Joe Crawford update#3

Welcome back, Joe Crawford! The C-J reports on Joe Crawford's intention to return to the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

Freshman guard Joe Crawford traveled from his home in Detroit to Lexington yesterday and intended to rejoin the University of Kentucky basketball team.

Crawford and his parents met with UK coach Tubby Smith after arriving, said UK athletic department spokesman Scott Stricklin, but the school made no announcement on the outcome of the meeting.

On Saturday night Crawford spoke with Smith by telephone and pledged to do whatever is necessary to rejoin the team, said Mark White, who coached Crawford to McDonald's All-American status at Renaissance High School.

"Joe wants to honor his commitment to Kentucky, to his teammates and his coaches, and he wants to be part of a common goal of winning a championship," White said. "...Joe intends to do everything asked of him."

Crawford left the team last Monday, citing a lack of playing time and homesickness, and has missed four practices and two games. He planned to transfer closer to home, most likely Michigan State, but Stricklin said Crawford's name never was officially stricken from UK's roster.

Throughout the process, Smith said Crawford was welcome to return, although it's uncertain whether the 6-foot-4 guard will face disciplinary action for time missed.

The school elected not to release Crawford from his national letter of intent, meaning Crawford would have lost a year of eligibility, in addition to sitting out a year, had he transferred.

Crawford could transfer without losing a year of eligibility if he completes two full semesters at UK. But White indicated Crawford's decision to return to UK is long-term.

Allow me to say thanks for staying with the Wildcat faithful.