Alex Carmona

OFFERED

1/8/03: "Fourteen months ago, Alex Carmona was an ineligible basketball player at Troy High School who said he wanted to play for the University of Dayton. Since then, his odyssey has led him onto a professional team in Spain. The Puerto Rican native plays for C.B. Valls-Felix Hotel, a third-division pro club in Barcelona. That means he won't be playing basketball at UD or any other college.

Carmona joined the team in November and isn't among the league leaders in any statistical category. In his first eight games for his new team, "Bimbo" averaged 6 points and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 41 percent from the field. The 6-foot-5 player is on a team that is 5-11 and in the bottom half of the standings. "Sincerely, he is not having a great performance," said Alex Gamez, who covers basketball for eurobasket.com. "(But) in my opinion, he is the best player."

Gamez said Carmona still may be dealing with living in a new country and fitting onto a team of established players. He averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds and was named to the All-Ohio second team two seasons ago at Troy. At that time, he was leaning toward playing at the University of Memphis. After moving out of Curt and Deb Grant's’ house, Carmona later was ruled ineligible by the Ohio High School Athletic Association because he didn't meet residency requirements. On Nov. 20, 2001, Carmona committed to play at UD although the Flyers had no scholarship to give. "I have decided after careful consideration that I want to attend the University of Dayton," Carmona said that day in a prepared statement. "It has become obvious after watching this program very closely over the last three years and getting to know the people in the program that this is the type of family environment that I want to be part of." Carmona hasn't had much stability since.

Before legal guardianship — and possible reinstatement by the OHSAA — could be established by Troy businessman Robert Lybarger, Carmona left on a flight with former mentor Giddel Padilla.

Since then, Carmona:

• Moved back to Puerto Rico, playing for Mercy Soto High School in Carolina in the spring of 2002.

• Was named Rookie of the Year in Puerto Rico's Superior League in summer 2002, despite playing only 13 games before an injury. He averaged 16.7 points for the Mayaguez Indians.

• Enrolled at The Winchendon School in central Massachusetts last fall and committed to Memphis.

• Left Winchendon after a few weeks when Memphis didn't offer a scholarship.

• Signed with Valls-Felix Hotel in November, joining former Mayaguez teammate Antonio Latimer.

It remains to be seen if Carmona — a player whose AAU teammates said outscored LeBron James head-to-head — again passes through this area on his basketball journey.

Without Carmona, Troy stumbled to 4-18 last season. Afterward, coach Barry Egan was fired. This season, the Trojans are 3-7 under Keith Culley. Egan is coaching at Marion Harding, which is 1-10." - Dayton Daily News


9/10/02: "one of the top prospects from the Midwest Class of 2002, has now settled in at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts for a year of prep work. "He is still committed to Memphis," said The Winchendon School's head basketball coach, Mike Byrnes. "He is an outstanding player and will be an outstanding college basketball player." The 6-5, 210 pound small forward, who played last year at Troy (OH) High School, ran into eligibiliy problems last year. The Ohio High School Athletic Association in October denied his appeal to be eligible for interscholastic athletics last year for Troy. Carmona first verbally committed to Oliver Purnell's Dayton Flyers program even through the Atlantic 10 school was out of scholarship slots. Earlier there were indications he was headed to Memphis. Then he changed his mind and gave a commitment to John Calipari's program. "He remains committed to Memphis," Byrnes said again last night. - RivalsHoops

12/18/01:
http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/sports/preps/1218carmona.html

12/15/01: "There has been a twist to the saga of Alex Carmona, the shooting guard at Troy (Ohio) High who had committed to the U of M but then said he had changed his mind and would attend Dayton. Earlier this week, Carmona was taken out of school and flown back to his native Puerto Rico by Giddel Padilla, who played as a reserve guard with his brother, Edgar, at UMass under current Tiger coach John Calipari. That apparently throws his intentions to attend Dayton into doubt. Calipari reiterated Friday that the U of M is no longer pursuing Carmona. "We are not recruiting him, and we do not have a scholarship," said Calipari, who is only allowed to confirm or deny if he is pursuing a student-athlete." - Memphis C-A

12/12/01: "Alex Carmona withdrew from Troy High School on Monday, indicating to school officials he was going back to Puerto Rico. Tuesday morning, Carmona and longtime mentor Giddel Padilla flew to Puerto Rico. Tuesday night, Padilla said he and Carmona were in Puerto Rico and that he would help Carmona enroll in a San Juan-area high school in the next couple of days. Padilla showed up at Troy High School on Monday, speaking with Carmona, principal Eric Herman and others. Then Carmona, the ineligible basketball standout, signed the paperwork that ended his status as a student at Troy."

http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/sports/preps/1212carmona.html


11/30/01: "The Tigers are also no longer interested in Alex Carmona, the 6-5 swingman at Troy (Ohio) High who committed to the Tigers in the early fall before telling them last week he wanted to reopen the process so he could consider hometown Dayton." - Memphis C-A

11/23/01: "The young man from Puerto Rico faces a tough, possibly long road to qualify — at UD or anywhere else. To play at any NCAA school next season, he must obtain a satisfactory combination of scores on core courses in high school and on the college entrance exam. As I understand the process, the higher grades he gets in class this year at Troy High School, the lower the scores that will be required of him on the SAT or ACT. Whether the Ohio High School allows Carmona to play at Troy this year is really immaterial to his college situation except that it probably would help give him structure and motivation to study. What really matters is that Carmona hit the books hard to build his grade-point average and a strong foundation for taking the college entrance tests. If he qualifies, there is always a possibility that a spot on the UD roster will open before next season. When you think of the number of players who didn't qualify or made unexpected departures from UD in recent years (Nucleus Smith, Lamar Hill, Stan King, Cain Doliboa, Shawn Wiggins), it's not unreasonable to think that next year's roster is not as firm as it appears. And UD's roster seems to be more stable than most. If UD doesn't have a scholarship, Carmona could pay his way to school (he would qualify for substantial financial aid) and play, although there are some ticklish NCAA rules on recruited athletes walking on — rules to discourage big schools from stockpiling players. If Carmona does not succeed in the entrance exam, then he still could pay his way to UD — as Yuanta Holland did — and be eligible to play in his second year. If he chose to stay a fifth year, he could earn his fourth year of eligibility by graduating in four years. He also could attend a prep school for a year, but the advantage of staying close to his Troy home would be in the structure and tutorial support he would receive. Carmona did not sign a national letter-of-intent with UD or anyone else, which means that he is free to change his mind at any time, but the bottom line is: He can't play Division I basketball anywhere next year without meeting the same set of academic standards. So it's really all up to Alex Carmona. If he has the discipline to work hard in school and the ability to learn and improve his skill with the English language, we might see him at UD. But it's a little early to be stitching his name on a Dayton uniform." - commentary, Dayton Daily News

11/21/01: "Alex Carmona was all but signed, sealed and delivered to play basketball at Memphis University. He had visited the campus. He had verbally committed. He had the paperwork to join coach John Calipari's team sitting on the table. All that was needed was the Troy High School star's signature. He just couldn't do it. Instead, Carmona called University of Dayton coach Oliver Purnell last weekend and said he was available. Carmona, who is not eligible to play at Troy, said Tuesday his preference is to join the Flyers. "I have decided after careful consideration that I want to attend the University of Dayton," Carmona said in a prepared statement. "It has become obvious after watching this program very closely over the last three years and getting to know the people in the program that this is the type of family environment that I want to be part of." Carmona hasn't signed a letter of intent to attend UD because no athletic scholarship is available. The Flyers have signed letters from four high school basketball recruits, bringing their scholarship total to a maximum 13. Athletic scholarships, though, are renewed annually. Carmona could walk on at UD and receive financial aid from various sources, including grants. He has not yet taken the SAT or ACT college entrance exams, but is academically eligible at Troy. Carmona said, "I think I can handle it" when asked about taking college classes while improving his English. Carmona, a 6-foot-5 second-team All-Ohioan, averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds last season. But he was ruled ineligible to play at Troy this fall by Ohio High School Athletic Association Commissioner Clair Muscaro. He ruled that Carmona isn't eligible because he doesn't meet residency requirements. The Puerto Rican native's eligibility status changed when he moved out of his legal guardian's household. Carmona appealed the decision and was denied. His lawyer Bill Fulker is pursuing a variety of legal actions seeking to restore his eligibility. Carmona can practice with Troy, but not play in games or scrimmages. Tuesday night, he watched Troy scrimmage other teams at UD Arena, which he hopes is his next home. "The bottom line, I think, is he wants to be in Troy," Trojans coach Barry Egan said. "He wants to be at home. I think that's the point he's made more clear than anything. "I just think he adds a great urgency of toughness to the team — the way Oliver likes to play." Brooks Hall, Ohio's 1999 Mr. Basketball at Troy, is a junior for the Flyers. "I think it would be good to be around Brooks, who I've known for three years now," Carmona said. "When we work (out) together, we just battle each other. I just like the way he plays. He'll make me better and I'll make him better." Carmona considered Memphis and Cincinnati, both schools that he has visited. Egan said the Flyers would be a good pick. "I think that he fits like a glove," Egan said. "But I think he would fit like a glove at just about any college program." - Dayton Daily News

http://www.activedayton.com/ddn/sports/ud/1121carmona.html
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11/20: "Dayton's Channel 7 reported that Alex signed on their 6 o'clock news with Dayton.

