Ex-N.C. recruit signs with Oklahome State
Heels pulled Curry's scholarship over drug conviction
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STILLWATER, Okla. - JamesOn Curry, the leading scorer in North Carolina high school basketball history who pleaded guilty to six felony drug counts last month, signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play for Oklahoma State.
The 6-foot-3 guard scored 3,307 points in his four-year career at Eastern Alamance High School. He originally signed a letter of intent to play at North Carolina, but his scholarship offer was rescinded two days after he pleaded guilty to the drug charges.
Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton, who overcame alcoholism to build a successful program with the Cowboys, looked past Curry’s criminal activity after meeting with him face-to-face.
“I have looked in his eyes and seen a very remorseful young man who is looking for a second chance,” Sutton said. “He understands fully there is no margin for error. We are willing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him, to provide an opportunity to better himself, eventually earn a degree and improve as a basketball player.”
Curry, who averaged 40.2 points in his senior season, is ranked as one of the top 75 players in the country by several recruiting services. He also averaged 7.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 4.3 steals.
Curry, 18, pleaded guilty April 5 to six felony counts: two each of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; two each of the sale of marijuana and two each of delivering marijuana.
He was sentenced to 36 months of probation, 200 hours of community service and various fines.
“We were contacted by people who said this was a very good young man who made a mistake,” Sutton said. “He is without question a person of extraordinary basketball ability who also has strong character and has had strong family guidance.”
Oklahoma State athletic director Harry Birdwell said he supports Sutton’s decision to give Curry a chance “to grow, learn to forgive himself and to be forgiven.”
Oklahoma State returns starting guards John Lucas III and Daniel Bobik from the team that went to the Final Four last season. The Cowboys did lose starting small forward Tony Allen, the coaches’ selection as Big 12 player of the year.
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