Hawaii Men's Basketball Team deemed eligible for postseason play

March 4, 2017

The University of Hawaii men's basketball team will be able to participate in postseason play, following an announcement by the NCAA this week.  The decision comes after UH appealed the NCAA's December 2015 ruling that instituted the penalties.

"We are glad to be able to finally put this episode behind us," said UH Athletics Director David Matlin.  "We have been fully committed to uncovering and correcting any wrong-doing from the very first day we self-reported our initial concern. And throughout this entire investigation we have cooperated fully, including openly acknowledging the mistakes that were made."

The NCAA also announced that UH's probationary period has been reduced from three years to two, and will now end in December 2017. The school's scholarship penalty was also reduced from two to one for each of the two years.

With no returning starters from last year's team that made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Rainbow Warriors have still managed to achieve a 14-14 overall record this season.

To get into the Tournament again this year, they will have to first win the Big West Conference Tournament next week.  Hawaii plays Long Beach State tonight.

"Obviously we're pleased with today's announcement," Coach Eran Ganot said. "I've said this many times before and I'll say it again - I'm extremely proud of how our administration, staff, and players have dealt with this situation. I'm fired up for our guys and can't wait to get on the court for Saturday's game and for the opportunity to defend our Big West Tournament title next week."

In other NCAA news . . .

Naismith Hall of Fame to hold college basketball tournament in Belfast

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the field of teams for the first-ever Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic, a college basketball tournament involving the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The two-day tournament, held on December 1 and 2, will feature Holy Cross versus Manhattan College, and La Salle University versus Towson University, followed by consolation and championship play on the second day.

"The Hall of Fame Belfast Classic will feature a strong field and the games will provide our program with a tremendous challenge next season," said Holy Cross coach Bill Carmody.  "We are excited to participate in this event, and to provide our student-athletes with the educational experience of traveling abroad.”

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services

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