11/20: I have no further news about the note of 11/15 below. - Mike Ryan (4 to 1)

11/15/01: "Big news today, as we're now hearing that 6'4 Alex Carmona of Troy (HS), who verbally committed to Memphis in September, has now changed his mind and would like to either go to Cincinnati or Dayton and may actually sign a letter of intent this week." - Greg Swaim (back to active and at a 4)

10/23: "Alex Carmona's appeal to the Ohio High School Athletic Association to become eligible to play basketball at Troy High School has been denied. The OHSAA Board of Control voted 7-0 to uphold Commissioner Clair Muscaro's Sept. 21 decision that Carmona didn't meet any of the exceptions found in the OHSAA bylaws to gain eligibility. The vote was recorded in the minutes of the Oct. 18 Board of Control meeting in Columbus. Carmona's attorney, Bill Fulker, said Monday he wouldn't comment on the decision until he received it. The ruling was mailed by the OHSAA and Fulker said he hadn't received it by Monday afternoon. But in a memorandum given to OHSAA at the appeal hearing, Fulker wrote that "The Commissioner cannot be permitted to arbitrarily pick and choose the students to whom a particular bylaw applies." - Dayton Daily News

10/18: "Alex Carmona's first appeal to the Ohio High School Athletic Association to play basketball at Troy High School this season has been denied. In a letter received by Troy High School officials Sept. 27, OHSAA Commissioner Clair Muscaro stated Carmona - a senior at Troy High School who played for the Trojans his sophomore and junior seasons - would not be eligible to play basketball at Troy or any other high school in the state of Ohio, as he does not meet any exception in the OHSAA bylaws that would allow him to play. Carmona's lawyer, Bill Fulker, has since met with Muscaro, who agreed to review his decision. Upon further review, Muscaro re-stated his original decision regarding Carmona. "I've got a letter, dated Oct. 15, from the commissioner indicating he was affirming his previous ruling," Fulker said. Carmona still has some opportunities in the appeal process. His next chance comes Thursday, when Carmona will appeal the decision to the OHSAA Board of Control in Columbus. The board is a nine-member body that has the final say on all legislative decisions made by the OHSAA. Fulker declined comment on the details of what would be presented to the OHSAA Board of Control. "I'd rather not go into those details at this point," he said. Fulker also said Thursday's meeting with the board would not necessarily be the last step in the appeal process. Should Carmona's appeal be denied by the board, he could re-appeal to the board provided there is new information, extenuating circumstances or the board requests another meeting. "Depending on Thursday's outcome - whichever way that would go - he will have some options," Fulker said. Fulker said he is not happy with the OHSAA's decision to deny Carmona's appeal. "I was disappointed," he said. Carmona and the family he is living with in Troy declined comment on the OHSAA's most recent ruling. Fulker expects a decision from the OHSAA Board within a week of Thursday's meeting. "According to their rules, they are supposed to have a decision within seven days," he said. In his original letter to THS officials, Muscaro stated, "Recognizing that Alex is from Puerto Rico, I affirm that he does not meet any of the four exceptions found in Bylaw 4-8-1 (see page 40 of the OHSAA Handbook). In reviewing Bylaw 4-6-8 (page 38 of the OHSAA Handbook), I affirm that Alex does not meet any of its four exceptions. Therefore, recognizing that self-supporting is not an option, I hereby rule Alex Carmona ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at Troy and any other OHSAA member high school." Carmona, 18, is no longer living with his legal guardians in Troy. Carmona lived there his first two years in Troy. This season, he sought to play as an "emancipated" student. According to Bylaw 4-8-1, "Students from countries and provinces outside the United States are ineligible for interscholastic athletics." According to Bylaw 4-6-8, "A student whose parents live outside the state of Ohio will be ineligible for athletics in an Ohio member school." Carmona was a Division I second team All-Ohio selection last year and is listed as one of the top collegiate basketball prospects in the country, according to a number of recruiting services." - Troy Daily News

10/16: "Troy's Alex Carmona lost the first round of his appeal process with the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Carmona's lawyer, Bill Fulker, was informed Monday by OHSAA Commissioner Clair Muscaro that Muscaro's earlier decision to deny Carmona athletic eligibility has not changed. Fulker met with Muscaro Oct. 11 and said the commissioner agreed to review his decision. The conference was to "clarify information and add facts not previously submitted."
"I'm disappointed in the ruling," Fulker said. "We weren't really given any reason or explanation as to why he's ineligible." Round two of the process will be Thursday when Carmona will appeal the decision to OHSAA Board of Control in Columbus. A message left at Muscaro's home was not immediately returned. Carmona, 18, was ruled ineligible Sept. 21. Muscaro stated in a letter to Troy High School that Carmona does not meet any exception in the OHSAA bylaws to become eligible. Muscaro wrote that he based his decision on the fact Carmona is no longer living with his guardians of the past two years and that he's from Puerto Rico. The bylaws Muscaro referred to in his decision stated: 1) Students from countries and provinces outside the United States are ineligible for interscholastic athletics; 2) A student whose parents live outside the state of Ohio will be ineligible for athletics in an Ohio member school. Carmona, a second-team All-Ohio selection who averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds last season, lived the past two years with Curt and Deb Grant. Carmona now is living with and working for a Troy businessman as an "emancipated student." If Carmona is denied by the Board of Control, he can re-appeal to the board provided there is new information, extenuating circumstances or the board requests another meeting. The board is a 9-member body that has the final say on all legislative decisions made by the OHSAA. For now, Carmona remains ineligible three weeks before basketball practice begins. "I don't understand why the commissioner has ruled him ineligible," Fulker said. "I disagree with the ruling." - Dayton Daily News

10/12: "Ohio High School Athletic Association Commissioner Clair Muscaro apparently has agreed to reconsider his ruling on Troy High School basketball player Alex Carmona after meeting with Carmona and his attorney Thursday in Columbus. Troy-based attorney Bill Fulker, who has provided counsel to Carmona for two weeks, said Muscaro's decision Sept. 27 to rule Carmona ineligible to play sports may be reversed. "(Muscaro) has agreed to at least consider his ruling," Fulker said. "He wants to take a couple of days to think about it, then he'll notify the people involved with his decision." Fulker said no time-table for Muscaro's decision was discussed, but added the OHSAA's board of control meeting Oct. 18 will probably be the next time Muscaro and Fulker address Carmona's situation. "Possibly we can be on the agenda for that meeting," Fulker said. Muscaro declined to comment, and Fulker has asked Carmona and the family he is living with to do the same. Fulker said the meeting lasted 1 1/2 hours and was amicable. "It was a cordial conversation," Fulker said. "All I really want to say is we are following the OHSAA appeal process concerning the ruling on Alex's eligibility. The first process is to meet with the commissioner and discuss his decision. "We feel Alex is truly eligible and we wanted to discuss that with the commissioner." In a letter received by Troy Principal Eric Herman Sept. 27, Muscaro wrote that Carmona was ruled ineligible because he did not meet any of the exceptions found in the OHSAA bylaws to gain "academic emancipation." To be considered an emancipated student at Troy, one must provide proof that he/she is self-supporting. Muscaro referred to an OHSAA bylaw in his decision that is entitled Students from Foreign Countries and Exchange Students. The introduction states that students from countries and provinces outside the U.S. are ineligible for interscholastic athletics. The four exceptions address where a student's parents live, which country they are citizens of, foreign exchange students and adoptions. Carmona is a native of Puerto Rico. With the help of a former professional basketball player named Giddel Padilla, Carmona was placed at Troy last year. A second-team All-Ohio selection last season, Carmona averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds. "I'm very disappointed in the (association's) decision," Carmona said Sept. 27. "I have played basketball at Troy High School for the last two years. My plans have not changed. I want to graduate and go to college and play basketball. "I want to be the first in my family to do this. It is still my dream." - Dayton Daily News

