Texas Tech University Athletics
Godwin Released from NLI with Texas Tech
January 06, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 6, 2006
Michael Godwin of Rockwall High School (Rockwall, Texas) was recruited by Texas Tech and signed a National Letter of Intent based on his play over the summer prior to his senior year. The coaching staff felt he could grow and develop into a Big 12 player.
However, several games into the high school season, it was apparent he was a completely different player than the staff had evaluated during the summer. He was the fifth leading scorer on his high school team, averaging about five points per game and as many rebounds.
As a result, the coaching staff watched him play three times and, in each case, did not observe any of the play aspects that were seen during the summer and they had no explanation for the difference in play on the court.
The Rockwall High School coach was contacted and informed that the university coaching staff had concerns about the disparity in play between the summer and the high school season.
It was the staff's opinion based on what they observed in high school play that he would not be able to play effectively in the Big 12. The coaching staff was very concerned he would enroll at Texas Tech, would not be able to play at the Big 12 level, and Texas Tech would not be in a position to renew the scholarship award the following year.
In fairness to Michael Godwin's future, Texas Tech wanted to make the family aware of the coaches' evaluations once high school play had started and while he had ample time to consider what was best for him and his future.
Coach Knight sent a letter expressing that view, "Your decision will have to be based on how much more effective you think you can be than you have shown thus far in the high school season. If you feel you are playing at your best, I simply think it would be a mistake for you to come to Tech. However, the final decision is up to you and your folks and we will go along with whatever you decide."
There was never any thought given by Texas Tech to rescind their scholarship offer only a concern for the best interests of the player.
The family decided to request a release from the National Letter of Intent with Texas Tech University prior to the letter being received.
We certainly wish him all the best.
