The NCAA has finally completed its review of Villanova freshman Omari Spellman’s eligibility, and the news isn’t good for the Wildcats. Jay Wright’s program was informed that the five-star big man will not be eligible to play in the 2016-17 season, and will instead be required to redshirt — though he will retain all four seasons of college eligibility.
Spellman was under review because, under NCAA rules for initial eligibility, “a prospective student-athlete must complete their initial eligibility requirements not later than the high school graduation date of his or her class.” Spellman graduated from high school in 2016, and presented the same academic qualifications as an NCAA “qualifier” (i.