KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -The NCAA has granted Tyler Smith’s hardship waiver, making the forward eligible to play this fall for Tennessee.
The waiver was approved by the NCAA’s administrative review subcommittee, Tennessee compliance director Brad Bertani said Friday. Coach Bruce Pearl called it good news for the forward, his family and the program.
“I am pleased to see the process work and I believed all along that granting the waiver was the right decision. I am looking forward to Tyler contributing to the team next year and I’m pleased that his dad will have an opportunity to watch him play in a Tennessee uniform,” Pearl said.
Smith from Pulaski, wanted to be closer to his father, Billy, who has lung cancer. He decided to leave Iowa after his freshman year, when he ranked second for the Hawkeyes in scoring with 14.9 points a game and a team-high 4.9 rebounds as a freshman.
Smith will have three years of eligibility remaining.
“I’m appreciative of the university for working with the NCAA and their support during this process,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m anxious to play and contribute as a member of next year’s team.”
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