GoldandBlack.com - Purdue hosts transfer

June 24, 2012

Brian Neubert

Purdue's search for backcourt help for next season continues with the interest it's shown in Rhode Island transfer Billy Baron, who arrived on the West Lafayette campus Saturday for a visit.

Baron might represent potential immediate help.

Or he may not.

The 6-foot-2 guard left URI after his father, Jim Baron, was let go as the Rams' coach and replaced by Dan Hurley.

Baron is reportedly seeking a waiver from the NCAA granting him immediate eligibility, thus allowing him to side-step the normal requirement that transfers sit out a full season before being able to play. His case would be built on the circumstances of his father being let go.

There's precedent in that Trey Zeigler was granted immediate eligibility after he transferred to Pittsburgh from Central Michigan after his father, Ernie, was fired as the Chippewas' coach.

A difference in this case, however, is that Jim Baron has already moved into another head coaching position, at Canisius College.

The Golden Griffins are also an obvious option for Billy Baron, who played two seasons at Rhode Island and averaged 13 points per game last season.

Baron began his college career at Virginia before leaving mid-year. He then became eligible at Rhode Island mid-year this past season.

Purdue has looked into a slew of options this spring and summer as it's sought to fortify its backcourt for next season after losing seniors Lewis Jackson and Ryne Smith, as well as Kelsey Barlow, who would have been a senior this upcoming year had he not been kicked off the team during the season.

Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2012. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited. E-mail GoldandBlack.com/Boilers, Inc.