STILLWATER, Okla. -- The leading scorer in North Carolina
high-school basketball history signed a letter of intent Wednesday
to play for Oklahoma State.
JamesOn Curry, a 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scholarship offer was rescinded two days after he pleaded guilty to
six felony drug counts last month.
Oklahoma State 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 points, six 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 both of its starting guards, John Lucas
III and Daniel Bobik, from a team that went to the Final Four last
season, but has a hole at small forward with the departure of Tony
Allen, an honorable mention All-American and conference coaches'
selection as Big 12 player of the year.