10/4: "Carmona's high school coach, Barry Egan, said UofM coach John Calipari made a recent visit to Troy to see Carmona, a native of Puerto Rico who is appealing a recent ruling that makes him ineligible to play this season. "They are very committed to him and he is very committed to them," Egan said. "I think Tony (UofM assistant Tony Barbee) laid the groundwork, and, on his visit, the guys from the team got to him and Calipari's success with other Puerto Rican players was big." (Carmona was listed as one the players "committed to sign on Nov 14th") - Memphis C-A

9/28: "Basketball standout Alex Carmona has been ruled ineligible to play sports by the Ohio High School Activities Association. In a letter received Thursday by Troy High School Principal Eric Herman, OHSAA Commissioner Clair Muscaro said his decision was based on three factors: Carmona is no longer living with Curt and Deb Grant, his guardians the past two school years. Carmona, a senior, is 18 years old and supporting himself. Carmona is from the territory of Puerto Rico. Muscaro wrote that Carmona didn't meet any of the exceptions found in the OHSAA bylaws to gain eligibility. Though Carmona turned in the paperwork to the OHSAA to be declared self-supporting, that was not a factor in the ruling. "Therefore, recognizing that self-supporting is not an option," Muscaro wrote. "I hereby rule Alex Carmona ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at Troy and any other OHSAA member high school." Carmona, a second-team All-Ohio selection who averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds last year, addressed the ruling with a statement. "I'm very disappointed in the state (association's) decision," Carmona said. "I have played basketball at Troy High School for the last two years. I will appeal the state's decision through legal counsel. "My plans have not changed. I want to graduate and go to college and play basketball. I want to be the first in my family to do this. It is still my dream. "I have no further comment at this time. Thank you very much." At the top of Muscaro's letter, he indicated he would be reviewing Carmona's eligibility status "due to its complexity." The bylaw Muscaro referred to in his decision is entitled Students from Foreign Countries and Exchange Students. The introduction states that students from countries and provinces outside the United States are ineligible for interscholastic athletics. The four exceptions address where a student's parents live, which country they are citizens of, foreign exchange students and adoptions. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth associated with the United States, with special status under the U.S. government. Its citizens are considered United States citizens. The other bylaw Muscaro cited in his decision states that a student whose parents live outside the state of Ohio will be ineligible for athletics in an Ohio member school. Its exceptions address students whose parents moved out of the U.S. during his or her junior year, students who have attended classes in one school district for their entire academic career and students who live in a neighboring state. Two years ago, Muscaro found Carmona and two Puerto Ricans enrolled at Lima Senior ineligible. That decision was reversed by the OHSAA and Carmona was able to play the second half of his sophomore season. Muscaro declined to comment further on his latest decision. In a story published Aug. 19 in the Dayton Daily News, OHSAA assistant commissioner Blair Irvin said of Carmona, "He's only eligible where his legal guardian lives. The fact that he turns 18 has nothing to do with it. We know the law says he's `emancipated.' However, our bylaw says your eligibility is based on the legal residence of your parents or your legal guardians. In his case, since he's from out of the country, he's got to live with his legal guardian." The OHSAA handbook states that appeals to the OHSAA's Board of Control may be initiated by the student, a school administrator, a coach, parent, official or "any other person who has a vested interest." Tom Dunn, the Troy school district spokesman, said the district's part in the dispute is largely over. "In a case like this, a district has two responsibilities," Dunn said. "One is to protect the student's rights, which we did by filing the appropriate paperwork. The other is to abide by the rules and regulations of the governing body of Ohio athletics, the OHSAA, which we also intend to do. "The district does not intend to appeal the decision, as Mr. Muscaro's letter clearly identified the bylaws that he applied in making his decision. They appear to be very clear-cut and straight forward." Carmona, who is living with and working for a Troy businessman, will appeal the decision. If an appeal is denied, a re-appeal can be filed to the board provided: A)New information has been obtained by the appellant and submitted in writing to the Commissioner, or B)there were extenuating circumstances that resulted in the previous hearing not providing all the information, or C)the Board of Control requests another hearing. If Carmona's appeals or legal action are unsuccessful, it would mean he would not be able to play his senior season at Troy. "I'm very disappointed in the decision," Troy head basketball coach Barry Egan said. "Very disappointed." - Dayton Daily News

9/6: "...Memphis Tigers have gained an "unofficial verbal" commitment from Alex "Bimbo" Carmona, a 6'5" SG/SF from Troy, OH. Why are we calling it an "unoffical verbal?" Well, he hasn't held a press conference or anything like that, but we understand he's telling folks that he wants to play for Calipari, and can't wait for the chance. He's coming to Memphis for an unofficial visit with his close family friends - including Edgar Padilla, who played for Calipari during those glorious UMASS days. While Memphis has apparently won out over several top D-1 programs - notably Cincinnati, Michigan State, and local-favorite Dayton - Carmona is still fighting to get eligible for his Senior season. This isn't your normal "academic" issue...this one deals with his local guardianship, and whether he'll be conisdered a local student and not a transfer. He is a native of Puerto Rico, and spent the end of last spring - as well as the summer - in Puerto Rico." - Mid South Hoops

9/5: "Carmona currently has a top list of Memphis, Michigan State, CINCINNATI, and Dayton, in no particular order. This is according to Troy assistant coach Gary Wheeler, who also happens to be Alex's former host family." - RivalsHoops

9/5: "Alex Carmona is not yet eligible to play high school basketball in Ohio. But sources say the Troy High School star has decided to play college ball at the University of Memphis. Two sources said the 18-year-old Puerto Rican native indicated he will play for coach John Calipari's Memphis Tigers. Troy volunteer assistant basketball coach Gary Wheeler--Carmona's landlord--did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Carmona and Troy boys basketball coach Barry Egan declined interview requests. Ron Mears, the basketball information director at Memphis, confirmed Tuesday the Tigers are recruiting Carmona. Mears said the early signing period begins Nov. 1, and that he could not comment further. Carmona, a second team All-Ohio player last season, averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds during his junior season. Calipari coached Puerto Ricans Edgar and Giddel Padilla and Carmelo Travieso while at the University of Massachusetts. Giddel Padilla, Carmona's mentor, said last week that Carmona had decided on a college, but only said it was among Memphis, Cincinnati, Dayton and Michigan State. "Pretty soon, we'll have a press conference at Troy," Padilla said last week from his home in Puerto Rico. "The school deserves that. In September, it will be official." Also Tuesday, Carmona filed the necessary paperwork to become an "emancipated student" at Troy. Since Carmona isn't living with his guardians of the past two years, Curt and Deb Grant, he had to prove he was self-supporting. To be eligible to play sports, Carmona must keep his grades up and provide the Ohio High School Activities Association with documentation. Besides a place to live, he must show he has a job making a minimum of $250 per month, a checking account, rent and grocery receipts. He must turn in notarized statements from his landlord and employer disclosing his rent payments and monthly working hours, respectively. Troy Principal Eric Herman must forward these records to the OHSAA every month in order for Carmona to become and stay eligible. District spokesman Tom Dunn said many, but not all, of these documents were turned in Tuesday. There is no set deadline to send in the information, but OHSAA Commissioner Clair Muscaro must rule on the records each month. Until he rules on them, Carmona is ineligible. The first day Ohio high school basketball teams can practice is Nov. 5, with the first games Nov. 30. Troy administrators met with Muscaro in Columbus on Tuesday about the procedure of forwarding the information. "He asked us some questions and we asked him some questions," Dunn said. "We want to find out exactly what the expectations for our school district are, what we are supposed to do and how to do it. "Our internal investigation is still in progress. We either have or will talk to all the parties involved." Carmona left Troy near the end of last school year. He went to Puerto Rico, came back to take exams and returned to Puerto Rico to play basketball. After telling Herman he wouldn't return to Troy, Carmona showed up Aug. 27, the fourth day of school. While in Puerto Rico, Carmona played with the Mayaguez Indians of the Superior Basketball League. Carmona was used sparingly on the highest-level team while living part of the time with Padilla. The league includes players in high school, college and professional basketball, but is approved by the NCAA. Padilla said "Bimbo" immediately would be an asset to a college basketball team. "He has the game and talent and he will be mature," Padilla said last week. "He won't be a regular freshman coming in. They can give him big minutes. "He needs to work on his shot, but he can be a strong guard who can go by people, to the left, to the right, get some space and make that `J.' He will be a target for NBA teams by his junior or senior year." - Dayton Daily News

