Recruit may not be Smart Enough for Marquette

Trevor Mbakwe, a 6-8 power forward from St. Bernard's (Via Henry Sibley) is in danger of failing to qualify academically for Marquette, where he signed a Letter of Intent, according to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press.

If Mbakwe fails to qualify, he would need to enroll in prep school or a junior college, and would be available to re-recruit for either the class of 2008 or 2009. Mbakwe was also ineligible for part of his freshman season in high school due to academics.

Although I've read a couple of things questioning his heart and desire, Mbakwe seemingly has the talent to be a good player at the high-majors, and I wouldn't mind seeing him in Maroon & Gold in a few years if things don't work out at Marquette, although I'd be a little nervous about the academic issues.

Mbakwe is ranked a four-star and the 29th best PF in his class by Scout, and a three-star and 38th best PF by Rivals. It sounds like he's your typical big, raw player: A terrific rebounder and tough inside, with little ability away from the basket. The perfect kind of guy to head to JUCO for a couple of years and then come back to Minnesota with more polish and help out the Gophers.