SMU's Keith Frazier Ruled Academically Eligible for 2015-16 Season

After missing the back half of the 2014-15 season, SMU guard Keith Frazier will be back on the court when the Mustangs begin their 2015-16 campaign. CBSSports.com's Jon Rothstein reported Frazier will be academically eligible to play.

In 17 games last year, Frazier averaged 10.5 points and four rebounds a night. On Jan. 16, ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman reported the NCAA ruled him ineligible to play because of academics. He subsequently lost his appeal.    

Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde reported on July 29 that SMU head coach Larry Brown is under investigation by the NCAA and potentially looking at a potential "lack of coach control" charge. According to Forde, the Mustangs basketball program at a whole was in hot water for possible infractions regarding help with Frazier's schoolwork:

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At particular issue is the role of former SMU assistant coach Ulric Maligi and a basketball secretary in allegedly assisting Frazier with coursework. Maligi took an indefinite leave from the program in January 2015. Frazier played for the Mustangs during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons before he was deemed "academically ineligible" in January 2015 and missed the rest of the season. There has been no clarification yet as to his status for the 2015-16 season, but Frazier has not left the program.

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If the Mustangs avoid any punishment stemming from the investigation, they'd have a great chance of getting back to the NCAA tournament. Frazier returns to a core of players that includes Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy. 247Sports 4-star shooting guard Shake Milton will also join the ranks.

Knowing Frazier is academically eligible is the first piece of good news SMU will want to hear this summer. Getting out from under the NCAA investigation will be the next.