The NCAA incredulously declared a third 6-10 UC basketball player ineligible for at least a season last week, citing the addition of new Rule 15.2.3.3.  The rule officially states that "...no player who is 6-9 or taller shall play for the University of Cincinnati.  If such a player is recruited by Cincinnati, new rules shall be written to disqualify his eligibility," and its sub-clause Rule 15.2.3.3a, "Note that these rules shall not apply to any other school."

The rule was necessary to explain the preprosterous events of the last year.  First, 6-10 freshman Abdul Herrera was declared ineligible for a year last season just for finishing all his high school requirements.  Herrera left the team permanently at the start of this season for personal reasons.  Precursing the creation of Rule 15.2.3.3a, Randolph Morris of UK was allowed to play even though he contacted an NBA agent and was paid $7000 for tryouts.

Then, the NCAA ruled 6-10 Hernol Hall permanently ineligible for playing in 15 pro games overseas.  The rule (14.2.3.5) was designed to prevent professional ringers from overseas playing in college.  Clearly, Hall's 15-game pro career was intended to acquire an unfair advantage over US college players.

Finally, the NCAA declared 6-10 Adam Hrycaniuk out for one season because he did not get paid for playing in 39 games in Poland.  Hyrcaniuk, who has been aspiring to play college basketball for years, asked everyone he could think to ask if he was breaking any rules and was assured at each step that he was not.  He clearly should have consulted Rule 12.2.3.3 while in Poland.

Sub-clause15.2.3.3b, or the "Ron Allen" rule was also instated last week, which makes an exception to Rule 15.2.3.3, stating: "Players 6-9 or taller may play for Cincinnati if that player is slower than a 6-year-old girl and only shoots 3-pointers."