Syracuse point guard Billy Edelin still wants to remain at Syracuse University, said his father, William. But the sophomore’s father would not comment on the specifics of a plan that would keep him here.

‘I’d say there is no doubt (he wants to stay at SU),’ William said. ‘He doesn’t want to transfer. He never wanted to leave.’

Edelin did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Yesterday, a published report cited an anonymous source that stated Edelin would withdraw from classes within a week or two, citing medical reasons, then re-enroll in the summer.

If the university granted a medical leave, Edelin would be allowed to drop the classes without affecting his grade-point average, The Post-Standard reported.

‘All I’ll say is that things are in the works,’ William said. ‘I have to talk to Billy first before we do anything. There’s things that have to be done. It’s a process. These decisions have been agreed upon by certain people.’

Syracuse’s withdrawal deadline from classes is April 13.

Otherwise, NCAA rules mandate that, upon entering their junior year, student-athletes must have 25 percent of their degree completed, a 1.80 GPA and 48 credits earned. By fall, an athlete’s GPA must be 2.00.

Edelin hasn’t attended at least one class since he left the team in mid-February, according to students in that class. He also missed another class’s regularly scheduled midterm.

William also dispelled some rumors that have swirled around SU’s campus.

‘In these chat rooms, people start making up fiction about things,’ William said. ‘I hear things that your son is a drug dealer. Or he got two girls pregnant, one of which works at Tully’s. Or we don’t know why he’s not playing, he must be HIV positive. This stuff is crazy. It can’t be further from the truth.’

Edelin started the first 16 games for the Orangemen before sitting Jan. 31 against Virginia Tech. He also sat SU’s game two days later at Connecticut.

Edelin came off the bench against Providence on Feb. 7. But he failed to show up for a home game against Rutgers three days later. William didn’t even know Edelin would miss the game. He never returned to the court for SU.

Edelin averaged 13.8 points and 4.2 rebounds in 17 games this season.

Published on April 6, 2004 at 12:00 pm