ST. LOUIS (KMOX) updated with comments from coach Travis Ford - Saint Louis University head coach Travis Ford says there weren't any warning signs of the requested scholarship release by freshman forward Carte'Are Gordon, Thursday. The Billikens head coach spoke to media just a few hours after the consensus top-100 recruit was granted his release by the university.
SLU coach Travis Ford on Carte’Are Gordon’s release: “Nothing really catches me off guard anymore ... Our focus is on #A10 play coming up, we wish him nothing but the best. ” #Billikens pic.twitter.com/MLDfHw9NEl
— KMOXSports (@KMOXSports)
January 3, 2019 "I just think maybe he wanted a change of scenery, go experience something else whether that be college or professionally," Ford says. "I wouldn't say there's frustration, I wouldn't categorize is that way at all. We wish him the best, it wasn't anything ... He left on very good terms, mutually and just wish him the best."
Ford was asked if there were any other disciplinary challenges with coaching Gordon.
"None different than anybody else," Ford replied.
Gordon made an official announcement Thursday morning via Twitter of his request to have his scholarship released from SLU. The Webster Groves High School graduate says the decision was due to "personal issues with my family and focusing on what's best for me and furthering my career."
Ford says he and Gordon talked about the situation on Monday or Tuesday, after the coach first believed the decision might be coming after Sunday's 83-55 win over Appalachian State University.
SLU released a statement later that afternoon saying Gordon has been granted a release from his scholarship and is no longer a member of the Billikens' men's basketball team.
Gordon was SLU's leading shot-blocker (23 total blocks) and fourth on the team in scoring with 8.9 points per game. He was part of a three-man rotation in the paint with Hasahn French and D.J. Foreman. He was the No. 2 overall recruit in the state of Missouri and a concenus top-100 recruit in the nation last year.
God gives his strongest soldiers the toughest battles. ---- Tough times never last, tough people do. -- pic.twitter.com/RxoxT5Zb7p
— Carteare Gordon (@CarteareGordon)
January 3, 2019 He thanked the "entire SLU community" including players, coaches, teachers and staff members.
A tweet Gordon on Wednesday, followed by social media silence, was the first public mention that the freshman could be transferring from his hometown school.
You may also remember him as the player who broke a backboard in one of SLU's preseason practices back in September:
.@CoachTFord5 said #TeamBlue is going to be bigger, stronger and more powerful, but ------.(Carte’Are is OK. The backboard? Not so much.) #Billikens --⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8ac9q5yWmO
— SLU Men's Basketball (@SaintLouisMBB)
September 6, 2018 He won two state championships with the Statesmen after transferring from St. John Vianney High School.
