The the past month has been a rollercoaster for Drew Peterson, taking him from Rice University to the University of Minnesota and now to the University of Southern California.
The 6-foot-8 guard announced in April that he was transferring to play basketball for the Gophers after playing two years at Rice. But on May 1, with his transfer status hanging in the balance, he reopened his recruitment without ruling out an eventual commitment to Minnesota.
“After discussing with my family, I am reopening my recruitment. Minnesota is still very much a possibility for me. I hope everyone understands the importance of making such a big life choice during these unprecedented times. Please respect my decision,” Peterson said.
But on Monday Peterson made his next move official by transferring to USC.
After much consideration, I’m proud to announce I’ll be committing to the University of Southern California pic.twitter.com/VU9IzgK1H7
— Drew Peterson (@Drewpeterson23) May 12, 2020
It’s become increasingly unlikely that the NCAA grants a one-time waiver to players transferring during the coronavirus pandemic, meaning Peterson will likely have to sit out a season at USC just as he would’ve had to at Minnesota.
The Transfer Waiver Working Group was created by the NCAA last fall to study the waiver process, and that group recommended that student-athletes from men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s hockey and football receive a one-time transfer waiver. The waiver would allow transfers to play right away rather than sit out a year.
But according to the NCAA, the Division I Board of Directors and Division I Presidential Forum recently concluded that the recommended waiver idea is “not appropriate at this time.”
A formal vote is expected to happen later this month. That vote could prove significant for Minnesota considering 7-footer Liam Robbins, a transfer from Drake, is hoping to gain immediate eligibility.
The NCAA has said it will be sensitive to each waiver request, which might give Robbins a slightly better chance of being granted a waiver since he’s moved to a school to be closer to family. Robbins’ uncle is Minnesota associate head coach, Ed Conroy, and his cousin, Hunt Conroy, also plays for the Gophers.
Robbins averaged 14.1 points, 71. rebounds and 2.9 blocks last season.
