ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 14, 1996 TAG: 9601150056
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY
Virginia coach Jeff Jones reserved comment Saturday on the status of 6-foot-9 recruit Melvin Whitaker, possibly because there has been no resolution.
Whitaker has achieved the standardized test score required for admission; however, the NCAA Clearinghouse has not given the approval necessary for Whitaker to begin receiving financial aid.
Classes at UVa start Monday, so it is virtually certain Whitaker, who attended Hargrave Military Academy for the first semester, will not play basketball for the Cavaliers this season.
UVa officials have learned Whitaker's letter of intent with Virginia is binding through the 1996-97 season and that he would be ineligible to play for another NCAA Division I program.
If the clearinghouse does not act in time for Whitaker to enroll for the second semester, he likely will find a job in Charlottesville and live there until he can begin classes.
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines KEYWORDS: BASKETBALLby CNB