I am sure you all heard by now, but just in case you didn't Rotnei is no longer a Razorback. Linky here. Mizzou transplant Mike Anderson said that initially Rotnei wanted to stay on when Mike was hired, but later changed his mind and sought his release.
Rotnei's recruiting tale was very bizarre. Please correct any inaccuracies, but here's what I heard:
Oklahoma: Originally tied to Willie Warren, but eventually decided to not go to the same school as WW.
Tulsa: Would have been fun teaming with Jordan, but took them off his short list when a relative (dad?) was hired at ORU.
ORU: Only seemed to consider them because his relative (dad?) was hired by ORU. I think it was basketball operations director or something weird.
Oklahoma State: Considered, would have been interesting with both Keaton Page and Rotnei, but probably decided that two short shooters wouldn't work.
Arkansas: Seemed to be tied to his sister who played volleyball for Arky.
Rumors of his transfer have been long... um... rumored!
That actually appeared on the Arky sports site here."Contrary to a local television station report over the weekend that I was 'seriously considering' transferring, I wanted to make clear to the Razorback fans that I will return to play basketball for the University of Arkansas next season. It has never been my intention to transfer. I am looking forward to working with Coach Pelphrey and the rest of my teammates this off season to improve individually as well as a team for next year. The University, coaches and fans have supported me since I came to Arkansas and I look forward to competing for the Razorbacks next season. My family plays a huge role in my life. With my sister attending the University as a member of the volleyball team and my family living close by, Arkansas has become home."
I wonder what finally drove him out. I slightly suspect it was Jimmer.
I think either Rotnei and/or his family had it in his/their minds that all of the attention Jimmer was receiving for his long distance scoring ability was supposed to be Rotnei's. Sure, he put up his high numbers against the SEC's notoriously weak non-conference schedules (not just for football anymore!) but really, how could Rotnei be Jimmer when Jimmer is in the tourney and Rotnei's head coach is getting ousted?
Anyways, one year of eligibility left. Would love any info any could provide on the possibility that Rotnei's final year could be in Norman. Thoughts?
Originally Posted by yankee
But they we're actually both 3 stars according to Rivals. I do remember hearing about Coach K (Yes, from Duke) coming down to watch Rotnei play a HS game in a person but left unimpressed. Back in HS Rotnei took 60 shots a game. No kidding! Jimmer has always been good but going to a bball powerhouse like BYU kept him in the dark. 
He did averaged 22 pts his Jr. year to go along with the 29 he averaged this year. I believe his avg was 18 ppg as a soph IIRC. Take all this FWIW. 
