The NCAA has denied former Louisville forward Rakeem Buckles' request to play immediately at Minnesota, Golden Gophers associate athletic director Chris Werle told ESPN
Rakeem Buckles waiver request denied at Minnesota
The former Louisville forward sat out one season at Florida International. Now, he’ll have to wait another year before he can play for the Golden Gophers.
Andy Lyons
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Buckles spent three years with the Cardinals, but was hampered by knee problems and played in just parts of two seasons. He transferred to Florida International in 2012 and sat out the year before following then-head coach Richard Pitino to Minnesota. Because FIU was hit with a postseason ban due to academic issues, Buckles applied for a waiver to play immediately for the Gophers.
Buckles will likely appeal the NCAA's decision, sources told ESPN. His teammate at FIU, Malik Smith, applied for and was granted a waiver to play this season for Minnesota.
CBS Sports reports that Buckles has been admitted to Minnesota but has not yet enrolled. If he chooses to return to FIU, he may have to do so as a walk-on, as the team does not have any scholarships left.
In limited action, Buckles has averaged 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in his collegiate career.
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