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Report: Northwestern’s JerShon Cobb was suspended for academic reasons

JerShon Cobb

Northwestern guard JerShon Cobb (23) drives in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota at the first round of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

AP

Less than a month ago Northwestern announced that junior guard JerShon Cobb was suspended for the year for what was termed a violation of team policy.

There is now official clarity on the reason for Cobb’s suspension, with Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reporting that Cobb’s struggles in the classroom are what prompted the move.

The silver lining in this cloud for Cobb is that the redshirt season can be spent rehabbing his left hip.

Cobb had been dealing with tendonitis in the area, which possibly came as a result of a surgical procedure in April 2011.

Subpar grades left Cobb ineligible for the fall quarter. And the talented swingman continues to struggle with left hip tendinitis – a possible result of surgery in April of 2011– and was limited in summer workouts.

NU coach Bill Carmody confirmed all that in mostly general terms, saying: “He did not take care of business off the court. It definitely was an academic issue.”


According to the story, Carmody stated that Cobb can rejoin the team for practices in mid-December provided he continue to take care of business in the classroom.

If that happens the Wildcats gain a player who would be a valuable practice resource for a team adjusting to life without John Shurna.

Senior shooting guard Drew Crawford and sophomore point guard Dave Sobolewski will lead the way for Northwestern this season, and the Wildcats have enough depth to absorb the loss of Cobb.

Northwestern has added five players 6-foot-8 or taller (six if you count redshirt freshman Mike Turner), and the perimeter is loaded: Drew Crawford, Dave Sobolewski, Alex Marcotullio, Reggie Hearn and redshirt freshman Tre Demps return, and freshman Sanjay Lumpkin has impressed observers in fall workouts.

Cobb will have two years of eligibility remaining after sitting out this season.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.