Nikola Vucevic is cleared by NCAA to play for Trojans
USC BASKETBALL
The 6-foot-10 freshman sat out the first eight games while the NCAA investigated his amateur status after he played in some games for a professional club team in Montenegro.
USC basketball player Nikola Vucevic, a 6-foot-10 freshman, has been cleared by the NCAA and will be available tonight when the Trojans play Pepperdine at the Galen Center.
Vucevic, 18, sat out the first eight games while the NCAA investigated amateurism issues. Vucevic had appeared in a few games for a professional club team in Montenegro.
He averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds in one season at Simi Valley Stoneridge Prep.
USC Coach Tim Floyd, who on several occasions voiced his displeasure with the speed of the NCAA process, was happy the issue was resolved.
"It's a great thing for that young man and we're looking forward to having him with us," Floyd said.
The addition of Vucevic gives the Trojans greater depth and flexibility with their frontcourt players.
Vucevic is expected to help a group that includes Taj Gibson, Keith Wilkinson, Leonard Washington and Mamadou Diarra.
Klein is a Times staff writer.
gary.klein@latimes.com
