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But that's not all players need to balance. They also need a qualifying SAT/ACT score to reach college. A higher GPA permits a lower SAT/ACT score, and vice versa.
For local ballers, some of whom spend the bulk of their free time practicing and playing, that can be a lot to keep track of.
"If it was something we had to handle on our own," says Nixon, "it would have been a much harder process."
Now, players must understand the rules earlier.
Suddenly an underclassman's academic standing matters as much as his athletic upside. Colleges used to wait till a player's junior year to request transcripts; with the new regulations, they must investigate sophomores' academic standings.
"We have to get transcripts now earlier in the process," says one Big East assistant.
If a high schooler bombs as a freshman, he'll likely wind up lightly recruited as a junior. According to the Big East assistant, if a student struggles early in the 16-core era, he's ticketed for junior college or Prop 48.
"Sixteen credits isn't unattainable," says the assistant, echoing Bergeron's thoughts. "But they (students) have to be on
top of their stuff."
That's partly why Lance Stephenson, Lincoln's standout junior guard, balanced a pair of classes in his hoops-heavy schedule this summer.
Like most city players, he feels the urgency; four years ago, the NCAA spread word that it would be raising the academic bar for the Class of 2008.
Most top area programs are well aware of the changes. Nearly every area coach can recite the new regulations.
"If you don't know about this thing," says Lincoln coach Dwayne (Tiny) Morton, "you don't know about recruiting."
The Class of 2008 knows.
They've heard plenty of speeches on the eligibility requirements, and most have successfully adjusted their schedules.
Rice's Kemba Walker spends nearly two hours a day studying.
Holy Cross coach Paul Gilvary gives a speech on eligibility at the beginning of each season, then meets with players weekly to discuss grades.
"I'm on top of things," says Knights senior guard Blaise Ffrench, who's still choosing between Manhattan College and Central Connecticut.
Erving Walker, who just signed his letter of intent to attend Florida, never even worried about staying eligible.
The Christ the King senior has never chosen his own classes. His guidance counselor, who's specifically assigned to athletes, has monitored his courseload.
Walker says he's on track to meet the new requirements.
"(The new eligibility requirements) really don't affect me," Walker says. "They give (the courses) all to us."
Of course, when Walker looks back, he may realize that - like Nixon - he had it easy.
According to Lennon, this year's core course bump is just the start.
The NCAA will eventually require 18 cores.
"It shouldn't be that challenging," he said.
But for some, it will be.
"It's a great life lesson," says Rice assistant Kimani Young. "This world is about making adjustments."
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