8/29: "Alex Carmona wants to attend Troy High School, play basketball and graduate. Monday morning, the Troy High School senior received all the paperwork he needs to do those three things. Carmona - one of the top high school basketball recruits in the nation and a second team All-Ohio selection at Troy last year - returned to Troy High School from his native Puerto Rico Monday. The first day of school in the Troy school district was this past Wednesday. Carmona said he arrived from Puerto Rico Sunday evening. "I just want to come here and graduate from Troy," Carmona told the Troy Daily News. "I was here my first two years, I want to get it done, get it over with and graduate from Troy." Monday morning, Troy High School principal Eric Herman gave him all the necessary paperwork required by Troy High School to attend school there and all the paperwork required by the Ohio High School Athletic Association to be eligible to play basketball. "From Alex's standpoint, he's no different than any other 18- or 19-year-old student who would seek to be a self-supporting student," Herman said. "I told him he needs to be serious about his education and anything less than that will not be tolerated. If those guidelines are not met, he's education here was going to be terminated. That's the exact same thing I would tell any other student in his situation." Carmona arrived in Troy from Puerto Rico in 1999. Deb and Curt Grant of Troy became his legal guardians. Carmona and the Grants have since had a falling out and he will no longer be living with the Grants, both Carmona and Deb Grant have said. Carmona did not wish to discuss the nature of the falling out with the Grants. "It's something I don't want to talk about," he said. Carmona turned 18 in July and may now seek to become a self-supporting "emancipated" student. According to page 28 of the Troy High School student handbook, Carmona must abide by the following: "To be considered an emancipated person at Troy High School, the student must provide proof that he/she is self-supporting. A rent receipt, proof of residence or a utility bill in the student's name would be considered sufficient proof." "That's something we would expect to see from him in the next couple of days," Herman said. "If he turns that paperwork in to us, we would not ask of anything else unless some questions were to arise - maybe if he were to miss several days of school in a row or something like that - and then we would investigate his situation further." The Ohio High School Athletic Association would require a little more paperwork of Carmona to consider him a self-supporting student, which would make him eligible to play basketball for the Trojans this winter. According to the Ohio High School Directory, which is published by the OHSAA, Carmona would have to fill out a request for self-supporting status. In addition to that form, Carmona would have to provide a notarized statement from a landlord that he/she is the landlord of a self-supporting student and a notarized statement from an employer that Carmona is holding a job with that employer. On a monthly basis, Carmona would have to turn in a copy of the checks he earned from said employer, totaling no less than $250 per month, to Herman. He also would have to open a checking account and bring a copy of the check paid to the landlord for rent. Every month, Carmona also would have to turn in to Herman a copy of the receipt from his landlord for rent and grocery receipts. Herman would then have to forward this information to the OHSAA. "The OHSAA decides on students' eligibility at the end of every grading period prior to the season," Herman said. "Our first grading period ends Oct. 27 and our second grading period begins Oct. 29. He has some time to get that information to me, but I would encourage him to turn it in as soon as possible." Before arriving at Dayton International Airport Sunday, Carmona had been in Puerto Rico since July and had limited contact with Troy High School officials. Herman said he received a phone call from Carmona Aug. 6 or Aug. 7 stating his intentions not to return to Troy High School this year. Until another school officially requests a students' transcripts or the student physically shows up at Troy High School and signs a form to disenroll, he or she is still considered an enrolled student at Troy High School, Herman said. Monday evening, Troy High School coach Barry Egan said he had not spoken with Carmona yet and declined further comment on the situation. "I haven't talked to my coach yet," Carmona said. "I want to talk to him and let him know I'm back here at school." Carmona said he was in Puerto Rico visiting family members. "It was good - it was great," Carmona said of his return trip to Puerto Rico. "I got to see my little brother who is 13 and my father, who is in jail. It was nice to see my little brother. After I graduate, I'd like to help him come here to Troy." Carmona said he currently was staying with Troy basketball assistant coach Gary Wheeler and his wife for the time being. He also said he was unsure of where he would be staying in the future. "I know where I'd like to stay, but I'm not sure if that's where I will be staying," Carmona said. For now, Carmona is just happy to be back at Troy High School. "When I thought about it, I knew this was the best place for me to come back to," he said. "This is where I want to be. This is where I want to graduate from." - Troy Daily News

8/28: "To be eligible to play basketball at Troy High School, Alex Carmona has work to do. He needs:

A place to live.

A job that pays at least $250 per month.

A checking account and passing grades.

To turn in receipts for rent and groceries.

To disclose his monthly working hours.

Notarized statements from his landlord and employer proving those criteria. Troy Principal Eric Herman must forward these records to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

And Carmona must repeat this procedure every month to play ball at Troy. Carmona, 18, returned to school Monday — school opened last Wednesday — seeking academic "emancipation." He had been in his native Puerto Rico. Returning to Troy was "the best thing for me," Carmona said. "I was sitting here this morning and I saw him walk up," Herman said. "And that was when I first knew he was going to be here." Barring a reconciliation with Curt and Deb Grant, his legal guardians the past two years, Carmona must be self-supporting to be a Troy student. Troy officials have learned volunteer assistant basketball coach Gary Wheeler is a possible landlord for Carmona, who averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds as a junior second-team All-Ohioan. District spokesman Tom Dunn said Carmona's living with Wheeler would satisfy Troy's "emancipation" criteria. "We think he's legally allowed to do that," Dunn said. Commissioner Clair Muscaro said the OHSAA, however, doesn't always support students living with those associated with an athletics program. "We would definitely not be in favor of that," Muscaro said Monday. "There is some discretion, but I would have to see the application." According to the school's student guide: To be considered an emancipated person at Troy High School, the student must provide proof that he/she is self-supporting. A rent receipt, proof of residence or a utility bill in the student's name would be considered sufficient proof. "He has to take care of himself. That's what it means," Herman said, adding that at least four other Troy students are emancipated this fall. "They can do that. If they're living with three or four other kids, they can pull that off. Would it be the best environment? No, that's why we try to discourage you from doing it, because it's not very easy to do. "If he's saying he's doing this, he's going to give us the appropriate documentation or he's not going to be eligible and he's not going to be a student." Carmona left for Puerto Rico near the end of last school year. He returned to Troy to take final exams during the summer, and then returned to Puerto Rico. However, earlier this month Carmona called Herman to say he wasn't returning to Troy. Herman said that until a student withdraws — in person — or another school asks for an academic transcript, that student is still enrolled. "He had a schedule," Herman said. “He was enrolled to go here. Now, he's asking to change his status. We'll follow up on that to make sure he has those things. If he doesn't have those things, then he'll have another decision to make." Herman and Dunn said they gave Carmona and Troy boys basketball coach Barry Egan the necessary OHSAA paperwork for self-supporting status on Monday. Egan refused comment Monday and instructed Carmona not to comment. "Whatever our rules are and whatever the OHSAA rules are, we're going to follow them to a tee — no questions asked,” Dunn said. “We're going to make sure everything's done the way it's supposed to be done, according to the standards." Muscaro rules on requests for self-supporting status. Previously, Muscaro has asked for more information than is required on the form. He estimated that six to 10 students statewide have such an arrangement. "In some cases, we need to find out about what hours they work if it looks like there might be a red flag," Muscaro said. "We just send (the applications) back if they don't meet the criteria." - Dayton Daily News

8/27: "Troy High School officials were not expecting basketball star Alex Carmona to return to school this year - but were prepared for his arrival nonetheless. As it turned out, the advanced preparation paid off when the Troy High School senior returned to school for the first time Monday morning. The school year began at Troy High School last Wednesday. In a phone conversation Aug. 6 or Aug. 7, Carmona told Troy High School principal Eric Herman he would not be returning for his senior year at Troy. Carmona's eligibility to play basketball this season remains in some question. Since last year, Carmona has had a falling out with Deb and Curt Grant of Troy, his legal guardians. Deb Grant said last week Carmona would not be living with them if he returned from his native Puerto Rico. Carmona, who is 18, may seek "emancipation" and attempt to prove to the Ohio High School Athletic Association he is living on his own within the school district. The OHSAA stated last week that if he is not living with his legal guardians, he may not live with another party in Troy and still maintain his eligibility. "There are two sets of rules he has to follow," Troy school district spokesman Tom Dunn said. "There is a Troy High School policy and there is an Ohio High School Athletic Association policy. Both require extensive paperwork. Both have been given to Alex since he showed up at school this morning. Those rules will be followed by administrators here the way they are supposed to be administered. "Eric (Herman) has already received the paperwork from the OHSAA. That groundwork has already been laid. Anything that needs to be done from that perspective has been taken care of." Herman was in meetings Monday morning and was unavailable for comment. "The big thing we are doing is referring everything to Tom Dunn," Troy High School Athletic Director Doug Zimmer said. "We're trying to do our part and do everything that is asked of us. We want to do the best we can for the kid -- he's here to get an education." Carmona is listed as one of the top high school basketball recruits in the nation by several recruiting services. He was a second team All-Ohio selection last year. Carmona left for his native Puerto Rico at the end of last school year. He returned to Troy to make-up his final exams, then left again. With the exception of the phone call to Herman Aug. 6 or Aug. 7 to state his intentions not to return to Troy High School this year, he had not been in touch with administrators at Troy until Monday morning." - Troy Daily News

