Matt Pilgrim is best known for his acrimonious departure from Hampton University. Last week, he was unceremoniously cut from the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, leaving him with one year to get his reputation right, and his game noticed by professional scouts.

So where is the next logical stop for Pilgrim, whose father says has suitors in the Big East, ACC and other power conference programs?  None of those power conference institutions are likely to plug in a transfer for one year when they can develop talent out of high school, so the Division I options would appear limited at face value.

So how about the CIAA?

It’s a perfect match for a known malcontent, and a step away from a similar situation between Duke Crews and Bowie State University. Move down to Division II, move up to be one of the best players in the conference right away, and move on to pro tryouts and recognition just a year removed from a heartbreaking situation.

So who would be willing to take him? Virginia Union has strong NBA ties and is consistently in the hunt for the CIAA basketball title. They are featured on T.V., and maintain connections with basketball alums Ben Wallace and Charles Oakley. The Panthers, off the top, seem to be a perfect fit.

However, Pilgrim might just be arrogant enough to want to put a program on his back and show his worth after such a humbling experience. To that end, perhaps Shaw or Livingstone? They are in the heart of CIAA country, and are regularly accessed and featured by local media.

Wherever he goes, the hope is that he has grown enough to parlay the experience into motivation on the court, and solid character decisions off of it.

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