he University of Massachusetts men's basketball team expected great things from Jarrett Kearse.

The 6-foot-5 forward/guard, who signed a letter of intent to attend UMass after transferring from West Virginia in the spring, can score as well as play multiple positions - but he won't be doing those things as a Minuteman. He has been ruled ineligible, according to UMass coach Bruiser Flint.

To be eligible for the 2000-01 season, Kearse needed to pass two classes in succession at Philadelphia Community Colleg this summer. He was unsuccessful.

Flint expressed disappointment in Kearse this week.

"I wish the kid would have put forth a better effort," Flint said. "It was a good opportunity for him. He was not only a good player, but he had experience and could play a couple of positions."

Had this situation occurred in previous years, Kearse could have passed the classes in the fall and begun playing in January. However, recent NCAA rule changes no longer allow players to become eligible midway through the season. That means even if Kearse does pass the classes, he only has one year of college eligibility left at any NCAA school.

Flint said he'd likely point Kearse toward an NAIA school where he'd have more eligibility.

"If he came now, he'd lose the year, so it would be better for him to go some place where he can play more," Flint said.

UMass incoming freshman Raheim Lamb, who was considered a longshot to be fully qualified, will be a partial qualifier, according to Flint. Lamb won't be allowed to play in games, but is allowed to practice as a freshman. If he earns his degree in four years, he can get back his lost year.

Flint cited the addition of freshmen swingman Willie Jenkins and guards Jameel Pugh and Anthony Anderson as important to offsetting the loss of Kearse.

"It's not as bad because Anthony is eligible and with Willie and Jameel we have some options," Flint said. "We have a lot more depth than we have before."