VILLANOVA, Pa. - An NCAA initial eligibility review has determined that freshman forward Omari Spellman (North Royalton, Ohio) will not be eligible to compete for the Wildcats during the 2016-17 basketball season. Spellman will continue to receive an athletic scholarship and practice with the team. He retains four seasons of athletic eligibility.

"We are extremely disappointed for Omari," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "While we don't agree with the NCAA's decision, we are members of the association and respect it. We understand why the NCAA felt it had to rule this way.

"We will make a positive out of this for Omari. He will concentrate on his academics and individual development this season. In the long run Omari will be a better student and player for this experience."

Per NCAA initial eligibility bylaws, a prospective student-athlete must complete their initial eligibility requirements not later than the high school graduation date of his or her class. Despite graduating from high school in 2016 and presenting the same academic qualifications as an NCAA qualifier, the NCAA determined Omari's status to be an Academic Redshirt.