Caracter averaged 8.2 points per game in two seasons at Louisville. (Getty Images)

Yes, he was a middle school phenom, the first eighth-grader to earn an invitation to the prestigious Nike Camp. But it's important to remember the Associated Press story from that 2002 event described Caracter as a 6-foot-9 14-year-old and that six years later he is listed as a 6-9 20-year-old. In other words, he stopped growing a long time ago. And he's really closer to 6-8, as long as we're being honest.

So Caracter was never gonna be the next LeBron.

He just wasn't built for it.

But he was still plenty gifted enough to start at Louisville, if not star. Which is why this week is notable in the ongoing saga of the latest prodigy gone bust -- classes begin at the U of L on Tuesday and Caracter isn't expected to enroll. Instead, a source told CBSSports.com he is "99 percent sure" Caracter will officially transfer to Oklahoma City University, an NAIA school completely off the radar of big-time college basketball.

Consequently, you might never hear about Caracter again.

BELLEVUE, Neb. –Todd Eisner has worn the purple and gold of Bellevue University for eight years but as of Wednesday morning, those years have come to an end. Eisner has accepted the position of assistant men's basketball coach at Creighton University.

 Eisner, after winning his 300^th career victory last season and leading his team to its second runner-up finish at the NAIA national tournament, has decided to head back "home" to his alma mater, where he was a standout Bluejay basketball player from 1986 to 1991.

The Chilton, Wis., native guided the Bruins to a 33-4 record last season and during his stint at Bellevue University compiled a record of 226-56, with seven Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference championships, eight NAIA DII national tournament appearances and two NAIA DII national tournament runner-up finishes. He coached 20 MCAC all-conference players and 13 NAIA DII All-Americans.

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (July 17, 2007) – Indiana University Southeast announced today that Ben Reel will serve as the newest head baseball coach at the University.

Reel succeeds Josh Schultz, who resigned from IU Southeast in June to become an assistant baseball coach at IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

One of the youngest head coaches in college baseball at age 24, Reel is grateful for the opportunity to coach at his alma mater. "It is truly an honor for me to be named head coach here at IU Southeast. It is one of the best feelings I have ever had," said Reel. "Very few coaches get an opportunity to coach where they played. I am going to embrace this situation."

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls has named University of North Dakota assistant Chris Johnson its next head men's basketball coach, the school announced Thursday at a press conference.

Johnson just completed his third season as the top assistant coach with the Fighting Sioux men's basketball team.

"We're glad to make Chris a member of the USF family," USF Director of Athletics Willie Sanchez said. "He is a well-regarded recruiter and coach in our region. With his edition, we expect our program to go to the next level."

   

JACKSON, Tenn. – Natanya Smith, a member of the Union University women's basketball team from 2004-07, has signed a professional basketball contract with a team in Madrid, Spain. Smith has signed to play for Irlandesas, a team in the Balongest Club in Madrid.

During her three seasons at Union, the Lady Bulldogs played in NAIA National Tournament semifinal each year, including winning the national title in 2005 and 2006. Union posted a 96-17 overall record during Smith's three seasons.

JACKSON, Tenn. – DJ Sissoko, a member of Union University's 2006 NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship team, is making the most of her Olympic opportunity. Through her team's first two games, Sissoko is averaging 19.5 points and eight rebounds per game.

The 19.5 points per game for Sissoko ranks second in the Olympics through two games, only behind Liene Jansone of Latvia with 20.0 points per game. She also ranks eighth in the Olympics with 8.0 rebounds per game.

Up next for the former Union Lady Bulldog is the opportunity to play against the United States, the three-time defending gold medal winners in women's basketball. The game will be shown live on national television on Wednesday morning, August 13 at 9:15 am (Central Time) on the USA Network. Sissoko wears jersey number 15 for Mali.

Blair, Nebr. -Dana College named Shane Larson as new head coach of the Viking women's basketball team. Larson has spent the last two years as the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

He's also had coaching stints at Piper High School, Washington High School, and his alma mater, Bethany College (KS). Larson replaces Brenda Mechels, who stepped down in May after six seasons.

"I felt right at home at Dana," commented Larson. "I really like the environment of a private liberal arts school. I want to thank Dr. Philipp and Coach Danenhauer for this opportunity."