Selleaze Will Stay Home to Take Care of Family
Men's basketball recruit to sit out 1997-98 season.
August 19, 1997
PULLMAN, Wash. - A commitment to family priorities will keep Washington
State men's basketball recruit Ron Selleaze out of collegiate basketball
during the 1997-98 season. Fourth-year head coach Kevin Eastman made the
announcement Tuesday morning.
Eastman explained that Selleaze (Oakland, Calif.), who signed with the
Cougars last November, decided to drop out of school at Fresno City College
this summer to find employment and lend financial support for his family.
"Ron felt that he is the man of the household and therefore providing for
the family had to become the top priority in his life," said Eastman.
"This decision is difficult to hear," said Eastman, who had his roster
trimmed to ten scholarship student-athletes for the coming season. "I've
been to Ron's home and seen and understand the situation. As a coach and
father myself I can only support his decision."
Last season Selleaze was named MVP of the Central Valley Conference while
playing at Fresno City College. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 15.9 points, a
team-high 7.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per outing.
Eastman said he is actively pursuing available players to replace Selleaze,
but this could be difficult at this late date. Classes at Washington State
begin Monday, August 25.
After two games in the A1 division of the Italian Basketball League,
former Washington State star Isaac Fontaine is averaging 18 points, five
assists for Scavolini Pesaro. Fontaine has led the team to a tournament
victory and perfect 2-0 record.
