Vebobe cleared by NCAA

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

The eligibility issues surrounding Luc-Arthur Vebobe are finally finis.

Vebobe, a 6-foot-9 junior forward from France, was cleared by the NCAA yesterday to join his teammates on the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team starting with its next game, Monday against Alcorn State.

"I'm really excited," Vebobe said. "I can't wait to put the jersey on."

Vebobe sat out the first six games of this season while awaiting a decision. His eligibility was in question because of his past participation with professionals in a French league.

UH head coach Riley Wallace said Vebobe will be part of the team's rotation at both forward positions, although not in the starting lineup.

"He gives you a different look athletically," Wallace said. "And he needs to play in these games because we're going to need him when it comes to the (Western Athletic Conference) games."

Meanwhile, star guard Predrag Savovic remains ineligible. UH officials have recommended that he sit out the maximum penalty of eight games for his participation in a Yugoslavian league, and are expecting a response from the NCAA today.

The 'Bows have started this season 5-1 without Vebobe and Savovic.