The drama on the court this season has been nothing short of spectacular, but the real action is unfolding in the courtrooms. Former college athletes are pushing for additional years of eligibility, and among them, former Kentucky Wildcat Kahlil Whitney is eager to make his return to the game.
In Mississippi, a whirlwind unfolded as Trinidad Chambliss successfully secured an extra year of eligibility through a judge's ruling. Meanwhile, Tennessee fans are on edge, waiting for a decision on Joey Aguilar's status for the upcoming fall, which could be announced any day now.
James Nnaji stirred up the college basketball scene when the former No. 31 NBA Draft pick returned to Baylor.
His struggles on the court have somewhat eased the pressure on Scott Drew’s program. Over at Alabama, Charles Bediako received a temporary injunction allowing him to play in five games before being sidelined by a judge.
These cases are just a glimpse of the athletes attempting comebacks in college basketball, and now Kahlil Whitney wants in on the action. He recently announced on social media that his recruitment is "officially open," signaling his readiness to explore new opportunities.
Whitney, a former five-star recruit, initially joined John Calipari's squad in 2019. He started in eight games and appeared in 18 before unexpectedly leaving the Kentucky program. After playing professionally overseas, Whitney returned to the spotlight this summer in the TBT with La Familia.
The path to regaining college eligibility is uncertain for Whitney, who has only one college season to his name and recently turned 25. While college basketball isn't short on older players, Whitney's age could be a factor. It's a situation full of unknowns.
Despite the challenges, Whitney found renewed energy playing in front of Kentucky fans during the TBT. With evolving NCAA rules, he might just find a way back onto the college basketball stage.