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James Southerland’s appeal hearing ends with no decision yet

Villanova v Syracuse

SYRACUSE, NY - JANUARY 12: James Southerland #43 of the Syracuse Orange sits on the bench prior to the game against the Villanova Wildcats during the game at the Carrier Dome on January 12, 2013 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Nate Shron/Getty Images)

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Friday afternoon, Syracuse forward James Southerland had an appeal hearing in an attempt to regain his eligibility.

According to Mike Waters of the Post-Standard, after a hearing that lasted two hours, no decision had been made on Southerland’s future.

The 6-foot-8 forward was ruled ineligible on Jan. 12 for academic reasons. It was then later discovered this academic issue stemmed from a term paper. Southerland has missed the last six games for the Orange.

According to Waters, Southerland attended practice following the hearing, however his status for Sunday is still unknown.

After his hearing, Southerland arrived at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center shortly after the rest of the SU basketball team had begun its 4 p.m. practice.

Southerland’s involvement in the practice represented no change in his status. He has been permitted to practice with the Orange despite being ineligible to play in the recent games.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim declined comment after practice. Southerland was not available.


Southerland was averaging 13.6 points on the season, which currently ranks him third on the team. The importance of Southerland has only increased since freshman forward DaJuan Coleman went down with a knee injury.

Syracuse hosts St. John’s on Sunday in a battle for New York’s team.

Terrence is also the lead writer at NEHoopNews.com and can be followed on Twitter: @terrence_payne