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The rise, fall, and rise again of Neon Boudeaux.
Fall ’94 – 7’1” freshman Neon Boudeaux arrives at Western University and instantly turns the Dolphins into must-watch TV. Alongside sharpshooting forward Ricky Roe, lightning-fast point guard Butch McRae, and veteran leader Tony Scott, the Dolphins are loaded. Every night is a highlight reel — rim-rattling dunks, pinpoint passes, and opponents leaving the arena in shock.
Winter ’95 – The dream season detonates. Legendary coach Pete Bell — the architect of Western’s dominance — is forced out mid-season after whispers turn into headlines about a money-for-players scandal. Rumors say cash was handed out, tuition covered, and luxury cars gifted to star recruits.
February ’95 – The Lexus bombshell drops. NCAA investigators claim Neon accepted a fully-loaded Lexus from boosters “as a thank-you” for choosing Western. Photos leak. Paperwork surfaces. The NCAA delivers its verdict: lifetime ineligibility for Neon Boudeaux.
Spring ’95 – The fallout is brutal. Western forfeits wins, loses scholarships, and is banned from the postseason. The Pete Bell era ends in scandal. With their college careers effectively over, Neon, Tony Scott, Ricky Roe, and Butch McRae all declare for the 1995 NBA Draft.
June ’95 – Redemption night. The Golden State Warriors are on the clock with the #1 pick. Without hesitation, they call his name: Neon Boudeaux. He walks across the stage in a sharp suit and Warriors cap, shaking Commissioner David Stern’s hand like the last six months never happened.
From campus kings… to tabloid headlines… to NBA rookies.