Ledo: “I Will Play For PC”
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Friar fans, here’s some great news regarding Ricky Ledo!
GoLocalProv.com has learned that Providence College and Ledo should hear from the NCAA Eligibility Center within the next 48 hours regarding Ledo’s status.
Wait, the news gets even better!
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GoLocalProv.com has learned that one of three scenarios is likely to be handed down on Ledo and all of them allow him to remain on scholarship at PC.
First, the best-case scenario would be that Ledo’s waiver is granted making him a full qualifier ready to practice and play with the team as a freshman.
The second scenario would be for the NCAA to allow Ledo to practice with the team this year but not play in games for the Friars.
The third, least-desirable scenario would be one where Ledo would not be allowed to practice or play for the Friars this season. However, even in this case, he would be allowed to attend PC on an athletic scholarship.
Here’s the best news!
Ledo told GoLocalProv.com Tuesday morning that regardless of the Eligibility Center’s ruling, his plans are to stay and play at PC. You read that right!
When asked if scenario #3 were to be handed down, Ledo said, “even if that happens, I’m going to go to school here this year and play here next year.”
Those are welcome words to Friar fans who were wondering if they would ever get to see Ledo put on a PC uniform. There has been much speculation, including here, as to what Ledo would do if he were not allowed to practice or play with the team as a freshman. Some wondered if he would even play overseas? Now, those concerns can be put to rest.
As was reported last week, Ledo was on campus participating in freshman orientation at Providence College. This morning, he was seen in his workout clothes with a basketball in his hand as he headed over to the Peterson Recreation Center to work on his game.
Alumni Hall is still not available to practice on as the finishing touches on renovations are being put on the arena as part of a major upgrade of that facility. We will have more news on that later this week here on GoLocalProv.com.
Friars coach Ed Cooley was guarded in his optimism regarding when we can expect to hear from the Eligibility Center. “We should know something in the next couple of days, but you never know,” he said. “This is the NCAA so who knows? Hopefully, we’ll have something for you in the next day or two.”
Cooley is also shocked at how much attention Ledo’s eligibility is receiving. “It could be a reality TV show for crying out loud,” he said. “Friar fans should know that regardless of what happens with Ricky, we’re having a season this year. We’ll have five Friars out on the floor this winter.”
Cooley’s sarcasm is more than understandable give the amount of attention this one story has received. But his focus is on the 2012-2013 season which may or may not include Ledo in uniform and he has to be prepared for each scenario.
So while the clock winds down on a decision on Ledo’s eligibility, rest comfortably Friar fans. Ricky Ledo wants to play at Providence College be it this season or next. And that is something to celebrate.
