Maryland coach Mark Turgeon and Terps fans everywhere got some much needed good news Wednesday when the NCAA cleared 7-foot-1 Ukrainian Alex Len to practice but suspended him for 10 games “based on amateurism guidelines.”
Len will be eligible for the Terps’ game against Albany Dec. 28.
“We appreciate the NCAA’s cooperative review of Alex’s case,” Maryland Athletic Director Kevin Anderson said in a statement. “However, it has been a difficult situation in light of Alex’s educational pursuits. Alex and his family have been very patient and honest throughout this process, which speaks well of his character.”
Maryland has not decided whether to appeal the case.
“Alex has been working very hard to prepare himself for this opportunity,” Turgeon said, according to the Washington Post. “We look forward to having him on the court and to see how he’ll fit into what we want to do offensively and defensively.”
Maryland is already without point guard Pe’Shon Howard for 10-12 weeks because of a broken foot.
Len enrolled at Maryland in August and then made an impressive 10-minute appearance during Maryland’s March Madness Oct. 14.
But at midnight that night, his 45-day window for practicing with the team expired.
ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla saw Len two summers ago during the U-18 European Championships.
“The best thing that could happen to the kid is if he does sit out then he gets to practice this year and learn how to play,” Fraschilla said.
Now he can play against the John Hensons, Tyler Zellers and Mason Plumlees of the world, which could help his NBA Draft stock tremendously down the road.
“He’s not really developed, but he definitely has potential because he has size and agility and can actually play on the perimeter some,” Fraschilla said.
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(Photo courtesy Washington Post)
