Faulkners Future in Doubt at South Plains
South Plains College may have returned to action after the holiday recess, but 6-8 sophomore power forward Robert Faulkner has not.
According to South Plains Head Coach Steve Green, Faulkner has not been medically cleared to play. In fact, he was still back home in Peoria, Ill., on Monday night when the Texans knocked off Odessa College, 78-60.
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"Right now, we are not counting on Robert to play for us this year, and his graduation status is in question," Green explained. "If he gets after it (academically), we will help him in any we can."
Faulkner injured his knee during the summer, and initially, he was expected to be back in action for the second half of South Plains' season. However, his rehabilitation has not progressed to Green's satisfaction.
If Faulkner can get his act together academically and graduate in the summer, he could leave South Plains with three years to play at a Division I program.
Faulkner took official visits to South Alabama and Iowa State in the fall, but opted to make a spring decision.
As a freshman last winter on an NJCAA Tournament qualifier, Faulkner averaged 10.6 points and five rebounds per game. He shot 58.5 percent from the floor and was one of the better freshman post players that JUCO Junction saw last season.
We'll continue to keep you posted on Faulkner's situation as it becomes clearer in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!