Less than 24 hours before UConn played at Notre Dame two weeks ago, it received news that Ryan Boatright’s eligibility was again being questioned by the NCAA and suspended the freshman guard from action.
On Saturday, less than 24 hours before the Huskies were to host the Irish at the XL Center, they received much better news: Boatright has been reinstated and will be available to play tomorrow at noon (SNY).
"I don’t think there are any words to describe it," said Boatright's grandmother, Linda. "It’s been a trying of our faith. I had no doubt in God. We have strong faith and beliefs."
Linda said the family received the news around 4 p.m today.
"God’s timing is perfect timing," she said.
And apparently, the family harbors no ill will towards the NCAA.
"Even in a worst-case scenario," she said, "we believe something good will come out of it."
Boatright has missed nine games this season as the NCAA explored his eligibility. In November, college sports’ governing body handed Boatright a six-game suspension (he had already sat out four games) for allegedly accepting a plane ticket bought for him by his former AAU coach, Reggie Rose.
On Jan. 13, the eve of UConn’s bout with Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., the NCAA informed UConn that it was taking another look at Boatright. This time, according to a New York Times report, the NCAA questioned a sum of money deposited into the bank account of Tanesha Boatright, Ryan’s mother.
UConn beat the Irish on Jan. 14 but lost its next two games and has clearly missed the 6-foot guard.
“Having Ryan back, would it make a difference? A huge difference,” Jim Calhoun said on Friday, before Boatright’s latest issue had been resolved.
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