Cheick Diallo Cleared to Play for Kansas: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Kansas Jayhawks freshman forward Cheick Diallo was granted eligibility to play Wednesday by the NCAA and will make his debut on Dec. 1 against Loyola (Maryland), per an official news release.

Executive vice president of regulatory affairs Oliver Luck explained why the process and deliberation of clearing Diallo took longer than desired:   

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Our goal is to have eligibility decisions made prior to the start of a student-athlete's season. However, this was a complicated case involving international transcripts and a high school that remains under review. Additionally, staff considered a complex set of circumstances regarding amateurism.

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Kansas submitted new information to the NCAA last week, featuring results of an independent investigation into Diallo's coursework prior to arriving on campus. It culminated Wednesday in the outcome the Jayhawks had been hoping for.

"I really want to thank the NCAA staff for guiding this process to a fair conclusion in what was a very complicated situation," said Kansas athletics director Sheahon Zenger, per the NCAA's release.

As Luck mentioned, the NCAA is still reviewing Our Savior New American School in Centereach, New York, which is where Diallo played prior to joining the Jayhawks. It has already concluded Diallo received a "limited amount" of extra benefits, making him ineligible for the first five games of the season.

Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacted to the situation, per Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star:

247Sports rated Diallo as a 5-star prospect and the top power forward recruit in the class of 2015. Despite his belated debut, CBSSports.com's Sam Vecenie has continued to view Diallo as a high-upside NBA draft prospect:

Although Kansas has enjoyed a high early-season ranking despite Diallo's absence (fifth in the latest Associated Press poll), its national title hopes and immediate outlook figure to improve significantly with the 19-year-old phenom hitting the hardwood.

The Kayes, Mali, native is a rangy big man with shot-blocking ability, a high motor and uncommon athleticism, which should provide the Jayhawks a spark in their frontcourt.

Self did try to temper the hype after hearing Wednesday's ruling on his prized player.

"Diallo will have a long-term impact on the floor once he gets to understanding the system and reacting. He's raw now," said Self, per KUSports.com's Benton Smith.

Nevertheless, after Michigan State guard Denzel Valentine managed 12 rebounds to go with 12 assists and 29 points in the Spartans' 79-73 victory over Kansas on Nov. 17, it was evident the Jayhawks needed some help on the inside. What Kansas lacked in that contest is largely what Diallo will bring to the floor.

Diallo lacks polish and has an unrefined offensive skill set, but the 6'9", 220-pounder should serve as a suitable complement to finesse forward and current leading scorer Perry Ellis, whose range extends to the three-point arc.