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Report: Pitt forward Derrick Randall granted immediate eligibility

Todd Mayo, Derrick Randall

Marquette’s Todd Mayo (4) takes a shot as Rutgers’ Derrick Randall (15) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, March 5, 2013, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

AP

Another former Rutgers Scarlet Knight has been granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA.

Following in the footsteps of Mike Poole (Iona) and Vincent Garrett (Green Bay), Pittsburgh forward Derrick Randall’s request for an immediate eligibility waiver has been granted according to Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News. The decision gives Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon some additional depth in the front court, a needed boost give the graduation of Dante Taylor and the departures of Steven Adams (NBA Draft) and J.J. Moore (transferred to Rutgers).

Randall wasn’t all that productive as a Scarlet Knight last season, averaging 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore. In two seasons at Rutgers, Randall posted averages of 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, averaging just under ten minutes per game.

Randall’s addition gives the Panthers some needed interior experience as the program enters its first season in the ACC. Seniors Lamar Patterson (10.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Talib Zanna (9.6, 6.1) will be asked to lead the way, with junior college transfer Joseph Uchebo in line for significant playing time as well. Pitt also adds one of the better front court prospects in the 2013 class in power forward Mike Young, who played alongside Syracuse point guard Tyler Ennis at St. Benedict’s Prep in New Jersey.

With Randall being allowed to play immediately this leaves Florida guard Eli Carter as the lone Rutgers transfer awaiting a decision from the NCAA. If the prior three rulings have any impact on the NCAA’s decision regarding Carter, one would assume that he’s got a good shot of being eligible to play immediately as well.

But on the other side, can Rutgers fans be blamed for wondering why players who left the school are having their waivers granted while Kerwin Okoro, whose decision to transfer to Rutgers from Iowa State was heavily influenced by the passing of both his father and brother within a three-month span, had his request denied? Rutgers has appealed the decision regarding Okoro’s status, so there’s always the chance that things could change on that front.

Congrats to the three former Rutgers players who had their requests granted, but it’s tough to figure out the reasoning behind some of these decisions. And that’s not the players’ faults.

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