Mean Green Blog

It's really too bad when you look back on it, but one of the best players to ever suit up for the Mean Green -- at least in practice -- is blowing up on the recruiting scene.

Yes, I am talking about Roderick Flemings.

For those of you new to UNT hoops, Flemings was one of the top recruits in the country when he played for DeSoto, committed to Oklahoma State, left the program after a short time and transferred to UNT. Flemings didn't meet academic standards and ended up at Weatherford JC. He averaged 20.7 points and 11.7 rebounds a game and, perhaps most importantly, shot 34.9 percent from 3-point range last season. The knock on the 6-7 forward as a player was that he would have to learn to play on the perimeter in college. Shooting 35 percent from the arc isn't all that great, but it shows that Flemings is improving.

The big boys of college hoops have noticed. According to Rivals.com, UConn, Georgetown, Kentucky, West Virginia and Arkansas have all offered Flemings a scholarship and another chance.

It was tough to see Flemings go, but you have to give UNT head coach Johnny Jones credit for sticking to his principles. Players at UNT keep up their end of the bargain academically and nearly all of them graduate by the time they are done with their careers. Even if they don't graduate, they are on track to in short order.

Flemings didn't hold up his end of the bargain, but appears as if he will get another chance with one of the top programs in the country after leaving Weatherford. He has already set up a visit to UConn.

It's too bad. I am sure a lot of UNT fans will wonder what could have been if Flemings had made the grade.

Post your thoughts on the blog. Just how good would UNT have been with Flemings in the lineup last season?