5 Dukes Shot, 1 Critical

The unthinkable has happened. In what appears to be case of wrong place, wrong time, five Duquesne players were shot in front of Vickroy Hall early Sunday morning following a party at DU's student union. --- To share your thoughts, please see "Thoughts About Shootings of Players" below. ---

Update: Baldonaldo condition improves -- 6:48 p.m. 9/17/06
Update 2: Shooting over girlfriend, Ashaolu still in critical condition, Baldonaldo will need physical therapy -- 3:52 p.m. 9/18/06

Fans and friends share their thoughts

From the Associated Press:

"The players most badly injured were 6-foot-7 forward Sam Ashaolu, a transfer from Lake Region State College and a cousin of former Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon, and Stuard Baldonado, a 6-7 transfer from Miami Dade College who was considered the Dukes' best recruit.

"Ashaolu is from Toronto, and his parents were traveling to Pittsburgh on Sunday to be with their son.

"Treated and released from Mercy Hospital were 6-10 Shawn James, the nation's leading shot blocker last season at Northeastern University before transferring to Duquesne; Kojo Mensah, a guard who averaged nearly 17 points last season at Siena before transferring, and Aaron Jackson, a guard who is one of only two returning players from Duquesne's 3-24 team of last season.

"... According to police, two players were returning from a social function on campus when they encountered a man who apparently had been disruptive at the party. After the players tried to calm down the man, the players began walking away, only to be shot. Several other players who were nearby rushed to their aid, also to be shot."

Update:

"In critical condition was forward Sam Ashaolu of Toronto, a transfer from Lake Region State College. In serious condition was Stuard Baldonado of Colombia, a transfer from Miami Dade College."

Update 2 (PG):

"Stuard Baldonado has a wound to his arm. Although Dr. Dougherty said it required reconstructive surgery, it is expected to heal completely. Mr. Baldonado also has a bullet lodged in the muscle of his lower back. Doctors were hopeful it would move to a location where it can be extracted, Dr. Dougherty said.

Some physical therapy will be required.

"The one student who continues to concern us deeply is Sam Ashaolu, who is still in intensive care," Dr. Dougherty said. "I just can't give you a prognosis about his condition." Mr. Ashaolu was shot in the head and was last reported in critical condition in Mercy Hospital.

Our thoughts and prayers are with these players, their families and the entire Duquesne community.

AP story

More newspaper links (will be updated)