Court clears NBA hopeful Vincent Iwuchukwu to play after NCAA eligibility win
A judge has granted Vincent Iwuchukwu permission to compete this season after he successfully challenged an NCAA eligibility rule.
Vincent Iwuchukwu, a 7-foot-1 center who endured a sudden heart attack during his first USC practice and later back-related surgeries, filed a lawsuit against the NCAA over a rule that barred his 2022 high-school class from an age-based eligibility model. The court in Queens granted his request, clearing him to participate in the upcoming college basketball season. He previously played two years at St. John’s and a season at Georgetown, averaging 11.6 points and 6.1 rebounds.
His physician, who installed a defibrillator and serves on the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel, indicated another collegiate year is needed for NBA clearance. Iwuchukwu now has potential return offers from St. John’s, Georgetown, and other universities, with a decision expected soon.
Why it matters
The ruling lets a promising athlete resume his path toward the NBA after health setbacks and a legal battle.
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