8/24: "Miami (Christian) Florida high school is were Alex Carmona will
be going. He mention schools start September 28, 2001." - ichael Duncan, Ohio Preps

8/23: "Alex Carmona hasn't officially withdrawn from Troy High School, but the basketball standout did not show up Wednesday for the first day of his senior year. The native Puerto Rican won numerous honors in his first two seasons at Troy and is considered by at least one scouting service as one of the top 100 recruits in the nation. But his plans for this school year are unclear. He returned to Troy in July to make up final exams that he had missed at the end of his junior year. And Troy principal Eric Herman said then, "I'm sure he's going to come back. ... I can't imagine why a young man would come back to take his finals if he had no intention of coming back." But Herman said he received a call from Carmona on Aug.6 or 7 in which the player said he was going to withdraw. "He said he had a lot of things going on and thought it would be best if he didn't come back," Herman said Wednesday. But Herman said until a student fills out paperwork at the school announcing his intention to withdraw--or the school to which he is transferring makes a formal request for his transcripts--he is still considered a student in the district. As of Wednesday, neither had happened. Carmona, who couldn't be reached for comment, missed the first few days of school last year and could show up late again without jeopardizing his standing at Troy. "Sure, he'd be no different than any other student," Herman said. "We have probably 30 on our absent list that aren't here, and we'll try to find out why they aren't here. They could come in tomorrow, they could come in next week, and they're still our students." "Just because he doesn't show up today doesn't mean he's never going to come back," said Tom Dunn, an administrator in the school board office. "We're kind of operating under that. He has told us he's not coming back, but if he does come back, I'm sure there will be a schedule for him. And we'll just take up right where we left off." - Dayton Daily News

8/22: "As I mention before he's headed to prep school in Florida now
look for a commitment to Memphis State coming soon. They are the one's, along with his overseas contact, that hooked the prep school deal up. The school costs over $10,000.00 to attend. The NCAA will be looking close into that situation and seeing how it got paid. Trust me this saga will not end nicely." - Michael Duncan, Ohio Preps

8/21: "Whether the Ohio High School Athletic Association rules Alex Carmona eligible to play basketball or not this season may be a moot point. Carmona may not return to Troy High School this year from his native Puerto Rico. In a phone conversation with Troy High School principal Eric Herman Aug. 6 or Aug. 7, Carmona told the principal he would not be coming back to Troy High School this year, Troy school district spokesman Tom Dunn told the Troy Daily News Monday morning. In a published report Sunday, the OHSAA was quoted as saying that since Carmona, 18, has had a falling out with his legal guardians Deb and Curt Grant in Troy, he would not be eligible to play basketball this season at Troy if he were not living with them or a different legal guardian. The story quoted Herman as saying, "I'm sure he's going to come back. He came back and took some finals and got all that in place ... I can't imagine why a young man would come back to take his finals if he had no intention of coming back."

That interview took place several weeks before Herman's phone conversation with Carmona in August, Dunn said. "When we heard that Alex may no longer be living with the Grants, Eric Herman, the high school principal, contacted the Ohio High School Athletic Association to make sure we are very clear on the rules that needed to be followed regarding legal guardianship and eligibility. He was given the rules and the paperwork that would need to be filed. Soon after Eric had gathered the information, he received a phone call from Alex saying that he was going to enroll in another school and therefore not be returning to Troy. "This occurred a couple of weeks ago. No other high school has contacted us for his records. If he would happen to show up for the first day of school tomorrow, we would again make sure that all of the appropriate paperwork was filed in accordance with OHSAA rules and regulations."

Carmona is projected to be one of the top players in the nation by nearly every college recruiting service. Carmona, a second team Division I All-Ohio selection last season after his junior year, is listed as one of the top 100 players in the nation by SchoolSports.com. Troy coach Barry Egan declined to comment on the situation. "To me, until we find out whether or not he is a Troy student or not, I'm going to decline comment," Egan said. Sunday, Egan said Carmona left for Puerto Rico to attend to family business in July and he has not spoken with him since then. "From an administrative standpoint, there has been no contact with Alex since Aug. 6 or Aug. 7," Dunn said.

With the first day of school Wednesday, Herman was in meetings Tuesday morning and could not be reached for comment. "Eric did exactly what he should have done," Dunn said. "If (Alex) shows up in school tomorrow, we'll obviously go right back to Columbus (to the OHSAA)." - Troy Daily News (4 to 1)


8/19: "Basketball sensation Alex Carmona, one of the top recruits in the nation, apparently is returning to Troy High School for his senior year. His eligibility, however, is in question. The Puerto Rico native has had a falling out with Curt and Deb Grant, his legal guardians in Troy. After spending two years in their home, the Grants say Carmona needs to find another place to live. In a conversation last spring, Troy assistant basketball coach Gary Wheeler said Carmona, who turned 18 in June, asked if he could move in with Wheeler and his wife for the coming school year. "He said he would like to stay here," Wheeler said. "We said it's not a problem with us, if it's not a problem with anybody else." But the Ohio High School Athletic Association does have a problem with Carmona's change of residence. Unless he stays with the Grants, it said, he will be ineligible. "He's only eligible where his legal guardian lives," assistant commissioner Blair Irvin said. "The fact that he turns 18 has nothing to do with it. We know the law says he's `emancipated.' However, our bylaw says your eligibility is based on the legal residence of your parents or your legal guardians. "In his case, since he's from out of the country, he's got to live with his legal guardian ... because that's why we're declaring him eligible (in the first place)." Carmona, who averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds as a junior last season, was named Division I All-Ohio second team and is ranked 83rd on the SchoolSports.com list of the top 100 high school players in the country. He was featured in a March Dayton Daily News series on international athletes being placed in American high schools by brokers or middlemen--often times en route to big-time college programs and the NBA. Carmona, who is a marginal student, left for Puerto Rico with about a week to go in his junior year because, he said, his father was being let out of prison. He returned in July to make up his final exams, but he quickly returned to the island and has not been in touch with anyone in Troy since then. There had been speculation that Carmona was going to finish his high school career at a prep school. But new Troy principal Eric Herman said: "I'm sure he's going to come back. He came back and took some finals and got all that in place. ... I can't imagine why a young man would come back to take his finals if he had no intention of coming back." Carmona hasn't communicated with his coach, Barry Egan. But Egan said he believes Carmona is returning, based on a conversation the coach had with Carmona's girlfriend. "She said he'd be back sometime soon," Egan said. "When I know more, I'll let you know." As for where Carmona will stay, the coach said, "I haven't set anything up, but I don't think he'll be staying with the Grants." The Grants have been exasperated by what they view as inappropriate behavior from Carmona, although they wouldn't elaborate. Although Carmona has passing grades, the Grants said they were frustrated because he was such a reluctant student. "He's where he's at because of her," Curt Grant said, pointing to his wife. "He wouldn't have lasted two weeks--and not because he'd get in trouble. He needed so much guidance. My wife took him by the hand and led him into this experience--into the classroom, into a social life. You can phrase it in a way that makes better sense. But he didn't have a clue." The Grants are upset they were sent such an at-risk kid, and Curt Grant vented his frustration to Carmona's mentor, Giddel Padilla. Carmona hasn't talked to the Grants since leaving at the end of last school year. Asked if he were welcome back, Curt Grant said, "It's not in the cards ... for him to live with us." "I couldn't (take him back) after all the lies," Deb Grant said, although declining to be specific. "When you lose trust and faith, it's gone." "That's a painful statement for my wife to make after as much as she gave to this," Curt Grant said. "She gave and gave and gave." "I always believed Alex--what he said were the facts to me--(and) it broke my heart finding out he wasn't telling the truth in a lot of things," Deb Grant said. Padilla told the Grants earlier this summer that he was looking for a disciplined boarding school for Carmona, but the plans appear to have changed. Carmona is still in Puerto Rico and couldn't be reached for comment, and Padilla didn't return repeated messages left at his home. But Wright State coach Ed Schilling and Memphis coach John Calipari have been in contact with Padilla, and encouraged him to let Carmona return to Troy for his senior year. "Last I talked to Giddel, a week or so ago, from what I understood (Carmona) was going back to Troy," said Schilling, who is no longer courting Carmona. "I think Memphis is real involved in the recruiting, and they recommended that he go back to Troy. That kind of tipped the scales in going back to Troy." The thinking on Carmona scholastically is "if he can get it done this year, great. If not, he can go to a prep school or military school next year," Schilling said. Calipari led Massachusetts to the Final Four in 1996. On the squad that year were three Puerto Ricans, including Giddel Padilla. Calipari, a former coach for the New Jersey Nets, said he encouraged Carmona to go back to Troy because "I think all (Puerto Rican) kids need structure and discipline, and they need to be coached. ... In most cases, those kids need to get away (from Puerto Rico) and get themselves squared away academically and athletically." Calipari entered the Carmona sweepstakes only last summer, but Memphis appears to be in a race with Cincinnati for Carmona's signature. UC is coached by Egan's longtime friend, Bob Huggins. Calipari questioned Carmona on whether he could handle the discipline required at Memphis. "I needed to know if he's a guy who can live with structure--breakfast and study tables. ... He understood," Calipari said. Asked if he thought Egan's relationship with the UC coach might influence Carmona's decision, Calipari said: "I don't believe so. I would hope if he says he wants to go to Memphis, I hope there's not going to be any issues. ... But on the face of it, it looks good for us. "But I'd be OK if not. My whole concern is for the kid. Can he get his act together? Can he get his school work together? Does he understand what he has to do to make it happen? I believe he wants to come here." The Grants, who have five children, still are struggling with their disappointment over the broken relationship with Carmona. "People ask us all the time what's going on," Curt Grant said. "The honest answer is, we don't know. And that's embarrassing." "I'm still numb," Deb Grant said. "It doesn't seem real. You're so high, then so low." - Dayton Daily News

