Spoke today to Fatah Muraisi, the adviser to Teeng Akol and John Riek and he had these quick updates on his guys…
**Akol, who once played at Our Savior New American on Long Island, was cleared by the NCAA on Monday and practiced for the first time yesterday with Oklahoma State. The 6-foot-11 native of the Sudan had his initial SAT score contested by South Florida, but he took the test again and his new score was very similar to his previous one.
Akol averaged 21 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks while playing at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., last season.
“I’m happier for him more than anything because he has worked his tail off to get to this point,” Oklahoma State head coach Travis Ford told the Tulsa World.
The Cowboys next game is Thursday at Washington in the Big 12/PAC 10 Hardwood Series.
According to the Tulsa paper, Ford said Akol’s availability will allow OSU to use center Ibrahima Thomas at forward sometimes so he doesn’t have to guard “big, huge guys and get in foul trouble every game. It gives us some versatility in that area.”
**As for the 7-2 Cincinnati-bound Riek (pictured), he received a qualifying score on the ACT, but is still waiting on approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse. Riek is also recovering from ACL surgery at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
“We’re waiting on the NCAA Clearinghouse,” Muraisi said. “He’s still at IMG. He has an appointment [with the doctor] Friday. He’s supposed to get full clearance to participate Friday.
“He’s not going to go to Cincinnati until he gets cleared. It could be anytime in December, January or February. We’re told the latest is March. As long as it takes us, it takes.
“He might not play this year, which might not be a bad thing. Truthfully with the knee surgery that might not be a bad thing.”
