Although Hankerson has been allowed to return to the Pokes’ roster, he will no longer be receiving an athletics scholarship.
Hankerson was cited by Wyoming Highway Patrol on Feb. 22 in between Laramie and Cheyenne along I-80 for misdemeanor drug possession of a controlled substance of less than three ounces.
Following his citation, Hankerson was suspended indefinitely by the team.
After meeting with Head Coach Larry Shyatt, as well as the rest of Wyoming’s athletic administration, Hankerson issued a statement regarding his recent legal trouble and the loss of his scholarship. According to the statement, Hankerson will pay for his education for the remainder of his time at UW.
“I would like to apologize for my actions leading up to my suspension,” said Hankerson.“I have agreed to financially provide for education starting in the fall. This will enable me to prove to my mother and my father, and our university family that I can do the right things necessary to be a productive member of our basketball team and graduate from the University of Wyoming.”
Hankerson averaged 5.1 points and 1.3 three rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the field, and 40 percent from deep.
Hankerson’s announcement that he will provide for his education at Wyoming essentially makes him a walk-on, thus opening up a scholarship for the Cowboys in the spring signing period.
Along with Hankerson’s scholarship, Haldorson’s transfer also gave the Pokes an additional scholarship to work during spring signing.
Haldorson appeared in 15 games, logged 74 minutes and scored 8 points this past season. In his freshman campaign, Haldorson played in 26 games for 141 minutes and scored 29 points.
Haldorson is a 6-8, 210 pound sophomore from Lone Tree, Colo. He has yet to announce the end location of his transfer.
Following Friday’s announcement, Shyatt said Wyoming will look for a wing-type player in the spring. In the past, Shyatt has been vocal about his disdain for the current transfer culture in NCAA basketball, so it is likely he will recruit either a high schooler or seek a JUCO athlete.
The Cowboys roster now seems cemented going to into spring training which will take place throughout April.
