College basketball: UCLA files appeal in Muhammad eligibility case
UCLA filed a formal appeal with the NCAA on Wednesday regarding freshman Shabazz Muhammad being ruled ineligible to play basketball for violating amateurism rules.
Coach Ben Howland said on a teleconference that the case is expected to be heard by an NCAA appeals committee on Friday, and the school hopes to have a resolution shortly thereafter.
“I’m optimistic and hopeful that everything will work out,” he said. “Hopeful is a big part of it too.”
If the committee rules in UCLA’s favor, Muhammad – a former Bishop Gorman High School standout – would likely become eligible immediately. But if the committee rules that a violation occurred, the appeal would be denied and Muhammad would have to go through the reinstatement process to regain his eligibility.
■ UNLV MEN’S BASKETBALL – Jelan Kendrick, a former McDonald’s High School All-American, signed a letter of intent to play for the UNLV men’s basketball team. The 6-foot-7-inch, 205-pound sophomore guard is currently playing at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. Kendrick is averaging 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 24.2 minutes per game for Indian Hills.
■ UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL – Las Vegas product Diamond Major signed a letter of intent to play for the UNLV women’s basketball team. The 5-foot-10-inch forward played her first three high school seasons with Bishop Gorman, helping the Gaels reach the Sunset Region final last season as a junior. She is at Las Vegas High this year.
The Lady Rebels also signed Jazmyne Bartee from Chandler (Ariz.) High School. Bartee, a 6-1 center, helped Chandler to a state runner-up finish in 2011.