7/21: "...the leading rebounder in the game was 6'5 Alex Carmona from Troy HS, OH. However, Carmona, who is best described as a great athlete and relentless warrior, grabbed most of his 11 boards and scored most of his 11 points early in game.

7/19: Carmona told RivalsHoops that he is looking at 5 schools, including Cincinnati, and that his grades (especially entrance exams) may be a problem.

7/19: In a surprise signing, 6'5" Maurice Ager verballed to Michigan St today. This may bode well for Cincinnati's chances with Carmona.

7/15: "After speaking with (Carmona) during the Adidas ABCD camp, he
mentions that at this point his list of schools includes Michigan State, Louisville, Cincinnati and Memphis. Now with Louisville signing Garcia and Michigan State on the heels of Ricardo Billings. Alex will be down between Memphis or Cincinnati. But, if Michigan State loses the Billings war the Carmona recruitment become more interesting." - Ohio Preps

7/13: ABCD Camp TOTALS: 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.9 turnover, 0.4 steals, 50.7 fg, 41.2 3-pt, 53.8% ft Grade B: Should have maded the senior All-Star game. Came to play each game and at times showed he can score at will. Just a pure hustler and warrior on both ends of the court. Showed colleges that he has some perimeter skills. Very competitive each game." - Ohio Preps

7/11: "Alex Carmona is 36-0 in boxing matches which have taken place in Puerto Rico. However, now he’s in the States and he’s hooping it up instead of duking it out. Carmona is a battler. Not real skilled, but he’ll fight you. Sometimes, his jumpers look great but at other times not so good. Regardless, he’s a buster and we’d take him." - Blue Chip Hoops

7/10: abcd Camp Day Two results for Carmona:
Game 3: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assist, 1 turnover, 0 steal, 7/12 fg, 0/1 3-pt, 1/1 ft
Game 4: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assist, 5 turnover, 1 steal, 7/9 fg, 0/0 3-pt, 0/0 ft
TOTAL (4 games): 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assist, 2.3 turnover, 0.5 steals, 62.9 fg, 50.0 3-pt, 33.3 ft


7/10: "Some say Alex Carmona is a top-25 player. Others counter that he's better suited in the top 150. Well, at ABCD he's been somewhere between the two. The 6-5 WF from Troy (OH) High is a slender athlete who has a knack for scoring. He's shown the ability to hit from the outside, knife through defenders for layups and finish well in transition using good body control. But he hasn't done those things consistently, which has prevented him from making an even greater impact. Some lucky school will have a chance to work on that consistency at the next level. "My main schools are Louisville, Memphis, CINCINNATI and Michigan State," Carmona told PrepStars.com. "I'd like to commit before my senior year starts." Carmona is a native of Puerto Rico who hopes to make a big splash on the U.S. hoops scene. He said that the Cardinals and Bearcats have offered him a scholarship and that early playing time is very important. Alex has not yet taken the SAT or ACT." - PrepStars

7/10: "It was thought that Troy High (Ohio) guard Alex Carmona was a done deal — or close to it — to commit to CINCINNATI. But that’s not the case. Carmona, a native of Puerto Rico, still has the Bearcats as his leader, but he is also considering Memphis, Louisville and Michigan State." - School Sports

7/9: abcd Camp Day One results for Carmona:
Game 1: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnovers, 1 steals, 3/5 fg, 0/0 3-pt, 0/2 ft
Game 2: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 0 assist, 2 turnovers, 0 steals, 5/9 fg, 2/3 3-pt, 0/0 ft
- Ohio Preps


7/3: Carmona is listed as the 108th best player in his class. - Hoop Scoop

6/21: John Meeker, Alex Carmona's teammate at Troy HS, will walk on at UC this fall. .. per the Cin Enquirer.

6/12: "I think Cincinnati is in outstanding shape with Carmona BUT ... he's currently not in the country and from what I've heard some people in his home country are even trying to get him to stay. However, I know the powers that be in the U.S. are trying to make sure he returns to Troy. It should be an interesting June." - Blue Chip Hoops

6/8: "If Alex Carmona looks like he plays with the passion of a fighter, there’s a reason for it. The Troy High (Ohio) junior used to be a Gold Gloves champ in his native Puerto Rico before coming to the United States a couple years ago. He has only played organized basketball for two years, but has already caught the attention of several big-time programs. Carmona is a 6-foot-4, 210-pound swingman who was one of the few players able to hold LeBron James, the nation’s top junior-to-be, in check. Carmona averaged 28 points, 14 rebounds and four assists per contest this past season, but his status for next season is uncertain after he had to attend to family matters back in Puerto Rico and miss his final exams. Cincinnati, Dayton, Xavier, Michigan State, Houston and Florida State have all been actively pursuing Carmona, but it appears he is leaning toward signing with Bob Huggins and the Bearcats. “He’s a great kid, but he’s just got to get back here,” says his high school and AAU coach, Barry Egan. “He’s so tough, and now he’s learning how to shoot the ball.” - School Sports

6/4: listed as the 23rd best player in the class of 2002. Matt Trannon is 27th. - Clint Jackson, High Major Hoops

5/21: "One of my best friends who plays for Cincinnati AAU, played against Alex Carmona this weekend in a tournament. Alex had 35 points - 4 three pointers. He said he got most of his points penetrating. Also he mentioned several times about his quickness and speed up and down the court. Hope this helps. - Danny Palermo, Forum contributor

4/29: Was listed as one of the best Juniors in the MidWest. - Midwest Hoops

13. Chris Hunter 6'10 Gary, IN
15. Matt Trannon 6'6 Flint, MI
17. Alex Carmona 6'4 Troy, OH
22. Robert Hite 6'1 Cincinnati, OH
23. Chris Quinn 6'0 Dublin, OH
24. Greg Brown 6'1 Milwaukee, WI

4/16: "The Dayton Metros AAU basketball team won the Solon Cage Classic over the weekend. The Metros went 5-0 and defeated some of the best AAU teams in the state. In the first game the Metros beat the Northeast Shooting Stars by 33. This team had LeBron James Mr. Basketball from the state of Ohio and first team All USA Today. Troy's Alex Carmona had his way with him scoring 35 points. Carmona was named the MVP of the classic." - Dayton Preps

4/9: "I think (UC) has a good shot at both Carmona and Hite. I think UC leads for Carmona and XU leads for Hite, but it is very early." - John Stovall, MidWest Hoops

3/30: Named to the All Area Basketball team. - Dayton Daily News

3/16: "Coming to Ohio
Player arrived in Troy with pro's help
By Doug Harris, 2001, Dayton Daily News

CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO Metal bars cover most of the windows at the Lagas de Blasina government projects and holes are visible where the outside walls have been punctured by bullets. To get in or out, all visitors and residents will soon have to pass through a police checkpoint. "Cops were terrified to come in here," said one resident with a tinge of pride. "They’d hear ‘pop, pop’ and go ‘whoa’ and retreat."

