UNLV’s Derrick Jones Jr. cleared by NCAA to practice, not play

By MARK ANDERSON LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

9 years ago

UNLV forward Derrick Jones Jr. (1) attempts to tip in a shot against San Jose State guard Brandon Clarke (15) on Feb. 10, 2016, at the Thomas & Mack Center. The American College Test has canceled Jones’ result, leading the NCAA to declare him ineligible for the rest of the season. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto)

UNLV player Derrick Jones Jr. (1) dunks against the Boise State defense during the game at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, on Tuesday Feb. 23, 2016. (Kyle Green/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UNLV Rebels forward Derrick Jones Jr. (1) looks for an open teammate during a game against Colorado State at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. (Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto)

UNLV Rebels forward Derrick Jones Jr. (1) celebrates during a game against Colorado State at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. (Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto)

UNLV forward Derrick Jones Jr. (1) goes in for a layup to score against New Mexico center Obij Aget (11) during a basketball game at WisePies Arena in Albuquerque on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto)

The NCAA cleared UNLV freshman forward Derrick Jones Jr. today to practice and receive his scholarship money, but not to play.

UNLV sent a release stating it intends to appeal for full clearance.

Jones’ ACT score was vacated last week by the American College Test because of concerns with the Baltimore exam site, and the NCAA ruled him ineligible.

UNLV plays Air Force in the first round of the Mountain West tournament at 1:30 p.m. today at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65