Memphis F Simpkins cleared by NCAA to play

Dec 4, 2008 - 11:51 PM MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Freshman Matt Simpkins was cleared by the NCAA to join Memphis' basketball team, the school announced Thursday.

A 6-9 forward from Oakland, California, Simpkins originally signed a national letter of intent with the Tigers in the spring but had his eligibility held up until now. He will start practicing with the team on Friday.

"I'm happy for Matt, and I'm glad he can move forward," Memphis coach John Calipari said. "He will begin practicing with us on Friday. I don't know when he'll be ready to play or how much he can contribute, but he has a lot of ground to make up."

Last season, Simpkins starred for The Patterson School in Lenoir, North Carolina, averaging 17.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.1 blocks.

The reigning national runner-up, No. 15 Memphis (5-1) is off until December 13, when it travels to No. 18 Georgetown.