As ºüÀêÊÓƵ University began its final practice in preparation for Saturday’s game against Louisiana Tech, coach Travis Ford still didn’t know the status of transfer center Brad Ezewiro.
A series of events regarding multi-time transfers this week had only created more confusion about whether Ezewiro and others in his situation could play immediately.
But early Friday evening, an agreement materialized that will allow Ezewiro to play in a SLU uniform for the first time.
A temporary restraining order against the NCAA was extended through the end of the college season, clearing the way for players who have been sidelined due to a lack of clearance from the NCAA.
The NCAA outlined the agreement in wording sent to athletic departments.
“Given the unprecedented decision by the Judge John Preston Bailey of the Northern District of West Virginia earlier this week, the NCAA has reached an agreement with the states to convert the temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction through the remainder of the 2023-24 NCAA championship seasons as this is the best outcome for transfer student-athletes wishing to compete immediately,†the communication said.
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Entering the season, the NCAA had said that multi-time transfers would not be eligible for the 2023-24 season, but that they could apply for waivers that would be considered.
SLU applied for a waiver on Ezewiro’s behalf after he came to SLU from Georgetown and LSU before that.
The NCAA still has an abundance of cases that it hasn’t decided or that have been appealed, which Ezewiro is believed to have done.
This week a judge issued a 14-day restraining order against the NCAA, seeming to open the door for players to participate in games without any chance of repercussions. However, the NCAA followed by indicating that uncleared players who played during the 14-day window could lose a season of eligibility, depending on the ultimate outcome of a lawsuit that was filed.
Thus, Ford was hoping for more clarification Friday before starting practice. It came two hours later. SLU has not allowed Ezewiro to comment publicly while awaiting an outcome.
Senior Terrence Hargrove Jr. said he could understand the relief Ezewiro felt with the decision.
“I just know how hard it is not being able to play the game you love because you’re waiting on a waiver,†Hargrove said. “I’m excited to see that smile on his face after all the hard work he’s put in. He can finally put that on the court. Basketball is a big part of our lives and not playing the game is kind of hurtful.â€
SLU had hoped Ezewiro would be the starting center from the get go. He is 6-feet-9 and 265 pounds and could give the Billikens a physical presence that has been lacking.
Ezewiro played in seven games as a freshman at LSU. He transferred to Georgetown and played in 27 games with seven starts, averaging 4.3 points and 3.5 rebounds.
SLU has been using Hargrove, who is 6-5, at center most of the time, although 7-footer Bruce Zhang has seen increasing minutes along with 6-10 Stef van Bussel.