The University of Kentucky announced Friday
that highly touted freshman point guard John Wall has been cleared to play by
the NCAA.
Wall has to repay expenses and sit out for two games, including the regular-
season opener against Morehead State on November 13.
The 6-foot-4 Wall, who was the top recruit according to several publications,
has to pay expenses totaling $787.58, mostly from travel for his unofficial
visits to various institutions during his junior year at Word of God Christian
Academy.
Kentucky had reportedly been researching Wall's eligibility because Brian
Clifton, Wall's former AAU coach, was a certified agent for about a year. Wall
played for the AAU team from 2006 to 2008, during his recruitment phase.
"I'm grateful to have this decision behind me," Wall said in a statement. "All
I ever wanted was to go to school and play ball with my team. This has been
really hard for my mom and I want to thank her for her support during this
process."
Having Wall eligible is a big relief for the Wildcats, who come into the
season ranked fourth in the country under new coach John Calipari.
"We're appreciative of the process and the NCAA's willingness to listen," said
Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart. "The NCAA staff worked to keep the
welfare of the student-athlete in mind throughout this process. I'm happy for
coach Calipari and John Wall that he will get a chance to represent the
Wildcats this season. He's a great young man and deserves to be able to
concentrate fully on his academics and basketball."
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