Local legend says no one leaves these wrought-iron fences. But it was from this place that a professional basketball player named Giddel Padilla sent Alex "Bimbo" Carmona to star at Troy High School. And it is from places just like this that Padilla hopes to export other Puerto Rican basketball players to high school gymnasiums across America.

Puerto Rico is a United States territory and its residents are U.S. citizens. But to athletic associations in the states, Puerto Rico is foreign soil. Although athletes in this Caribbean island don't need visas to come to the United States, they need someone to pull strings. They need someone to find schools, line up travel arrangements and persuade host families to open their homes to strangers, most of whom don't speak English. For Carmona, that someone was Padilla, and he is one of the reasons the Ohio High School Athletic Association is overhauling its eligibility rules for foreign athletes.

A former basketball player at the University of Massachusetts, Padilla said he’s trying to give talented basketball players on the island the exposure they need to get college scholarships. He said he doesn’t do it for money.

But some states won’t accept players brought in by Padilla because he doesn’t operate a conventional exchange program. Padilla, a manager for a liquor company who also plays professional basketball in Puerto Rico, said he helps athletes in his spare time, working directly with coaches and others to find homes for the students so they can go to school and be eligible to play basketball. Last year, Padilla (pronounced Pah-DEE-ya) used his connections in Ohio to place Carmona at Troy and two other Puerto Ricans at Lima Senior High School. This school year, he placed two players in South Carolina and another one in Indiana. He plans to send more players from Puerto Rico this fall. All those sent to the states by Padilla play basketball.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association last year ruled Carmona and the two Lima Senior students ineligible because of their involvement with Padilla, then reversed the decision following a hearing on an appeal filed by one of the schools. But under new rules, effective this fall, foreign students must either be adopted or come through one of the 62 exchange programs approved by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. The rules won’t be retroactive, meaning Carmona and others already enrolled can continue to play.

"We’re an educational institution," said Ohio association assistant commissioner Deborah Moore, who chaired the ad hoc committee that recommended the changes. "And things like this — that are just not related to the education of young people — don’t have a place in the scholastic realm."

Committee member Gene Klaus, principal at Northmont High School and a former University of Dayton basketball player, said the shopping of foreign players puts the amateur spirit of high school athletics at risk. "Our job at the state level is to try to create an even playing field for everybody, so that all our schools are treated the same and have the same opportunity for success," he said. "When someone has the right type of contacts and can put those (foreign players) in place, all of a sudden it's not an even playing field anymore."

GROWING UP FAST IN LAGAS DE BLASINA
Amidst the broken glass and graffiti at Lagas de Blasina is a lighted basketball court surrounded by dirt and sun-baked grass. The paint on the court is worn to the concrete. A discarded tire rests on crumbling bleachers. Carmona grew up here. His divorced mother, Nereida, was in and out of the lives of her four children, often on the streets.
His father, Francisco, who is remarried, was arrested for heroin possession, given a 10-year sentence and jailed at Las Malvinas prison in Rio Piedras.

Carmona, himself, dropped out for a year and had to repeat eighth grade. For much of his life, there was no adult in the apartment. Like Carmona, Padilla, 27, had an upbringing that could be considered extreme. His parents, Mariano and Milca, are deaf, and he was mostly reared by an older sister. "It made me mature," Padilla said. "When other kids wanted to smoke weed, I couldn't. I always had to think about my parents, that they needed me to support them." Padilla and his younger brother, Edgar, not only survived, they became Puerto Rican basketball legends. Both were on the 1996 University of Massachusetts team that advanced to the Final Four.

Three years after UMass's national semifinal loss to Kentucky in Padilla's senior year, he spotted Alex Carmona in a pickup basketball game. "I want to help you," he told him.
Padilla asked his coach to let Carmona practice with the professional team. "He was killing them," Padilla recalls. "He really doesn't have the (basketball) knowledge yet, but he has the talent. This kid is going to be a monster."

Padilla arranged for Carmona to attend the famed Five Star basketball camp in Pennsylvania. In the second week of play, Carmona won the Most Valuable Player award in his division. After that, Padilla told the player to pack his bags; he was going to the States.

Carmona said the money to support him has come from a variety of sources — friends, family and members of the community. Padilla said he’s paid for "operational expenses," such as telephone calls, but not airfare.

Ohio High School Athletic Association rules forbid school system employees from initiating "any communication with a prospective athlete, parents of an athlete, guardian or family member, in person or through a third party prior to enrollment."

Both Padilla and Troy High School officials say there was no contact prior to Carmona’s enrollment as a sophomore in September 1999. "Not ’til he came here," coach Barry Egan said.

He got there, according to Padilla, because of an old friend: Wright State University basketball coach Ed Schilling. When Padilla went looking for a school for Carmona, he said he called Schilling, a former assistant at UMass. Schilling suggested eight schools in the Dayton area that Padilla could try. Not all of them were interested. "One school," Padilla said. "I think it was Chaminade-Julienne, said, ‘I'm sorry, but it would be too hard. We can't see someone who speaks no English being able to go here.’ ”

Star Weng, a C-J graduate who is the girlfriend of one of Padilla's closest friends, Rolando Hourruitiner, suggested several Catholic churches that might be willing to help, including St. Patrick’s in Troy. At first they called back and said no, Padilla said. But then Deb Grant, a volunteer youth pastor at St. Patrick's, called.

A mother of five children, Grant said she had been trying for years to talk her husband, Curt, into housing a foreign student. The Grants say they had no idea they would be taking in a star player. "I didn't even know that part about him until an afterthought-type conversation I had with my wife," Curt Grant said. "It wasn't, ‘Hey, he's a basketball player.’ It was, ‘Hey, this kid is in need of a chance in life and a family like us.’ ”

A FIGHT FOR ELIGIBILITY IN TROY
Troy High School officials said they knew a player from Puerto Rico would trigger suspicion in the offices of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. That's why Athletics Director Tom Mercer said he sent an explanatory letter ahead of the standard paperwork explaining how Carmona got to Troy. "I'm the one who raised the red flag," he said. "Lima got mad at me (for bringing attention to it), but we had nothing to hide."

Despite the letter from Mercer, the commissioner of the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled Carmona, Villegas and Rivera ineligible because of their involvement with Padilla.

Troy appealled, but the association’s board of control, which reviews the rulings of the commissioner, sided with Commissioner Clair Muscaro. Again, the stumbling block was Padilla and his possible ties to the school. "I can see what's going through their mind," Mercer said. "Is this guy on the up and up?" Padilla called the ruling unfair. "I don't even know coach Egan," he said. "Recruiting? I almost laughed. The reason (Carmona is) at Troy is because of the church and the family that accepted them. If Deb (Grant) lived in another town, he'd be going to another school."

But while the Troy group was on its way home from Columbus, Judge Warren, the guardian for the two Lima players, presented that school's appeal to the board and won a reversal. It marked the first time Muscaro had been overruled in his 11 years as commissioner.

When Mercer arrived home, he found a message on his answering machine from Muscaro. "We revisited your presentation after you left and modified our decision," the message said.

TOUGH TIME ADJUSTING
During his shortened sophomore season, Carmona averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds for the Troy Trojans and made the Division I All-Southwest Ohio first team.

But he struggled to learn English and maintained barely passing grades. He was also disciplined at times, once after spitting on hecklers during a game against Sidney. "He's no perfect angel," principal Rob Walker said. When Deb Grant kept Carmona from going to a school dance, he angrily phoned Padilla. "I told him, 'So she won't let you go to homecoming? What have you done that she doesn't trust you?’ ” Padilla said. "But in the projects, he runs his life. He can go anywhere, any time. If you cut that out, you're going to feel it."

During spring break last year, Carmona made a surprise visit to Lagas de Blasina, handing out Troy basketball T-shirts to residents. He’s been back at least three times in 18 months — trips paid for by his mother, the Grants and residents in the projects, he said. While he was in Puerto Rico, a local newspaper carried the headline: "Alejandra ‘Bimbo’ Carmona has a final goal: the NBA."

