Forward appealing disqualification
Sophomore forward Jawann McClellan of the Arizona men's basketball team confirmed yesterday that he was declared academically ineligible for the fall semester but that he was appealing the decision.
Speaking from McKale Center, McClellan said he couldn't comment on the details of the situation but said he was confident he would be on the court when the team's season starts Nov. 21 against Kansas in Hawaii.
"It's a process, but don't worry, you'll see me out there," he said.
McClellan averaged 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game his freshman year and was looking forward to an increased role this season.
Over the summer, McClellan, originally from Houston, endured the untimely death of his father on June 12 and as a result did not attend summer session classes for about a week.
McClellan said in yesterday's Tucson Citizen that he had considered a transfer to Texas but ultimately decided to stay after talking to Arizona head coach Lute Olson.
If McClellan's appeal is denied, he will be out until at least Dec. 16, which would cause him to miss the team's first seven games.