Good news Ram fans, 4-star freshman big (6’9 245) Jonathan Nwanko has been cleared by the NCAA after going through the eligibility ringer even before arriving on campus.
News hit today during a VCU media event, clearing the way for the former Minnesota commit to play this season if need be. That said, VCU will opt to redshirt Nwankwo this season (meaning he won’t play this season but will have four more years of eligibility after this year).
The Rams have some depth at Nwankwo’s center position after bringing in JUCO transfer Ahmed Hamdy to backup current starter Mo Alie-Cox. Nwankwo will be allowed to hit the court if the Rams need him due to injury issues but the redshirt year will allow Will Wade and Co. a chance to bring the Nigerian along slowly instead of burning a year of eligibility during a season where minutes could have been potentially limited.