IN THE MIDST OF RECRUITING WARS
Sitting by himself in the bleachers at St. John’s High School in San Juan, where Padilla’s inaugural Next Level camp kicked off last June, Ed Schilling baked in the summer heat and talked about why he spent a good chunk of his recruiting budget on this island 2,000 miles from Dayton. "If a kid coming from Puerto Rico is any good, I'll know about him," he said.

Many college coaches don’t bother recruiting in Puerto Rico, assuming that because of the language barrier, most of the players won’t be able to pass college entrance exams.

By getting players like Carmona into high school first, Padilla figures he can improve the odds. But many state associations have tightened restrictions on the eligibility of foreign athletes, specifically targeting people like Padilla who don't operate established exchange programs.

Padilla helped Ramon Diaz, a 6-foot-9-inch senior from Puerto Rico, enroll at Wabash High School in Indiana last fall. But Diaz was allowed to play only junior varsity this year because he didn’t come through an approved foreign exchange program. Diaz lives with a guardian, but in cases like his, the state association requires parents to establish residency before granting full eligibility. "Indiana is worse than Ohio," Padilla said. "I'm going to tell you the truth, it's so racist. We just want an opportunity to keep doing what we're doing. Look at Sammy."

Sammy Villegas, who could speak only a few English words when he left Puerto Rico, averaged 12 points a game as a senior at Lima Senior this year and got a basketball scholarship at the University of Toledo. Jonatan Rivera, who mostly struggled on the court in his senior season in 1999-2000, is working at St. Rita Hospital in Lima but hasn’t given up on playing college basketball.

Carmona, meanwhile, is among the nation’s top high school juniors and is on the recruiting list of virtually every Big Ten university, as well as Wright State, Dayton and Cincinnati. This year, he averaged 28 points and 13 rebounds a game.

Padilla refuses to say who has the inside edge for Carmona, but he indicated his friendship with Schilling won’t be a factor. "He (Schilling) knows I have to do what’s best for Bimbo," Padilla said.

Both Padilla and Carmona said there is no contract between the two that would compensate Padilla should Carmona play professionally someday. Such a contract would make Padilla an agent and jeopardize Carmona's eligibility for high school and college basketball. "If Alex goes to the NBA, I'll be so proud of him," Padilla said. "Alex can do what he wants with his money."

‘THAT'S WHY I PUSHED THEM’
In Rio Piedras, a short drive from the Lagas de Blasina projects, a 41-year-old inmate with bloodshot eyes, tattoos on both arms and a build like an NFL nose tackle enters the windowless visiting room at "The Black Hole," the maximum-security Las Malvinas prison. With three guards monitoring his conversation with a reporter, Francisco Carmona said he’s innocent of the heroin-possession charges that will keep him here at least until 2004. The heroin, he said, wasn’t his. But Carmona admitted making mistakes that cost him his job, his family and ultimately his freedom.

While he’s been in prison, Alex — his third child — has gone from a scrawny ninth-grader at Mercy Soto High School in Carolina, Puerto Rico, to a muscular 6-foot-5-inch, 210-pound recruiting target for NCAA Division I colleges. Carmona hasn’t been able to see any of it.

A former boxer, cyclist and — according to him — track star who once ran the 100-yard dash in "10-flat," Carmona said he passed on more than athletic ability to his four children. "Even though I did some stuff when I was younger that I shouldn’t have and ended up here, I taught my kids well," he said. "I was an athlete and I knew the power of sports, that they can lead to a quality life, something positive. That's why I pushed them. "I feel very proud," he said. "From where this kid is from — the slum — nobody ever makes it." - Dayton Daily News
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
2/26: "Right now, Alex is tied for number one, with Robert Hite. Schools in no order are: CINCINNATI, Ohio State, Dayton, Xavier, Houston, Toledo, Illinois and others." - John Stovall, MidWest Hoops

2/25: Rumor: Carmona ATTENDED the Cincinnati / Houston game at the Shoe. He even visited the locker room.

2/23: Carmona leads all Dayton area HS players in scoring at 26.9 ppg. He is 4th in the area in rebounding (12.9 pg). He averages 79% at the line and 38% from the trey line. - Dayton Daily News

2/19: "HE IS A TOUGH SOB. I love his game. 6'3+ and a body for days, plus he plays hard as hell. Carmona is one of my favorite players in the state. He can shoot it, will attack you offensively, and will sit down and guard you." - Ozie Davis, Ohio Preps

2/17: "Carmona scored 35 points for the Trojans, becoming Troy's single-season scoring leader. Carmona finished the regular season with 563 points, which passed the mark of current UD Flyer Brooks Hall. Hall had 534 in 1997." - Dayton Daily News (Photo:)
http://www.activedayton.com/partners/ddn/local/0217prepphoto3.html

2/17: Carmona scored 35 pts (15 in the 4th quarter) in a seven point loss to 17-3 Northmont HS. Oliver Purnell of Dayton was seen at the game. Carmona finished the regular season with 563 points, which passed the mark of current UD Flyer Brooks Hall. Hall had 534 in 1997. - various sources

2/10: "Trailing 17-13, Carmona got rolling, scoring nine straight points in 48 seconds. He hit three free throws, two layups (including one off his own foul-shot miss) and a spin move. "Alex just does that every once in awhile," said (teammate) Lutz." Carmona finished with 26 pts in a 56-40 win. - Dayton Daily News

2/8: "Alex is 6'3 or 6'4. His game has progressed to where I now list him as a WG, though he could play WF at some schools in college becuase of his toughness and rebounding prowess. He is a definite High Major player . CINCINNATI, Ohio ST, Dayton and Xavier are just some of the scholls that I know are recruiting him. I do not know if Bob Hill (Coach, Fordham) was there(as was rumored)". - MidWest Hoops

"Carmona is scoring 28 points per game with 14 rebounds and over 3 assists a game."

2/7: "I talked to Alex at practice today and told him that people were saying on (this mssg board) that he and (Robert) Siwo wanted to go to school together and he doesn't know where that came from. He and Robert are pretty good friends from AAU, but Alex doesn't think he ever said they wanted to go play together." - unknown post-er on FlyerHoops.com mssg board

2/6: "Troy forward Alex Carmona was in attendance tonight (at the Dayton win over UMass)" - unknown post-er on FlyerHoops.com mssg board

1/27: "Alex Carmona showed last night why he is the best player in the Dayton area as he lit up Trotwood-Madison. Carmona nearly had a triple double as he scored 35 points pulled down 23 rebounds and dished out 8 assists. By the way, Troy won 72-61." - Dayton Preps

1/26: "They call him "Bimbo." In Puerto Rico, Bimbo means a sweet cookie. So far, for Barry Egan's Troy (OH) High team, swingman Alex Carmona has been a tasty treat, especially for college recruiters. This Golden Gloves boxer is having a fine season and he'll be a high-major recruit in the Class of 2002. Alex Carmona isn't from Troy. Heck, he's not from Ohio either. Carmona is a native of Puerto Rico, who came to Troy last year and is tearing it up this season. He's just tougher than hell," Troy coach Barry Egan said of his 6-5, 190-pound junior star. "He was a former Golden Gloves boxing champ in Puerto Rico. He won like 36 boxing matches." Word has it, he didn't lose any. Carmona is averaging 27 points and 13 rebounds for Troy, the home of current Dayton standout Brooks Hall. Troy is 11-3 on the year and Carmona is the reason why. "He's just learning how to play the game now. If he's not a first-team All-Ohio player this year, there's something wrong," Egan said. College recruiters have taken notice. Carmona has a standing scholarship offer from CINCINNATI'S BOB HUGGINS. The Bearcats coach must have done back flips when he learned of Carmona's boxing pedigree. Cincy has seen its share of tough guys come through the program in recent years and Carmona must be right up Huggins' alley. Ohio State and Xavier, according to Egan, are interested but haven't put the offer on the table yet. "Huggins really likes him and he really likes Bob. You know, people call about him on a daily basis." Michigan State, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin are interested as well. This summer, Carmona will play at the adidas ABCD Camp. He'll travel a little with the Pittsburgh Jots in the spring and later in the year with Team Ohio." - Rivals 100 Hoops

12/31/00: scored 36 pts in a 78-69 loss to Princeton HS.

9/10/00: At the All-Ohio AAU event he made the all tournament team along with Matt Sylvester.

3/10/00: Named first team all-district by the media, as a sophomore. Also on the team: Robert Hite, Erik Daniels and Matt Sylvester.