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UCLA transfer Joshua Smith eligible to play immediately at Georgetown

Legends Classic - UCLA v Georgia

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Joshua Smith #2 of the UCLA Bruins takes a shot in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs during the Legends Classic on November 20,2012 at the Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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With the start of the regular season inching closer the Georgetown Hoyas had a significant question that needed answering: when would UCLA transfer Joshua Smith be eligible to play in games? Smith transferred to the Big East school in January after playing six games for the Bruins last season, and it was unknown how long he’d have to sit out.

Wednesday evening the school announced that Smith has been cleared by the NCAA to play immediately, giving Georgetown some additional interior depth for the upcoming season. He’ll have four semesters (two years) of eligibility remaining.

“We are excited that the NCAA has approved the waiver for Joshua,” Georgetown head coach John Thompson III said in the release. “Now, he has to maintain a high level of commitment on and off the court. He will provide a significant low-post presence for this team.”

In two-plus seasons as a Bruin Smith, who was a McDonald’s All-American coming out of high school, posted averages of 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. But due to weight (and the subsequent stamina) issues the Kent, Wash. native played an average of just 19 minutes per contest.

In a a story written by Andy Katz of ESPN.com back in August it was reported that Smith had lost around 40 pounds since arriving at Georgetown, down to 310 pounds after playing at 350 while at UCLA. If he’s continued on that path of eating properly and working hard in the weight room, Smith has the talent needed to be a valuable piece for the Hoyas as the look to win the Big East.

But that was something said throughout Smith’s time in Westwood, with the changes necessary for him to be the best player possible never taking place. It’s all a matter of commitment for Smith, and if it remains present both he and Georgetown stand to benefit.

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