Family says TU's Clarkson exploring his options
BY Eric Bailey World Sports Writer
Monday, March 12, 2012
Tulsa’s Jordan Clarkson will explore all options — including the possibility of transferring from the basketball program — while monitoring the current coaching search, his family informed the Tulsa World late Monday night.
“Right now, everyone including Jordan is in the same status,” his father Mike Clarkson said from his San Antonio home. “We have no idea who is coming in or what is going to happen. You don’t know what the plans may be when another coach comes in. It’s a tough situation for the athletes, parents and coaching staff … we don’t know what to expect.”
Clarkson was Tulsa’s top player, averaging 16.5 points per game. The junior-to-be was named a first-team selection to the All-Conference USA team.
“Jordan has given 110 percent of himself to better the Tulsa basketball program and its future,” Clarkson said. “However, as it stands, my family and I can’t be assured of anything beyond the moment.”
Doug Wojcik’s firing, combined with former assistant David Cason’s move to Vanderbilt before last season, has “cast a shadow of uncertainty over the program in our perception,” Mike Clarkson said.
“We trust the administration will undoubtedly find a suitable candidate; however, we also want to keep Jordan’s options open as we closely monitor the hiring of TU’s next head basketball coach. With this open mindset, we will also explore all available options with Jordan’s best interest in mind.”
A source at Tulsa said the athletic department has known about this situation for a few weeks.
Clarkson has had a tough 48 hours, his father said.
“He’s tried to keep a game face but when you get to know people, it’s tough to see things happen,” Mike Clarkson said.
“I truly hope Golden Hurricane fans haven’t seen Jordan suit up for the last time, but only time will provide us with a clear answer.”
