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Tulsa's Gonzalez Reinstated by NCAA
1/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 16, 2004
Tulsa, Oklahoma - The NCAA informed The University of Tulsa that men's basketball student-athlete Oswaldo Gonzalez has been reinstated and is eligible for competition, the school announced today.
Tulsa Head Coach John Phillips indicated that instead of playing this year, Gonzalez will sit out the remainder of the 2003-04 season and be eligible for the entire 2004-05 campaign. Gonzalez will have only one year of eligibility at Tulsa.
Gonzalez, a 6'9 post player from Caracas, Venezuela, was ruled ineligible by the institution pending an NCAA ruling concerning his prior athletic competition in the sport of basketball. The University has sought reinstatement for Gonzalez based on information submitted to the NCAA regarding prior basketball competition and involvement.
Gonzalez will have only one season of eligibility with the Golden Hurricane based on NCAA Bylaw 14.2.3.5, which states: any participation as an individual or a team representative in organized sports competition by a student during each 12-month period after the student's 21st birthday and prior to initial full-time enrollment in a collegiate institution shall count as one year of varsity competition in that sport.
Gonzalez participated in organized basketball in Venezuela after his 21st birthday and before enrolling at Jacksonville Community College in Texas.
Gonzalez averaged 10.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 blocked shots last year at Jacksonville College. He shot 52-percent from the field while helping his team post a 17-14 record and qualify for a second straight Region XIV Tournament appearance.
"This has been a long and taxing six-month period for Oswaldo not knowing his status as a collegiate athlete. But, to his credit, he has come to practice every day with a great attitude and work ethic," said Phillips.
"Oswaldo and I discussed that we would allow him to make the decision to play this season when reinstated, or wait until next season. With 13 games already played, and the prospect of having the entire 2004-05 season to compete, he has elected to red-shirt the remainder of this year," added Phillips.
