DU Star Hoopster Royce O'Neale Leaving DU

Royce O'Neale
From: NBCSports.com
by  Raphielle Johnson

The University of Denver is moving to the Summit League, and they may have to do so without two of those key contributors. On Friday the school announced that Royce O’Neale’s request to be released from his scholarship has been granted.

O’Neale, a native of Kileen, Texas, made the request due to the health of his grandfather, according to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com.

“Royce has a personal situation at home in Killeen, Texas,” head coach Joe Scott said in a statement released by the school. “He has requested a release to explore schools that would place him in close proximity to his family. We are understanding and supportive, and therefore have granted Royce a release to those schools.

“As we do this, we are and have been working on a plan for him to stay at the University of Denver while also meeting and supporting his family needs. We are exploring all options to help him.”

If they’re able to work out something to where O’Neale is able to take care of the situation and remain at Denver, the Pioneers would be in position to be one of the preseason favorites to win the Summit League crown.

As a sophomore the 6-5 O’Neale averaged 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, leading the Pioneers in both rebounding and assists, earning third-team All-WAC honors.

7 comments:

5BWest said...

I hope we do not lose Royce. He is probably our best all-around player. I hope his personal situation works out well and wish him the best.

Brett said...

Losing Royce would be a BIG blow to our season.

Anonymous said...

Family needs to come first. In the grand scheme of thimgs, basketball is just a game. Best wishes to Royce and his family.

Anonymous said...

Be nice if they could move his family to Denver for a year so he can play out his senior year, get his degree and be close to family.

Boonetown said...

You are a man taking care of his family. Best of luck to you.

Anonymous said...

12:12---

If by "they", you mean DU, then you have no idea about NCAA rules. Do you?

Anonymous said...

Royce has two years to go - not one. I wonder if this issue would exist if DU were still in a conference that played in Texas a few times a year.